Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional?

• Its all in the mind. Especially, pain and the way you take it.
• The mind is the master.
• Your attitude towards life reflects the state of your mind.
• The stronger your mind, the more optimistic, you see your life.
  

All the above sounds bull, none of the above helps, on one particular day for me. It's called the girls day. Ladies can relate to it. Exceptions are there, here as well.

Every month, "Me && Me" go up to hell to fetch a glimpse and then come tumbling down. Duration min 5 hrs max varies. This is the routine since a decade now. No amount of precautions or preventive measures, could stop this traumatic stint of mine. (Note: It isn't that there is no pain on other days but manageable!)

It has definitely taken a toll on my psychological system. It drains me both mentally and physically. Cripples me is the right term.

"Its the very identity of being a woman. It is a blessing. Be thankful that you get the cycle regularly. Few don't"  - This is what I hear from people. Really?

So this is the factor that makes womanhood wonderful. I'm in the opinion: Anything which makes you feel special be endearing and not killing. Imho, it's more of a trouble than triumph!

This "woman thingy" makes me weak, emotional and irritated for one day. And that irks me. 

• It makes me question evolution.
• Why only women?
• Shouldn't the creator be invincible?
• Is this the price we got to pay for keeping the homo sapiens species existent and not extinct?

I love being the level headed woman that I am. Truly, madly, deeply and reverentially.

I'm just frustrated that why should I go through so much every single time. And that too its not bimonthly or quarterly or half yearly or annually. Its damn... monthly. I think I have all the right to vent it out.

I'm glad for those few who get it painlessly or less painful.
I empathize with those who go through the hardest way.

And I'm shouting it out aloud without any inhibition..

"Dude, this pain is inevitable and so is the suffering. Period!"

This NO = NO. Period!

Yes! I am a woman and I do not fall into the so called male defined category. One in which a woman's No is Yes. My thought process fails to understand such a conclusion. In fact it strongly doubts the existence of such kind of a behavior. Anyway, not of a concern here. 

The urge to express my point of view heightened after reading TOI's response to DP. An arrogantly insensitive, insensible, Toi's-ego-satisfying article. Outrageous.

As a neutral/third person who is seeing this clash from outside, I condense the issue into
-> Daily sensationalizes a lady's body.
-> Lady concerned, doesn't approve of it.
-> Expresses her disapproval.

What should have the daily done? At the very least, an apology. The "At least" here, we call it good manners.

Why should it go on defensive mode?
Why should it dig into the lady's past and present career choices?
Why should it get too personal?

Unfortunately there is no sensible answer to the above questions. It is plain Ego.

(There is a saying in Tamizh, "Kuttram ulla nenju kurukurukum" - A guilty heart is never calm). Just look at the series of articles TOI keeps publishing attacking DP's only reaction.

For God sakes, its a female's body part and the woman is saying "NO" to such a coverage on it. It is  straight, the woman is saying "NO". The "NO" ends all further discussions. Is her reply not clear? If anyone finds it ambiguous then kindly enlighten. Who are we to cross the line the woman is trying to draw here? It is her life and she made a decision. Shouldn't it stop there?

Is freedom of press greater than the free-will of a woman? Are we a democracy?

TOI's point of view is utterly disgusting and disturbing. A very pathetic and medieval mindset is out in the open.It is no different from those who share the thinking that 
-> She wore shorts. So he raped her. She asked for it!
-> Wife MUST sexually satisfy the husband whenever he wants it because he has tied the knot!
-> A woman is an object of pleasure.

TOI stooped to a new low to disgrace a woman so publicly. Shame! 

Will there be a further low?

#GetWellSoonTOI

Signing off as a sad woman,
Thanks!

Thank you, my God!

The sleepless nights she spends;
Praying only for you, never ends!

The tears that roll down her eyes;
When you are in pain, never dries!

The strength she possesses to defy all odds;
And stand by you, is above all brave hearts!

The small fights she has with you;
Is her unconditional love for you!

