Life is Beautiful

Lord of the Rings... sans the Trilogy

2011-10-08T01:49:00.001-07:00

The Baap of all Trilogies!!!

My best buddy was so crazy about Lord of the Rings that I started referring to him as Aragon!!!

Buddy.. for you!! and yeah.. Gandalf(Grey/White Wizard in the later parts), you should have had some foresight :P and saved the poor hobbit lots of trouble!!!

:) :)

Videos | How It Should Have Ended

2011-10-08T01:39:00.000-07:00

Lou this site!!!
Wish J.K.Rowling had thought of this earlier :D Would have missed the entire Harry Potter Saga though!!
*Wonders* Why didn't Dumbledore use it in the first place?? :p

Aur Aahista Kijiye Baatein

2010-02-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

	www.songs.pk - Aur Aahista Kijiye Baatein .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Aur aahista kijiye baatein,

Dhadkane koi sun raha hoga - 2

Labj girne na paaye honton se,

waqt ke haath inako chun lenge

Kaan rakhate hain ye darodiva,

 raaj ki saari baat sun lenge

Aur aahista kijiye baatein...

Aise bolo ki dil ka afasaana,

dil sune aur nigaah doharaaye - 2

Apane chaaro taraf ki ye duniya

Saans ka shor bhi na sun paaye,

na sun paaye..

Aur aahista kijiye baatein...

Aayiye band karale darwaaje,

Raat sapane chura na le jaaye - 2

Koi jhonka hawa ka aawara,

Dil ki baaton ko uda na le jaye,

na le jaye

Aur aahista kijiye baatein...

Aaj itane karib aa jaao ,

Duriyon ka kahi nishaan na rahe - 2

Aise ek dusare me gum ho jayen,

Faasala koi darmiya na rah jaye,

na rah jaye...

Aur aahista kijiye baatein,

dhadakane koi sun raha hoga

Labj girane na paaye hoton se,

waqt ke haath inako chun lenge

Kaan rakhate hain ye darodiva,

 raaj ki saari baat sun lenge

Aur aahista kijiye baatein....

Hum jab Honge Saath Saal ke..

2010-01-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

Kishore & Asha - Hum Jab Honge Sath Saal Ke .mp3

Found at bee mp3 search engine

Sing along....

Kishor:
Ham Jab Honge Saath Saal Ke, Aur Tum Hogi Pachpan Ki
Bolo Preet Nibhaaogi Na, Tab Bhi Apne Bachpan Ki
Asha: Kyaa? Kyaa? Kyaa? Kyaa?
Kishor:
Ham Jab Honge Saath Saal Ke, Aur Tum Hogi Pachapan Ki
Bolo Preet Nibhaogi Na, Tab Bhi Apne Bachapan Ki
Asha: Tum Jab Honge Saath Saal Ke, Aur Main Hongi Pachapan Ki
Preet Ki Jyot Jalaaungi Main, Tab Bhi Apne Bachapan Ki
Kishor: Haan, Baahon Ka Sahara Ho Jab, Lakdi Kyon Ham Tekenge
Aankh Bhale Dhundhali Ho Jaaye, Dil Ki Nazar Se Dekhenge
Aankhon Mein Tum Yunhi Dekhana, Kya Hai Zaroorat Darpan Ki
Bolo Preet Nibhaaogi Na, Tab Bhi Apne Bachapan Ki
Asha: Tum Jab Honge
Asha: Roop Ki Ye Mastani Dhoop, Ek Din To Dhal Jaayegi
Aur Qismat Bhi Chehare Pe, Samay Ka Rang Mal Jaayegi
Tum Tab Kahi Badal Na Jana, Qasam Tumhe Is Dhadkan Ki
Bolo Preet Nibhaaoge Na, Tab Bhi Apne Bachpan Ki
Kishor: Haan, Thandi Mein Tum Sweater Bunnaa,
Ham Lakdi Chun Laayenge
Bachcho Ke Sang Bachche Ban Kar, Ham Dono Tutalaayenge
Miljul Kar Ham Saath Rahenge, Baat Na Hogi Anaban Ki
Bolo Preet Nibhaaogi Na, Tab Bhi Apne Bachapan Ki
Asha: Tum Jab Honge
Kishor: Ham Jab Honge

Girlz....

2009-08-12T01:51:00.000-07:00

This one is one of my favourites... one of my friends forwarded this to me... hope you ppl will agree.... heh heh, cos i did!!!!! Girls... They are special creatures created by God!!!

If you try praising her, she thinks definitely you're lying.. and if you don't, you are good for nothing!!
If she talks, she wants you to listen and in case you're listening, she wants you to talk!!
If you kiss her, oh my god.. you are NOT a gentleman.. and if you don't.. well..er.. you are not a man!!
If you agree to all her likes, you are wimp.. and if you don't , then you're not at all understanding!!!

So, once the angels love you and change you and then they say, 'you've changed' don't complain... cos that is how they are... simple yet complex.. beautiful yet weird!!!! That's a girl!!!!

Things I have learnt in my life....(compiled)

2009-08-12T00:56:00.000-07:00

After thinking for a really long time… about what sh’d be my next post on this blog… just came up with an idea…I’ve been collecting messages and quotes for quite some time now. Some you’d have come across on numerous occasions nd some might just be new. Thought if I put them here, they would make for an interesting reading….so here I go.. What have I learnt in my life?

