The Divine

He stood on the bridge seeing the water flow, the boats sailing like paper dots and the canvas of the horizon turning lighter. The skies were turning grey and the wind seemed to pick up speed. The skies did portend moderate downpour, though nothing ominous. He knew he had his raincoat and umbrella kept in the car if it became necessary. The driver became aware of the weather and came out with an umbrella in hand. Today he wanted to drench himself in the rains and walk back on his own. He signaled the driver to head back home taking him by surprise. Not in usual senses will someone get wet in an Armani suit.

Man Standing at the Bridge

There are moments when you want to break the shackles and walk with no direction, no objective. Walking in the rains in the finest of clothing, sleeping on terrace floor with arms open, staring at the sky and other things which normally don't make sense. He wanted to question his thoughts, his achievements and his own existence. Where am I in this mad rush? What did I set out to do? And more importantly where did I reach?

It had been a long run over the years. People would term it as twenty years of corporate career but he would add another 25-30 years to the time frame of his starting point. It had been a reasonably good going for him his name plastered over every other magazine and newspaper. People knew him more for his passion and his odd ways and his madness of pursuing everything till the deathbed. He was dexterous, meticulous, dreamer and a showman. Everyone sees dreams but does not know what canvas to paint it on. He knew from his birth that his canvas was the entire humanity and he ought to do justice to this foresight. “Destiny’s Child” – the word he used for himself years back before his father and today his parents get the implication of that loosely said words meant.

The rains poured heavily and the winds were slapping hard on his face. He was a man of steel nerves who could not be moved by calamities that would otherwise make the ordinary mortals weak in their knees.He decided to take a stroll and be at the mercy of the nature. A sense of belonging was coming to him when he walked on those roads. His hard work had transformed lives and added hope to people’s dreams. He had given them a reason to live and an outlook to look differently. He could see through his company he had added value to the society and benefits percolated through multiple avenues.

Do i stop by and applaud over my laurels? Or should i call it a day ? Do I see a new dream? Do I paint a bigger picture? Do I sit and relax or run again?. He stood on the bridge and opened up his arms to the skies. 

'Give me an answer , you have been guiding my life'.

A light splashed and he thought he saw a faint picture among the clouds that blessed him . He bowed and closed his eyes. Years later he will stop by and again ask the divine.

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Dreams

A halting screech of the wheels woke him up. He pulled the curtains and his mind’s landscape shifted from slumber to the world outside his coach window. The arms of the clock struck two in the morning. Slightly lifting his head from the pillow, he tried to make himself more aware of the scene unfolding before him. It must have been five or six degrees on the mercury and tea vendors made an explainable entry. Sipping up a cup of tea won’t be a bad idea.

'You know Aditi about the moments that give me a high?'

'No!! said she with a poignant yet receptive smile.'

'Well imagine a chilling winter night and streaks of light on the road and we both walk out to sip a cup of coffee. It would be so exciting isn't it?'

That was a discussion that took place ten years back.

Journey by Night Train

He was experiencing the present moment though his mind wandered off to past conversations and the dreams he shared with her. He walked out of his AC compartment in the fog to brave the cold and the winds outside.

He had done pretty well in his career and was heading a multinational in the capacity of Managing Director. Swelling bank accounts, luxuries, material comforts all came as a reward for years of hard work and dexterity. Years of travels and travails had fulfilled his dreams yet till date he had a child like curiosity and eagerness for life . 

'What would be your wish list for life ?'

'Well position, prestige and money off course, but Aditi you know little acts give me more joy than these symbols of power and prestige.' She looked deep into his eyes and words were frivolous. They stood in silence and watched dusk dissolving in streaks of light.

He stepped out of the compartment and bought a cup of tea.. The station was small , empty and there were hardly any passengers to board. The only activity was from few tea vendors and insomniacs like him. Suddenly something unusual caught his attention. He was trying to make out the clear picture. A lady all heavily draped in a long fur coat stepped out from the adjacent compartment. Her persona and body language conveyed finesse and high position. She even seemed on a parallel position career wise. Her face had poise and grace yet simplicity was more overwhelming.Their eyes met and he walked towards her to exchange pleasantries

'I never knew there were others like me who would come out for a cup of tea at this ungodly hour'

'Why? Are you the only brave one? I am here to realize a thrill that I dreamt years back and on every such opportunity I relive it'. She said sipping her cup of  warm tea.

