Thank you...

His career graph had reached the spot earlier than he himself had expected. He was so much obsessed with what he wanted to achieve, that he had almost let go of his personal self. He had channelized all his energy and focus towards achieving what he dreamt of !..

His own sense of accomplishment had driven him to a totally different world where he felt that he had to prove himself even more. In his mad quest for success, he had not even realized that he had climbed up the corporate ladder so swiftly that he had left behind many of his friends, many of his colleagues and even his close family members. Sometimes he himself was perplexed at the thought .. “ Against whom am I racing? Why am I in such a big hurry ? Who else do I have to prove? How much more do I need to achieve? When should I stop? “

He was at the Dubai International Airport, he was bound for London for another one of his regular Business visits. He decided to while away the transit time at the airport by enjoying the Dubai Shopping Festival. Suddenly an announcement was made that his flight to Heathrow airport was delayed by an hour. He was done wandering around in the airport. He gifted himself in some expensive watches, perfumes and Liquor, that’s when he decided to immerse himself into his laptop so he could be well prepared for the presentation. In the midst of the crowded lobby filled with people enjoying the festive and shopping mood he was the only person with a serious look on his face, with his eyes perched on the laptop.

Suddenly he catches a very beautiful pair of eyes staring at him. He casually notices and digs himself back on to the laptop screen. Suddenly his heart skipped a beat ! Oh my God ! Was it her ?? He lifted his head up rather hesitantly this time and there she was. It was indeed her. How could he ever forget those beautiful eyes. All of a sudden he felt very weak on his knees. He could feel all of the blood from his body gushing towards his head. He was feeling very uneasy. Unable to hold himself back, he decided to get up and walk away.

Four long years had passed after she had walked away from his life for no possible reason. Every single day he prayed to God that one day, he needs to confront her and ask her Why? But when it actually happened, he found out that he was unable to get a hold of himself. The aura that surrounded him, that of a young and extremely successful executive had shattered to that of a regular guy trying hard to get a hold of his personal self !

Just as he was about to leave, she walked up to him. The moment he looked into her eyes, everything around him had come to a standstill. The life that he had left behind, his past was very vivid and vibrant before him. After a momentary silence and an awkward minute later, she broke the silence with a very feeble “Hi”. Though his mind was screaming with in himself to vent out his emotions, he finally came out with a very courteous greeting. After the exchange of pleasantries, she mustered up the courage to say “I am sorry for what had happened. I truly am.”

He looked into her eyes for a couple of seconds longer, and finally managed to say that , everybody has a right to make a choice and that she had made hers and that she doesn’t need to apologize.

Saying this he just walked away from her still trying to get a hold of himself. He desperately wanted to look back at her, but didn’t. He fumbled with his laptop bag as he found that his hands and legs were no longer listening to him.

The flight to London had announced its boarding and he proceeded towards it. He never got an answer to his question , Why she had done it coz he never managed to ask. But after meeting her he realized the reason for things currently happening around him. This was the reason why he set on a Race, a race with himself. His endless effort to prove himself at every opportunity that came his way. He realized that he should be thanking her for what has happened, as this has only lead to betterment of his life. The flight was taking off to a new destination and so was his life. He let off a smooth smile with her thoughts in his mind and was looking forward to life with a renewed sense of excitement.

PS: A slightly longer post than the usual. Just felt like sharing this short story with all you people..

What a comeback...

Those of you who take the risk to read my posts, this one is again dedicated to an unknown friend of mine.. the traffic cop who guards the junction on my way to office....

Read post .. [A regular Guy.. may be not...]

Yes. The guy is back in form and I would say, terrific comeback brother. Our man was back in his best presentable form, the sternness was back on his face. The sense of ownership of the road was a silent yet loud message to everybody, His golden aviator shades were shining bright in the sunlight.

It was just a phenomenal revival of the old cop, as mine was the first vehicle he caught for jumping the signal while it was Amber. There was no amount of sympathy or mercy shown to me. At one point even I wanted to shout out to him saying, Dude.. I have dedicated a post on my blog about you, and this is how you return the favor? But alas I could not say anything. Just that he let me off with a stern warning and an advice not to jump signals even when its amber as it can lead to blah blah blah blah…..

After this episode, though I was disturbed, I was also happy at the fact that our man was back. That’s when I thought that everybody goes through a difficult phase in their lives. The sun doesn’t shine on you always. There will be rainy days as well. It all depends on how long you give yourself to make a comeback. I am happy at the fact that our cop was back in action and he was loving it..

