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This may well sound like one of the many forwarded mails spamming our inbox. But at times, one just has to pause and look, stop and stare and realize what each and every word means, what the feelings emote and how the mind and more importantly our heart react.

This is with reference to a recent terror attack on the 13th of February, at the infamous German Bakery eatery on the North Main road at Koregaon Park, next to the Osho International Meditation Centre. It’s no use stating the facts and the numbers.

I am writing this as a selfish soul, as I’ve never thought about similar atrocious attacks with such provocation. I haven’t seen death so closely, until now, and hence maybe these words. Putting it very simply, one of them could have been me, easily; it was just a matter of minutes and some really good deeds accumulating to fate working to our favor. Now many will frown at this attribution to luck, etc, understandably. But honestly its times like these one starts believing in destiny, fate, the ‘luck factor’ and all which completes the ‘gyaan’ circle which we so effortlessly ignore and push aside. The five who died at the table, with the bomb, could quite easily have been me with four friends, who were looking for a place at the packed Bakery just minutes before and deciding not to sit after one big table became empty at the rear end of the place.

German Bakery: at the corner of Lane A, the lane where we reside. A literal second home for us, the vibrant hangout/joint, which also by the way provided us with our daily meals, at breakfast, lunch [on weekends] and dinners. It was always the familiar faces munching on the burger, chewing on the salad or sipping on the many shakes and juices on offer. The Nepalese crew with the loveliest of smiles and always ‘Happy to Help’ attitude.

For one of us, it was The Home who also used to at times stay at his second home/place in the one room flat of his. He was riding on some magical guidance for sure which took him to a rock concert nearby, or else, one would have never liked to guess the consequences. For another, who called from the bakery to another, and then deciding to push off to his place rather than waiting, heard the shudder and shiver as soon as he took off on his bike. For the three of us, who entered our flat and heard this loud thud, as if a building had just gone down. Basically, a few minutes here and there, the faces could have been different, the result the same: Death.

We could not believe what we were hearing, or we were trying not to. We were trying not to accept what we saw, but we had to, when we saw our neighbor in blood, walking up the steps. Watching the live coverage on the news, and realizing it was the same place we had spent the maximum time at, the spot at the end of the lane, where a few minutes back, things were as lively and joyous as ever and now smeared in blood and distorted bodies, sent a chill for sure. We were and are feeling sick and pathetic and more importantly helpless, certain that these feelings would not fade quickly. One of us, voiced that if anything had happened to his friends, he might as well have taken the violent route ahead himself. It does not matter whether the victims are young or old, nationals or foreigners, Christian or Muslims, what is common amongst them is that they were innocent individuals, sure of returning home to their bed that night…almost sure…

One cannot be sure of the future, take one day at a time, thank God for it, every single day, enjoy those moments, treasure each one of them and be the NOW…Do what you got to do now, if you have to say things to someone, if you have to complete something left for the future, live NOW!!!...[I apologize for the pessimistic undercurrent in the note, but that’s how reality shapes up things for us, whether we like it or not, the faster we accept and realize it, the better for us.

You realize you cannot take anything for granted, not even time, forget about people. You realize that life is not in your control at all times, as much as you would disagree with that. You realize the hate around you, and how at times, it beats peace and love to the finishing line. You realize the power of fear and to what extent it drives people. You realize that, at times good is beaten and evil prevails.

As one of my friends said, correctly so, ‘Please, Please, Spread the Love people…just Spread the LOVE….and hope.

ALL is WELL…???

The term ‘Idiots’ have come into a wide variety of uses, via discussion and speculation, especially since the release of the movie. Though it’s quite interesting to observe and note as to how society, as a wholesome body, views an idiot, and, how an individual does.

An individual may have two distinct sub- perspectives to this entire ‘title’. How society [family, friends, and people around him] views him? How he views himself? This is no different to the personality theory which we have gone through ‘n’ number of times: The Real Concept and the Social Concept.

Now I came across 3 individuals, with diverse, yet common backgrounds, while on my extensive travels in Bengal recently. Each one had a story I was moved by, and I believe there might be many like them, here and there, around us, with us…Hence shall use the common parlance of Tom, Dick and Harry….will keep it to the point and brief….watch out though for the symptoms….

