My Strange Competition

Do you have a girlfriend? And you sometimes feel jealous? Then this next part is just for you!!!

As like everyone, I too have a girlfriend. And I don’t see a reason that till now you haven’t gazed what’s coming? Yes, it’s the small story of me and my girlfriend. But, like all love stories which has bumpy rides, in this story too, has a few. And the part which I am telling you all, there’s this 3^rd character between us.

Well let me start with some of my traits. I have never been possessive about so called ‘MY’ own things (I realized lately that there aren’t many things which I can say that I own). ‘Sharing’ was always the trait in me right from my childhood. In college days too, I was always considered to be generous.

Now you must be thinking that why I am making you read my character sketch!!!

Well, this is because I am going to tell you how all my characters of these 24 years zeroed down to nothing; when I experienced this (Stupid) character in my life.

Ok, though it is kind of embarrassing, I m penning down my emotions. After a very lovely 1^st year of relation, I was happy. Well generally guys have a tendency to relax a bit after this 1^st year. After all the hard work they do in 1^st year of love, for their girlfriends; picking up, dropping home, and long shopping hours (most importantly without complaints and yes, with a smile). So, I think they (the guys) deserve a break. I too, like everyone else took a while… a BREAK!!!

But I have very little idea that my competition will come in this package.

Where should I start? I and my girl, we go to a chai wala tapri. Baidyanath Tea Stall. Almost every day!!! There’s this tapri, makes real good chai. There’s real crowd in the evening. People stand in mob just to have their cup of tea. Guys like me who generally come there with their girlfriends, stay back and order chai to the chaiwala kids.

It was one more routine day; a good conversation over a cuppa of tea was on with her. Just then a chai wala guy came with 2 glasses of tea for us. Like all other girls, my ‘lady love’ too gave a free smile to that kid. I still don’t understand this funda of giving free smiles to everyone and yes, let me clear before you start wondering, that she’s not an Air Hostess! She just showed him that we still have some tea left and won’t be taking another cup of tea. But I think it was kind of great feeling for that kid. Yes I know this girl has nice smile, free to everyone! Well, this seemingly harmful encounter has produced some strange sequence of instances.

Since then, there hasn’t been a single peaceful cup of tea at that Baidyanath Tea Stall. Every time, that kid sees ‘my Miss’, he almost comes running to her asking for the order. Yes I know great service at even a tea stall! But frankly I am complaining for the first time in my life for getting special and Exclusive service.

“Why do you smile looking at him every time you come here?” I asked, somehow hiding my strange jealousy.

“Common he’s just a kid.” She replied. She is good at understanding my feelings I guess!

“Ya, it’s fine. I was just… Yun hi, kaha.”

“Are you jealous of that kid? Common He’s Cute. And don’t worry I’ll not leave you for him.” She Smiled. And like always, no surprises for guessing, I lost this small verbal battle… again. And Wow! I mean, what a consolation I got. And Actually I got nothing to say! And suddenly the tea too, tasted a bit bitter!

After that many a times we’ve been there and saw that strange chemistry b/w that Sweet smile of ‘my love’ and boy’s eyes. And there’s this 3^rd character, ‘ME’!

Now it’s been months, and life’s been busy! Not time to spend on that tea stall and those hours of sweet talks over just 2 cup of tea. Now Tea means, just 5 min break from project and get back to work asap.

Today, Sometimes I cross that tea stall, after work at late evenings! And I feel why on earth I ever felt jealous about a small kid. Yes, I know now, it’s a bit stupid! But, I love this next part. I remember all those discussions and smile in my own! I still remember the face of that kid. Sadly, still know him as ‘CHOTU’, never asked his real name. I feel good at least about one thing, in this whole sequence, that I love that girl so much that I could feel this rare emotion, jealous about a kid. That kid, ‘Chotu’, He was ‘MY STARNGE COMPETITION’.

A Lovely Night

2.04 am
Pune


Hii guys,
Just want to share a few things...

Its A lovely night in Pune. Nice cool breeze. Working late night on my laptop.

Needless to say I am Alone...

Listening to some very soft song.

Way back into love from Music and Lyrics.

Just downloaded Tu jane na from Ajab Prem ki...
Lovely song... Kailash Kher has spelled some magic in this song.

and that line. NIGAHOON me meri jo hai bas gaya. Wo hai tumse milta hubahu...

