CLAIRVOYANT PERCEPTIONS

Copperman III: Revenge of the King

2010-06-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Story..coming soon... but these are the images.... you can imagine whats its gonna be about :)

Part I : http://philanthropic-cynic.blogspot.com/2007/05/copperman.html

Part II: http://philanthropic-cynic.blogspot.com/2008/11/copperman-vs-protector.html

Love By Numbers - My Saarang 09 entry

2009-01-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

Well I know I haven't blogged in a while. It doesn't mean I haven't been writing. My latest was the online creative writing for Saarang 2009. I didn't win, but I'm still pretty proud of my work, after all its been ages since I've done anything of the sort.
My entry for "Three Phase" - you are supposed to write a poem, a one act play, and a short story on the same topic. The topics were 1. Love By Numbers 2. A is A and 3. Epiphany. The topics are really quite amazing if you think about it; they give you a lot of scope for abstract thought. I chose the first topic, seemingly the easiest. Well here's my weeks work. They aren't my best, but on the watch and a topic constraint, here's what I did: (Comments and criticisms are more than welcome :) )

LOVE BY NUMBERS
The Poem

Tell me, young one, of the land from which you come,
Where is your mother? Where is your home?
Abandoned, a poisoned derelict; your tears I see,
Mar a once wishful face, jubilant and carefree.

A heap upon my arms, you lay, turning me into a scoffer.
Are you the crème de la crème that society would proffer?
Weakened limbs and a scarred soul, distrust beckoning,
The more of your kind, the numbers I’d be reckoning.

Remember the times, when humankind was at its peak,
Its downfall, a mighty fall it was; the cause of which I seek,
A ludicrous leap of faith, an enervating provocation,
Hatred and corruption in enormous magnification.

I call out to the all the people left on this ravaged planet,
To forgo their narcissistic notions, to release their gauntlet.
Fighting has only brought tears and fears in victory,
Why testify time after time that we can’t learn from history?

I urge them to love not merely their kith and kin,
But to love by numbers, all the people and all within,
To love the differences and the reasons to be alive.
For when you close your hearts, you will not survive.

*****

LOVE BY NUMBERS
The Play

Disclaimer:
The following piece is a controversial work. I apologize if any derogatory statements have indirectly been derived. I have nothing with or against you.

Cast
Narrator
Antony Rudenham
Melvin Wendorg
Nina Bellina
Silipina Mendoza
Numerologist

(Curtains open. Stage lights up. The stage remains dark except for spotlights on the characters in conversation.)

Narrator: It is evening at a particular beach at a particular city. The sun would still hover around for a few more hours before it departs. There is a bench facing the sea, on which a young man is sitting, thinking and wondering. Another man is walking briskly on the pavement, taking in the smell of the ocean, and enjoying the breeze. He passes by the man on the bench.

Antony: Melvin! It’s been so long since I last met you. Five years is it? How have you been?
Melvin: Antony! Well, to tell you the truth, I’ve been better.
Antony: Really? On the contrary, my life has been splendid. Come on tell me what’s been on your mind.
Melvin: The unpredictability of life. I cannot take it anymore. I never know why I’m doing the things I’m doing and if it has any consequences.
Antony: It’s that unpredictability that makes living life worthwhile.
Melvin: I guess you should take a seat. This might be a long story.
Antony: I have all the time in the world my friend.

(The stage goes dark. Spotlight falls on a young woman sitting on a stool at the left side of the stage. She is dressed in an attractive sparkling red dress. Melvin gets up and points towards her.)

Melvin: Silipina Mendoza. Exhibit A.

(Spotlight falls on another young woman sitting on a stool at the right side of the stage. Melvin points towards her.)

Melvin: Nina Bellina. Exhibit B.

Antony: (rises; confounded) Who are these two women?
Melvin: They were both my wives, once.
Antony: Once?
Melvin: (jestingly) Now they are each others.
Antony: (a slight grin on his face) Sorry, did I hear that right? Did you just say...
Melvin: (breaking off Antony) Yes. (pause) Or at least I think so. You see, I believe in the stars. I believe in the numbers to set my life in place. But it had brought me into a totally unheralded predicament.
The astrologer I’d met showed me towards the constellation Gemini. He said I’d have two people in my life. The numerologist told me a pick a card out of a set of random cards. The number behind it was 9. And even he said I’d have two people in my life.
Antony: (mockingly) Constellations? There are trillions of stars in the universe. Every point in the sky leads to star. You might as well draw Marilyn Monroe on the skies and write observations on which direction her skirt blows.
Melvin: l picked the number 9 fifteen times in a row! Fifteen!
Antony: Wow! Incredible coincidence!
Melvin: Of course. One would think that. I tried hard not to trust their words. Maybe it was my good fortune, or maybe not, buy they both turned out to be right. I did have two people in my life. And now, I have none.

(Silipina gets up and walks down the stage towards Melvin.)

Melvin: Silipina. It was love at first sight for me. I’d met her at a bar. Her face was clear as a sunny day. She had such a charismatic demeanour and a splendiferous native simplicity, that I instantly struck chords with her. The night I asked her hand, she was wearing a glistening red dress, her brown hair tied up in a resplendent coiffure. I remember her red dress very well. It sparkled in the lights; left me dumbfounded.
Antony: (interrupting jestingly) found yourself dumb did you?
Melvin: (continued as though he hadn’t heard the remark) I was quite capricious those days. The numbers led the way. And once we’d been talking for a while, I chanced upon the opportunity to ask her about her birth date.

Silipina: Isn’t it wonderful that we happened to come here today? The sky is crystal clear. (pointed at the sky) Look at the stars Melvin, aren’t they beautiful?
Melvin: They sure are. It’s impossible to count all of them, I suppose. I believe that destiny is shaped by them. I mean, look at them, wide-eyed, watching our every move.
Silipina: Melvin, they are just stars. The Universe’s endowment to brighten a dark night. Stop wondering about all the things that they could be. You lose sight of the simple essence in their presence.
Melvin: True. But all I can do when I see them is wonder. Do you believe in fate, Silipina?
Silipina: I believe in serendipity. It’s not that our future is written down, we just chance upon the future that’d keep us going. It’s really up to us to write our own future.
Melvin: When is your birth date?
Silipina: November seventeenth.
Melvin: The year?
Silipina: 1979. Why?
Melvin: (muttering to himself, adding up the numbers, 1+1+1+7+1+9+7+9 = 36 = 3 + 6 = 9!!)
Silipina: Melvin?
Melvin: Oh sorry! Silipina, I’ve wanted to ask you for a long time now. Today, beneath the starry skies, I see your eyes, and I know that I want to look into those eyes forever. (He bends down on one knee and takes her right hand). Will you take my hand in marriage?
Silipina: (enthusiastically) Oh! You are the sweetest. Yes. YES! I will marry you.

Melvin: It was a grand wedding. We lived happily together for two years. I was still wondering if the numerologist I’d met was right; I’d have two women in my life, he’d said. She’d caught me one day asking the date of birth of another woman. Our relationship ended there.
(Silipina makes a melodramatic gesture, and flees)
Antony: You didn’t! Were you out of you damned mind Melvin? I thought you said happily married! Oh my! I’m really beginning to enjoy this story.

(Melvin continues)
(Nina gets up and walks down the stages towards Melvin.)

Melvin: One fine morning, I was taking a stroll, when I saw this woman. (reciting as if he was reliving the moment) Her skirt, a vibrant mix of carmine and ochre matching the autumn around us, danced in the wind, and her shawl rolled seductively behind her, as she walked towards me. Her black hair, flowed as graciously as her walk, its soft curls whispering subtle secrets, entrancing the air around her, as it did me. Her eyes, the colour of caramel, intoxicated me and her impeccable smile left me delirious. She was carrying a little basket of fruits. She was Nina.

Nina: Excuse me sir. You look so perplexed. It is the beauty of autumn isn’t it?
Melvin: Yes, I’m sure that’s what it is. Hi! I’m Melvin Wendorg. I haven’t seen you around here. I take a stroll here every morning.
Nina: I’m Nina. Nina Bellina. It’s a pleasure to meet you sir.
Melvin: The pleasure is mine, Nina.
Nina: I come from the North Country, bad business this time of year. Would you like to buy some apples?
Melvin: Sure, (searching around his pockets for his wallet) How much are they?
Nina: A dollar fifty a piece sir.
Melvin: Pretty expensive, I must say.
Nina: Just not the season sir.
(She hands him 2 apples)
Melvin: By the bye, what’s your date of birth?
Nina: My, my. Sir, is that really a question to ask a lady? (laughs)
Melvin: I’m so sorry. I did not mean to be so direct. Pardon me madam.
Nina: (looks at Melvin for a while, clearly flummoxed) If you must know sir, eleventh of the fifth month, nineteen eighty two.
Melvin: (muttering to himself as he added up the numbers)
Nina: Sir? Sir, are you alright?
Melvin: (shouts) Nine! (Coming back to his so called senses) oh! I’m sorry. Nina, I can see you are an unmarried woman. You are almost at your prime. A pretty woman such as you shouldn’t remain unmarried for long. I ask for your hand in marriage. (He bends down on one knee and takes Nina’s hand).
Nina: (frightened) Sir, this is out of the blue! You do not even know me. And I don’t know who you are. Right now, you are really scaring the bejesus out of me. What makes you so sure about me, Mr. Impulsive?
Melvin: (laughs) It’s already been written. It’s in the numbers.
Nina: Sorry? Sir, I really need to go. (She turns around and runs).

Antony: (claps thrice mockingly) Very romantic I must say.
Melvin: Oh but she did come back. The next day she was waiting for me. She came up to me and said that she accepted my proposal. I do not know what changed her mind. But she was fickle minded, I tell you.
Antony: Fickle-minded? Her? (laughs)
Melvin: It didn’t last.
Antony: You were surprised? (laughs) Classic conflict twixt sentiments distinct, my friend.
Melvin: Well, one day, Nina and I chanced upon my ex-wife.
(Nina stands with Melvin. Silipina, in a more regular attire, walks towards them)

Silipina: Found another one did you Melvin? You seem to be quite adept at this sort of thing. What are her numbers?
Melvin: Nina, come let’s go.
Nina: Wait, who is this woman?
Silipina: Silipina Mendoza, your husband’s ex-wife. It is a pleasure to meet you Nina.
Nina: Really? Melvin’s never talked about you. I know he was divorced, yes, but he would always evade the topic every time it comes up.
Silipina: You must certainly come with me then.
Melvin: (angry) What is this? This is absolute madness. Nina and I are living a happy life now, thank you.

(Silipina wasn’t listening. She had pulled Nina along with her, and they were busily chatting. Melvin, throws his arms in the air, and walks back to the bench)

Antony: (in a teasing tone) I’m sorry Melvin. I didn’t see that coming. Even though you married this woman in a most peculiar turn of events, at least you were happy with her.
Melvin: A week later, she, Nina, comes up to me with divorce papers in her hand. She tells me directly, that she’d met someone else. I did not want to ask any questions. I gave her what she wanted. Now, here we are.

Narrator: The sun is setting. The sky is a dull orange. An old man is walking on the pavement. He holds a wooden stick on his left hand and set of cards on his right. He is a numerologist.
Numerologist: My, would any of you young men want their future to be shown to them?
Antony: No, please don’t disturb us.

(The numerologist walks away, indifferent)

Melvin: (calls out) ... wait a minute.
Numerologist: (a twinkle in his eye) Yes sir. Do you want see what the numbers hold for you?
Antony: Melvin? What are you doing? You just told me how much this had affected your life.
Melvin: Sometimes, you’ve just got to see for yourself, if what you believe in is really true.
Numerologist: He is right you know, sir?
Antony: I did not ask for your opinion. (towards Melvin) Do as you wish. I’m afraid I can’t convince a man with such strong beliefs. What next? The Earth is really flat?
Numerologist: Here in my hand are a set of cards. Each has a number behind them.
Melvin: I know how this works. (He picks up a card and places it face down on the bench)
Numerologist: I see you are a man of faith. Turn the card over and show me, and I will show you your destiny.

(The stage goes dark. A spotlight falls on Melvin .)

Antony: Let me ask you, would you trust the numbers more than the people around you?

Narrator: Melvin closes his eyes and thinks hard. He slowly turns the card over and looks at it. The card is blank.

(Melvin looks up. The stage lights up. Antony and the numerologist are nowhere to be seen.)

Melvin: Guess I’ll be writing my own destiny this time.

(Curtains close.)