That it takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it.

That you sh’d always leave loved ones with loving words. Who knows? It might be the last time you see them!

That you can not make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is upto them to take you.

That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and still have the best time.

That a true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart!

That sometimes when I’m angry and I have the right to be angry, it doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

That true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance… same goes for true love

That no matter how good a friend is, they are going to hurt you once in a while and you must forgive them.

That we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change!!

That even when you think you have nothing more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you find the strength to help!

That no matter how badly your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you

That just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to, doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

That no man or woman is worth your tears, and the one who is won’t make you cry.

That the worst way to miss someone is to sit right beside them and knowing you can’t have them.

That you sh’d never frown, even when you’re sad. You never know who is falling in love with your smile.

That maybe god wants you to meet a few wrong ppl, before meeting the right one, so that when you meet the right one, you know how to be grateful!!!

Don’t try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.

That the best feelings are those that have no words to describe them!

That the ppl you care about most in life are taken away from you too soon….

Last but not the least…. Whatever happens, happens for a reason!!

Song Of the Piper

2009-08-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

For long awaited he in silence,
turbulent hearts
convoluted minds,
every song he played failed
in silent misery he prayed.

When the doors open
after the second knock
up comes a little angel
dancing to his tune.

With a red face she cries

"for long didst thou not come
tortured with pain didst we sleep

days and nights
monitored by the gray giants
yearning for thy tune
parchments didst i fill with my woes

Oh piper why art thou late ?"

Tears shadowed his vision
humbled by the angels love,
none did he explain to her
not his wars with horrendous beasts
not the journeys into lads unknown
not the victory over monotonous grief.

With a tender hug did he embrace
a fatherly care not unknown,
carrying the angel he played the tune
the tune of joy
of love
of victory
the piper's tune, classical.

P.S: One of my friends put up this beautiful poem in reply to the one I had put up earlier(Ofcourse, inspired by me!!!!)
.

Rain... I miss you

2009-08-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Rain...
Here you come again,
Falling noisily on my window..
Knocking it loudly...
so that i open it and let you in!!!

Obliging, I open...
Letting a fine breeze touch me,
Fresh and pure...
Feeling the gentle gusts
Closing my eyes,
Taking a deep breath

The fresh scent of mother earth..
Oh!! how much i love it!
The round drops Falling on my face,
Transporting me to another land,
Where i was with you..

When it rained...
when you ran around
Cupping your big hands,
to hold those rain drops and splash them..
straight on my face..
And laughed.. mission accomplished!!
As i frowned, disapproving!
i chased you all over the place
Seeking revenge...
and yet..
When i stumbled over something
i couldnt see in the rain...
you came back...
holding my li'll feet..
giving it a caring touch
relieving me of the pain..

When you held my hand
Tight and yet the most gentle,
Under the big tree...
And made a promise
Of everlasting love,
Of unfathomable care,
Of unbreakable trust...

And I open my eyes,
And see myself alone...
Reflection in the window glass!!
Staring at the clouds pouring down..
I smile....
though i miss you, I'm glad
You kept all the promises..
And you will..
For years to come!
I trust you that much Pied Piper....

Looking out of the window..
Still feeling the gusts and the rain..
I'm wet with emotions,
Rain doesnt touch me!!!
I smile again...
And mutter silent words..

Dear rain,
Will you be my messenger?
And carry my love?
If you see the Piper,
Tell him...
his music still lingers in the air..
It still enchants me!
Tell him...
i'll follow him everywhere!
Tell him... I'll love him
Regardless of time and space,
I dont promise eternal love...
But Love... As long as i live!!!

(P.S: Everything is a work of my imagination... No Connections whatsoever... with anyone... hehe Hehe.. Except the Pied Piper!!!!.. God knows who's that)

Voyage........

2009-07-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the warmth of his smile
The welcoming hug
the loving embrace...

Beckoned by the high seas
Shall i go.. onto the broad decks.
the cold water splintering my thoughts
watching him steer with grace...

Rose up from the deep oceans, an island
shining in the setting sun
awaiting us with joy!!!!!

Fate Vs Me

2009-07-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

It was war...
And standing up against me
was fate... terrible...

Lancing his sword
did he charge
But seeing me
stop did he..

For i wasnt alone
there you were... By my side

Accepting defeat,
Did he back out
Knowing that
He would never win!!!

यादें

2009-07-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

वक्त की धूप हो या बारिश
कुछ क़दमों के निशाँ कभी नही खोते।
जिन्हें याद करके नम होती है आँखें
वो लोग पास न होकर भी पास होते हैं।

Bas Tumhare Liye....

2009-07-31T08:07:00.001-07:00

Meethi si hawa lagi abhi abhi..
Kya aapne yaad kiya abhi abhi?
Aapse to abhi mil nahi paayenge...
Phir bhi yoon laga,
Aap milkar gaye abhi abhi!!!

From my Best Buddy

2009-07-31T06:58:00.000-07:00

From afar u were the crown jewel,
Sitting atop the primma donna,
But then the day of reckoning wasn't far

It was in a spurty affliction,
Troubled and tortured,
Didst i come nearer...
Not to admire the jewel
But to ask for the alchemist's cure...

