02.16.2010: First Year Of Togetherness

"Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you"

As the band played softly in the dim red light, only thing we could do was hold our hand and sit silently blankly staring at the band. Her head leaning on my shoulder and mind engrossed in memories of last one year. 2009 year just flew by and we just completed one year of togetherness. 16 Feb 2010

We had been long waiting for this day and have been planning from about a month, where we want to be and how we want to celebrate it. Countless hours of Googling, Kayaking and deal searching we zeroed on our destination. Gifts that I had order started coming in well before time and I was all set for huge surprise. I just couldn’t wait to show it off to her but then at the same time, didn’t want to spoil that one special moment and smile that I love so much. Quietly I collected all gifts, cards and in my mind decided what time and how to deliver each. I was ready and on top of my game.

But then it came in: Blizzard of 2010. 55 inches of snow in 5 days. It snowed from 5th till 10th. All the plans started to go deep down in snow. Upcoming weather for the week didn’t look any bright either. 16th was on Tuesday and we were expecting snow on 15 and 17. Another storm warning was everywhere. I think I even went through tips of 'driving in icing conditions'. But nothing can prepare us for the bad weather and chances of being stuck at home on 14 and 16 loomed large and looked quite possible. With delays and snow everywhere, gifts that Shalini had ordered for me didn’t arrive. On 12th with stone cold heart we finally gave in to the destiny and decided to be at home.


But the wind of change soon blew in taking away the clouds and we had clear weather for next 2 days. on 13 night we decided to pack our bags and leave first thing in the morning. We made a quick call to Pocono Palace and were on our way for the anniversary romantic getaway. Driving through the snow filled landscape was just an awesome experience. As we drove through mountains and valleys it only got better. If this was the beginning, what followed next was breathtaking.

We got our own private Lakeside Chalet with a huge Jacuzzi and a fire place.

14: Valentines Day we drove all the way to Mt. Airy Casino, re-living the Vegas Memories. Buffet was awesome and our gambling loosing spree continued here also. But it was all the more fun hanging out and just having fun. With her Red Top and dazzling hairdo she looked so beautiful. "I Love You tungu".

15: House Of Candles. Saw live Ceramic Candle making. It was nice and warming.
Next was Camelback Trail. It was freeeezzzzzzzzzzzing over the top. We wrapped ourselves in all the clothes we could find. 2 sweaters, 2 jackets, caps, gloves, snow boots. We were loaded with layers, looked funny and moved funny. It was hard to recognize each other in such disguise.
As the evening approached it got all the more cold and windy. We took our way back into our cozy room and decided to call it a day.

16: The DDay. We exchanged gifts on 15th night. Got a beautiful engraved ring band from my sweetheart. It was just the one I always wanted. We had reserved this day to spend only in the resort and enjoy all the amenities.
First thing, we went for Snow Mobling or simply put Snow Biking or scooter. It was pulsating. Shalini was sitting right behind me as we took lap after lap and enjoyed the bumpy ride. It was awesome and thrilling. Got to take some amazing snaps and had loads of fun.
Next on the cards was Skiing. We got all geared up and started on our Cross Country Ski. More than ski first it was walk with skis on. Our aim was to reach the nearest Hill slide and then take a plunge. But didn’t know the path to hill was full of falls. I am sure I fell once, Shalini twice but still we managed to reach the hill to which when we reached didnt look that tall. But anyway this was the time to do what we came for. With courage in her heart and ski in hands she took the first plunge and fell big time with legs all locked up and crossed in weird ways. Only way out: take out your skis sweetheart.
Then it was my turn. Cautiously I took it slow but fell as soon I started sliding. As I was trying to get on my feet, I started to slide again. I was almost sitting down on skis and sliding down, but still I managed to fall again. I was in seven heaven and couldn’t stop laughing. Shalini was standing clicking every moment of it. I went back again and repeated it again sitting on the skis and sliding down.
Soon we were exhausted of laughing and snow fight and went back to our room to get ready for the evening.

Shalini wore a stunning dress that she had bought for the occasion and I dressed neatly in shirt and jeans as we made our way to the club. It was just so all well decorated, warm and cozy that each step felt so beautiful. We sat down on the bar tried out the drink of the day "Fusion". The photographer came in and we happily posed for her. We wanted to take the memories of the day back with us.
Dinner was just the starting of the evening. We were then invited for "Mardi Gras" live music show. Band played beautiful love songs as we sat in our booth holding hands and absorbing every moment. It was right there when I felt so lucky to have her in my life and realized how much I love her. I just sat there silently hugging her and falling in love over and over again. Given a chance I would do it all over again.

