Mumbai Diary part-2

The second morning at Vaashi was pleasant. It was almost 8 am when I got up from the bed. I felt I should no longer linger around with my last night thoughts or else am gonna spoil the whole trip. Certain things happen and you cant do anything, so its better not to sob over it or roll your head over such thoughts, might be some sort of escapism, but that morning, somehow I was feeling clear and good within. We planned to move into the city that day, the vehicle had come by around 9.30am and we started our journey to Mumbai city.

All cities are notorious for traffic blocks, but I couldn't believe it was worse to this extend. Every 100 meters or so , we got stuck in the traffic blocks and finally at around 12, we managed to reach our first destination- The Gateway of India. It was a pleasure to see such a big imposing structure at touching distance.Since some maintenance work had been going on, we were not permitted inside, but we could certainly go around it. I could see the pigeons around the place and some kids were feeding them, some people were posing with the pigeons. On the other side of the road, I could see two famous hotels, Hotel Taj Mahal and Hotel Taj Intercontinental.
The architecture of Hotel Taj Mahal was really wonderful reminding me of some ancient palace. We spent some time there taking some snaps. There was a boat service from there to Elephenta caves, another tourist spot, but unfortunately we couldn't visit the place. I was told it required a whole day to visit Elephenta caves.

Next we moved to the Marine Drive. This place was an inevitable part of many Bollywood movies of 70s. The place was jam packed with tourists and no wonder we had so much trouble finding a parking space. We got out of the vehicle and walked around the drive.The scenic beauty was awesome and the view of Malabar Hills from the Marine Drive was breath taking. It appears the whole Mumbai city and its pride is reflected in that long curved strip of land starting from the Marine Drive. We took a number of snaps. I had heard of Mercedes Benz E class running as taxis in Bangalore, but I couldn't believe when I saw a BMW and a LEXUS running as taxi, unfortunately I couldn't trap them in my camera.Almost after half an hour, we left to our next destination- Malabar Hills.

Malabar Hills is one of the very posh areas of Mumbai city, its told even a millionaire would find it very costly to buy a strip of land in this place. We moved into a park the so called- Lover's Park ( I don't remember its actual name). Once, I entered the park, I knew how befitting the name was. Every corner there were atleast a pair of "love birds"( I guess you follow what I mean by that) creating their niche there even with many glaring eyes around them. It was a kind of embarrassment watching them with my parents around me, but again I loved their presence, it was nice to see atleast some people find time for dates in such a busy city, It reminded me of those old romantic movies where these scenes were an inseparable part. By then it was half past one and so we moved to a restaurant for lunch.

Once we finished it ,our next target was Juhu beach. We moved through Worli, Prabhadevi, and Mahalakshmi areas and finally landed at the Juhu beach. It was almost 3 in the evening and thes un was blazing hard and strong, still there were hell lot of people, they must have been celebrating the well awaited weekend. I preferred to take some time playing with the waves, my mom and dad remained as spectators. Soon we moved to our vehicle to Dadar for shopping.

The road to Dadar was chocked with vehicles and we got hung at every traffic junction. I had my digital camera on my hands. At one of the traffic blocks, my eyes came across a small boy, probably around 5 years old. He had a torn shorts and was half clad. It seemed he had worn a cloth of dirt, bathing seems to be an activity he never got engaged in. He was holding a toffee wrapper against his face and it seemed he was peeping though a small hole made on it. When he was just in front of our car, I took a snap of him . He noticed it and soon came close to my window and started thudding it softly. I knew, what he needed, but I didn't have coins at my hand and I wasn't generous enough to hand over the hundred rupee not lying at my pocket.I looked at my mom and she started searching her hand bag for a coin. Finally she got one and she gave it to me, it was a two rupee coin. I just pushed the button and the glass was getting lowered, the eyes of the small kid was glowing with happiness. Suddenly, the lights went green, our car jumped off from stand still,by the time the glass got lowered, our car had moved a considerable distance. Once our car had started moving, I could see the thudding from the kid was becoming harder, he began running, but his legs weren't a match for the vehicle's accelerator, I turned back, I could see him crying, I could see him weeping. The car moved on and my eyes lost him.
I can't recall how I felt,probably I was more a frozen soul out of shock, out of helplessness and out of pain. We moved on , mom and dad went for some shopping, i preferred to remain inert in the car.