The punching bag that she becomes often;
To vent out your anger, does not weaken!

The running she does to take care of your simple needs;
Showing no signs of aging, is one of her many selfless deeds!

Definitely, she is the one person, Yes;
Even Gods are insecure of and envious!

A mother's bonding with her children;
Purest, the feeling is seventh heaven!

Every moment with her is indeed very special;
Can't pick one, everything about her is surreal!

To my God, My Amma,
Happy Mother's day!! :-)

It's for the mind, the body works!!

And a year passes by;
In my life's best try;
Fitness!! I feel so high!

An experiment;
By far excellent;

The body pains;
The mind gains!

The body travels that distance;
Which the mind targets, pushes it's fence!

Working out is an addiction now;
A drug? adrenaline rush that's wow!

Got attached so much, unbelievable;
Missing pangs are uncontrollable;
Skipping even a single day, makes it terrible!

Body is nicely toned, many say I look fit;
Grateful to my instructor, salute to our grit!

Right guidance makes all the difference;
Heartfelt thanks to my trainer, his influence!

Lest I forget, exercising daily is not easy, did not give up;
To my hard-work, focus and determination, thumbs up!

Unintentionally became an inspiration for few;
It was not part of the plan, so no hullabaloo!

Hitting the gym is one of the best decisions;
Taken in life, it really boosts my confidence!

What started as a mission for mental freshness;
Transformed into a journey of overall fitness!

The pleasure in pushing yourself to do something challenging;
And achieving it, is wonderful, satisfying and next to nothing!

Mind rejoices while working out;
Calms after a gym session, no doubt!

Hoping this "me and well being" bond continues forever;
And my childlike enthusiasm never fades away from this endeavor!

Dear 2014!

Every new year augurs Hope and Optimism;

I envision 2014, a kind of magical realism!

A book of surprises and happenings;
A chapter of super fresh beginnings!

A road that is very less traveled;
A journey that is unparalleled!

A sea of promising challenges;
A tide of sweet successes!

A seed for significant change;
A growth with wider range!

A will, always alive;
A strength to thrive!

An energy, positive and contagious;
A power which makes you audacious!

A today that is surplus;
A tomorrow of purpose!

A body and mind that are healthy;
A standard of living that is wealthy!

A life, miraculous and wonderful;
A world that remains peaceful!

2014 calendar mirrors 1947;
Uncanny coincidence! Even;
So break free, experience heaven!

Let us all stay happy;
And make 2014 lucky!

This is my toast to 2014! Cheers!!! 

Gods don't cry?

What happens when Gods cry?
Raindrops fall from the sky;

Heard, when I was a tiny little sweetie pie;
Growing up, realized that it was all a lie!

But on 16th November 2013, it was for real;
Along with HIM, everyone echoed the feel!

Shed tears; even the sky here expressed itself;
Such was the mood; difficult to contain oneself!

That's it; our LITTLE MASTER has kissed the 22 yards, goodbye;
Leaving behind a void no one can fill in; Left cricket on a high!

HE is the reason most of us came into this game;
As spectators, as players, as fans; Should we all blame?
Fortunate to have been born in HIS era; Everyone will claim!

Cricket will never be the same for me;
I am not alone in this; Many will agree!

"Sachiiin Sachiiin" will be reverberating in his ears till HE stops breathing;
And HIS batting will be flashing in our minds and eyes until we stop being!

Hereafter, even a single crime committed, will not go unnoticed; 
As Gods won't get busy watching HIM play; they remain focused!

Legends don't retire; their legacy lives;
HE won't be around but HIS cricket lives!

In India, as long as cricket is a religion;
SACHIN will be God, for the X, Y, Z Gen;

Art is a luxury not all artists can afford!

Yesterday was just one of those days. So wanted some diversion. Thought that the time is ripe for a mindless comedy like Chennai Express. Watched it. I had least expectations. I was prepared for a logic-less laughter riot. Even then I was left disappointed. Turned out to be a disaster struck night for me. Conclusion: "Bokwaas movie"

Only two scenes in the entire film managed to activate my laughter glands. Rest was all insensitivity at its peak. Every department in the movie failed. Story, direction, characterization, accent, language, location, facts, acting of protagonists etc.. 