As the music came to and end we were treated with our last wish. "Chocolate Fantasy Dinner" we could dip anything and everything in the chocolate fountain. Shalini always wanted to have strawberry dipped and I am glad she got her wish.

It was one of the most magical times that we had spent together. The first year they say is always the best and it had been so true for us. We have had such amazing time and seek God's blessing to continue having the same. May our friendship and Love get stronger by each passing day. I Love You Sweetheart and this is for you. mmmuuuuaaaahhhh.

Dream#1: V T and U

I had a dream last night, funny though, it was different than my usual nightmares of captivity and running away. It was funny because it had my dearest friend Vaibhav and Tejal in it. And I remember because of what it got me thinking when it ended. It reminded me not only of my old days, but also that it's been long due that I have not met them and I need to. So here it goes:

I was sitting in my basement, don't remember what I was doing, I believe I was on my bed, when I realized Vaibhav and Tejal have come on the top floor. So I pass through my room, climb up the stairs and enter the hall. And there she was smiling and charming as always. And I remember she was wearing a yellow top, (I guess that comes from one of her orkut snap.). So anyways, she is smiling and bouncing up and down, very happy, very excited and I believe that’s because she met me after a long time. She's like "Yogi Yogi, where's my treat", and I am still kind of trying to come to terms that they have evaded my dream space. I am standing there not reacting and wondering, ok, she is here, but where did Vaibhav go. As I look behind her, there he was standing in the corner in his blue kurta (that also come from Orkut!!!), carrying a baby seat in his hand. Standing in the corner, smiling. Just amazing, just an amazing moment.
Now that got me excited, so excited that I woke up. Sadly, couldn’t see Unnati though.
It felt nice and I smiled as I woke up. God!!! actually it felt great, and I made sure I have it down. Because it’s not always that you remember your best buddies and amazing time you had with them. It reminded me of Tejal more than Vaibhav I guess. The way we all used to be, the way we talked, and pull her leg. It reminded me of how she was sometime unmanaged, dropping food on her clothes, and Vaibhav putting his hand on his head, not knowing how to teach her :) . It was fun, and I always cherish that and thank her for being nice to me. I guess I miss playing with her.
And today, she's a mom. You have a come a long, long way since then. All my good wishes to you and Unnati for having parents like you. And I am happy that I get to be her cool uncle :). Would be fun seeing her growing, and hope she get all of your amazing qualities.

Take Care buddies we are all just getting started...

PS: Miss You All

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PPS: From very long time I had wanted to have a series on my crazy dreams. Glad it started with a good one. Let's see how many more I can remember and key them down.

London Bridge

I started a journey
for a long seen dream
something I always imagined
but never lived
a clear sky a sunny day
secretly wishing for some rain

what then followed couldn't have been seen
day passed by blessing my dream

As my heart grew heavy
and emotions ran deep
I knew it was a night to remember
and a moment to keep
hard to imagine
and tough to believe
as I fell in love
standing at the london bridge

Happy to be BACK - Year 2007 in memories

I saw Taj Mahal... well from 13000ft. but point is I did see it and now proudly joins the club of who haves and remove my name from those who haven't. More prominently I am in a group who have seen it from 13000ft., that’s another milestone in its own right.
Before I forget the bliss I felt and enigma that surrounded the wonder of earth, I had to note it and kept it safe to make sure I don’t loose the moment, specially after missing all my heart felts with the streets of New York, London, Oxford, Chicago!!!
2007 has been more of dream and has already given me more than I had set out to take on. My year started from Indira Nagar, Bangalore. said GoodBye India and Hello America!
Delaware my first stop over with Abhi and Shaveta. New York my all time greatest and bestest of the bestest city, seen it... couldn't believe it... so moved to Louisville.
Peeyush came in to Chicago. 2 weekends in Chicago and checking and capturing every corner and stone, I left for London to have some colonial feel. In between I managed to see Lewis Hamilton winning his first F1 Grand Prix in Indianapolis. That’s another story, but London is something what WoWs!! are made off. Every street, every inch you feel history, drama and aura of structures which survived two world wars and still telling so many tails from their plush and redecorated interiors.
Oxford is as if all your imaginations have been stolen and created for you to test if you could think anything more. My first thought, How can someone study here? Its huge, its THE oxford, its literature, poetry, philosophy, epics and haunted. How can someone dare to study and spoil the heritage and also how can someone dare to be awake in the night specially in those huge 800 years old haunted streets and colleges. Imagine what would you say if you bumped into a 400 year old professor still trying to break the 'pi' mystery. "I pi-tty you".
Anyways point is how can some one not study in Oxford. It's the oxford the oldest English university, the look, the feel, the reason of being in oxford is enough to study for his life time and probably more just like the professor who is yet to complete a millennium.
Now I am back in Delhi, crossing Atlantic all over again and back in the east, back in my country, my place, among my people and my reason of being and not-being.
My first visit been to Rapiur, a small city in central India ready and set to explode and grow out of its bounds and make India feel its presence.
And finally in my room that has grown with me from last 26 years, always ready and waiting to welcome me as if I never left it. Well happy to be BACK :).