He ears became attentive and he quite curious. 'What dream you talking about?'

'Years back I stood with my best friend and told him of a cherished moment. In a cold winter night say at 3 AM in the morning, I would love to go out for a cup of tea with him by my side.We both had laughed and saw on the horizon our dream taking shape in the womb of time .' 

'You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. There would be so many others pinning  in their hearts these beautiful experiences.' She finished her tea , thanked him for the brief conversation and turned back.

They had realized a beautiful moment together.

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American Hurricane

Today i am here to share with you a historical night. You would be possibly aware that US is a land of tornadoes and hurricanes and i got caught up with one on an eventful nights. I stay in the state of Indiana and it has been severely hit by tornadoes. Every night there are sirens ringing and tornado warning is issued. In deep sleep you don't get up but yesterday was different.

It all started around 6 P.M. The apartment where i stay is covered by forest area on one side and there is a river that flows in through that forest. There is a mesh that separates the living area from the forest. A stream of water started flowing in from the forest end and slowly the water level started increasing. And in next 2-3 hours the water was like half a meter above the ground level . Though our apartments sit high but the water level was threatening ! As would have been expected in India(n) settings the power should have gone, surprisingly in US the power conked off  too.

Night at the Relief Camp in US

Around 9 P.M. there were police officers asking us to evacuate instantly. There were severe warning of more flooding and if inclement weather continued our apartments could face water seepage. I evacuated with all my certificates and stowed my entire luggage on a cupboard that was few feet high . In the dark i managed to collect my certificates using a lighter and even managed to grab a chapatti before leaving.

We got buses that took us to Columbus school. This was a pretty big school and 3 floor high. While i was making my way to safe basement i saw these old Americans in the front of the entrance. They were sick, too old, too obese and in too much pain . I felt pity seeing their present condition and since i had never been to an American home so it was more of a shock . We were asked to occupy a big hall  where Red Cross volunteers gave us a folding cot and blankets. There were water bottles, potato wafers and biscuit packets to eat. The sight of the place was something. So many Indian and American families all huddled up for safety. By the time everyone had just settled water started flooding in the basement. Again the caravan of 1000 people had to me shifted to a floor higher up. The old and infirm people were shifted using wheel chairs and stretchers while others gathered the relief supplies and moved up. Another hour passed and it was 12 PM  by the time we all felt a bit relieved and safe.

The trouble again started now, the entire basement had got filled with water as high as 15 meters or more and the families huddled up on higher floors with all the exits under water. This was already a scary sight and we heard an announcement that there is an eminent danger of power outage and more flooding. We have to move again.  God ! Another shifting of 1000 people; kids, women, old people with adages, some were on emergency apparatus even.  There was just one exit that lead us to the playground at the back of the college campus. The shifting again resumes at 2 30 AM and it was only by 4 AM we were transported to a safer place; another school. This time cots and other relief supplies could not be transferred along with the families.

People could manage to carry few blankets and we spread on floor and tried taking some rest. I tried catching some sleep while sitting and chair and could manage 2-3 hours of much needed rest. It was in the morning we all  were given some cereals and fruits to eat. Everyone was curious to know how the conditions in our living colonies were. There was no way we would walk back as all the entire town and the roads were were flooded . Slowly over the next day water level started receding and some normalcy restored.

Even after repeated warnings the families started moving back. I too asked for a pick up and reached home by 12 30 in the afternoon. The drama still continued ;no power no water. Without power one cannot cook as gases and microwaves don’t work. There was no option but to sleep again for 1-2 hrs. I woke up around 3 30 PM and sat doing nothing, waiting for power to be restored. Around 6 PM power came back and water supply was restored. I took a much needed bath and made vegetables sandwiches and a strong cup of tea. It is the same evening after that fateful night and i am here to a first hand experience with all of you. In the last 25 years of known history nothing like this was ever witnessed by locals in Columbus,Indiana. I think i was a witness to a historical event.

Floods in Columbus , Indiana

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Merry Christmas

Santa Claus and the Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas

The year is running its last lap,

Here comes Santa with red cap.

He carries wonderful gifts for us,

All children are so curious.

This year you will be my new avatar,

Said Santa, and spread happiness afar.