I heard SRK saying in one of the interviews that people should learn to take humor in lighter sense. So according to him this movie falls under comedy genre. I strongly disagree. It is a disgrace shown to "Humor/comedy" by couple of self-proclaimed artists. Shame!

The movie is a mere reflection of how art is viewed by some artists. Having seen artists who give their life into art, this is such a let down. Coming from a top notch celebrity is even more disheartening. 

The profit figures of the production house is an eighth wonder. Leaves me bowled. Either, Indian audiences have lost their film viewing taste (Can't blame as we are constantly exposed to class less cinemas) or it is all fraud (Corruption is the order of the day in India now)

Finishing my viewpoints with a final note. Art is a luxury not all artists can afford. Only a gifted few know the value of it and render it in a respectful form! 

One day you will read this my boy!

Seven hundred thirty one days;
A never-exp-before phase!

Know him only for that much time now;
But he has already made me take a vow!

That he is my Mister.A;
And forever this way, it will stay!

A very happy birthday to you;
My dearest sweetu Arihantu! 

p.s. He is the 2 year old son of my best friend :-) what did you think? ;-)

A date with darkness!

Day: Yesterday
Time: Splendid Evening
Scenario:  Cool breeze, clouds and a full moon not so bright, up in the sky. A sky sans stars! Pleasantness was in the air, could smell earth.

Everything induced freshness in the mind. Only thing that was missing was a drizzle.
Weather: "Oh my dear rain God, please embrace me" 

Had he showered, it would have been the most perfect November evening. But he did not. A classic reminder of nothing in this world can actually be perfect!

Me decided to wander around in the twilight hours. "Be quick, step out before it rains" kept lingering in my mind. I shhh away-ed the thought the moment I was down. Standing on the road just infront of my building, looked at the sky smilingly, winked and gestured "here I come to kiss you!" After all the filmy behavior. I began to walk.

Then boom!! It happened. what the hell? why should it happen? noooooooooooo :(  
(Rain? wrong! Such an outburst from me for lovely rains? never!)

Darkness cast its spell! Power failure. Eerie streets, eerie howls, eerie honks, eeriness everywhere. What do I do now? Am I scared to walk in the dark? Nope, I loathe fear!

Two choices. I either carry on or get back! I chose the latter. Had I walked ahead in the dark, would you call that courage? 

Let me put what comes into my mind.

What is courage here?

Going ahead in the dark not knowing what is ahead and finally managing to get to the main road which is a km away. I would have done that very consciously. Is there anything in front of me? am I going to bump into a vehicle or anybody? I know at the end I would have definitely felt happy patting myself for the adventurous walk.

But is that what I wanted? My intentions were simple. Just to enjoy the not so common weather. Would that have happened if I just walked ahead in the dark?

I got back into my house, made bread omlette and lemon juice. Lit a candle, went to the roof, climbed to the place where the syntax tanks are cemented. Waved a hi to moon and had my dinner with fm radio on in my mobile. 

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes. Aaah! what a feeling. Lovely night! Then I strolled on my terrace tightly hugging the air around me with my folded hands :-)

In my opinion courage is doing what you want to do even when things around you are not conducive! :-)

_________! (Blank and Speechless)

An extra-ordinary extempore (Yes, speech is an under credit for this inspirational piece!)

Below average questions, excellent answers! 
(I bet many in the audience as well as online viewers would not even understood half of this guy's IQ) 

Freaky spontaneity.. This man drives me crazy every time I watch these videos.
I salute you sir! 