And cure did you,
In the process
Became the glittering gold
adorning every beautiful neck
Giving the rocking boat an anchor

For these and more
If i thank thee,
Words will not suffice
All i pray is
For tis friendship to last
Forever and ever.....

Manali... The Perfect Holiday Destination

2009-07-12T23:39:00.000-07:00

Final year tour

something which no student can ever forget… bonding between friends is stronger than ever…( or otherwise in some cases!!!) Combine it with 10 days without parents… without having to follow any rules or regulations…completely new and awesome blossom places, hanging out with friends, eating whatever whenever and wherever you wish!!!!! What else can you ask for????

Those 10 days were the most memorable ones in my life…The tour covered important places in North India... Delhi, Chandigarh, Kurukshetra, Mathura and Agra as hot and sultry as Chennai, (except for the monuments, there wasn’t a thing you can’t get or see in Chennai!!! i loved Chennai but after the tour… I worshipped it)

Next phase was the transition from the hot cities to their cooler counterparts… Simla, Kullu, and Manali!!!!

And ya… as the heading says it all.. I was literally in love with Manali…(something which had nothing… underline nothing, in common with Chennai), not that I didn’t like simla or kullu.. just that each one of us had some terrible memories attached with simla!!!! I lost my precious life saving gloves and broke my sweet mobile's display in the crowded simla markets, but my other companions had completely different problems!!! Thanks to the heights and the ‘n’ number oh hair pin bends our Volvo took.. add to it the fact that our handsome 30+ (maybe 40+… error regretted) driver wasn’t ready to stop the bus anywhere in between… everyone was on a vomiting spree!!! (Messy , I know!!! That doesn’t include me!!).

Being one of the two people who actually were well versed in Hindi, Courtesy dad and Indian Army, I had to plead the driver to stop the bus somewhere along those treacherous roads, to help my fellow mates… and most of the time, the guy refused to do so, saying his gaadi will loose momentum (Hell, he was driving at more than 60… even on those roads, which acted as a catalyst for nemesis; read vomiting spree, whenever the Volvo swerved sharply along the bends !!!)

And whenever the sweet guy refused to stop his gaadi… we had to run for polythene covers… I myself provided a dozen covers!!! Thanks mom.. for your futuristic thinking!!!

Now lets get into some really nice memories… Manali… I loved it… cos we didn’t have to fear the height factor!! The weather was pleasant, pleasant would be an under statement… it was awesome… where ever you turn your eyes, you see snow capped Himalayas!!! God… after watching hundreds of movies shot here to capture its beauty, I realized they never did justice to this place!!! You really have to see it with your own eyes to feel how wonderful this place is… the cold is biting… We were there at the right time of the year!!! Lots and lotsa snow… yet you don’t freeze into a living ice statue!!!

En route Snow Point…. For 150 bucks, you get dresses to save yourself from the cold, of course for rent… long ice boots, big gloves… and the Eskimo dress!! (if you want to make a fashion statement in manali.. kindly don't even go near it!!!)

Heh heh, they look weird and awkward.. but 90% of the tourists can be seen in this attire, so another one to this group won’t make a big difference…this is how I consoled myself after seeing myself in that bulky dress in photo!!!! Gawd!!! Thank god, Rahul Dravid didn’t see me like this!!!

A horse ride takes you to Snow point…. The best place on earth…( So wat if I haven’t seen Kashmir or Swiss lands for that matter… I can still make that statement!!!!) lots and lots of tourists.. and you can actually hear a few Tamil voices here and there amidst groups of Gujaratis, Bengalis and Telugus... a truly Indian Spot!!! We were just struck by the beauty of the place…Awesome, we said in unison!!! Ppl said Movie Roja was shot here when we thought it was actually in Kashmir!! And remember the famous song from the movie???? Everyone was left humming the verses…you just cant take your eyes off the beauty of the place!

One place which can give our Marina a run for its money!!!! God!! We were tired of counting the number of couples (height of vettithanam after a snow fight in front of our dwarf snow man). Hmmm!!!!! The Hadimba temple where the kidnapping scene of Roja is based, was truly awesome… the fog, mist combined with rain and the temple, it had an aura of its own!!!! The sceneries around you just keep you gaping!!!

The jeep drive for the local sight seeing was the best option… all cuddled together in the jeep. Looking out of the jeep at the tall deodar trees jungles, as our driver pointed out at them. I was shocked when he said each tree was worth 6 lakhs and it was a crime equivalent to a murder with a non bail-able warrant, if any one was caught cutting them . I wondered… it was a big jungle.. hundreds of trees with no one to watch over… I wondered if there was no Veerappan in Himachal Pradesh!!! But the people there are really simple, nice and ready to greet you with a warm welcoming smile… now, I loved the people there too….. hospitality? You cant get better people anywhere, I bet!!!!

It hurt all of us, when our guide told us that we have to leave the place after 2 days…though heart breaking, we all made a silent promise to ourselves… we’ll come again to the lap of Himalayas… not with 'friends again' … and certainly not alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Zorro and Me!!!!

