BLOGGERATTI

DRENCHED - Rohit Revi

2011-09-04T21:01:00.008+05:30

It was a heavy afternoon and it was so, for more than a single reason. To start things off, it was a Tuesday. Tuesdays generally tend to be heavy. However, we as a race have gotten terribly used to its overpowering weigh

t, so much so, that these days, Tuesdays don’t seem insatiably heavy out of the way anymore. Think about it.

This particular Tuesday was heavier than the others of its pack, for certain other causes too. It was the annual Islamic fest of Eid-Ul-Fitr, and every other co-existent human being was busy indulging in the surprisingly dreadful act of doing nothing, while hoping for dear life that whatever that has been gorged inside, would soon enough, triumph in the complicated life process of digestion. It was also a frightfully humid Tuesday, which made it all the more heavy. On top of all that, the weather bim

bo had thought aloud that morning on television that the possibility of a slight drizzle could neither be ruled out, nor in on second thoughts.

So, I was on the same rickety transport back home after a sumptuous eat-all-that-don’t-bite-back fest, and I clearly remember plugging in Yanni – Pure Moods Meditation Angel II.

Life was good.

Here I was, perfectly if not a tad uncomfortably, stuffed, after having successfully laid claim to the window seat, listening to some good soothing music on a public holiday. Life could not be better.

Just as I was entertaining perfectly innocent thoughts about the morning weather bimbo, my ridiculously smiling face was moistened slightly. Fresh drizzling raindrops.

Life had just gotten better. I smiled.

“Ah, Rain…!” I thought.

A couple of drops, a few again and then a few more too, wetted my visage in quick succession and I found it easy to keep up my ridiculous smile at nature’s poetry.

The jolly good fellow reached over and pulled down the shutter-guard of the window, annoyed evidently, by the unexpected development. Maybe he hadn’t paid much attention to the weather bimbo.

I smiled at him, while he said, “That girl in the window seat up front just vomited.” I nodded and made a mental note of thanking the jolly good fellow.

“So, what was I thinking?...

Ah, Rain….. OH FUCK !”

- Rohit Revi

Winner of Bloggeratti's Wet in the Rain contest

Bloggeratti's WET IN THE RAIN Contest

2011-07-15T22:51:00.005+05:30

This is Bloggeratti’s first contest in a really long time. The details are as under:-

Theme : "Wet In The Rain"

Genre : Any genre, as long as it is in tune with the theme.
Stories, poems, aptly titled photo-blogs, paintings...send whatever you will. Entries need not necessary have the word “rain” in their title.

No: of entries per contestant: 1 per blogger. Co-written posts are also welcome (two or more bloggers working together on a post).

Contest begins: July 16, 00:00 Hours IST

Entry requirements : Participants should be resident in India. Participants are also NECESSARILY required to join the Bloggeratti group on Facebook.

The link => http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=193729682855

Entries to be sent to : bloggerattirocks@gmail.com in .doc/.docx format.

Please mention your name, your blog’s URL and the post with a suitable title, and pictures that you want to feature along with the post.

Deadline for receipt of entries : August 14, 23:00 hours, IST

Prizes : The winner gets a Shoppers’ Stop Gift Voucher worth Rs.750/- and a winner’s badge. His/her post will also feature on the Bloggeratti official blog.

All participants get participation badges for their blogs.

ENIGMA

2010-02-15T18:21:00.005+05:30

Life is one enigmatic journey. An enigma of its own kind. Each life is distinguished with its own set of characteristics, and uniqueness. Sometimes, the uniqueness of this journey, makes it a tinge more complicated than its individual parts.

And maybe at those times, fighting and moving ahead becomes essential. So essential that you cannot breathe unless you have made some silent yet huge compromises with your own self. And still, this journey which makes you do so much to yourself, is enigmatic. And there is nothing even questioning the glory of this beautifully caked up walk in the natural plastic garden called “Human world”.

How about being able to take guilt free sneak peek into someone else’s garden? Steal some apples and yet not be caught? Sounds like a fancy , one which would not com true in real life. Because no body in their conscious selves, would let you know who they really are. Or more specifically, nobody would ever let you know or even understand in proper state, what would they do in a reply to anything adverse.

There was this girl, somewhere in the country, who lived a life on her terms. Had her own share of discreet ideas, and her own dreams to live up to.
She was friendly, jolly, and very lively. She was the life of any gathering she was a part of. People yearned to have her with them all the time. That was what was the skin of her. But what about the flesh, blood, and bone? There ought to be some. There was this other side of her, a girl, who excelled at writing dark poetries, had the worst dreams and fought miserably with her brain. She had her own contradictions, her own apprehensions and her own limitations. But these never stopped her from being who she was. And, If things were to be put in simpler words, then it would be, that she was a matured young girl. The kind one could call a kid at times, but at other times, it would be her, even people years elder to her , would turn to for emotional and practical help.

She did everything that normal people would do, indulged in everything that was fashionable, and relished life just like she did her chocolate bar.

She was one of those queen of fantasies and enjoyed life like, there would never be another tomorrow.

Only one thing, she did not have a friend, a true one. Some one who could understand, who she really was and what she needed and not wanted from life. May be she was among many people, but she was not that complete. She was not completely happy with her soul, which required some healing.

So destiny has plans for everybody, and she was not an exception. But hers was a slightly different story all together.

She was sitting in her very own seat in the cyber café. Was chatting with some friends, and simultaneously, noticing everybody who were occupying the computers next to her. She was not really directly looking at them, that would make things very obvious and she would be left embarrassed, and that was surely something she ever learnt to be. So while she was typing in some words, a young lad came and sat next to her, the computer I mean.

He looked at her once, then twice and then over and over again. She tried not to look, but it was difficult with such random attention.

He :You know I am looking at you.
She : Sorry?
He: I am looking at you and you know that.
She: (pause) Well, so?
He: Go ahead and type what you were typing. (Laughs)

She felt snubbed, and continued with her work.

He: Who is it? Ryan? How do you know him?
She: Excuse me. What are you talking about?
He: This fair skinned chap on your screen.
She: Look mister, I am not interested in what you do, so be away from my things as well.
He: As if, I did not notice you looking at me when I entered the café? And then you pretended as if you are very busy … No?
She: Whatever I do should be just my own concern. You are a stranger, and I shall prefer you to remain one.
He: English honors?
She: What?(irritated)
He: Nothing.

She continues with what she was doing. A minute later, gets up to leave.

He: You going?
She does not reply.

He: Hello madam. Are you going?
She: Yes. You got problems?
He: Of course not! Good for me if you go without logging out of your messenger. I could easily get your number , address, and everything else.
She: What non sense.

She hurries back to the computer, logs out and head towards the door.

He: You lost you basic manners when you were busy thinking about me?
She: Sorry?
He: Sorry seems to be the hardest word , to most, but you seem to be quite fond of it
She: Will you shut up?
He: No.
She: I have to leave now.
He: As if I stopped you?
She: Whatever.
He: All girls are same.
She: You may think so. Goodbye.
She goes out.

He continues typing.

Next day, when she comes back, unknowingly, she was looking for him, but he did not come.
But, she got a chat invitation from an unknown address. And it had a message along with it.

“I know you are looking for me but sadly, I have a super fast net connection at my place.”
She did not know what to do. She knew it was him, but if she accepted it, it would mean that she gave in to him. But if she did not, she would not get to tighten his nuts!

So she took the safer way out. Accepted the request, but pretended as if, he did not know who it was.

He:Hey
She:Hello!
He:Hey , you sound so normal online!
She:What?
He:Yes. I thought it would b the same cranky you.
She:I dunno know who you are.
He:Lols. Stop lying ok?
She:Sorry, I ain’t lying.
He:So, still talking to Ryan?
She: It you again?
He:As if you didn’t know and your heart wasn’t thumping hard?
She: Nonsense.
He:You!
She:Shut up
He:I came online for shutting evrything up?
She:Do whatever you feel like.
He:Feel like hugging you.
She:Get lost!
He:hehehhehe
She:Yea whtever
He:You think you are something lik the mysterious queen??
She:y?
He:No, bcoz u behave like one.
She:Smiles!! Well, you know Who I am then!
He:Yea.A pretender.
She:You enjoy pissing me off?
He:Just two days madam. Lot more to come.
She:Yea, I ill see.
He:You’d better.
She:I gtg now.Bbye.
He:Muaah!!
She:Get lost.
Signs out.

For five days after that he does not come online.

Sixth day, he comes to the café, and finds her there.

He:Will you join me for a cup of coffee?
She:What?
He:Coffee.Made of coffee beans.Well brewed.
She:I am busy.
He:No you aren’t.
She:How does that bother you.
He:May be it does.

Something happens to her, and she walks with him.
He walks endlessly till they reach a grocery shop.He buys a satchet of coffee powder.And then continues to walk.

She:What is this?
He:Coffee.
She:I can see that. But….
He:You will make two gud mugs of it
She:You are out of your head??
He:You are.
She laughs almost hysterically.