Finally we reached the hotel by around 9 pm. I took my dinner. The second day was great except one incident and that spoilt the whole thing. I wasn't worried because I didn't give him any money. I had seen many beggars plead, some of them children and I have turned my face off them without any emotion as if they were some untouchables or crap creatures. What pained me was that I gave him some hope, you don't get anything with a two rupee coin, but may be that two rupee could add to the coins he would have had and get him something to eat. I made him happy and within moments I took him to tears. It was not my fault, but still I ask forgiveness, for I played the negative role in that small painful act of destiny.

Mumbai Diary part-1

Its been a long time now that I had been planning a visit to the commercial capital, but one reason or the other always came in as a stumbling block and I could never make it.But this time there was nothing that could foil our plan except the rains in Mumbai that did create a bit of dilemma. But once I knew it wasn't worth a concern, I packed my bags and set out to Mumbai along with my parents for a week long tour with lots of dreams and happiness.

I had heard a hell lot about Mumbai, had seen marine drive and Chowpathi beach in a number of movies. I had heard about the rush in suburban local trains, slums at Dharawi, and ofcourse the Bollywood. The adrenaline was running high once I landed at the Panvel station at 5 in the morning. The eagerness to explore the place was growing steadily within me. I was happy to see the suburban local waiting to shoot out from the platform, I had seen this train only in television, watching it in front of my eyes was an entirely different experience. My dad's friend came to pick us from the station and we moved to our hotel.

We refreshed ourselves, took our breakfasts and were prepared to start our endeavor. Since we were just in after an 18 hour long journey, we preferred to stick ourselves to the shopping areas in and around Vaashi. We moved out to one of the shopping malls that was near to our hotel. The big 4 storeyed structure had an imposing look and it reflected the suburban culture. I entered the mall and it seemed like a very big Colosseum. But I have to admit shopping malls have never fascinated me. Even this one, I felt as another "Forum" or "Spencer's", some pizza huts, posh shopping hubs and a multiplex at the top floor. You can't blame anyone for the high prices for things at the mall, it isn't easy to get a shop for rent in such malls at a cheap rate and also the branded materials are costly( "Costly" being a relative term, what appears costly to me might be cheap to you depending on the financial circumstances). We got into an electronics shop and bought a digital camera. Then we just strolled across the mall; Even though it was a working day, there were enough people in the mall, many beautiful faces, many jankos, wired and coloured hairs.

We had lunch from a neighboring restaurant and then moved to our rooms for an afternoon nap. In the evening, we got out to explore Vaashi and came across some more gigantic shopping malls. We got into "Palm beach Galleria" (I hope I spelled it right). The weekend was just beginning and a large crowd had already built up in the mall. There wasn't a corner at the place that wasn't illuminated, it was all lights and chandeliers. I wonder if the luxury I saw at the mall had been decremented atleast by a pinch and if all malls around do the same , then the city could have easily cut down the 5 hour powercut. But I know, everyone knows, a small number of people can never even think of cutting down their luxuries for the sake of a vast majority. People remain divided physically and mentally.

Finally we returned back to the hotel. My first day was good, but not great. I felt some kind of gloominess growing within me. As I already told, shopping malls never fascinated me. I got out of my room and moved to the terrace.Even though it was night, the city lights shattered the tranquility of darkness.. The palm beach road with its lights appeared as a golden necklace. Not far away, I could see a small tent and a small light, probably a kerosene lamp or a similar crude source of light. I could see a lady with a small baby in her hand and I guess there wer many more people in the tent. I think they were workers who were staying near by. I wonder how they manage to live among these luxuries and posh life. Its not just about fighting to survive, but its about fighting the ego within them, curbing the dreams within them, its about convincing themselves that they would never know what a shopping mall is, what a digicam is, what a plantain fried cake is . They have no other way but to keep struggling for their lives and dream that they would have a better meal tomorrow, nothing more. I moved back to my bed, turned off my lights and closed my eyes, I was making a vague attempt to sleep. This was the day I saw the two extremes of life. At one place, I could see a child yelling at her mom as he was being forced to feed on a piece of some cake; at the other end, at one of the traffic blocks were we were trapped, I could see a small baby lying on the hands of a hardly thirteen year old girl crying for some water or food. I had seen such scenes in television, but this wasn't an emotional drama, thiswas real, witnessing it in front of my eyes is an entirely different experience, a painful one.

