C’mon Man….Wake Up, Rise and Shine!!!

Little did the celebrated cartoonist R.K. Laxman know that his glorified “common man” will someday transform into a “Superman”. We are not talking about the fictitious character out of DC novels but a real life hero, who deserves applause and acknowledgement for the unimaginable feats he performs in real life. So our Superhero not only juggles between his responsibilities towards work and home but is also up against corrupt Government authorities, errant rickshaw drivers, uncompromising cab unions, angry traffic cops, an unyielding education system, and a host of stress inducing trials.  His travails do not end with fending for his family but he is witness to hosts of rage emerging in a world starved of patience, right from road rage, school rage, to office rage, and every possible condition that would enrage even an ahimsa follower.

He wakes up to the sounds of incessantly blaring horns or if neighbours are in festive mode, then bhajans played at ridiculously loud decibels attempting to be heard beyond the skies.  If he belongs to the middle or lower side of the socio-economic divide, he has already mastered the art of acrobatics that come handy while travelling by local trains. Once he manages to squeeze into the train, he has to engage in deep breathing, as artificial fragrances are still a luxury in our country.  And if he resides on the upper side of the divide, he better gear himself up for a long drive, arming himself with enough distractions to kill the extra hours before he reaches his destination, and God bless his soul if he is in the driver’s seat cause shifting gears will keep him busy throughout the journey.

Our superhero pays a premium for basic necessities, bears the weight of exorbitant taxes, is regularly subject to food, fuel and every possible price hike, and is supposed to take all this with a pinch of salt, lest that gets dearer too. He keeps himself alive breathing toxic gases which are far deadlier than what he lets out and has no choice but to ignore the crumbling state of infrastructure.  He has limited access to basic hygiene amenities in the city, is constantly susceptible to bomb scares, terrorist attacks and alien viruses such as H1N1, which do not attack computer systems but choose to target the human body.  Unwillingly remits a hefty sum to school/college authorities for admitting his offspring and has to keep a running bank account to see them finish education.  The rising costs of living, with barely any increase in income, just add to his woes, thus causing numerous ailments, which only contribute to the earnings of the medical fraternity. 

Inspite of contributing to the revenues of the Exchequer he leads a chequered life abound by twists and turns caused by his immediate surrounding than fate.  Each day he leaves home to battle a fresh set of challenges without any magical prowess.  He survives and surmounts countless obstacles with the hope of a better tomorrow. Just one look in the mirror will find a superman staring back, telling us “C’mon man get up and get going today is another day”.

“I do”

Dreams and desires have found new wings,

The frost of winter has finally paved the way for spring,

Surprises and laughter in the air,

Celebrate the fanfare with the blessed pair.

Embarking upon a new beginning,

Life is filled with fresh hope and meaning,

Mixed emotions wreck havoc on the mind,

Peace eludes plays hard to find.

The heart exudes a warm glow,

With love so true for the chosen beau,

Backed by faith in the divine choice,

Every moment I humbly rejoice.

Walking towards the altar of love,

Heavens shower blessings from up above,

All geared to share the sacred vows,

Shall reap the love of the seeds we sow.

A Heart without a Life

What if we were born without a heart?

Life would be simple, and not tear us apart,

Mind would be the sole ruler of ours,

We would need no healing from countless scars.

Emotions and feelings would be history,

Winning the heart would no longer be a mystery,

No one would steal our hearts and return it on a whim,

Speak spiteful words that would make us grim.

Cupid’s arrow would lose target,

Lovelorn poets would cease to write sonnets,

A relation won’t sink b’coz of lack of romance,

Jilted love would stand no chance.

The ruler above never foreseen this twist,

Before blessing us with this precious gift,

So we have to live and learn to love our hearts,

True to ourselves but never apart!!!

Zero se Hero or Vice-versa ;)

“Pat-ti hain ladki patanewala chahiye”…whoever imagined that the line of an old forgotten melody will turn into a reality.  Here we are in an age of cloud computing, i-phone rhapsodies, Blackberry wars and yet emotionally challenged to the world of love.  A while ago read an article in the paper that there is an upcoming breed of specialists or rather evangelists who assist young men in shedding their inhibitions (eyes wide shut) in approaching their lady love.  These love gurus or dream merchants promise to address their shiccups (sorry hicupps) in professing their feelings to the fairer sex.

