Think Indian !

I recall that one fine day I was bidding goodbye to the lovely city Ahmedabad. I was waiting for the train to arrive, my eyes were staring at the feet moving by on the platform. Few people sitting and chatting amongst themselves were sipping their share of tea. A few minutes later I noticed that the plastic cups used by those people were swirling on the ground, eventually stamped by the travelers.

It was those disposable cups that made me ponder the jigsaw puzzle question: are governments only responsible for the country? Are we not? India, the largest democracy in the world with the second highest population, offers its citizens rights and duties to enjoy and follow in a democratic spirit. But in reality, 'only rights are enjoyed, duties are not followed'.

We easily blame the lawmakers but I believe we have not lived up to our responsibilities. Leaving footprints on the city, one can easily see the scale of vandalism of national assets. Spitting on the walls of buildings and roads, tearing the seats of public vehicles, throwing garbage in the locality, traveling in trains without tickets are some of the hand-picked activities that the aam aadmi (Middle-class Man) resorts to without a second thought.

We have been speaking aloud against corrupt social and political roots but have we ever done something to bring about a change? Are the policy makers only to be blamed? There would hardly be a handful of philanthropic hands rising in this count that believe and act on it. Have you never broken the traffic rules? Have we never bribed a policeman or have we never evaded tax? Have we never thrown wrappers of chocolates or Wafers on the streets? We would surely not do this if we traveled in Singapore. Where’s the difference between a poor, uneducated person and us if we do this act consciously or unconsciously?

Like small drops make up an ocean, few pages make a book; similarly small acts can make sea changes in the society. We need to learn the etiquette's of a modern world.

Almost, Just Friends!

As the cold wind of summer touches my face
Thoughts of you lingers on my head
When the times I kept myself inside a cage
I held myself back, and it's you I almost had

I almost have you every time I'm feeling down
You're almost here when I need you around
I hear your voice every time I hear a sound
Now an almost broken ME is what I found

From the day you tap my shoulders
Every star glows brighter
And in those glows I want to stay forever
Even if that means that I'll always be a dreamer

It happened so fast
I hope these good things last
You easily accepts me as your friend
I wish you'll stay that way ‘til the end

Again, I'm not asking for more
All I want is to keep you ‘til forevermore
‘Coz you're the only one that I adore
With you my soul seems to soar

You're like a star on a midnight sky
And like a wind that I cannot tie
Like a water that I cannot hold
In short, you're like a dream that I cannot mold

I know I have you
But like the earth, I cannot own you
Coz God made you similar to what I have to
So in my dreams is where I could only keep you

Though I can't always have what I wanted
With what you are giving, I am contented
Just constantly remember
That I'll always be by your side forever

From the moment that I loved you
I know chances are fewer than few
Consequences I must know
And my feelings must not show

But this secret is just so hard to hide
My heart is shouting from the inside
Once and for all, somehow I gotta to let you know
That my insane heart just can't let you go

Accept me or reject me
At least, at the very least I've made you see
Somebody's here who's better than he could be
Yet not given a chance to breathe free

Years from now whenever I will pause
While walking along the coast
I'll laugh and remember when I got hurt the most
By somebody that I had…almost!!!

My dog story..

I just got a dog named Scarlett! She is a Labrador. She brings so much joy into my life and helps me not to be so bored anymore. Scarlett keeps me so busy and is a great way for me to stop thinking about rubbish all the time and do something fun. I used to feel so lonely and bored. But now, I’m too busy to give a thought! I get lots more exercise with Scarlett.

One evening I was talking to my roommate that how dogs are! Our discussion on this went till few days. One night I started telling him about our neighbor’s dog and suddenly he said, “Damn, I need a Pet.”

I replied; Let go and see some good breed. He agreed.

On the Pet shop I found Black little cute puppy and I immediately told my friend to book this one. She connected very well with me. The minute I saw her, I knew she was the one. Once I held her, I knew she would be mine.

We had to pay for her shot that’s all. We instantly named her "Scarlett." She already felt like a good friend! Now, I had my very own dog and my very own responsibility.

We teach her to go to the bathroom outside. She would wake me up really early by her light barking voice at the foot of my bed so I had to get up and let her outside. Then she climbed back to bed and snuggled with me. She is so warm and cozy and we both fell back fast asleep.

Now Scarlett is all growing up. We play outside or on terrace. I make sure Scarlett goes for walks and that's a great way to make sure that I go for walks too. So, we both win! Scarlett gets walk and so do I.
 

I make sure she gets lots of water when we come back, just like I do.

Scarlett loves to eat any kind of food that comes from a noisy bag. You can even put regular dog food in a rattly bag and she thinks it is a treat. As she is growing she needs more food. I learned from the veterinarian what to feed her and how much so I don't over feed her. Dogs are like people, they need the right amount of food and exercise to be healthy. This helps me to learn more about watching what I eat and to eat only when I am hungry.

Scarlett learns some tricks. She likes to play and run a lot. I try to teach her few tricks. She sometimes does it right and when she doesn't, I have to remember, she is only a pup. I give her extra hugs for rewards when she does a trick, not food. That way I don't over feed him.

Having Scarlett makes me feel needed and loved. I would recommend getting a pet if you are nice to them. A pet can fill up your day with lots of activity and keeps you healthier by exercising more. I feel better now and I'm just happier. I think about getting healthier and enjoying my new friend. I hope you like my story.

Note: They are our friends. They entertain us, keep us company, play with us, protect us, serve us and, in turn, they rely on us. They are loyal, caring, funny, mischievous, stubborn, adventurous, independent, athletic or maybe just lovable couch potatoes. They come in all shapes and sizes. And they are an endless source of stories. Simple stories of humor, of bravery, of caring or just of little slices of life.

If you've spent any time around dogs, you must have some stories to share and perhaps a few photos as well.

When You Travel, Relish Your Way Home

So your trip’s drawing to a close.

Does that mean it’s over?

There’s usually a blanket of resignation as you take that final dip in the water, pack up your things, and shoot one last look at the resort you’re staying in.

After having such an indulgent vacation, it’s perfectly understandable why you’re dreading the idea of returning to your life’s daily grind. And why you must be tempted to just sleep through the entire ride back to the city—the fastest route to not feel so bummed about being away from the sea.

When you travel, perhaps the most overlooked opportunity to explore your surroundings is your journey home. But any trip really isn’t over until your feet cross your doorstep. As long as you’re still on the road, you can go on setting off for adventure!

Imagine the possibilities laid out in front of you. When you put your heart into it, getting sidetracked can feel just as fulfilling as reaching your destination.

Brave the waves

Words written on books..

Words from books have that certain magic of leaping out at you, and giving you comfort. And even if they come from secondhand ones, wouldn’t you say their allure just becomes more potent over time?

In The Blink..

In the blink of an eye. That’s how fast this year has gone. My parents warned me that as you get older time goes faster.

I’m actually okay with it; I live my life thinking about the future. The faster time goes, the closer I get, if that makes sense at all. Today is the one day that I truly think about the past.

When I think about my year I keep going back to people asking me “how are you?” It is probably one of the most spoken phrases in American culture. It is usually asked in a way that's just as cursory as “Hello,” and is answered with the equally cursory “Fine, and you?”

But this year was different; when people asked me how I was I told them. This has been the hardest year of my life till now. I have been beaten down by a bad percentile, bad people and personal bad decisions. But why do I define my mood by all this?

Sometimes, when I am done with studying and working, the person inside me responds with another question: “But what about your family?” I usually feel like a total ass for not considering them in my response.

Instead of looking back on the year and viewing it as a total disaster because of work, I look back at the year as total bliss because I have the most amazing family a man could hope for: I have seen my younger brother grow into a little man, and my dad getting older with a different personality. My mom is the most caring mother I could hope for and we are blessed.

So next time someone asks how I'm doing, I'm going to reply “I am great” -- as long my family truly is great.

June 2012 bring everyone the happiness they deserve.

Hello Daddy - It’s been so long... (Letter)

Hello Dad

It’s been long time... 

I was never aware how world is and how fast life is, since I came here to Bangalore. I would have started living in my own way because no one was around to look but I never did. I knew my limits and believe. Imagine I would be the same child of yours who was in the same place till now; no progress. I was never a studious child and never stick to a thing and wanted to explore all. Sometimes I wonder why I'm here for and what am I doing on this earth!

I never had a best friend neither a girl friend. As you said your best friend is your books but daddy most of the time I shared my thoughts of my life on paper. But do you think humans are so strong to deal with their feelings and loneliness. I won’t say that I’m strong. The cries in a room have made me stronger to face the world till now.

It’s obvious that in teenager guys and girls fall for each other. But have you ever imagined that my son would be one of those?

Dad, I was once told that your parents love’s you the most, love them back. everybody wants love daddy. People are greedy for love. (Needless To Say: I like girls.)

I never gave a thought for my looks or spending my time combing hairs or in men’s parlor. I was in my own world. Reading novels, being in touch with the world on Twitter and Facebook, Writing blog, studying, playing, exploring world and sleep, what else I do. I want to feel, loved by someone other than my parents.

When I came here in Bangalore, “Live life today” was my motto and on the other hand I was restricted. My main focus is my health and learning. I won’t use studying because I get bored fast. Learning is the word I like because I learn new thing every day.

I thought of letting you know what was happening in my life as you know how I’m and how do I live my life. You can just see that I’m in such a inexpressive state.

Ask Mummy to take care and talk to me if she feels because she hardly speaks with me and say bills will increase.

I would love if you send me mails or a message so that I can feel you around. I really miss you. 

:)