Category Archives: life

Dead?

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The police found her body.
Her body when she was dead.
Who, none did know.
But blood did flow.
Her blood, when she was dead.

The doctor felt her pulse.
Her pulse, which was as dead.
And with a twist
He turned her wrist.
Her wrist, which she had bled.

They called her parents.
Her parents who had fed.
There broke a cry.
Many throats turned dry.
Turned dry, on her death-bed.

Then friends were called.
Her friends; and tears each did shed.
Told when they lived and laughed.
How did this happen instead!
Her death; and why she was dead?

The parents were questioned.
Her parents still filled with shock and dread.
Then friends and familiars, then strangers too.
None of them, no one had a clue.
No clue, what made her bled.
But blood did flow
And so did life.
The life around her.
The life, when she was dead.

                                                                                              – Nandish Malhotra

In Love…Over & Over Again.

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Maybe the fire wasn’t enough

To keep things burning.

And it required just a puff

For which both were yearning.

But my heart wasn’t cold

As I am told

Over & over again.

Maybe you’ll get married

To a rich man, one day.

And I’ll be just another.

If in some gathering

Our eyes meet, yet again…

Or we do cross each other,

I expect to see that familiar touch.

But nothing too much

To attract everyone’s attention.

Nor do I want a mention…

Of the acquaintance we had,

The times we spent

And how we were mad!

In Love…over & over again.

                                                       -Nandish Malhotra

An Innocent Gesture.

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My friends and I often used to dine out on Wednesdays. As a routine habit, we went out that Wednesday too. There we were…the 3 of us seated on a cycle-rickshaw. A discussion was going on about the 2 dazzling sisters from Kashmir. They had recently joined Thapar and were pursuing BCA. And around a hundred boys were pursuing them. Both of them had striking features and it was hard to say who was more beautiful. But the best thing was that they were like ‘Cadbury Dairy Milk Shots’. Whenever one was seen, the other could be spotted right at her side.

“Yaar…samajh ni aata kisko dekhun. Dimaag khraab kar deti hain dono hi! ” said Mohit, for the umpteenth time this week. He was sure that God had answered his prays and sent his lady-luck at the right place, at the right time. It was our final year. We had all the time for wooing girls. Both of us were placed and trying our luck in the wee days left in college. Unlike us, our third companion was well-behaved and never talked about girls. So, I won’t talk about him too.

We had reached close to Heavens restaurant. I asked the rickshaw puller to halt to one side to get my mobile recharged.

I entered the recharge shop and recited my mobile number. I asked him to make the recharge before 9 p.m. and he winked an approval. I gave him a toothy grin and made my way out of his shop. As soon as I pulled the glazed door open a set of beautiful eyes met mine. Her face was fully veiled in her black dupatta. We looked at each other for full 1 second and then I left mesmerized. I overheard her, reciting her number to the shopkeeper and made a mental note.

“Kya dekh rha tha bhai aakhen faad faad ke? ” shouted Mohit.

“Uss ladki ko…abey aankhen bahut sundar hain uski, ” I said turning red.

“Bhai chitkabri hai…haath ni dekhe tune, ” he continued nonchalantly.

I hopped back on the rickshaw without responding. I had noticed the girl’s mother waiting right behind us on her scooter. Besides this, something told me that both the girl and her mother had heard Mohit’s comment. I wanted to disappear out of sight and asked the rickshaw puller to paddle fast.

“Preety…chaliye, ” suggested her mom.

“Hanji Mumma aaii, ” Preety answered respectfully.

***

It was 12 o’clock and I still couldn’t sleep. It was not the cream chicken which was keeping me awake. It was something else. I can’t sleep with a troubled mind. I felt guilty of making Preety and her mom feel horrible that evening. 9888****** the number was still fresh in my memory. Without giving a second thought I touched my keypad multiple times and dialled a message.

I tapped on the ‘Send’ option and hid in my blanket. I was afraid, I don’t know why. After 1 long minute, I heard a buzz on my mobile.

‘Thanks a lot. No one has ever appreciated me before!’ was her reply. I scrolled up to read my message.

‘Preety you have the darkest and prettiest pair of eyes I have ever seen (boy at the recharge shop, our eyes met at the shop entrance…8 p.m.).’

Excited at the quick response, I decided to send another message.

“No buddy…it is wrong.” said my inner voice. I had no option but to listen. I always listen to what my heart says. Rolling up my blanket once again, I closed my eyes. There was a serene smile on my face and I dreamed and slept in contentment.