From singles club to speed dating and now grooming for love, the world is dense with opportunists who are willing to make you believe that you lack something only they can fix.  Their claims to turn one into a suave, groovy eye-candy does go well with youngsters who are willing to offer their left arm and right leg to be heard, seen and noticed amongst peers.  They do not only teach you the art of winking, flattery, flirtation but also mastery over what lies beyond the bedroom walls. There are specialized sessions on conversation styles, deciphering cues thrown by women, reading body language, dos and don’ts of first time dates, and a whole lot of gyaan that equips the sole ranger in his quest to win over his mate.

What next I wonder, talk with a drawl or wink like Tom Cruise, walk like Stallion or ride the bike like John Abraham.  It’s funny and surprising that the evolution of the female species is still a mystery to the opposite sex. In a country where we pay for our most basic needs, such magical courses come for a hefty fee.  The online business model is a boon to such enterprises that reach out to you at a nominal or no cost, informing you about their services that can be customized based on your need. Matching your clothes to the attitude you carry, the Guru promises to teach you everything you already know but have failed to apply in real life.  The lure of such propositions is difficult to ignore given that you have been programmed to win, at any cost.

We so complicate our lives when we try to convince ourselves that we do not possess what it takes to win hearts.  Am sure each one of us has a winner hidden within, surely such gurus may have the knack to bring that hero to light.  But they do make out women to be an alien species who require intensive research to figure what goes on in that head of ours. We aren’t akin to Da Vinci’s code that needs to be decoded, neither a tough algorithm that requires complex equations, and yes we aren’t the ones who drove Freud to insanity, we just think from our hearts.  With all your boardroom expertise & intelligentsia why does it become difficult to understand what a woman wants??? I know this is like inviting a raging debate as the battle of the sexes is an age old phenomena and will sadly continue to exist.  Trust you me that it’s a whole lot simpler than it is made out to be, these techniques, tips and tricks will surely get you there, but what will make you stay is the emotional chord you strike with a women’s heart, rest as they say is a mystery ;)

Valuing the “PRESENT”

A second, a minute, an hour is gone,

Words unspoken, deeds unperformed,

Time is a bird that can never be caged,

So live every moment regardless of age.

Chase every rainbow, follow your dream,

Life’s a gift you better redeem,

Sing your life’s song, traverse the mile,

Coz before you know it time just flies.

Hold your love close to your heart,

As the tide might turn and tear you apart,

Treasure the moments of melancholy too,

They teach you to live a life that is true.

The Time to say goodbye maybe near,

Selflessly Love every being you hold dear,

Laugh through your heart, awash your sorrows with tears,

The beginning is known, welcome the END unknown.

Lyrics of Tujhe Bula Diya...(Unedited Version)

The Missing para in the song....Tujhe Bhula diya (Anjaana Anjaani)...

Tu nahin toh in labon pe ek shikayat reh gayi hain,

Door hi jab karna tha toh paas kyu laya bata Khuda,

Khuda tujhe bhi toh pyaar hoga, khuda juda tera yaar hoga,

Khuda jaanega tu faanslon ka hain yeh dard kya...

Life's Little Instruction Book

Was a forward....but worth a read...

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•  Have a firm handshake.
• Look people in the eye.
• Sing in the shower.
• Own a great stereo system.
• Keep secrets.
• Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
• Always accept an outstretched hand.
• Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
• Avoid sarcastic remarks.
• Choose your life's mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 percent of all your happiness or misery.
• Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
• Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
• When playing games with ! children, let them win.
• Give people a second chance, but not a third.
• Be romantic.
• Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
• Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
• Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It's there for your convenience, not the caller's.
• Be a good loser.
• Be a good winner.
• Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
• When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
• Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
• Keep it simple.
• Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
• Don't burn bridges. You'll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
• Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets
• Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the one's you did.
• Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
• Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
• Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you.
• Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
• Begin each day with some of your favorite music.
• Once in a while, take the scenic route.
• Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."
• Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
• Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
• Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
• Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
• Make someone's day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you.
• Become someone's hero.
• Count your blessings.
• Compliment the meal when you're a guest in someone's home.
• Wave at the children on a school bus.
• Remember that 80 per cent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal