This is Ashutosh, your FRIEND for LIFE!!

Sometimes, we wonder what makes us special?? Is it our intelligence that speaks volumes or good looks that makes people go weak down their knees? We would have appreciated ourselves million times standing infront of the mirror and sometimes, would have loathed for not being near to perfection. So, today, I got a chance to ask myself, what makes ME special?? And, there was this one answer which resonated, it’s the PEOPLE around me, my FRIENDS who makes me special and have made me the way I am.

I have never really made an effort to be with the people, some I knew and some being complete strangers to me. It’s always the circumstances and perhaps, the faith of other people because of which I have made a difference in their lives, which in turn made a difference to my life. For some, I am their FAMILY, for some, I am just a source of INSPIRATION, for some, I am a CONFIDANT and for some I am someone with whom they can share all their worries. With millions of people around me everyday, there are some who BELIEVE in me. I have never really thought of whether the person would remember me once he/she is away from me, whether the person will value me in the future or ever appreciate the memories once he/she is at the other side of the fence. The only thought that comes to my mind is whether I would be happy remembering the person whom I once helped in my life, whether I would value myself when I look at my past, whether I would be able to bring a smile on my face appreciating the memories. And, the answer is YES.

Every single moment of my effort have been praised, recognized and remembered. What can I ask more? On a lonely journey called “LIFE”, these are the people who travel with you, might not be forever, but at times when you just need someone besides you. From the journey of UNKNOWN- STRANGERS-ACQUAINTANCE- FRIENDS- SOULMATES, my “TALE of FRIENDSHIP”is indeed a cherishing one!!!

Today, I would like to thank all my friends who have given me an opportunity to make a difference in their lives. Without them, my life would just have been a handful of events, it’s they who have given me a life full of memories worth remembering.

Every night, when I go to my bed, thinking if I am worth enough to get a peaceful sleep, I see smiling faces of my friends and that makes my eyes closed so that I wake up to see a wonderful morning the next day!!

This is Ashutosh, your FRIEND for life signing off….THANKS my FRIENDS!!

The Eyes that YEARN (Nayan Tarse)-Story-Part 2

3rd June 2008, 10 am, Lucknow University

As soon as Trishna enters the University, she can see a big crowd all over cheering and celebrating with placards having Tapish’s party symbol and Tapish’s name. She thinks to meet Tapish and wish him success. She heads towards the Literature Dept. Her eyes start searching Tapish but she can’t find him. She goes from one department to another but fails. With a disappointed face, she finally goes to her Psychology Dept. and enters the classroom and shocked to see Tapish sitting alone on the bench. As soon as Tapish sees her, there is a smile on his face and the same is with Trishna.

Trishna: You sitting here and I am searching you all over to congratulate you.
Tapish: You searching all over and I am waiting in your department to share my success with you. I OWE my success to you.
Trishna: Me?? (in a confused voice).
Tapish: I believe “Besides every successful man, there is a woman” and my lady luck is besides me. Yes, I won by a margin of 1 vote. I have a strong belief that it’s your vote which has made a difference.
Trishna: If that’s the case, I am happy
Tapish: Don’t you think we should celebrate??
Trishna: Yes, you can celebrate with your supporters…
Tapish: And, don’t you support me??
Trishna: I hardly know you. What’s so hurry?? She smiles, turns back, bids good bye and leaves finally…

3rd June 2008, 2pm, Psychology Dept., Lucknow University

Psychology professor asks all the students to meet anyone of their unknown classmates, talk/ question them for half an hour and prepare a Case Study on “How to read a human mind?”. This is a part of their Practicals. As soon as the students get ready to meet their “Unknown Classmate”, suddenly someone pats Trishna at her back saying “Shall we start Madam?” and as soon as Trishna turns her back, it’s TAPISH for her.

Tapish: Half an hour, ask me whatever you want. And, no more “I don’t know you” excuse in the future.
Trishna: Ohh, so, how did you manage to convince our Psychology professor?
Tapish: Your professor respects me a lot.
Trishna: And, what about you?
Tapish: Respect doesn’t come for everyone.
Trishna: He is not any Tom, Dick and Harry. He is our professor…
Tapish: Why are we discussing about your professor?? Remember, you have 20mins more to know me.

