Some Nights to Cherish

Warning: Title may be deceptive but the content is purely acceptable. It is written keeping in mind the readers digestive system.

Last day of the month and writing skills are protruding out of my mind restlessly. To give them a chance to showcase their talent I am here to synchronize with it sothat thoughts come out in an interestingly beautiful way. This month has been full of fun, amusement and surprises.

Around 3’ o clock when I reached my home after a 4 hour journey in a train from New Delhi To Budhlada, was totally tired and feeling cold as it was start of November. 6 hours back when I reached New Delhi station from noida was totally excited in visiting my home after almost 2 months on the occasion on Diwali. 4th November was the date, 9pm was the time when I reached station platform no.3 and train was scheduled to come at 9.15 pm but got delayed by 1 hour. Station was full to its capacity; many youngsters were seen in the same excited mode. 93.5Red FM is my favorite radio channel as it generally plays new bollywood songs. The same source I opted for to entertain myself besides checking out the chart (which I always do) in hopes of getting some good company, and most interestingly I always fail, sadly (seems nobody generally travels near to my place). When the train started at about 11pm I covered myself with a bed sheet (easy to carry rather than a blanket) to avoid the interaction with the light which was directly falling into my eyes, I being on the upper berth. As I was well aware with the time the train is going to take to reach the destination hence I set an alarm at 2.30 pm.

As the ringing bell sounds stroke my ear, I woke up and managed to ask the current station from one of the fellow passenger who was just lying down on the lower berth. From the station he mentioned, it was still a 1 hour journey left, according to my calculations and experience. After half an hour, again phone vibrated and this time it was PAA not the alarm, he asked me which compartment I was in as the train was about to reach the station. WTF were the three words, I murmured spontaneously. That bl**dy son of a great mom, gave me the wrong information half an hour ago. But without wasting a single moment I gathered myself with my floaters (from top of the roof fan) along with the spectacles box (lying beside me) and hurriedly got down from the berth. As the train stopped, I had 2 minutes more before the train could leave. Hence I make the same fellow wake up asking where he wanted to go. He replied in terms of a station name. OMG, I broke out in a big laughter as the station, he mentioned had already passed. I told him about the mishap but at the same time consoled him suggesting boarding another train for opposite direction from the next station which was scheduled within 2 hours. He thanked me and wished me for Diwali. I felt sorry for him (poor fellow). I hurriedly got down from the train as the train whistled. The journey was a bit disappointed as I could not feel the cold breeze passing through my ears which I used to feel every time by standing at the door of a running train.

After celebrating Diwali and spending two days at my home I came to my working place Noida. The same monotonous life started again. Everyday going to office, first thing to do on the desktop is to open mobile facebook, opening up lotus notes, looking out for some interesting mails, yawning in the everyday morning meeting without giving a damn to what they say, looking out for some interesting things to learn, to do some official work also, preparing the list of reimbursements for the current week, chilling out with colleagues. It has become the usual practice in the office. Everything is going great as far as the company is concerned but quality of work is the matter of worries. Hence sometimes it does bother me. One day, amidst the busy (so called) working environment, suddenly all in the office premises received a mail from our HR representative, stating that seeing the company growth we need to put some extra efforts so from now onwards all the Saturdays would be working but the official timing will be 9.30am to 5pm. This news reached me when I was gracing the occasion of my friend’s marriage in Chandigarh. It was 22nd of November, I went to the marriage, it was kind of reunion for our batch. We all met almost after 2 years and enjoyed like anything. I received 5 calls from my close friends in the company. All the abusive language we could use, we did and cursed the company for its forced annoying culture. But that feeling could not survive in front of the happiness we all shared in the marriage night. The news had been a topic of discussion for few days until the Saturday came which would have been off otherwise. I left the office at 5’o clock. What a feeling it was? I reached my home even before sunset that too in winters. To celebrate it, I cooked pasta and had it with a movie which made this moment everlasting.


It was 4am of 30th Nov when I got into my bed. I was fully tired and needed a sound sleep. I woke up at 8.45am in the morning and got ready within half an hour and reached office 1 minute late from the scheduled time. It was my fourth late punch in 15 days while the company policy allows only for 3 that too in 1 month. I am worried about the 15 days left, this time I have to plead to my boss to get it approved. And all the credit goes to my evil mind. A few hours ago, around 10pm in the 20th Nov night, we three roomies planned to celebrate the birthday of one of our flatmate, vikas Arora. As we all were tired from the hectic schedule of the office so we requested him to cut the cake at 10pm only instead of 12 in the mid night. But as anyone would have resisted, he too denied the whole idea. So, to agree with birthday boy willingness, we spent time in giving him bumps, beating him with floaters etc. To add to enjoyment we spilled over cold water on him in the freezing cold night. Almost 2 hours early, birthday celebrations started in short which cost the b’day boy the most in terms of the number of bumps we gave to make his @$$ red hot. Moreover to tease him, we started licking the cake with our fingers even before it was cut. All these things made him annoyed. We all were trying to easy the environment but his resistance was inevitable.

Finally I incepted an idea of celebrating his birthday at INDIA GATE which could make him happy again. All three of us asked him to go to the place with us. He smiled and agreed. In mind we were happy that the idea worked, after all we did not want to spoil the mood of B’day boy but at the same time it was a big stupidity to ride a bike on open roads in the freezing night. But as they say, where there is a will there is a way. Without wasting a single moment, we all got dressed up and started for the place at around 11.40pm. Wide newly developed Delhi roads (thanks to CWG) that too without much traffic were smoother than ever to feel. 10 minutes past the midnight we entered into India Gate which was closed for us officially but the security allowed us seeing the cake in our hands and they off course did not want to become the part of our cursing. Four friends, just a few steps way from the monument, a cake with a candle lighted on top of it, a bottle of Sprite, packets of Chips and Bingo; celebrated the Birthday with the cake cutting ceremony followed by the crushing cake on to the victim’s face. His handkerchief offered the service of cleaning his face but was not enough. Photo session was the last thing we did before taking the leave from the place. B’day is always uncompleted without a party so to feed our already filled tummies we headed towards COMESUM (24 Hours open). It was already 1’0 clock. With high spirits we reached there and the view was completely refreshing. Almost full to its capacity the restro was a pleasure to enter. We shared some lighter moments there besides eating and eating and more eating. None of us was in the mood of satisfaction. After the cumbersome food, we were on our way to home. It was 4am of 30th Nov when I got into my bed. Rest as they is history.

People say that some days leave impeccable impact on mind, but why they forget nights. Some nights have always been my favorites. Now I have some more to cherish

Regards

PARUL GOYAL

A Weekend Like Never Before

Oct, 2010 had been a normal month until fourth Saturday of the month arose. Not even a single Saturday was working day out of first four Saturdays, thanks goes to the timings of the festivals which are buzzing around in this festival season. Going for movies, sleeping, eating, roaming had become the part of weekends. First three weekends of OCTOBER were spent same as described earlier without even giving a thought about studies; the target was being set in September for the forthcoming month, but in vain. But the commotion of continuous long weekends after 8 months of job shifting just made me unconscious about the whole scenario. After three sterile weekends, I decided to take full advantage of this fourth and the last weekend of the perpetual chain. I wished for a transformation from being a traveler to a scholastic this weekend. But conviction for studies could not survive the avidity of savoring each moment which I would be spending with my friends.