Deception Point

It was almost after a long period of nine years that I finally opened a book on fiction. Infact, it was my cousin who compelled me to read a novel and I have to say, I made an excellent start with this awesome book. Deception Point (2001) is a scientific thriller written by Dan Brown, the author whose book 'The Davinci Code' had been a sensation. But when I started reading the book, I had no idea about the author's fame or his writing style or presentation, I never considered it worth to keep myself abreast of the hot and happening in the fiction world ( I repent now).

Talking about the book , its nothing less than a Hollywood suspense thriller with every frame detailed explicitly well, had this been made into a movie. The book just keeps you glued to it and no wonder, I finished those 546 pages in a matter of two days. The novel begins with the campaign heat for the Presidential election in the United States. The characters of the two candidates are presented in a very detailed manner. Their attitudes are very well portrayed in every word they speak and every thought they undergo. The story moves on explaining the relationship between the protagonist Rachael Sexton and her father and how she becomes a part of one of the greatest discoveries made by NASA. As the story proceeds, she and her friends come to know that what appears to be fine at the surface is something appalling underneath. That very knowledge could even threaten her survival and that is what channels the flow of the story from that point-the Deception point. Then we have wonderful set of twists and turns perfectly placed and their isn't a nerve that is not shaken.

The novel very well depicts the diplomatic rapports between various people and positions in US and portrays the cold blooded nature of certain people for whom their ambition and greed lies above any values or ethics. It also depicts how pride can be used to justify murders. Anyway it was a great 48 hours of pure pleasure and entertainment. What I liked the most was the pain the author took in explaining each and every technical aspect or method used in the novel with surgical dexterity You wouldn't believe me when I say the whole novel is a collection of events that took place within just 3 days, but that stirred a whole nation. I would recommend this book a must read for those who love scientific thrillers.

You MUST see this

I have been unhappy or infact irritated sitting home all the time. No work to do since my course is over and again weeks left before I get into my job. Its all about eating sleeping and chatting and the eventless routine just continues every day But never again, I will complain for this, I feel I am lucky; I HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT, A PLACE TO SLEEP.
If you have ever complained about anything in your life, LOOK AT THE PICTURES BELOW AND YOU WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN.








There was one more photograph in my email, but I really don't have the guts even to look at it. Its so horrific, I hope no human being ever would have to face such a brutal reality .
Courtesy: email from Jyotsna P Kadayaprath

Impressive Interview Questions and Answers

Question 1:
You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night,
it's raining heavily,
When, suddenly you pass by a bus stop,
And You see three people waiting for a bus:

An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
An old friend who once saved your life.
The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
Which one would you choose to offer a ride to,
Knowing very well that there could only be One passenger in your car?
This is a moral/ethical dilemma
That was once actually used as part of a job application.

* You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first;
* Or You could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to! Pay him back.
* However, You may never be able to find your perfect mate again.
The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer.
Guess what was his answer?

He simply answered:
'I would give the car keys to my Old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital.
I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams.'

Sometimes,
We gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations.
Never forget to 'Think Outside of the Box.'



Question 2:
What will you do if I run away with your sister?'

The candidate who was selected answered,
'I will not get a better match for my sister than you, sir'



Question 3:
Interviewer (to a student girl candidate)
- What if one morning you woke up & found that you were pregnant.

Girl:
- I will be very excited and take an off,
To celebrate with my husband.
Normally an unmarried girl will be shocked to hear this, but she managed it well.
Why I should think it in the wrong way,
She said later when asked



Question 4:
Interviewer: He ordered a cup of coffee for the candidate.
Coffee arrived kept before the candidate,
Then, he asked what is before you?

Candidate:
Instantly replied 'Tea'.
He got selected.
You know how and why did he say 'TEA' when he knows very well that coffee was kept before.

(Answer: The question was 'What is before you (U - alphabet)
Reply was 'TEA' ( T - alphabet)
Alphabet 'T' was before Alphabet 'U'



Question 5:
The interviewer asked to the candidate,
'This is your last question of the interview. Please tell me the exact position of the centre of this table where you have kept your files.'