*****

The End

LOVE BY NUMBERS
The Short Story

Music, to me, is the language of the emotions. It is the lingua franca of passion and desire, of happiness and sorrow, of hatred and fear, and of love and hope. Twelve magical notes convolved in a myriad of mesmerizing sequences beguiling the hearts of millions who lend their ears. The beats, the octaves, and the diverse instruments orchestrate a feeling of what life is meant to be.
I was fortunate to find a person who shared the same passion as me. Her name was Talitha. The only thing she couldn’t do was ‘see’.
One fine evening, after my usual practice routine, I was making my way out from the band room on the terrace. The sky was a naive blue without a cloud in sight and a slight breeze kept the atmosphere lucid. I heard a faint voice, singing. Impressed, I moved towards it. That was when I first saw her. Her back was turned towards me. The dark blue shawl of her salwaar contrasted the sky, as it danced in the breeze, along with her satiny black hair. She was singing to the wind.
I quickly ran back to the band room and brought out my acoustic guitar. Catching her melody, I strummed the chords behind her. She was startled at first, but continued singing without turning around. Probably she wanted to amuse me and my pertinacity.
“Who is this?” she asked after she finished her song.
I kept strumming a vague tune. I wanted her to turn towards me, but she didn’t.
“You play beautifully”, she said.
“You sing beautifully”, I replied.
“Why, thank you!” she turned around and smiled. The first time I saw her smile; it took my breath away. She was wearing round black sunglasses, and I felt that behind those were the most amazing eyes a person could be endowed with.
I remember that day very well. She sang and I played through the evening, till the sky turned pink and orange. I never knew at that point of time that she couldn’t revel in the colours of nature as I did.
Over the next few days, we met everyday on the terrace. We sang, we danced and talked through the night. Talitha had lost her eyesight at the age of three in a gas explosion. She was a smart girl, however, and she learnt quickly how to live with and overcome her disability. All she remembered from the world of sight were hazy memories of her parent’s faces. She got along with life just fine. Her prime quality was that she refused to give up, and one day wished to make it big and maybe even secure the means the regain her eyesight.
As time went by, we grew closer. We shared our memories, our happiness, and our sorrow. I followed her home every night just to make sure she got there safe because she wouldn’t let me come along with her. Best of all, we made music together, and that was what kept us eternally bound.
I taught her how to play the guitar. Her lissom fingers found it hard to press the strings initially, but like I said, she learnt quickly. She wasn’t able to grasp the notes of the music readily, so I taught her the numbers and the tabs.
“This is such an amazing instrument!”
“It really is. Every time I play it, I feel as if I’ve lost a part of me in it.”
Soon we were writing our own tunes and she came up with the most beautiful lyrics. I was in love, and so was she and every thing was perfect.
Everything was perfect till I received the letter from the Army. I was to be drafted. I did not have a choice and I had to leave for at least two years. I told her that I would be safe and I would come home soon, but she knew as well as I did that the truth to that statement was as much as a tear drop in a flood of grief. I kissed her for the first time, and I left.

******

For three years, I didn’t hear from Rohit. My life became weary and hebetudinous. All I had was hope, that some day he would walk in, and I could hear his voice again, and feel his breath, and that our music would live on. Hope is a lie.
On one particular day, the atmosphere felt more oppressive than usual. I heard a set of three coarse knocks on the door. Apprehensive, I slowly walked towards the door, and called out.
“Who is this? What do you want?”
A deep, rough voice replied “Ms. Talitha. Ma’m I’m from the Army,” he paused, “I’m afraid I have some bad news. Rohit...”
He didn’t have to say anymore. My world was already spinning. After all these years, I feared this moment would come, I refused to believe it. Rohit, who taught me how to see a life beyond myself, who taught me the meaning of love, the only person I’d ever wanted to see...
“He has left a package for you,” the man outside continued, “he wished that it would reach you under any circumstance.”
“A package?”
I braved my tears and opened the door. I stumbled as I picked up the package from the man. It was a bit heavy.
“I’m deeply sorry for your loss. He was a good man and a courageous man. He loved you very much.”
I didn’t say anything. I was transfixed. And after a while, I heard his footsteps die as he walked away. Hasn’t he seen a blind woman’s tears? I went back inside, and ripped open the package hastily. A set of light plates fell onto the floor. I fumbled as I picked them up and I felt my fingers all over them. The all too familiar dots; It was Braille. They were numbers written in sequences of six arranged linearly.
I was confused. “Is this a game? He sends me a bunch of numbers? A code?” I did not understand the cause for my anger; maybe it was out of fear of acceptance.
Right then, I remembered all the times we’d spent together. I remembered the music. I pulled out his guitar and I pressed my fingers on the strings. I felt a slight pain. I must’ve pressed too hard; I didn’t care. I felt the numbers on the plate again, located them on the fret board, and I played and I played the last song he wrote for me.

******

The End

Copperman vs The Protector

2008-11-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hey again!
I havn't blogged much this year ! College is just too much work... but now I'm back,
and this is the post that you've all been waiting for.
The sequel to Copperman!

http://philanthropic-cynic.blogspot.com/2007/05/copperman.html

Check that out before you read ahead :) just in case you've lost track of the story

I've introduced a new character in this sequel, The Protector (made of wood and cloth)
The newer props include a thick necklace and toothpicks..

COPPERMAN VS THE PROTECTOR

Copperman flew through the galaxy searching for ultimate power. When he did find it, however, it overpowered him, and he became a slave to the power. The reaction turned him evil, an unstoppable evil.

He found a silver stone on a deserted planet. It showed him that there was only one other person almost as powerful as him. If he beat him, he would rule the universe.

The Protector, the all powerful lord of the Universe was meditating peacefully.

He sensed a disturbance in the Universe, an evil disturbance.
He threw the stones of fate and tried to pinpoint the location of the menace.

He saw through the light in his mind....

Something was very wrong with the time waves... but what was it... He was missing something...

Little did he know, the evil Copperman had warped the space time and found his location. Copperman thought if he took him out by suprise, there would be no fight... and he approached The Protector from behind...

And threw his metal hands over his neck and strangled him...

His new found power was amazing... He defeated The Protector in mere seconds and reveled in his victory... but the fight was not over...

The Protector was stupefied... how could he not have sensed him !
The Protector was angry...

The stage for the battle of the Universe was set...
Copperman smiled, as he had weakened the Protector... It would be all too easy...

The Protector sprang at Copperman and unleashed his fury...

Both opponents seemed to be equal in strength...

The Protector could not lose to this evil... the whole Universe was dependent on him.
He decided to use his special powers and fired a FusionRope at Copperman.

Copperman never had seen this power before, he was flabbergasted...
and was overwhelmed quickly..

Copperman found his powers being drained... It can't be..." I was the most powerful "!

The Protector used the Destiny Spears to end the battle.
He pulled in all the Spears in the Universe together and shot at Copperman.... the final blow

Copperman never saw it coming....
and he was sparred down...

The end was near...
The Destiny Spears sucked out the rest of the evil power residing in Copperman...

"Destiny is strange", thought Copperman as the spears started to suck out his life... "I was so close"...

The reaction was so powerful that Copperman was destroyed......

The Protector had accomplished his duty
and the Universe was safe once again :)

THE END

Well I hope you liked that one !! Do leave your comments, its been long since i've heard from my readers!
I'll try to update more this coming year !

Till l8r !
Brath

Summer Rain

2008-05-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

The sky, intoxicating as the blue-eyed gypsy
Dancing, bewitched, in a psychedelic trance,
Is just as seductive, as alluring, as tipsy,
As her, when summer wields its lance.

The cherry flavoured Popsicle melts, delights,
A mouth eager to scream into the distance,
The joy that summer showers, the love it gifts,
To resuscitate the rapturous rhapsody of existence.

Within moments, the tunes change; a storm is brewing
The little girl drops her stick, and runs for cover,
Her soft curls whispering subtle secrets, enticing
the now, leaden sky, seemingly lacklustre,

From beneath the verdant foliage, she looks upon
As the sky shrieks and bellows, whistles and thunders.
Then it falls, the rain; hugging the tree, she looks on.
A chef-d’oeuvre of electric fury crossing the heavens

Drop by drop, the drizzle, and the downpours,
Creating frenzied fractals in turbulent pools,
A ghostly dance, the rain sways and shivers,
for a dreamy nocturne beguiling the merry moods,

The little girl, in awe, with the salacious sanguinity
of summer, takes a step into the watery whirlwinds,
She spreads her wings, embracing her destiny,
And flies through, disappearing into the enchanted showers.

-brath 31/5/08

Live On

2007-12-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

How did I wind up on this rocky road,
With nothing but my gritty heart?
I do not remember to what price I sold,
My dignity, my verve, my love, hence lost.

As I trod on, inexorably, intrepid to find,
A future, that seems bleak, stark,
I rediscover that buried deep in my mind,
These hopes, dreams - remnant muck.

I venture into stories untold,
I stumble upon souls battered,
I fumble for schlocky gold,
I chance upon diamonds shattered.

I have grown to ignore them,
Grown to accept things the way they are,
As they always will be. A gem,
They say, is not to be found here.

But, for that one priceless piece of wonder,
That one entrancing creation,
A demigod to whom I can surrender,
All what's left of my passion, emotion.

I'll search for eternity ...

- brath 6/12/07

im in college now

2007-08-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

hey !
u mitve all been wonderin why i havent posted lately
well news: im in college, psg tech, coimbatore
havin quite a rough time settling down... as u can see by this haphazard post.. i aint even supposed to be doin this
well classes are good and borin... and hostel life is definitly sumthin u shld try to experience...
boot camp.. remember those..!? ahh jus the same... lol.. yea well... new ways of livin and adjustin.. teaches us new things about our own selves.. nd we can do things we wuldve never even dreamed of doing otherwise... everything has its own pros and cons.. more cons here than pros... but still.. this is my apparent home for the next 4 years.. :)
hmm... now im kinda gettin late for my nxt class...
so ill try to post more updates on my seemingly uninteresting life.. as time permits..
till then chao !

Back From Mars

2007-06-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1

Icara saw herself on the polished walls of the ship. She was tall with a tanned complexion. She had deep brown hair today, with streaks of blonde and fluorescent highlights, here and there. She had tied it up in such a way it looked like she had a basket of flowers on her head. The blue jumpsuit she was wearing had been modified with extra lapels and more frizz, with some torn ends and cuts which matched the upcoming fashion.

Her face was indeed unique one, compared to rest of the members of the colony. Perfectly arched eyebrows, with striking eyes, a softly pointed nose, with broad lips, a deep fuchsia, formed her young face. The most arresting part of her visage was her eyes, a distinctive color of caramel, which had melted the hearts of many young men she studied with. They seemed to twinkle now, under the changing neons. She removed a speck on her cheeks with her fingers and smiled at herself.

A saddening thought passed through her mind. She was the last of her race, of a pure line of beings from the planet Earth. She was seventeen and was born on a private tropical isle on this planet. Before she was five, an apocalyptic war broke out, a cataclysm, which ended her up here, in this space colony. It was no ordinary war fought with guns and rockets, nor with fusion bombs and bioagents.

The League of Nations found out that the Orientals had been rising in power, swiftly and stealthily, behind their backs. They had stolen the resources after the Great Floods and obtained monopoly over the rest of the nations. The Supreme Chancellor decided to end their domination, and gave word to unleash the galaxy’s most powerful weapon, which led to the ultimate demise of life on that lonely planet.

The weapon’s existence was a mystery till it broke out of the ground. Something went wrong during its execution and a million geysers from the deep abysses of the planet, spewed out a dense deadly metallic gas around the world. These geysers reached phenomenal heights, and some fumes were even released into space. Everything and everything was vaporized in an instant. There were no broken buildings, no fired forests, no blackened oceans; indeed there was no evidence of anything that existed and ruled over the planet for countless eons. Simply said, there was nothing.

Icara had been on the planets satellite, the Moon, on a vacation with her family, when she witnessed the world’s end. As she saw, the planet looked peaceful, with lush greens and browns, and enchanting bright blues. Then, there was a golden glow, which appeared as cracks swiftly covering the globe, as if the Earth was about to hatch. In a few seconds, when the gases spilled out, the entire globe turned black, and almost seemed to vanish in the darkness of space. Only flashes of white kept shooting out. There were exactly 100 human beings on the Moon that day, and all of them stared into space, and watched the Earth disappear in front of their eyes.

Icara remembers that day clear as crystal. She witnessed her mother faint, and fall onto the dust dead. Her father hadn’t done anything; he just knelt down and wept to himself. She was only five, and had found the incidence absolutely exciting. She ran towards the horizon, trying to catch that bygone planet. She jumped up as high as she could; but she could never reach it.

That past, she couldn’t dwell on it any longer. Whenever she thought about it, she broke down in tears, as if she felt that she had played some vital part in its cause. Not today. She couldn’t risk getting her makeup undone, not on this special occasion. It was the last dance of the school year, and her date was waiting on the other side of the corridor.

“Icara, you look divinely gorgeous today”

“Aren’t I always, Cyan? However, I think the meaning of that word, divine, has been lost for ages.”

“Divine…yes, quite unfortunate, for I don’t think there is any other better word to describe you.”

She smiled, “That’s sweet of you Cyan. Thank you.” She kissed him on his cheek. “Well I guess we better hurry up, I think the dance must have started by now. I don’t want to miss my dad’s speech either. Come on.”

They entered the Observatory Dome. It was at the most extreme part of the spaceship, consisting of a huge 5 storey fiber dome, which was clear to the outside vacuum. It offered a breathtaking view of the starry space, every line of sight leading to a star. More than half the inhabitants had a lucky star of their own, which they came to see everyday. The largest reflecting telescope in the galaxy was centered beneath the dome, boasting a whopping 25 meter diameter. The rest of the enormous place was used to host the various functions of the community.

“It’s brilliantly decorated! Magnificent!” exclaimed Icara. Indeed, being the last dance for the senior students, every detail was carefully attended to. The theme this season was Earth’s Elegance. There were wall posters of some of the greatest accomplishments of human existence. There were pictures of tetrahedral structures made of stone, a brilliant marble construction, iron structures, statues and memorials.

The replica of the Oriental Orgy Complex was impressive and was made more dramatic with the lighting. The Complex was the largest enclosed single city, a place called Dcomsistai. The Great Floods were devastating floods caused by melting of the ice sheets from the opposite sides of the planet. The people indeed believed that they caused it, but it’s now been proven that it was a natural climatic phenomenon of Earth. To protect the Oriental’s capital, they decided to harbor the city in its own casket, and subsequently built this Complex. It was made entirely of a diamond modification, all harvested from the Sun’s interior. The Sun, thought to be a gaseous hot ball of gases did in fact have a solid core, a core of diamond. Initially, a special probe made of exofrincium, which managed to bear the heat of the Sun, formed a gaseous tunnel through which the diamonds were extracted. The city literally did sparkle.