Guys listen to this song... when u are alone. u'll surely remember your first Love...
I am doing that.
This night feel like its soft as soothing music of piano and feels like a feather touch.

Resigning From JOB: the end or A NEW BEGINING

2.51 am, 28th Feb, 2010
Pune

People always say, there should always be one thing which can drive you Forever... I mean for a long long time. Forever seems to be a really really long term and a bit unrealistic too. (Yup!!! you guessed it wrong, bad experience with this term).

MBAs always say till you shift job for 3 4 imes u'll never know what job you want to do ACTUALLY. Many people generally earn money and lose life.

Why i am saying all this? I am resigning from job the day after tomorrow. Its been 6 months this time.
Reason: I am getting a much better job but still i am feeling that more than this financial and professional stability we need much more personal life ON TRACK. TRUE for many!!! I have always been lucky in terms of getting something at the right time in life.

I just hope this is not ''THE END'' of another chapter, with just a few learning carry forward to. Just hoping that this NEW JOB will get me the much needed DRIVE of my life...

I have always beleived in myself. and this new project is great too but keeping my fingers crossed. May be, It BECOMES ''THE NEW BEGINING'' I HAVE ALWAYS searched for.

Signing off... As an Employee, Tomorrow will Sign in, in a different system.

I DONT KNOW, Who AM I?

Its been great 24 years of life!!! I really dont know how many of us can say this honestly.

I am from family which is not very rich yet i have been always satisfied.

May be because i was born and brought up in a town where almost everyone has same status and same dreams too.

Today when i look back i see, i did not go to a restraunt till I was 14. Strange!!!

Saw Mercedes only in Newspaper Advertisements. To DREAM something you need to see, get attracted and get inpired. I had nothing as such so... So i was satisfied and got a tendency of getting satisfied pretty soon. So i guess I can say, Its been a great life because i have never been dissatisfied.

Now I have dreams and some real big ones... inching towards it slowly... i guess the journey of TOIL and Dissatisfaction has started. Still when when i see the dreams are much more driven by Financial goals. I dont if everyone has the same goals? May be I am trying to find satisfaction in them.

Today, trust me i dont know what i want. All I know is I am working to earn. Rest, Who the hell gets time to think about the rest. But still, the life, as always perceived is only JOB, WORK, CAREER? Do you too think this way, sometimes or I am the only fool trying to figure out where my Life's heading?

Off late I have realised, as long as there's UNCERTAINTY, we are full of feeling and emotions as if Uncertainty cooks the feeling in a PRESSURE COOKER. May be that's why these reality shows are becoming popular... As we grow up, the 'uncertainty factor' gradually dies down and the OBVIOUS part subtly creeps in.

I have heard, Life is a Gamble. Some Play and Some Watch. And Life takes CARE of everyone. Even of those who are not watching the gamble. Slowly but surely.

So, Still trying to figure out Who I am. May be a MBA by chance, A man with some dreams.

Whose Valentine Day is It?

Valentine Day.
I have always wondered, Whats there in this day, that suddenly, even the most stupid articles transform into meaningful gifts?

Valentine's Day- Its a time for all. I dont know how much it matter to couples, who are actually in love. I guess more than them, its the Hotels, Restraunts, Malls, and the hawkers who make merry. Right from Roses to plastic toys; Most costly restraunt dinners to masala peanuts- Everything sells.

And how can i forget The SELF PROCLAIMED, "SAMAAJ KE THEKEDAAR" the political parties and yes Policemen. Even they wait for these days. Easy money and for some PUBLICITY. Right?


Sometime i felt, its a marketing gimick by ARCHIES to make these days so popular and make everyone feel that this is the only day to express LOVE. to a huge extent they have succeeded in their plans too. Revenues and strategies... wait where am i going?

Well, Sorry the last paragraph was inspired by the marketing person inside me.

Talking about me, I could not wait to propose to my love for V day. Actually i was too impatient for that. But i tried to celebrate as many V DAYS, as i Could, every year. just by saying "I LOVE YOU".
Trust me, as people say it as magical 3 words, its actually magical infact. Feel it and say it. Because these are the words which we should say the maximum times and we say it least.

Personally i used to select cards and gifts very carefully. First two visits were just preliminary visits to ARCHIES Gallery. Roses are must. bought at double the price on that day. No issues. Its a day to make merry.