So here i bring to the kid in you,

Happiness,mirth,laughter and gifts too.

May this Christmas be like never before,

I wish you joys and fun galore.

Years later when you remember me,

Become a Santa for someone cheerfully.

_____________________________________________

Few Other Poems from my collection :

Love is TrueDreams I BelieveI ApologizeBeautiful FlowEasy Yet DifficultSun and the MoonA Sales Guy's PerspectiveHappy DeepawaliLove , Sex & DhokhaThanks Dad Happy New YearMerry Christmas

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Faith

That night the sea was fuming with rage and the waves had gone berserk. There stood in the middle of the storm a ship too tiny for the mighty oceans. It seemed that the young Captain was the first one to face god's wrath. His expressions showed reverence and fear for the water gods but there was a strange sense of confidence and resolve. He stood on the bridge not to save his life but to fulfill a duty and show his mettle. This was a strange battle between the mountain and the mole.

The winds were picking speed and the sea was becoming choppier. The railings dipped into water and she was tossed like a toy on the sea bed. The waters crossed from one side to another and there was hardly any headway for the vessel. Sensing the eminent peril the Captain calculated his chances of safety. They were heavily weighed against human life. The only ray of hope lied in altering the course and navigate away from the storm. The speed had come down to naught and some spate of luck was required for the winds to push the ship to a different path.

Ship caught in the storm

The helmsman had years of experience at the wheel but tonight she seemed very difficult to command. Time was running out and the storm was getting mightier. The Captain read the storm reports and they all indicated North westerly winds; if he could turn the helm by 60 -70 degrees the ship might pick wind's speed. Instinctively the Captain took helm and said his prayers for the safety of his ship, his crew and his cargo. The face was shining with grit, steel determination and a faith to win battle for his crew.

The helm started turning and with each degree she became more unruly. The vessel pitched and pounded and the steel toy was heaving for breath. The officer slowed down the engines to reduce the impact of the slapping waves and frantically monitored the ship’s controls and equipments. Slowly she started turning but the situation became grimmer. She was listing a lot more while turning and if the cargo shifted the ship could capsize. This was a gamble with life that the Captain played.

Every second was so tense but he never left the helm and his sense of resposiblity.The compass was turning and it had to turn 15-20 degrees more for a better situation. He kept his gaze fixed on the logs for them to register any speed. With firm hands he handled the helm and suddenly the needles of the log started fluttering. She was picking speed and had started to move with the winds. A ray of hope showed on his face and he watched his luck. His prayers had been answered and the ship was gathering speed unimaginable to the engines.

She had moved pretty far from the storm by now. The height of the waves was dying down and the vessel was sailing steady. He stood on the bridge wings and watched the storm behind. The winds ruffled his hairs and the breeze was safer one. Everyone on board felt proud of the Captain’s competence and jurisdiction and were full of praises for him. He stood in silence, looked upwards and smiled gently. His faith became stronger in creator of these elements of nature.

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Flight Journey

I took my first flight at an age of 18 and it was an experience first of its kind. Since then i have lost count of many such journeys .The thrill of ascent , steady flight 9-10 Kms above the sea level, the food just sufficient , the calmness in thoughts, the uncertainty every second and then the relief on the wheels touching the ground. This is what i would encapsulate the whole journey in.

My First Flight Journey

Many a times in these calm moments my thoughts drifted to my loved ones and i felt so much close to them. It would not be wrong to say that moments like these give us a chance to be true to ourselves and our thoughts.

At home when i lie down on my terrace and see the sky above i tend to believe in fables and stories of gods and fairies though flying at thousands of feet don't give me that impression. Clouds and stars which hinder the view of lesser mortals do that rightfully to keep the faith intact.

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The Monk who sold his Ferrari

Book Reading : The Monk who sold his Ferrari

Sunday is the favorite day of the week for me guess so. The day started with 20 minutes run on the track, breakfast and reading 'Sunday Times '. A light nap , some good Table Tennis (TT) lesson by Narendra and then lunch.