Why So Curious?

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Hi Parents and Parents to be!

One parenting tip – Don’t ever…ever and never kill the curiosity of your child. That’s it. Read on.

I had always been an average kid with high levels of curiosity. Most of my under-ten-year-old time was spent observing nature, questioning it and staying confused for days together. A frail, little boy with dark, skinny knees. That would be an adequate description of me, 12 years back. Post the school hours, I would often be spotted sitting in the garden, bending to take a closer look at the ants. I would supply them with crumbs of food waste or even finger nails and would see where they would take it. Magnifying glass was a possession which I truly treasured. Once I scraped glue-like substance oozing from our mango tree, took one dry mango leaf from the same and applied glue to one half. Focussing light on both halves one after another, I gloated over simple findings. Toy car motors were another fascination! Pieces of curved plastic acted as drill bits. The assembly of both created the perfect mini drill machine. During all this, my dog watched over…uninterested. He was sure that I was as dumb as he was. The only difference was in thrill levels. He had the upper hand on each occasion. I feel very proud when I slate down the following. He killed many birds, chameleons, rats and squirrels. Occasionally he entrapped mongooses too. Once he also pawed a cat. Luckily, he left all bodies for post mortem, as it is. He waited for his master to come and pat him for providing ‘fresh’ test objects. I specifically say fresh because they didn’t stink. Together we used to examine all the body parts. I used to start from the eyes, pull the cheeks to make out the teeth pattern. Next we poked and peeped into the ears and nose. The modifications of each test animal were juxtaposed against our own sense organs and body parts. In certain cases, they matched more with mine than his. Nails/claws and paws were the last activity on the list. Then I would happily dispose of the poor animal before my mom would get angry at me.

I would gather ice cubes from the refrigerator and place them on top of ants- those big, black ones. They would squeeze under the weight and after a minutes time, lock into a position. Even after lifting the ice cube, they would remain still. After another minute or so, they would be up and moving as if nothing happened. This experiment taught me 2 things- one, they were cold-blooded, two, they could manage 100 times their own weight on top of them. Many a time, my mom left me alone at home. I liked solitude too. We have this almirah at home with mirrors at all 3 sides and top. I would press my face against the mirror and stare deep into my eyes. Within 3-4 minutes I could see planets and the entire solar system. Geography was new as a subject in class 3 and the middle plastic page in the book binding was that of the planets. This was surely an after effect of over imagination.

Forest Research Institute was close by. We used to go there to play cricket, table tennis and badminton. On my way, I pocketed everything which caught my attention. It could be a simple pebble, a bird’s feather, flower buds…anything. We didn’t have google to kill the curiosity. I would ponder over the collected object for hours sometimes. Another fact, I didn’t have a mobile phone till 1st year of college so obviously ‘hard’ copies were required. Now I click photos of the latter. My dad had brought home a nice pair of binoculars from the ship. In summer vacations, I liked bird watching. Our neighbouring doctor has huge 40 ft tall trees where queer birds come at early hours of the day. Now I watch birds without feathers. Use of binoculars would now seem too rude and make me conspicuous.

I spent most of my childhood in confusion and awe. I didn’t understand things easily, didn’t google much and most of my teachers thought me to be bemused most of the time. With age and passing classes, I started getting answers in Biology and Environment classes. I liked both my teachers. No one bothered to watch me over, no one called me inside, when I was in my garden outside. My brother was rarely interested. He was always smarter and thought these activities to be frivolous or ‘faltu’. I used to ask him questions at night, from my study and observations. Sometimes I got the answer, sometimes not. I always kept myself in the company of seniors; bug them with my impertinent questions. They would get bored or tired of my doubts and shoo me away too sometimes. But then on the other hand, I always had my dog, the patient assistant and accomplice. He didn’t disturb me while working/examining and maintained perfect silence. Probably he wished to see me grow smarter than him, and here I am. His wish does seem to have come true! Hahahaha.

Man created God.

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No tree bends its branches in reverence,

No bird does a salute, throw.

Then why YOU O MAN!

Kneel…ring bells…fold hands

Do things, you little know.

For God is self-created;

Why YOU put up such a show?

– Nandish Malhotra

Hi friends!

