"Oye Shaava" - Church street, Bangalore

It was Sunday and our cook didn’t turn up. There was a ray of hope for dinner in Subhra, he had to give his birthday treat. He called at 7 and we were ready to leave by 8. The venue was not yet decided. We thought of going to a nearby place, but he asserted on going to some place, which we have not yet tried. Then be it, who can say no to the host.

Oye Amritsar was one restaurant, which we had heard of with high praise. We got packed in Subhra’s car and left for MG Road. Oye Amritsar is on 3rd floor in Church Street. It serves North Indian food made typically Punjabi style. One unique thing that is available there is Sarson-da-Saag (vegetable made from spinach and mustard leaves). Cruising through Bangalore’s traffic we reached Brigade road within 1.5 hr. We parked the car and strolled our way to the restaurant. As we entered the 3rd story restaurant, disappointment encountered us in the form of no vacancy. The manager asked for 30 – 40 minutes but we didn’t have the patience to wait. He then recommended us to the restaurant just below and told us that the kitchen was common for both so we can savor the same food there. As we entered “Oye shaava” it was nothing like “Oye Amritsar”. While the latter had an ambience of a truck with all the slogans written around, the former was more of a refined dining place with a look of a continental restaurant. There was a bar on the side and enough space to eat. We took a six-seated table and made ourselves comfortable. The waiters were made to wear a sort of dummy patkas to represent Punjab. Had they spoken in Punjabi, would have been a real joy. It was an exclusive dinner treat so we just had a look at the bar menu. It looked decent with nearly everything available.
The onus of ordering was on me this time. Though it didn’t mean anything but the reason for this shift was cause I am from Punjab. We ordered a tandoori chicken, alu tikki for vegetarians and another dry Afghani style chicken as starters and chicken shorba. The dishes were named after various cities of Punjab and the names had a touch of Punjabi e.g. chicken was referred as kukad. The food was awesome till now. Chicken was properly roasted with the perfect combination of spices. The tikki too was good. The shorba was very different from the general chicken soup and was more like the gravy chicken we prepare at home and was very spicy.
For the main course, everyone decided on vegetarian diet and I was again asked to pick something peculiar of the state, which we can’t get elsewhere. The obvious choice was Sarson-da-Saag but I was very skeptical as I had never ever had good saag in a restaurant. Nevertheless I ordered, along with makki di roti (chapatti made from gram flour) and a glass of lassi for all. To be true, it was the best saag I ever had in any restaurant. Though it was nowhere in comparison to the one you get at home but still it was quite close to it. The chapatti was also soft and cooked properly. There were just a couple of things missing with the saag, like a radish salad and white home made butter. They would have added the real Punjabi touch to the food. The lassi was a real icing on the cake. It had a little malai on the top and had a touch of rosewater.
With stomachs filled till the brim and wishes for Subhra for his treat we left the restaurant for home. To sum I believe it was the best Punjabi food I had in my 4 years outside Punjab.

Coming on to the rating business for analytical minds to judge on the restaurant, I’ll say (on a scale of 10)
Ambience – 8
Taste – 8
Value for Money – 8

Goa Trip 1st - 4th Oct.... The Not so Good Not so Bad

The trip before this was also to a Beach side. There was no logic in taking another trip to seashore, but emotions defy all logics and so it happened. I had been planning to go to Goa since college days. All plans were cancelled due to varied reasons and I was never able to visit Goa. It was our last night at Shiroda when Sonal had called to wish Mayank on his B’day. She had missed the last two trips and was quite eager to join us for the next one. We placed the onus on her to decide for the trip and she came up with Goa. We had already planned for a bike trip to Coorg (A small hillstation near mysore). Being Sonal’s wish, there was no chance of it going unaccepted. We forgot about Coorg and started to book for Goa.

Eleven of us were willing to go but as always there were some problems and we were reduced to nine. Saket sir and Shilpi were not able to join cause of Bhabi’s exams. We knew they will be missed but we went forward with the plan hoping something will get chalked out. We thought of a long weekend and finalized the one with 2nd Oct holiday. Though it was a dry day so we planned to reach Goa by 1st Oct and pile our stock for the next day. Tickets were booked and 8 of us (Sonal, Mayank, Praphulla, Bhaskar, Ravi, Ashok, Sushmita and me) left on the night of 30th Sept. Tanmay was the one who couldn’t join due to some unavoidable circumstances. The journey was planned by train so as to witness a rare waterfall on the way.

We boarded the train at 9:15 pm and reached Londa by 9:00 next morning. There was a halt of around 2 hours till the next train to Madgaon. Four of us left to arrange for some breakfast in the city. Londa is a small place, not at all famous. The only thing is that the trains engine gets changed here as there is no electric line from here onwards. For some it is also a changeover place from train to road. Taxi’s can be seen lined up outside for Goa. Being a small place there were only a couple of restaurants and we chose one. To taste the food we ordered a plate of poori and some upma. Upma was good, but the sabji for poori had a hint of kokam. This was quite common in the Konkan and nearby regions. We got some packed for the others waiting at the station.

Indian railways trademark for getting late was witnessed here also. The train was around 3 hrs late. This time there was another blunder by the railways. There was no announcement for the train which we were to board. To enquire we headed to the enquiry room. The person there said that there is no such train that comes to Londa junction. With a Indain railways ticket in hand we stood there in a sense of shock. There was a train waiting at the platform for Madgaon but it wasn’t our train. We left the enquiry counter and went to the ticket reservation counter. He told us that the train waiting at the platform is the same. There is some problem with the train number mentioned on the ticket. Some place back, two trains join and leave for Madgaon and the train no. with us was of the one joined at the previous station. We ran on the double to catch the train, called ashok to load all the bags in whichever bogie he gets. Before we could reach the platform, the train started. It was a near miss. Somehow we got together in the train and searched for our place. We started passing our time playing cards amid loud squeals from the neighboring place. They were overly excited about reaching Goa, as it was evident from their enthusiasm while the train passed through the tunnels. The journey to Madgaon was of 3 hrs, including a peek to a beautiful waterfall, The “Dhudhsagar falls”. We reached Madgaon and were welcomed by the rain god himself. We took a cab from there to our resort at Calangute beach. It was another one hr journey. Reaching the resort, we dumped our clothes in the rooms, changed to some comfortable clothing and headed for the beach restaurant. The resort was on the beach side, with a beach side restaurant and bar. The rooms were comfortable with a view of nature. We had some food and a couple of drinks to quench our thirst and hunger. Then we headed to the market outside to fill our quota for the next day. Came back with hands loaded with all type of beverages, ranging from whisky, vodka, beer, fenny to breezers. Night we stayed in our rooms as it was raining and had some drinks. The only time pass we had were cards and the only game we could think of was gambling. The night went on with drinks, cards and some unheard and some frequently heard stories (they are quintessential after some drinks).