How much time did I take to make a comeback? A question I can answer only when people around me tell me that I am the same old chap with a renewed perspective towards life.. Till then I will be unable to give an answer to myself…

Was that Me.. ???

Well.. Saturday evening.. A time when everyone feels like partying, hanging out with some friends, basically freak out. And here I was at my home lazing out to an extent where my house maid quizzes me why am I sitting at home and not going anywhere..

In fact I was just spending time with myself, and activity which I follow once in a while. Suddenly I get this urge to head out of home, aimless, without any purpose. Just took out my vehicle and headed for a place called ‘Broken Bridge’. This is one of the most secluded places close to Elliots beach, a place rarely visited by many just because of its isolation. It’s a perfect locale for those interested in photography, the reason being its scenic beauty. This was exactly why even I decided to go there.

Yes, Photography is always something which has always excited me and to an extent I believe I should devote certain amount of time for things that keeps my mood upbeat. I believe if I put a little additional effort towards it, I can actually do a better job of it.. But never devoted that additional time...

I have always been this guy who procrastinates things to an extent where the excitement certainly does down.So here I was on a move to change my perception about myself. A task pretty difficult considering the fact that the person in question is me ! :)

Armed with my digital camera and my ever supporting companion, my IPOD, I reached my destination. It was around 5.40 in the evening, with the sun gradually beginning to resign for the day. The sight was just wonderful. A bridge jutted out towards the sea, which is broken half way, which is why the name, the sun setting down giving an orange shade to the entire sea, the waves making that never ending noise on the shore, as if inviting me towards the sea…

I was surprised to find out that I was enjoying the time with myself. With the IPOD playing one of my favorite tracks (Lift_ Poets of the fall), and the camera lens let lose to capture what ever I felt could make some sense. I didn’t even realize that I had spent close to and hour and a half all by myself at the beach clicking pictures and being with self. I just loved the time I spent away from family, friends, bothering thoughts and other excess baggage in my mind and do something which I actually enjoy. Somehow, this thought came into my mind that I was indeed enjoying a date with myself… J

After reaching back home and retiring to bed, as soon as I closed my eyes, I asked myself “ Was it indeed me?” I am not aware of the answer at present, but would definitely love to do it again..

This was one of the pictures I clicked after the sun had set and the waves were getting a bit rough...

Cheers.. Kash !

Not the usual Sunday…

Well the previous weekend wasn’t a regular kind of chill out weekend. It was more of an action packed Sunday, if put across in the most subtle manner.

The day kicked off with a long ride to the Madras Motor Race track to catch up with the MRF International Motor Challenge 2010. It was an adrenaline pumping session. The race began with the MRF 1600 CC race cars burning rubber (that was the max they could do with their puny little engines). It was fun to watch around 15 cars starting the race with an enormous roar bursting out every little bit of power from the engines. The Local ace Ashwin Sunder ended up winning the race. It was indeed a nail biting finish.

The next session was that of 600 CC superbikes, a race which I have been dying to watch it live. The engine roars of 8 superbikes together on the tarmac was just unbelievable. It was like rock music to my ears. Just to see all the riders decked up in complete riding gear, with souped up rides between their legs and race like there is no tomorrow was an experience of a life time.

Just being a spectator to these superfast cars and bikes had actually charged up my emotions as well. I somehow wanted to race on the track.. So what could the next best option be? Karting.. J Yes.. As soon as the race was over, me and my buddy left for a place called KART ATTACK.. One of the very famous Karting tracks in Chennai. We raced our hearts out during the sessions and it was even more fun as I was completely charged up with the race event in the morning. Some bumper to bumper racing on those karts were really exciting.

Post the racing session, we had plan to celebrate the weekend with a lovely dinner. We headed off to a one of the best Spanish joints in Chennai, Zaras. It was an amazing place to be… An awesome combination of Whiskey Cocktails, Beer, One of the best DJs in town and an amazing company. What more could I have asked for. It was a Funtaastic experience.. ;)

Wait.. The day doesn’t end here. Post the party someone goes – “Hey there is a Sale going on in Levis and the store is open till 12AM. “ Well that was it. All of us headed off to the showroom and for the first time did some shopping at 12 AM and that too when I was off my senses.