I want this post to be an interactive debate between the ones who believe that it is Man Who created God…v/s the people who think just the opposite. Certain key areas which you might be keen to comment on:-

  • What made you believe that God exists?
  • What is a miracle?
  • How do you relate to God?
  • How does God relate to you?
  • Whom do trees, birds and animals worship?
  • Why doesn’t a baby pray (or do similar activities) to God?
  • How does God help you in difficult times?
  • God v/s Parents whom do you love/trust more?
  • Why should we pray to God?

Hey! This list isn’t comprehensive at all! If you don’t have an answer to any of the above questions or have that skeptical feeling while answering…NO WORRIES! Feel free to post your own question…let’s see what others have to say about it!

 

 

The concept of magnitude. AND/OR (The signs do not matter.)

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Hi friends,

I had prepared this post some days back but was a bit hesitant to post it. I had my doubts regarding this post. And before you read it, I would like to tell you that it would appeal only to a small section of people.

Over some 4 or 5 years, I have had a realization. We Indians, always have a binary way of looking at things; the good and the bad, right and wrong and so on. From our very childhood, we are taught what is sahi and what is galat. Hence till the end of our teenage or even till the end of life, a dual perspective to any object or situation becomes an inherent trait.

Thankfully, of late I have got rid of this bi-fold classification and only concentrate on the magnitude aspect of both. What I mean to say is that ‘+10’ and ‘-10’ are equal in all aspects to me. The modulus or the potential of both is the same.

I have come to this conclusion after a number of observations and personal experiences which I am now going to share in this post.

Why I would love to make you, my enemy?

Let us imagine you are in a fix. There are 3 people whom you can ask for help.

A- A common friend.

B- A stranger.

C- An enemy/fierce competitor.

Now, you are in desperate need of help and your helper would have to undertake a huge risk or discomfort. Who will definitely help you out?

A- Less than 50% probability.

B- Less than 25% probability.

C- More than 50% probability.

Reasons: Expect a half-hearted response from your “common” friend ‘A’. Unless he’s your best buddy he definitely won’t take the risk.

The stranger ‘B’ would be indisposed to take any action at all UNLESS you are an attractive woman and he’s a man.

Let’s focus on ‘C’- he would immediately rush to your help depending on the magnitude of animosity between you 2 guys. I assume that you would be most polite while asking for help (considering the situation), if you don’t it is YOUR ego problem.

Some random examples spanned over different times, categories etc.

To understand this concept I would like you to brain-storm over these sightings listed below. In all the sited instances, you are required to specially focus on 2 things:-

1. The constant magnitude OR potential of a person or personality trait.

2. The unimportant and ever flickering sign or nature of the same as in 1.

 Let’s start with Raavan from our Hindu mythology. He was a great pundit. Then suddenly he became the greatest king of rakshasas.

Lucifer, the brightest angel fell too! He became Satan- the greatest devil in hell.

Macbeth, the most faithful soldier to a king turned a complete 180 degrees.

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Rajat Gupta, IIT Delhi-Harvard Business School Alumnus, acknowledged as a generous philanthropist by Bill Gates himself, suddenly lands up in jail for conspiracy and securities fraud.

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Munna bhai! Involved in 1993 Mumbai blasts; is now spreading Gandhigiri in Yerwada jail.

Sallu bhai! How he has suddenly started ‘Being Human’! We all know his past records; I don’t need to highlight them.

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Natalie Portman(Black Swan)-“ A ballet dancer wins the lead in “Swan Lake” and is perfect for the role of the delicate White Swan – Princess Odette – but slowly loses her mind as she becomes more and more like Odile, the Black Swan.”  // Source-imdb.com

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Spiderman 3- Good Spider-Man turns Black Spider-Man.

Beauty and the Beast-Beast transforms into prince.

I have now listed numerous examples for you to ponder over. This post would definitely have a sequel; the realization is yet to be shared. For the time being, re-think over these examples over a cup of coffee or during the 15-min breaks at office or college.

I will be back with the continuing post in some time. Till then…

Respect the magnitude and forget the sign!

If you have any similar experience or thought to share, feel free to post below.

Happy Gandhi Jayanti.

Delhi and now Mumbai!

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Hi guys,


With due disrespect, derision and disregard to any and every difference between you and me…I am Nandu and pay the highest honour/reverence to you my readers.

I had created my blog some 3-4 years back. I did write some articles, reconsidered them, rewrote them and in the process realised that I hadn’t matured enough. Hence, did not publish or post them. My opinion was biased, self-centred and did not give a broad perspective to the situation.