23rd of October, Saturday

11 pm on the clock, roomies were busy with their own creatures, was the time when I decided to slumber on the Friday night in hopes of getting up early in the morning to cover up the losses. 11 am was shown by clock when I gazed through my spectacles after rubbing my eyes and yawning at the same time. OMG!!! WTF…was my response. I could feel the sensation of warmth in the blanket but was made to desert the same. I though the reason must be my liability towards the studies; but after having my breakfast, I realized that appetite made me wake up not the guilt. Eating my breakfast, took me around 1 hour and that was really required to digest three PRANTHAS or whether they were digested or not; that was also not confirmed. But the thing which I was confirmed about that I needed more sleep otherwise I would have been in the state of unconsciousness whole day. Moreover to add to my pleasure, I took a long bath to rejuvenate myself sothat I could reform my state of mind towards books but it helped in sleeping deep rather than opening up the books. Weather was pleasant and silence could be felt, everything was in favor. After so many driving factors, how could one resist oneself from getting into bed?

When I resumed, it was 3’o clock. As soon as gathered myself to sit on the study table, one of my close friends called me up to discuss about the weekend undertaking. His call reinforced the idea of straying around. Instantaneously I agreed and we planned to go to GIP (one n only place to check out in NOIDA) in the evening. There was no point in studying for one hour or so as the continuity is important in studies, in my case. So I thought of abandon books for the time being and utilize the time in some fruitful endeavor as in watching TV, my favorite time pass. It generally becomes very cumbersome to handle to state of minds at the same time. One side was cursing me not to fulfill the pledge that I had taken last month but another was just chilling out. I could see this weekend also, slipping from my hands but who else was responsible for the situation than me.

In the evening, nothing went as per planning, but I was made to make my way towards SHIPRA (one n only place to check out in INDIRAPURAM) after discussing with him over the phone. Though it was a vague decision to prefer SHIPRA over GIP yet didn’t want to ruin the moment. Actually some excitement was still there deep down my heart as I had been to the place only once earlier that too for a very short while. After a shared auto ride of about 20 minutes, full of dust and pollution, somehow I managed to reach. But one thing I was very sure about that I was not going to spend much time in that hopeless mall. It was already 6.30pm when we reached the mall. We met another guy who was a flat mate of my friend.

After spending one hour, again this weekend was going on the same lines as earlier ones until they both put up a proposal for watching a movie called JHOOTHA HI SAHI. Though I was for it because I am anyways ready for any movie (except RAJNIKANTH ones) but the idea of getting late and staying there only made me think again and again. Initially I resisted the idea but convincing power of two overpowered my resistance. Once I agreed then I fully enjoyed the movie, moreover movie was good enough to hold to our respective seats. Good punches, some light moments, Double meaning dialogues were the limelights. Moreover when you have friends with you, the movie about friends is definitely a cherry on the cake. Two and half hours of sheer joy and fun, we moved out of complex in a new refreshing mood.

It was already 10.15pm when his roomy busted out with an extraordinary idea of watching another movie. Two of us were quiet until we saw the show timings. There was only one movie we could opt for and that was RGV’s biopic “RAKHT CHARITRA”. Both of us were counteracting but he was fully determined to watch it. RGV is already known for his disasters, to add icing VIVEK was in the lead. Totally intolerable; but this time one man army mastered. We were actually going for it. I was a bit excited about the whole scenario as it would be my first experience to watch two movies back to back in a multiplex that too when I knew that succeeding movie was going to be fully unbearable. As expected, full of violence, bloodshed, betrayal. For a surprise, Vivek acted decently but the whole movie could not create that impact. I doubt myself whether I had seen full or not. But the overall experience of watching two movies back to back was great and everlasting.

24th of October, Sunday

It was 1 am when we reached their apartment. As it was a new place to me, took some time to adjust myself. After 2 hours of chit chat with my friend, we fell asleep. Around 10 am I woke up and headed towards my home after bidding bye to them. The same process of preceding day followed and could not hold myself to study table. Rest, as they say, is history.

Though I did the same repetitive things which I generally do on the weekends but what made this weekend so special that I had to write about it, is the adventure of watching two movies back to back….5 long hours of continuous seating….enjoying with new friends….and not to forget, bearing RGV movie.. I shall cherish all those wonderful moments which may or may not come again.


Regards
PARUL GOYAL

Renunciation- A way to look at it

All of a sudden dialogue delivery turned into a debate, when my roomy had incepted about renunciation in-between the happily going discussion among all of the roomies, in which everyone was putting up their best foot forward. I also, could not hold myself back stating that the essence for leaving everything should come from within. Alias, one can feel relaxed and self-focused even if surrounded by crowd of thousands. As for me I see it like as if I am on a journey and I keep on meeting new patrons in the progress; but still I only know where I am heading towards. The destination is still propounded by me. It is just that I was joined by competitors in between. Moreover, even if your attire changes to the one similar to a saint, that does not separate you from the rest of the world. Even if a dispassionate one like an ascetic travel in a group. His social life still exists. According to me, if a common man can abort the belongings and go to peaks of Himalayan but still he is thinking about his credit card bills, mobile bill and has assigned this duty to someone else keeping only following up work for him. In this situation he can pretend to the world as if he is a waiver but deep inside his mind he acknowledges the other way around. When you have dependents, it will be seen as if you are deliberately offloading yourself from your responsibilities of them.

Ending the deliberation, I would like to conclude that if one can restrict oneself to the issues related to him/her only without peeping into others life or without imitating others, one can reach the state of selflessness where he can feel detached of the world besides remaining in the world. Surroundings will have no impact on the thoughts copyrighted by one’s mind. Till the time you are suffering from the disease of anxiety about what’s cooking in neighbor house, you won’t be able to achieve contentment and would go on finding the place for peace, which in turn, lying besides you. As corporate victims, we should not be worried about the how many zeroes are there in the other patron pay-slip who just puts up in your cubicle rather we should be concerned about our own progress and goal achievements. How does it affect your lifestyle if he gets five figure salary or four figure salary? We keep on starving for answer to the question which is not a question in actuality. Just think over it folks. Ultimately, parents and your beloved ones are your belongings which are assigned to you at the time of birth only. Moreover, Friends will never add burden in a person’s life rather help to find the right direction to the boat which is sailing through tough conditions. If deep down the heart, one is thinking to get rid of family and friends in order to achieve the motto; one is cheating oneself keeping in mind what favors the most. But in real check, he would not be able to achieve the success

I am neither educating you nor teaching you all lessons of morality, spirituality or self-esteem for that matter. As always I am sharing my thoughts with my friends, if I can add some value to their lives.

Just because one has more than 300 contacts in mobile directory, this solely does not set criteria for eligibility in race of achieving renunciation. Further, that does not force you to remain celibate or remain unmarried. It’s just your inner soul which should reside in peace deep inside your body.

A JOURNEY WHICH LEADS TO ….

Having explained about my take on renunciation I would now like to take you all again on a spiritual trip after KUMBH. (Don’t be surprised about the sudden u turn taken by the script) However, somewhere both are connected to each other. We talked about something which is very closely related to pilgrimage trip which all of us must have experienced in our life times. Some people go to their respective ancient GOD places to reach the state of self contentment after getting frustrated from all the troubles that they have faced.
Coincidentally I had seen one lady visiting VAISHO DEVI on her stomach. She was literally crawling on the mountains to reach the top and pay her homage to the GODDESS.

By the way, I visited the holy place on 28 August. As they say if you are invited by the GODDESS herself then only you are lucky enough to pay your visit; no matter how many plans you make for the same. By GOD grace I have been travelling there once in a year for last few years. And I consider myself luckier than the luckiest. We five friends started the journey with a KHTAARA (in Punjabi) train, as I want to name it. After spending 15 hrs which were supposed to be max 10 hrs, we reached JAMMU on 28 August @ 3pm. We were group of some GETs and experienced persons as two of us were going to pay homage to GODDESS for the first time. In the train we were accompanied by another group of young engineers, girls also included (nothing much to say). Train journey was spent playing Dumb Sharades, the best indoor game I know, can be played without any prerequisites & sleeping. At some point of time when the destination was so close, train bombed and remained silent for almost one hour, we thought that we could have reached station by walk instead of waiting for miracle to happen.