He:What?
She:You are a sample piece.
He:(gives a sheepish look)(chuckles)
She:Stupid!
He:Coming home or not?
She:I do not have any option left.(smiles)

They go to his home. A nice big one.

He:You know what?
She:What?
He:I wanna tell you something.
She:aamm…Wht?
He:You should have known it but then, I have to tell it to you.
She:Go ahead.
He:Go straight and thn take a left, you shall find my kitchen.
She:Non sense.(begins to laugh)
He::Go go!
She:Shut up!
He:Go na.. please..
She: Ok ok..

Both begin to smile in a way they had never before. It was something nice. Something beautiful.

While she was busy pouring the coffee in the mugs, he stepped into the kitchen.

He:Hey..
She: (Turns back)Yea hi..
He:I had never expected anybody to work in my kitchen. Not a girl atleast.
She:What..?
He:Yea, never seen a girl work in here.Never.
She:Never seen you mom in the kitchen or what?
He:No…
She: (pauses) I didn’t get you.
He: She passed away when I was five, and dad never married again.
She: Oh..I’m sorry.
He:Naah.. it is ok.
She: So, what happened next? Where is your dad?
He: He? Maybe in London now.
She:Maybe?
He:Yes. I was sent to live with my grandparents after that..Dad seldom wrote letters. Called up once in a blue moon. He was living with his girl friend.He did not marry and did not worry.
She:What the….I am sorry.
He:I am used to trying to control my anger. I hate him.
She:So where are your grand parents?
He:Grand dad passed away when I was fifteen. Grand mom passed away five days back.
She:Oh..
He:So that is why I couldn’t be with you.(winks)
She: You are…(pauses) I mean…(pauses)..I don’t know..
He:Acid tested.hahaha…
She:You are not like what you seemed to be. You are nice.
He: uh huh!! Think again girl.. You always thought I am good, you wouldn’t come down home else wise… would you?
She: (smiles) May be.

That day had been, one of the pretiest examples of life for anybody who would want it!
She was finding a companion, and he already seemed to have found one. Both could recognize with each other in a way, they had never previously done. Things began to change. For most days, she would go to his house , instead of hanging around with her usual circle of friends, and the most noteworthy thing was that, she did not feel anything going amiss!

One of those days, they planned to cook together.
In the kitchen..

She: Wanted to ask you something.
He:Ask ask..(winks)
She:Why did you talk to me that day?
He:When?
She:In the café …
He:Oh!..Was just flirting….
She:Huh!
He:But there is something else to it too.
She:What?
He:There was something, that made me come back..
She:What??
He: You look like my grand mom….
She: (looks at him) I could kill you.
He: No no!! Seriously!

He held her by her hand, and then took her to his room. Askd her to sit down, and then pulled out something of the drawer, and sat down beside her.

He:Here, see…(hands her a photograph)
She: (takes a look) Wow…who is this?
He:My grand mom(smiles)
She:She is so, beautiful….
He:Yes, she was pretty.Very pretty. I wonder if my mom looked like her too.
She:She surely did. You haven’y seen her pictures?
He:Yes…I have.. But never too clear..
She: hmm..
He: (turning towards her) So you see, you look like her. My grand mom.
She: No ways! She is way too pretty!
He: Look at yourself, the way I look, you are the prettiest of all..
She: (lowers her eyes) Thank you..
He: (goes close to her) You dumbo, we were cooking….Come lets go…(winks)
She:Oh yes… (laughs)

Days, weeks and months… all passed by. And now, they were the best of friends.
There was nothing that was hidden. Nothing that was forged. Every fact was so clear and every expression was so well understood. Now they even did not have to talk to let each other know what they were thinking. Eyes could speak so well now. And they were working together on a social project. So that let them have , more time each day together.

Her parents knew him well. They began to trust him. It was all as if, It was meant to be this way always.Always.

One year now, things were good. But they had fights too. And had their own ways of soling their problems as well.

She:Where did yo keep your file?
He:Which one?
She:The Bio data, medical reports,couple passes one..
He:Why?
She:I kept my, discount coupon in that.
He:What for?
She:I needed to keep it safe.
He:You don’t have your own file or what? What was it I bought you the other day? A piece of rubble?
She:Shut up..
He:What shut up? Why did I buy it then?
She:I was with you that time when Igot it, came down to your place after that, so, I kept it in your file.
He:It is my file for God’s sake!
She:So I should’nt have kept it there?
He:Yea absolutely..
She:Okay… Fine. Buhbyee.I have to leave.(moves to leave)
He: (moves towards her)What for?
She:No. I am sorry. I forgot my limitations…(heads towards the door)
He:What!...Fish!!.....(hold her hand)Don’t go.
She:I have to. And yes, I am sorry.(looks downwards, hiding her teary eyes)
He: (Raises her face up) Awww no!! No no!Don’t cry. Please.. No! Keep all your coupons in my file, keep all that you want anywhere..But don’t cry please!! (hugs her)
She: Shut up….(rubbing her tears) Go get lost. I don’t want to talk to you.( half laughing)
He:All right… alright …my baby’s laughing… ok ok… Smiling?.. yea yea!! (pulling her cheeks)
She: I hate you!
He: I love you too!
She:Huh…! Loafer!
He:Naah… just flirting around…(winks)
She:Loafer!! Duffer! Dodo!!
He:Yea, yea whatever..(laughs)
She:Shut up..
He:Coffee?
She:Yes…
He:Go make it..
She:huh!!

What they said to each other, what they felt, was just among themselves. Just so secret, that often even they did not know what they were sayin to each other.
Who would ever not want to be so innocentlyin love? So innocently that they themselves knew not what it was? Or even if they knew, they would say not what it was…

She:You , loafer, I wanna have some ice cream
He:No
She:Yes!
He:You’ve got flu..
She:So..??
He:So I had to pick you up from your place.
She: So..?
He:I am taking care of you.
She:So…??
He:So what!!! ?? No ice cream! That is it!
She:What nonsense…
He:You..
She:Shut up…(looks at him angrily)
He: (keeps staring at her) I could… Only if you promise you would sit like this, infront of me, forever.
She: (glances at him.)What?
He: (regaining his senses) No.. what?? Oh.. nothing..
She:Mad ..?
He: (laughs) Yepp..
She: I knew, I knew! Hehehe..
He: You sure you know…?
She: Even if you don’t say it.. I know…( lowers her eyes, smiles)
He :Nice… (realises something) (Slaps her lightly on her cheeks) Wake up!
She: Only if you wake me up…
He:(glances at her)What?
She:(regaining her senses)No….nothing…

But how long, could they both, hold in an obvious secret? The knew each other so well, that they knew it too, that they were hiding a sweet little secret, with perfection unmatched.
And what more? They both were in collaboration! But now, words, somehow changed their route from eyes to lips.

He:Ever thought of a candel light dinner?
She:With?
He:Amm..Well anybody..
She: No..
He:Why?
She: I don’t know..You?
He: Yes..
She: (brightens up) Who who??tell me!
He: Someone..
She: Duffer, who??
He: Told you , someone…
She: Tch! Tell me!
He: You..
She: We had it already! Don’t remember? That day? Lights went off?
He: Yes, and you fell on me.. (laughs)
She:Yes.. and you didn’t utter a word!
He:How could I ? It wa a dream come true..
She: What? Lights going off?
He: Naah… you won’t get it.
She: Me falling on you?
He: (smiles) Perhaps..
She: Why?? Huh! What was so funny in that?
He: Not funny you dodo! It was nice.
She: How come?
He:I got the touch of your face, for the first time.
She : (lowers her eyes) amm.. oh. Ok..(shy)
He: Hey, what happened?(pushes her)
She:Nothing..
He: You look gorgeous..
She:Loafer.!
He: No.. really.
She:Yea?
He: Yes..
Will you let me hug you once?
She: I am surprised! You’re asking me? (goes ahead to hug him)
He : (Stops her) (looks into her eyes) Mind being with me forever? Just like this? (hugs her)
She: (hug him) (looks at him) Loafer…. What happened?
He: Nothing except that, I realised that I have never flirtedwith anybody else than you..
She : (shrugs off..) Oh, so you want a girl friend? Go ahead.. Go to other girls. I won’t mind.
He: You would..
She: You really wanna go? (almost crying)
He: I want a wife..
She: Oh ..ok… good.
He: I don’t plan to flirt with anybody else. I don’t plan to even look at anybody else. But somehow, I wanna know, does looking at just one girl , wanting her and loving her make you a loafer?
She :What? No! That is love!
He: Who is it for me then? Ten hours a day you are with me. Rest of the day I am either a work, or sleeping. So?
She: So?
He : Would you be there forever?
She: Of course…….But why?
He: Why..?
She:Yea..
He: Coz, I look at you. I like to. I listen to you speak endless. You make no sense. But I like it. Coz, I need you to be here even when you are sick. And I want you to be here all the time. Coz, I wanna flirt around, just with you. Coz I wanna be the only man you trip down on. Coz I wanna be the only person, who you would hug so dearly . Coz, I wanna be your loafer, for life….
She: Coz you wanna be my husband….
He: No.. Coz I already am.. But wanna confirm it.. (winks)
She: Loafer…
He: Only for you.. (hold her close to him) Say it once na duh! (smiles) I love you silly girl!
She : (blushes)(smiles) Me too.. I love you too loafer..
He:So, you’re my wife?
She: You’re my husband… so what else can I be to you?(winks)
He : Hmmm.. coffee?
She: You make it!
He: Oh yes! Why not? Day one eh! (laughs)
She:Practice..practice…(winks)

They got married formally , three months after that. And now, they stayed together always.

