Chor Bazari

Time again to pen down something!

Yesterday while waiting at the lounge for my flight which was obnoxiously delayed by more than a couple of hours (woes of a consultant’s life!), I happened to strike a conversation with a co-lounger. We discussed lost times and lost things! I recollected this very interesting incident of losing my beloved wallet and its tumultuous (?) journey ahead!

This is indeed a very interesting snippet out of my real life. Let’s call it “Chor Bazari - The Story of the Benevolent Thief”

Read on…

“That’ll be Rs. 3879 in all, Ma’m”

“Thanks. Let me help you with my card”

I sneaked my hand in the purse to get the card which was always conveniently tucked into the easiest part of the wallet in my purse. I couldn’t spot it in the first go. And then began a still-calm-but-vigorous search, followed by a desperate search and lo’ I was left with a constipated look on my face. I couldn’t find my wallet! Holy heavens…

What next?

A frantic search of all my pockets, revisit to all the changing rooms and dressing counters… but alas, it was nowhere to be found.

I realized that the zip of the purse was slightly open when I first searched for my wallet, reason enough for me to believe that someone must have flicked it. *Sigh*

“Why do you carry so many cards when you do not need all at the same time?” I remembered my mom’s words. I should’ve listened to her.

It was time to get into action. Cancel all your cards, Shipra.

“Welcome to Citibank… For English, Press 1… Blah Blah”… and the saga continued for a good 30 odd minutes.

“Yes, please cancel both my credit cards and disable my debit card for the moment. Thanks!”

Phew, didn't it also have your SBI debit card? Ouch! Now from where do I find the account number? It was always operated by dad…

“You should handled your finances yourself.” I remembered dad telling me once. I couldn't even ask him the number on the phone as I didn't want him to know I had lost my wallet! He’d get unnecessarily worried. Why didn't I follow what he said! Too late to repent… Anyways, let’s chuck that. It’s almost a nil balance account. No sweats.

This excruciating evening was followed by a morning after of registering FIR at the police station. Those ‘public servants’ made me wait for an eternity and just when I thought my ordeal was over, I was informed that the FIR can be lodged only when I get a stamped letter from the court (which happened to be in the other end of the city!) I went all the way to the court to get an affidavit with a stamp on it listing the items in the wallet I “lost”. Please note, I was not allowed to mention anywhere that it was stolen! I anyways lodged the FIR only to make sure my identity proofs were not misused by anyone. (Lest be it some infiltrators or terrorists! Talk about day-dreaming and hyper-worrying!)

After accomplishing this gala-feat, I thought I had attained Nirvana. However, happy realization dawned upon me that the ill-fated wallet also had my driving license. Sigh again! And, how difficult would it be to get a new license. :(

Well, now I had to tell dad about the incident. I could hide it no longer. I was just about to call dad on day 3. As I picked up my phone to dial his number, the phone rang. It was dad calling me! Talk about telepathy!!

Did someone inform him about the incident?

Could it have been the police ringing him up?

Oh no! The constipated look on my face resurged!

“Shipra, why have you parceled us your wallet?”

“Err… What? What all does it contain dad?

“All your cards, license, some passport photographs”

“Woah and cash?”

“Nil”

“Dam-it! What a benevolent thief! He actually used a part of his steal to return back my valuables. May he live long!”

I ended up narrating the entire tale to my dad. We had a hearty laugh.

Isn’t it a fairytail-ish tale? Well, life indeed is a grand fairy tale. Cheers!!!

-Ships

The Little Pink Purse

The twinkling city of lights
Friends frolicking, always a delight
Toured the land of fancy toons
Up and down the hilly cocoons

Gazed at the tall buildings perched into the sky
Invading the tranquil heavens with structures high!
Basked in the quiet of the hot bay sun
Dinners and brunches were good fun

Dangling eve lights bedazzled the azure streets
Whilst we danced and rejoiced over chic beats
Smiles a many, frowns none
Remembrance left, still some

All was good till the chimes echoed on me
The good ol’ times of happiness and glee…
Shopped a lot, trinkets and what not
Something was amiss, may be that one little wish…