There was a virtual model of the Earth at the far end of the hall. It was a multicolor laser hologram, which enabled the viewers to see any place on the planet, before its destruction, with considerable resolution.

“Cyan! Cyan!” Icara tugged on his shoulder, “Let’s go see that,” she pointed enthusiastically. “I’ll show you the private isle where I was brought up.”

“Yea, I’d love to see it.”

She went up to the console, and pressed a few buttons. The hologram surrounded her, and teleported her to her birthplace. The sands were as white as ivory and the sea, an entrancing beguilingly blue shade. A small exotic hut was perched on the shoreline, with a metallic bridge, leading towards the forests. She tried to feel the sand, but her hand just passed through the hologram. She knelt down and closed her eyes.

“Hey, come on! Let’s do something else,” Cyan put his arm around her shoulder for support. “Where we’re going for the initiation, I’m sure it’d be something like this, and you can play in all the soft sands.”

“It’s wouldn’t be the same,” Icara replied, “It will never be the same.”

Marcus Kingsley, walked up the stairs to the stage. He was acknowledged by a thunderous applause from the crowd below. A position he had achieved for himself was no doubt a scintillating affair. People believed every word he said, as he held the highest authority in the Galaxy. In an immaculate black suit, he had a handsome and noble appearance as any formidable politician. He was made larger–than–life by a giant screen behind him, which focused on his seemingly veracious visage.

“Welcome, welcome, my friends, my fellow inspirers, my future trailblazers. I invite you to this grand ceremony of induction of our first batch of prodigious young aspirants. I feel it was just yesterday, that these students joined the training school, and now they are to be inducted as an integral member of our galaxy. This day is even more special to me, as my daughter, Icara, is part of this batch.”

He smiled at her, where she sat in the front row with Cyan. She grinned back. “It has been very difficult for these students. A hardening effect nevertheless needs to be instilled in our young men and women, if they are to take over the galaxy in the coming years. They have flown the fighter pods, have had physical defense training, and have played innumerable games of Shock-tag. I am to understand, that they know the rules of the society and that of the galaxy. They should be knowing at least eighteen of the conversing languages, the proper use of their special powers and of course, the dangers of faith. Tomorrow, each one of you is to be sent to your allotted planets for your Initiation…...”

Icara fell onto her bed. She loved the texture of the covers, cool and almost soothing in fact. It was 0:05 by her watch, and she had a big day tomorrow. This place had been her home for more than a decade. Her new destination seemed scary, but she knew she’d have her friends with her. Anxiousness made her weep, but at times like these, she did what she loved; she sang. Slowly the sleep overtook her and she smiled; somewhere in the back of her head she remembered "...smiling in sleep relaxes the mind, calms emotions and induces restful sleep."

Copperman !

2007-05-26T10:09:00.001-07:00

What do you get when you have a really long piece of bare copper wire, a torch, a digicam, picasa, and are utterly jobless?

You get COPPERMAN !!! Copperman soars through the galaxy to meet the all powerful Torch Lord who makes Copperman the strongest in the universe...

The all powerful Copperman is selfish, all he wants his more power and so goes on a mission to gain more power,

Before embarkin on this dangerous mission, Copperman took a day off to meet his friends Brad Pitt, and George Clooney.He finally finds what he was looking for,

Or was it too easy?!

To be continued........

happy birthday to me

2007-05-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

wow ive completed one year in this cyber world!

Meer & Naeem in : My Girl... My Dusty Trophy?

2007-04-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

MEER: so why have you called me to the beach on this sultry day?
NAEEM: I was just looking at the ocean. Breathtaking isn’t it. I have come here so many times, but haven’t taken the time to actually look and feel its power. That’s a huge amount of water right there.
MEER: Indeed, come to the point my friend.
NAEEM: I need to ask a small favor of you.
MEER: Oh I should’ve known,
NAEEM: Thinking of the future is fun, but it won’t take us anywhere.
MEER: What are you coming too?
NAEEM: You know what the funny thing is...
MEER: What?
NAEEM: Well, I find it amusing that when I ask Melissa out tomorrow, if she does by any chance say yes, I would like change my mind the next moment. So why am I asking her out in the first place?
MEER: I know! You’re just screwed. Ha! Then you’re just chasing an idea that you already rejected or you’re just some one who always wants what he can’t have! And the funny thing about those people is that once they actually get it they don’t really want it anymore.
NAEEM: Maybe a sense of achievement, something like that?
MEER: Ya maybe Melissa is like a trophy and you just really want that trophy, hold it once and then it’d probably gather dusts in the shelves… so you’d rather not keep it.
NAEEM: It’d just be there reminding you of happy memories.
MEER: So it wouldn’t matter, you just want to lift it once… that’s about it.
NAEEM: Probably.
MEER: Unless you actually want to cherish it… then you want to keep it… that’s a whole different story… that’s relationship. The point here is Melissa won’t go with you, even if you do ask, so don’t bother! (Laughs)
NAEEM: (smiles) that’s where you can help me. Melissa is your close friend isn’t she?
How about being a sport… and try to get me the satisfaction of holding the trophy for a second?
MEER: Come again?!
NAEEM: You know what I mean! Make her say yes tomorrow!
MEER: Are you asking me to convince another person to go out with you just for like a moment?
NAEEM: Hey, let me just polish it… it’d shine more!
MEER: Oh my God! I don’t know what I’m getting into. You’re going to owe me. A lot.
NAEEM: Sure, sure…………

Thanks to Dhananjai for the ideas and Hrushita for the names... ...

Sophie Serafino

2007-04-11T01:40:00.000-07:00

... a funny feeling

2007-03-24T02:01:00.000-07:00

(click to enlarge... or ask for highest resolution to your inbox)

Alright let’s get one little thing clear. Yea, my fellow 12th graders, we are done with school. Okay, fine. What’s the big deal? The big deal is well we ain’t going to school no more. Come on! hasn’t it sunk in yet? Usually during our summer vacations, we totally miss school, and yearn for the first day. (of course when we are in school, we yearn for the holidays… that’s a different story). Well we can’t do that anymore!

Great! College here we come… yippidideedaa… you think that it’s going to be just the same. Maybe you might have your same friends, of course you can make new ones. You can start a new life. You know you’re just one step closer to making your dreams come true.

But one night, when you’re all cuddled up in your four poster in that small lonely dorm… you come to wonder, why you got that funny feeling inside. That feeling that squirms through your past, haunting you, taunting you. Its not that your past is horrid, but that you just miss it so much, and you know that you can’t live it again. Ever.

I always believed school had nothing to do with studies, truly speaking. Maybe a tiny incy wincy part of it… but nothing more. Studies, anyone can do it at home, by themselves with a little guidance, (if they want to). School is much more than that. It is about living together, knowing your peers, it’s a social institution. Your parents can’t teach you everything. Learning is done through exposure and experience. How can you learn more than with your friends…? (and your enemies/rivals too). It’s a certain truth, and that’s just the way it is.

What I am now, at least the major part of me, is what you’ve made. My thoughts and ideas revolved around you guys the past few years. Always trying harder to better myself, and better you. Grown together, literally lived together, you’re more family than even my first cousins that I rarely see.

As adolescents, biologically the most turbulent phase of life, we have survived. Our emotions have gone haywire once in a while, but we fixed them. Our ideas went wild, we let them run free. Our passions grew stronger, we made ourselves a bigger world. We discovered our talents, we formed our dreams.

It is sad that the exams took over our life the past few months. Since we are done, we realize we actually know only 10% of what we were supposed to learn. I blame it on the system and the methodology… for the moment, there is nothing any of us can do about it. Lets forget those grueling months.

Luckily I enjoyed every other moment, I guess I’m not going to miss anything much. But it’d sure be fun if I could live it again.

Remember school, the lunch periods, the hogging, the dances, the games, the ragging, the mokkays, the banging, basketball, football, the absolutely-doing-nothing-though-everything, teachers day (more like students fashions day :P), singing ‘heal the world’, standing in assembly, shouting commands (for you leaders), dating, learning about love and sex (and actually believing that you know about it), amusing scandals, gossip, getting caught by princy, CCA periods (though not many), > > >

The interculturals, where we met up with new people from our rival schools, awesome time competing for the top prizes, for the overall bests. I remember the street theatre, we had 10 days to come up with something dazzling, the 8 of us spent time chatting, pizza, terrace talks, and blah. In the end, on the day of the culturals, we made up an on the spot skit on some saving prostitutes, wasn’t as good as expected. At least we made the crowd laugh! > > >
Remember the birthday parties, booking entire theaters, spencer cruising, delicious food, > > >

Remember the trips to the north, the train journeys, the heat, the orange robes, the Rajasthan sand surfing, dancing in the rain, games of Mafia, exotic locations, picturesque valleys, snow fights, the sparkling rivers, rafting, fantastic cultures, > > >

Well one thing we didn’t have, is the prom - something that our counterparts in other nations, so excitedly look forward to. Beyond all that, I guess it was a quite a perfect year!

Well my batch of 2007, my seniors, my juniors, those positions are going to stick with us. I’m sure we will smile at each other when we walk past on the streets, some ten years from now. I know, and you know, that’s all there is to it. Those funny feelings are going to stay for a long time to come. Let’s be happy that it is at least ‘funny’.

The first collage I brought up became popular overnight, and many of my friends have loved the technique and have come with their own collections. . . and google keeps on rocking.
This time, I’ve brought out another collage, this one capturing like 200 moments. But even that number is virtually insignificant compared to the real number out there. I hope you liked it.

If you have any fun experiences that you’d like to share, the best times you had with me/with your friends this year, comment away, I’d love to hear it. These are unforgettable moments, I know, and you know, that’s all there is to it. :)

racecar

2007-03-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Here the next sixty seconds were to determine his life. He saw his speedometer, the red needle just about touching 280 mph, but never quite reaching it. He must win this race, it might be his last, but he was racing for his something more.

He steered through the tunnel. He veered past his only opponent. Why, he thought, why had he slowed down, something must have gone wrong.

In a moments flash, he saw what was ahead. He smashed down on the brakes, a bit too fast. The car swiveled, burning its tires on the track, leaving a dark trail as it skidded past. It toppled over, the whole massive car, over and up almost a feet above the ground. Its whole body spun as it crashed into the ground, its lights bursting, the glass shattering, raining its shards over the burnt track, the metal crumpled and molded by the heat within, rolling like an avalanche, leaving bits and pieces behind. It hit the concrete side-stand and came to a crashing stop.

The gasoline was pouring out, and was slithering its way down, ever expanding. As it reflected the sky in rainbow rings, another liquid flowed into it, darkening the rings. The liquid had a slight reddish tinge to it as it overpowered the petrol. The picture frame, holding his lovely family along with his prized golden retriever, slowly slid out of the wreckage and clanged onto the pavement, and scratched a little spark.

libretto.

2007-03-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

if. strawberry. music. eloquence. fountain. skyscrapers. ice. sand. diamonds. dusty. literature. guitar. sun. love. emotion. burn. gun. cars. dance. happiness. resolution. trees. macaw. melody. nightingale. rose. aquamarine. invisibility. letters. violin. nostalgia. ecstasy. apathy. jinx. bugaboo. grenadine. clairvoyance. surreal. stars. salty. inspiring. cryptic. delicious. yummy. obsequious. flattery. remember. discover. eyes. drunk. canyon. parrot. bliss. lullaby. sophisticated. renaissance. cute. cozy. butterfly. galaxy. hilarious. moment. extravaganza. sentiment. cosmopolitan. bubble. pumpkin. infinite. conifers. brilliance. baby. abstract. creative. sublime. magic. idea. mimic. chill. vivacious. phosphor. abutilon. accent. nylon. France. verve. mother. passion. eternity. fantastic. freedom. email. tranquility. desire. anger. rocket. peace. water. blossom. sunshine. sweetheart. cherish. gorgeous. junipers. enthusiasm. romance. jasmine. hope. grace. rainbow. blue. sunflower. twinkle. serendipity. expressionism. lollipop. litchi. giggle. paradox. peek-a-boo. gothic. smashing. evanescent. whoops. loquacious. smithereens. flip-flop. gazebo. zing. curves. rave. smile. lovely.

Can't say :)

2007-03-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Who are you?
Where are you?
Let me know a little more
You’ve found yourself in me
And I in you,
Though neither spoken nor met
How did you make it in?
How did I make it in?
Stay awhile, do let go,
Don’t forget your scarf,
It’s cold outside.
I have my coat on.

A bitta healthy blabber aint bad!!

2007-03-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

Then the rainstorm came over me...