In the meanwhile Vikas spotted his floaters which, we though, had been missing since few hours. This time, these were the property of a fellow passenger, one of the members of other group. We all pumped him to ask for the property that belongs to him and had been illegally possessed by someone else. So he approached that person asking for the footwear but the fellow person refused to return it stating that they belong to him only. Vikas could not argue as he is a nice guy though he was thinking about keeping the floaters along with him on the berth only as most of us had done. We consoled him in the best way we could (you all can understand). Finally when train arrived at JAMMU, he luckily spotted another set of floaters under one seat but this time it was one size shorter. But he adjusted with situation instantaneously. Now it was time to take a bus to KATRA from where we could start going up the hill. Weather, at its best, was very pleasant. I could feel the joy and was totally unaware about the excitement waiting for us.

Finally we reached KATRA where, after having our registration slip, hired a room to freshen up ourselves and get ready for the adventure. Stuffed our tummies with PRANTHAS and started the journey which leads to heaven @ around 9.30pm. On the check post of BAN GANGA we could see a huge line of devotees who were also willing to worship the GODDESS. But as soon as the checking got finished, we all started in full swing and could easily recognize the pace difference between ours and fellow patrons. Two newcomers were initially fully charged but could not match up the experienced ones. Without any extremities we reached AARDHKUMARI within 2 hours and took the ticket for DARSHAN which we thought can be done while returning due to long waiting hours. We took the easier way now onwards to reach the destination as soon as possible due to time constraint. Weather was pleasant; we were neither sweating nor shivering. Moreover no rains from GOD end also. We enjoyed throughout the journey by pulling legs of one another, sometimes remembering GOD in our mind, discussing civil engineering while looking at structures built on the mountains, resting, eating & drinking. All facilities are there on the way for the ease of pilgrimages. Some cafes like CCD, NESCAFE are also opened keeping in mind the young generation like us. This makes this journey more comfortable and enjoyable. On mountain we were having our respective tastes with the aroma of mind soothing sensations.

Due to stamina and pace difference, at one point of time we all got separated then only I saw a lady who was trying to reach the common destination by laying on her stomach i.e. DAND YATRA. A small crowd was following her and reciting name of GODDESS again and again. I was amazed by the courage and bravery of hers. She was setting an example of inspiration of many of the other patrons, who were to reach same destination, on their feet. Some people were bare footed; some were loaded with the luggage while some were enjoying the horse riding. I was one of the thousands of crowd that day that were aspiring to seek blessings of the GODDESS and every time I go there I fell proud of myself. First time I visited, when I was 10 yrs old with my family. That and today when almost 13 yrs have leaped away, still I have same respect and will to go there again and again.

We reached the residence of the GODESS @ around 1.15am. Within four hours we all excelled in our goal even the freshers somehow managed. But again even after giving such a brilliant performance we dared not to think for rest as we were just on time as per our schedule. After taking bath in nerve freezing iced cold water and wrapping myself into new clothes, submitted the belongings in cloak room and adjusted ourselves into the row which ends only after meeting the GODDESS personally. What a spiritual feeling it was. I started reciting the name of the GODDESS from starting of row. I was totally lost in the field of selflessness, contentment, peace. Within 2 hours of time we were blessed. All of us were feeling very nice after paying our homage to the GODDESS. Around 3.30am we started off for BHAIRON GHATI. The steep slopes tested our endurance limit but we were determined enough to conquer it. We managed to reach there around 4.45am. After paying homage to BHAIRON BABA, we started downing the mountain. As the GODDESS blessed him with the endless support, we were also hoping for the same. Now we could feel the strain and pain. At one point, senses broke down along with dawn break. Now nothing mattered, only we need to catch the train which is scheduled to depart at 11.00am from JAMMU. We all were completely stressed and legs were cursing us to put them in such a situation but in vain. Most of us opted for steps. One behind the other, each one of us could see the fellow members of the group. Even if we did get separated from each other yet we could meet each other after some distance. @ Around 6.30am we checked the status of our turn at AARDHKUMARI, but we were short of time by 4 hours to witness the holy cave. Nevertheless we happily started getting down from there. Continuously stepping down, surprisingly sweating in mountainous morning amidst the clouds, I reached BAAN GANGA check point@ 8.10 am followed by other members of the crew soon. After packing luggage in our room, without wasting a second, we hired a taxi from KATRA to drop us to JAMMU station at 9 am. Concluding we were at station @10.45am, had time to eat CHOLE BHATURA and settled on our respective berths. When Delhi came, we did not even realize. The train journey which seemed unending while starting now appeared very short and we wanted to have it more. After a week also, I remember it like a new refreshing memory.

Discussion started with the definition of renunciation and ended with the ways to achieve it. I made my point very clear while the other roomies were hesitant to accept it. Never mind, it’s not necessary to have brigade after you to register a victory, one man army sometimes, enough to conquer the target. Renunciation is a balance of your routine and your spiritual growth. Once you understand it then it is the easiest thing to achieve. Think about it!! Discussion is still open at both ends.

.Regards

PARUL GOYAL

A Ride To Remember

@August 17, desktop clock is showing 4.12pm. Feeling bored amidst of some work, again fully charged up to write another blog. All geared up to release the pent-up energy within me. While other people are taking their tea break, I am thinking about the ways to go home as it is raining outside. I can see the drops on the window pane which is very near to my work station. Actually the past few experiences of showers have been fully enjoying rather astonishing. This time, NCR region is famous for bringing almost flood to the capital and for bringing lots of trouble for the MCD people. But for me they have been quite entertaining. MCD people are threatened by weather forecast department to such an extent as if alive chickens are made to watch a movie in which they are being roasted. A hailstorm and a Shower are comparable to a coke and a diet coke respectively as the later one is more beneficial than the earlier one.

@14 August, a day before our 64th independence day, I was feeling a bit low due to some head ache and tiredness. All day I was thinking of writing blog but could not do so. All thanks go to this rainy season.
Today I am going to touch upon some incidents which are in some or the other way related to rainy season. From childhood only I love rainy season due to obvious reasons.

Those hot and spicy mummy’s hand made PAKORA’s, struggling with brothers to get max of them, getting wet on an open roof, splashing water with feet, tearing papers from the most irritating subject’s notebook, making boats out of them, competition with other street children to get the feeling of most powerful hand made boats maker in the street, running on streets to get the maximum of water on the bare skeletons, then listening to mom’s threats of telling papa. All those moments still are fresh in my mind. I will cherish them till the last breath of my life. To add to my rejoice, this monsoon has been awesome so far. If weather forecast to be believed it is the heaviest monsoon for many years.

Exactly 6 days ago, it was 11th august and time was 4.12pm; when I heard the sound of rain drops hitting our office windows hard. I was busy in work so could not pay much attention to it. From morning only I was loaded with work like anything. But at that time who knew that INDRA DEVTA had come to make his presence felt by everyone in NCR. It was 6.00pm when I started packing my bag to leave for home. Still I could see that it was drizzling outside. So I though it was the right time to get out of the office because of two reasons. One, I will reach home by time and second, I could enjoy the rain without getting much trouble. So in excitement I started from office. As soon as I stepped out of the corridor I could sense wetness of the drops on my head. But it was totally refreshing so I continued and managed to reach upto the auto stand. But the scenery was quite annoying and irresistible. Some people (which usually happen) were turned into a huge crowd. Everybody was shouting for an auto. WTF, where the heck all autos have gone or where from these many people started working in one day only. I too joined the other patrons in chorus of shouting for the one.