Suddenly, another boy comes and says, “Excuse me, are you Trishna??”

Trishna: Yes
Ameet: Hello, I am Ameet. The Professor has asked me to meet you for the Case Study.
Tapish: (with a high voice) Mit or whatever your name is, I am with her now. And, I am the subject of study.
Ameet: But…
Tapish: Look Ameet, you know who I am, right?? Leave the room or else you might have to face the consequences.
Trishna: Wait a min Tapish, you need not have to talk to him like that. I think there is some confusion and we need to sort it out.
Ameet: Trishna, I have less time with me. I think we should start as I have to attend a lecture within 15 mins.
Tapish: (Holding the collar of Ameet) You seem to be in too much of hurry.
Trishna: (in an angry voice) what are you doing Tapish? Leave him…

Suddenly, the professor comes and says “Leave Ameet”. Tapish looks back….

Professor: Principal immediately wants to meet you. So, I have asked Ameet to be with Trishna for the Case study.

Tapish: OK and he tries leaving…
Trishna: Atleast say SORRY to him, the least you can do is apologize to him.
Tapish: I am not at fault. And, he leaves…

Trishna is aghast to see Tapish’s behaviour. Days pass and Tapish makes all effort to befriend Trishna. Everytime they meet, Tapish impresses Trishna but some or the other incident happens because of which Trishna sees the other side of Tapish which leaves her in a confused state of mind. Trishna decides to remain calm and act normal with Tapish.

2nd August 2008, 10 am, Lucknow University

Monsoon starts and it’s raining cats and dogs. It’s mesmerizing to see greenery all over, children playing on streets in the rains, students hiding near the Chai shops and sipping hot tea with pakodas enjoying rains. Trishna enters the college with wet hair and an umbrella in her hand. Tapish sitting in a chai shop with his friends notices Trishna and mesmerized by her beauty. Wet hair, chunri covering her head, pink lips, Trishna avoiding the water clogged holes on the roads and slowly walking towards the college. Tapish decides to propose Trishna and he is confident that Trishna can’t say “No” to him.

2nd August 2008, 3 pm, Lucknow University

Trishna inside the Library studying and Tapish enters.

Tapish: Come along with me.
Trishna: Where??
Tapish: I will show you something outside.
Trishna: But, it’s raining outside, ok, let me take my umbrella….
Tapish: Leave the umbrella..
Tapish hold Trishna’s hand and close her eyes with his other hand.

It’s raining and they are completely drenched. Tapish takes away his hand, and Trishna opens her eyes…It’s a garden of roses, roses here, roses there, RED roses everywhere. It’s raining and the beauty of roses is there to see. But, Tapish is in awe of the beauty of Trishna, in RED salwar, she is nothing less than a rose today.

Trishna: Wow, it’s beautiful.
Tapish: Remember, today is FRIENDSHIP Day. So, I though to give you a surprise.
Trishna: Tapish, I love roses and this place is so beautiful. Saying this, she hugs him.
Tapish: Trishna, I want to say you something today….
Trishna: What??

Tapish plucking a rose from a plant and suddenly his mobile rings….

Tapish: Hello

The voice at the other end: Your father has expired, he got a severe heart attack, come home soon!!!

Tapish suddenly breaks down into tears. The day would have been the most beautiful day of his life had he proposed Trishna. Why this had to happen and that too he lost someone so precious, his father, the only person he respects in his life. Trishna tries to console Tapish, Tapish leaves saying “Didn’t knew the RED will change my life but I promise you this RED will have to weave another tale and it will come soon…”

Tapish starts his jeep, and leaves the University. While leaving he crosses a bike and suddenly splashes mud on the biker. The biker stops and shouts at Tapish. But, Tapish unaware of the incident leaves college. The biker takes out his helmet.
Enters, TUHIN MALKANI

Tuhin: Kya bhagwaan?? First day in college and my jacket is spoilt. Is saale ko toh main chhodoonga nahin (I will not leave this Idiot)
Tuhin to himself: No Tuhin, you should not be angry. Remember, you are a COOL guy!! Be cool with everyone and even your name means the same.
Saying this, he starts his bike and proceeds towards the college, but, unaware of a water clogged hole, he splashes mud into someone…He stops his bike, takes out his helmet and turns back. and sees Trishna trying to clean her churidaar…

Tuhin: Mar gaya!! (I AM DEAD)

(to be continued)

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. If any characters, places or incidents bears any resemblance to anyone, then it’s pure coincidental and unintentional.