So even I kept this affair on that day to minimum with Police and Political groups looking for a reason to thrash you. Afterall, i had other 364 days to celebrate my love.

Some people complain, Its destroying the culture of India. Perceptions , no complains. But, those who have these views they either dont have girlfriends or else They are too Old. and those who have girlfriends, god knows what excuse they give to their loved ones.
So dear you Oldies...
YOUR TIME IS UP and OUR TIME IS NOW... some more years and You will be off.

Well i have seen some great activists of parties throwing special parties to their friends and have their moments of love in the same evening. IRONY?

Now i see my parents wishing each other "HAPPY V DAY". they are traditional but if love is in air why not atleast wish each other. I dont know how many time they would have said to each other "I LOVE YOU". But what's great to see is, my dad sitting in kitchen every day(Almost everyday) when my mom prepares dinner. After all long tiring day, to listen to that street gossip of mom. I guess papa too have developed some flare and taste for her gossip by now. All these for 26 straight years.
Thats Love. Great going mom dad.

So even if words and day does not matter much. But is there any harm dedicating one day to LOVE?
I believe No...

Break ups , Patch up, Move on, Propose to, Crush, Infatuation, bio chemical reaction and the latest one- PHEROMONES.

Love actually- is... dont know what? But those who stick together, feel it one day within them for sure.

So i guess its the togetherness that counts. and i heard it from somewhere that more than a feeling its an ability... More you be with her, more you feel it. We the young generation- the smart generation will always get OPTIONS in Life.
But i feel OPTIONS are NEVER SOLUTIONS.

So this valentines's day, Enjoy and say it Loud...

"I LOVE YOU... You are the one for me." its not always the cards and roses can speak for you. ITS YOU...

So HAPPY VALENTINE DAY... ALL THOSE WHO WAIT for this day. Baloon wallahs to MALLS.
and yes those who are in Love. Guys stick together.

NJOY.

The TOP 10 Advertisements... MY Favorite Ads

The AD-World.

I wonder sometime... hw these advertises have changed over the years and do they really have any value apart from awareness. Well i seriously doubt hw much is the return on investment on ads, where so much is spent on ads these days.

There was a time when every ad had girl featuring into it to increase the appeal to men. As the males were the decision makers and opinion leaders that time. Time changed and so does the themes, then the popular theme was relation based, mostly married young couples. And today every Advertise has Kids in it... Barring a few products where there is not any scope.

Well ads are everywhere now a days. Almost EverywhreBuldings, Rail, Buses, police barricades, roads, sky and even in toilets!!! But seriously guys, in toilets, there is maximum visibilty and recall value. Some1's listening???
There was a time when, the ads used to come people shuffle channels. Today the advertises have become much more interesting than the daily soaps. Strange but true.
may be I am a business student thats why i feel like that but there is no denying that the level has increased over the years.
So my friends here are some advertises which are top 10 on my list. and will be remembered for a long time.
1. VODAFONE:
The funniest ads on television by far. But the first slot goes to vodafone zoo zoo not only for this bt also how "product or service oriented" the ads are. The expression of the messages in the most correct way and with fun along with great consistency gives it the first spot for me.
Created by O and M.

2. BAJAJ:
Personally i dont like products of Bajaj much. but if i look back a theme which is very ordible till now is the "HAMARA BAJAJ"... Yes that 'buland bharat ki buland tasvir' wala.
Well but Bajaj's best ads came in last few years.

i. Bajaj 115 cc- HOODIBABA ad.
Launched in the first league match of INDIA in the world cup 2003. And the anticipation created was great. Lovely roads, and scenes of Lighthouse.
The bike was shown only in the match of IND-Pak in the quaterfinals i guess.

ii. PULSAR STUNTMANIA:
What to say, it was just a visual treat. Great stunts and picturisation.
the same theme was used for DTSi discover and Platina. The Bikes Playing Basketball.
It was portraying that even DTSi Discover and PLATINA belongs to big boys league.

iii. Discover 100 cc: 1 litre -100 km.
specially the shirdi ad and sanskrit ad. Its great aaplication with theme of 1l-100 km intact.

3. PIDILITE: Fevicol

Always very different and great appeal.
I am sure many of us remember the taglines even after 15 yrs today.
eg"Dum Laga k Haishaa", "Ye Fevicol ka majbut jod..."
and the ads of The Overloaded Bus and also the troublesome kid of rajasthani lady is just awesome.
The New addition to that is the MOONCHWALI ad.
All ads created by O and M. Great going O and M.