He: You know what? You are stupid!
She: What?Why?
He: Coz, …..I love you.
She: (smiles) You are more stupid than I am…
He: Yeah?
She: Yeah.. I love you na!
He :Yeah.yeah..
She: (hugs him) Yeah…
He: Awww… my wife… love you(kisses her)

They had so much love to give each other. But somehow this love, was not enough to give them a child. She, could not be a mother. It was diagonised, when even after two years of marriage, they did not have a baby.
But, the sacred enigma, that life is! It has plans, knitted for every soul. Every blessed soul.
Before this, she had never found herself, so much in love with someone.
And never before did she feel so incomplete. But when, the person you are married to is all that makes you complete, how can you keep the enigma an edge far.

One evening,

He: Coffee?
She: (in a dead tone) Yes. I made it.
He:Eh! Of course! Hey , but come, lets make it again.
She :No. It is ok. We have enough of it in the flask.
He:Dodo….(looks at her) I am here. With you.
She :(almost crying) So what do I do now? (crying) Why….me lord!
He: You know something?
She:What?
He:I am not my parents child.
She :(startled) What?
He: Yes. They had adopted me. When I was a small kid. I don’t know if mom loved me. But I am sure dad didn’t. He left me to my mom’s parents. They loved me. So, here I am.
She: (looks at him) Baby..? Baby…. You know it all? (crying) (hugs him)
He: I know it all. So.? Am I crying like you dodo?
She:But…
He:But what?
She: No…
He: Yes. We will bring our child home soon. And we will love him or her . A lot. We will. You trust me love?
She: (breaks down crying) I love you…
He: I love you too..

Enigma. That is life.
Hey Don’t blame me now.. I just allowed a sneak peak. And, the rest is their life. Just think , if life, just a part of it, looks so beautiful, how enigmatic is life for real?

WET TOUCHES OF AN OLD AUGUST - ARINDAM DEY

2009-08-05T00:12:00.004+05:30

The boy looked outside the window. Little drops of water kept playing with the glass pane. The clouds were still heavy. There were no distant possibility of the rains to stop. The class inside was pretty boring as well. Almost two-thirds of the class was absent due to the overnight rains that continued in the morning as well. Even most of the teachers were absent. But he came. He had to come. Because she would come too. And she had.

And it was just after the fourth period that the school decided to call the classes over. Every one was happy, but not him. He had missed another three long periods of looking at her. Looking at her smile, talk and even at times glancing at him. And today even the class pressure was not there. What could have been more romantic than a day like this! 'God must have the worst sense of romance' he thought.

The streets were all water logged, not uncommon during this time of the year. While the elders cursed the government for it, their younger counterparts enjoyed it like anything. The boy came out with his umbrella & bicycle. He was just about to ride it when he saw her coming. Today, just like his friends, all her friends were absent too. So she came playing with the water by herself. She didnt have an umbrella. He waited for her to come up.

"Hi!" she said, "so you got no friends today?"

"No" he replied, "so it seems with you too."

"Yeah!" she smiled, "a little rain and they are all shut inside."

He smiled, "So ... you got no umbrella?"

"Oh ya i have" she said, "I used it while coming, cause i didnt want to get wet then. But now that i am returning home, i dont mind the rains!"

"All right then" he smiled and folded his umbrella back into his bag.

"Arey, Why are you closing it?" she was confused.

"Well..." he said hesitating, "if u dont mind... then... may i give you a ride to your home?" and then added immediately almost as an excuse, "its actually on the way to my home you know..."

She looked at him for sometime and smiled, "Okay."

The two rode through the water logged isolated streets as the drizzle kept on soaking them. For him, it was like a dream. And sitting in front of him was the very princess of those dreams. He felt strong and yet he was scared. He didnt know what he was. He could smell the wet fragrance of her shoulder, and the scent of her hair almost mesmerised him. The feeling of her cuddled into his arms there invoked a strange unknown feeling of ecstasy in him, as if he was living a moment called forever. A moment that was his very own. A moment that no one could ever take away from him. He wanted to drive the cycle in the best way he could making it as comfortable for her as possible. He was nervous. And so was she too. Never had she done anything like this before. She could sense his warm breath on her shoulders and neck, and feel the flex of his muscles around her. She didnot know what went on inside her but she knew that she wanted every moment to linger a bit longer. Never had she felt anyone so close to her. And something inside her told her that she was happy it was him. They tried to talk but something kept them silent. Perhaps they didnt want their voice to disturb the warm intimate dialogue that their hearts were having in their silence. Minutes passed like that. The only thing that sounded was the little droplets of water blessed from the heavens. Gradually they came near the girls house. She got off.

"Thanks" she smiled.

"You are welcome" he said with an effort.

He looked at her. She stood in front of him completely drenched. He could see the little droplets that ran down her cheeks. Her uniform clung onto her body, totally soaked. He swallowed a lump.

"What?" she asked softly.

"No... nothing" he felt caught, "you are fully wet. Go in quickly or you might catch cold."

"Why dont you come in? Till the rain stops?" she asked.

"No" he said almost against his will, "i'll be fine."

"Why?" she said, "I can catch cold, cant you? Are you so differnt from me?"

"No-no" he was embarassed, "i didnt mean that."

"Then come in" she insisted, "look at yourself you are totally wet, head to toe. Let me give you a towel, rub your head. you'll go once the rain stops."

"Actually" he said hesitatingly, "it seems the rains will only get heavier. So let me go before it starts to pour hard."

She looked up at the sky. the clouds had no doubt got darker. She gave up, "Ok... but you'll be okay na?"

"Oh yes" he smiled assuringly, "My home is just ten minutes ride from here."

"Ok" she said slowly, "just go carefully. See you."

"Yup" he mounted his cycle, "see you tomorrow."

He had barely gone a few yards when she called out, "hey just a second."

He stopped. She came running to him.

"What?" he asked.

The water drops were still rolling down her cheeks and neck. She looked around once. And then brought her face near his. As if sensing what she was doing, he leaned in too. And she whispered earnestly in his ears, "Are we really that different?" and planted a soft kiss on his cheek and stepped back. For a moment she stood there giving him the most incredible smile, and then she ran back. He stood there, stunned for a few seconds. then he looked up at the heavens once as the rain drops doused his face. 'Not that bad sense of romance after all' he thought smiling and rode off...

HAVE A GOOD DAY - ANUBHAV

2009-08-05T00:11:00.001+05:30

A lazy morning. More like a dress rehearsal for winters. You yawn, several times over. Stretch, throw, tear your body apart, again and again and again. Look out the window, it's hazy. The sound of onions frying in hot oil on the stove plays like your "Good morning" song. Get up! "Pull me up, someone!" Finally on your feet, you somehow manage to get to the kitchen in as many number of steps as you would require to travel a mile.

Still out of senses, tea preparation starts. You don't require senses to prepare tea, anyway! The morning newspaper waiting for you at the door. Press the topmost button on the TV remote, "...but first, the headlines..." Slurrrppp! Your phone rings and you are informed that the roads are so badly clogged that it's impossible for traffic to pass. Not able to control, you keep your mug aside, throw the paper away and dance a merry little jig, run and kiss the news presenter on tv in joy, hurt your knee in the process. But who cares, you don't have to work today.

You've woken up only to go back to sleep. And you think that is how it should be like during these months. Wake up to go to sleep. And sleep. And more sleep. Sleep all day, why don't we? You've never had such a colossal appetite for lethargy and you want to run away from all forms of work. Even taking meals seems a waste of energy.

The notorious wind rushing in from one window of your bed room and leaving from the one in your living, not without camouflaging in some droplets, soaking whatever is close to the window. But who cares, you don't have to work today. Towing yourself up for lunch you realise that you can't move out, roads are blocked.

So you 'Dial a Pizza'. But they are not delivering to your doorstep today. Roads are blocked. Then, defeated, you crawl to your kitchen to prepare those evergreen noodles for yourself which have never, till date, taken only 2 minutes to get ready.

Zzzzz...

The evening tea beckons, so do the utility programs on tv. Surf, Surf, Surf, Yaawwwnnn, Slurrpp! Surf. "Every morning I wish I could just play, wish the morning would just stay".

It's after dusk now and you have to start worrying for your meal again. You just try your luck at the Pizza place and... yes, it's affirmative. Hog, Hog, Hawwg! You just had enough of the most pizzas ever and while doing that you also caught up on one of your all time favourite movies. Whatte day! Back to your bed, yet again. Lying down, trying to revise the day but failing big time as there was nothing much you did to write home about. Switch the mosquito repellent on. The music of onions frying in hot oil persists. The wind still playing. You feel cold. But who cares! You didn't have to work today, the roads were blocked, you danced a merry little jig, kissed the news presenter. And that knee... it still hurts!