We woke up next morning to a continuous shower of rain. That couldn’t stop us from going to the beach. Though we were not really able to have a morning walk at the beach but being there in the morning is always calming. Had our breakfast and waited for our rented bikes to come. In the meantime we all plunged into the resort pool, as that was the only accessible place (Sea was out of bound due to rain). The only good news of the morning was that Nandi was coming to Goa with his bunch of friends and was to stay at our resort. Finally our bikes arrived, we had a standard Enfield 500 cc for Bullet fans, 2 FZ and a Bajaj Avenger. It was drizzling when we took off to see the Aguara fort. The whole day it rained while we visited the fort, and the Taj resort. Next we headed for Panaji, the capital of Goa. There are a couple of world heritage churches from the 17th century. On the way the bullet stopped and resisted to start. We knew it was game over and we had to call the day. All attempts to start it proved futile. Finally we left it with the bike owner and returned to the resort to call it a day. The night went in drinking.

Next morning we woke up with another bike at our disposal. This time there was no Bullet and we had to be content with another Avenger. As usual it was raining and we jumped into the pool after the breakfast. In the afternoon we left on our bikes and reached a beach side restaurant for lunch. The sea food loving gang had Crabs, fish, jelly fish while were content with chicken and egg. The food was great and the place was also awesome. While moving out we noticed a Hukka shop and we couldn’t refrain ourselves from purchasing it. With all the flavours and accessories required we got it packed. The day was a little good today with little drizzle. We headed for the world heritage churches. The place was great and very soothing. We left from there for Panji, to have a glimpse of the city. After passing through some tainted policemen we reached 18th june road. Roamed around there for an hour and then headed back to the resort. We had planned to visit a Casino and a Disc today. Got a little late and so had to shed off the Casino plan, but left for Tito’s, a disc on baga beach. It had an amazing crowd and a wonderful DJ. After dancing till around 1, we left for the resort. It was planned that today we going to drink till we pass off or till its morning. We collected our quota of booze and got our food packed. First thing to open up was Tequilla. After a few shots some people also started to open up. Then next was the turn of Fenny, the local liquor of Goa. Fenny drinking brought out some talent and it was fully recorded. Now we started searching for the leftovers of the previous day. A quarter bottle of whisky was emptied, then some cans of beer. Some were having wine and so we mixed both wine and beer. Now when nothing was left, we found some breezers. They were also emptied in no time. After this the real party began, with stories and funda’s flowing out of all. By morning every one had passed off except Nandi and me. We went our for a little walk on the beach. It was 8 in the morning when finally we slept and woke up at 10 as we had to check out of the hotel. Every one was tired and it showed on everyone’s face. We checked out, took a cab and left for Madgaon. Boarded our train to Londa, got our dinner packed and boarded our next train to Bangalore. The tiredness had taken over everyone and so all lay sleeping on their seats.

The morning brought us back to realm and we were ready to be back to office by 11:00. Though the body was in the office but our minds wondered on the beaches of Goa and we all knew it would take another week to get past this hangover.

Footprints...... etchings on my heart

Recently I visited Goa. Its not that I hadn’t been to a beach before, but this time I noticed something.

I was strolling along the beach one evening. We were 8 in all, but deep down I was unaccompanied. Moving towards the sea, I stopped just where the waves ended in a fatal attempt to reach the shore. With every wave I felt it trying coming to me, but somehow the effort was not hard enough. It came nearer and nearer and after some attempts, died altogether. Then again gathered courage and started its journey towards the unachievable. The moon/sun gravity pulls helping sometime while other time discouraging. I couldn’t bear the brunt anymore and so thought of moving, just to touch the dying wave. The calmness it offered me was enough an indication how content we felt in each other’s arms. We were happy cuddling each other, when something played spoilsport, either the gravity pull or the other waves. I beleive it was the other waves. The water started to recede and move away from me at an unimaginable speed. Before I could do something, it had left me. I had nothing but feet deep inside the sand. When I moved back, I could see the footprints. The more effort I had put to keep the wave stay longer, the deeper were the impressions. I knew only a new wave can fill the void, but I guess it was time for a low tide. The shore was left with impressions of my feet on the wet sand. What I had was only the moistness. I made up my mind, never again to put my feet in those lurking waves. I walked along the shore, maintaining enough distance. As I walked over the sand, footprints were left behind. The waves sometime were just able to touch them after I had moved ahead.

There is no fear of loosing now. The sand is all marked with my footprints, some touching the waves while others far away. I no longer dread the embedded marks with moistness. I no longer want that togetherness. I no longer try moving close to the waves.

Lehar

Lehrein uthti hui aage badhi
Maano mere ehsaason ka tufaan samaa gaya ho unme
Maine bhi apne paer jamaye
Aur saamna karne ko tyar ho gaya
Paani ke chute he tere hone ka ehsaas zinda hua
Wohi sukoon mila jo kabhi teri aaghosh me milta tha
Mai abhi un yaadon ke bhanwar se nikla bhi nahi tha
Ke pairon tale se zameen khisakne lagi
Dekhte he dekhte lehar teri tarah mujhse door ho gayi
Aur dil ki ret pe ek khala reh gaya

Triveni

An effort.....

aasman pe ghatayen chhayi hai jo aaj
teri yaad ki tarah musalsal barsi hai barsaat

namkeen ho gaya hai barsaat ka paani

----------------------------------------------
ek purane khat ke khulte he
tamaam guzre pal zinda ho gaye

hoton pe hasi aur ankhon me nami bhar gaye

coffee

Ghar ke saamne se jo badi sadak jaaati thi
Usi ke ek mod par, choti si coffee ki dukaan thi

Kayi shaame bitayi hain humne wahan

Shakkar cup me ghole bin
Cheen leti thi mujhse
Meethi jhaag uspe se chat kar jaati
Aur pheeki coffee mere hisse chhod deti
Us pheekepan me magar
ek ajab sa sawad bhar jaata tha
uske hoton ka zayeka tha wo