Suddenly, drops became bigger and heavier. Now drizzling got converted into a full fledged rain. What the moment it was. My clothes became transparent. Thank god, I wore dark color shirt and trousers. Water had reached where it was not supposed to reach. I mustered the last of my dignity and ignored the same. No body was to be blamed for this situation. Then, here comes the role of our municipal department. Roads were converted into a river. It seemed that autos were floating on the river as if those were boats. Now I was totally care free because nothing had left to care for. Somehow I managed to crawl in an auto which was already fully packed. I sat on the side steel bar which is generally provided to restrict the passenger from falling. Guess what, while auto was ready to take off, it busted. Water had gone into silencer of the auto. Driver was carrying out his own engineering in the meanwhile when I was trying to ignore the uneasiness rather pain, to which my bums were going through. In the midway, heavy jam could be seen which seemed unending. I was looking at the tensed faces of other patrons inside the auto in excitement, inadvertently. But others were staring at me in hopes of reaching home by time. Everybody was trying to squeeze themselves sothat rain dare not touch them which in return giving me lot of space to expand. At the same time I was enjoying the tilted drops on my body. Moreover water was dripping from auto roof.

While driver was on the verge of giving up, he made a last try and it worked this time. Now again we were in the boat which was sailing but not standing still. To my surprise, I saw lot of people enjoying in rain on the way. People were literally walking in water, high upto their knees. As soon as we were approaching the cue of crawling vehicles in the traffic jam, driver made an intelligent move and diverted the auto path to follow another route. All started cursing driver for the step he took. They were worried whether they would be able to make it to their respective homes. But I was quite sure that he knows more than anybody else. Moreover, I was enjoying the whole scenery, and not thinking about anything else. And as they say,” if GOD brings you to it, he will bring you through it.”

The other route was bit rough but no sign of any traffic. It was a bit long but better than shortcut. It was flooded with water but not with vehicles. It was heading through some village. When we were crossing some nearby village, suddenly a hump came and we all were like floating in air for fractions of a second. A patron did hit his head against the roof of the auto. Swallowing the rapidly swelling lump in my throat, I was thinking about the dinner as our maid would not be coming in such situation (I was very much sure of it). Our auto was moving slow in logged water due to the fear of getting stuck again. All of sudden a hand full of corn sticks came into picture and tried to peep into our auto. Then we all realized that it was a half naked boy who was trying to get benefit out of the weather condition by selling hot corn sticks rubbed with lemon. It was the first time in my entire life that I had seen a person selling corn in such a rain and that too in autos. But without much a do, all of the co-passengers except one or two, put their hands in pockets//purses to get a 5 bucks coin. I was the first one to have corn as I was already holding up the amount in my hand to pay for the auto. What else a person can desire of; I was having a great time of my life. A roller coaster ride in a vehicle for about an hour for just 7 bucks and that too in NCR in rainy weather with a hot corn in hand.

After a long ride but without any stoppage, I reached my home. As expected, power was not there. I called the maid in anticipation of some miracle to happen, but she nodded her head in terms of declination. I content my hunger with a hot Maggie immediately. It was 7.45pm when I saw the time. After some hours other flat mates also reached and started narrating their own incidences. At the late night I showed up with my cooking skills and we all had PULLAOW with curd to feed our tummies. That day passed with all feelings flown away ceaselessly, this took me to the adobe of excitement, fun and surprises.

Now when we have reached this stage of excitement and fun, ending here would not be fare on my part. I want to serve you all another dish. Something related to the previous one. I would not dare to change the taste of your mouth. Continue reading and enjoy the meal….

31st July, around 9.00am; when I and my roomy (DAMAN) were on our way to office on his bike, suddenly in midway rain started that too annoyingly heavy. We both were shattered to see what was happening. 10 minutes ago, sun was on its peak but now nothing was same. As the office was closer than our home, we decided to go to office instead of turning back, although fully wet. As we reached office we could very well imagine what others would be thinking about us. Even the biometric system refused to recognize our finger prints. At last after 6-7 try, we could punch in. We used washrooms to get rid of as much water as we could. But we could not even touch the limit of dryness. We tried to settle down on our respective seats but in vain. We then decided to take a ride to back home. It was still raining but now it was not annoying. As we were heading towards home, the mood was completely different. Traffic was very low and road was shining like a new bride. As soon as I got a chance, with permission of the rider, I opened my arms in the air to welcome the rainy season with open arms. It was kind of a bunk for me as I used to do in college. Imagine, in office timings, you are on an open newly multilane road with rainy weather and that too when your boss is informed about it.

It was around 10.00am when we reached home back. Now we both had decided to go to office around lunch time provided the rain allows. After getting fresh, I was feeling very pure as that day I took bath four times in 2 hours. We thought of having PAKORA’s in the rainy weather. We went to nearby sweet shop but he has not started yet because actually it was not the good time for his sale. But then we consoled ourselves with steamy hot PASTA. As still there was lot of time in going office, so we surfed net and checked out our social websites accounts for latest updates. Then I though of sleeping but one of my weakness T.V captured me. That day, even ZEE CINEMA people were in good mood. One of my favorite movies, MP3 was coming. We both settled down on our beds to watch the same. What an atmosphere; fully fresh amidst of mild cold with hot pasta, enjoying the favorite movie in the official timings and that too, when you are being paid for it. Moreover it was a Saturday so already weekend feeling started coming into our minds. Mean while I got a call from one of my friends, she gave me the news of her marriage. I was bit shocked but then someway down my mind I understood her decision. I was very happy for her. The day was full of surprises, joys, and happiness. First time, I wore casuals while going back to office around 12.15pm. To our surprise, rain had not stopped yet, so we decided to wear rain coats and head towards the office. (After all we have got some ethics and sincerity!!). As soon as I reached office in lunch time, all were surprised to see in completely new attire. Even boss complimented me. (It was not necessary to mention, I know that!!). Even work pressure was very less that day. The day passed away leaving some numb moments of ecstasy and fun.

There are some more incidents which I can describe here. But these were the latest and refreshing ones. I hope you will feel the joy while reading, which I felt while experiencing them. Try to enjoy in what you have got, don’t waste today in hopes of getting bigger tomorrow.
Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

Keep enjoying rainy season!!!

Regards

PARUL GOYAL

I m L'vng It

Its 24th July, 2010 @ 11.45pm: Well, I am again here to make all you crazy with another creation of mine. This time I will try to touch the realm of the divine through my blog. And moreover if the grapevine is to be believed, I already have quite a number of fans who keep following my blogs, every time I post it. And they are ready to give their feedbacks which always become driving force for me because of their words of appreciation and their love & affection towards my blogs. Someone has rightly said,” if expectations are high then responsibilities are much higher.

Having said that, I would like to give you all a feel of what exactly is there in the box for you this time. As in the last blog of mine I tried to explain the people that it is not necessary to have a story or something happening to blog. Even one can always blog about the feelings what are there in his mind. The same way I did. But it is always important to take care of what people want to read or hear about. Means there is no fun in putting my bums to pain without aiming for something in return. In this blog I will narrate a true incidence of a boy with whom you will be able to relate yourself as a human being at any stage of the story. Once you feel connected then my purpose is solved. I will think that what my followers wanted to hear I made them hear the same. And if you all feel good about it, I would feel too as a consequence of the Newton’s THIRD LAW OF MOTION. I am writing about him because I feel inspired from him.

Without much a do, let us start with the story or I would say a real incidence of a boy who is as normal as we are. His name is MITESH. I met him while I was in the college. He is a fun loving and true person, not fake at all. Whatever comes in his mind he vomits it back (yukkkkkkk). But that’s the quality I like about him. He Is a true friend of mine. I could discuss anything with him (anything means anything, mind it!!!). He used to console me when I used to feel low at the same time he used to share my happy moments to make them as a never ending memories in my life. During the entire college life we came to know about each other very well. Now also I always consult him during any decision or whenever I am in dilemma. Whatever suggestions or solutions he gives, I totally follow them without giving a second thought. That’s kind of trust and belief we share.

That was an introduction about him to prepare a ground for the people who do not know him (all of you except me) sothat as an audience//listener//reader they must know who the person, about whom they are reading, is?