Some of us know where we’re heading. We make predictions of our future jobs, incomes, interests, even our spouse, and how many kids we might have. Some of us don’t. We have no clue to where or what we’re going to do the next second. Taking life as it comes, they call it. Is that a good thing? Did I miss out somewhere, where was I when they had that conference entitling me to my future? Is there another session anywhere I can go? It’s as though I’m in the dark.
To actually realize that I haven’t made any life deciding decisions in the past 16 years of my life is quite appalling. I wasted time being a kid. Now that last sentence didn’t sound right “wasted time” I don’t think so!
So basically I’m stuck with decisions… what course should I major in… and in which college do I do that… am I even worth to get into that college. Everyone wants money these days, rather than want, it is a requisite, you gotta have money, if you want to go anywhere. So pick a job that makes money. Those money making ones aren’t interesting, quite the opposite actually… the only respite of course is the money. I’m afraid there aren’t any roads left for me…. Ha to think I’d say that!
Decisions can be made in an instant… those instantaneous ones, where you don’t think about them, make them at the spur of the moment, is what has brought me here today. Now thinking about a decision and making one that determines the rest of your life…. and also one that is quite plausible well, quite absurd in the truest sense. Hey I wanna rule the world, now everyone can’t do that!
Ha I’m just going to stick to living life as it comes. Everyday is definitely a new blank shining page just waiting to be filled. Decisions really don’t matter to me… I really don’t care if that’s gonna lead me nowhere! It’s all perspective. You see or you don’t.If the past 16 years of my life has been so wonderful! There are high enough chances that my next 16 would probably be even better coz that’s just the sorta guy I am… the one who makes life wonderful! This shilly shallying is definitely a bore!
The future will always remain the future, and no matter what you try you’ll never reach it, cause every second you move on, it too moves on that second. Feeling new every moment, I like it. I might not show it that well, but it totally does feel awesome.
I end with these lines from Seal’s ‘Love’s Divine’,

Then the rainstorm came over me
And I felt my spirit break
I had lost all of my belief you see
And realize my mistake
But time through a prayer to me
And all around me became still

Through the rainstorm came sanctuary
And I felt my spirit fly
I had found all of my reality
I realize what it takes

Well I try to say there's nothing wrong
But inside I felt me lying all alone
But the message here was plain to see
Believe me…

I need love, love's divine
Please forgive me now
I see that I've been blind
Give me love, loves is what I need to help me
know my name
:)

Vanessa Mae - Rock Violinist

2007-03-06T23:15:00.000-08:00

THE DEVIL'S THRILL

DESTINY

CLASSICAL GAS

CONTRADANZA

STORM

GOING BLUUE!!

2007-03-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

hmm.... well do I have to explain? see for urself...
this blog is goin bluue!!?

Blankness

2007-02-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

I love winter. I love the snow; I love white landscapes, and sparkling mountains. Anything forestry or rocky in winter, I find totally repelling. The whitest of white white is what’s most entrancing. The most luxurious color, the purest, most vibrant, an angelic banquet!

Well white is good, yes, but not when it’s this blank sheet of paper minutes before the exam gets over!! Yes indeed, that white gives shivers up my spine. At that point your mind goes blank as well, and simple things like the meaning of a ball and socket joint, or the how to goddamn test for chloride. Stuff like that doesn’t happen to me often… rather never, but suddenly, just towards the end of my bio board practical x-mas (spelt to add some beauty to xams : P)…arrgh !!!

Truly I found my worthy adversary, Blankness. The only foe which can bring me down. It’s not that you haven’t learnt anything, but this Blankness just shrouds a misty white veil around you, such that you know nothing, not even the sum of two fifties!

Alas, on that fateful day, I was stuck and I bet you couldn’t guess who would come to my rescue! It was none other than Music! Yes Music, in the form of Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten … the words just popped into my head and I started singing to myself, singing away to fanatical exaltation (I think I was a tad bit insane at that point)…

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten...

And would you believe me if I say that those words, brought me back?!! I remembered as much as I had learnt and I finished the paper on the mark. Music has its own charms, I guess! And now I’m a Believer!

Lessee if I can make a lil advice here… next time you get stuck on your maths or physics paper or whatever… think of your favorite tune and start singing, in seconds, (hopefully) you’d remember what you were doing! (although I wish you not quote me on this :P )

Justin Timberlake's Future Sex Love Sounds

2007-02-10T02:58:00.000-08:00

Maestros!

2007-02-09T19:14:00.000-08:00

Sviatoslav Richter was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. Check him out

and now a 6 year old kid...!! Richter's reincarnation?!! ;)

Brilliant I say!! Brilliant!

To All Of You

2007-01-31T06:50:00.000-08:00

(click on pic to enlarge)

Chinmaya Vidyalaya was a place unlike other, cozza all you guys for making it one of the best four years of my life... This is to you...

Its wasn't easy being an alien to this country in the beginning. Then I met you ppl.... what a quirky, eccentric, carefree, talented, wacky, artistic, fun-loving, daring, crazy, mischevious, jumpy, blabby, jueey ;) (..... ooh i can't stop!) bunch of oddballs!! :)

Indeed studying, working, competing, playing, travelling, eating, blabbering, ..... with you guyz... aah...had a certain charm of its own... and kept that smile on my face always,
These are damn sweet memories which i shall cherish forever along with you!

Hope to stay the same as always!!!

Love ya guyzz!!!!

MTV Movie Awards - Matrix Reloaded Parody

2007-01-27T22:35:00.001-08:00

Day Dreamer

2007-01-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

Oh, those piercing caramel eyes, that takes you now, from the Pacific canyons to the heights of Everest. You are swimming continuously in its rays, trying to bear the blizzard it lashes out every other second. It’s unwavering glances, striking you ever steadily, paralyzing you at the spot. A gaze that transfixes you in time… you don’t, you can’t even blink your eyes. Time is gone...

Snap! Snap! Comes the sound of two quick fingers, “Snap out of it!!”… Turn around, don’t bother…. It’s not even worth that much.

Oh yes it is, yes it is for those sweet caramel eyes.

Forget about them, you’re never gonna taste them.

Maybe so, but I just can’t resist them…it’s as addictive as chocolate.

Oh yeah?

Oh yeah…

It’s still addictive…. and addiction to anything is not good…. so wake up!... Can’t you see you are playing a losing game?...

I knew I’d lost already before starting.

Uh?...

More fun lies in at least trying to capture what you can’t rather than actually capturing something that you can.

You’ll get nothing that way

No…you do get more out if it than anything else…

I don’t understand…

It’s better that you don’t…

I see… so you are the least bit bothered about the answer then…

I already know the answer

What are you going to do?....

Snap!! Snap!!
Blink… Blink… “Hey!, I’m holding a party at my place this afternoon. I’d love it if you could make it... really? That’d be awesome!.. See you there!”
God no!! don’t smile!!... don’t…. There it is, the smile, the only thing more addictive than the eyes. She walks away… you’re transfixed… …

Snap!! Snap!!... Man! Just die….just do it!

You walk up to the wastepaper bin, tear up the enveloped letter that was behind your back all along, and watch it fall… fall into darkness. The letter itself was blank.

DragonBall Z - Comes Alive!!!

2007-01-14T00:24:00.000-08:00

hey! chek this video out!!
This is for all you Dragonball Z fans!
DBZ is one the best and fastest episodes of anime history...
and i dont think it ever gonna lose its charm!
Now, well bringing this anime to life... tht's a differnt story!
but this here, low budget short film, gives you a primitive glimpse of this new genre!!! Enjoy!!

2007! Off To A Grand Start

2007-01-04T04:57:00.000-08:00

Right! Here we are! Well, this afternoon, Hrushita (quite a jumpy carefree girl of my school) was like “Barath! Why does your blog have to be all serious and stuff?” … and I was at first surprised. “You know you should just basically blabber… people like to read blabber!”. Initially confounded, I did agree in the end… people did like to blabber! So give me a break here, as I blabber to you my new year adventure. Pardon any deviation from the blabberation grammer, I do it best on my exams though!

So 2007 is finally here!...and I’m like “Whoohoo… another goddamn year!”, as if any year is gonna make a big difference. Apparently this one is!… the “Board” exams as they call it, makes every 12th grade student wince and cringe. Two more months left to go… and I’m like blank? (well it sure feels like it!)… Oh! And more unfortunate, I’m leaving school!! …so I thought what’s the use of celebration anyway!....

Finally, I guess I did celebrate!>.. in quite a different manner this year.. I went to JavaGreen, a simple café with more than just coffee. About six months back, I’d written a post on my friends Priya and Arun who made their first steps to stardom as they sang and played modest songs. Well this time they were back and better with a whole new avatar… their band Dhwani! with guest appearance drummer Paul!

They had quite fun in carnatic fusion, and had the audience in rapture as they caressed them in melody. Priya, as usual, wonderful singer… (hey! she love's to do it, so she does it good), sang beautiful pieces of english and hindi. I had gone there with Bhargavi, another 'singing sensation', and she and Priya had the crowd clapping their lungs out. Arun, once again totally sexy on the guitar… had learnt quite a few new tricks with the strings! Whoa baby! And so was Paul … the beats got you pumpin!! Some guys from the audience, so damn enthusiastic… sang along, and this one guy, Benny… you gotta listen to him to believe it!

Yea, four hours go by just like that, as you just can’t stop listening to them. So yea I would totally consider this one of the best new year celebrations I’ve had so far in my life!
And well, one thing’s for sure the “Boards” needn’t stop you from having fun with your friends or doing anything you love to do … even if it is just for the heck of it!
2007.. another goddamn year … I think not!!
Happy New Year Y’all !

Carnatic Fusion:

Like Magic

2006-12-23T01:50:00.000-08:00

I had funny thought yesterday, well, it finally struck my head, that in a week, my third term was going to start... the third and final term of the school year, the final term of my school years. It was quite hard to grasp, for an emtional twist was added on.... so i decided to do what i do... write a poem about it...and voilà! I think i many would feel the same way as they reach the end of the first major part of their lives - the school days. But, its time to carry on naa.....

Twelve magical years
Have passed oh so swiftly
In a beat of a heart,
In a glimpse of a second

It started out, an upside down fairytale
Only to ripen into an epic drama,
The only unwritten Shakespearean grandeur,
The never been scored Mozart symphony.

The memories hover in the air like the hummingbird,
Sunnily relishing the sweet nectar of the last bloom
Yet, conspicuously, ever turbulent, swirling
Like the ball in the last hoop of the season.

A birth of innocence in childhood,
Molded into more tricksy behaviour,
Tremendous excitement coupled,
Zipping through the galaxy, never to stop

Brimming my mind with
Ideas, ideals, culture, and life
Carving its way to the deepest of thoughts
Strangest of emotions
Discovering a new path to tread

The second home
The place not known for the education
But the love and warmth
Cascading and drowning infinitely

The friendships that blossomed
The wings that spread
Every second enjoyed, brought
The brightest of smiles
The most beautiful people

Magical indeed they were, the reminiscence
Of the past will live on in another dimension
Revisited every once in a while
Through yearbooks, pictures, and tea-table talks

A tear drop falls, a snowflake star
Shatters like crystal, shards in all directions
Smudging the very last words,
The reflections of a past experiences

Now, the future awaits the beginning of a new epic.
The quill is set, the ink is drawn
And the now the beginning, back to innocence

And it feels like magic.

Year 7 : Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2006-12-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

Rowling Names Last Book In Potter Saga

By Reuters
Friday December 22, 11:26 AM
By Paul Majendie
LONDON (Reuters) - British author J.K. Rowling revealed on Thursday that the long-awaited seventh and final book in her wizard saga will be called "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," sparking the next phase of Pottermania.
Fans of the series that has already sold an estimated 300 million copies worldwide were kept guessing with the publication date not set -- although that did not stop one U.S. bookseller from starting to take reservations.
The intriguing and ominous title had Potter aficionados puzzling over what might happen to the bespectacled hero.
"Will a favorite character die? Could Harry himself face a grisly demise? How will it all end?" asked Sam Harrison, children's buyer at the British bookchain Waterstone's.
"But surely the question all Potter fans will want answering as soon as possible is -- when can they get their hands on a copy?"
Rowling, whose creation has turned her into one of the world's richest and most successful authors, revealed on her Web site this week "I'm now writing scenes that have been planned, in some cases, for a dozen years or even more."
"I am alternately elated and overwrought. I both want, and don't want, to finish this book (don't worry, I will)."
She said in the diary entry on her official Web site (www.jkrowling.com) that Potter had now inveigled his way into her dreams.
"For years now, people have asked me whether I ever dream that I am 'in' Harry's world," Rowling wrote. "The answer was 'no' until a few nights ago when I had an epic dream in which I was, simultaneously, Harry and the narrator."
But she gave no clues as to what will happen at the end of the upcoming book, amid speculation that some of the characters, possibly Harry himself, will die.

SciFi Challenge!

2006-12-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

$1000 for a short sci-fi story! Who wouldn’t want to put in their heads into it?!
Only thing is, these shouldn’t be short, they should be really really short! As in a sentence or two or less! And must be science fiction and must be a story with a beginning and end… or neverending?!. Writing long epics is much easier than this challenge! Well I gave it a shot with a couple of stories here. I need to choose one … and hoping your ideas will help… I don’t mind parting with some of the prize money!

Tired he fell onto the bed. He kept falling.

This galaxy is my gift to you.

Time slowed down on the ship headed for the black hole. It never stopped.

Gordy had never eaten humans before.

Start time. 0 s – nothing. BANG! 10^-43 s – everything.

He said “What the heck?!” and saved God from the Universe.

The sun went nova. It was silent.

Adam said yes. Eve said no. No one could question.

Input: Can entropy be reversed?
Output: ……...analyzing……...

“We’ve just deciphered the cosmic noise! It’s HELP?!”

Hell! Here We Come!!

2006-11-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

Once again, I found myself falling down the endless abyss which leads to that heavenly place we call Hell. Indeed sublime at first glance; those vivid crimson hues over cauldrons boiling with freshly s(k)inned mortals (the fragrant incense of burning flesh), those refreshing fountains of blood and carmine cascades, those placid black seas over borne with exultant drowning souls, those lovely trails through the charred, blistered forests, and of course the eternal abundance of the sweet absence of light and warmth. One mustn’t miss the sight of the dark hooded knights with their most splendorous sharp silver shimmering sabers who usually soar through the meadows with new batches of aspiring slaves.