Glanced at the purses, looked for that one
You know that tiny pink one with frills some
Pink purses there were few
But that one I guess was passé’ just like you

Rightly called fragrance harbour indeed…
Good ol’ redolence, o’ boy did I need?
Visiting the city of your first grand felicitation
A gala visit outside of our nation

Still proud of you and the little souvenir for me you got
The purse may be ex attire, memories certainly are not…
Alighted the ferry for the journey back
Consumed with a feeling of incompleteness as I pack

Langsyne, yet
The cherished memories make me smile as I leave the harbour
True - Sweet memories override all memories sour…

-Ships

Tiara smiles at the sky

She sees the vivid rainbow arched across the sky
On one end there sat you; at the other, there sat I
So many stories I’ve waited to tell our little child
She thinks you are gone… Yes, to her I’ve lied...

Of years, that I had dreamed to be in your soothing arms
I hold our little Tiara, with the same caress and the charm
I look in her eyes as she looks into mine
We smile like everything was perfectly fine

The so many of our ‘I love you’s left unsaid
I sing Tiara our halcyon songs to put her to bed
Unkempt promises to be always by my side
Not quite sure, if I’ll ever forgive you in this life

The unfinished schmoozes, the tears uncried
Shattered dreams, and those zillion things untried
May be time has healed our broken hearts;
With hugs and smiles in parcels and parts

But there’s a vacuum in Tiara’s life
I try my best amidst this strife
Yet she stays up every night looking at the bright star
Expecting her father to come back from the land very far

True, its me who said I had to go
I wish you had not let me do so...

Tiara again smiled up today at the sky
I wondered how far her loving smile would go...
This time it slid right over to the other side...
And reached the other end of the colored rainbow...

-Ships

Image from Artmagick

Welcome Aboard

Nandini looked gorgeous in her elegant intricately crafted, beaded red lehenga. The pink on her cheeks, the smile in her eyes, and the music in the air moussed an excellent synchrony.

Vivaan, in a white golden crafted zardosi sherwani was standing right beside her, holding her by his arms. You could easily see the love, the pride of having her in his life, the honesty in his eyes.

They were gleefully accepting gifts, flowers, envelopes and wishes. It was picture perfect.

Pritha, Vivaan's mom could not keep her eyes off her beautiful daughter-in-law. She had always wanted a daughter, but as destiny would have it, she had two sons. She now knew that God eventually wanted to gift her with Nandini.

She was exuberant right from the day Vivaan had expressed his wish at marrying Nandini. He had known Nandini for a couple of years now and it always felt like she was family. Nandini never ceased to surprise them with birthday parties, honey-moon vacations planned for Pritha and her husband and very thoughtful memoirs form all places she traveled to on work. She was right next to Pritha when Vivaan's dad went through a major heart arrest. It was Nandini, who could make his father smile even in times of sheer pain. Pritha and Aurobindo were really fond of her. Nandini was the best daughter-in-law they could’ve dreamt of.

Neil was right next to the entrance standing with his friends. From where he stood, he could steal a few glances at her, and it seemed like she granted him those fleeting thefts. Many-a-thoughts played foul in his head. All through the evening, he kept wondering whether she expected him to move closer to her, hold her hand, kiss her softly on her cheeks and proclaim her to be his. However, he decided it was best to stay put. He wore a blue kurta today. Of course, it had to be blue... “My favourite’s blue, just like you, Neil”

It was almost past 8. Guests were queuing up for dinner, when Mala made an entry with a grand bouquet. She was Pritha’s childhood friend. She congratulated Pritha and apologized for not having made it to the wedding. Pritha had always told Mala about her son’s girl friend and how fond she was of her. Pritha escorted her to the dais to introduce her to Nandini, her precious gem.

“Mala, here’s my darling son and his prettier darling, Nandini”
One glance at her, and Mala immediately recognized her.

Her mind wandered back to the past.
She could hear her son's pleas loud and clear...

“Mom, she’s the best I have in my life. Please don’t do this to us. Mom, Please… clear your prejudices. At least meet her. All you know about her is - her name and her pic on my screen saver. .”

“No, it’s not happening, not over my dead body…”

It had been 7 years since that happened. Her son had tried his best to convince her, but to no avail. He went weak on her tears, broke off with Nandini and never fought back. All through his silence, he had moved far away from everyone in his life.