A VISIT - TAN

2009-08-05T00:10:00.001+05:30

It was raining cats and dogs when I left home. I was hurrying through the drenched streets and making my way to where she lives now. She would be waiting, I knew. She would be getting wet too. I took the raincoat, but forgot the hat – was in such a hurry. Took a bunch of yellow tulips from the florist at the corner; she loves these. I moved nearer to her place. Making my way through the fleeing crowd was toil. I hid the flowers inside the raincoat, hoping they would not get soaked. And I rushed through. Many of the folks had umbrellas. Hush! Why did I not bring mine? – I thought. This small kid, walking with her dog in her lap was trying to get underneath her mother’s umbrella. She was playing hide and seek with the rain and getting drenched – the mother was too hasty to look back at her, as she passed me. Hope they live nearby. The other couple was too busy in each other that they could not see the rushing limousine. And as I thought, the car splashed all the water unto them. They looked at themselves, then the passing car, then at each other and laughed. Weirdoes! They found another excuse to hold each other more tightly. All the people were either walking swiftly towards their destination or running towards a nearby hideout. None had time to look at anyone; neither did I. She was waiting! I hurried faster. I did not have time to enjoy the rainfall. I thought of enjoying the shower together with her. It took me another couple of minutes to be there. I reached her place just in time. I went past her mates in there – they had no visitors. I was the only one there – wet, but happy. I could see the bluish cross – no mistake, it’s her! I went near; sat by her grave. It was all sodden in this evening London rain. I took out the flowers and laid them by her chest. She felt it close to her heart – still thumping as mine. I felt she cried in bliss, that I could make it on her 87th forgotten birthday – even in this downpour. Tears were in my eyes too, but thanks to the raindrops – I went unnoticed.

THE BUTTERFLY - SAGAR

2009-08-05T00:08:00.002+05:30

The cellphone in her hands started vibrating. She was momentarily startled, but then flipped it open and put it to her ear.

“Seven missed calls?!” Akash exclaimed from the other end. “I’m sorry, I was in my lectures — why didn’t you come today? And what’s up, dear? What happened?”

What happened. What a question, Sania thought. And although Akash knew very well most of what had happened, Sania involuntarily dropped into the reservoir of her memories...

It was 14 July, 2009. In all the excitement of her eighteenth birthday, she had unwittingly forgotten her ‘trusty little umbrella’, as she called it, at home. And she had chosen the worst possible day to do so, as the heavens had decided to make up for the late rains that very day.

The lectures were over a couple of hours early — Sania was spared the boring double Physics class as the prof couldn’t make it to college on account of the rains. However, she was extremely apprehensive to step out in the rains minus her umbrella. She felt the rains were a monster, lashing out at everything within sight. The 26 July massacre had only strengthened this opinion of hers. And then, the savior appeared.

Akash.

The guy’s calm, easygoing demeanor had blown Sania away ever sine she set her eyes on him, back in FYJC. As the days passed, her attraction towards him only continued to intensify, until, one day, she was forced to conclude in her diary: ‘This damn guy has totally taken over my life!’

“Hey Sania! Where’s your ‘trusty little umbrella’? Gone off to enjoy the rains?”

Akash had an amazing sense of humor. What Sania really liked about it was that it was tailored for the listener — showing how he singularly cared for each and everyone in his life.

“Well, yeah... it’s breached my trust...”

“Mine hasn’t... may I drop you, mistress?” Akash asked, doing the old-world English movie gesture that usually accompanies such a statement.

Chivalry, that endangered species of behavior... a clear indicator of a sense of individuality — while the world is ditching chivalry, he carves his own niche...

“Um... Sure, why not?” Sania, almost greedily, accepted.

Although they were in the same class since FYJC, it was only in FYBSc that Sania and Akash got on talking terms (adjacent Roll Numbers helped). And, a couple of days ago, Sania had written in her diary: ‘I may be kidding myself, but I think I see a hint of reciprocation...’

“Nice weather, don’t you think?” Akash commented. Due to the presence of Akash, even the weather on the planet Venus would qualify as ‘nice’ for Sania. She agreed. Never before had she enjoyed walking in the rain to this extent. She had heard descriptions of the rain as ‘romantic’; she now realized what they meant. The closeness she had so craved was granted to her. If only it changed to intimacy...

She felt something on her left shoulder. It took her a while to realize it was Akash’s hand. She looked up to him, and their eyes spoke a million words. Although around them vehicles were jostling for road space, honking violently, Akash and Sania were unperturbed, lost in their own world, the pitter-patter of the raindrops adding to their mood...

“There’s nobody at my place today...” Akash said. “Will you come over?”

What happened after ‘coming over’ was something that changed Sania forever. In the rare times that Sania thought of the moment when her hymen finally broke apart, she was filled with apprehensions. However, with Akash’s presence, it was all smooth. Although both of them were indulging for the first time, the apprehensions seemed to slither out of the (closed) window. It was, of course, the emotional connect that Sania cherished more than the physical one. All the same, the experience, to her, was like ‘a caterpillar finally shedding her cocoon to come out as a full-grown butterfly...’ And the best birthday gift she ever had.

But the first-timers had made a crucial mistake...

“Hello, you still there?”

Sania’s mind jumped back to the phone call with a jolt. She had to speak a dreadful truth.

“It’s been almost a month... and I — I’ve...”

“Sania,” Akash said, very calmly, “Tell me.”

And then, the words fell out of her mouth. “I’m pregnant.”

The next thing Sania knew was a powerful slap on her face by her father.

—Two Hours Later —

“Doctor, is she okay?” Sania’s mother was asking.

“The patient is out of danger,” the doctor replied, “but I’m sorry, we couldn’t save the child.”

THE RAIN ‘GODDESS’ - MANORATHAN

2009-08-05T00:07:00.003+05:30

The superior gets liberal

Showering pent up blessings,

Blessings of an unknown form:

Unfriendly, the apt countenance.

From heaven, she comes galloping,

The whip wielding, bindi’ed maiden,

Plucking away ripe yellow leaves as she lands,

Convincing the roots to undo themselves

With her persuasive postiche locks.

Piercing, he exclaims:

First droplets, on his armour,

The wind, his friend?

Benumbing him,

Or modulating her?

She, the powerful:

Her chillness percolates him,

No mercy! The wind snaps away.

Darkness enshrouding him,

Gloom all around.

Steps traced inattentively,

As his heart races nonchalantly

To the ancient fortresses

Of his life that is dead,

Speeding up, and slowing down:

Her dictations, her fluctuations.

Soft susurrations,

Loud weepy wails;

Leafy rustlings,

Bacchanalian random drum beats.

His head bent low, then, and now;

Muddy shoes on his feet, then, and now,

Enshrouded in an ocean of similarity,

A friendly anonymity,

He starts seeing a mother in her,

Like a child that cries:

Mother’s arms, and the unfailing comfort.

The assumed mother, disrobes herself in a flash,

Exposing the vulnerable;

Impertinent flashes:

Her debauched camera snaps!

An eager friend

An innocent believer

A hopeless lover

A promising son

A timid school boy.

His first motorcycle ride

His first day in college

His first crush

His mom’s illness

His first break up

Caught the camera!

Multitudes of water dripping down his boots,

Foot raised with multiple questions,

In a direction, favoured by a destination?

Wayside adornments – unspeakable oddities:

Domestic dirt, liberated, and abandoned,

Now stinking, the rain long gone,

And the air, clear, but heavy!

WHEN IT RAINS! – AZRA

2009-08-04T23:57:00.003+05:30

When it rains
I'm hoping you are thinking of me(more than anything else)
-out on the road, or
by the window side,
or wherever else.
You watch the rain
coloring up the world around you_
The coolness, freshness
And that aroma of damp earth
the sensation rain evokes in you
the mood it sets,
and the magic and intimacy...
Do you think of me then?

When it rains,
I hope the feelings it stirs up in you
Are the same feelings (i hope) I cause in you.

Is my fragrance in the moist breeze?
(which whips up memories long forgotten)
Do the drizzles that softly kiss your cheek
(remind you of our walks in the rain?)
Those drops slipping down your arms to your hands (your hands...)
do you find me in them?
When a wind blew off your umbrella
did you remember the times I dragged you into the downpour??
Does the soft music of the monsoons
echo with my voice

Guess I should just let go of it all.

Because,
Instead of you thinking of me (when it rains)
It's me thinking of you.
-Not the other way round
Which is actually what I want.

Now
Together
Only
In the lines of my poems.

And the distance between
filled by
rains,
the music we shared
and
those coffee cups.

Can you see me,
The way I see you
Standing there
Just beyond the shimmering veil
of falling rain drops.
With a small smile.
(Yes, even your smallest smile will do)

PAINKILLER

2009-07-17T20:20:00.008+05:30

The pain was still there. Her whole body ached. So did her heart. Every time she would see the marks on her body, she would feel filthy. The pain was taking a toll on her.