Hell’s that ubiquitous, upside-down, inside-out world that everyone’s been dreaming of. Its machinery is always in a lively state of perpetual destruction in worlds beyond its own. I had this special once-in-a-lifetime rendezvous with that ever sinister Mr. Devil this time, whose external features are quite amusing; with a Snap-It-On pointy tail which comes along with the Snap-It-On pointy ears packaged especially in time for Christmas. He’s really got that appeal for the ladies as well, with his characteristic insanely gelled jet black hair… Yowza! (But you never should get on his good side as he’s quite short tempered and morphs into his more comical scary avatar and his hair makes a roller coaster twirls as it is electrified into sharp clustered pins (giving a new meaning to the term pinhead… hope he doesn’t see this!)).

Well at least I’m not the first who discovered this wondrous land and this eccentric personality. Hell’s not quite far from the present state of affairs. It would take some time for you guys to actually meet busy old Mr. Devil, but you will soon enough! (Most probably, because I hear the golden gates of heaven are rusting.) It seems only more than obvious, with the ludicrous decisions people make these days with desires to procure envy and jealousy, along with desires to hurt and kill even more prominent. I swear on Mr. Devil, such thoughts do necessarily rule our mind, and denying such fact means you are quite enthusiastic in taking the faster route to Hell. Have you never felt hatred towards anyone, (even your closest friends? Teachers? …highly possible), such that you wanted them to make them suffer the worlds most horrifying tortures… Right!…now that we’ve are on same terms… I think you would quite as much agree on my hellish notions that Hell is the place-to-be. Oh no worries! I guarantee you’d enjoy yourself there, more than where you are now!

(Just between you and me, I’m paid for this. My job is to recruit sinful, happiness-destroying, mad, insane, cynical, insignificant, fruitless, brainless, insipid, pieces of contaminated humanity, mortals like yourself to the extravagance and ecstasy of Hell)… Start changing, or Start packing! :)

EPISODE I : Where did all this rapturous rhapsody come from?

2006-11-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

Now follows a bunch of higgledy-piggledy slices of madness, ;)

I remember the days, when I was just a normal kid doing things what normal kids would do. Sitting alone at my desk, copying notes from the board, and of course the occasional flirting in between class hours. The people around me had an aim – they aspired that I would one day get into IIT or AIIMS and make life out of metal or syringes. Now that does sound a bit freaky! ‘cause I ain’t the one deciding.
I find it excessively amusing that from the marks I have chalked up over the years, my best of friends still actually mistake me for that overworked, studious, assiduous, brainy geek of a person. Indeed, if such was fact, I would be leading a multibillion dollar business by now… which apparently am not, though I really wish it be reality. That brings me back to being that normal kid I told you about.
Money, fame, wine and women, would top the list of my possessions when I’m a celebrity at Tinseltown… as would for all celebrities. Then again, I’ve been reading about philosophical madness and even written quite a few papers on “Transience of Life” (hmm.. wonder what that means?). Anyhow, creativity is my fountainhead. Since birth, I’ve constantly been trying to explore new ideas, new frontiers and such.
The statement I’d put my heart and soul into “A culture is as great as its dreams.” To make a great culture, we’ve got to dream big and you’ve got make them count. Many of you would be surprised, if I tell you that my “role model” is actually Tom Cruise. Apart from his stunning appeal, I love his almost perfect portrayal of the characters and his generosity as a person (of course, not referring to his wealth in terms of money).
The Arts are what genuinely inspire me… whether it be painting, sculpture, literature, drama, music… these are what are going to live through time… (well at least the good ones). Maybe… just maybe an extra-being would actually unearth a statue of me in the far future… I can still dream can’t I? lol…
So where did all this rapturous rhapsody come from? .... (Hmm havn't you guessed yet?;)

MORDOR

2006-10-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

This poem is for that special someone who took my heart away, and couldn't keep it, but gave it back... will it still beat as before?
This is the finale ... the inevitable sequel to Ardor, most probably the last of my poetic pursuits (lol ...yea rite!!). So once again, here's to that someone...

To face the world in shadow
To be blinded by darkness
To exist in obscurity
To forfeit hope

To drown in tears
To give in to grief
To dwindle joyousness
To cry to sleep

To lie down miserably
To wake up wretchedly
To snicker sprightly
To pride on idiocy

To thrive in ridicule
To flourish in fallacy
To renounce vehemently
To demean sentiments

To accept defeat
To despise oneself
To flicker in doubt
To appraise apathy

Love sojourn once
Remains unbearably mystifying
To come and go, oh so simply?
Never… it shall endure eternally

Sci-fi propels writer into a new world

2006-10-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

For all those, who havn't seen the papers lately... Priya, the young author of the year... though she doesnt like to write?... well in any case... she defintly deserves praise... so a toast to Priya for breaking free and doing what she feels... and doing it good! ..cheers!!
(now should follow a clang of champagne glasses...)

this is here is the article on her from Deccan Chronicle dated october 27, 2006::

That is not what I want to be,” says Priya the young writer and a class 12 student of Chinmaya Vidyalaya. Her prodigious feat saw her emerge as one of the 16 finalists selected from 1,20,000 students from over 4,000 schools across 15 cities in the contest, organised by ITC Ltd. titled ‘Classmate Young Author Contest.’

One would have thought that winning a story writing contest and the story finding its way into a book edited by none other than Ruskin Bond would have been reason enough for C. Priya to think of literary pursuits. But strangely enough, that is not what she dreamed of. “I am not a literary person, my inclination is towards singing and playing basketball,” says confident Priya. Apart from that, she also loves music and is very keen on western classics. “I like listening to John Denver and Carol King,” confides the teenager. Or perhaps, like all teenagers she wrestles with the dilemma that plagued Hamlet — to be or not to be.

The contestants were asked to choose from four topics — Chain Reaction, incognito, Clueless and Dream Factory. Priya being a science fiction aficionado, chose the first topic. The story that she penned can be likened to what transpired in the Stephen Spielberg classic ET or nearer home Koi Mil Gaya, but the similarity ends there. In Priya’s story, the protagonist is the alien and it revolves around his experience with a little boy. Like Priya, all the 16 finalists have their stories published in a book ironically titled, Stairway to Nowhere and edited by the much loved and admired writer of children’s stories, Ruskin Bond.

Humane Hearts

2006-10-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

This poem was inspired by one of the most bizzare experiences I have come across with recently. It really is wonderful to search for the hearts in people and all the more exciting to actually find them.

The spirit of humanity glides along amity,
Even when thrust to face a nobody.

An odious detestation brews frustration.
Inherency to dislike isn’t obvious.

But when log upon log crash down the stream,
One finds themselves incensed yet once more.

Deplorable acts frisk further contempt,
Further contempt frisk unsullied animosity,

Acceptance of a mistake committed
However, is far more a difficult task,
And even more, an apology to ask,

Whilst doubt remains, the heart repents,
Whilst doubt still remains, the soul cries.

To the one, whose clemency quite profound
Forgives much too easily, too casually,
Who sheds ego as simply as another’s treasure
To have any reason to flaunt his cowardice?

Or is in rather an inscrutable deeper thought -
Is he showing pusillanimity?
Or is it more like magnanimity?

Like all beliefs and trusts indeed
This too – dependent on perception
Yet again, isn’t every person human enough
To pardon a misdeed punished by guilt?

To truly be human, is to be ever on quest
Searching for the heart as heavenly as heaven.

One needn’t look far, for the spirit of humanity
Shall never sway from friendship and amity.

Enchanting Existence

2006-10-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

This here is another poem on love, this time some thought went to it... so it does have a bit of meaning if you try to understand it. The feel of poetry is always more important than the meaning behind it.

Love, classic conflict
Twixt sentiments distinct

Amusing, when one tries to deny
True affection being puerile,
By reasons of peculiar skepticism,
More than elusive mysticism,

Yet, one doesn’t know the inner feeling
Which hides far beneath every feeling

Love, pure and immaculate
Thought of as an euphoric enigma,

One doesn’t describe it,
Rather shouldn’t describe it,
For essence is lost
If one is able to decipher it

Uncertainty romances romance
Certainty revolts romance

Now and then,
Bitter as Californian cranberries
Then and now,
Sweet as Swiss strawberries

Making men lose rationality,
Rejoice in reflective spoonerisms
Succumb to sober solicitations
Crack concomitant contradictions
Tussle with tempestuous trauma
Awaken quiescent quintessence
Dissolve deific virginity
Confide confidential ineptitude

To love to be in love,
An enchanting existence indeed

Life, as a Musical

2006-10-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

Life is becoming dull, mind-numbing, monotonous, humdrum, and whatever dreary word out there you can exploit. Face it! Our world is going to hell quicker than you can say “Freaky Fruity Champagne”.

It’s raining outside, and you are looking out your window, onto that luscious green lawn of yours. Two flamboyant little robins are perched on the tree, dodging the sparkling, limpid raindrops which make a tune of their own as they strike the ground. You, in that frisky mood, feel like breaking free, you run out there and dance in the rain… you sing, you frolic, you swirl, you whirl, you twirl, till you fall flat on the wet ground. Your mom’s there at the doorway, with that unwavering, sharp piercing eyes staring at your, now limp, wet body as you walk up the stairs. That sure destroyed the moment, didn’t it?!

What would make the world a much better place is if it were like a big, extravagant musical. Think about it, life would be great if it were like a Broadway spectacular. For no apparent or explained reason, ordinary people would burst into song. Everyday people like you and I would croon our inner feelings to the world. No one would even notice our self-indulgence and lack of talent.

It would be a wonderful sight to behold young couples serenading to their quixotic tunes at the parks. A furious brawl could turn into a lively, sprightly bout of voices. A girl sobbing at the porch would soothe her soul as she hums melancholy tones. Children would sing as they cavort to school. The waiters at the restaurants pirouette as they bring the dishes to your table, and you even thank them by singing with your euphonious voice. Why not? Even the flowers shall undulate with the melody.

Surely, that would be an exhilarating life. It would bring back that spirit, that upbeat, that chutzpah that’s been sleeping inside us and would let us break free! So try it out… Life, as a musical. After all, singing is no crime!

This post has been inspired by quite impressive movies like West Side Story, Flashdance, Rent, and more recently High School Musical.

Language No Bar

2006-09-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Language gives a snub to borders in a way that is denied to any other human invention. There are no controls or checks to prevent words from crossing boundaries, there are no duties to be paid when phrases migrate from one culture to another. In the basic and simplest sense of the phrase, language is a free market. Among world languages, English has some claim to providing the freest market of them all, not only because it is compounded from a variety of sources but also because it has made itself open to linguistic influences from around the globe.

It is interesting to see how the different languages have come to be deployed in different fields. French is traditionally the language of diplomacy, of détente and démarche, but it is just as traditionally the language of sex and romance (billet doux; cinque à sept, describing the time late in the day when lovers traditionally meet). When we buy a house and sign a mortgage, let's keep in mind that the word derives from Old French mort(death) + gage (pledge).

Latin, functional and precise, provides us with many of the abbreviations we still use (e.g., i.e., etc.) as well as a number of legal terms. From Spanish come a handful of "masculine" terms like macho and cojones. At times it is difficult to avoid the feeling that an entire culture may be contained within an expression that remains tantalizingly elusive even when translated. One thinks of the sombre northern European quality of the German Weltschmerz or the way an entire (Mediterranean) quality of life seems to be embodied in the Italian dolce far niente (literally, sweet doing nothing)!!

Pathetically Exquisite

2006-09-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Annual Day was held at my school on September 8th.
A dance drama (adaptation of a poem by Rabindranath Tagore) was the highlight of the evening.
Though the play was in Bengali, (one couldn’t understand a single word of it), the impressive portrayal of the protagonist by Amrithavarshini of class XI is worth to laud. She is a passionate, expressive, and endowed dancer, and stole the audience with her magnificent performance. Bishen, as the saintly monk, gave a splendid act, as well.

After the play, the English teacher commented that it was a “pathetic play and a wonderful dance drama,” over the speakers. Wait a minute! Did she actually say pathetic? Is she expressing her acquiescence as a dreadful director?
I went to my dictionary, to recall the definition of pathetic and pitiful… well the two definitions given are on completely different arms of the galaxy.

pathetic

1. pitiful:
provoking or expressing feelings of
pity
2. contemptibly
inadequate: so inadequate as to be laughable or contemptible
(informal)

pitiful

1. arousing pity:
arousing or deserving pity or
compassion
2. arousing
contempt: arousing or deserving contempt or derision

I think, she was referring to the first definition… I think. I guess she could have used a better word…but all said and done, one can’t help but chuckle at the ironic conclusion.

The final word: The dance was amazing.
I’m sure most of you also had the wrong definition of pathetic, from the fact that there was a big controversy after the play. No denying… what did you think by just seeing the title of this post? So I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Unit Dispositions

2006-09-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

I was just browsing through my physics text the previous day, trying to imbibe some of the diminuendos and crescendos of this lackluster and insipid subject (My apologies to the ardent lovers of physics). Half awake and half asleep; perfect for my peculiar and weird thoughts to take shape. I realized that the most the units, let alone constants, used are names of the guys who put in a lot of effort and toil to make our lives miserable.

To state a few: we have the Ampere for electric current, Becquerel for radioactivity, Coulombs for charge, Faraday for capacitance, Henry for inductance, Hertz for frequency, Joules for energy, Newton for force, Ohm for resistance, Pascal for pressure, Tesla for magnetic field, Volt for voltage, Watt for power, Weber for magnetic flux, and the Kelvin, Celsius and Fahrenheit for temperature, etc. etc.