2009-06-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

On a lazy summer night
As I gazed at the sky
Following the starry line…
The moon…
Solitude killing both of us..
We cheered.. for each other!!!

A cold breeze blew
Across my face…
Taking me to dreamland
At its own pace…

Cruel place it had been
The real world around
And yet… I smiled,
For this was no place
For anger… for hatred…
For jealousy… for ego..
For betrayal or self pride.

T’was my world, my dreamland.
Filled with eternal love,
its every corner…

Wonder did I, looking back
when didst I have a dreamland
To call my very own?
And the quest began…
and the flashback…

The loud thunders, the gentle breeze
The heavy rain…
And solitude to my company…
As I watched the dull night,
Hoping against odds…
That with the next flash of lightening
My Zorro comes out..
Tearing the sky…
Riding the dark night horse
Holding the silver lightening sword
And takes me away Into a no man’s land…
Far away… to my dreamland!!

And come did he,
When the expectations were least
Bringing along unbound happiness and joy
I could only dream of…

And feel did I, all at once
The rainbow of emotions
Anger, jealousy, passion..
And most prominent of all… Love!!
Zorro had cast his magic,
Turning my life upside down,
Completing my dreamland…
Aragon lancing with his sword..
The lord of the rings
Claiming his queen or just the sweet dodo
Whichever he preferred to call!

Together… we shared a dream
Of a wonderful future
Blessed by all
Oozing with confidence…
For didn’t they say-
Fortune favors the brave?
Resolutions and promises
And lots of prayers
To share the unique bond..
Of unbound love.. of companionship..
Which otherwise I’d never know!!!

The night was still dark
And stars still shiny
The cold breeze…
Once again across my face
Caressing…

I woke up with a jerk,
Was it all a dream?
Did the Zorro ever come?
Frowned.. as a brief sorrow passed
Alas! I’d never know
For I missed out the end.

It was then that I saw,
Moon wasn’t my only company,
There sat my Zorro…
Very much next to me..
Alive… holding my hands!!

I let out a laugh,
A loud one for that…
For years had passes
Since I’d been living my dream..
Memories.. sweet memories!

Strange was life,
Yet, I loved its ways
As my Zorro and I,
Looked back to see…
If we kept all the promises,
Promises… we made to keep!!
Of the dream we were living in
I now knew the end,
It was a fairy tale love story
And such stories never end…

2009-06-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

Nothing To Lose (MLTR) lyrics

There are times when you make me laugh
there are moments when you drive me mad
there are seconds when I see the light
though many times you made me cry

There's something you don't understand
I want to be your man

Chorus:
Nothing to lose
your love to win
hoping so bad that you'll let me in
I'm at your feet
waiting for you
I've got time and nothing to lose

There are times when I believe in you
these moments when I feel close to you
there are times I think that I am yours
though many times I feel unsure

There's something you don't understand
I want to be your man

Chorus:
Nothing to lose
your love to win
hoping so bad that you'll let me in
I'm at your feet
waiting for you
I've got time and nothing to lose

I'll always be around you
keep an eye on you
cos my patience is strong

and I won't let you run
cos you are the only one

Nothing to lose
your love to win
hoping so bad that you'll let me in
I'm at your feet
waiting for you
I've got time and nothing

LYRICS - DIDO THANK YOU!!!!

2009-01-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

My tea's gone cold,
I'm wondering why I got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
and I can't see at all
And even if I could it'd all be grey,
but your picture on my wall
It reminds me that it's not so bad, it's not so bad

I drank too much last night, got bills to pay,
my head just feels in pain
I missed the bus and there'll be hell today,
I'm late for work again
And even if I'm there,
they'll all imply that I might not last the day
And then you call me and it's not so bad, it's not so bad

AndI want to thank you
for giving me the best day of my life
Oh just to be with you is having the best day of my life

Push the door, I'm home at last
and I'm soaking through and through
Then you hand me a towel and all I see is you
And even if my house falls down,
I wouldn't have a clue
Because you're near me

AndI want to thank you
for giving me the best day of my life
Oh just to be with you is having the best day of my life

CHAPTER 2

2009-01-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

(i)

It was quarter past eight in the morning when she got up. The cold breeze refreshed her soul, which had been rusted by days of inactivity. She left her bed and opened the window. Cotton clouds floated serenely in the sky. Wherever she turned her eyes, it was green all around; green hills and pastures on one side and rocky and bare mountainous cliffs facing the beach on the other side. The beauty of this country was more than she had imagined. Had it not been Suz’s knocking at the door, she would not have taken her eyes of the sandy sea shore.
“Seems my Jesse is feeling great!”
“Hmm. I was right in making a decision to come to this place… It’s more awesome than any other place I’ve ever been to.”
“If you say this just by sitting in your bedroom, then what you would say when you’ll explore its beauty? Oops! I forgot mom’s waiting for you at the breakfast table. Be there.”
An hour later, Jesse was down the hall just to find both Mrs. Smith and Suz waiting for her. “Sorry,” she apologized “I made you all wait. Mrs. Smith I need to talk to you, can I?” After getting an affirmative from her, she proceeded “I can’t express how much I’m obliged to you and therefore…” she hesitated.
“And therefore?”
“I think I must move on.”
“And where would you go?”
“I’ve heard that there’s a big cottage inn somewhere near.”
“You mean Robbie’s nest?”
“Yeah the guide told me…”
“But why do you want to go there? Can’t you stay with us here?”
She hesitated a bit and then replied “Infact, I asked the guide for some accommodation and he showed me the advertisement you had given in the paper for tenants, I was coming all the way to your house when that unfortunate episode happened. But now I don’t want
to trouble you any more.”
“If that were the case, instead of a stranger as a tenant, we would love to have you.” she smiled and then continued “Jesse, if you feel fine then why don’t you go to the beach today with Suz. That would do a lot of good to you.”
She couldn’t be happier than this- a new home to live in and a visit to the beach, which had always kindled her imagination.
And soon a plan was set up and both of them left for the beach. The road they took was a long one and the journey tiring, but once they came in contact with the cold oceanic breeze, it brought life back from a stand still.