Candidate confidently put one of his finger at some point at the table and told that this was the central point at the table.
Interviewer asked how did you get to know that this being the central point of this table. Then, he answers quickly,
Sir, you are not likely to ask any more question,
As it was the last question that you promised to ask.....
And hence, he was selected
As because of his quick-wittedness.

This is What Interviewer expects from the Interviewee.

The Dark Knight

When a fantasy concept offers more than just what it is meant to be, that is when a good movie is born. When the same concept portrays a reality, you call it a fine movie. The Dark Knight happens to be in the next level, the one which requires a definition. Its a superb treat to the eye, not because of the technical acrobatics or flashy costumes, but because of the stupendous performances from everyone in the crew. You don't see too many movies where a villain stands above a hero not only in power, but in performance too.

Christian Bale is known as one of the greatest performers of this generation, but Heath Ledger surpasses him this time. The Joker is just not a joke, but it makes a joke of the hypocrite side of our society. He doesn't have any special powers, but he exploits the evilness of the society and at times become far more powerful than the hero. This is where the movie scores its points. The movie clearly denotes that a superhero who can fly, hit or do any gimmicks cannot save a society unless and otherwise the society itself wants it to be saved. Finally the movie ends with a clear message to the people on how we bury the evil side of the society and put in a bright mask that speaks only of goodness and creates a feeling that everything is fine underneath. Unquestionably, the best movie of this year and it stands as one among the best in its genre.

Something useful

There are almost ten million blogs across the globe. There is not a single field or domain on which there is no blog. But the problem is a blog that might be useful to you might be very few out of these millions and its very hard to surf and find one of that kind, a blog which is in someway useful to us. But I can say I am lucky to find one, I am talking about working online, This blog's name itself tells its purpose,"Something useful". It gives you tips on various online schemes and mind you the blog is just not confined to that. He also talks about various scams sites and also how to deal with scams. Also he mentions about various games. The blog has another category that mentions about various sites worth joining. Also the look of the site is worth mentioning. The ads are well arranged and so it looks neat. It has simple design and the navigation in the site is also very easy. So just have a look at the site and your visit will not be wasted

The Irony

Author:Sooraj T


Chapter 1

I was driving back from office. It was my last day at work. I had resigned my job. My mind was entangled in the happenings over the last few days.
“Was it only a few days?” I wondered.

“Why should a child be punished for his parent’s mistakes? Is that fair?” I thought to myself, or maybe I was asking the almighty.

I had promised Sheela to be back soon. I floored the accelerator. I looked at my watch. I should reach there in 20 min.

The foreseen concluded

To read from the beginning, click here

"George.. , its time for dinner", a soft voice called me from the back.

The foreseen part-6

To read from the beginning, click here


"Do you think we will sit here, listen to this bullshit and let you go?",The inspector asked.
"I have explained five times, I can explain again", I was almost in tears.

Hydroxycut

In the present world, one is most concerned about his/her health and its always beneficial if you have someone who helps you to know about latest medicines and products available that can help to get your health problems out of the way. One day while I was surfing through the internet, I came across a detailed report on hydroxycut and believe me, it was mind blowing. You cannot get a better analysis on a fat burner than this. This report gave a complete detailed analysis on various ingredients of Hydroxycut , its working as a fat burner. The report just didn't end there, it also mentioned about the top five fat burner pills available in the market.Again, it just didn't end there, the feature of each of these pills were explained in detail.Also along with it , its actual price and the price at which it could be bought through internet was also mentioned . What attracted me the most was there wasn't any promises that this report made, it just presented the facts and the choice is all yours to make on which one to choose.

The foreseen part-5

To read from the beginning, click here

I didn't feel the psychiatrist completely believed me, but he did show patience to hear me. He told me to take it lightly and not to think about the dream the whole time. He wanted me to report to him everytime I had such a dream and if any related incident. Most importantly, he advised me not to panic if any incidents similar to my dream take place. He told me that I can't do anything about the happening and its better I don't try anything stupid. I nodded to whatever he said not because I believed whatever he told, but I hated to hear the word "freak" again. The same evening, I got home and decided to go to Trenton next morning to meet my cousins. I needed a change. I decided to go to sleep early, bid good night to my parents and sister and got to my bed. I felt relieved then coz I had no fever and that meant no dream business.