Nandini and Vivaan touched Mala’s feet for blessings. Meanwhile, Pritha went downstage to check on something. Mala wanted to cross-check if she was the same Nandini her son loved. “Umm… err… you are Nandini... what?”

Vivaan said with a smirk, “Maashi, she now is Nandini Banerjee.” There was a twinkle in Nandini’s eyes when she said – “It’s Nandini Roy Banerjee, Maashima”

Neil was still with his friends, totally disinterested in the banter. Mala went to Neil and held his hand. She wanted to say a zillion things, but her voice cracked, and she could just manage a squeaky, “I am sorry, son. I should have met her and taken some efforts to understand your relationship. Pritha says Nandini’s better than perfect. Will you never forgive your mom?”

Neil didn't say much. He looked at his Nandini, no longer his to proclaim. She was happy in her new found bliss. At least, of the two women he loved most in life, one was happy today. A silent tear rolled off from the corner of his eyes.

All evening, he had contemplated whether to go up the dais and wish the couple, but he couldn't gather himself to do the same. Silent stares and heartfelt wishes is all he could spare. He was the last one to leave the reception venue.

After the couple left, he went up to the dais and picked up a few petals that had fallen from Nandini’s hair-do and stuffed them in his kurta pocket.

He had a gift wrapped box with him which he placed next to the pile of gifts. It contained a replica of his very first gift to her, a wall clock which read “Welcome Aboard”.

- Ships

The Joy Ride - Chasing Marichika

“Are you ready?”

“Yes, will be down in a jiffy”

Honk…

“Stop honking, you idiot!”

“Yes, Princess of Persia, hop in quick”

“Ahaan, why are you always in such a hurry? Relax. Life’s not departing for anywhere any soon.”

Scowl…

“Ho ho ho, lady! Life’s like a fistful of sand, here now, gone tomorrow.”

“Mr. Pessimist, god knows when you will learn to be satisfied with your picture perfect life. You have the most sought after job, a handsome salary, a nice house in the most glittering city, the latest car, a lovely wife, and of course an earthly princess like me for company. Yet you crib! Sigh…”

“Picture-perfect life… Indeed! I earn millions per year, slog most of the 24 hours of the day, get my new car bumped into, am like a visitor in my own house… that day too isn’t far when my wife will refuse to acknowledge my presence in her life.”

“Ahem… King of cribs, don't turn red just like this bloody signal!”

“Well Suhana, do you see that stout suited fellow in the chauffeured BMW all by himself reading some crappy business magazine?”

“Of course… filthy rich bugger”


“And do you notice that guy walking on the pavement hand-in-hand with his uniformed little daughter munching candy-floss? Who do you think is happier?”

“Err… it depends.”

“Yes, Ms. True-blue consultant. I know, the answer is very subjective. I totally acquiesce that the candy-floss dad isn’t the happiest fellow on earth and definitely has his own set of soups in life; however it looks like he does enjoy whatever little he has. On the contrary, look at people like us, who are constantly on the grind to reach to where the BMW guy is today. In short we are vehemently pursuing loneliness. We see the luxuries, and tend to ignore the solitude and the vacuum in his oh-so-brilliant life. We sacrifice so much of our lives in pursuit of things we enjoy so little.”

“Indeed Ahaan, I don't even remember the last time I had candy-floss with dad. Or the last time I spoke at length with my loved ones… We have been so crazily busy pursuing what – loneliness??? When was it last I enjoyed the raindrops splattering on my face, lest it should spoil my crisp formal shirt. As soon as I leave office, it’s already dark when I leave for home. God! I don't remember when was last, I saw the sun setting into the crimson sky…. I hate this mirage-chasing life really.”

“Hey Princess, the idea is not to repent the life we are living. I think, we still have a lot left to see, and let’s make it better. Let’s work towards the things we want in life. Let’s follow our dreams… Never forfeit your right to a happy-go-lucky life…. Never… Back to den… Office is already here! Alta-la-vista princess! Live another day of the endless harrowing chase”

Wink.

Wink.