There are lots of incidences which I can share with you which will inspire you a lot. But I will touch upon the latest one as it will take hundreds of blogs to pen down all of them and you all will need to grill yourself for long nights and days to go through them. Moreover those all belong to the college life which all of us, been done with, so I would not give you a chance to live it again (how mean!!!). The incident is about the relations of an employee with his boss and colleagues.

It goes like this. Recently he had been shifted to a new project in his company where he finds himself in a mess. In the previous projects, his record have been really good as he is a sincere and hard working guy; at the same time, follows company rules strictly. So it was obvious for his new boss to expect a lot from him (as all bosses do even if the person is not capable, how selfish!!!). He not only treats his juniors badly but discourages them also. My friend had come to know about his nature quite soon. His boss’s only funda was to make people stay beyond normal working hours even if there is no work to do effectively. Mitesh got irritated with this behaviour and discussed it with me. I told him to remain calm and take his time to get acquainted with the whole situation. But he took a rebellious step. He started doing arguing with his boss every second day. He was totally frustrated and even took a decision to quit his job. But then Mitesh got into roots of the whole system and came to know about the cause of the problem. It was his colleagues who made his boss so dominating. Actually from the starting of the project only, they all gave him so much space that he could enter, even, in their personnel life. They all were continuing their job as they were now used to it. Moreover it was their first project hence they have made a portfolio of a boss like this only. But Mitesh was new to such kind of environment. One day he busted out without thinking about the consequences. And guess what, it changed his life. He just had an argument with the boss in which Mitesh make his realise that he is not one of them who follows others’ footsteps but he creates his own. Moreover it was evident that Mitesh has achieved all his targets within the time limits, whatever has been assigned to him. From that day onwards till now, the boss has not told him to stay back after office hours. And moreover his boss gives him a lot of work (in a positive manner) because he trust Mitesh to an extent that he knows it Mitesh will complete the work in stipulated time. Now, all izzz well. Everything is going fine. Mitesh is happy with the job profile; he sees more opportunities of learning in the new project. Even the colleagues have also started thinking on the same path (hmmm!!!! Poor people).

So it gives me a learning that “always speak up” when you are right, don’t hesitate to express your views even if your senior is forcing you to nod in terms of agreement. Mitesh has always been an inspiring figure for me. I always look upto him and believe me; it has helped me a lot. With this I would like to end this incidence hoping you all will stand against the terrorism which bosses, in every organisation, have grounded to treat their employee the way they want.

On a table, that looks like a abandoned war ground where everything is trying to find a space for its worth, be it a pencil, a bag or a pile of some rotten books (looks like as if somebody have inherited them from their grandfather) and pleading the owner to read them; be it a hand towel, a laptop; then a comb, a empty glass lying in unconsciousness position, then few dust particles and a spectacle box. Only a night bulb is on which is lighting up the room in such a manner that creates the awesome ambience in the room. Pin drop silence. This was the situation on 24th July, 2010 (an off Saturday night) at around 11.30 pm in the night when my roommates had gone into their dreams to find out the way to crack IES, as they are aiming for IES-2011 and this time hopefully they are serious about it (May GOD bless them with the hard work and the dedication a person needs to crack IES).

I was in my blanket feeling cold due to mercy of weather, got up from bed to turn off A.C. Even now was not able to sleep and then I realised the importance of writing a blog. Not only it gives you a platform to express your feelings, to connect with people but it acts as a medium to get rid off your loneliness and boredom also. Now again it was the time when I was all geared up to show my writing skills to the people and when my body started opposing the whole bulls**t idea because it has to suffer a lot in many ways (discussed already). But I was determined to keep the pace which I have been maintaining for last three months. Almost one blog per month, it was already 24th of this month hence it was the high time to keep up with my schedule.

Its 24th July, 2010 @ 11.45pm: Well, I am again here to make all you crazy with another creation of mine(What do u think, that's repeat, actually not).

You all must have heard of split personality. That’s not the case with me (don’t worry), I am not here to scare you all but shall tell you the truth of my life through this one. In childhood, I was named as Mitesh ( as they wanted to make the trio of Mitesh, Hitesh and Nitesh; other two are my brothers) but then one of my family members was obsessed with the name Parul so they gave a name to me which became my first identity but nevertheless I could not forget my foremost name also. I always analyse things by discussing them with me only. I try all the permutations and combinations of the consequences that might happen after a decision of mine. That habit I conquered when I was in college and was matured enough to take my own decisions. My tongue has always been ahead of my mind but still I try many times to control it. I believe in,” There is no one else who can judge you except you only”.

In the last blog, I yelled out loud my frustration in terms of blog, which most of you have not read (I know it all!!!) or maybe you have read but not commented (do comment this time, being a bit optimistic). I wrote about my feelings which started coming to mind when I was trying to get adjusted in the new company, new boss and colleagues.

After spending more than 5 months in the organisation, now I have got well acquainted with the system. Moreover I have found new friends among my colleagues in the company as now our frequency have started matching. Now days, everything is going great. I am in love with my life. Friends are there, good roommates are there, Anti (maid) is there to take care of our food and most importantly family is there who call me everyday to know whether I am fine. I might lie to them on phone when I am not feeling well but still they come to know from my texture of voice. To add to my happiness, rainy season is around which has been quite roaring till now. I have already taken bath sufficiently in the rainy showers which have resulted in cold many times. Yet I always wait for the sky to get dark and roads to get jammed (for the time being, not thinking about others!!!) and make me wet completely in the waters consisting of hundreds of bacteria and hazardous gaseous molecules without getting into the result part. This phase of live, I want it to be everlasting.

There are some synonyms or similar meaning sentences which have been used very frequently in the blog, are as follows:
(i)Mitesh :: Parul (The writer)
(ii)New project :: New company
(iii)Parul met Mitesh in college :: Parul conquered his self in the college
(iv)Mitesh argued with his boss :: Parul did not listen to his boss
(v)Colleagues are following Mitesh :: Colleagues have also started raising their voices

DECLARATION
This is an effort made deliberately to connect with the public opinion. Hope you all will appreciate my effort.

PARUL GOYAL

Mind- A organ full of thoughts, ideas, feelings

These days I am thinking of writing another blog. But don’t know where to start from. Because neither I have been on any trip with my friends nor there is any motivation to write another as it was there in the last one. So I am bit confused what to write about but determined to keep the flow going on.

Today 3rd of June, 2010 @ around 12’o clock, sitting idle in the company (as usual), some thoughts are coming into my mind which are comprised of good and bad both. One side of my mind is cursing me for not concentrating upon studies which was my main aim some months ago. Don’t know what happened, but trying to explore the reason for the same and hoping that I will resume my pace shortly. Moreover next week I have training in the company on the subject which I like the most for which I have to prepare so that I could clear all my doubts that I have. In spite of that I am not willing to study at all yet I am writing all this c**p. It’s been going on for last few days. Everyday I think about it, but in vain. Do I miss my previous company and colleagues? Does life take such drastic change when you shift your base? Do all people feel the same when they switch over? But now it’s been more than 3 months, I don’t think that shifting company is the reason for my nostalgic behavior. Moreover I have shifted with my friends, still I feel alone sometimes. Someone has rightly said, “Maintain some distance with the persons whom you want to be with you throughout your life.”

I want some inspiration, some good thoughts, events, ideas, moments that I could cherish while writing them and keep them as sweet memories with me throughout my life. At the same time, I am worried about the professional values and ethics since I am utilizing my office hours thinking about such issues which are not going to produce any output for me in the reality. Yet I am confidant that if I would have not been thinking about writing another blog, surely I would have been indulging myself into some useless politics of the company. Hence the verdict is that I am making a good move in terms of my personnel and professional life both.

Ok now its time for lunch. It’s already 1.15pm. My Colleagues are calling me for lunch. I will continue after that. After coming back I would like to give a frame to my thoughts and will try to jot down them in another blog of mine.