She went back to the dressing table and pulled out the drawer. The three pills were still there. All three in different colours and shapes. Painkillers. She'd bought three different types just to find out which one worked best for her. Got them without a prescription. Money buys everything.

Except happiness.

He came home late at night, 1 a.m. to be precise. Drunk as usual. He yelled out for dinner. He wasted half of it. She silently cleaned the mess. He switched on the television and played it all full volume while she went to bed. He came back an hour later, and tried waking her up. He slapped her when she didn't wake up the first time. She was aware that it was time for him to feed on her. He tore off her night gown and made LUST to her. He stunk of cheap liquor. And then he fell asleep, while she wept bitterly. She wept pain…dismay…

He was a pain.

She opened her eyes only to see him lying in bed like a monster. His arms dirtied with the lust, his mind sickened of rape and his breath choked with stink. It was all suffocating for her. Tormenting, to be precise. She put his body aside, covered hers with the sheet and walked to the dressing table. She popped one of the pills. The pain barely subsided.

The next night he came home a little early. But he was drunk again. He had a CD in his hand. He pushed away the dinner she had set out and spread out a cheap bar on the dinner table. He played the CD. Hardcore Porn. He drooled. She went to bed in disgust. He followed her in an hour later. She pretended to be asleep when she noticed the wild look in his eyes. He sat himself on the bed and barked her an order to wake up. She pulled up the sheets. He slapped her and pulled her up. He tried on her what he saw on the CD. He was rough. He was violent. He hurt her. She writhed in pain.

He was a pain.

As always, when he was in his wild dreams of the tutorial he saw on the CD, she covered her bleeding body with the sheet again and walked to the dressing table. She popped another pill. This one worked slightly better than the one she had last night. But the pain still remained.

Tonight he came home pretty early. This time he wasn't drunk. He told her he needed 2 lakhs in cash, and that she should fetch it from her parents. She refused. He pulled out the thick leather belt that held his trousers and began whipping her. She screamed in pain. He didn't stop. She begged him to stop. He didn't.

She grabbed a half-empty whiskey bottle lying on the dinner table and smashed it on his temple. He dropped down. He wasn't moving. She grabbed another bottle and smashed it in his face. She loved the way his blood slowly travelled along his skin. That skin which had been anything but pure. She was in love with him…. But in love with the dead him!

She went to her dressing table, pulled out the drawer and picked up the last pill. She walked back to the still body, picked up a bottle of rum, popped the pill, and took a swig from the bottle. She swept the hair off her face.

The pain was gone...probably forever.

She'd finally found a Painkiller that worked.

--- Shruti aka Shane & CRD

THE BLOGGERATTI "WALKING IN THE RAIN" CONTEST

2009-07-15T23:51:00.005+05:30

New Contest - Theme = Walking in the Rain

Okay, so its time for our next contest.

Theme : "Walking in the Rain"

Genre : Anything as long as its in line with the theme.

Story, poetry, photo-blogging, painting...anything

No: of entries per contestant: 1 per person. No limit on co-written posts

Pattern of judging : 2 rounds.

1st round: Judge to shortlist 5 top posts.

2nd round: Polls to decide the winner

Prizes : Badges for the top 3, and participation badges for the rest. Top 3 posts get published on the official community blog.

Contest begins: July 15, 23:00 Hours IST

Entries to be sent to : bloggerattirocks@gmail.com

Deadline for entries : July 25, 23:00 hours, IST

SUMMER NIGHTS - Adisha

2009-06-28T01:01:00.006+05:30

I didn't know what to do. The last argument had seemed endless. And it was our 3rd so far.

Could I help it if I need to sleep with a blanket no matter what the weather? I so like to cozy into it and have the air conditioner way down, cooling the room. And he was being so unreasonable, with quips like if I felt hot, I should sleep in a bed sheet and let the thermostat be at room temperature. The nerve !!!

Dad was the exact same way. " Why do you girls need to keep the A/C facing you, if all you are going to do is bury yourselves into the blanket ? Do you know the amount of energy you're wasting ? Not to mention, the electricity bill ? " But his lectures fell on deaf ears as the gentle air from the ducts lulled us to sleep.

I sighed ! I had so hoped my husband to be different but alas! It's not my fault that he can't keep a blanket on himself and then ends up freezing through the night. It has been 9 days since we've slept in the same room. Actually we hardly slept at all and there seems no end to it. We would try sleeping and either he or I end up going in the main hall for the rest of the night. What a way for newly weds to be. But then, who can blame us, for the way we sleep is ingrained into us over the years and a person need to get comfy to be able to relax, right ? RIGHT !

The worst of it was , this stupid thing was the cause of our first, official fight as husband and wife and it had reached stalemate. Maybe it was the sleepless nights that were adding fuel to fire but it was getting me very worried. If a stupid matter like this could have us fighting like cats and dogs then what hope do we have for the important issues ? Already I was calling him mean and unreasonable and he was calling me pampered and stubborn. Tears burned my eyes as I recalled the ugliness of the argument and imagined us shouting our way to a divorce once the important matters reared their heads.

Sure ! In the beginning it was all roses and chocolates, but that's normal for any couple right ? It's hot and heavy in the beginning and starts cooling down as time elapsed. Here it was the complete opposite, metaphorically speaking. The wedding was in March and the 3 months since had been cool - fun and frolic and now that summer had hit in full force, it seemed to be heating things up in more ways than one.

The forces of nature actually felt like they were plotting to drive us apart. I kept forgetting to keep the bottles of water in the fridge and he so wanted a cool drink as soon as he entered the house. When we went out I'd clamor for an ice cream and golas whereas he'd warn me about calorie intake and brain freeze. He loved sleeping on the balcony, enjoying the natural winds he said and I couldn't ever imagine doing that. I preferred staying indoors and he'd talk about going for long walks to soak in the sun. I'd get cranky once I started sweating and he'd revel in the Vitamin D. The list went on and on, leading to futile bickering .

Marriage was so hard !!! Living with a guy for the first time seemed to be about discovering things about myself as much as him. Things that seemed natural, every day habits had turned into something that were unique to me. Adjusting to each other's life, convincing each other to try a new way of doing things seemed to have become a 24/7 job.

Ok ok ! I admitted to myself. I was exaggerating quite a lot. It wasn't all bad. We could talk for hours about anything and loved making each other laugh and it was amazing to be setting up my own house, living the way I'd always imagined and he was as much as sport at trying new things as I was and well, to be honest till now the experience had been highly pleasant. In fact, I'd found my self loving him more with each passing day. Yet these last few days had me homesick, craving my comfort zone - the room I grew up in, my bed.

To be fair, he probably felt the same way. It occurred to me he was surely as miserable as me. I mean, who likes fighting right? A sob escaped me as I thought about how horrible he must think I was. He was probably sorry to have married me and was thinking of all the other girls who would have been a better match. He was probably regretting ...

The door bell rang loud, interrupting my thought train. I wiped my tears, quickly washed my face and rushed to the door.

As I pulled it open, there he stood with an even more morose expression. Poor thing !! How silly of me to pester him so. He must be so tired from lack of sleep and from working all day. My heart broke to see him so exhausted. And it was such a silly matter. Surely, I could adjust sleeping the way he did, in time. Habits are after all, all that we make of them. Sorrys welled up from within me.

Before I could utter a word, suddenly his expression changed to one of a cute child, displaying the smile I had come to love and out came a rose, almost magically, from behind his back.

" I'm so sorry sweti !! ", he whispered as he gave me the rose and pulled me into his arms, almost carrying me into the hall.

" No , no , I'm the one who should be sorry. I really didn't mean any of all that I've been saying. I've just been so tired and cranky. I guess we both have. It'll just take me some getting used to. "

He pulled my hair away from my face and looked into my eyes. " You've been crying. Very bad! You shouldn't cry over such silly things. "

That only got the tears flowing again. " It's just been so bad. Every weekend seems to be a fight fest. You must think I'm so horridly childish. ", I whimpered.

He set me down on his lap, and beamed at me. " Shussh now !! Childish yes, horrid, never. I love that you bring out the child in me as well. It's a silly spat and we should treat it like that. All a part of getting to know each other better. Some things we can solve, for the remaining we will adjust over time.

Now, what I suggest for This particularly pesky problem is we should buy you a fan. You know, one of those rotating ones that you can shift around and then you can keep it positioned towards you. That way you can sleep in your cozy blanki and I can be comfy at the temperature the room is at. How does that sound ?? "

A giggle escaped my lips. " That sounds like another reason for me to love you more. "

Those ugly problems from the future faded away as the light of compromise shone upon us, making just a little wiser, a little stronger, bringing us closer. The heat of the day increased exponentially as we kissed, all the past days' bitterness melting away ...

This post WON the "Summer Heat" Contest held in June 2009.