“By the way, Ahaan… Wrap up by 6. Let’s catch a glimpse of the crimson sky, the chirping birds at the beach.”

Grin.

And life moves on…

- Ships

Note: 'Marichika' is a Hindi word for 'mirage'

I wonder how – Na Jaane Kyun...

Tried penning down something and this uncanny sameness with this song from the movie “Choti si baat” intrigued me. So went on to complete the poem.

Find some excerpts from the same below.

Na Jaane Kyun, Hota Hai Yeh Zindagi Ke Saath
Achaanak Yeh Mann, Kisike Jaane Ke Baad
Kare Phir Uski Yaad Chhoti Chhoti Si Baat
Na Jaane Kyun ...

I wonder how life moves on
Yes, I know, you are gone,
Like you, there was none
We live life once, cherish all fun
Smile and rise everyday to a new sun

Jo Anjaan Pal, Dhal Gaye Kal, Aaj Who
Rang Badal Badal, Mann Ko Machal Machal
Rahen Hai Chal, Na Jaane Kyun Woh Anjaan Pal

I well-treasure the old times
Sing along newfangled rhymes
… And Life marches on…
In search of a new dawn

Saje Bhi Na Mere, Naino Mein
Toote Re Hai Re Sapno Ke Mahal
Na Jaane Kyun ...

I decorate my memories with your leftovers
Treating life as one big hangover
Find no answers to an umpteen things
I still try to fly with my rejuvenated wings

Wohi Hai Dagar, Wohi Hai Safar
Hai Nahin Saath Mere Magar Ab Mera Humsafar
Idhar Udhar Dhoonde Nazar Wohi Hai Dagar

In search of happiness I wander
Reminisce the realms we so abandoned
I search for the soul mate I found in you
Which I saw in you, in instances but few…

Kahan Gayi Shaamein, Madhbhari
Woh Mere, Mere Woh Din Gaye Kidhar
Na Jaane Kyun ...

Memories disappear, treasures fade
Way for new beginnings, times anew wade
Resurrect all feelings almost dead
Only I wish I knew where I next head…

-Ships

DULCET TONE OF THE TINY SMS

“I love you too, my Tishi baby”

“And..?”

“Over SMS, ok?”

“Noooo…”

“Alright! Here you go…” whispered Vivaan and ended the call with a hurried over-the-phone kiss.

India was 8 down for 265 and needed 20 runs off the last 2 overs. Monish and Neil were glued to the television. Vivaan hurried from the privacy of his bedroom right into the living room to join his flat-mates for the nail-biting finish. Thank God for the tiny kiss, Tish didn't start off her girly tantrums today, thought Vivaan.

Trishna, aka Tish still had a broad grin on her face. He addressed her as baby finally on her insistence! Not that she loved being addressed that, just that she wanted him to behave more like how a stereotypical boy friend behaves. She kept her cell phone for charging and went on to join her brother and dad for the final over of the match.

…

“It’s Friday, Vivaan! You haven’t called me for the last 2 days… Neither have you SMSed how much you love me or miss me… You just don't remember me enough. I keep waiting you know…”

“Oh please, don't start the rant again, Tish”

“Alright”

Vivaan doesn't understand me enough. There is zero involvement from his side on things that matter to me. However, I think I was very rude to him today. I will definitely apologize and make things right tomorrow, thought Tish.

Tish never understands me. She is such a kid. What is with all this showing of how much I care for her? Such a girly thing to do... Of course, I like her more, as much as she thinks I don’t. But I was quite rude to her. I will make up for it tomorrow, thought Vivaan.

…

Days passed by, seasons altered. Most things had changed. But few remained affix.

Tish and Vivaan weren’t together anymore. Both were right and wrong in their own peculiar ways. Both had dreams which differed, expectations which didn't couple.

Tish was too nosy and interfering in everything. On the other hand, Vivaan was too detached. The chords didn't play in sync any more. The harmony no longer existed. It was a conscious decision on their part to close the unviable chapter of their cacophonous relationship.

…

Life has moved on.

Tish’s mind has stopped expecting or hoping, or so she thinks.