Legends are always lonely! (Not psychological one I am referring to here but in terms of physical company I mean)

Sir, proud to be living in your era!
Thanks a lot, for always showing us how "Ingenuity and Humility" can walk hand in hand!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwo2Dzwjb-8&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lcE6hCDVnw&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3huqG_YnGQ&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIJtIHCFyWw&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJBieUroNBE&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzwscWkLFAY&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjxgAa1ut6M&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXMHbka1L-Y&feature=plcp

p.s. Student: Do you believe in God?
      Kamal : NO!
      Student: But then you promote christianity and all in your movies.. and still you 
                  say you dont believe..
      Kamal : I used to wear diapers.. So are you blaming me for that? 

(OMG! This man nailed it here!! Unfortunately the crowd gathered could not get his wit. Such a subtle response.. huh! Thats why I say a genius walks alone!)      

Just a safety pin? (Think twice then)

Yesterday I was traveling from Trichy to Bangalore. My best buddy dropped me in Tiruverumbur station. Here train halts only for 2 mins (All those who belong to Trichy or associated with it due to job, education etc. might know this)

Reached station, train was late, had a good private time chatting with my friend which was not possible due to various personal commitments back at home. (We just stay in adjacent streets. We met everyday for more than an hour but even then no private talks :-)). Life has changed.. new entries in life.. priorities change.. Of course we rejoice this phase too :-) need less to say. One of the most blessed phase in her life so I too vibrate along with that energy.

Coming back to my journey now. Where do I start? How do I end? 

Let me put it precise and rhyming.

She (my friend) left before the train cos it was running late;
Then she (train) entered in dark, power-cut time in a powerless state!

Me got into the first bogey that stopped near me;
Nothing was visible; B1, where are you? how will I see!

Figured out S1 is the one I have got into, lolz;
So started walking through the vestibules!

Disaster strikes in S3, a big man and his big trolley;
Tore off my right sandal's strap rendering it shoddy!

Tried dragging my foot with sandals still on;
Difficult to drag plus bear the pity look people gave full-on!

Now took both sandals in hand, walked bare-footed;
Weird looks? thats fine, what else can be expected?

Stepped into a crowded S5, managed to squeeze through;
Only to find the vestibule shutter down; stranded there, huh!

Standing with back pack, a shoulder bag and my sandals in one hand;
Lest I forget, also with a small boy, seeing me, triggering his laughter gland!

After all this, the main junction arrives;
I get down letting out huge relief sighs!

Felt okay walking on the platform with no foot wear;
At least here, bare footed people are not rare!

In my seat now, talking to my mom over the phone sharing my experience;
"Mom said thank God, nothing happened to your foot" Well, makes sense!

The two sibling kids in my adjacent seats were awestruck looking at me;
Is it because of my plight? or may be my illuminating presence? okay, free!

I prefer the latter;
After so much, come on I need to feel better!

So what next? How do I fix the problem?;
Yes, safety pins will do; Oops! I dont have them!

Fine then, I need to borrow;
Relax now says my mind, do it tomorrow!

I lie down comfortably on the upper berth;
Slept off in few mins; quality inherited by birth!

Wee hours; approached an old lady awake in the next compartment;
Nervous in the beginning to smiling in the end, a safety pin she lent!

Reached room; hiding my "wear and tear" from general public in town;
To that stranger aunty and the savior safety pin; I bow down!

P.S. What made me write this blog? This is because in the past there have been many incidents where in, I have teased my same friend for hooking safety pins in her neck chain. It is from a similar chain that aunty removed one and gave it to me :-)

Alto, let go!

"Appa do not buy it ... I have not heard much about this car ... It is still new in the market, why do you want to buy it?.. ok fine, if you buy then I wont even get into the car keep this in mind"

"No da, you are not aware of its spec ... wait and watch ... you will enjoy the ride with it"

This conversation happened between me and my dad, year 2002!!

Still so very fresh and crystal clear in my mind.. the words, the way I argued (looks silly to me now), my unhappy state of mind when I was sitting in the showroom on the day of purchase. Gosh! heights of immaturity! 

Only time revealed how true my dad's words were..! 

Today, year 2012, I sit and write about one of our senti possessions of our lives.
Why? .. She's gone!.. our little baby has started on a new journey, a new beginning with a new family. I hope they treat her well.. hope she gets a good non stop running life :)

I must say it was a tough call. None of us had an intention to give her away.
Then again time!! .. time! forced us to. 