“I feel great.” Jesse exclaimed, looking at the vast expanse of sea in front of her. The overcast sky meant they could enjoy being on the beach for a longer time, not caring the least about the scorching sun. And to enjoy the great atmosphere, they weren’t the only ones; there were loads of others as well- people of all ages; dotted over the long beach, enjoying the August sun.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more refreshing; the water trickling down my feet; the overcast sky; the colored empty shells scattered on the beach, everything’s new to add to my experience, more of a dream, you see.”
Jesse, who had never seen a beach before save the movies and pictures, was as excited as Suz who was visiting the Asterhamese beach for the umpteenth time!
Both watched the waves rushing into the nearby caves of cliffs as if in a hurry, depositing an assortment of things from its deep hidden treasures and collecting them back on their way of recession but with a promise to return soon. This watching game continued for a long time, but as the sun slowly began to collect its amber rays, both knew it was time they returned to their domicile. While walking back the same old deserted road, Jessica stopped her.
“Suz, I’ve begun to like this place a lot and to top it all, the love I get from Mrs. Smith, it’s a home away from home for a wanderer like me. Though I never had the privilege to see my mom, I see her everyday in Mrs. Smith. Know what? I can sense her genuine affection for me but at the same time there’s this strange pain she’s trying hard to hide, but somehow I can just feel it when she looks into my eyes.
“She knows how you feel without both your parents’… coz she was an orphan too.” She failed trying to bring on a fake smile on her face.
“Life to her was more of a nightmare right from a very young age. Nobody but her aunt Celina gave her the love and care she really deserved. Life was nothing but a struggle to survive until she met two gentlemen; one of them adopted her as his sister and the other married her. The day she met Mr. Robert and my dad, her life took a turn.
“Your dad?”
“Jacob Smith, my dad. An ill-fated incident cost him his life. But let’s not talk about it. You’ll know it sooner or later. Ah! I can see you want to get something clarified!” she chuckled, “Is it about the startled look I gave you when you said you were a Vincent? Half the people in Asterham would do the same if you had told them that. Anything that goes with Margaret is loathed here, including the name.”
“Why is it so?”
“You would have known had you been living here. There was a time when this beautiful city was on the verge of extinction; economy was at its all time low, and the master mind behind all this was said to be Margaret, you will hear different versions of the story while you are here. But… what’s that??”

All of a sudden Suz stopped talking and turned to the opposite side.

“Watch out...” She said, trying to listen more intently to the sound.
Jess tried too, but her sensory powers wouldn’t help her more than to recognize the occasional crashing and rolling of waves and distant chirping of birds. By this time Suz knew where the sound was coming from and recognizing it jumped with enthusiasm. A little later, Jesse could hear the distant purring of an engine and within the span of a few seconds; a large black car emerged from the west end of the road.
Jesse felt something strange about the whole thing. It was something of a déjà vu. She was still thinking when the car crossed her and stopped in front of Suz, as an acknowledgement of Suz waving her hand at it. The door flung open and stepped out a man in his middle twenties, elder to both Suz and Jesse and when he came out, he hugged Suzzane and smiled sheepishly.

“So what’s my baby doing here?” he asked with a shrewd smile.

“Sam, for god’s sake stop calling me a baby now, I’m already 18.” She insisted childishly but suddenly she remembered the presence of Jesse and turned back to formally introduce both.
“Hey Jesse, meet my brother Sam… Samuel Smith.”
He turned to face her and she looked up with a smile on her lips, expecting a total stranger, which the very next instant she knew he wasn’t, for he was the man who had bumped onto her twice in this unfamiliar city. She recognized this impish smile immediately; the facial features she had seen exactly before the instant her car crashed and escaped falling into the ditch; How could she so easily forget the man who was driving the second car?
“I wonder if he hasn’t recognized me?” she thought.

Though the smile died lamely on her lips, something within her guided her to keep the secret back, atleast for a while. Her thoughts were disturbed by Suz’s voice
“…and brother this is our new tenant at the villa and exactly how she happens to be here is a long story.”