What I find incredible, is that I don’t think any other unit would satisfy the concepts in concern. Maybe we just become accustomed to their usage and it becomes second nature. Still, I think Newton is the perfect unit of force, and Joules for energy. I don’t think it’d be elegant to measure something in Johns and Jacks, but maybe in Earnests….
With more developments in the field of science, new unit measures will surely arise, and the world must have scientists with apt and apposite names to satisfy the panache and elegance of the art of assigning units. So think twice before naming your child Bob or sumthin!

THEY ARE AMONG US.... THE BIONIC ET!!!

2006-09-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

In this work of fiction, the characters, places, and events are

either the product of the author's imagination or they

are used entirely fictitiously.

This here is Priya, SPL of Chinmaya Vidyalaya.
Very nice, cute, jovial looking girl.
Ahem.... note the word... looking.

On September 6th, 2006 9:45 ISD Earth Reference, the Priya we know morphed into her true form. Many couldn't have noticed the subtle differences, but thanks to timely photography, we here at the CVSR (Space Research) have uncovered the truth. At that precise time, she must have recieved commands from the alien spaceships that have been orbiting around the once-upon-a-time planet Pluto (... which the stupid astronomers of the elite class keep mistaking for tiny planets.. go figure!) What commands you may ask... well, we humans... i think would never actually know. But one thing is for certain, this bionic extraterrestrial was on a mission that day... to conquer the humble institute of learning of Chinmaya Vidyalaya. She posed as the head of the institution the entire day... and the following picture shows you the transformation into her bionic self quite clearly, bossing out orders to her space servants (no doubt, posing as teachers as well). Can't you see that glint in her eye... a destructive laser for suree!

We certainly have underestimated the power of the ET lifeforms... Maybe Jessica Alba can act as the invisible woman in Fantastic Four.. but here we see that this alien life form literally has such powers... In the picture below, notice the hand.... She is assaulting an unsuspecting student... I dont think she was hitting him as such, because the fella was admitted in an hospital for twisted bronchioles and punctured lungs.

This is a caution to all you people! WE ARE NOT ALONE!...

BEWARE! TRUST NO ONE.....

Priya no more hiding! We know the truth!!! Your time is near, dont be suprised when you find us at your place with vapourizers!!

Thank you Atul Gupte, and Aditya Nair... your pictures have been very useful to CVSR in exposing Earths future threat.... We award you the Black Diamond for your services.

ARDOR

2006-09-07T21:05:00.001-07:00

This here is a poem that i concocted when i was almost half asleep during my physics class. I find that i get these weird inspirations when im drowsy, dont ask why... i think many of you might feel the same way. As is ovbious, this is a love poem, written to turn that someone on... well here's to you...>>

To adulate a pretty girl,
To cajole her rationale,
To elate her spirits,
To see the sparkle in her eyes,

To relish in chocolate,
To swim in ecstasy,
To dance undulant,
To desire passionately,

To surrender the soul,
To revive the psyche,
To resuscitate vivacity,
To purloin generations,

To smile, for sadness,
To taste delicious sorrow,
To feel sensuous misery,
To laud a grievance,

To sympathize,
To empathize,
To extemporize,
To lionize,

Love, an intricate multifarious
Blend of emotions
To Love…
With me, will you be?

Photooggrappphhyyy

2006-09-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well, some pictures come out quite different from what you expect.
Yesterday, there was this teachers day celebration at my school where there were these sexy dances. Being a part of it myself, i gave my cam to my friend to take the dance...
I thought I would recieve nice pics of the people in poses... but what i got were much more extraordinary multiexposures... which are really quite amazing. Just check some of em below. And Narendra can think of a career in photography!

Note: NO Part of the pics were altered in any form

SIDHBARI - MANALI 2006

2006-06-05T03:58:00.000-07:00

Here is my journal for the past 10 days, I had a hell lot of fun and i have many experiences to share with you....so pardon me for the 5000 words I have written on this post. I hope that you may relive the same journey as i have and you enjoy it just the same....Voila!!...here we go...

May 23rd

On 23rd May, 10: 30 p.m., I boarded the Tamil Nadu Express to Delhi. I bid farewell to my cousin who had come to drop me and my friends’ parents and received warm and loving hugs from other friends. I found my compartment with two of my classmates. Apart from the occasional sirens and the unremitting chug-chug of the train, that night was a peaceful one. There were only a handful of 12thers coming, and quite a few of my juniors who were eagerly awaiting their 10th board marks. I turned on my ipod, and dozed off and entered into my so-called world of tranquility; only this time it wasn’t so tranquil. The sea inside was tumult in a tempest; thoughts, ideas, apprehensions, aspirations, angst, fear, dread, desires, all intertwined - rising high above the sea level as a horrendous water twister; it was a confusion in my mind I could not decrypt. I had no clue whatsoever that by the end of this trip, that twister would never be resurrected again in me.

May 24th

I did not sleep well the whole night. I woke up every hour only to find different people sleeping in the bed in front of me – the one that was assigned to a CHYK (Chinmaya Yuva Kendra) member, who on the other hand was frolicking with his mates in another compartment. I overheard the conversation of two army men. They were speaking in a tamil slang,
“Hey how are you?”
“I’m fine, how have you been?”
“Alright”
“Where are you posted?”
“On this train, till Vishakhapatnam.”
“How is your family? I heard your daughter got married.”
“Yes, I got a letter.”
“You mean you didn’t go??!”
“I couldn’t make it, I had a job in Bangalore.”
“Oh…okay then. You better go see her as soon as you get out of this place!”
“I sure will. Just another week to go”
“See you later then”
“Bye”
I slept for another hour, feeling sorry for the man who couldn’t be at his daughters wedding. However, in his eyes I saw that he felt no regrets whatsoever; The Indian Army – his job, his family.
That morning I decided I would go to the other compartments and make new friends. I first met some CHYKs, then some of my juniors, then some college students too. We started talking, then playing. We played ten rounds Mafia continuously, and the different card games and of course, UNO. The last time I had gone to Delhi, it was unbearably hot and stuffy – like you were in Venus, not only were you burnt beneath your skin, but the humidity outside steam-fried the epidermis. This time, astonishingly, it was quite pleasant, and it even rained in Madhya Pradesh bringing the temperature down to the survivable zone. I had an apple for lunch and an orange for dinner; the stale pooris, I left for the tracks. I lied down ravenous and tired to sleep with futile attempts.
Then just at that moment, I glanced at my watch. It was 00:00. I instantly became alert, grabbed my cell and started searching my head frantically for her phone number. I cursed myself for almost forgetting my best friend’s birthday the next day and I promised myself to wish her at midnight. I found the number and dialed. No ring. I checked my cell – it was flashing two words that made me almost scream. It said – NO SIGNAL. Off all the times, it should have happened then. I was bemused. I didn’t know what to do. I just sat on my berth, my eyes fixed on the screen. At 00:02, I noticed a slight signal came up, I immediately dialed the number and I wished her. Then I slept. The storm was still raging inside my head though.

May 25th

I reached New Delhi, and refreshed myself at the Chinmaya Vidyalaya School, at Vasant Vihar. I guess, here I found my first arduous task in the trip – to find an empty bathroom. After about two hours of searching, I decided ‘What the hell?’, and went into an empty girls’ bathroom. Just seconds after I removed my shirt, a girl comes in and kicks me out, literally. Red with embarrassment and still dirty, I went out and for another hour searched for a bathroom. In the end, I did freshen up in a girls’ bathroom.
In the evening I had my lunch cum dinner at McDonalds (4 years since I last feasted at that place). I had two burgers, a coke, and the delicious fries there, at the ‘Priya complex’ near the school. I wanted to do some shopping, but I whatever interesting I could find was expensive, and for me anything that is expensive is uninteresting.
In the evening, I boarded the bus for Sidhbari. There was no AC, and no water, and it was uncomfortable…period.

May 26th

I reached Sidhbari in the morning. Sweet memories filled my mind – my previous excursions in the place. I still found it amazing. My room was right across the Samadhi of Swami Chinmayananda. I shared it with Akash, Sanjiv, and Bharadwaj, each with a different character and personality of their own.
The camp was inaugurated officially at 3: 30. We received a camp kit with some interesting books “Awakening Indians to India”, and we got those racy orange robes. The first session was the Ice Breaking session where I got to meet the 300 people congregated there from all over India (Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai) and outside India too (USA, Australia, France). The session was organized quite well. We had to make groups of 20 with people who shared our interests. We had to acquaint ourselves with as many people possible and the one who made the most received a gift (a bookmark!). Then finally, the organizers randomly chose some 20 with the help of chits and made a group out of them. I was in group 5, later on named as Parivarthan.
In the evening, I escaped into the lush and verdant landscape surrounding the Ashram. I took some of my new found friends to a stream I discovered the last trip – It was as lovely as ever. The picturesque mountains and the valley beneath were as delicious as Swiss chocolate left to melt in your mouth.
I attended the Aarti at 6 p.m. and just before it got over, it started raining. A slight drizzle for a few minutes, and then more heavily, and more and more till water solidified and pelted you down as hail – the fury of the Gods in the form of strafe.
At 7:00, the campers watched Gurudevs video, wherein Swami Chinmayananda gave his insights into the laws of causation and the meaning of God and enlightenment to evolve the self. The Culturals which were planned was canceled due to the rain (lucky for the Chennai Chyks, who had not practiced).
I took a walk around the place that night and my entire body felt serene and placid, and the tempest started to quieten down a bit.

May 27th

The first session this day was Swami Mitrananda’s talk on the Chinmaya Pledge.
He stated that power of one in society is not as much the power of society in which everyone is together. We must stand as one family. He gave us the difference between love and attachment. Love is giving up ones own self for another and forfeiting ego for virtuousness, whereas attachment yet another form of egotism. He said that courage to serve ones nation is the utmost sacrifice and we must all eliminate our materialistic and false tendencies in order for higher evolvement. I was entranced by his lecture. If anyone else had quoted the same message, I would never have bothered to listen. Swami Mitrananda had a mystique and aura that demanded deference and veneration. I was genuinely intrigued by his words and for the next hour after the session I contemplated over it at my private stream.
The next session was a workshop to develop focus, team cooperation, and patience. There was a ring with 20 strings attached to the ends. The object of the ‘game’ was to carry a basketball within the ring without dropping it, over a few obstacles to the finishing point. The goal was simple, it was the means which was difficult. The game demanded utmost concentration and focus and team work. Aishu, a 10th going girl with the maturity of that going to college, was our forerunner. We made it without dropping the ball a single time and 15 minutes before the time allotted was over. Our group came first in the event. We found out later that one group had dropped the ball a whopping 42 times and 4 groups never made it to the end. The next ‘game’ was with a half-pipe and a TT ball. The object was to get the ball to roll through the pipe which was with each person of the group and to make it fall into a cup. Silence was the key to this game, which none of us realized until the last minute. But still we made seven successful finishes.
Then the most awaited part of the camp – The Treasure Hunt. Given clues, we had to find our way around Sidhbari. This Hunt really developed close bonds between the team members in the group. We all had to work together deciphering the clues and finding the shortest route to our destination and at the same time not swaying our thoughts from the goal. The first clue led us to a Shiva temple inside a forest. The trek was difficult, with thorns on either side of us. The place was definitely scenic though. The next clue led us to a monastery and the next towards school. It was the Sacred Hearts School. The clue was “There is nothing sacred about it, just cross over it”. We all thought it was a graveyard or something and wasted our time searching for it until we got a brain wave and then we rushed taking a bus to the place. The next clue led us to the splendid Norbulinga Palace. To get there we had to walk about a kilometer and there were two groups already on their way there. So we took a bus and bribed the driver to not stop for any of the other groups in front of us. The last clue was extremely infuriating. Each person deciphered the clue in a different way and no one was ready to accept the other ones decisions. We decided to play nasty with another group. We started following them and then tried to get them off track. Unfortunately they discovered our ulterior motives, and played back with us. We were left arguing and fighting with each other for the next hour. Little did we know then that we were the first group that had got that far. If we had not wasted our time fighting we would have got first. The other group which we mocked made it first but fatefully they lost three of their mates (a pair of twins and their friend), and they couldn’t win for every person of their group must make to the finishing point which turned out to be our Ashram. My group made it seventh. We came back-hunched, our feet numb and our muscles felt excruciating pain. All we could do was pose for a group picture and we all went and fell into our beds.
There came a hiatus in my tempest, which became filled with all the pleasant memories of hardships faced with my new friends and that is what I call a fun-filled trek.

May 28th

Today we had a Gayatri Havan in the morning. It is like a yagna, a ritual to calm the body, mind, and soul. A fire is lit between bricks and special ingredients are added for the sole purpose of inducing tears. I wouldn’t say it was fun or anything, but I sure did enjoy it. Then all the campers assembled into a huge hall. The projector was tilted towards a wall and Swamiji’s laptop was connected to it. We saw “The Last Samurai”, a exquisite movie brilliantly acted by Tom Cruise. The theme of the camp was Transformation, and the movie explicitly showed the change in Cruise’s character. It is definitely an amazing and heart rendering movie and I think everyone should go and watch it, so I wont say much about the movie, only that it was good. After the movie, we had a workshop on it. We had to discuss some special features the movie portrayed. My groups topic was Focus and we spent an hour discussing and made a splendid presentation out of it.
After discussions, I once again escaped to my private sanctuary near the stream and took some wild pictures and enjoyed myself. I went alone and I could feel the Earth actually whispering to me. The beauty of nature I could never comprehend, but now I could, but still just a wisp of its glory.
At 7, we assembled for Gurudevs Video. This time he talked about famous BMI chart and how to leave all of the Body, Mind, and Intellect to reveal the Vasanas to ourselves and reach the higher being. Inspirational – Yes, Me Inspired – No… but that was what I thought then, for it did make a impression on me which I figured later on.
That night the current was cut, and I just wandered outside. I slipped and fell on my back and I think I got a sprain or something. I looked up to the night sky and I was mesmerized. I had never seen so many stars together since my last excursion to Rajasthan. I let the marvelous feeling within me sink in. I started connecting the countless diamonds studded on black velvet and made my own constellations. I even managed to make out a face of someone, and I soon added a dress to it and then some jewelry and I let my imagination run wild. I laid on the grass for a long time till some CHYK came and told me to return to my dorm. I went reluctantly and decided I would kill the power supply the next night to witness the sky again – that never happened though.