What is worth mentioning is the evening when i attended a book reading event on "The Monk who sold his Ferrari"  by Robin Sharma . The artistes performing were Dr. Ian Barker and Faishal Rashid and both were excellent in their part.I had read the book 2 years back and after the event ended, all was fresh in my memory again . Those seven principles, the magical fable , the sumo wrestler , the garden, the lighthouse and so many of thought provoking ideas. It was an excellent evening and i felt putting my Sunday to good use. Another small initiative to condition my mind and take it to brighter things in life. I certainly feel life is all about being self aware and seeking answers to questions that puzzle self. To get more clarity about life's purpose and our higher calling we should strive to reduce the clutter and lead a simple life.The purpose of life is a life with a purpose.

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Dialogue with Self

In past I wrote to raise a silent battle against the circumstances,to put on a piece of paper the sketch of a mind so helpless and so tied . Today when i write the color of my writing is more bright , thoughts more colorful and the need not so pensive. The probable explanation could be a shift in my mindset , a newer approach to see life and a different manner to accept changes. I even write to read these pieces of my mind years later to analyse the short runs of my career.

As i live life the impetus would certainly be on evolving and its heartening to know that i am capturing the thoughts that question my conventional behavior. Wisdom is not in knowing all the good things in life it would be knowing how to implement even few of them. The first step in this present evolution is learning what my heart wants to do. That's a bigger challenge than doing the final act . When I walk alone or with friends, the zest is to make me realize of the missing jigsaw pieces from my life. As a matter of fact many of them are strewn over unknown lands , written over known and unknown faces and links to all of them lie within . This is a really an interesting phase learning how to read my own thoughts , know myself deep within and find time to do what i longed for. Thoughts won't be suffice if i try explaining this state of mind but yes the calmness is setting in.

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Do we need words between us

Do we need words ??? I ask you sweetheart this very basic question.......if you need words to reply; the question remains still unanswered. Was ruminating over my past life and found that there was no special significance of a female and if it was .......it was just an infatuation that faded away as neatly as the strength of it in the beginning.Why do i feel something special when i talk to you .....why your presence makes my heart flutter, why do i wait for you like never before. 

Let me reach a time where my existence is because of you, where my thoughts are of you where my life is you. It's not a relationship it is starting of a pure and a beautiful bond.They say love is the most beautiful thing that happened in this world. Am i invited ? Wish you can reply me without words.

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The Rat Race Begins

I wanted to write when i picked up job after a two year stint at IIFT , when the new year arrived with newer hopes , when i celebrated my 27th birthday but the writer in me turned lazy.Anyways here i am still undecided what aspect of myself to portray this time.A milestone has been reached and another chapter of the same book is going to start. Why i feel there is something else that is waiting for me ?? Some shores still where i have never been, acts which i never did, moments that i never lived.

Vivek.......this is for sure you are not running this time from the world but yes going in a direction which a sensible , ambitious and career conscious person will choose. I feel i am not running for a dream anymore i am running for a cause larger than me, larger than my life. I always felt the visibility in life has decreased and all is shrouded by mystery and you always came in various forms and guided this wrecked ship. This time the ship is healthy the navigator is, but the course is for an uncharted territory. The land of surprises ........the life unexplored.

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Gandhigiri

I just watched the movie "Lageraho Munnabhai" and learned this new age concept of 'Gandhigiri'. Wow it's heartening to see that there is a Gandhi in all of us and he knows only what we know. Why not then,  we add more to our knowledge and teach the Gandhi in us -how to survive in today's world. His thoughts , his principles ,his way of putting resistance need a sea change but the spirit should remains same.

Still from the movie ' Lageraho Munnabhai'

Few parameters like spirit of truth, courage, the good soul, the fighter and self believer is what Gandhi means to me. My truth has been relative to the world's lies ,though on the rest of the parameters i would scale better. The reason why i say so is a chequered past, heartbreaks, losses ,frustrations ,defeats and midst of them i have stood. Having suffered in interpersonal and professional relationships i still believe i could have saved much of the trouble had i killed this Gandhi in me.

Very recently i lost a good and a close friend just because the person in me wanted to be true , candid and more of a considerate man. Again the Gandhi in me has lost.

I ask you Mohandas Karam Chand gandhi don't i remember you when i remember my dad's good deeds, when i recall my mother's instilled values , my elders lessons, my teacher's knowledge and my own good acts. Then why don't i see you like Munna bhai ( The Protagonist in the movie played by actor Sanjay Dutt) ?  Why is it that i always loose and in the hope of keeping you and me alive i accept it all with a smiling face. Since i have decided to live with "Gandhigiri" i can and i will survive but not many are me.