Vivaan amidst all this bedlam has started expecting and hoping to be able to talk to her soon.
She never responds. Never replies… Being ignored was the last thing on his list…

Now he keeps a count of days he hasn’t been able to reach out to her… He clearly remembers the last time they spoke.

‘It’s been 43 days, Tish… Can I speak to you once please?’ Tish reads the SMS; her mind doesn't acknowledge it and lets it pass like all his other messages.

She tries hard to, but something restrains her from deleting that tiny mess out of her inbox.

…

Nothing is binary. Love and hate aren’t the only emotions.

Likewise, no string attached is just in theory. In real life, all relationships leave twined strands behind.

Some strings induce dulcet tones, some don’t.

-Ships

Beliefs

I was just going through my old conversation logs and this bit caught my attention.

I had this conversation with a friend quite some time back.

Context: We were discussing inter-religion marriages and pros and cons of the same, especially pertaining to the point if it was worth hurting your parents’ feeling for a man/woman you met a while ago.

What my friend explained made a lot of sense.
Find below excerpts from the conversation for the benefit of my readers.

“Well to put it in a nutshell, I believe that there is always, almost certainly one bitter pill that goes with any decision... Somebody has to swallow it. Could be anybody....but somebody has to…

When one is making a decision, he/she must understand who in the circumstances would eventually have to swallow that bitter pill... Most people tend to pretend as martyrs and decide to swallow the pill themselves, but, these pills don’t go down the throats of the decision makers easily...

In other words, the person concerned would tend to have a feeling of regret and defeat in his heart for a very long time... When it comes to asking your parents to pop that pill, we must remember a few things:

· They would initially make more noise than anyone else… INITIALLY
· They would create situations where the decision maker would tend to become a martyr
· But all said and done, parents value the happiness of their children much more than anything else
· They know that in this generation, it is very unlikely that their son and daughter-in-law would stay in their house… So subsequent interactions would be more over telephone and the sorts...
· And finally, no person who is true to himself will be able to truly take care of his parents if he is himself not happy in life... To be a good son, a good parent, it is important that there are NO regrets in life....and that the person is happy, confident with the choice he made...

In conclusion, the first six months may not be easy... but eventually all parents see the happiness in their children and feel good. Six months is too small a period of time when it comes to a decision to be made for life.”

On re-reading this entire discourse, it actually did sound quite credible. Plausible argument may be, but no harm! So, all you readers who are in such a dilemma, think no-more! I will direct you to this preacher friend of mine. Haha!!

-Ships

Deadly Din

Promises, kept and broken
Words minced, said, left undone
Sleeping princess was just woken
Too late, very high up was the sun

Pandora’s pot, once filled, now emptied
Hush in the air, amidst fitful gushes
Heartless, spineless, bickered, quibbled
Vividly recalling the quondam celestial touches

A deadly silence in a din
No grudges, not all wars you win
A loud thud in a lethal still
Finally decking beloved at own will

Star, you still shine bright in a moonless sky
You are both angel and demon within you
Voice choked, dry of sadness, full of wry
All known now is, if only it was, but true

Of all surreal dreams, this one was for real
No pain, no rue, no trepidation to feel
Sails set to go, amidst the storm
Bereft of the summer’s chill; the winter’s warm

It was just another of the species
A man, a dog, a snake that hisses
Shameless coward, was blurted loud for a mile
Those words girthed around for a while

Spineless, heartless, shameless; all said and done
But still like the cited coward there was none
Only of its kind, the innocence and charm
Words which never wanted to cause any harm

Life is all but true
Just the same, in all its hue
Yet…
Nothing’s new, nothing’s new

-Ships

After note:
This post is about many-a-those situations you deal with in life in real. Severing ties with a beloved; or mourning a loved one’s demise…

Just felt like penning down a few words. When I started writing, I had both these situations at the back of my mind. One of unkept promises, sarcasm and hurt; and the other of a girl’s ire against God, who she thinks is a coward to have stolen her dad from her like that – when all was well and he was ready to go home hale and hearty; almost like stabbing from behind, spineless Almighty…

I wanted to write both the things in one-piece and this is what I could deliver. Read it differently for both the situations. Don’t know if it does justice to any of the two.

Random Ramblings of a Slapdash Girl!