All in all it was an activity packed Sunday and I am definitely looking forward for much more Sundays like this one.

Celebration of Freedom !!

A post which has been pending for a really long time. The 3 musketeers are back again. Once again, I present to you Manjunath, Mohit and Ashwin (Yours truly)..

It was 15th August 2009. and this is the way the three of us decided to celebrate our freedom on Independence day. Apparently this date marks the third anniversary of our first ever biking trip to Gopal Swamy Betta.. So We decided, no matter what we will go on a road trip once again!

The rain gods were out with their full fury this time forcing us to rethink our plans for touching Agumbe – Known as the Chirapunji of the south, It rains like crazy there. So we decided to go to Mysore, spend some time there and get back. So as usual on the day of our trip I reached B’lore on a Friday morning (yeah, unfortunately I am still in Chennai). After reaching B’lore the three of us were just discussing about how wonderful Agumbe would be during the Monsoon season. Suddenly Mohit snapped – Guys, let’s head for Agumbe itself. Screw the rains.. It would be fun to ride in the rains…. Manja quickly agreed to the fun part. Both the guys were looking with great expectations at me. I was like – Wad da heck.. Agumbe it is.. Screw the rains…

Over the years loads of things had changed. Manja had exploded to a level where he actually justifies the Spice girls’ song – “ Two Become One” .. Trust me, the guy has actually doubled his size. I had also bloated up from the puny little college guy to a lazy fat IT professional. The only guy who was fit and unchanged was Mohit. If the riders had changed so much, how can the rides remain the same, ryt? Manjunath had graduated from a Unicorn to a Royal Enfield Machismo 500, (may be he actually realized only a beast can carry someone like him). Mohit had graduated from a 100 cc to a 150 cc Pulsar.. And I had undergraduated from a Rocking CBZ to a pillion rider this time.. Sob sob !!

Manja, quickly turned on the GPS on his mobile to come out with a route from B’lore to Agumbe. And the riute was finalized. Bangalore – Chikmanglore Via Hassan. Hassan to Agumbe via Sringeri. Agumbe to Kudremukh. Once the route was finalized we were off..

We were definitely not ready for the Fury of the Rain Gods this time.. We were spared till the time we were out of B’lore city.. We had a lovely lunch and we headed for our first overnight halt, Hassan. On our way to Hassan it started raining. All we could see was just a shade of white and grey in front of us. Every drop was hitting us so hard as if we were being pricked by needles on our faces. It was extremely difficult to ride. The wonderful cruising speeds of 110 + kms had been reduced to 50s and 60s. Even the loud thumping of Manja’s bullet could not be heard in the midst of the showers. We realized that there was no point in halting, so we kept on riding. It was an amazing experience. Finally we reached our first destination- Hassan, all drenched and wet and finally checked into a hotel. We had to hit Agumbe the next day morning.

We started off the next day morning at 7.00 AM sharp and we headed off to the top most point in Agumbe.

We expected the worst in terms of rains, but we were lucky enough that mother nature showed her mercy on us puny little riders. It didn’t rain at all. And we finally reached our destination all high and dry. The view from Agumbe was just breathtaking. The Hills covered with dense dark clouds and the sun struggling its way through the thick dark covering in front of it. The tree leaves where shining with the moisture of the early morning rains.. It was just amazing !

Our next destination was Kudremukh. It was another couple of hours ride from Agumbe to Kudremukh. The ride was again awesome. We had to cross the Kudremukh wild life sanctuary. It was just an awesome feeling. Dense forests on both sides, lovely roads in the centre and an awesome cloud cover to top it all. We had a long ride to the top. Once we reached there, we just could not believe ourselves. It was an view which can blow anyone off their feet ! We just spend as much time as we could to take in the view, Enjoy the weather, take as many pictures as possible etc.

We also had our own share of little adventures in between. The Monsoon had brought out all the leaches and two of them had found their comfortable spots, one on Mohit’s Neck and one on under my leg.

After the lovely experience we headed our way back to B’lore . Three days of complete cut off from the hustle bustle of the city, no tensions, just the rides, nature and a fantastic feeling of independence. I guess the best way to celebrate our Independence. Just hope that in my life get a chance to go on many more such rides again and again…

Cheers
Kash !

At Peace.. !

Originally uploaded by Ashwin!!!

Can you give me a better definition of being at peace other than this picture.