4. Tata SKy: Aamir Khan.
What to say. Aamir has acted so well in all ads that is a treat and no matter how many times i see it, i Laugh.
Ads of Aamir and Gul Panag are really well portrayed.

5. SBI Ads: The bet and the punishments.

These ads were so very good. Were just fun to watch...
i. Wife Counting "PAPADs"
ii. and the Employee going to office in Towel.

I was in graduation so did not understand the scheme part but yes it was very catchy.

6. BINGO:
All fun ads. 'No mind just enjoy' seems to be the theme.
i. The Funny Dance fight one.
ii. The ad of spicy communication of a girl and boy and that 'fire' wala flying kiss was great.
Also"Ghav Pe NAMAK" pe ad is also very good.

7. Cocacola:

i. Aamir Again. with the PAANCH avatar was great to see.
Specially in the Punjabi avatar"Ganne k khet me Tamatar kittho?"
Also the Contactor avatar,"Tere baap kitne hain".

ii.Again one more campaign , years later came as, "THANDA matlab CocaCOLA" was also gud.

iii. and recently launched ads"MOM's Khana is the best" and the Girl boy communicating in the library, silently, is also worth mentioning.

8. Incredible India Campaign : Its just fabulous.
I loved specially the part of fall in love with Monsoon in Kerela,"God's Own Country".
I dont know u saw it or not but i almost planned for my Honeymoon in KERELA... Guys are u listening?

And also the currently showcasing a foreign traveller travelling all parts of India is also good.

9. DAIRY MILK.
Over last 15 years Cadbury's Dairy Milk ads has been Awesome.
Specialy the ad"Kuch khas hai Jindagi me." yes yes, a armyman leaving his girfrnd and she was crying and then dairymilk made her dance in the most funny way possible in that printed funny type long skirt...
and one more ad where the girl dodges every1 and danced in the same way.

Again"Pappu paas ho gya " and "Kuch meetha ho jaye were also gud."

10. Save the FUEL:
The ads are all very effective and fun.
the ad where the Child says to his father that in Future he'll open a cycle repairing shop is also great. I dont know u do it or not but i turn of the engine of my bike at every signal....

Well these were the spl 10 companies whose ads have been great over aperiod of time and were effective.
Some more to mention eg.
ICICI, SURF"Daag ache hain" and TITAN "Be More" ads were also great.

I hope You liked it frnds!!!

A dream for Rs. 12.

A dream for Rs. 12.


Mumbai, Juhu Beach.

Its been a hot day... and sun started to settle down in Sea to cool off... the sky turned red...and a cool evening breeze coming right from the sea... was making the “Sama look Suhana”. This all looked so filmy... but really good...

I have seen all these in Magazines and movies... till now...

I came to Mumbai for the first time ... The City of Dreams , as they say it. In whole day i atended an interview, travelled in locals, faced heavy super-heavy traffic and met a close school frnd after 3 yrs... and now sitting with him at juhu beach... Quite an eventful day... but never expected this is coming to me...
I saw many hawkers trying to sell their products to couples... irritating them till they either buy or shout...

Then I observed a decently dressed man... no...A Boy in his mid 20s. Going to many people... every1 turning him down... I have heard people making fool of you here in Mumbai and take money out of you... People are smarter here and probably heartless too. All they want is Money. Courtesy - Indian Hindi Movies.

Well like evry1 he came to us.

He said, "Sir".

We ignored. We acted we were very busy, as if we are discussing the Security affairs of United States.

He said "Sir, Sorry for Disturbing".
"I have something to sell you".

"We don’t want to purchase anything…" My friend said.

"Please listen to it, if you don’t like it... It’s Ok with me." He urged to us. One more‘salesman trick’. I know this. And this is not gonna work here.

"Listen? Listen to what? Cd or something? try someone else. We are very young, we don’t have
much money. Try some1 else" My friend replied.

"Sir, Pls. It’s a Poem." "Pls." He said again.

"Poem ? Poem for sale? U wrote it? Or took it from somewhere else? "

“No sir, I wrote this…”

We nodded our head… but it was certain we were not going to buy that.1

"It goes like this..." and he started his recitation... a Poem 2 page long, Handwritten, with some 10-12 paragraphs.