TOM: Smart, intelligent, young, brilliantly creative and a decent level of humor. Works hard, gets de-motivated when he lets himself down, ethical in nature and formidable when he knows he’s right.

In a stimulating society resplendent with opportunities, he would be equipped with enormous potential. A Commerce student just like me, with willingness for further education and knowledge, but it’s a pity that he does not possess the financial backing, necessary in today’s world. The only difference being I have done my B.com from a ‘reputed and prestigious’ institution and he from an unknown one. I had options and he had doors slammed. We had numerous discussions on topics like interests and hobbies, rural India, nature, etc. Can’t comment much but all I know is that he could not make use of his will to the utmost of his inner desires. He is seen by society as what he is today and not what he could have been.


DICK: An ex-professional footballer, has played for a few top league clubs, was also called for a squad representing the country. He’s been to European and South East Asian countries to represent clubs. Due to financial or health reasons he had to leave the sport, had to move away from what he did best, from what he believed in.

Now he is in sales, moving from shop to shop taking orders, day in day out, something I could see he is not good at, and more importantly not enjoying. Resulted in him cheating the distributor of some money, as his performance was not up to mark, got caught and was fired. He is seen by society as somebody who’s not good at his work, as someone who is struggling, someone dishonest.

HARRY: a man in his mid-30’s, street smart, respected and amiable. He at one time was running multiple small businesses. He liked doing that…..Period. Was doing well and was also part of a sales force for a company. He had that entrepreneurial streak in him, quite evident at that.

A few years back he had a life-threatening accident on the railway lines. He says and I quote “the villagers where I met with the accident still call me a miracle”. After multiple bones, torn tissues and shut down ventures he still is a salesman at a company, the streak dying a forced death. He has to bear expenses for his health and his wife’s, which takes a toll. The society sees him as a person, who is still where he was some years back, if not worse.

There is a thread between these three individuals, and many such beings. Given a different circumstance, a different occurrence and a different setting, maybe they would have been heroes of their time and place. Heroes and not ‘Idiots’ [not the literal colloquial meaning, but negative nonetheless.

Society sees and clubs them as certain characters, the depressing and disheartening part being, when they themselves start to lose belief in themselves and start doubting their abilities. Start wondering if Heroes and stars are only to be dreamt of or celebrated on 70mm screens on Fridays. Three great minds, deteriorating and becoming stale….If that’s the case, we really have to ask is “ALL ‘really’ WELL???

Sales – on - Song

Morning blues, another route,
A different beat, quite a feat,
Monday mornings, weekends in sight,
It’s a thin line between the wrong and right
Move in step, tongue in cheek,
Rain’s –a – falling, figures seem bleak,
Retail card, pushing hard,
Shop to shop, till we drop.
This is the scheme, selling style,
Chik, Spinz, Fairever, Nyle,
Seasonal plight, display delight,
Target seeking , JC meeting,
Cavinkomm, Sales on Song,
Stories to hear, a million faces,
Learnt from time, left my traces.
I salute the Field and their Force,
Cheers to them and may we Grow…

This is It....R.I.P MJ....

Wrote this for my buddy's bachelors invite....the night before.....loved the feel aftr finishin.....was godspeed and satiating....:)

Think you’re Dangerous and Bad enough???

You believe you can take the Blood on the Dance Floor???

Just Keep the Faith and gear up to Jam

We gonna be starting somethin’ and

Give in to me cuz You’re not Alone and That’s the way you make me feelCalling all Billy Jeans in Black and the Smooth Criminals in White

Be ready to Heal the World

Whether you’re a Smooth Criminal or a Liberian Girl,

The question now is…..Will you be There???

P.S. It’s gonna be a Thriller…!!! And trust me you’ll Remember the Time….for years to come….till we are done…J

Sunday Afternoon Outlet...

Dhaaaaaansh!!!!....Clink…Clink….that’s the audio byte which got me off my feet in the middle of Denzel’s dazzling dialogue delivery….[woah managed four consecutive one’s with ‘d’…]…..on a Sunday afternoon…’not kool’ as I would have typically reacted…..but only to find out it would all be worth it….soon…

Cause : Neighborhood kids playing a game of Sunday cricket

Stimuli : Window breaking in the bathroom

Reaction : To be discussed in detail…..here on…..