Ek baar ruthi bhi thi wo,
Ab se pehle ek he baar
Yaad nahi kis baat pe, zaahir hai
Maine he kuch bol diya hoga
Uske paas ki dukaan se ek guldaste me
Uske pasand ke phool dalwaye they

aaj usi dukaan me
ek guldaste me kuch phool sajaye
coffee me shakkar dale
ek nazar, darwaaze ki taraf
tak-taki lagaye baithi hai

intezar me hai ke wo aaye
un phoolon ke sadke he maan jaye
coffee me se meetha ark churaale
aur apne hoton ka pheekapan bhar de

Roomali with a view - Marathahalli, Bangalore

Our quest for good food and a treat from anyone among us took us to a roof top restaurant on outer ring road. “Roomali” is a north Indian restaurant that serves buffet dinner. It was Friday and Praphulla had bought a set of speakers for his laptop. This was a big enough occasion for all of us to enjoy with a dinner. So me, Mayank, Praphulla, Saket and Shilpi went on to try this new place. We had heard a little about this place, but we were still skeptical.
Though it was a roof top restaurant, still wasn’t really open. The lower part was covered and there was some place on the terrace too, but reserved for a party. We had to be content with a seat in a corner, without the view of the road. The interiors had a look of royalty, giving a feel of Rajasthan. As we took an inspecting look into the restaurant, it struck our mind to have dal bhaati churma. We looked in surprise as it was in the menu.

To start with, jal jeera was served. Then we went on a rampage to monitor and decide on the dinner. Apart from the soup, there was a veg and non-veg starter, dal bhaati churma, chhole, palak paneer, dal, rice and jalebi, phirni and ice cream in dessert. The meal looked promising. I usually don’t try soup, as I believe if we have it just before dinner, it kills the appetite instead of building it. As per others, the shorba was good. The tikki in veg starter and chicken kali mirch in non-veg were too good. After fulfilling the desires for chicken, we moved to dal bhaati churma. The specialty about this Rajasthani delicacy is that if any one of the three contents is not made proper, the whole taste is lost. To our surprise, all three were near to perfection. The dal tasted good, bhaati was soft and was cooked till the core with ghee mixed in the dough. The churma was fine and perfectly roasted. There was ghee to mix and enjoy it in the real state. After having this much, the need for main course was nearly over. The main coarse dishes were good but the paneer was disappointing, quite like any place in Bangalore. I have not tasted soft paneer in Bangalore till date. After the dinner it was turn for some desserts. As jalebi was present, so ice cream was neglected and stomachs were filled to contentment. We had filled ourselves up to the brim and so needed some paan to end the party. It seemed like our wishes were coming true, the next thing that came with the bill was paan.

After having a stomach full of good food and paying just 199 per person, we moved to CCD to have a cup of coffee.

Coming on to the rating business for analytical minds to judge on the restaurant, i’ll say (on a scale of 10)

Ambience – 9

Taste – 9

Value for Money – 9

Trip to South Maharashtra - Shiroda - Day 3 till the end

The morning on the beach sent us for a walk. I had always imagined myself taking a long walk on the beach alongside my special one. This was the correct time though the person that accompanied wasn’t that special one. It was Bhaskar. On the way we came across many small holes dug on the shore. These were crab hideouts. We collected a variety of shells and also had a sight of some rare jellyfish. Wondering along, we went a long distance. After some time, Mayank, Praphulla and Prashant also caught up with us.

While returning something struck us, and the next moment we were peeping into the crab holes. We found a big one with white cutting claws and thought of catching it. Arrangements were made to capture the breakfast. A water bottle was cut from the neck, a cloth was found and some sticks were collected to dig. After some attempts and a ferocious attack by the crab, we managed to catch one. A full video was shot of the experience. This was just the starting. It was like the lions had tasted blood, and now they wanted more. We caught another one, this even bigger in size. After carefully covering the bottle we returned back with our prized possessions. On the way we encountered a snake too, but it ran away and disappeared. The enthusiasm after catching the crabs was so high that some wanted to catch the snake too. They were cooled down and made to leave the place. By the time we got ready, breakfast was served. After a stomach full we moved to our next destination.

The next place “Shiroda” was not a part of the plan. It is also a beach, so we had thought of skipping it in our initial plans. The previous day Prashant did something for which we are thankful to him. He made us change the plan. Within a few minutes we had canceled the booking and were headed towards another beach. The distance was around 65 km along the foothills with a river on one side and greenery all over. After a 1.5 hour drive we reached Shiroda. On the way we also had a look at the Vengurla harbor. The view was from a good distance, but it was spectacular. The whole of the small place could be seen with a backdrop of sea. Covered with Mountains on all 3 sides and one side with water, it was like a beautiful prison. If it were cut from road from all side, for me it would have been the best place for vacations.

We had booked a sea side resort, “Dolphin Resort”. Taking our inventory of fuel (vodka, not petrol) for the evening, we reached the resort by noon. It was located right on the shore. We booked a hut and 2 rooms and straight away went to the beech. The sand was beautiful, light brown in color without a hint of blackness. The see was shallow, but rough. The best part was, that within site there was no one other than us. We sat there with a couple of beers and enjoyed the serenity of the place. Had a little ussal pao for lunch and then came back to the shore. By evening we were inside the water. It was shallow up to a long distance. The resort people had instructed not to go far as there were some sudden depths and the pull was strong. Apart from us, that deep there was a small group of some elderly people. After enjoying in the water and a game of cricket on the shore we settled on the shore.

By evening, we had ordered some chakhna, beers, water and cold drinks. The sun had set and it was almost dark, with only a shade of light from the resort, which was struggling to reach us. The only thing that was evident was our chitchat and the sound of waves against the shore. The beer vodka cocktail again hit hard and proved to be a revealing medicine. Discussions ranged from life experiences to ghazals to poetry to college to affairs and anything and everything. By now everyone was hungry, so we moved for the dinner. The best part was that our table was place near a group of 6 50+ friends. We remembered them to be the ones in water with us. They had a bottle of JW black label between them and were chatting in Marathi. I couldn’t control myself and went forward with saket (He speaks marathi) to talk to them. It was joyous and motivating to know that they have been friends for 35 years and for the last 10 years they have been meeting there in every monsoon. It was a friendship to die for and we were honored to be witness to their get together. We all promised this to ourselves, to try to be like them.