The only consolation is, its for her own betterment. Least, she will be active and busy running always which was not the case here since last 1.5 yrs :(

ALTO, lets go ( We did go a long way with her )

Right now its time for .. ALTO, let go!

p.s. A decade of unconditional attachment, hard to express...

Oops! You've got it wrong this time, Mr.CB!!

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/young-india-wants-jobs-girls-social-status-bhagat/279339-40-103.html

The article took not more than 30 seconds for me to read.. but after this half a minute all I feel like saying is "What the .......!"

So according to you young India means only male! Whoa..!

Coming from a person who always flaunted himself to be a proud house husband. 

A man who projects himself to be broad minded, who doesn't mind working from home taking care of his children and letting his wife pursue a career she wants to. (unbelievable!)

By this article, you just contradicted all your previous statements/gestures/interviews, Mr.CB!

Words are the reflection of the mind! 

How much ever hard one tries to hide, one fine day truth comes out!

Thanks a lot, CB, for speaking your mind out :-)

Distance learning... Paaji University, Mumbai!

Dear Sir, many more happy returns of the day;

May all happiness in this world cross your way;

May you continue to play till all your hairs grey!

(Does the previous line make me a true fan? or the lines that follow :-))

O captain my captain...

You debuted at the tender age of sixteen;

An age, for many, the outside world remains unseen;

When with bleeding nose you kept going, indicating "I am here to stay";

I learnt #1. Go chase your dreams. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Captaincy was bestowed upon you at twenty three;

A phase when players want to contribute load-free;

When you handled this responsibility with same passion;

I learnt #2. Be fearless. Step up, rise to the occasion!

You progressed, creating and breaking records;

Fans started worshiping you as one of their demigods;

As you began to be the architect of 'cricketing history' in the making;

I learnt #3. Never settle down, set high goals, impossible is nothing!

Every innings you enter the cricket field;
Newer expectations and pressure build;
Even then you always play like a champion not weak to yield;
I learnt #4. Buckle not under pressure. From the front, lead!

Each time you hit back at critics with your unparalleled performance;
I learnt #5. Action speaks louder than words. Have patience!

With more than twenty years of experience;
Amazing! you still possess energy in abundance;
When you scored your hundredth ton, amidst added stress and anxieties;
I learnt #6. Work with passion and dedication. "Excellence" you'll automatically seize! 

Everything you've achieved is extraordinary, yet you behave with dignity and poise;

I learnt #7. Live humble. Stay grounded. Empty vessels make more noise!

O captain my captain...

You are...

An everyday inspiration!
A role model for every generation!
The pride of our nation!
The biggest celebration!

p.s. To,
      The Master blaster.
      From,
      An ardent fan.
          "Stop not for anyone...
          Please go on till your heart says its done!!"

How much is too much?

(A crazy fan's irrational expression. Exercising the right to free will!)

Waiting, waiting, eagerly waiting;

For your golden bat to sing!

THE innings of your hundredth ton;

A feat that will be second to none!

May this glory happen on boxing day;

Together, we the Indian fans, Pray!

Senseless? accepted! a silly wish to ask for;

What to do? irrational hearts! billion so far!

Certain! you are sure to add this feather also to your cap;
When? curiosity killed the cat! our minds caught in craving-trap! 

Obvious, you constantly push your boundaries;
And so are our expectations; pardon us please!

Sir, watching you bat, is blissful than any fortune;
Redefine your generosity too; give us this gift soon! :)

Life is a fantasy! (Irony or Real?)

I have heard people say "Good! but keep this in mind, life is not a fantasy, so try to be as real and practical as possible".

When do they utter these advisory words? The moment you reveal your ambitions or dream or wishes :)

The big question here: Is it true? Do they know well about life? Should we not stand out of the crowd? Should we not dream big? Do not try to be different?