The Tale Of Asterham CHAPTER 1

2009-01-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

Sitting on her easy chair, she looked out of the full-size window in front of her; the atmosphere was hot and humid, the sky dull and overcast.
"It’s gonna rain”, she thought.
The twilight gave a soothing comfort to her tired body and little did she realize when sleep took over her....Those loud cheers...she could hear them very clearly and why it should not be? After all it was the grand opening of the big dairy factory Jacob was in-charge of.... He was very glad, it was his dream come true and so was she and her small family of three. Her son clung to her bosom. She heard him say...“Mom, now we won’t have to sell our manor, do we?” She felt equally proud as Jacob felt, to nod her head. But all of a sudden some thing happened...the atmosphere turned eerie. Those cheers gave way to loud screams... Jacob was no where to be seen. She perspired as her instincts warned her of the impending disaster. She got up with a shudder … the same old dream…she was still clammy. Rain was pouring heavily as she could see from her room’s window...

Before she could think of Jacob once again she heard a tap at the door and Clara appeared with a stranger. The old man... his large hat and the wet raincoat covering the grave face beneath…
For a minute she couldn’t recognize if it was indeed him. The room was poorly lit… but the sudden streak of lightening across the sky brightened it up for a fraction of a second.
“Oh Mr. Lender!” she got up from her chair to greet him, “what a pleasant surprise…” she paused “Why? What happened? You look so pale?
“Mrs. Smith, there’s an emergency and I need your help. Would you mind sparing Clara for a while? Hurry up and follow me”
And without waiting for her okay, he rushed out of the room...as fast as he had entered.
Mrs. Smith and the maid followed the old man in his way out towards his car. It was pouring heavily, no one cared. The man stopped in front of his car. There… he opened the door of the back seat and bent to scoop up someone in his arms. Mrs. Smith gave a little cry of astonishment when she saw stains of fresh blood sneered all over the body..It was a girl as she could make out from the features.

The man sweated as profusely as the girl bled still he gathered the courage to carry her. “Pray Mr. Lender, whatever happened?” She exclaimed “...and this girl?”
“Just an accident, but details, not now. I need some help.” and he rushed picking up the girl in his hands into Smith’s villa, “take her to the first room upstairs”, Mrs. Smith directed him, in a confused state. “Be swift,” the doctor dictated “get my first aid kit from the car”, saying this he disappeared upstairs… Mrs. Smith waited outside edgily to hear an account of what had happened.
She watched Clara move up and down fetching him the essentials… bottles of antiseptic, cotton swab, bandages. She wished to see Mr. Lender soon but her tolerance was tested and it was not before another hour and a half that he showed up. Finally seeing the doctor coming out with the smile of a contented man, she felt at ease. The doctor washed his hands and thanked Mrs. Smith for her co- operation.
“I hope things are all right, Mr. Lender.”
“So far I don’t see a reason why she shouldn’t be fine. But…” he paused “There’s always the risk factor. Clara’s a good assistant and I found no difficulty in controlling the bleeding. Her head is slightly concussed from hitting but the injections will make her feel better. Want to see her?”
“Why not?”
Opening the door before her, he led her inside. “Now take a look!”
Screens were drawn and what Angela saw had a soothing effect on her heart. For behind the blood stain was an innocent face; gentle yet subtle. She did not know what was there in it which kept her eyes glued onto her. Was it the pain and agony she could sense in the face, that reminded her of herself? She had no clue.

“She’s elder to Suz, I believe!”
“Quite so Mr. Lender”, Angela caressed those gentle cheeks with a fondness typical to all mothers.
There was a brief silence.
The Doctor knew that the lady was waiting for an explanation.
Asking her to take a seat, he began.
“It all happened this evening when I was leaving for Rovers. You know about the roads there. While I was negotiating the first hair pin turn, I heard a loud thud… and then the muffled sound of an engine and then a big ‘bang’, there was this crash. I slowed down to reach the spot where I saw a car hanging partially from the roadside railing. There wasn’t anyone inside but then I saw her thrown meters away from her hired taxi. Hmmm... quite lucky to be here with us, God saved the 1000 m fall. And there she lied in a pool of blood, a horrible sight it was. I waited to see if I could get some help from passers by…unfortunately it started to rain and help…there was none. Also there was this fear that the up-hill journey to Rovers might aggravate the situation…"

He paused to take a sip of freshly brewed coffee that Clara had brought especially for him.

"...To make matters worse, today’s Sunday.",he continued. " So I was sure I wouldn’t get any help from the local nursing home and I was left with no other alternative than to bring her to a place where she would be taken good care…a place I trust, could I?”
“Of course, Mr. Lender, you can. You can always rely on us.”
“In fact I feel guilty of troubling you with all this”
“Not at all. It’s a pleasure to have another member in the villa. As for now are there any precautions I need to take?”, the concern was genuine.
“Don’t let her move for the next few days. Things would go on well with the medicines I’ve prescribed” He scribbled something on his little notepad, tore it and handed it over to Clara.
“It’s getting too late, Mrs. Smith. I think I must move on.” Just when he was about to leave, there was a knock at the door and Suz popped in.
“Hey Mayor!” she was surprised to see him at the villa at this late hour.
“It’s been long since I’ve seen you. How’s everything and how’s Tom?”
“He’s doing great as usual. But sorry young lady, I’ve no time to spare. I’ve got to reach Rovers before it is too late. Excuse me ladies…”
Suz walked up to the door where the old man turned, “Good night dearie.”
“Good night Mayor.”
She watched him leave the front door and heard him start his car. With curiosity killing her, she ran upstairs to the room where Mom was sitting and discussing with Clara.
“What brings him here Mom?
“That’s coz, he brought a guest tonight to the villa, and though I’m afraid I don’t even know who she is”
“I don’t get you.”
Mrs. Smith had no difficulty in repeating the whole narrative and after she had done so, she took suz to see the new arrival.
“She looks so peaceful, doesn’t she? Reminds me of one of your childhood portraits”
Mrs. Smith smiled.
“Her name?”
“Only she knows. Will have to wait till she regains consciousness”
“Can I stay with her, mom?” for which she replied with a stern look
“She needn’t be disturbed. Its 9 already and I want you to be in your bed within 10 minutes.”
With a half heart, Suz retired to her room, hoping all the way that she might get to talk to her quite soon.