There were some evident misses, not only in the night at the beach but the whole trip. The big one was the absence of Sonal, Elzi, Prashant and Tanmay. No long were we thinking of how Sonal had missed the trip, a call came from a place far far away to wish Mayank on his B’day. It was Sonal and everyone swore that she gonna live long. It was midnight and we all dispersed to take some rest. It was the last night of the trip (next one was spent in the bus), so with damped memories in eyes we retired for the day.

The next morning we packed our bags and gathered to leave. The sadness was evident from the laziness. We left for Hubli before noon. On the way we stopped to bid adieu to the Amboli falls. Next there were some 2 spots to be covered, before we could end our trip. We went to see the ugam of Hiranayakeshi River. There wasn’t much to see as there was a small temple and water was coming through a small cave. While returning, Saket became very uncomfortable. Though there were many places on the way but he insisted on going to a petrol bunk. We were skeptical if we’ll find any facility there so instead we headed towards a restaurant. Saket took a breath of respite and we had our lunch there. After lunch we headed for Kavalesad point. There was a deep valley closed from 3 sides and we were on top of a mountain. There were waterfalls everywhere, some small while others big, but all flowing deep into the valley. It was a beautiful view. One interesting thing was that if we tried to throw an empty bottle of water into the valley, it came back. It sounded like saying, “Please do not litter”. It had started drizzling by then. We had tea in a hut shop and after clicking some more pics left for Belgaum.

To end the trip on a sweet note, we went into a sweet shop in Belgaum to have kardant, a native sweet of north Karnataka made from ghee and a lot of dry fruits. We tasted all the sweets strange to us at the shop and left after getting some packed. After dropping Prashant at his place we headed for Hubli. The train tickets were not yet confirmed so we decided to go by bus. Being Sunday, all busses were packed. Finally we got into some bus, and it made us understand the importance of pre-emptive booking. The ride was a nightmare. I don’t want to mention the details, as I don’t want to end this on a sad note. We reached Bangalore by 7 in the morning and were back to office by afternoon.

The trip left an everlasting experience and it took us around a week to get out of the hangover.

Trip to South Maharashtra - Malvan - Day 2

The morning was lazy. I woke up at around 8 to find that everyone was up. The surrounding was covered with thick fog and a chilling wave was flowing. It felt like a January morning in north. No Friday morning has been so wonderful ever before. While everyone was getting ready we ordered for breakfast, from the list of readily available things Poha and Upit (Upma) were selected. After having a hefty breakfast and checking out, we were ready for the next stop. This was about to be different. After a night in the foggy hills, we were all set to move near the sea. The plan was to stay at Malvan for a night and enjoy the beach. One more reason for moving to the beach the very next day was Mayanks B’day. He had this wish of celebrating it on the seashore.

The distance by road was about 81 km, moving along the Amboli ghat and slowly sliding down to the western side of the Western Ghats. The road was curvy as a snake. Bhaskar fell pray to motion sickness and we had some breaks throughout the journey. On the way we found a place by the road. A small stream from some river was flowing through the rocks. Everyone enjoyed some moments on the bank, some taking photographs in different poses and others enjoying the serenity. We moved straight to the Malvan beach to go to the Janjira fort in a small village, Murud. The fort has a reputation of being the only undefeated fort in the western coast of India. The fort is in the sea, around 500 m from the shore. Due to the monsoon season, government authorities had seized any transportation to the fort. This was a real heartbreaker. We just had a good look at it wit sad eyes, had some bhel puri at the coast and left for our nights stay at malvan, Sri Sai Gajanan Resort.

It was some distance from Malvan. We drove through a series of resorts, all named after one God or the other till we reached our destination. It was a small resort with rooms in pairs scattered around. The other side of the road was backwaters, where some fishermen were busy with their business. We settled, and went to the manager to know about the place. We needed some seclusion at the beach and also a place where we can spend the midnight. Just at the back of the resort was a good and sort of secluded beach, Tarkarli Beach, as it was called. We got ready, took our clothes, packed some bottles of beer and left for the beach. The water was clear, but the sand had a sight of blackness. Anyhow, we lifted a bottle each and moved to the water. Just a little into the sea and we felt something poking in out feet. They were seashells, scattered all around. We gathered some and sat near the shore, in the water and enjoyed our beer. Suddenly it struck us, why don’t we bury one among us on the shore. The thought passed and the next thing we were digging up the sand. A perfect 6 x 3 bed was made, Praphulla volunteered to go in and he was covered with sand. Only his head was out and beer was poured into his mouth. Now the artistic minds started showing off. Using the sand, Praphulla was transformed into a mermaid. To be specific, a mermaid sporting the organs of both male and female. It was fun as everyone came out with their designs and shapes, depending on personal experiences. I made a small mud house beside the grave. A dream house, I laughed it off and drank the remaining beer. The whole scene was photographed, and the photos are personal property. As the sun had set and it was dark around so we went back to the resort. There were a couple of showers in the open. All the boys started to clean there only. The beer by now had shot high up in everyone’s head. It was this that made us do the infamous 1 2 3 (it’s a code and cannot be revealed). Everyone dressed up and got together for dinner, there was fish, chicken and Konkani veg thali. After enjoying the meal we gathered in the open and started to chat. The discussion led to Indian mythology and religions. It was quite a debate and it showed one of our hidden sides (good one) to Shilpi Bhabi. It was midnight and time to celebrate. We took the cake, a solar light and left for the beach. The water had risen up considerably. Candles were not blown cause of the wind, but the cake was cut and some Hostel life was recalled. Yes you are right, it was time for some Ass kicking. Bhaskar was in his true colors. He did full justice to his built and to Mayank. It was evident from the way Mayank was walking after it was over.

After another memorable day we were back to our resort and in our beds. Rest was essential as the coming day was to be enjoyed with more enthusiasm.

For pics visit http://picasaweb.google.com/devilish102/TripToSouthMaharashtra#

Trip to South Maharashtra - Amboli - Day 1

Getting 4 days off from office is a rare commodity and not going home by clubbing leaves is even rarer. Friday 7th August was a holiday in office and we took a leave on Thursday. We had planned it a long time back, this visit to Southern parts of Maharashtra. The monsoon being the perfect season for a trip to the ghats filled with numerous waterfalls. Spending all 4 days in the jungle would have been boring, so we decided to visit a near by beach in Malvan too.

Well as the trip was long so I want to break the blog in parts so as to concentrate on each day.