In school time I was a bit into writing... and my friend too was also very good in Hindi in our school time... so we took a bit of interest.

I must say, it was really good. A poem about ambition and all... well that’s not the point here…

He finished.

He has read out some 3 paragraphs with an accent of typical hindi poem recitors and with enthusiasm.
He waited for the response from us. We were silent. Didn’t know what to say? If we say it was great he’ll urge us to buy it… and seriously I did not want to spend my money on this… a poem!!! No way.

He asked "so", "Did You like It?"

"It was great... very good. But we can’t buy it.... Sorry. See, we don’t have much money left, u know." I said, as I was not sure about the investment part.

"Sir, please try. It’s Just for 12 Rs." He Urged.


I was kind of Moved and Surprised.

The Poem was good, very good in fact. and Rs. 12. It’s too Less. Today even bhel puri cost you more than that.

I saw him again. A simple shirt, tugged in, terry-cot trouser. No belt with chappals. He was not at all Cool as Youngsters are, but decent. And fairly decent looks too. Simple with self respect intact.
Requesting, but not begging.

"Why are you selling it. I mean, Go to some publisher. You'll get good money. And why Rs. 12. Get some1 who can pay you much more. This poem is worth it."

"Wats ur name?" We showed some respect for him.

"Sir, please buy this." "My name is Tushar." His voice was humble.

By now we have figured it out he’s not a salesman.

"Take 20 Rs. and dont sell it." I was kind of Moved that he was selling his Creativity in 12 rs.

He took that Rs. 20 note in his hand.

He gave me the Paper in return and insisted...

I took it...
A yellowish recycled paper in blue ink. It was the original copy.

Then I asked. "This is your first time? You sell poems!!!"

“Is it the original copy. Do you have any Xerox or not?”

“No copies sir. No copyright. It’s yours sir. Just remember me. Thank You Sir.” He smiled.

“Why do you do this?” My friend asked.

Even I was thinking the same question. Why the hell in this world one can sell his own creativity? What’s such dire need? So many questions came to my mind in a flash and I became curious.

I mean, he looked Ok. He dressed up quite decent. Shirt- pant, well combed hair. No belt or expensive clothes though, but decent. That’s all one need to look decent I guess. I mean he can manage 2 times food in Mumbai I guess.

“Sir here you are, your change 8 rupees.”
“If you are in need, keep it.” My friend uttered.

But he insisted and my friend took the change, Rs 8 to be precise.

I asked “Why? What’s such a need? And why only Rs. 12?” He could have easily ask for some more money. I don’t know how much but still Rs. 12!!!

He started.

“Sir I am from a small town, near Kanpur. I was good at writing hindi. I wrote poems and stories. People close to me liked it very much. I wanted to make it big. I asked my parents for permission to go to Bambai. They denied and I ran away and came to Mumbai.”

“Just like that!!!” We were amused. Our expression said it all.

But I have heard people run to Mumbai to become hero n heroine… Nothing new.
Stupid! Idiot! Indian films inspire people, and there are some dumb people who actually leave home for this.

“Sir, I have a dream.”
“I want to write script for a Yashraj Films.”
“I dreamt big. I know its very difficult. Still I didn’t want to give up without trying.”
“I came to Bambai. People call it CITY OF DREAMS. I too had one. So I came here.”
“I work in a machine tool shop in the day. At night I write poems and stories. And in the evening… I sell my poems. I want people to know me as a good writer. Someday some1 somewhere will mention my name to Yash Raj sir. This is my dream sir.”

“How long you have been doing this?”
“41 days sir” He replied.
“Why don’t you keep copies” my friend asked.
“Sir, I can write many more and even better. This is what I do, and this, I guess, is in my blood. Writing. I’ll keep on writing till I get to my dreams.”

Wow!!! That was seriously something. Sorry about that Idiot and stupid thing I said. I said to myself.

“Why Rs. 12?”

“Sir, it’s the local train’s ticket cost. Rs.12 for to and fro.”

“Thank You again sir.”

He walked away.

I was stunned. I have heard people living for a dream. I saw it for the first time.
Do I ever have a dream like this? Can I ever feel that passion? Wow!!!

I saw the paper again. Read that poem. It was great. Felt even better now.

Sun has cooled off by now. Only orange light lit the sky. And a cool breeze, coming from sea. I’ll always remember this evening.

I held the paper in my hand.

It was a dream for Rs. 12.