Vaibhav and Tejal

I saw a guy from my hostel window coming up to my room, bearing an ear-ring on left side supposedly of 'white gold' and a walk right out of Meerut. 6 years have passed since, the earing has gone, that walk is gone but the person has stayed the same, infact even more better.

Its been a long journey starting from dahlia hostel to bhoopsandra and back to Ramaiah. Soo many memories, days, weeks, months, years and years that we lived together, its been an amazing ride. I always feel that was my best time and it was made all better cause I had company of a wonderfull person who taught some real meanings of friendship and caring. I dont think I have ever seen any one more committed, true and loyal in a friendship. Its been always just 2 colors, Black or white, either you like someone or you dont. There's no middle way or gray. Thats probably the biggest lesson I learned from you. There are so many uncountable events that I can write whole night and still wont get tired. From buying a t-shirt from roadside state-sale to gobi manchurian to pastries to first job, they are all special memories.
And now when you are entering a new stage in life I can only say that I have never seen a couple more suitable for each other than you and Tejal are. I have known Tejal for almost the same time and I am sure its a dream come true for both of you specially how u both stood all the criticism and ups and downs in the relationship. Its a fairytale and hope it remains the same.

I am sure life is going to be full of more surprises and happiness for both of you. And in the end I'll just say my all good wishes and love is with you.
Go brother Life's Calling.... Live it up and enjoy.

A Memory

This is what memories are made off, must hold on to it.

Yogi and Peeyush sitting in a coffee bar

having coffee and cake till the money last

we are trying to write a rhyme

that will stand the test of time

but the words aren't coming

they are not easy to find

may be distractions are too many

and females around are too nice

a voice from behind soon disturbed our mind

the bar is closed sir

please come some other time.

Goodbye Bangalore

R.I.P.
16th August 2001 - 16th January 2007

Thank You

I have reached to that point of my life where I have to say Good Bye to some friends and anticipate that the new ones whom I meet; if not better are at least as good as the ones I was blessed with.
Last 7 or 8 months have been full of enjoyment for me, working with some absolutely wonderful people. Each day at work carries its own memory and I have just cherished each moment of it. Infact, I feel I became a bit greedy to an extent that I did not want to miss the fun even for a second.

First, I would like to thank Ravi, my partner for almost 2 years now. It’s been just amazing ride with him. Thank you for helping me in the initial years and being like a big brother to me.
Sap, I don’t think any one has inspired me more than you man. It’s been a great learning experience watching your dedication and spirit all along. Thank you for planting that seed in me.
Kishor, thanks brother for all the fun time we had sharing all along. I honestly wished we could have stayed together a bit longer. Wish you all the best in life and every thing you do.
Lavanya, hmmmm… what should I say; ok here's one thing I wanted to tell you, ‘you do full justice to your name’. What else, so many things, thank you for listening to me and I would really miss the talk we three used to have; me, you and Kishor. Real fun, just loved them.
Bharathi, ah it’s not too difficult to think. Thank you for motivating me in certain way that I had always felt talking to you. I had always looked forward to tell you things that I found or heard. It would be really difficult to find some one who can take my free of cost, imposed gyan sessions with so much interest.

Venky, Selin, Sridevi, Raj, Deb thank you for being there and making it special. Hope to be in touch with you all and wish you all the best for your future.

Life is long and I am sure we will meet again. Till then keep smiling and take care of yourself.