May 29th

Today I visited a temple in the morning – A Chamunda Temple. I must admit I wasn’t impressed at all. I had quite a lot of expectations after a two hour bus ride to the place, but it wasn’t maintained even a bit. There were a lot of shops around the temple, and I wanted to buy something. I looked everywhere and nothing really caught my eye. I really didn’t know what I was looking for just that it was going to be a birthday present. I didn’t find anything. In the afternoon, we made a trip to McLeod Ganj, the monastery where the great Dalai Lama finds his abode. The view from the monastery was spectacular. There was some sort of ritual going on and all the Tibetan people were rolling some sort of device that supposedly brought them good luck in the future. I went to a young girl and asked her for the thingy. She enthusiastically gave it to me and instructed me. She spoke in some dialect I couldn’t understand but I got the message from her vertiginous hand movements. I now have a lucky future ahead of me. There were several shops here too – all the ones you had to bargain with. I looked at necklaces, ear rings and various other curios, but found none as worth as what the shopkeepers were asking. A ring worth 300 was bought by friend for just 50. I don’t know Hindi, so I didn’t bother. I got a pastry item and some root beer (non alcoholic of course) and felt light headed. I got a bracelet for one of my new made friends whose birthday was the next day. At night, all the campers were in for a mega surprise. I knew Swamiji always had something up his sleeve, I never could guess what. After dinner, all of us appointed to new groups and lined up at the courtyard to make our way into the woods. It was dark and when I say dark, I mean pitch dark, like u cant see any goddamn thing in front of you. We were supposed to lose our torches, our watches, and our cells and were made to keep absolutely silent. I smuggled a torch just for emergency sakes. I admit I was apprehensive and nervous at first like every other person there. We were taken by an unknown path to some unknown location in the middle of a rough road. From there, groups of four were chosen and we were to walk through the road alone (not exactly – there were four, but still we couldn’t see each other). After I got used to the dark, I walked in the front I think. Then I was pulled back and my hand was snatched back and was held immovable by some girl who I think got close to a panic attack. I never could see her face and I lost hope of teasing her later for it. There wasn’t anything to be really scared of. But then suddenly someone just jumped in front of us and made some whining noise “Heeelppp Meee,” For a second my heart just skipped a beat. I came to my senses and just shouted “Yea sure, just follow us.” A lame attempt to scare us, but I felt the girls fingers dig into my skin. Then some two more ‘frightening’ people came to scare us, but I was ready for them and we all just walked past. We made our way to some lawn and I laid there for about an hour. I heard all these screams from the ones who were still in the woods, and a snicker from my mates around me every time a shriek was heard. I just looked up at the sky and enjoyed myself within. Then after sometime we were made to walk to another location and we spent another hour there just sitting in the dark hearing fake screams still. My friend shared a FiveStar with me and I was still enjoying myself. Someone wanted to go to the loo, so Swamiji pointed to some trees and the person went, coming back a bit embarrassed. “BOO”… I woke up and then we were called one by one and sent alone in the dark to find the ashram, each person 10 feet from each other, but no one did stay 10 feet as they ran to the person in front as soon as they left. I decided to get my self lost on purpose but in the last minute I decided otherwise, because I felt tired and stuff and I made it to the ashram at 12:30.

May 30th

Today was the last day of the camp. In the morning I decided to take the path I took last night just to see where I had gone and I found that we were never really inside the woods, we were on the road the whole time. I don’t think I really found anything scary the previous night, but many ‘victims’ were gossiping about all the frights they received and I just laughed (to myself of course…I didn’t want to let their fear go in vain…lol). I made a trek of my own deep into the forest. I found the remains of a deer (I prefer to say dinosaur) and I literally bathed my self at a stream. I came back and packed my bags and went for the Valedictory function. Everyone was talking about their experiences at the camp. I wanted to too, but I figured Id say too much (as you can see this is word number 3330). In the afternoon, we boarded the uncomfortable buses to Manali. I spent part of the night watching “Enter The Dragon” with my friend with his portable DVD player. I decided to sleep but couldn’t. I couldn’t move my seat, so I went to the steps near the door and laid down there only to be woken by the conductor who accidentally kicked my…ahem. I did not sleep at all the whole night, but I was unconscious from the kick I guess. Hour after hour, it kept getting colder and colder as we made our way to Manali. There was no tempest in my mind anymore. The sea was now filled with indelible memoirs of the camp.

May 31st

Reached Manali in the morning and almost immediately took Sumos to Rohtang Pass. The whole journey, we nine guys in the car listened to songs from my ipod connected through a cassette adapter. Every time we passed a gals car, we turned up the volume and let the car bounce past them making them jealous. We halted half way up the mountain on some hills. I ran up and down the hills as if I was flying and I received warm compliments from Swamiji. I’m an endurance racer…Whoohoo ... (maybe it was just the atmosphere which made me fanatic). Some rented furry overcoats and gloves here (I say ‘furry’ cause it wasn’t real fur) to stay warm. I felt warm enough in my jerkin so I didn’t bother. The view was spectacular. I couldn’t wait till I reached the peak. We finally did make it there. I saw snow after four years, but it was quite dirty and muddy. I went up the slope and slid down on my butt. I shouldn’t have done that for I couldn’t feel my bum for the next hour or so. I carved some names and pictures on the snow. I was almost run over by a snow mobile. I met some lovely yaks too. We had a snowball fight. I was outnumbered and I was pelted down by snow from some 6 people, I had to kneel and beg mercy for them to stop. But at that very moment my hand was deep in the snow making my own snowballs and when they stopped throwing them at me, I got up and flung out in all directions. You should never mess with me on things like these. They regretted it.
We got back in our cars and made our way back to a hotel in Manali. On the way we stopped for lunch cum dinner and got caught up in a folk dance. We made the instrumentalists play some fast beats, and the campers started dancing erratically as if they all injected some Ecstasy into themselves. Back at the hotel, I found a fast food place and had noodles – my first complete meal in the trip. I wandered around the place and by 11 I was back. Another good friend of mines birthday was the next day. This time there was signal and I decided to wait till midnight. I was tired from all the snow fights and stuff, so I closed my eyes…I fell asleep!!! Just like that I woke up I don’t know how, I just got up and instinctively and frenziedly checked my cell for the time, I thought I missed the hour and that’s when I saw it – it was exactly 00:00. Once again I was bemused. I thanked God (something I had never done before in my life) and dialed her number and wished her. I felt exultant and content and slept well.

June 1st

We left by bus to Kullu in the morning and reached the place by 11. Today I was to go rafting. I saw the river Beas. It was mad. It left no rock dry as it slithered through the mountains. The rapids were fast, extremely fast. It left rough scales all over its wet body. I looked up with the eyes of a solider, ready to face the challenge in front of me. I formed a group of seven and our special volunteer was Swami Mitrananda himself. He had come rafting with me even on the Ganga last year, and I was surprised and delighted that he was coming with me again. The Guide gave some preliminary warnings and some basic instructions before we got in the rafts. I took first position with Hardhik, and behind me was Nishad and Shara, and between were Sruthi and Rama, and Akila and Swamiji took the back positions. We had fun. We swiveled past the many curves of the Beas for about 8 km. The tempest which was in my mind earlier had manifested into the rapids of the ferocious river. It took us up and it took us down. The cold water beat against my flesh and went through the life jackets to my chest and heart. I felt ecstatic and euphoric. The girls were screaming with every jerk, and there were times wherein I thought the raft would topple over and Swamiji even expected it and deliberately tried to overturn it amid cries from my fellow rafters. At one point, all of us were made to jump into the river. It was ice cold literally, but then again the Ganga was even more freezing. I wanted to get onto the raft as quickly as possible before my hands and feet froze. But I had to wait till all the girls were pulled up first. The force of the entire river was on me and I felt my chest crush through the cold. Finally I was pulled up, only to find out that Sruthi hadn’t jumped in, so I made it my point to pull her in the next dip and I did. We all reached the bank alive and met up with the other victims of the journey, all of them shivering. I was happy to be back on land and the hot stones beneath my feet felt cozy though they were rough. Then out of nowhere someone pushed me back into the freezing river and I pulled them in with me and there were so many inside already and we started splashing water among each other with tremendous rapture. I went to the bus, and changed my clothes. My friend hugged me for a photo shoot and my glasses fell down. I found they were bent so I tried to bend them back and …SNAP…they break right in the middle and I am left blind for the rest of the trip. I didn’t get angry and I didn’t cry, I just cursed and cursed and decided to live with it. I was offered a pair by a junior, but they were too small for me. At least it happened only towards the end of the trip. In the evening we boarded the bus to Delhi.

June 2nd

I reached Delhi by noon and back to the Chinmaya School again. I was the first there so I got a private bathroom to myself to freshen up. In the afternoon, we went to the “Priya Complex” again and I went to McDonalds again. I decided to shop for a new pair of glasses. I went to a store and found the perfect pair, but it was 1500. I asked for their cheapest ones and they were 1000. So I just walked out! I had to save my money so I decided to manage with one side of lens alone. I found some cute bears and fuzzy dolls at a gift store and decided to buy them, but I didn’t really find them appealing so I left those too. I was bored so I just bought a shake and sat near the sidewalk till everyone else came back. We left for the train station by nightfall. Ironically, we had loads of fun at the station, and my half glasses became quite popular. I felt that I was being mocked, but then I knew that they were just having fun so I joined in and mocked myself! We boarded the train at 10:30. This time I knew almost everyone on the train and all my friends were in the adjacent compartments. I started a conversation with the 10th topper only to find that she thought the capital of London was Paris and so I kept further reserved opinions to myself.

June 3rd

Card games, Mafia, card games, Mafia, card games, Mafia. The whole journey went that way. I watched Manmathan with my friend. We talked about the camp and about our future endeavors and the methods to keep in touch. Around noon, some bisexuals came up begging for money in their own ludicrous and burlesque ways. Most of the guys went up the berth and pretended to sleep. One fella came up to me and told me not to cry and he went and hid himself in a corner (lol). Remember I couldn’t see, so I basically purposefully walked past them three times. The fourth time, I could feel their gaze on me, so I stuck up my finger and walked away. After a while, I came back to see the guy who warned me huddled up near the far end of the seat, nervous and anxious. I laughed (to myself of course - I don’t like to mock people straight out). That’s how the day went. At 11: 45 I decided sleep. I slept at 11:55. I woke up at 12:00 to feel some paste on my face, I took a lick and found that it was toothpaste. I took out my mirror to see a nice decoration on my face with toothpaste and some eyeliner. It wasn’t really that creative, just some blotches here and there. I ran to the wash room, but people were still awake and put my hands over my visage and ran. I found out that they had already taken picture of the facial and I was quite embarrassed. Fun nevertheless, for after that I had my own hand at creating masterpieces.

June 4th

Arrived at Chennai at 8:00. I bid a reluctant farewell to all my new made friends. Some who come to my school, I shall see them again. Some CHYKs I would meet if I go to the Heritage Centre. Some in other schools, whom I might meet in Cultural activities and stuff. Some others I hope to meet again some where, some day, and keep in touch with them forever through emails and chats and letters. The sea in my world of tranquility is as calm as calm can be. I believe the excursion has brought a change in me. The experiences, the people, the joy I shall never forget. Indeed, have I transformed into a better person than I was before even if it is just a small percent. Swami Chinmayananda had used to quote form Lao Tse, “The journey of a thousand miles, begins with one small step,” and I have made that small step.

Maiden of the Seas

2006-05-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

P.B. Shelly style. My first attempt in archeic English and romantism!

I

O maiden of the seas, Listen to my hearts behold
Thou mayst spend time with happiness and peace
As thy friendship with King Terrous the Bold

Even thou shall not linger with the handsome prince
Who didst thou fell in love, eftoons when thy eyes met
Sly, wily creature was he, yet thou love ne’er shall cease

Man of wisdom, not he, yet the marriage set
Brings doubt and happiness to you, my lady
O thou, forgive my presence in thy crest

Meaningful my words maybe to thy sacred - Pray
To the Lord, watchful, eternally watchful
Gratify thou precincts with my kingdom, O lady

The sisters of the seas have borne contently thy fateful
Life with me, forget thy fatuous prince, O graceful

II

O maiden of the seas, visit my dreams often and bestow
Thou blessings to conquer for thee and conquer, I shall
The empire of creation, destruction, and shadow

Come beneath the ocean to my humble abode; dwell
Thy mind on the seven voyages of Sinbad the Sailor
And say not but a word and he’ll be at your will.

Elate my heart with thy comely presence, my dear,
And I will give all thy heart’s desire,
Merely a touch beneath all, clear your fear

Thou maketh my life complete, your ire
Shall not be muddled against your ease
The flame is lit and thou can deem the fire

O impeccable princess, without you I shall cease
To exist, O help me, maiden of the seas!