BEATING THE FREAKING HEAT - Criss

2009-06-28T00:54:00.004+05:30

Above the hills, along the blue,

Round the bright air with footing true,

To please the child, to paint the rose,

The gardener of the World, he goes

Thats how the great poet, Robert Louis Stevenson describes the Sun, in his famous poem,"The Summer Sun"

"To Please the child, to paint the rose???..The Sun???" Thats surely not how we Indians would look att he Sun. Maybe the Sun out there in England is a milder brother of the one we have out here. Especially for those who live in Mumbai, Summer has less to do with blooming gossamer than it has to do with sticky apparel, melting foreheads and smelly underarms. We don't even have a winter out here. Tell em folks in England that the temperature is a 'pleasant' 23 degrees Celcius in Winter and they'll laugh at you, coz thatswhat their Summers usually are like.

So, for all those pissed-off victims of the Summer Heat - presenting a list of things you could do to Beat The Heat

Seen those ads on TV? - "Duniya Ka Sabse Chota AC?", "Thanda Thanda Powder", "Thanda Thanda Cool Cool". Well, nows your chance to check if these really work. Go shopping and buy all of these prickly heat powders and oils and what not's. Take a tub-full of water, mix all of these in it to prepare a concoction of your own. Store the resulting paste in bottles and dab it on your body, or your scalp, or anywhere you get hot (pun intended), before you go out in the Heat. It ought to make you the coolest living being on Earth (so what if the paste made you look like an albino Zombie?) If it works, do let me know.

Invest in a huge plastic bath tub. Stay in it all day long. Consider getting wheelchair-like wheels attached to its sides so that you could move around in it as well. Stay fresh all day long!

Warning - getting someone to join you in it will result in a counter-effect, coz that way, you'll feel hot.

This one's for guys - Don the Salman "I hate my shirt" Khan look, and go topless. Gals, please don't try this outside your home - spare us guys the heat.

For relief from the heat till Retirement or Death (whichever comes first) - Join the Indian Army....then hope that they post you to Ladakh or the North East. You'll either live or die with the cold weather, or die in a cold-blooded attack. "Main kya hai?? Coldna??"

Sing the Kolkata Knight Riders anthem. It didn't fetch them too many wins, but maybe it could help bring in some rain. you don't believe me? See their records, they lost a lot of points due to rain-washed matches and the Duckworth-Lewis rule.Unbelieveable? Believe It!!

Pray for more heat. Maybe God will do the exact opposite this time as well.

On the flip-side, he might decide to grant you your wish this time. Your risk completely!

Sing Raag Malhar. If you're a Good Singer, maybe the Rain Gods will get pleased and send em rains. If you're a bad singer, people will pay you to shut up. The money can be used to invest in an AC.

This one's for all those who get admonished for arriving late to office. Most offices today have AC's. So do yourself a favour, and reach office on time, or even before time. Stay back in office late, even after office hours. That way, you enjoy more time in an airconditioned environment, without an extra load on your personal electricity bill, and also boost your executive image. Cool weather and better appraisals...hai nadouble faayda?

Try one of the 1000's of fishy products they sell through the doubly fishyTeleshopping network ads shown on TV after midnight. There might definitely be a dozen out there that claim to beat the heat. What if they don't solve the heat problem? Well, you'll probably go cold with the rude shock you receive after realising that you've been duped of your hard earned money.

If nothing works, then live with it dammit! Look at those people who live in deserts for inspiration.

This post was 1st Runner-up in the "Summer Heat" Contest, in June 2009.

REMINISCENCES - Appy

2009-06-28T00:44:00.007+05:30

This poem is dedicated to my “little” sister, and I wrote this remembering an incident in our childhood-an incident on a hot summer afternoon.
That's all I can say to describe this poem; read it and judge it for yourself.

Little girl-
You came and tugged at my hand,
Whispering, “The pickled mangoes”.

Grandma's pickled mangoes.
Stolen and relished
On a hot summer afternoon
While the whole world dozed,
too tired to stay awake in the heat;
Even the crows were silent-
Maybe they had parched throats...
And the two of us in the kitchen-
Grinning guiltily,
sweating in the heat- but enjoying all the same.
Who cared
that Grandma would ask:
“Where did the pickle go?”

Little girl-
So innocent and carefree-
I have searched for you everywhere.
But time has a way of swallowing up things
And I lost you.
Now a grown woman
speaks of paychecks, not pickles.

This post was the 2nd Runner-up in the "Summer Heat" Contest, held in June 2009.

BLOGGERATTI CONTEST - SUMMER HEAT

2009-06-07T16:21:00.024+05:30

CONTEST - Summer Heat

This is regarding Bloggeratti's second contest.

Theme : Summer Heat

Nature of posts: Anything, in line with the theme. So whether its a short story, or an anecdote, or a poem, or anything random - anything at all, irrespective of the length, it qualifies

By the way, even co-written posts will do

Number of entries per contestant: A maximum of 1 entry per person. However, there's no limit on co-written entries.

Contestants can post their entries on their own blogs, and send me the url and a '50-word' extract or a 50-word Background of your entry. Goes without saying that the more attractive the extract/background is, the better is the prospect of your post being read entirely. So choose your words wisely .

Send your entries to : bloggerattirocks@gmail.com

Deadline : 16th June, 2009 - 22:00 Hours.

Winner decision by : Poll on the forum. Each member will be entitled to 1 vote.

Polling closure and Announcement of Result :27th June, 2009.

The following are extracts/backgrounds and urls of entries received so far.

1. Post Title: The Final Attempt

Nature: Futuristic short sci-fi story

Background : It's the year 2050, and the heat from the 12-months-per-year summer has reached its peak, thanks to Global Warming. An emergency meet is held to discuss a 'Final Attempt' to stop Global Warming from roasting the planet raw. Will the attempt succeed? Or will something unexpected crop up? To know more, read...

Link: http://fiction-matrix.blogspot.com/2009/06/final-attempt.html

2. Post Title : I Do Scream

Nature: Essay

Extract:

“I scream! You scream! We all scream for Ice Cream!”
~The World Wide Ice Cream Anthem

*Voltaire pitied the fact that it wasn’t illegal.
*Emerson trusted it to make conversations witty.
*Van Halen’s flavours were guaranteed to satisfy.

The talk is not of Pot but rather Cartons… Cartons of mouth watering , brain freezing scrumpilicously delicious supercalifragilisticexpialidocious IceCream!!!...For more, read...

Link : http://freakyliterati.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-do-scream.html

3. Post Title : On Summer

Nature : Poem

Extract:

Balmy afternoon breeze
The scorching backyard stone
The ants on the mango tree
The sound of music
Running free

Happiness filtered through the leaves
Of the laughter shared
Of hearts
Loved and bared
For more, read....

Link: http://perceptual-reality.blogspot.com/2009/04/on-summer.html

4. Post Title :Summer Swelter

Nature : Poem

Background: The heated atmosphere and overheated economy has given us a stroke. Its time to take life a 'lil lightly, to freshen up. live the moment, breathe deep, and gather strength to confront the challenges ahead. This post encapsulates the current scenario in accordance with the climate

To Read, click...

Link:http://frangipani-18.blogspot.com/2009/06/blazing-ball-of-fire-and-in-heat-this.html

5. Post Title :Summer Nights

Nature : Short Story/First Person Account

Background: Sure! In the beginning it was all roses and chocolates, but that's normal for any couple, right?It's hot and heavy in the beginning and starts cooling down as time elapses. Here, it was the complete opposite, metaphorically speaking. The wedding was in March and the 3 months since had been cool - fun and frolic, and now that summer had hit in full force, it seemed to be heating things up in more ways than one.

To Read, click...

Link: http://adistorytime.blogspot.com/2009/06/summer-nights.html

6. Post Title : Reminiscences

Nature : Poem

Background:This is a poem in free verse, dedicated to the author's little sister. The author wrote this remembering a childhood incident on a hot summer afternoon

Extract :
Little girl-
You came and tugged at my hand,
Whispering, "The Pickled Mangoes"

Grandma's pickled mangoes
Stolen and relished
On a hot summer afternoon
While the whole world dozed,
Too Tired To Stay Awake in The Heat
Even the Crows were Silent-
Maybe They Had Starched Throats...

To Read More, click...

Link:http://conversations-with-aparajita.blogspot.com/2009/06/reminiscences.html

7. Post Title :Summer Heat

Nature : Poem

Background: The poem shows how "Summer Heat" changes with time. Once, it was an ignored friend, who tagged along forever, but was distractedly invisible. Now, it has become a cumbersome circumstance that makes us forget that it doesn't need to matter. In the past, we gave it its identity, but with age, we let it steal ours.

To Read, click...

Link:http://soulpeak.blogspot.com/2009/06/summer-heat.html

8. Post Title :I Love Summer...I Love Nature

Nature : Short Story

Background: She hated summer...She hated the Heat...She was clueless on nature's logic behind the creation of this summer season...but a sudden turn of events changed her entire perspective towards nature, towards the heat, and more importantly, towards Summer.

To Read, click...

Link: http://haywirethinking.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-love-summer-i-love-nature.html

9. Post Title :Summer

Nature : Poem

Extract:

Here and Waiting

For You To Call

For The Bell To Toll.

This Summer Heat

It Deludes Me So

Peaking In A Frenzy

The Sun Is To Descend

To Read More, click...