While planning, we were 9 people but by the end 3 were not able to make due to different reasons and one person got added in the group. Among those who didnt make were Ravi, Sonal Kachru and Tanmay. Tanmay had to leave for home on Rakhi, Ravi left for GErmany on an official trip and Sonal was sent to Italy by GE for some High profile training. The addition was that of Prashant Patil, a colleague from another team. This mention was necessary as the trip wouldn’t have been enjoyable without him. He made us realize that we did some wacky things which he had never thought he’ll be doing. We had planned to leave Bangalore for Hubli on Wednesday night, reach Hubli by early morning, have breakfast at Arun’s place and leave for Amboli in a taxi already booked from Hubli. Last moment cancellations of Arun made us rethink our plan.

The train was to leave at 2115 hrs from Bangalore, so we decided to be there by 2000 and have dinner. Plans are just plans, so separately we managed to reach the Bangalore railway station by 2030. We had reached before all, so we decided to get our dinner packed. Everyone joined and we boarded the train by 2100. Two of the seats were scattered in the bogie so we started making arrangements for all to be in one place. The trip started with chattering around and making fun of all. Prashant was introduced to Shilpi bhabi (Saket’s wife) and we were constantly making him acquainted to our environment, as we didn’t want him to come under any shock. We finished our dinner and lay there chattering through the night. Prashant was made aware of the change in plans. Now instead of making a breakfast halt at Hubli, we were to reach Belgaum (Prashant’s place) and have our breakfast there. We reached Hubli by 0545. Found our driver, Subhash and after having some tea left for Belgaum. We had to reach Belgaum before 9 so that Bhaskar could be served by breakfast before 0930. This is his official time for breakfast and he cant bear any delay in having food. No one in the group wanted to upset a 6’3” giant, though all know he is a child at heart but still, who wants to take risk.

We reached Belgaum within the next hour and were easing out at Prashant’s place. This stretch of Karnataka comes at the foothills, so the road was surrounded by small hills scattered to eternity. The landscape, marked with Sugarcane plantation and Mango trees. The reddish soil soaked in water from last nights rain looked mesmerizing. The weather was still damp, and was about to stay the same for some days to come. Everyone took a bath and got ready for some breakfast. Can’t stop myself from mentioning that, the Poha I had there was the best I had ever eaten in the past 4 years (I had poha for the 1st time in july 2005). Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the seera (halwa in hindi, kadda in punjabi), poha and upma followed by a hot cup of exceptionally good tea. The breakfast combination is traditional in North Karnataka and you’ll be treated with it wherever you go.

We started with the journey at around 11 and went to visit the Belgaum fort before leaving the place. There was a small temple in an area called kamal basti within confines of the fort. A jain temple made a long back ago. I being an atheist was more interested in the architecture. It was supported on many pillars, which seemed like loosely put beneath the whole structure. The pillars were quite distinct from the roof. There were engraved images all over the walls and the temple was divided in two chambers. The nner chamber was for the deity. It had a top opening for natural light which also worked as an exhaust during hawan. The outer chamber was open from 3 sides and had some place for worshippers to gather.

We left for Amboli within another half hour. It was a stretch of 70 km, with hilly area near to Amboli. The journey was enjoyed with songs and bakar. Within another 2 hours we were near to Amboli. Just on the outskirts was a water fall, Nangartas falls. Named after a person whose temple was also erected there. There was a concrete bridge built to have a better view of the fall. It was quite steep and fell into a very narrow ridge. It was running with around 50% capacity as was evident from the surrounding. In low flow also it was splendid. We waited there for some time, had vada pao and a cup of tea and left for Amboli. Reaching Amboli, first we checked into the hotel, “Whistling Woods”. In the true sense, it felt like the woods were whistling there. Dumped our luggage into the rooms and got ready to explore the nearby places. We decided to see around 3 places with the major attraction being the Amboli falls. Everyone wanted to bathe in the fall, so we decided to visit it in the last. First we went to a valley, though a point was promised but we were not able to find anything. What we found was far beautiful than anything else. We stopped in the middle of the way; it was a narrow land with greenery all around. Surrounded by fog covered mountains and a sunless sky. We made full use of the time at hand and clicked some beautiful pictures. Some quite sensible while and some a little out of the box. Found a lonely tree and reached on to it. Made some fun of Gandhiji’s monkeys, giving them a new shade in the present era. From there we left for Mahadev Garh, a hill top view point. Saw the spectacular view from a mountain top and clicked some more pics. Not wasting much time, we left for lunch and decided to move to the waterfalls. For lunch we chose a local dhaba, instead of a flashy restaurant. We are of the idea of being Roman in Rome. Asked him for the traditional veg thali, with Konkani fried fish and a maharashtrian delicacy calle Missal Pao. Missal pao was one thing, we had heard a lot about. During our lunch time discussions about food we had come across this. It was supposed to be very chilly but very good. To mention, the missal pao was not what we had in mind, but we thought it was good. It had a little moderate chilly effect for all of us to manage and was sufficient to put it into the hot category. The fish was good, perfectly fried and the masala used was delicious. The veg thali, or to say the Konkani veg food was something I didn’t like much. It was made in coconut oil, which is a big repellant for me but all in all the lunch was fulfilling. It topped with a sweet ladoo made from sev and jaggery and another one called marunda in north. This is made from rice (fried or roasted I dnt know) and jagegry. After filling ourselves we left for Amboli Falls.

The Amboli falls are around 3 km from the city on the Savantvadi road. The falls are gigantic and fall from a good height. For better access steps have been made to reach the bottom of the fall. It comes straight down, so the force of water and the loudness is too much. There was no stopping us, once we saw water. Everyone jumped in except for Mayank, who was feeling a bit sick. This also happened for good as he clicked some outstanding pics of not only us but others too. Well the crowd was comfortably enough and I should saw, “quality crowd”. It was a real treat to eyes and the water was giving a cooling effect. After around an hour of enjoyment, we decided to call it a day (for roaming around) and left for the whistling woods.