Initially I was a bit disturbed at the past 7 seconds. I gazed out of the window only to see an empty play arena….and then a sight which defined the moment for me…..an innocent set of eyes, full of fear, peeks out from behind a wall to check if a middle aged aunt would come screaming and hurl out all her Sunday morning frustration through the choicest of expletives.

I picked up the ball and collected the shards of glass, putting them aside, in a secluded corner. Thought would shout, but then decided age hadn’t got the better off me. Could actually see myself in one of those fearing, mischievous, yet innocent children, after having broken many a window and glass during my time at the ground. Of how we would rush to the nearest bunker/ cover when an uncalled for shot towards an uncalled for direction would be made. Which would usually be followed by a week’s ban of us playing in that vicinity…..then the next neighborhood…..and the next…that was my and am sure most kids journey….pure in its own simplicity…

Coming to the reaction :

I just threw the ball back and jokingly advised them to play a little carefully, and hit better shots. They were quite shocked, the reaction quite deferred from the usual. They had smiles, unmatched, unparalleled….innocent.

I became an angel in their eyes…..felt nice…reminded me of those days and sunny afternoons…..with caps and bats….fights and the rush for cold water…..kept thinking of it….halfway through the movie….sorry Denzel…..

P.S.: Window was already broken…..they just increased the gap….so that I could see the world more clearly out of a much bigger outlet…..

Stockholm | Cruise

SWEDEN | COPENHAGEN | Cruise



After the sojourn at Copenhagen, we headed off to the next Scandinavian behemoth….SWEDEN!!! Early morning, we wake up from the luxury laps of the expensive beds we paid for…our first and last luxury booking on a Eurail. After exchanging the Krones with another set of the same….Danish with the Swedish ones…we headed off in search of a hostel in accordance with our exciting night plans at Stockholm. The original Ice Bar, the sunshine on the streets and the glittering water all made it a joy to tour the city on foot. Stockholm, like most of Sweden is a set of islands, all connected, appealing and resplendent in its entirety.

After reluctantly not taking accommodation at a ship youth hostel, we settled in for a cheaper one. We also completed the most integral part of the morning and quite efficiently at that – collecting the passes for the DJ TIESTO show, which was scheduled after a few days. Even though we had pre empted all sorts of things going wrong with that one, to our delight….it all worked out just fine. The rest of the day, which honestly seemed quite a drag as we just couldn’t wait for the high-time, going aboard the cruise, comprised of the following:

1. Visit to the Coin and Currency museum [which had free entry on that particular day of the week]. Also the presence of the World’s Largest Coin, was appealing enough.

2. The discovery of a café run by a Pakistani dude, who apart from serving us a customized pasta delicacy [the best dish on the entire trip], also provided us with an hour long discussion in sub continental mother tongue’s. He also proved to be our savior the very next day, be responding to our fussy dietary needs [read: Jajoo]

3. A million more pictures, till our trustworthy batteries ran out on us, yet again, with all the trust we had, to betray us at the most scenic spots.

4. Running towards the cruise liner, fearing we might miss that one too, going by enough evidence of a 2 month history timeline.


Coming to the cruise, it was a Viking Line cruise one of the famous carriers in that part of the world. It was a two day trip, Stockholm – Helsinki – Stockholm. Another first for us, we were eager, and already flowing, before the latter happens literally.

We make it in time for the boarding and it at first seemed like a culmination of a 5 star on water and an airport. After a brilliant reception and welcome, we managed to find our way to our cabin. Dumped our bags and just went exploring the structure and its insides, the most exciting corners of the ship being the Duty Free shop and the club.

As the night dawned on us, we braved our way to the deck, and when I say ‘brave’, trust me it was worthy of a Red and White Bravery Awards nomination if not winning it out and out. With some of our structures, the wind would have literally blown us out onto the Baltic Sea. It was chilly, and while I write this, I still feel that clip through my neck and hair right now. We then directed our efforts to the edge and given the sleet cover present, it is safe to say we were outta mind, high on momentous glory.