Nirmalraja's web blog

I have to say I am quite happy to see a blog that's perfectly clean and neat and its contents well arranged. What differentiates it from other blogs is its sheer look. There is no flash gimmicks, no graphical acrobatics, no ad stuffs and no irritating stuffs. Moreover it doesn't have a blog roll that just flows on and on , it has limited but quality outgoing links, but still manages to have a page rank 4. Now talking about the content, its one of the very good blogs in terms of content. It covers almost all current affairs and its really nice too see one present a matter at his own perspective. The blog is well maintained and the content regularly updated. I have given a lot of introduction, but didn't tell you about the blog am talking. This is Nirmalraja's web blog that I am talking about . I can assure you this blog is worth more than just a single look, do go through its articles and I am sure, you will feel that you have seen one among the best in business.As he correctly puts forth in his words, About my blog, he lives in his blog

The foreseen part-4

To read from the beginning, click here

"George .. George", The nurse called me softly.
"How is the boy?",I felt I was out from a long sleep, but I certainly remember what had happened.
"Oh he is fine, he just had minor injuries, no fractures or internal injuries;So you can relax now",the nurse replied.
"Where is Jack",I enquired.

The foreseen part-3

To read from the beginning, click here

(unedited version)
"And what did you do?",Jack asked me.
"What could I do, it was really an awkward situation, I can't explain how I felt, the doctor was angry at me", I replied.
"What about the lift",Jack was eager to know.

The foreseen part-2

To read from the beginning, click here

"
"Whats your name buddy?", I heard an older voice outside the room.
"Steve Mack", this came from a gentleman who voiced young.
"Where are you taking me too",the old voice uttered.
"To the fifth floor sir",the reply was polite from the gentleman.
Now I can see both of them passing by, there was a old man seated on a wheel chair and he was pushed through by a stout handsome young man.
The old man in the wheel chair and Steve got into the lift, the lift doors close; above the door, on the wall, I can read the number in blue colour, it says "10".
"

The foreseen part-1

"
"Dad, I had a dream yesterday"
"What was it?"
"Hmmm, I don't exactly remember, but I am sure, it wasn't a good one"
"Leave it man, its just a dream, walk peacefully"
" Yeah its a dream, but.. hmmm"
"Now what???"

One eyed mother (Forwarded mail)

My mother had only one eye,

I hated her as I was ashamed of her

She was a cook in the school cafeteria where I studied.

---

One day, when I saw still in a primary class,

She came to visit me to see for herself that I was all right.

I was very upset, how dare she do this to me?

After that incident I ignored her & looked on her

Only with hateful eyes….

The next day, a fellow-student told me,

"oohhh, your mother has only one eye!"

At that moment, I wanted to crawl under the floor

And that my mother would be out of my life completely.

The next day I went to meet her & to tell here:

" because of you I am the joke at school,

Why don't you die and go away!?

But, she did not respond….

I wasn't thinking and did not know what I was saying,

I was very angry.

I could not imagine

How she would react to my remarks.

And, I left town.

---

I studied relentlessly and obtained a scholarship

to continue my studies abroad.

In fact, I completed my studies, got married, bought a house and set up my family.

I lived a happy and a peaceful life.

---

One day, my mother comes to visit me.

It has been many years since she had disappeared,

She had never met here grand-children.

She remained at the doorstep

While my children were making fun of her

I shouted at her: " How date you come all the way here and frighten my kids?!

With a calm voice she responded:

"I apologize, I am at the wrong address."

And she disappeared.

---

One day, I received an invitation from my hometown school to attend a reunion under the " close family ties " topic

I lied to my wife and made her believe that

I was traveling for business.

After the reunion I stopped by the house

where I grew up

The neighbours informed me that

my mother had passed away.

I did not shed even one drop of tear!!!

---

The neighbor handed me a letter

that my mother had left for me

"My Dear son, I always thought of you."

I regret having visited you abroad

And frightened your kids

…I was very pleased when I heard that

you would come to attend the reunion

…The only thing was that I could not get up

from my bed to come and see you….

… I am broken-hearted that I brought

shame to you on numerous occasions…

…Did you know that when you were a baby

you had an accident and lost your one eye?...

… and, as any other mother would,

I would not let you grow up with only one eye….

So. I gave you my eye……..

I was very proud and happy to know that my son would be able to see the world with my eye

… with all my love…

…Your mother….

Courtesy-Salma