We had gathered some Vodka, Whisky and Beer for the night. It was cold and foggy, somewhat like the moth of November in North. It made me a little nostalgic. We all gathered in the Verandha, just in front of our rooms and made ourselves comfortable on the chairs. A table was placed and cards came out. Coins were brought specially to act as tokens for a game of 3 patti (flash) or poker. The gamblers had there rounds for sometime, while the others enjoyed watching the exciting bouts. It was 7 and glasses were laid on the table. All had something, vodka, whisky, cocktail of vodka whisky and beer, sprite (neat) and beer alone. It was fun being away from the stressful workload and the worldly worries. Some cell phones were switched off, some didn’t have signal, while some were used as there was no running from callers. The drinks became a little too much for some and the discussions took some interesting, funny and knowledge sharing turns. All had there dinner before to retire for the day. The day was fulfilling, with minuscule amount of tiredness.

The journey will continue the next morning on a different page..........

For pics visit http://picasaweb.google.com/devilish102/TripToSouthMaharashtra#

Notting Hill - My Favourite

I had never imagined I’ll right a movie review in this blog. This time it was (I believe) 30th time I was watching “Notting Hill”, so thought of writing it.

I am not the one fond of watching love stories. I still remember I fell asleep while watching Pretty Woman. Then by the end of my graduation I saw the Hugh Grant and Julia Robert starrer Notting Hill and it changed my perspective for ever. I enjoyed it so much that since then I have rarely missed it on TV and have watched it numerous times on CD. Not to mention, I recommend it to all my friends and then watch it with them.

It’s a beautifully portrayed story of two people in love with one an actress Anna Scot and other a small travel bookstore owner William Thatcher. They meet accidently and fall in love over some meetings. Both have acted wonderfully well and played their parts amazingly. The Englishman is well mannered and well dressed, and also the actress has an attitude while a heart of a simple girl. The dialogues are what I like the most, though one of my favorites is listed in the 15 worst dialogues in movies. The one where Anna Scott tells William, ''I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.'' Apart from the fact that you rarely come across a time when a common man meets a very famous actress and both fall in love, the movie was genuine. The people around the characters seem real and can be related to one of your own acquaintances. Spike, Martin, Honey, Bernie are so realistic. The expression of love in the movie was also one of the top points. It was simple and subtle without any pomp and show. The songs were remarkable, with impeccable lyrics, wonderfully sung and well placed in the course of the movie.

Can’t write much, so I recommend you watch it to judge it. My personal experience says that 9/10 people, I have recommended have liked it and ever since had been a favorite for them too.

Adventure Camp at Mascal - Sawan Durga

Once in a year we go for a company sponsored outing. It used to be a 2 – 3 days trip before recession but now it has been reduced to one day. This time we planned to go for an adventure camp near Sawan Durga.

It lies around 40 km from Bangalore, famous for the biggest monolith in Asia. Cox and Kings arranged the tour for 45 members from a team of around 73. The buses picked up all from various points in Bangalore and started for the destination. It looked promising from the feedback we got and from the proposal he had sent. Jummering, Rappelling, swimming, rafting, kayaking sounded good and the distant memories of sharavati were reignited.

With old memories we reached sawan durga by 10 in the morning. Breakfast was ready, with idly, wada, seera, upma, banana’s and tea and coffee. Everything was marvelous, tasting something like sharavati. We filled our water bottles, switched the cell phone off and left for the campsite. It was a half an hour trek through the jungle. We reached the base of a straight 100ft high rock, perfect for rappelling. First we tried our hand at Jummering. It’s a technique used by cave explorers to move up. It was a wonderful experience, as we had never done this thing before. Then we all gathered courage and went uphill to try ourselves in rappelling. It was scary at first, but with beautiful instructors, the experience became memorable. The safety was given prime importance and no deviation was accepted. Checklists were filled before anyone was allowed to move down the hill. It somehow brought the unwanted office memories, but we warded them off in making fun. After the adventure we marched towards the river. It was also a half an hour trek, this time through a more dense forest. Finally we reached the riverbank. The rafts were ready to take us to the other side but we didn’t want to waste even a second of fun in water. So wearing our life jackets we jumped into the water to swim to the other end. Even rookies like Mayank and Tanmay preferred to swim than to go by raft. After an hour of water masti and annoying the French instructor we came out of the water. Lunch was ready and others (not fond of water) were playing the fools game (cricket). We had our lunch and lay there relaxed, far from the worries of the world. At around 4 in the evening the instructors gathered us all to play some team building games. We had started only when rain started pouring, not just pouring but heavily pouring. For some it was a spoil sport, but for us it was the best we could have asked for. We played volleyball and throw ball in the rain. Finally it was time to leave the place. With a promise among ourselves to visit it again in a small group we trekked our way to a nearby village where our busses were waiting. The last ride of the trip was filled with songs and laughter. Had dinner on our way in a country club resort and returned home by 11 in the night.

A day of adventure and joy came to an end, with memories frescoed deep in our hearts.

For pics of the trip, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/devilish102/Mascal

KhaneChal, Bangalore - Parantha Paradise

Being lovers of North Indian delicacies our quest for a good parantha shop has been never ending. Especially when you have stayed away from home for around 4 years, its intensity grows beyond expression and every opportunity is welcomed with open arms. Something of this sort happened to us around 2 weeks before. While visiting the neighborhood “COSMOS” mall the hoarding of a new “parantha” shop caught our attention. “KHANECHAL“ is located on the first floor , above the kundalahalli post office, opposite to Cosmos mall in Brooke field.

Without wasting any time we gathered with the few people (who like us are in constant search of good food) and planned to have our dinner there itself. We went in a group of 6 so that everyone can order a different type of parantha and we can have a feel of all he has to offer.

The first view of the place isn’t that impressive, specially to people used to eating at high end food joints. You’ll find the minimum interior done to enhance the surrounding. Tables with four chairs are placed in around 4 rows. We joined two tables and made sufficient place for all of us. The menu came and it was a delight to find that All but 2 items in the menu comprised of Parantha’s, ranging from the typical Potato, Radish, Onion, Methi stuffed to the less common Boiled egg, even including the rarely found Tomato and green peas parantha. The remaining two things in the menu were A Thali and a must soft drink, “Lassi”. To top it, the menu was not at all heavy on your pocket. It promised a couple of paranthas ranging from 40 to 60 bucks.

To start off we ordered a variety of 5 different types viz. Aloo, Onion, Boiled egg, Tomato and radish parantha. We cant help but mention that every type was a marvel in itself. One of the best parantha’s I layed my hands upon while staying in southern part of India. They were a big 8” in diameter and every bite came with the perfect mixture of flour and stuffing. The salt and spices were perfect with a hint of chillies. The good thing was, that green chillies were used instead of the powder, so if anyone has a disliking (like Mayank) for a nose-watering treat can always part with the chillies and enjoy. It was served with Raita (mixture of yoghurt and cucumber), a pudina chatni and one of a kind chilly pickle.