And in the last; don't dare to forget me. Bye

P.S. nice book, though physics is a bit over the head, but gravitation is pulling it down, so slowly things are getting in control.

Tattoed

Finally finally, finally after 4 months of mustering courage and 3 no 4 years of carrying the design in my head, I have been finally tattooed. I got an OM symbol with Libra my sun sign on the matra (the tail) of OM.
And life after, it has not changed but does have an amazing feeling, a sense of unexplainable happiness from inside. Probably it’s because of finally getting it or its effect itself, whatever it is I am in trance of eternal bliss right now.

How it started?
Once sitting in my class I designed an OM symbol and just feel in love with it. I had been carving it on my body almost every week with pen sometime blue sometime black, sometime on my wrist, sometime on my shoulder. I had just loved it all along.
In college I had wanted to get it, but not much money and Vitamin C of courage, somehow never got it done.

How the fire started?
6 months back I guess sometime in Aug/Sept 06, Peeyush and I thought of getting a tattoo done. And we both agreed on what we wanted. So, next few weeks went off pretty nice making sure not to raise the topic in front of each other. (I guess we both still lacked courage and were standing by each other just because the other one was standing.)

Oct/Nov 06, I got 2 temporary designs from Delhi, to show it to peeyush. The designs were of Sun and an OM inside, and another with Sun but an ambigram inside of some symbol.
Few more weeks went off making sure to keep the topic off the coffee table again.

31st Dec 06, we finally got the temporary tattoo on our arm, and it was just amazing and the feeling of wearing a “real" looking tattoo was great. More than the feeling it was the final blow on the cage and the tigers broke free.

The Day
7th Jan 2006, morning 11:30 am we found ourselves sitting in a tattoo studio.
I showed the artist the OM design I wanted to have and peeyush showed him what he liked. But they were not complete in themselves, so started the challenge of adding an extra zing to it. 3 hours and going through hundreds of design, blades and ambigrams, angels and dragons with Pink Floyd playing in the backdrop, the task was real challenging.
2:30 pm finally we settled for the designs and 3:30 pm I went down the needle with Echoes playing on the speaker box.
Contrary to all the hyped beliefs of pain it was pretty easy at the end. Though I oozed out a lot of blood, but strangely pain never got over me. And the end result was worth and more than what I had been asking for.

Peeyush here’s to one more feather in our list of craziness.

Cheers!

MCA, 2001

This is one incident that has left some impression on me; I have been carrying it from few years now and probably will do it for my whole life.

It happened on my first day of MCA class in 2001. Being the first day the whole atmosphere was buzzing and exciting. Laughing, meeting new friends, introducing each other it was going on as one fun day. Already down 2 lectures by some very senior professors’ things were looking good and set for next 6 months.
Now, third lecture was of Digital Engineering. As the second lecture got over, we all waited for the third professor to come in, imagining who and how he or she would be. Every one waited with one eye on the door, also making sure sitting at their places, not to send a bad impression at least on the first day of the session.
And he entered. A guy in his late twenties, surely not more than 30. Now if he had not been wearing so boring clothes (blue pleated trousers, light grayish shirt) we could have easily mistaken him to be another one of us. Anyways he entered, went straight in front, and kept his stuff on the table. Now at this moment class was silent, looking at each other’s faces and trying to understand what’s going on. I kind of felt offended seeing such a young lecturer in a post graduation class, trying to teach students some of whom were probably just year or 2 younger to him. And I was not alone, soon there was sound of murmuring allover, is it a joke that some senior is trying to play or what?

But overlooking the murmur and staring eyes he started:

“There are 3 kinds of people in this world.
One who do things, fail, may try again, fail again and leave the show. They don’t bother to learn from their mistakes.
Second, who do things, fail, learn from their experience, try again and succeed. These kind of people keep falling, get up, understand where they fell, don’t repeat the same mistake and keep moving.
Third, who do things that they have learned from other people’s experience. These are the smartest kind of people, who want to move fast, rather than always looking inwards they look outward and learn from other people mistakes and success. Watch other people carefully; find their motivation and understanding from them.
That’s what I want you to be, the third kind, learn from your professors experience, learn from your friends, you learn from your own mistakes, but also make sure you learn from your friend's and other people's mistakes, you would never know where and how it might help.”

No need to mention class was still silent, still trying to understand what just happened...