The Eyes that YEARN (Nayan Tarse)-Story-Part1

31st Dec 2008, 23:55, Hotel PASSION, Room No. 301

The whole world is celebrating and waiting to welcome the New Year with loud music, dance, parties etc. But, there is another world about to end in room no. 301. Tuhin is almost dead lying on the bed, and Tretya lying on the ground with blood oozing out from her body. Trishna screaming with pain, gasping to take breathe while TAPISH with a gun in his hand, tears in his eyes and holding Trishna in his arms bursting out and asking her to forgive him.

Outside HOTEL PASSION

Reporter Ashutosh from CRIME TV, brings you live the events at Hotel Passion. Three gunshots firing have been heard inside Room No. 301. We have been told that Tapish Gupta, famous politician and MP, is inside the room with three other people, lawyer Tretya Jha, and two students Tuhin Malkani and Trishna Shah from Lucknow University. What actually happened is still a mystery since the door is locked and the hotel authorities are trying to actually find out the reality. We will bring you the latest news soon, keep watching CRIME TV!!!

FLASHBACK

1st June 2008, 11 am, Lucknow University

Tapish Gupta, son of MP Tanishq Gupta is a popular figure in Lucknow University. Tapish is tall, has got intense looks, rugged features and always seen with a khaadi kurta. He is intelligent and speaks only when required. He has an attitude to die for. Most of the boys in the college respect him for the helpful person he is and girls adore him. He always respects women and believes that “Besides every successful man, there is a woman”. Tapish is sincere to his family and friends and loves his father the most. He can go any extent to bring glory to his family. The only scion of Gupta Empire, Tapish is a man to look out for!!!

It’s Elections time once again and the whole campus is abuzz with activities like distributing pamphlets, entering classes and asking for votes, talking about women liberation, equal rights, fighting with management for extra facilities in Lucknow University. Tapish and his supporters are making sure not to leave any stones unturned and win this year’s elections. Suddenly, amidst all these activities, Tapish sees someone in the campus infront of the Psychology Dept unaware of the activities going in the college and happily discussing about something with her professor. Curly long hair till her back, draped in churidaar and kurta with a chunri covering her head, kajal in her big round eyes. While talking to the professor, suddenly, her chunri falls and Tapish could see her. Tapish is speechless to see the beauty in her simplicity. She turns back and straight heads to the way where Tapish is standing with his supporters. Suddenly, Tapish stops her..

Tapish: Are you new to the college??
Trishna: Yes, I have joined just today
Tapish: Tapish Gupta, 2rd year, B.A (Literature) standing for elections. Remember the woman using a charkha, that’s the symbol of my party. Vote me!!
Trishna: And, why do I vote you? I don’t even know you…
Tapish: Tapish Gupta, 2rd year, B.A (Literature) standing for elections. If you want to ask anything else, you can…By the way, what’s your name??
Trishna: Trishna Shah from Kolkata, 1st year, B.A (Psychology). She tries to leave….
Tapish’s Supporters: Sir is talking to you and you trying to leave. Don’t try to act smart.
Tapish: Shouting on his supporters, Shut up!! Don’t you know how to talk to a woman? Our party’s symbol itself is a woman and you people have still not learnt to respect them. What’s the point of talking about women liberation when we ourselves don’t know how to conduct with women?
Trishna: I have to collect my Identity Card sharp at 11:30 am. And, I am very particular about time. And, nice to meet you, Tapish and thanks, will remember you…
Trishna leaves and there is a slight smile on Tapish’s face. And Tapish seeing Trishna leaving says…

“Woh khubsurati hi kya jis mein adaa na ho, woh khubsurati hi kya, jis mein sharmindagi na ho
Ek nazar dekh liya hai usse, aye khuda, bas kisi aur ko dekhne ki ab tamanna na ho”

Trishna Shah, a middle class girl from Kolkata, is chirpy, bubbly and happy go lucky one. That doesn’t take away the seriousness from her. She is responsible and believes in sharing her best with few people. She is not an open book for everyone to read. Yet, she has this unquenchable thirst to be with the people who can make her happy. Trishna’s journey in Lucknow University is going to make her life take a U turn. She is unaware of the events to come that will change her life forever or may be END her life forever!!!!