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Life at IIFT

24^th March -2005 ,17 23 pm was the moment when truth dawned on me that finally I had got selected for Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). How fervently I had wished to be a part and parcel of IIFT and now when I am an IIFTian how does it feels?

I remember the first day when 118 deserving and intellectual minds swayed their destiny to constitute the batch of 2007 appeared on the horizon. They came in all colors and from all corners of the country. Certainly the dreams were rosy and aspirations running high in all minds. They still are but the corporate thing is creeping in and the sense of calm , poise and grace is gradually descending upon all of us
.

IIFT Bhawan, New Delhi

Though it has been just 2 months of our presence in this institute we have certainly adopted and adapted the rich legacy of the institute. You talk about back to back lectures, assignments, presentations and more scary quizzes, midterms they all are exciting though enervating at all times. The mantra is everybody has 24 hrs in a day but you got to learn  how to put each and every minute to the best use.

Well this article would be incomplete without mentioning the most respectable form of ragging coined as PDP sessions (Personality Development Sessions). Those 15 to 20 days (of our baptism by fire )was the only time we sat together as a batch relaxing, laughing and enjoying under the star lit sky. This induction process into IIFT certainly helped us in knowing our batch mates, our seniors and finally we parted with some unforgettable memories.

On some serious gains we got a platform in form of the institute to interact with corporates, market leaders and trend setters. The Symposiums, Corporate relationship programs (CRC’s) and guest faculties all come packed with knowledge, experiences and insights. It is so much fortunate that we young minds carve our sparkling careers under the tutelage of these industry leaders. To add to more knowledge we have clubs called Cash-a-nova, Blash, Brandwagon, Quentessential and Koshish. The best part about them is they all are student bodies and they will reach where we want them to be. Our interests our visions coupled with a sense of responsibility is all required to improve the visibility of IIFT.

Finally when destiny has brought us together and intertwined our lives so inextricably let us work for a cause larger than our lives. I depart with the only wish Go IIFT Go, Go IIFT Go ,Go IIFT Go.

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Thoughts when i was a mariner

Life seems to have fragmented into the immortal past and a present that has bloomed out of the past. Taking deep voyages into my past to trace the roots of this tumultuous , anxious and a confused existence shows how late i have been . The lengthier is the bridge between the past and the present the lesser are the inferences drawn at every test of life . The insights into the past vaults me into the dungeons of truth which have prisoners of action who were tempted by inexperience , a spirit to set free , a curiosity for the wrong and finally a step intertwined of all these factors.

Life's Rainbow has all colors

What i could never reconcile with was why in the past the present seemed so colorful and intoxicating , luring us into tunnels of pleasure with no end . The same past i think about now , where the things went wrong?

When the self existence ridicules its own womb , you can sense how unfruitful , misgiving and sporadic the growth has been of our mind and the soul .

The demons of the past and the deities of the present tussle to overpower a wrecked soul .If the past is thought over and fought over life's rainbow will have all its colors  My journey starts now with a treasure and/or a burden called past. The depths are unknown and my plunges superficial ; but i seek solace, peace of mind , some greener pastures and my past and present to be in unison.

Amen....!!!

viviviviviviviviv

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Smokers and Drinkers are a preferred lot

Smoking goes with Drinking

Smokers and drinkers are preferred lot for me than the rest of the mankind. I have my own reasons to say that; you might have your own not to buy my view point.There are certain very commendable things about these special set of people.

Firstly it takes balls to drink or smoke your money out for sheer psychological satisfaction and to reach an 'enlightened state' where one can be true to own self.
It is not only bold but quite brave to speak your heart out even if you a bit tipsy . I guess only a "MAN" can do so. The rest of the crowd you enthrall are parasites who feed and grow on closely guarded details that have provided to them.
I have often analysed friendships born over mugs of beer , whisky glasses or butts of cigarettes are more enduring and long lasting. 

Hail drinkers and smokers and the spirit that keeps us united.........!!!
                                                                                                        

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Thoughts close to my heart

It is usually our relationship to a life situation or concern that keeps us stuck, not the circumstances themselves . Our situation may and often does change as our manner of carrying it inside us begins to shift . But the external change springs from an inner shift of attitude or perspective , rather than from the effort to control circumstances or manipulate people.

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