Link: http://whenrealitymetme.blogspot.com/2009/06/summer.ht ml

10. Post Title : Beating The Freaking Heat

Nature : Humour

Background:

Summers In India are hot as Hell, as you know. If the Summer Heat has gotten the better of you, here are some fun ways to 'Beat the Heat'

To Read , click...

Link: http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2009/06/beating-heat.html

11. Post Title : Beat The Heat

Nature : Poem

Background: Well, I just scribbled a few words as to what I love to do in Summers...wanted to show the optimistic side of summer-heat. Hope the work is appreciated

To Read , click...

Link: http://shrutirulz.blogspot.com/2009/06/beat-d-heat.html

12. Post Title : Queen Of The May

Nature : Personal Account

Extract: This summer saw a beautiful turn when a little cherub entered our worlds...on the 24th of May, 2009 A.d. You have to cast an eye on the little bundle of joy to know what "cute" means. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting Miss Smiley, born on the 24th of May, and who's brought sunshine in our worlds!

To Read , click...

Link: http://tantheeta1.blogspot.com/2009/06/queen-of-may.html

13. Post Title : Sweltering Summer Heat

Nature : Personal Account/Humour

Extract: The Summer Heat is a Real Killer. So what happens when the Killing becomes compounded and even self-inflicted? Read on to know more

To Read , click...

Link: http://crystallinea.blogspot.com/2009/06/sweltering-summer-heat.html

14. Post Title : The Sun and You

Nature : Poem

Background: Some times, often remind us of times gone by...there has always been a tendency of a human, to get closer to his past, when it has left him.when it has already taken away something, without which..the future seems nullified.. The summers seem to remind many people of many things.. Pain, heat, umbrellas, a long wait for the rains... many things.. it reminds me of a feeling, of empitiness...Empty now because, some spaces had been filled well same time of the year..many years back.:)

To Read More, click...

Link: http://azurethoughts-alisha.blogspot.com/2009/06/sun-you.html

Ron, Nikitha and the Ice cream

2009-05-10T17:39:00.007+05:30

Hold your hearts.... Love might be tricky at times.. ;)

He was walking steadily towards the big brown door, when a rodent that crossed his way, startled him. He looked down, to catch a sight of the animal, when he saw himself, in a piece of broken mirror. His skin, looked dull, eyes could barely see anything, and he had just sixteen teeth to survive with. His nose was crooked, lips torn and hair pale gray. The drops of dirty water falling from the roof, on his bald head distracted him again. He rose, this time, to see her standing in front of him. He might have aged, but she was the same beauty she used to be years ago… He touched her soft hands, looked deep into her eyes, and said, “I might have grown old, but I love you the same… still.” On hearing this, she raised her hand and brought it with speed towards him and….

“Tringggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg”, rang her alarm. She woke up, rubbing her eyes, stretching her arms, and sighed, “Duh… I would have just slapped him.. This stupid alarm!!!!” She got ready for college, had her breakfast and rushed out of house. She found Kylie and him standing near the yellow wall. She rushed towards Kylie, pulled her away. “What…What. What is it….? Ooh.. you…. Stop Nikita!...Stop…. Stop pulling me will you?”, said Kylie, irritated. “Ssssh…. !! Ron will get to hear. I gotta share something with you. I saw a dream.!”, she gushed. “Dream? What dream? Tell me!! Hurry up”, asked Kylie enquiringly. Habitual of girls, to first act as if they are mighty irritated and then become their gushy selves, when they think it is a “Seeeeeecrett!!”. He stood thinking. She narrated the entire dream to Kylie, and she laughed until she coughed. But the fact seemed obvious. She could sense that Nikitha had feelings for him. Kylie ran towards him, and said, “She is in love! With….”, before Kylie could say a single word more her mouth was covered with Nikita’s hand. “She’s in love with?? “ Ron asked as he set his T-shirt and hair right. He exhibited his teeth through his silly smile. “No Kylie. Shut up.” Nikitha pressed into Kylie’s ears as she released her hand. “She is in love with……. Ice creams.” Kylie announced. Ron’s bright face reduced to a face with all its lights switched off. He gave a loser’s smile but said- “Shall we go for ice creams then?” “Sure” said Nikitha as Kylie behaved like the PM of India as she said –“ Sorry, I’m busy. You guys carry on.” Kylie left as Nikitha and Ron entered a near by ice cream parlor. “I just love this place.” Nikitha said awaiting a reply from Ron. “Yeah. The chairs are so comfortable here.” Ron said scanning around the place like an architect who was pissed off. Nikitha rolled her eyes. The ice- cream they had ordered, arrived and it took exactly 3 minutes and 30 secs for Ron to empty it while Nikitha was still relishing her first scoop. Ron said- “ You are so slow. I can finish ice creams in a minute, you know?” Nikitha rolled her eyes again. As the bill made its way to the table, Ron grabbed at it like how lizards catch their prey. Nikitha smiled, sat straight and said- “ Ron… Hey Ron.. I .. I Love you.” “Oh shit. Where’s my wallet? I cant find it.” Ron acted as if electricity was being passed through him as he couldn’t find his wallet. “Hey listen Ron…. I Love You…” Ron was busy digging out all his pockets. Nikitha felt pissed and irritated and said- “ I have money, I’ll pay. Don worry.” “Oh! Thank you so much. Give the money. Give.” Ron behaved like a greedy beggar. Nikitha pulled currency out of her handbag and passed it to him. He paid the bill, and digged out a calculator from his bag and said – I have to return Rs. 45.50 to you. I’ll give it to you by 10 in the morning tomorrow.” Nikitha smiled with an expression on her face like as if she was going to vomit any moment. “Hey, you were telling me something. Whats that?” Ron asked as he pushed his calculator into his bag. “I said I Hate You.” She said and rushed out of the place as if she had to attend an emergency. “God! She hates me. I think I should have made it a round figure- Rs 46.” Ron said to himself as he left home still confused. Later that same day, As Nikitha sat alone on her computer, distressed, and all freaked out. She received a mail, from one of her class mates. It read: BoyS...And their various mind forms. "Rubbish", she thought. And just when she was about to dismiss the mail into her trash box, this line caught her attention, "He needn't behave as if he needs you. He needn't even pay attention to what you tell him. No matter how important to you it is. He might not even look like he would be sensitive to your needs and words, for ages to come.But When you are gone, he would always think of you!! And wonder, why you "didn't" say anything." She was left partly amused by this mail. Thoughts were running in her mind like a whirlwind. "So perhaps....He has the same thing for me...May be. May be not....But how do I find out? Who will tell me? How...!!" That night she couldn't sleep. She wanted to talk to Ron, but she did not know whether calling him up would be a nice thing to do. On the other hand, Ron was trying to call her up, and every time he would dial a wrong number, he would cry irritatedly like a kid. "9...2...6..4...74 or 47? then ... 12 or 10..??", he kept asking himself. All startled. After a minute of meditation, he decided upon dialing randomly the digits that circled his mind. so..."9264471021", was what he dialed. And bingo! It went ringing. Nikitha looked at her cell phone with utter dis-belief. She received the call, and heard him talk.
"Hey hello. Is it Nikki?? Please say it is. Please Please."
"Shut up Ron."
"Oh.................. Thank God.!!"
"What do you mean?"
"Oh well.. nothing..! I wanted to tell you something."

For a moment, Nikitha held her breath. She could feel her heart pounding. She somehow managed to put her thoughts together and talk.

"Yes.. What is it?"
"Amm... Well .. first you have to promise me that you wouldn't mind." "Ok..Now say."
"Umm... you know....... I mean..."
"Yea.... Go ahead.."
"Like.. you know, Its like.... Funny, but yes..I mean.."
"Will you speak up!!!!" "Well!...Yes... I mean, You know, I.."
"You...??"
"Yes.. I... I have no issues paying you the Rs.46 thing, I mean no issues with just 50p. See, I don't care for that. That is ok. I mean, you can have it. You know, cause you paid. So.. its like... Yeah"

She frowned. She did not know how to hold her temper.
"Right! Tomorrow, I shall have my money right back!!"
"Good......." and the line went dead. He looked at his cell phone and said, "Strange girl..".
She could not sleep the whole night. She was terribly angry, on herself, for having loved such a heartless guy, and on him, for not understanding that she loved him. Next morning, she walked steadily towards him, with great anger in her eyes. He could detect that she was "very" angry. He immediately stuffed his hand his pocket. Took out four notes of ten a coin of 5 and a coin of 1. He put his hand forward. It was too much for Nikitha to tolerate now. As tears rolled down her cheeks, she took out a note of hundred from her purse, and placed it on Ron's hand. "Take it. And keep your money too.And possible, go buy yourself a brain from some where..". Kylie was looking amazed at both of them. With expressions on her face she was trying to convey something to Ron. But before she could, Nikitha continued saying, "Oh.. and A heart too!! Go buy one... Cause I doubt you have one."