Hey, I am back. Its 2.15pm now. Don’t think that our lunch time is from 1.15pm to 2.15pm but it’s anytime between 1pm to 2.30pm. We, a group of 8 people, generally spend around a full hour for doing lunch as all of us believe that it is very important to digest our meals properly (laughing out loud….). Further, you all must be waiting to know about the food. But to tell you the truth, I bring lunch from my flat generally, so it always tastes better than the one which is provided in company cafeteria. Moreover we all had JALEBI after lunch which was super delicious and hot at the same time.

Let’s resume our job now. One more thing that generally comes to my mind and which I would like to talk about here is that college life and professional life are two sides of a coin. They are meant to be separate. You can’t mix both of them. In college, the breeze of freedom, happiness, friendship etc follows you wherever you go but in company high tides of politics, responsibility, rivalry etc tries to trap you in every way possible. Since I have been working for two long years in different cultures, I have gone through various stages of professional life which in result have made me so strong and adjustable that now I can handle any type of situation successfully. I have figured out clearly the difference between the two ways of living. ****************************************************

My mobile watch is showing time as 4’o clock. Where the time has flown away? Actually, one reason is that it takes time to pen down the feelings into correct words which reflect exact meaning and picture of your mind to avoid any miscommunication. Another reason is that from 3’o clock onwards I was not available on my workstation as I was visiting my colleagues on their respective seats to chat about the things which are meaningless yet we do just to feel lighter.

Now coming back to topic of discussion, sometimes I feel people around me in my daily routine life, are having a sense of superiority complex. They think whatever they say or do is right, no matter whether the other person agrees with it or not. However I usually don’t react because I consent myself easily assuming that their way of thinking and looking at life is different than me and hence collide has to happen. But honestly that’s not fair on their part because they should keep themselves in my shoes and then take a judgment. Whenever they want to switch over in their favor they can, but when I do they have a problem. I am fed of all these cheap mentality and want to move on beyond such accusations which are being put on me in everyday life.

On the happier side, I am getting used to the company culture as I have to mingle with it as soon as possible because right now I am not thinking of shifting my job except EIL. So among all these issues, I am not at all giving any importance to the people perception about me. I really don’t care what they think about me and how they have judged me. Though I do feel need of discussing it with them to sort it out sometimes. I think, now I have become mature enough to handle their criticism. I am not boasting about myself but I think I am right on my part. The People are becoming more pretentious & fake. I have always believed in clarifying things on the faces rather than back biting. Before commenting on anybody or giving judgment on anybody, people should look into themselves. One more thing I have adopted in my life that I analyze everyday activities and outcomes, whatever happen throughout the day before I go to sleep. It gives me self confidence, power of thinking and the way converging to correct decision making. I feel it is better to resolve the issues before the knot gets converted into a really messy puzzle which will be very difficult to solve later on.


It is 6’o clock already. Now I have to leave for home before my boss gives me some work and which is supposed to be completed by today only (as he normally does). So it is better to escape as soon as possible. Catch u all tomorrow.

Today 5th of June I am again here to pen down my emotions. Its 9.45am by my mobile watch. Yesterday 4th of June I was not able to connect to u all due to some activities comprised of personnel and professional. Moreover we celebrated our chairman Mr. Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Birthday with a cake cutting ceremony along with snacks and drinks. Even today I am not sure whether I will be able to complete the narration of the emotions of mine or not. Because I am loaded with work (pleasantly surprised….). As a result of which, any time I could be in offline mode. Today being Saturday I will be leaving office in a good mood hoping that some good time is waiting for me ahead on this weekend. Besides Sunday effect, the reason for my happiness is that I am going for RAJNEETI with my friend and being a movie freak I am all geared up for the much anticipated movie of the season.**************************************************

Today, 11th of June @ 1.10pm, Friday, I am saying hello to you all who have been connected with me since the beginning of this journey which started on 3rd of June. Let me start with the movie where we got disconnected. Movie was great as predicted. There is no point in talking about it as you all must have seen it by now; if at all haven’t, go check it out. Today is the last day of the week and moreover this weekend we have two days off being second Saturday of the month. I need to answer why I have not been active in the whole week as I already told you my plan throughout his week. For those who have joined me recently, I was busy with a technical training organized by our company for four days. Two great steel design professors from IIT MADRAS conducted it which helped me a lot in understanding the course in depth because I was not that confident in that particular subject. A big thanks goes to my college steel professor (identity is being kept under cover due to inconvenient consequences which may happen in future). Training brought back the college days memories as during many sessions in the training I was dozing which I used to do in college also. Someone has rightly said, “Changing environment does not change a person’s attitude.”

I think now its time to stop otherwise it will lose its significance. In beginning I was not in a position to write down another blog, instead I was just thinking of what to write about, where to start from? But now, almost a week after, I feel that my thoughts have taken a shape of a blog already which is mainly concentrating upon my thoughts & feelings these days. In this creation of mine, you may not find humor, entertainment, excitement but yet you can connect with it imagining yourself in my place. I am not an avid writer but I have always been good in expressing my feelings and thoughts (finger crossed).

Moreover it gives me learning that even if one does not have anything to write, yet he can do wonders with the words. One should not wait for the opportunity but ought to be ready for the same anytime as I did. One more message I would like to give here to all people that always discuss with your loved ones, the ones you care about, about the issues, differences, problems so that later on you should have feeling of contentment otherwise you may end up with having some complications in your relations with your loved ones.


Some of you might be thinking what it was all about? But as you know I was here to narrate my thoughts which are coming to mind again and again. But for those who are highly disappointed should ask one question to themselves that have they ever tried to pen down their feelings? If not, Atleast appreciate if someone else does it.



Thanks
PARUL GOYAL

M3 - A tale of frustrated professional life schedule

After receiving so much appreciation and acclamation on my first blog “KUMBH 2010- A journey full of joys” from my well wishers and friends, I thought of writing another blog. But the fact is, until and unless there is some solid reason or motivation which inspires you; you can’t place your bums continuously for a long time in same position. Moreover there should be enough valuable time so that you can pen down your experiences in the way you want. And lastly, one usually can’t get rid off the issues and personal problems in this professional life that it usually becomes very difficult to snatch time from clock of hectic schedule which completes its rotation at its own rate without thinking about the people who are lagging behind.

Month of April 2010, As soon as the eve of “APRIL FOOL” ended, summers went wild. Everyone was cursing God for the same, but I was cursing company HR people management for different reason. Actually as per rules, I was expecting my first salary on 1st of April, but due to the grace of a bunch of worthless, lazy people I could not receive it till 8th of April. Everyday I used to check my account details everyday in hopes of salary credit but all in vain. But as soon as I got it credited in my account, balance figures change from 000.00 to **, 000.00. That is the kind of unusual problems you get into even if you have not committed any kind of mistake on your part.

Everything was going fine in life except company work culture which s**ks a big time. As time was passing, my frustration level was increasing, but who knew at that point of time that things will change for me. On 10th of April I came across one line while surfing on the net which states, “One thing that can’t be recycled is wasted time.” Suddenly I realized that only few days were left for a PSU exam for which I filled up form thinking about cracking it. So I started concentrating upon my studies rather than worrying about job. But as they say, “He plans things for you, not yourself.”