Over these years I have kind of matured a bit I guess…I don’t follow any religion except humanity. In fact, I mock the very concept of religion. It is like a chain, a classification that prevents you from being a part of the bigger picture. And I want to be an international citizen, period.


Last year in the middle of the closing month we all got to hear some terrible news which ruined our Christmas and the New Year celebrations as well. Although we are more than halfway through the next year the problem has still stuck to us like chewing gum. I think the problem is deep rooted now.

One of my sisters was raped on 16th Dec 2012…and the other on 22nd August and didn’t we all just celebrate Rakshabandhan on the 21st of this month. Hardly one day post we get to hear this shocking news. Did all the brotherly feelings dissipate overnight? Why do we even celebrate Rakshabandhan? What’s the use of tying a stupid vow of protection around your wrist.*Whateveryournameis*, you bloody juvenile, immature beast! Answer me… did you hold her with your Rakhi tied wrist? And can there be a bigger shame than this?

Sorry to leave this midway…but between these 2 incidents I had read some news about some ministers watching porn in Parliament and then in some State Legislative House as well…I won’t like to highlight it because yes I am afraid of them(and so is Mr. Chetan Bhagat)…but tell me seriously…is watching porn so very important that even when country’s or a particular state’s matters are being discussed you are so not interested…my dear friends why do you even sit there…we definitely don’t need you…

Going on…I don’t need to discuss these problems…you can very well read about them in news or the net just like I did. What I want from you all is to come up with the reason WHY IS THIS HAPPENING and the solution to correct it…HOW IT CAN BE STOPPED…

I know 1 thing for sure that my fellow brothers are not that ruthless that they’ll exploit women and the country at large…where is the mistake? What’s amiss?

Is it your/our sexual needs?

In my 5th semester of college I read about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs…Just scroll down below and have a quick look…


It does make sense…

Sex as a subject or topic is tacitly taboo in our society. Ok I know we can’t discuss it with our parents…but why do we feel shy discussing it with our cousins or siblings who are mature enough to talk about it…

Diverting totally from the topic, let us have a look at this development. We Indians are known to be the writers of Kama Sutra…we had practised it; we were the experts at it. But what happened in the interim…they saw they learned they conquered??? Yes those naughtyamericans! I don’t think so…if we were best at this (at some point of time) why not let our women be exploited this way rather than being raped for free…and mercilessly…but NO! Our porn-watching-sexually-deprived government won’t allow it…although many of them may illicitly involve in post-meeting debauchery. (No wonder why they have a prolonged potency.)

One of my close friends pointed out to the fact that if prostitution is legalised then almost every 3rd women would resort to it…making the State practically a brothel. Honestly I don’t think so…I maybe wrong…

But on the other side there may be incidents of human trafficking akin to Estonia and other north European nations…because we have both the mafia and the inadequate security to breed such a crime…and I forgot foreign tourists too! They already have to suffer through a lot of groping and staring…I guess this is the only thing missing to make India a complete dystopia, a no women’s land…YEY! Let’s do it…;)

I haven’t travelled to many places or many cities but enough to observe the fact that many orphaned girls are exploited not once but throughout their lives for sexual gratification. If they get money for being eaten (sexually exploited) at least they would also get a chance to feed on something…I mean FOOD…

Half of my college mates who are graduates now…and have the busiest of schedules talk about women and sex and how to get them…the remaining time that is 12-15 hours they are either coding at Twitter, Facebook, Amazon and the likes or spending hours at making presentations at the IIMs…and some lesser beings like me are trying to identify what business to open in India…but still we are all very busy…including me and you (I know it’s very funny…ha ha ha ha)…

I don’t know what’s happening on the other gender’s side…my guess it’s roughly the same story…

With so much of stress and neck-breaking work…we definitely do get exhausted…

From nursery to class 12th to competitive exams to college to job, one of our needs gets murdered. Scroll upwards and see the 3rd,4th and 5th level of the table. Yes you got it right!…seem the odd ones out don’t they…


Thanks for going through my first post, if you liked it please post a question/answer/thought or personal experience (relevant to topic please…:P). Just to get things started I am posting my own.  


QUESTION-
At the age of 4 I learned cycling at 10 swimming at 11 table tennis at 18 mind mapping at 19 drums at 20 skiing and the list goes on…but throughout my teenage I always had one doubt. What’s the ideal age to have sex…so that it doesn’t become a sort of great mystery to me…or its curiosity doesn’t infect me like a disease…all of us want to do something that the others have done or experienced…why should we be left out?