So what is life? Does life mean being practical/real, so just stay normal? Doubts pile up!

I have seen the same people living and believing the following.
* Boy meets girl just once!
* Marriage gets fixed!
* Phone conversations happen!
* Boy ties the knot on the D day!
* Then the couple spends 'rest of their lives' with each other! (so called happily ever after ;))

Wait, am confused, does this not look like a fairytale? so what is life now? isnt it a fantasy?

In my opinion, people just try hard to be practical within a fantasy :) They refuse to accept that the way we begin our lives itself does not fall under the definition of reality. Ofcourse! people work hard to keep this fantasy alive and kicking, so that in the end it works out and becomes real.

Lesson learnt: Go ahead, fantasize about your life, dream big, Wish high. Absolutely nothing wrong! But strive to make them come into existence :) If they happen then they are real else they remain a fantasy.

Me wishing me :)

It's my day today;
my happy birthday!

Resolution is not to take one;
Since I have already broken ton!

Going ahead, continuing to keep it simple;
Feel life and live every moment in ample!

Many many happy returns of the day Shylu;
May all your best things be bestowed upon you!

p.s. I do have the right to wish myself, don't I? :))

It is the bubble that is fun!

Yesterday was jolly time. I got to spend few minutes with a kid studying in 4th grade. Here, I can confidently call her a kid else by God! this generation kids hate to be addressed as kids! I am wondering how else to refer them? (Suggestions are welcome)

As I was chatting with her I saw that in her mouth. She kept on biting and chewing it with all her teeth-force. I tried ignoring and continued talking to her. Atlast I could not control my temptation the moment I saw the bubble coming out of the bubble gum. She tried hard but managed a small one. So there I went,

Hey what bubble gum are you having?

Bubaaloo

Oh is it a new one in the market?

No akka some what old one only (Obviously my records are 15 yrs older :( )

Then I recollected what all was there when I was in school. Boomer, Big bubble, Big Fun, chiclets etc. I could manage only this much (If you remember more, please do let me know!)

I loved them :) I had them often that time. Convincing mom was a piece of cake. May be this is also why you should have a younger brother. Prompt he used to take the initiative when it comes to this ( Only this ok?) He was my bubble gum partner and we used to compare the size of our bubbles. I think I won always.... well, I must have won :P

I remember, my mom used to say so many things to stop us from having them. One of them was (I am unable to control my laughter) She had told "Dey dont have bubble gum, doctors say eating more of it will cause cancer" rofl. Even that did not refrain us.

We used to buy not only for the bubble fun but also for the tatoos and stickers that came along with them. Whenever a new bubble gum or an offer comes to the market, it was so damn easy to find out.

A.You yourself keep pesturing the shopkeeper everytime you go "Anna is there anything new?"

B.Your neighbour flaunts the new tatoo or sticker in her hands.

C.Your classmate does the same.

Ultimate fun is when your bubble breaks and sticks on your nose. You take the gum out in a very heroistic style.. "hey look, it was such a big bubble dude, thats why its come and stuck this far" attitude :)

Gosh! so innocent and dream days those were! (Even now at times I have mentos chewing gum but thats not a bubble producing variety. Its been years I had one of those kinds)

After the kid left I had been to a super market to get some personal stuffs. At the cash counter, hurray! I see boomer large one :) So what if those days are gone? you can relive them now, this very moment said my mind.

Later, I was driving back home in my car with old music on and boomer in my mouth. Aaah!! what a feeling. Waah! Waah! seconds later, a big bubble from my mouth. Felt cool! Felt wonderful!

It is the bubble that adds fun! :)

P.S. There is a kid residing inside each one of us;

      Pamper that kid once in a while with no fuss!

      Growing old will get more spicier this way;

      After all we are here only for a short stay;

      Try for yourself and have fun, what say?

Many happy returns!

Never thought I would write for this person, whom I used to force myself not to like in the past, just for that mind which supported Dada. But now everything is history. Today, I sit in front of the laptop reading various blogs and news articles conveying him birthday wishes and smiling to myself happily!