(ii)
The gay august sun shone brightly over the coastal city of Asterham. Suz was returning from the market with a bagful of groceries which Clara had asked her to. As she opened the gate of the villa, she saw mom standing on the balcony of the new arrivals room.
“Suz!” she heard her mom “Come in soon.”
“What’s it? You look happy, something special?”
“You got it right. I’ve got good news; she was up a few minutes ago.’
“That’s great. Wait I’m coming.” Handing over the groceries to Clara, she rushed upstairs. Opening the door, she saw her… wide awake; welcoming Suz with a gentle smile. She tried to get up but the wound in her left leg wouldn’t let her.
“Ah!”
“Don’t” Mrs. Smith stopped her “Rest your leg with this cushion and help yourself with a hot cup of coffee.” She took a sip or two and then for the first time, took a look around the place where she was right now. Mrs. Smith probably understood and took the initiative “I’m Angela Smith and this is my daughter Suzzane."

She smiled and took the lady’s hand in hers. “Mrs. Smith, I’m…I’m at complete loss of words to express my gratitude. I’m sorry for this inconvenience.”
“You say inconvenience? Nah my dear! Feel at home.”
“May I know which place is this?”
“Asterham, of course. The one next to Rovers. You new here?”
She was silent for another minute, staring blankly at the land lady till Suz disturbed her “How do you feel now?”

The girl gazed monotonously at Mrs. Smith for a while. “Are you Angela Smith of the Smiths Villa?”
“Yeah! But how …?”
“I…I…” she couldn’t speak another word; her weakness overtook her and once again she fell unconscious.
“But hey!” Suz shook her “you haven’t told us your name yet.”
“Suz,” Mrs. Smith interfered “I think we shouldn’t have disturbed her at the first place. May be this little talk was too much for her… I should have paid heed to Mr. Lender. You take charge of the kitchen and I’ll ask Clara to look after her.”
After the lunch was over, Clara reported at Mrs. Smith’s room. “Mrs. Smith, the girl wants to see you.”
“She feels fine now?”
“Hmm… seems quite well to me.”
Within a minute, both Mrs. Smith and Suz found themselves in her room. She had been waiting for them and as soon as they sat beside her, she began “Mrs. Smith, I’m Jessica, an authoress… more by passion than profession." she gave a weak smile. "My friends and I are working for a renowned research institute, whose name I can’t reveal. We travel to different parts of the world and collect details about the people, their culture, their faiths,beliefs,customs, behaviors... basically to learn about human psychology and how culture moulds it, so that we can help the institute in its research program."

She took the soup Suz had made for her and continued "Somehow this less known island fascinated me a lot and I decided to explore this part of the world for the next 6 months. So I landed in at Holborn Airport and ended up at Rovers."

"And how did you reach here?" Suz was curious.

"A local guide helped me out.I learnt that there was a beautiful city called Asterham downhill.”
“So you hired a taxi from the station and traveled here.”
“Exactly!" she was surprised, "but I never told you that?”
“Mr. Lender had enquired about your accident last week.” Suz replied.
“Last week?”
“You were brought here last week by a very kind man. All this time you had been unconscious.”

Jessica couldn’t believe.
“And that accident? How did it happen?” Suz couldn't hold on her excitement.
“Well, I had no idea that the downhill road will be full of hairpin turns. There I saw a car racing towards mine from the opposite side and then there was another following the first. The first car got past quite smoothly but the second driver… he was too rash. The car came like hitting me and in defence; I quickly swerved to the opposite side, not realizing that there was a sharp turn ahead but to my good luck, there was a rock supporting the railing and my taxi dashed against it. Such rash driving of his made me loose my balance.”
“Poor thing”, Mrs. Smith soothed her hands. “Those people must be crazy,” groaned Suz. “But you said a man was driving the second car?”
“How can I ever forget that face?”
“Just forget it now.” Suz interrupted “What would you have for lunch, Ms. Jessica…?”
“Vincent, Jessica Vincent is my name.”
“What?” the pupils in Suzzane’s eyes dilated.
Jessica could not understand the reason for Suzzane’s stern look.
“You mean to say… you are a Vincent! Do you know what it means?”
“Suz, calm down” Mrs. Smith interposed and then she turned to Jessica “Have you ever been to Paris?”
Jessica smiled “If I could afford I would definitely go there.”
“I mean, have you ever heard of Margaret”
Jessica gave a blank look which made Mrs. Smith turn towards Suz, “It’s all right.” She replied.
“your family?”
“I have none.” There was a deep silence, followed by a choky voice. “I was brought up in an orphanage in Dehradun. There they told me that both my parents had died after I was born. I never saw them.”
Mrs. Smith could feel the pain in her eyes and related it with herself. The very thought of her orphaned childhood brought tears to her eyes and she hugged Jessica. “I’m sorry. But don’t feel the same, hereon. Suz and I are always there for you.”
“Want another cup of coffee, Ms. Jessica”
“Thanks, Suzzane.”
“Don’t be so formal. Call me what everyone here calls, Suz.”
“Only if you exchange it for a Jesse.”
There was a little laughter which lightened the atmosphere. Mrs. Smith left the girls in each others company. Jesse then had a close look at the room she was staying in… it was big with beautifully decorated antiques and old paintings on either side of the room. There was a huge glass window next to her bed, which was partially opened to allow the cool breeze squeeze into the room.