Every time I look at this picture my mind is transported to a complete tranquil phase. All I need to do is just close my eyes, and I can actually feel the chill air of Munnar on my face, which is also ruining my hair style ;) Alryt that wasn't needed, but what the heck !

I feel as though there is no immediate destination that I need to reach.. It feels as though time has come to a halt, as though it is waiting for me to catch up with myself !

I dedicate this post to the Mystique and Beauty of this lake placid..

Cheers..

Kash !

Halong Bay_Nature's Marvel

The one place which actually justifies the statement "Heaven on Earth". Breath taking sceneries, amazingly cold weather, a lovely 2 day cruise through the calm sea, a route filled with unexplored beaches, islands abd caves.. and all this available at just 4 hrs drive through the county side from Hanoi. What more can one ask for?

Well guys thats Halong Bay for you.

Imagine.. 3000 or more incredible Islands rising out of the calm and emrald green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.. and all you have is a vision of breathtaking beauty. Halong bay is a true work of art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn by mother nature's own hands. This place was recognised as a world heritage site in 1994, and is currenlty being considered to be included in the "New 7 wonders of the world".

Actually I was kind of wondering what is this hype around Halong bay. Right from the time I landed in Vietnam, I have been constantly getting to hear that I have to visit this place, else I am missing something in life, This is one must see place in Vietnam and even the New Zealander gal (read my previous post 'Experiences of an oriental World') had told me that she had come all the way to Vietnam to spend a week in Halong Bay. So I had made it a point that no matter what I would definitely visit this place during my short stay in Vietnam.

It was a early saturday morning. Temperature in Hanoi was around 12 degrees and we were off to Halong city. The drive through the country side was just amazing and my tour bus had an amazing blend of crowd. There were guys from China, Austrailia, Spain, Argentina, France and India.. [uhh.. that would be me and my colleague]. A couple of hours later we had reached Halong city, which looked just like a regular crowded port. After spending close to half an hour on formalities like passports,travel passes, tour maps etc, we finally were on the boat. And beleive me, my eyes were actually not ready for the treat they were about to get.

Within just 20 minutes our boat was away from the hustle bustle of the crowded port and we were slowly cruising the the calm sea waters. This place is filled with huge mountains protruding right from the sea water, plus a number of unexplored caves and beaches. I just could not believe that we were actually in aplace like this. Majestic, Mysterious, Inspiring, Imperious... No matter how hard I try, no amount of words can do justice to this wonderful place.

After cruising for close to about 3 hours throught the calm waters, we finally reached the one of the most famous caves here - Hang Dau Go.This is just one of those few caves that have actually been made tourist friendly with proper illumination, walk ways etc. The other not so privileged caves (actually the best caves for adrenaline junkies like me) are peppered through out the lime stone islands of Halong Bay. This was my very first experience inside a cave. The stalacmites were really huge and they were well illuminated to give the visitors a rich feel of the beauty of this place. There were also caves with extremely hostile environments.

Post the visit, we proceeded back towards the boat and had amazing vietnamese food in the boat itself and finally we reached Catba Island by close to 6 PM in the evening. This was our halt for the night. A lovely small little island some 8 hours from Halong city, the place where we started the cruise. I spent the entire evening in this lonely little island with very few tourists. (Most of them spend the night in the boat itslef, without stepping onto land). It was an awesome experience. Away, far away from the maddening crowd, deadlines by bosses, commitments, responsibilities etc. This was the time and place just meant for you to be YOU ! I still remember at one point, I was all alone on the beach late in the night, I was just lying on the Hammock, staring at the star studded sky, cold wind brushing on my face and I just thanked God from the bottom of my heart for bringing me here and I am not ashamed to say that my eyes did moisten up a bit.. :)

The second day had something even better on store. Right from the amazing view of sunrise by the beach to the trekking done at "Monkey Islads", everything was just picture perfect.

All in all, I can understand the excitement and the flutter associated with this place. It truly is a marvellous place and one must find and excuse to visit this place atleast once in her / his lifetime. Gievn a chance I would love to fly there again !!! :)

I am posting a few pics that I had clicked for you to get a feel of this place.. I am deliberately leaving these snaps without any captions as I am sure that your imaginations would describe this place even better... :)

Well, I have just uploaded a few random snaps, but for all of you who are interested to see more can definitely get them at my Picasa web albums...

Cheers..

Kash !