Corporate HARAMKHORI!!!

After the super success of Main HARAMKHOR, it’s time for me to talk more about “HARAMKHORI” AND THIS TIME, I will talk about CORPORATE HARAMKHORI. And, I am dead sure, all of you sometime in you life must have done such haramkhori. And, it’s true that Corporate HARAMKHORI is a part of Corporate Politics which I learnt in my first organization, thanks to my colleagues!! I dedicate this song to all you people who are proud to have done Corporate Haramkhori in their life…

“Kabhi Dagabaaz, Kabhi Qatil, Kabhi Chor,
Mere Yaar, Sab ke Sab Haramkhor!!!”

Fresh out of MBA college, I indeed had no idea of what organization culture is, how things works out, team dynamics etc. etc…and being with HSBC, I tried my best to create a good image of myself!! But, then destiny had its own plans. During Durga Puja, I had to go home and needed a leave for 7 days, that’s one time of the year when my entire family gathers. So, when I approached my manager for a leave, he said ” Ashutosh, you are on probation for 6 months and as per the company policy, you cannot take leave..so, sorry!!” But then, I am one among those who belives in breaking the rules and policies. Bhagwaan Krishna ne toh nahin, lekin kisine toh kaha hai, “Agar ghee sidhi ungli se naa nikle, ungli tedhi karo”. And, BANG comes the IDEA!!! And, remember, ek IDEA aapki zindagi badal sakti hai…

I approached my manager and then the conversation began…

HARAMKHOR Ashutosh: Pushkar, I need a leave as I am getting engaged….
Pushkar: What?? A 22 year old guy fresh out of college not even settled in his life getting engaged???
HARAMKHOR Ashutosh: Yes, you know it’s a LOVE Marriage actually and the girl’s parents are adamant to get me engaged with their daughter
Pushkar: Why, don’t they trust you??
HARAMKHOR Ashutosh: They do, it’s just that, it’s a good time, Durga Puja and my wife completing her MBBS degree..so…
Pushkar: Ohh wow, so, your would-be is a doctor??? What’s her name??
HARAMKHOR Ashutosh: Err…ROSALIN (who actually is my sister’s best friend, who is a doctor, already married and 4 months pregnant) :)
Pushkar: Best of luck!! Leave GRANTED…..

So, you see, yeh jhooth bolne wali baat hamesha kaam kar jaati hai!! And, trust me, when Rosalin actually heard my story, she had mixed reactions, more than anything, she was happy for me. Now, the biggest question, now that I am engaged, where’s the RING???

And, my father said me, “Don’t you worry son, here is your Engagement RING”
HARAM KHOR Papu( that’s my nick name): Baba, are you out of your mind. This is some gold ring related to astrology, with a big green colour EMERALD. It doesn’t even look close to an engagement ring
Papa: Did I say you to lie?? If you lied once, I am sure you can lie again…BEST OF LUCK

Back in Office

Pushkar: Congratz!! Ashutosh…where are the sweets??
HARAMKHOR Ashutosh: At my desk..will distribute soon
Pushkar: Ohh, i can see something dazzling on your finger
HARAMKHOR Ashutosh:Oh yeah, that’s my Engagement Ring..
Pushkar (shocked): Is that your Engagement Ring??
HARAMKHOR Ashutosh: Yeah, Pushkar, bad luck you see. My astrologer said there are some problems in my Kundali and all because of which my marriage cannot happen within 2 years, so he suggested me this emerald ring to wear it on the same finger where I was wearing my engagement ring..and, you cannot wear two rings in one finger. I had to take out my engagement ring…
Pushkar: That’s sad.. anyway, congratulations again!!

So, you see, Corporate HARAMKHORI work wonders!! Time and again, destiny challenged me, made me hone my haramkhori skills, especially HR Interviews where I lie so nicely that HR actually becomes my fan!! Typical haramkhori answers are like….

1. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now??

HARAMKHOR Ashutosh: Definitely, in your organization in a senior management position. I think I would be able to contribute a lot to your organization with my past experiences and the learning I will have in your organization

(Actual Answer: Will you be able to tolerate me for 5 years??)

2. Why do you want to leave your current job??

HARAMKHOR Ashutosh: I have always loved my current organization because of the challenges I faced here and the things I learnt. But, down the line, I see your organization as a stepping stone for my career path and I am sure I would be able to make a difference since the job profile and my expertise resembles a lot and being the creative person I am, I think, I will just not be a regular employee but a value addition to your organization!!

(Actual Answer: Man, your organization is ready to pay me, big brand, what do I want in my life??)

So, Corporate HARAMKHORI has no substitute. It’s the skill which comes by experience. Having attended numerous interviews in my life, now, I don’t get rejected by any Interviewer because of the well prepared HARAMKHORI…

So, the next time, you think of enhancing your skills like JAVA, .NET, Business Analysis, Domain Knowledge,Communication Skills, do think of enhancing one more skill too, HARAMKHORI!!!!

Main Haramkhor

Idhar udhar, jaoon kidhar?
dagar, dagar, shehar, shehar
mache yehi shor, bas charo oar,
jo karna tha, kabhi kiya nahin
kahe sab mujhe, main “Haramkhor”

Before anyone getting offended by the title of the post, let me clarify that I have dedicated this post entirely to MYSELF :) . It’s neither a work of fiction and nothing is unintended. Everything is purely intentional. So, before I write, why I have dedicated this post to myself, I will explicitly explain the true meaning of “HARAMKHOR“. According to Urban dictionairy, “Haramkhor” is one who earns his kicks by doing what he is not supposed to be doing. And, yeah, I epitomise the terminology.

As a child, I have not done anything which I was supposed to do, but still managed to be the cynosure of everyone’s eyes. Well, I will not write an autobiography here, but will highlight a few instances from “HERE and THERE” of my life. I remember, during my graduation, when I was struggling to be a JACK of ALL TRADES, enrolled myself into G-NIIT, B.SC Chemistry, BCA, IGNOU and last but not the least, was preparing for CAT. And, like Darsheel Safary of Taare Zameen Par (poor kid) :) , my day used to start at morning 5:30 and with my Kinetic Honda, I used to run from one class to another( NIIT to College, from College to IMS, again from IMS TO IGNOU). And, one thing which was a PAIN IN THE A** (PITA) was my Chemistry practical classes which used to start at afternoon 2 and end at evening 6. I still didn’t understand why the people used to be so happy when they see precipitate at the bottom of a test tube or see the litmus paper turn blue to red. So, to avoid those PITAs, I knowingly enter the practical classes without APRON and happily face the wrath of my Chemistry Lab Professor, who used to say “GET OUT, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER PRACTICAL CLASSES WITHOUT APRON“, poor, Chemistry teacher, little did he knew, I used to bunk his atrocious chemistry lectures and prepare for my MBA :) And, then, after few classes, my Chemsitry professor came to know my intentions and started allowing me to to do practicals without apron. But, taking the legacy of “HARAMKHORI” ahead, I always used to complete my practical sessions within 1-2 hrs, hehe. If the precipitate has to be yellow, go to the bathroom, one drop of pee, and BANG, precipitate turns YELLOW :) and if sometimes, the solution has to turn blue, green, maroon, I had with me other solutions in the form of variety of INK Pens, hoohahaahaaa :) Haramkhori, indeed!!!

And then, during my MBA, well, I was always a great speaker. And, making PPTs used to be the most pathetic job, till now, I hate preparing PPTs. Anyway, I always used to motivate my team members to make those PPTs, and me in turn presenting it infront of the Professors, since most of my classmates feared giving presentations. Poor they, whole night, they do all the hard work, and I go ahead with all the accolades in the morning with my mind-blowing presentations!! Not only I managed to be in the limelight for my presentations but also for screwing my classmates too. I was the one who used to ask the most difficult questions pertaining to the topic of their presentations. In fact, just 1 hour before my classmates presentation, I go to Library, search on the topic, prepare some good 2-3 tough questions, ask them, make them score low and then I used to get those brownie points. My professor used to be very impressed with my “so-called intelligent questions“. At the end of every presentation, he used to ask, “So, Ashutosh, do you have any question to ask?”, LOL :) Is chakkar main kabhi kabhi dost, treat bhi de dete the, my friends used to say, “Ashu you can do anything with us, take treat, but please don’t ask questions”.