On 12th of April I got a call from one of my good college friends, who insisted me to come to his marriage that was to be held at Amritsar on 14th of April. I started planning for the same because it seemed feasible as there was a holiday on that day in company due to VAISAKHI. I booked the tickets for SHATABDI as my salaried account was flooded with money. Finally on 14th of April, I packed my bags and was all geared up for Amritsar to grace the occasion of my friend’s marriage. The experience of SHATABDI was awesome. I was treated like as if I am son-in-law of the whole railway department. In the sweaty and humid summer I reached Amritsar in noon. After attending the grand & marvelous marriage at a 5* hotel in night, I took departure from marriage straight away to station so that I could reach Delhi on time and be able to save my one leave which generally means a lot to an employee. I reached home around 12’o clock and was getting prepared for the encounter with the boss. But this time lucky bell strikes and one of my colleagues called me up to intimate that the boss had not turned up in the company. So I decided to stay in my sweet rented home and relax rather than sitting idle in the company. Once you start earning money then only you realize the importance of sleeping in the noon.
After a busy and tired week, I desperately needed a Sunday to complete my dreams which were still in the dizziness mode. Finally 18th April came and Sunday times reached our sweet home. Moreover, Two of My flat mates made this Sunday special by giving a fabulous party at a pub called TANTRA. We all enjoyed to the fullest and were the last to leave the dance floor. So again, I was tired like anything and thoughts of office next day Monday morning were scary. After the bash of Sunday night, I was not at all in the mood of starting that journey of monotonous life again. But what to do, one has to bear all this to get his meter running.

Yet there are some great moments in office which you enjoy keeping aside all the tensions. One of such moments was on 24th of April. It’s been really hot this summer from March onwards and according to metro logical department, records of last 60 yrs had been broken. But that day, INDRA DEVTA was in full mood and determined to give us some relief. I was doing my work at my desk; All of a sudden I heard some voices of stones being thrown on office premises glasses as I sit near by one of the windows. When I stood up from my seat and tried to peep out from the window, what I saw was pleasantly unbelievable. To my surprise, the road was fully white instead of its natural color due to ice stones being thrown by INDRA DEVTA. All the colleagues gathered near the window to witness the incident. One can’t expect this kind of hail storm even in the winter; still it was happening in summer in front of all of us. Almost for 5 minutes, we were gazing at the road and sky simultaneously. As soon as the beautiful scenery vanished, I along with some of my colleagues went to have Samosas and tea outside the company on a small tea stall. As it was already 5’o clock, hence no one was in mood of resuming his work again. The sun for that day settled down leaving with some good memories which are still very fresh in my mind.

Then starts the last week of April, which was full of amusement, frustration and some good laughs. The week started on 26th of April as Monday. As we reached home after completing office, we got to know that our maid went on holiday that night. We all decided to dine outside at some good place. So we opted for PUNJABI PAKWAAN situated near to our home. We all had a consensus to order for DAL MAKHANI, MALAI KOFTA and MATAR METHI MALAI along with LACHA PRANTHA. While ordering I told waiter to bring M3 along with other dishes. He stared at me and asked me to repeat. Again I said, ‘M3.” Now he felt hesitated to ask it again as he was still unable to find this named dish in the menu. Finally, without teasing him further, I told him MATAR METHI MALAI. He passed a smile and moved on. We all had a good laughter on this. We thought that all restaurant owners should keep these kinds of short names for their dishes. Similarly one tries to find out ways to keep oneself happy, besides this professional life.

27th of April, Tuesday, the day of BAJRANG BALI, started on a happier note as the memory of last night incidence was still in my mind. Around afternoon I was told by my roomies that today we all would be going for the dinner outside as some vendor has arranged a presentation in some 4* hotel and followed by cocktails and dinner. In night we all went for the dinner (so called party for us) as nobody was interested in presentation. We reached at the venue when presentation was on its last breaths. As soon as it ended we headed towards cocktails but being non drinkers we opted for soft drinks only. Soup was smoking hot and concentration was too thin as if we were drinking the water which is usually left behind while our mothers wash the veggies before cooking them. It was not tasty at all. Although start was bad but the main course was yet to come. Ultimately food was good, but the much required laughter was waiting for us near the sweet dish stall. I was heading the group. All the descendants were relying on me. As soon as I tried to extract some ice cream with the help of scoop, the whole jar started to move away due to iced freezing ice cream. It moved so much that it was on the verge of falling from the table. But I was concentrating on ice cream only, not on the jar. Suddenly my follower, (one of my roomies) whispered in my ears,”Please stop, as they also have to eat.” This statement made me lose my control and I busted out laughing joined by my roommate. We both had stomach pain due to laughter. After having delicious dinner, we all came back and went to sleep. I was totally unaware about the things which were going to come in coming days.

Wednesday and Thursday went normal as per daily schedule. In the meanwhile I maintained a pace with the studies so that I could succeed in exam. On 30th of April, Friday, again our maid did not turn up for making dinner. Hence we again went to PUNJABI PAKWAAN. As soon as we entered, the same waiter recognized us and passed us a smile. But this time we did not order for M3. A bigger tragedy was waiting for me at home. As I sat up for studies, some transformer got burned up resulting in power loss, again I was choked out thinking why only me. Whole night I was trying to sleep but was unable to do so. Moreover mosquitoes were all thrusty to drink my sweet blood. Further, tension of exam was making me crazy. Next morning, Saturday, Nobody was in mood to go to office, but all managed to save their respective leaves and went to office. Moreover in office also one can sleep if you are smart enough. In office, whole day passed thinking about the tomorrow’s exam. I made some schedule for study even if it was for one day only. Hoping that last moment preparation might work.

On 1st of May, Saturday when I returned from office, I was already in semi consciousness stage due to uncompleted sleep. I went into my bed as soon as possible. I was about to study after dinner, then only I came to know that “Anti” had not come that day also. Fully frustrated, we all were cursing “Anti”. This was 4th day in 6 days of a week on which we were planning to go out again for dinner. But this time we went to MAGADH restaurant rather than PUNAJBI PAKWAAN. As it was somewhat cheaper, moreover we all had left with minimal money in our accounts. To add to our irritation, when we returned from dinner, power was not there, this time it was only our home which was attacked by some fuse. I dropped the plan of studying and started listening to FM to cool down myself. Music generally acts like a healing agent for me. I was mentally prepared for the exam tomorrow.

That was the worst week of my life. Whatever I was trying to do in that particular week, nothing went as per planning. 2nd of May, Sunday morning, I and two of my roomies were all prepared for the exam. We had bread slices with milk and went to appear in the exam. Exam center was in middle of a village. Narrow streets were full of crowd. All kind of traffic was present starting from buffalo cart to rickshaws. That particular school seemed as if it was abandoned during the 1947 war. Even the fans were not working in my room. Windows without glasses were trying to work as an AC. When did exam started and ended, I did not realize as I was busy in solving aptitude questions, because technical portion was very difficult for the people who had not prepared for the same and Unluckily I was one of them. After I was done with our proceedings I headed back towards our home along with my friends. As we all were dying with hunger, all of us showed up their cooking skills which we have inherited from our mothers. I made banana shake, while other fellows prepared PASTA and baked bread slices. Now I could feel the peace deep under my mind. Since I had not slept for continuously two nights hence I needed a sound sleep. Moreover power was there. Without wasting a single second, I got into my bed and had a sleep under the cooling of rented AC. In night, anti also came. Life train was again back on the track.

After this experience, I was totally charged up to pen down my experiences in words so that I could remember all of them throughout my life span. If I think upon the whole journey, it’s been full of twists and turns which firstly make you weak and helpless then finally it gives you a reason to work harder and stay calm. Take the life the way it comes, Ups and downs are the essential parts of an interesting life.

KUMBH-2010,HARIDWAR...A JOURNEY FULL OF JOYS

That day, 4 march, 2010, I got late in office. It was 8.30 pm when I reached home and was totally frustrated. After having dinner, I was doing chit chat with my roommate, Vikas. Around 11.30 pm, when I was trying to sleep and was in situation of semi-consciousness; suddenly door of the room opened and my flat mate, Rajiv entered into the room. He stays in adjacent room only. He stood near to me and asked whether I would go with him to HARIDWAR for KUMBH on next weekend. Actually, he had planned it with another friend of ours, Abhimanyu who stays in a nearby city. While dozing, I could not understand much and said,” yes”. After asking me he asked Vikas the same question and he also agreed instantaneously. That’s how we planned for the trip.