To be specific the top rated was the boiled egg and the onion paranthas. The egg was perfectly boiled and was cut in fine pieces so as to stay in between the flour. A little increase in size could have made the stuffing penetrate out and ruined the fun. The onion parantha was sufficiently filled with one of the finest forms of onion. The main thing about onion parantha is the type of onion used, if it’s a little bitter, it may ruin the whole taste. The onions chosen were sweeter and were homogeneously distributed.

A tummy filling parantha treat can never be complete without a thick sweet lassi. The lassi was near to perfection. It was more of a curd battered with sugar with minimal amount of water, so thick that we had to use a spoon to enjoy it. The perfect dinner had a perfect end with a perfect sweet lassi.
Coming on to the rating business for analytical minds to judge on the restaurant, we’ll say (on a scale of 10)
Ambience – 5
Taste – 9
Value for Money – 9

Shehtoot

Shehtoot ke saare patte jhad jaate hain
Jab patjhad ki rukhi saansein padti hai uspe

Agle saal uspe acha fal aaye, ye soch k
Maali uske neeche ke tane kaatne lagta hai

Zameen se teen – 2 gaj tak
har shaakh juda kar di jaati hai ped se

ped ke upri hisse pe baithi
apno ko juda hote dekh
bezubaan shaakhein kurlahti rehti hain

basant ki rut aate he
har murjhai hui shaakh
khushi me jhoom uthti hai

pichle saal ke mukable zada fal aaya hai uspe

is patjhad me mai bhi apni purani shakhein kaat dunga
is basant mujhpe bhi zaada fal aayega

Adhoora

Purane ghar ke bahar ek lamp post tha
Sadak ke kinare pe, usi k neeche
Baithne ko kuch footpath sa bana hua tha

Hum ghanto wahan baithe apni yaadein taza karte
Raat ka kaunsa pehar nikal jaata, malum he nahi padta tha
Use to bolne ka mauka he na milta,
Meri bak bak band he nahi hoti thi.

Wo bas sir hilake, muskurati
Aur meri taraf tek lagaye dekhti rehti

Mai kehta “pyar ho jayega tumhe mujhse”
“tum” kehne se chid jaati thi wo.
Thoda gussa karti aur meri baat ko taal jaati

Jab ruksati ka waqt aaya to bahut royi thi wo
Aankhon me ashk bhare bhare,
apni sab bhavnayein bayan kardi


mujhse kuch kaha na gaya,
naa hi mai kuch kar paya.
Chup chaap but bane baitha raha uske pehlu me.

aaj jab mera dil kurlah utha, to uski yaad aayi
kuch kehne sun ne ko man kiya.
Use pukara, to awaaz door tak jake laut aayi.
Aur apne sath uske un ashko ki nami le aayi

Wo jaa chuki thi kahin, mujhse door, bahut door
Ab bas mai akela us lamp post ke paas
Kabhi kabhi raat ke kuch pal guzaar leta hu
Man halka ho, to kuch bad badaata hu
Par us muskurahat ke bina, kuch mukammal nahi hai

Sab adhoora hai yahan, sab sunsaan, man ab bhi bhaari hai.

Laal gulab

Har shaam jab ghar wapis jaata tha
Raaste me ik nursery padti thi
Bahar se dekho to har rang k phool khile dikhte the usme

Ek din mai bhi jake ik gulab ka paudha le aaya
Bade armaano se seencha use.
Har shaam paani diya, zarurat same pe khaad daali
Us k alawa har ek cheez us gamle se ukhaad fainki

Maali ne kaha tha laal rang ke honge gulab
Aaj uspe phool aya hai
Sab rang nazar aa rahe hain, ik laal k siwa.

dnt know what to name it....

kal raat kuch thand si thi,
mai apni yaaadon se lipta so raha tha.
achanak ek garm si ahat ne chaunka diya,
uth k dekha to gaalon k sire pe ek boond thi paani ki.

february ki wo dhalti thand ki ik raat yaad aa gai.
tab bhi aise he achaanak chaunk k uth gaya tha mai,
wo boond abhi uski palkon me he kaid thi.
maine jab poocha k kya hua,
to usne apne labon ko mere hothon pe rakh diya
us raat usne, mujhe hamesha k liye apna bana liya aur
khud mujhse hamesha k liye juda ho gayi.

un palkon ki giraft se nikal k wo moti aaj meri galon pe aa thehra
us raat ki tarah aaj bhi mai so naa paaya....

Ik Nakaamyaab koshish.....

Kal socha dafn kardu sab kuch
Har ek shae jo yaad dilate hai teri
Shayad nijaad mil jaye kuch is ghutan se

Almari kholi aur bikhri yaadein batorna chalu kiya
Ik card jo tune apne hath se banake bheja tha
Khola to ab bhi usme teri mehak basi hui thi
Kuch paani ki boondo ke nishaan they uspe,
Maano tune bheege baalon se wo moti mere liye bheje ho
Jo phool piroya tha tune aur jo usme likha tha
Sab kitna praya sa lag raha tha
Maano mera koi haq na ho uspe.

Meri apni diary k kuch panne
Jinme tere hone ka ehsaas mehsoos hota tha
Kuch khaas dino ki yaadein
Jinhe mai ta umr sanjo ke rakhna chahta tha
Ek jhatke me alag kar diye

Sab ko juta kar jab apne saamne rakha
To ehsaas hua
Ye cheezein to dafna dunga aaj,
par un yaadon ka kya
Jo zehan me bas chuki hain meri.
Jaise thand me aag sekte hue,
Dhuein ki khusbu bas jaati hai hathon me

Wo aag jo sukoon deti hai, jala bhi deti hai kabhi kabhi.
Ye yaadein bhi kuch aisa he kar rahi hai mere sath.

Fir sabko samho kar, ek lifafe me daala aur kaid kar diya draaj me
Ek din inko yadon k sath he dafnaunga.

Corridor Cricket

I joined the college hostel in 6th semester. It was winters and we got the top floor in A Hostel. No block was left with 5 rooms together. We were around 6 people who wanted to stay together. Our other classmates were in another block. So me, Nandi, Manu, Chotu, Dua and Walia came to stay in Block D.