-B'rath

So whtdya think..?..

Da Vinci...nah...Dasmunsi Code!

2006-05-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

I read an article in the newspaper the other day on the release the much awaited Da Vinci Code. It said,

“Mr Dasmunsi hinted that he was aware of a political conspiracy to destabilize the Government by creating a controversy over the film. Referring to past instances, he said he cleared ‘Rang de Basanti’ after viewing it five times”.

Hmm…is something fishy going on here or what! “conspiracy to destabilize Government”…now how the hell is a blockbuster movie going to do that? Where the hell do people come up with that stuff? Maybe the Dasmunsi himself must have read Dan Brown’s ‘Deception Point’ to think in those lines. The Da Vinci Code (though not released yet) is the greatest movie of all time. Due to all the controversies about it is surely going to make more at the Box Office than expected. It is after all a work of fiction. The only problem is that Dan Brown has written it so incredibly convincing that we forget that it is indeed really fiction and could (possibly) destabilize the Government!
Oh! As for Rang de Basanti…phenomenal movie for Indian standards, nothing was really controversial in it…just the plain hard truth…controversial enough!. It was soo good, that Dasmunsi just wanted to see it a hell lotta times before it released so he can so off to his friends. Hope Da Vinci Code releases ASAP... its one movie I wouldn’t miss for the world!

Missing Moments!

2006-05-17T04:26:00.000-07:00

Reminiscing, I am… of the road I’ve traveled to get here. Early in the journey, a fuzzy haze clouds further thoughts of my young self, only partial streaks flashing past, those which let me enjoy the most special of moments again. Here is my life as short as possible (even then reaching 1000 words).

Born in Chennai June 11th, 1990 as an innocent, humble being.
I do remember my first birthday in Dallas, my dad held me on his shoulders, the cutest smile ever humanly possible, on mine.
A year later I’m in Paris, more memories: a kitchen set, a room of my own with blue spreads on my bed, a diamond ring in my pocket by chance but (un)-fortunately found and returned. I lived a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower, and was always found playing in its vast, verdant gardens, stealing a drink from the fountains every time I got the chance. My first medal, won in a running competition; I still have it, its blue ribbon ever lustrous. I remember my obsession with dinosaurs; such magnificent creatures I thought I would meet some day, and a song “Wish that I could go to grandma’s house to see the dinosaur…..,” the tune I will never forget. The trip to ski resort in Geneva, and my grueling yet comical efforts on skis. One of the more fascinating things I saw was that my cousin’s dresser opened into a complete kitchen unit with stoves sinks and such, all enclosed within the closet. I found that totally amazing then. Maybe that’s why I still remember…The veil of mist shrouds more memories. A dance in Belgium (Hawaiian style belly dancing I think); I was about six at the time.

I’m on the flight to Madras, India. I had these weird trepidations of the country back then. I imagined a desert and jungle country with snakes and tigers, something just out of ‘The Jungle Book’, (one of my more favorite movies earlier). I get down on the runway, and felt a gust of hot hair on me, Man I AM in a desert! But the thing is, Chennai wasn’t as hot as it has been these past few years. I had never seen an Auto Rickshaw before; I thought they were tricycles on motors (which they are! apparently). And so went a couple of years at Vidya Mandir. First friends, first fights, first singing classes!! I used to love going to the temple, see the Idols brilliantly decorated, smelling the flowers, feeling the softness of the scared ash between my fingers, and the ladoos!! (that’s one part of me that has completely changed)The temple tank was filled with water back then, now can only be a dream when the rains come.

Back on the flight again, this time to Omaha, Nebraska where I spent my next 3 years. New friends and teachers much more enthusiastic than the ones I met in India.
A new obsession, the violin. I found out I was extremely talented, from third seat to second to first seat in a month, I enjoyed it very much. I was selected for my first public speech in 6th grade on the farewell to intermediate school. I went to 7th grade in Beveridge, a huge school indeed. First crush, then more. I learnt to waltz and even the ‘art’ of fine dining. The school dances were my favorites during that year. I failed in my algebra tests; I excelled in arts & crafts. This was in 2001.

The next year, I moved to Pittsburg, PA., a whole new environment, Chartiers Valley Middle School. Once again, more new friends, more new crushes, and finally a ‘girlfriend’ in my Honors Geometry class…uh…ahem. I loved my teachers there, they understood so much and taught so much; not just the subjects. I spent almost a year there when once again I moved back to my hometown, now called Chennai.

I was deliberately reluctant to come here; I had quite a few apprehensions before I came. A brand new education system, I can never understand (Board Exams indeed!!) and so many among other things.

Chinmaya Vidyalaya, my new institution of knowledge. I first saw our Principal; it’s confirmed: I’m doomed. Well it wasn’t so bad, as I found out later.

Now, my memories have escaped the fog, and are a bit more vivid. I went into my 9 A class. Everyone was staring at me, who the hell is this guy? From the US I think!? What the hell is he doing here!? Expressions I’ve received too many times in my life. Another new student was sitting at the front bench crying; Hell with him! I thought. An exceptionally pretty girl watched me as I walked past; Well, life isn’t going to be that bad!. I found a seat next to a boy who shared almost the same name as mine. I got caught for possession of a calculator in math period. Apparently they found I was too impish for the class, so they shifted me to 9 C. The C section, where I spent the 2 years, making new friends (once again!...one can never have too many friends), competing for a rank that I thought I would never get, Man these Indians are damn smart! Startling myself even, I did excel in my studies and stuff. I made more friends through the competition, my future friends I should say, for they were merely rivals in the game of Board-Exam-Frustration. I had the best of times in the excursions I had gone to, the first to Rajasthan, the next to Sidhabari. I never had felt such joy and the memories are now an indelible part of my existence. I shall not describe them here, for they may take enough space for an entire months worth of articles. Then 11th grade, the best school year so far. Once again, excelling in all subjects, going to an IIT Prep class (the use of which I still can’t figure….apparently guaranteeing a seat at IIT…ha ha indeed!). I started to figure out that there is something more to life than just this, ergo I fell in love…ahem.

Now I’m in 12th, the final year before my step into the unyielding world and I’m sure I’ll be able to add more lovely memoirs to last for a lifetime and a bit more.

Dead Ringer

2006-05-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

This story was put up on my earlier blog. Considering that this is one of my better works back when i was in 9th, i thought it deserves a place here too!!

Max Riley, a smart teenage boy wearing a Navy jacket, T-shirt, and faded jeans climbed up the stairs to the principal’s office to discuss his recent ‘behaviors’. He knocked on the door.

“Come in!” an unfamiliar voice called from within.

Max opened the door and walked into the principal’s study, a tiny cluttered room with views over the school grounds. There was a desk and a black leather chair with its back towards the door.
“You wanted to see me”, Max said.
The chair swiveled around and Max froze. It wasn’t the principal sitting behind the desk, it was himself!!! He was looking at a fourteen-year-old boy with fair hair, brown eyes, and a slim, pale face and even dressed identically to him. In Max’s perplexed state it took him almost forever to accept what he was seeing. He was standing in a room looking at himself sitting in a chair. The boy was him. A dead ringer, as a matter of fact. With just one difference, the boy was holding a pistol.
“Come in,” he said, “I have been looking forward to this meeting.”
Max looked at this – this ‘clone’ straight in the eyes. He always believed that cloning was impossible - and to see a clone of himself! In front of him! ... How? ... Not to mention the gun! … Why me? …
Leaving the questions unanswered, he felt behind him; he still hadn’t closed the door. Without warning, he threw himself backward out into the corridor. Simultaneously, the gun went off, the cartridge exploding inches above his head and crashing into the far wall. He surged down the corridor and went up the flight of stairs into the chemistry lab. He instinctively ducked down, evading four bullets which ricocheted around him splintering the wood and smashing one of the gas pipes which instantly caught fire.
Max scrambled to his feet and went up another flight of stairs to the top of the building. Smoke was curling up from the windows two floors below. He thought of the chemicals on the shelves and the gas – the gas! – he could be standing on a virtual time bomb!
Just then, a bullet creased past his shoulder as he saw his double coming up the stairs. He made a dash toward the ersatz and a second later seized hold of his wrist and forced the gun away. A tremendous explosion below shook the building, but neither of them seemed to notice. They were locked in an embrace, two reflections that had entangled up in a mirror, the gun over their heads, fighting for control.
A crater suddenly appeared on the roof with another explosion, swallowing the gun as it fell down. The boy noticed it too late and fell through. With a shriek he disappeared into the smoke and fire. One Max walked over to the opening and looked down.
The other Max lay sprawled on his back, not moving, three floors down. The flames closing in. A teenage boy with fair hair, brown eyes, and wearing a Navy jacket, T-shirt, and faded jeans walked to the edge of the roof and began to climb down the emergency-ladder.

Joy of Flight

2006-05-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

Everyone wishes to fly; across the world, out of the galaxy, out to their dreams. I always feel the destination never matters, the magnificent beauty of flight means much more.

this is such an amazing n inspiring picture!!

Music at Twilight

2006-05-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

A trip to the mall is one of the most pleasurable time-passing, especially when you are at ‘JavaGreen’ with two of your friends singing away their favorite pieces. It was one such day on May 13th. I had gone to the mall on pursuit of that jade green dress, with turquoise frills which had caught my eye for quite some time. I was thinking of how lovely a gift it would be to someone on their seventeenth birthday. The shopkeeper had promised to hold one for me the very morning. As is habitual with him, once more I was deceived; the dress had yet again proved its worth by evading my grasps. Dismayed and crestfallen, I went to the café spot, bought myself a delectable piece of chocolate cake and found an empty stool near the pair of musical ‘artistes’. I received a wide grin from Arun who was on the guitar, and a breath of positive reception from Priya, who with her euphonious voice sang out eternal pieces of English and Hindi songs. Soon I was joined by other friends, who gaily entered the place, got themselves some drinks and joined in the merriment. The evening turned out to be quite splendid and impressive. Some college guys started to sing along, and with oodles of requests coming in from the enthusiastic listeners, Arun and Priya continued mellifluously without a break. Some ludicrous people even went to the extent of getting lyrics for the duo to listen to their favorite songs; well, they’re not to be blamed, because one can rarely find such a harmonious voice and cadence these days. Of course, the artistes were in for the money, but still the evening proved to be one hell of a memorable musical experience for all.

Voilà Mon Amour!!

2006-05-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Have any of you felt that you knew a lot about a person but only to find out that you didnt know a damn thing about the person in the first place?
Well...in my case it isnt that drastic (i atleast know a bit).
Obviously I'm talking about a girl. Girls aren't only a bit more difficult to understand but they usually dont want to be understood...and that makes it even more difficult.
Some who are reading this might know the girl I am talking about.
She is this one really cute and trendy kind of person (of course you know that I wont say anything bad about her here....well my opinion is that there is really nothing bad about her in the right sense of the word).
An extremely talented person who as been endowed with the gift of gab; she can take someone to Pluto and back and you would never have been bored or tired the whole of the journey. No one and I mean No one (not even You) can be as charismatic as her. She is exceptionally beautiful in her own special way and that makes her such an enchanting young girl!
Well now that I have told you all about what I feel and think about her, you would want to know how she really is. I cant tell you because this is the point where I sometimes doubt what I really do know about her....basically umm.... I dont know.
And well, its not bad that you dont know a person too well, it urges you to go that extra mile just to find out.
Oh...with this girl, it won't be a mile but a light-year!!!

Ze Officiale Langua'ge

2006-05-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.

As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5- year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English".

In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c". Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k". This should klear up konfusion, and komputer keyboards kan have one less letter.

There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome "ph" will be replaced with "f". This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.

In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible

Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling. Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent "e" in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away

By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th" with "z" and "w" with "v".

During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary "o" kan be dropd from vords containing "ou" and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensibl riten styl.

Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru. Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze forst plas

Aston Martin

2006-05-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is da New James Bond Car in Casino Royale....man! id love to own one!!! Wuldnt u??!!

Writers Deceit

2006-05-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

Its not just how good a writer you are. What you write about matters more. Controversial works are now a favorite among the readers. Actually, it all comes down to publicity of the book. Readers love to read books which come in the news; doesn’t matter for good or bad. For example, let’s take Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code. Not many had really noticed the book until the entire controversy about the Catholic Church came up, challenging the entire Vatican. So the moral of the story is to write about topics that are highly debatable.

More recently Kavyaa Viswanathan’s How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got A Life is another book that achieved fame due to the controversy around it. The book apparently was plagiarized from other notable authors. When the book originally came out in the market, the response was apathetic. Now that since book has been removed from the bookstores, it has become surprisingly a best seller. Kavyaa might have lost her originality and reputation, but she sure has gained fame. So moral number two, its okay to plagiarize as long as you want to get fame alone. Kavyaa’s dreams have ended in disaster; we just have to hope that the people give her a second chance. The next book that she comes out with is surely going to be a bestseller, whether or not it is good. This writers deceit has worked perfectly in getting books sold and its going to stay a while longer and that alone I can assure.

Whoohoo!!

2006-05-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yes we are finally here. After a long time ive decided to start this blog... I had another blog Phanatasmagoria, well i just didnt update it often...so it like fizzled out..so here im again, at a new beginning, wishing tht this blog would live on...soo i guess id update abt once a week or sumthin........well thts da plan. I shall share with u my thoughts, ideas, and whatever i find fun. Hope to see u here more frm now on>>>!

Scream PPL .......WHoooHoo!!!