Even if Lord Krishna has not said anything, but, GURU ASHU believes in “VATS, HARAMKHORI karo when it can do good to yourself without harming others”.

God made me in a second!!!

Priyanka Chopra once said “God must have taken a vacation to make people like Aishwarya Rai, we mortals were made in a day“, and I wonder, if Priyanka Chopra was made in a day, then, I for sure, was made in a second, may be when god was busy with batch processing of human beings :)

I neither have the looks to make people go down weak on knees nor have the intelligence which can put me in a different league of people. So, what makes me so ordinary?? Well, I have always been a man of “Averages“. I used to score average during my exams, comes from an average background, graduated my MBA from an average B-school, started my career with an average salary and after 25 years, I am still an average human being. And, there is one friend of mine who says, “There is nothing wrong in being ordinary“. Well, point taken, as its coming from another ordinary person. But then, greatness comes within. So, we mortals minus Priyanka Chopra believe that, by sheer hard work, we can be successful and be extra-ordinary. Booh, what’s hard work?? I have seen rickshaw pullers in my town pulling rickshaws for a meagre Rs 15, the kind of hard work they do or some construction workers, we can never ever imagine to do. Hey people, now, don’t tell me, it’s all about destiny since I can give enough of examples where mere hard work falls flat, ask me!!!

Now, some of you will tell me about smart work, right time, management fundas and all that, but then, as truly said by my other friend, it’s all MOH-MAYA (no these are not the names of two girls) :) Jo hai, usi main khush raho kyunki insaan apni kismat likha ke aata hai…Now, if at all I could have had the address where the destinies are written, I will run and change mine.

So, coming back to the conclusion of how it feels being a step-child of God, then, well, it feels GREAT!!! We have ample amount of time in our life to study the people whom God made during a vacation or in a day, get insipired from them, try to be like them, listen to them, see them, sometimes get jealous, sometimes be happy aur yehi karte karte saali puri zindagi nikal jaati hai and then on our death bed, we have two options either to be happy consoling ourselves that whatever we have done in our lifetime is actually GREAT or repent thinking “Wish God had made me in a day or during a vacation“….

And, if you ask me, what would I think on my death bed, well, that remains to be seen!!!!

“SMOKE” It Away…

Smoke here, smoke there, smoke everywhere, with every breath, fumes gushes out of the lips. The slender, sleek thing getting slowly burned and with that burns your desires and hopes. Its lusty, thirsty throat, dry lips seeks nothing but that one puff which quenches all your thirst. The heart beating gets faster and you are high on emotions, yeah, its that one puff which touches all your senses making you numb.

Like a fire catching the forest and gripping the vast greenery with its flames leaving a bunch of ash, this sleek sexy thing too slowly catch your soul before arresting your body and then you are handcuffed for the rest of your life yearning to take that one puff and before you realize, there is again a bunch of ashes lying on your bed with a white sheet covering it. One puff before you close your eyes at night and one puff after you wake up in the morning is more than enough to show you the path to darkness. And, yes, sometimes dark is killing and it kills with a vengeance. Whether it’s an intoxicated dark room with loud music and senseless bodies moving or a lonely room on a bed, the plot thickens and the vision gets blurred with smoke all around.

Sometimes, the astray looks like a graveyard with skeletons all around and yes souls wandering nearby to take that one puff to see the reflection of themselves in the astray. But then, no one realizes what they see, that’s the beauty of that one puff, it makes you forget the reality and what appears in front of you is a colourful illusion. An illusion powerful enough to take the soul out of your body someday. But then, who cares??

One more evening, countless emotions, pain gripping the body, and there’s one more death you want to die, every moment, every passing day. Rest your body, open the packet, take out your “life” from the packet, burn it and take that one puff and SMOKE IT AWAY….