Out comes the multi faceted sandwich, customized to the last detail, and prepared with heart felt warmth by our Pakistani friend from Stockholm and click goes the beer can, one of the many, I must add here, as we conveniently decided, out of the blue [color seems apt as we were on sea]at the duty free shop that we have to consume all brands of beer available that night, and don’t even get me started on the number on sale. Let’s just say it reached quite a ‘high’ figure. So this moment on the deck, which I term as the Globaliz-ing moment of our Trip is for the following reasons:

 On a Swedish Cruise Liner
 Enjoyin the sumptuous Sandwich made by a Pakistani
 Along with a beer brewed in Holland and another in Germany
 Somwhere in the Baltic Sea
 Towards Finland
 And all experienced by an Indian

Unable to find a more appropriate definition and understanding of the clichéd term. It’s special when you experience it, rather than just reading it in texts and glossy covered magazines. After the wind on the face and delight in your stomach experience, we staggered back[ we literally were moving backwards, thanks to the wind] to the interior confinement of modern luxuries. To further the cause we headed straight to our rooms to make sure our trip and purchases from the duty free were in good stead, if you know what I mean. After hasty swigs we left for the club scene, which was trippy in itself, as all rooms were anyways having private crazy parties and to top it all, the club had views of the serene water world outside giving one a kick one, he could never expect to imagine or wonder. Some of my dear friends had to call it an early night, as they could not handle the first experience, of, mixing waves splashing and alcohol splashing in their stomach too well.

For others, well all I can say is, we were there to Livin’ it Up!!! …..Aboard Style….Another dream realizes on this journey of a lifetime….:)

Scandinavia Alla....Copenhagen...

COPENHAGEN :

Well we got onto the final leg of our marathon journey and hence SCANDINAVIA!!! Our first stop plausibly had to be Denmark. We made our way from Berlin via Hamburg and its well “much enjoyed events” from the train journey to the walk at Ripperbahnhof at 3 am.

So when we did arrive in the morning at Copenhagen, the capital we were a bit tired, mentally and physically. First things first we had to get our Euros converted into Danish Krones and our mathematical cells again were called upon, also use of our income statement and Balance Sheet of the next few hours had t be thought upon.

Hence after doing darshan of the much heared about “Tivoli Gardens” we sought the tourist destinations which woudnt demand much effort, so to say [never once foretelling what lay ahead]. We started from the Botanical Gardens and another famous garden/ park in the heart of the city. It was just like in the fairytales, verdant grass, pristine water bodies [not to mention the other celestial bodies all around us], leaves of multitude both seen at their abode and sparkling the streets. Inside the Botanical Garden there also was a green house packed with rare species from the plant kingdom, flora and fauna abound to our hearts content in this scenic city. After taken the “NATURE-al path” we decided on paying visit to a random museum of art. Again was a diverse hence enjoyable usage of time.

We then made our way to the Royal Gardens and this again was a sprawling spread of land, and aptly fit for a King and his Queen. With a mini palace separated by a sleek water body it was another chapter, another fairytale.

It was getting insanely windy and the temperatures falling. Note: we still we were on foot all this while and not once did we make use of the Danish transport system. Our plan of visiting the Carlsberg Brewery though had to be omitted as it would close by the tie we would have reached….damn.

We then headed off to the most popular tourist location of Copenhagen : The Little Mermaid. This was the infamous site and character on which Hans Christen Anderson’s work by the same name stands apart. But it never did mention that it was built on the other extreme of the city and we made our long walk with shopping bags and heavy jackets and the unwelcomed gusts of wind with us. On reaching the place we could see the tourists making the most of their new Asian made digicams. And so we delightedly obeyed too. It was a nice piece of work but we couldn’t figure out what was so famous with it. Or maybe we were too tired and our expectations just increased with every step we took towards to Mermaid [apart from imagining Mermaids]. We somehow managed to make our long walk back to the station, this time viewing the city in all its lights and then spending some time at the Hard Rock Café, Copenhagen…a perfect ending one would say….and we obliged.