After two days, Rajiv called me up saying that he has booked the tickets for Sunday evening from Delhi to Haridwar. I was wandering whether there is some miscommunication or something else as we planned to go on weekend, not after weekend. But I nodded in terms of yes and was doing hit and trials for planning a day off from office. When I discussed it with Vikas, He refused as he was not happy with the idea of taking a leave from work. When we all three confronted each other in night, Rajeev told us that going on Monday was the whole idea as it was a SOMVATI AMAVASYA. And people say that it is really very good eve for worshiping GANGA ji. We were fine with the idea except a little hesitation in Vikas’s mind of taking a day off from office.

I and Vikas then thought that we should go on Saturday itself and may be we can roam about the nearby places also like RISHIKESH, DEHRDOON and MUSSORIE etc. Rajeev agreed but now Abhimanyu was on his peak of resistance due to some personal reasons. Now the situation was that Vikas was not ready to go on Monday leave and Abhimanyu wanted to go only on Monday. Moreover both going and return tickets were in waiting list and stick to their number of WL 39,40,41,42.

Just 3 days to go in Saturday, we tried each and every way possible that all four of us can go for KUMBH from Saturday to Monday. Finally problems started getting solved. Vikas was ready to go on leave for Monday. Abhimanyu was ready to go on Saturday itself but now tickets cheated us even in TATKAL. Finally we decided to hire a taxi for three days and we did.

At last 13^th march, 2010 sun rises, we packed our bags and left for HOLY BATH. Time flew away playing ‘dumb charades’ in taxi. But it is not easy to get rid of your sins. Our taxi got snatched from us by bank insurance people because our driver (so called owner) of the car had not been paying installments as per time. Haridwar was just 15 kilometers away. We bid bye to our driver and caught a bus to HARIDWAR. Around 6 pm we reached Haridwar. Thank GOD we had arranged our staying arrangement in Haridwar already otherwise it would have been really difficult for us to find room on such an occasion. After we settled in room, we headed towards HAR KI PAURI. Most of the rickshaws and autos were banned in the city. Somehow after managing 3 km we finally reached HAR KI PAURI. It is true saying that,”what is written in destiny has to happen no matter how many problems you go through.”

Whole atmosphere was so pure that we already started feeling light as our sins were getting separated from us. We all had bath in GANGA ji. One almost gets numb when iced water touches your bared body for the first time. It was dark now. After roaming in the market we reached our ASHRAM and we continued our game. Late at night we were making plans of what to do next day as our taxi was not there with us. We concluded that we will go for rafting tomorrow in Rishikesh instead of Dehradoon/ Mussorie and will come back in evening to attend EVENING AARTI @ HAR KI PAURI as it is very famous.

14^th march, 2010 morning we went to HAR KI PAURI for bath. This time water was in its full swing as expected. Again we had fun in taking bath in endless swimming pool. We filled many people’ bottles with Ganga water while having “masti” in GANGA ji. After having breakfast and some shopping we came back to our room to get ready for adventure. We managed to reach RISHIKESH around 12.30pm in spite of severe transport problems. We were lucky enough to get contractor for rafting within half an hour. We opted for 16 km stretch from SHIVPURI to RAAM JHOOLA. Around 1.30pm we started our journey full of adventures and were armed with CHAPPU and LIFE JACKET. It was going fine and smooth till our first rapid came. That experience was mind boggling. Our raft just got escaped from tilting. Although I had experienced it earlier also but this time it was more exciting. One after another rapids came and we enjoyed this magnificent ride to the fullest.
At every point of time we all were trying to capture all those moments with Vikas’s mobile camera as it was only hope with us. Then came a point where we all were in deep waters floating on water surface. We trusted life jackets more than anything. All around blue water with blue sky on head, we stayed in water almost for 15 minutes. It was a kind of achievement for non-swimmers like me. Hereafter comes the DIVE POINT. People were jumping from 25-30 feet high cliff into water. All of us also jumped after one another. It was an awesome feeling which can not be explained in words. After jumping into water, for almost 10 seconds I was completely out of my mind. Then came the final rapid and we concluded our ride of joys, twists and turns safely.

As soon as rafting got over, we headed towards HARIDWAR to attend AARTI. When we reached Haridwar, only 15 minutes left for start. Without Autos and rickshaws it was a cumbersome task to reach HAR KI PAURI. As we reached nearby, we could hear the sounds of AARTI that means it already started but still we were trying our level best to have a glimpse of it. Rajeev and Vikas got lucky that time to get escaped from the scandal of POLICE who were there to stop people from reaching the destination indirectly. I and Abhimanyu got trapped in barricades. It seems that they were testing our patience. But none of us could reach on time and our efforts went in vain. Even after that POLICE were so resistant to allow us entering in the market. That time actually we felt like that we were standing in KUMBH FESTIVAL. After some time when police showed some leniency, again all four of us were together discussing the outcomes of the whole day experiences. Now we decided to have dinner in a famous chain of restaurants there called CHOTIWALA. Food was marvelous and we were hungry like anything which finally resulted a big hole in our pockets. Next day was the big day i.e. SOMVATI AMAVASYA- SHAHI SNAAN that we came for mainly. Meanwhile we heard the announcement that next day general public is allowed to take HOLY BATH in GANGA ji at HAR KI PAURI only in timings of 12am to 8 am. It was already 9pm in the market. So we decided to leave foe our room as we need to take a good rest because after the whole day activities we were tired badly.

15^th march, 2010 we all wake up at 3am in the morning to mark our attendance at HAR KI PAURI on the gracious occasion. All the ways were banned except one or two. After walking around 4 km finally we joined a row which was heading towards HAR KI PAURI. Now we were sure that nobody could stop us from taking HOLI BATH in GANGA ji. When we reached HAR KI PAURI at around 6 am. What a view it was? We all shattered seeing the people going mad for just touching GANGA water. It made all of us energetic. The feeling of being in those 10 lac people was just amazing. One could not have asked for more. With in seconds we were ready with our clothes off to get into water. Quickly we all had bath in GANGA ji praying for our whole family, followed by worshiping at a temple nearby. Finally we could see all our sins floating in the river surface and flew away with the waters. We all were happy in our minds with a victorious feeling.

But the major examination was yet to come. As we were on our way back to home, we decided to catch a train from HARIDWAR station which was 10 km from our room. With no autos and rickshaws, all around full of people we were standing in middle of the town thinking which way to go. At last some local people told us about some local station called MOTICHOOR from where we could get a train to HARIDWAR. As soon as we reached the station there was a train coming to go to HARIDWAR. But people were already hanging in large quantity from the train doors and windows, no space left for us to get in. We decided to wait for next train which apparently was coming in next half an hour but arrived only after two hours. Those two hours, we spent playing our favorite game ‘dumb charades’. Somehow we managed to crawl into train’s luggage compartment. We had enjoyed such type of scenery only in movies but in real it was completely annoying. We passed those 15 minutes in train listening to music of children’ crying as if they were asking for freedom. As we reached station around 11.30 am, we got to know that a special train was being arranged to Delhi which will depart shortly. Though the train was overloaded to its maximum capacity, yet we settled down on the upper berths. Train whistled to start at 12.30pm. After long 8 hours of journey which we were supposed to complete in 5 hours, we were left with no patience. We hired an auto to our home from the station and reached our sweet home. We were tired to an extent that we got into our beds as soon as we were done with our dinner.

Now also, even after two days of YATRA which was full of adventure, sense of purity, tiredness and amazing experiences, I feel like going there again. Very few people in their lifetime get this opportunity to thank GOD personally and I got the one. Everyone commits sins but one gets the chance to payback it very rarely. I will cherish each and every moment of this wonderful experience throughout my life.

PARUL GOYAL