The ice broke between them soon and they began to chat like old friends. They found out that they had many things in common, which brought them more close to each other. Suz liked this girl, not much elder to her, around 20 yrs of age; a perfect girl with blue eyes; lustrous black hair, fairly pink cheeks, amiable nature and to crown it all an exuberant smile which throbbed her heart.

Purani Jeans...(Hyder Ali's Song lyrics)

2008-02-29T07:06:00.000-08:00

पुरानी Jeans और guitar,
मुहल्ले की वो छत और मेरे यार
वो रातों को जागना, सुबह घर जाना कूद के दीवार
वो सिगरेट पीना गली में जाके, वो करना दांतों को घड़ी घड़ी साफ
पोहंचना कॉलेज हमेशा लेट
wo कहना sir का get out of the class!
वो बाहर जाके हमेशा कहना, यहाँ का system ही है ख़राब
वो जाके canteen में टेबल बजाके, वो गाने गाना यारों के साथ
बस यादें ..यादें ... यादें रह जाती हैं
कुछ मीठी मीठी बातें रह जाती है
बस यादें
वो पापा का डांटना, वो कहना मम्मी का छोडिये जी आप
तुम्हे to बस नज़र आता है, जहाँ में बेटा मेरा ही ख़राब
वो सोचना दिल में करके कुछ दिखा दे
वो करना planning रोज़ नई यार
ladakkpan का वो पहला प्यार, वो लिखना हाथों पे A+R
वो खिड़की से jhankana , वो लिखना letter unhe बार बार ,
वो देना tohfe में सोने की baaliyaan
वो लेना दोस्तों से पैसे उधार ..
बस यादें यादें यादें रह जाती है .. कुछ मीठी मीठी बातें रह जाती हैं ..
बस यादें ..

To My Grown Up Child

2008-02-29T06:05:00.000-08:00

"For life is short and years rush past,
A little child grows up so fast."
My hands were busy through the day
I din't have much time to play,
The little games you asked me to
I din't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, i'd sew and cook
but when you'd bring your picture book,
And ask me, please, to share your fun
I'd say a little later son...
I'd tuck you in all safe in night
And heard your prayers, turn out the light
Then tip toe silently to the door
I wish, I had stayed a little more....
For life is short and years rush past
A little boy grows up so fast
No longer is he at your side
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away
There are no children's games to play
No goodnight kisses, no prayers to hear
That all belongs to yester years...
My hands once busy, now lie still
The days are long and hard to fill
I wish I might go back and do
The little things you asked me to.....

वो तुम थी ?

2008-02-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

वो ऊपर बादल उमडे,

या जुल्फे तुने महकाई ,

दूर पपीहा बोल उठा

या तेरी बोली चेहकाई

वो कहीं पर पवन चली

या आँचल तुने लहाराया ,

इन नीले आंखों की सनसन

या सागर कोई गहराया

वो फूटा झरना मोती का

या था तेरा मुस्कुराना ,

फूलों की बारिश हुई थी या

था तेरा चलकर आना

कहीं मेघ जमकर बरसे

या आंसू तेरे नेयना के ,

स्वर था झिंगुरो का वो या

खनखन तेरे कंगना के

वो चारो ओर निशा फैली

या इन आंखों का है कजरा ,

जग उपवन सब महक उठा

या महका तेरा ही गजरा

एक भोर फिर नई हुई

या तेरी थी अंगडाई ?

वो फिर बसंत मेरे आँगन झाँका

या तू थी जो मेरे द्वारे आई ...

या तू थी जो मेरे द्वारे आई !!!

An Encounter With God

2008-02-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

In the darkness of Solitude,
When everyone had left me;
At the mercy of the Lord,
The almighty hidden within me.

I begged to him, I cried;
"Oh God! I can't live here,
Alone with my Joys and sorrows;
With nobody here to share",

I cried, "Oh God!
Why this has happened to me?
My friends, my Love;
Everyone has left me!"

The almighty replied to me;
"When everyone was with you,
You din even Love'em a bit;
Ask yourself did you?

Their precious moments
When they wanted you to share,
you remained aloof, avoided'em;
And din't even Care.

The Human Life is one of the
Precious gifts I give..
It depends on you My Child,
In which way u choose to live!"