Got tagged by a friend... hence jotted down 25 random things about myself!

1. SHIkha (My mom) + PRAfulla (My dad) = SHIPRA (Meeee.. :))
I often get annoyed when people don’t pronounce my name properly. I have often been called “Shilpa”, “Sherpa”, “Chitra” etc etc

2. My parents wedding album was destroyed and neither did they have a marriage certificate. So while applying for mom’s passport, they could not technically prove they were married – which means we were illegal kids! :D They filed an affidavit and married last year officially!! Now, I am a legal kid :)

3. I was born on the 10th of December, supposedly the Human Rights Day!

4. I am a little Alice in her wonderland – Day dreaming is my forte. I sometimes land in unknown planets and fight wars with aliens!

5. Dad made me believe I was a princess, and bought me up quite like one. As a kid, when I went to my dida’s village for summer vacations, I threw tantrums “I need cold fridge water right now” and she got me cold water from an earthern matka. I demanded, I need to inspect the fridge, she showed it to me and said – “This is the latest offering in the market, called the mini-fridge!”

6. Also, when I was little, my dida’s village had no electricity. So when there was lightening in the sky, my dida would tell me, “Look, look, there’s electricity!” and I would fall for that!

7. My dad used to drop me to my nursery school on his Hero-Honda and I sat proudly on the petrol tank in front. I thought I was riding the bike myself! :D Later, we got our car, and I had grown up a bit… alas I couldn’t sit on his lap and drive the car!

8. I have been a very naughty kid. However, always managed to be all my teachers’ pet.

9. In Std. 2, I fought with a little boy and tore his uniform :D (After that, whenever we chased each other, he would hide in the boy’s toilet! *sigh*)

10. I like surprising loved ones with random little gifts, sometimes when it is least expected. 2 days back on my parents’ wedding anniversary, I surprised them with a suhagraat flower-setting in their room. They were mighty embarrassed!

11. In my B-school, some friends played a prank and changed my laptop’s name. So anyone who tried downloading from my computer on the LAN could read “downloading from Rolakutty - The Porn Star’s lappie”… eeeks!

12. I used to scare my little bro with cockroaches. I took pride in holding them by their tentacles! Poor kid used to be freaked out by the very sight!

13. I tried to suffocate my infant sister and kill her, because suddenly mom-dad loved her more (I was the only child till age 7)! The reason I gave was – dad bought her 26 new dresses, and got me only 2 :( Btw, my 2 cost thrice of her 26. But how would that matter to a 7 yr old kid!

14. I learnt driving very early – illegal I know. But, I rode my uncle’s motor-cycle and across the India-Bangladesh border at 15! The BSF jawans totally adored my presence, as I entertained them with Bombay life tit-bits!

15. I got my parents and myself to the front page of the Times of India. No, I had not murdered anyone, nor did I win the Oscars – but I just managed to top the 12th board exams. Don’t ask me how… Some people claim, I stuck Rs. 500 notes on my answer sheets!

16. I have been fined Rs. 100 for wearing jeans & a top to a college in the city of glamour, read Mumbai (apparently, girls were supposed to wear only Indian clothes in there… *phew*)

17. I still kiss my parents goodbye every morning when I leave for work. I have been doing this since my kindergarten days…

18. I am a very talkative person. I can go on and on and on…

19. I am ultra-romantic at heart… I love azure skies, ocean blue waters, mild winters… I have my ideas about someone being made specially for me. Dil to Pagal Hai types!

20. I love traveling.

21. One of my close buddies told me years ago – “You sound sexy on the phone” and I would still love to believe its true ;)

22. I got an award titled “My wardrobe can dress half of Africa” – That’s self explanatory I guess!

23. I am a lazy bum. I hate walking. I seldom take the train or the bus.

24. My ambitions in life have kept vacillating. I wanted to become a doctor to take revenge with Dr. XYZ who injected a crappy thing in me when I was 6. Later I wanted to be a tempo-driver who delivered “Peppy” chips to the grocery store downstairs. (Rationale was – I would own all the chips packets in the tempo, and would not need to ask mom every time for it!)

25. I think one day I will make it Big – Where, when, how etc. I don’t know. :) Amen!

-Ships