Times change, things evolve and so must you! So here I am. "Wish you a very happy birthday, super hero, India's the special one!"

Lot many things have been said about him, time and again. Anyways as a devoted follower, I express my adulation for him in very few words.

Every adjective fits in right to describe him. But even then it becomes an under statement. One needs to add a "too" infront always. Such is his personality. He has proved that leaders are a breed apart and they defy the equilibrium. A tough guy!

Unknown until 2004 in the international arena of cricket. Today Indian cricket is unimaginable without him. A growth beyond definition and his age. Appears like a fairytale. But it is not, I repeat, it is not. There is so much that goes behind the scenes for such an act. Volumes!

I still hear many say, he is plain lucky to have achieved everything. Well, you can't help silly minds. Probably that is why they are not where he is now :P My mind puts it this way, Fortune favors the brave and he is a perfect example. Take everything that comes, as a challenge in life and be undeterred, then yours is the earth and everything that is in it!

He has broken so many Indian hearts (married now!) but I guess many smart girls might look for at least a small portion of him in her man. Not for anything else but for the character!

P.S. Is this girl one among them? .... Time will answer!

Daily Mail #1

I boarded Mysore express yesterday night (no worries, I have reached Banglore safe this morning!)Just a funny take on my journey.

Scene #1: As always, I was late to the railway station. Rushed to platform #1, from where the train departs most of the times. As I step in, I see the train moving. I was like, I still have five mins as buffer then how can this happen? not at possible. Has the railways become overly punctual after the change in the political system in the state? not at possible again. Now I look at the train name and it read "Ernakulam Express".Cool! I am right and well on time :P All smiles, rushed back to see the train departure electronic board. (missed seeing it before as there was no time) but no other option now. So I guess if you follow the rules, things will automatically fall in place :)

Scene #2 : Me standing in platform #2 this time waiting for the train to arrive he he he :) (Railways can never be punctual in our country). Then train arrives, I look at the chart in front of coach S4. It was just a clean white sheet with just seat nos and no names. Alright, what do I do now? Looked around and at 2 ft distance I find another chart. Another time I lock seat no 19 and bingo!! instead of my name someone else's name was there. Omg! I look at my ticket to cross check. Meanwhile I could hear someone's panicking whispers just behind me. If there is somebody else facing the same problem then its got to be something wrong with the railways only. Confidence and presence of mind into attack. Looked at the date in the chart. Grrrrrrr! 28th June. Both me and that person helplessly smile at each other.

Scene #3: I am in seat no 19 enquiring the others seated nearby about the chart. The uncle next to me asserts that there is a correct chart and that I missed. I reiterated ...no use. Then a guy comes to my rescue. Says the chart is on the other side of the coach. I smiled at the uncle and he smiles back apologetically. But there is no platform on the other side!! (These are the after effects of train arriving late and change in platforms in the last minute)

Scene #4: There is a guy standing near the door on the other side, looking out. I ask him to excuse me. His expressions were like what is she gonna do here that too this side of the train. I peep out and see the chart. How much ever I try peeping out, the chart is not visible, what to do me not a 6 footer just a 5 ft 3 inches normal girl :P. So I turn back and look at the guy behind me. Held my hands to holder and swung myself with just feet on the train rest of the body outside and successfully managed to see the chart, verified and back into the train. I was so delighted by my stunt but not that guy. He looked at me at aww!! what a mad girl! expression. I just trashed it and walked back with a great feeling :D. Informed the other person too. He does the same. Now we both smile at each other triumphantly :)

Scene #5: Me in upper berth. Showing my tkt to TTR with photo identity as my licence ( All this while I was under the impression that its the licence.. but bang!! ). TTR says this is the xerox where is the original? Aaha! good twist. Do you have one? he asks... I smile and nod yes yes and go in search of my purse, he says its ok leave it. Thank God, I dint have one! :)

Scene #6: Next day morning, me in BMTC 335E on my way to room, recollecting whatever happened the previous night and smiling to myself :)