As she started to go away, Ron murmured, "Of course i don't have mine with me..". Then after a pause.. He screamed,"First she steals it away, then she asks me to buy a new one.Huh. Tell her it isn't fair. NOT AT ALL FAIR!! She has to give me hers... !! She HAS to!!". He grumbled a little more, then headed for the ice cream shop. By the time Nikitha could realize what was happening, he was off. She whispered to herself with amazement, "What the.... Oh goodness!! Where is he lost!!". She took fast steps to the shop, and found him sitting there. One look at her, and he rose to leave. "Hey Ron.. Listen.. Stop... Ron...!!" He turned hastily and replied, "Yes what?? What more do you want now??" "I want nothing more... I had... had something to give you..." He was so angry that he did not know how to react. "Hurry up. What is it.?" He was looking here and there in pure dissatisfaction, when suddenly, she came closer to him.. kissed him on his cheek and ran away.! He stood there shocked for a while, then when he realised that they had both confessed their love for each other, he took his cell phone out, punched in, "Come back. Now.! I need you." and sent it to her. She replied, "Stupid. " He knew that he had to run behind her yet again.

She was standing at the door of the Church, smiling to herself. He was walking steadily towards the big brown door, and she could hear him coming. She turned, and found him sitting on one knee, with a hand stretched out to her. He touched her soft hands, looked deep into her eyes, and said, “I might be very stupid, but I love you the same… still.Like I did when we met. Like i did, when we talked, like I did, in our dreams.”

She smiled, and said, "Do I still have to say it with words?" Ron said, "No... Another kiss would be just as good.", and winked.

By,

Arjun Choudary

&

Alisha Das

CRACKING 'EGG-JAMS' - THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

2009-04-26T22:16:00.004+05:30

“What’s the significance of the equation E= Mc2?”

“What does Herbert Simon’s theory of Decision Making elucidate upon?”

“How does the Ecological theory affect administration of developing countries?”
Do you begin stuttering when such bouncers are thrown upon you? Does your tongue stick out lamely when you are told to explain a concept? Do you develop cold feet when the word “egg-jams” are uttered? No it doesn’t mean eggs mashed up with the fruity and sweetie jam…(anyway what an awful combination that would be). With no academic companion to guide you through your awful egg-jam burden, all your supposed academic pursuits seem to be draining all the way down the Indian Ocean.

"A process prescribed or assigned for testing qualification; as, the examination of a student, or of a candidate for admission to the bar or the ministry. "
"...the act of giving students or candidates a test (as by questions) to determine what they know or have learned"
That’s how an examination is defined.

It is that time of the year when that perpetually-doomed species called ‘student’ goes all nuts, crazy, insane, and begins acting like a fool to the core. They are no less than a jittery monkey freaking and howling at every step before the D-Day arrives. There is complete pandemonium, with the Indian Parliament proceedings standing no chance in comparison. Scattering of books, scampering for notes, and above all, trying to please the highest authority with whatever means possible to achieve their desired goals, is the order of the day during this season.

To shed some ‘light of enlightenment’ onto my fellow ‘homo sapien academicuses’ (read students), we decided to preach (we don’t believe in following it or practicing it…give us a break!) and propound the vital mandate to sail through any sort of egg-jam hurdle. They will heal all your egg-jam sorrows and leave you with nothing but ecstasy (not the drug loser!)

Following are the TEN COMMANDMENTS of Dealing with Exam Fever. Follow them at your own risk.

1) “THOU ART THY OWN LORDS & THY OWN GODS”
Plan your studies - or whatever you call it - according to your own whims and fancies. Study when you WANT to. Not when you OUGHT to. This will ensure you have ample time in the world to check out the hot guy/girl next door (depending on your leanings :P) or even sneak in the uptown chicos/chicas.

2) “THOU SHALT STEAL”
NEVER buy notes from your pet Photostat-wala in college or waste money buying books which you’re eventually gonna throw away anyway. Why bother when you have the luxury of pestering your fellow geek mate who has the entire notes from the starting of the syllabus till the end, and sometimes even more?
Follow this dictum and you are bound to succeed. Your geek classmate has studied more than required, so snatch away whatever material he has, well in advance, like two weeks – hell no!! - 2 days before the egg-jams.

3) “THOU SHALT KILL”
If attempts at stealing don’t work, then exterminate the creature.

4) “THOU SHALT AIM FOR AN EVER-LAST-ING PREPARATION”
ALWAYS insist on reading only a night before the egg-jam. No use mugging up the crap the entire year. After all, ONE NIGHT STANDS are always effective and more preferable.

5) “LOVE THY CANTEEN”
If you cannot find that perfect place to let out your building frustration, then why are college canteens made up for? Rest you ass and enjoy your hot cuppa coffee or even that plate of scrumptious dosas. This would be sufficiently enough to make you forget about the thrilling egg-jams dude!

6) “GOTH MUSIC IS A MUST”.
If Finding Neverland seems impossible, i.e. passing appears tough then listen to some Goth Rock. This will not only soothe your senses, but will also inspire you with innovative ideas to jam the eggs.

Even if its not your poison and doesn’t really soothe your senses, hell, it can’t be worse than egg-jam stress now, can it?

7) “LET IT GO. LET THY SPIRIT FLOW”
While answering your paper (wonder of wonders!! One Night Stands do work, eh? :P), if by chance you are writing something rather than staring at the ceiling, let your creative juices flow with no hindrances. Write as much crap as possible. Let the examiner know what you’re made of.

In between, writing something related to the discipline is definitely permitted.

8) “THOU SHALT MAKE THY OWN TATTOO(S) & KEEP THEM SECRET”
You could have the “Cost of Capital” formulae tattooed in blue ball-pen ink on your upper arm, or the formulae for “MEASURES OF CENTRAL TENDENCY” underneath your socks, or chemical equations under neath your wristwatch, or Acronyms to essay answers wherever you want em (and wherever you, and only you can see them).

You would obviously not share your art with others of the species or the authority. Lest the Master strike you down with a bolt of lightning.

Even if he misses, the supervisor most probably won’t.

9) “QUESTION BANK IS THY BIRTHRIGHT, AND THOU SHALT HAVE IT”
You shall beg/plead/whine/pester your faculty for a question bank. More ambitious cadres could try for the question paper itself. Makes your one night stands a shorter affair, and would probably keep you in lesser guilt :P

10) “THOU SHALT UPDATE THY BLOG”
Well, the last commandment, and the most sacrosanct for us bloggers. If you’re not able to channelise your creativity and focus your attention towards your studies, then you might as well think about your next post, and post something on your blog.

You might end up screwing your exams royally, but look at the positives dude! You get an updated blog and loads of comments!!!

So what are you waiting for? Start commenting!! We’re screwing up our exams for this piece of shit! :P

Cheers
Swatz & CRD

BREAD. PIECES, - POETRY CONTEST WINNER

2008-12-01T13:07:00.000+05:30

Bloggeratti's very first Contest was held in July, 2008. It was a POETRY contest, with the theme "CHILD ABUSE". The entries were judged by ELAAN, an NGO dealing with Child Sexual Abuse. Although the winners were initially supposed to be announced in August, due to unavoidable circumstances, the Judge could not have a look at the entries on time. I too, got busy with my MBA course, and the whole thing got delayed by months.

26 entries were received in all. The winner was finally announced on 25th November. Pali Tripathi was declared the winner for her entry titled "Bread.Pieces."

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for participating in it, and also for being very patient with the announcement of the results.

Here's the Poem...

Bread. Pieces
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bread. Pieces. Stale
Spoon. Stained. Half
Plate. Broken.One
Pan.Dry. Empty
Table. Brown. Dirty
Door. Bell. Footsteps
Silence. Fear. Apprehension
Man. Thin. Tatters
Eyes. Cold. Piercing
Gazes. Afraid. Numb
Sound. Loud. Harsh
Child. Tears. Gurgle
Bread. Pieces. Gone
Faces. White. Wounded
Mouths. Pained. Dry
Door. Shut. Bang
Father. Drunk. Asleep
Mother. Deaf. Diseased
Children. Dumb. Broken
Life. Limp. Lost
Love. Desired. Denied.

- Pali Tripathi

A NEW BEGINNING

2008-11-28T11:51:00.000+05:30

Welcome to Bloggeratti Folks!!

We're 400 odd members right now, and that's a wonderful achievement, considering we're only about 7 months old. Hope our spawn multiplies by leaps and bounds.

The birth of our community was spawned by the absence of an organised community on orkut for bloggers. Most communities on orkut have unsolicited memberships, and most of the forums are used for spamming. That's not the case here. Our forums are absolutely clean, and a big reason for that has to be the fact that each and every member of this community has joined because of an invitation. We have been very careful about our membership, with the criteria for invitation being quality posts, decent command over vocabulary, creativity, originality of content, versatility, and regularity. So if you're a member here, give yourself a pat on the back, coz YOU GUYS are good :)

The idea of starting a community blog is to feature the award-winning posts and co-written efforts of members. The idea of co-writing might not be a new concept, but I really wonder if there really is any other community which has this characteristic.

At the moment, we aren't really keen on reposts being part of this blog. We do not want our blog to be flooded with posts, since that would mean that each post would not get the attention and readership it deserves. Lets see if the co-writing move works or not.

Cheers to all of you.
CRD