First night we shifted by around night 9. Manu and Nandi were about to stay in one room so we shifted one bed and that took us this long. Well it was never too late to start at the new place. A chair was brought out and with bat and a tennis ball. We started with one of our favorite time pass activities throughout our engineering, “Corridor Cricket”. There were 7 rooms in that block, out of which we occupied 5 and 2 rooms were with some guys from civil department.

The game was simple, just like cricket apart from the fact that we had to bowl without rotating our arms, one tip out and runs only on the off side. Every stop was counted a run and the far end of the corridor was the boundary. Direct hit on the wall at leg side was out, and so was if the ball went down. We have played this for all the last 2 years of our engineering. I still remember the exam time when everyone used to have notebooks in hand, roaming around studying. Nandi used to take out the bat and I had the ball in hand. We used to start with a little hit here hit there. Soon after chotu used to come out saying “saalo tum padhne nahi doge” and used to join us. Now the chair used to come out and we 3 started to play. Manu would try hard to study and not get distracted but he was never able to hold for long. Soon we would form a team clubbing in Malhotra, Dua, sometimes Jagi and Gaurav. Sometimes jaini and Seth used to join too. Played till we were tired and someone would realize that we haven’t finished our syllabus with just few hours for the exam.

Chotu batted well but used to do a lot of showoff, Manu was a cool customer, a good batsman and a good bowler. I was ok type, used to bat in need but I would say I was good with the ball. Walia was a genuine player but for this form of cricket he wasn’t up to the mark. Nandi was a wall, seriously, not that he batted for long cause he played good but cause he was so big that he used to stop every ball moving towards the stump with his legs or his bum. Malhotra ji and jagi used to come for time pass as they got tensed for the syllabus before anyone else. Dua was a good baller when it came to rotating the arm, but here he too missed the nick.

I still remember, the very first morning in D block, we saw the two civil students leaving the rooms cause of us. There have been many whom we have annoyed with our skills.

Gods Display on Sunday 7th June 2009 in Paris

Mortals are many and GOD is one. Roger Federer proved this on Sunday afternoon when he mauled Soderling in the French Open Finals at Rolland Garros within 30 games and 3 straight sets. The GOD of tennis proved that the rest are mere mortals.

Some do argue that cause Nadal was not there so he won. Well I’ll say there can be times when a Demi-god (Nadal) can win over a God, but its not everyday. The very player who made Nadal come on his knees, was turned into a minnow. The mere aura of Roger was enough to make Soderling bow in front of him and hand over the match with both hands. With 41 winners (including 16 aces) against the 24 by Soderling, the swiss was in top form. Though the second set saw a row of unforced errors, but those were not enough to deprive him off his 59th career title.

On Sunday he showed what he is and how he dominates the world of lawn Tennis. There is no player as great as RF and no one can ever be. After being tabooed with small slam for 4 years, he got himself a career grand slam. He joined the elite list of only 5 men in the history of the game to win all 4 grand slams. The feat that even greats like Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Pete Sampras were deprived of.

RF is truly a GOD and rest all are mere mortals and for Nadal fans he’ll again prove it in the coming Wimbledon.

Nostalgic Summers......

It’s been more than a year in Bangalore. As much as I can remember, last year the summers were not this hot. Even people who have been living here for a long time say it’s the worst summer.
Well most of you will agree that summers in general are worse only. There is no other word to describe it. But these summers have brought a bit of nostalgia with it, especially after I started writing this blog so frequently.
How can someone say that summers are bad, when we get to have Mangoes in this season only. The king of fruits spreads its taste only in this “worst” season. I don’t know about others but I still remember, the electricity used to ditch late in the evening and we used to take our cots to the rooftop, while the little ones used to carry the mattresses and pillows. Lying there under the sky we never regretted summers and sweat. The breeze used to be moderate and the sky clear with all the glittering stars. I haven’t seen that clear sky in my last 4 years where I have stayed in Delhi, Surat and Bangalore. We all remembered so many of the constellations and the way to find them using the pole star. I can’t forget my Dad’s Nanaji, who was able to predict time with 5 min error just by looking at the stars. This amazes us till date.
How can we forget to mention the ice creams and baraf gola. I still hold the record of having around 15 – 20 ice creams in a day among all my siblings.
Having grown up in a village I had the rare advantage of taking bath in the tube well. Every afternoon we used to pluck tomatoes from the farm and burry them in the sand in flowing water. They used to get chilled in no time and then we used to enjoy them. Not to mention the melon and watermelons. I don’t think any other season can furnish us with the water filled fruit and you really can’t relish as much as you can do in summers.

Talking about college life and we can never forget the hostel life of summers. I started to stay in hostel during winters but as the summers approached, it became all the more unbearable. We were on the 2nd floor and the rooms used to get sunlight from all ends. By the time we went back from college, it transformed into an oven. So we preferred staying in the corridor and playing cricket all the time. We used to sprinkle water, sorry not sprinkle but nearly flood our rooms to get some respite while sleeping.

Then came the monsoon, ruining the flavour of mangoes and making watermelons inedible. Though the rain brought some respite from the heat but for fruit lovers the party gets over. Monsoon has its own fun but I still miss the college summers.

Himanshu (Lella) Episode.......

Most of the college time, or I should say all the time went in Leg pulling, Corridor cricket and hostel room discussions on specific topics. Of this the leg pulling was a major junk. No day ended without one or the other person getting irritated of our pranks. The leader was Nandi, me the pseudo leader, chotu ready with some inputs (which usually led to a shift of focus on him), Manu usually silent and Malhotra ready with his one-liners, which became the show stealers. One such incident I recall included nearly everyone and the target was Lella (Himanshu Aggarwl).

It was some time in 3rd year I believe cause I wasn’t a hostler then, probably 5th semester, A Hostel, Perry’s (Parminder Singh) room. For a change we all went for lunch to the hostel canteen. Some lectures were free so we thought of relaxing in the hostel casino (Perry’s room). It was summer and Nandi felt thirsty. Now he needed some one to fill up the water bottle for him. Among all, only lella was one whom he thought will do and it started. I don’t know why, but he didn’t want to bring water for Nandi. Here he kicked the sleeping tiger right in his butt. Nandi started and didn’t stop humiliating him about the food he had on some hostellers account. Well it subsided, but there was no stopping for Nandi as he started it off again while returning from the hostel. This time it went a bit too far and Nandi said something that irritated Lella. To top it I laughed and the blame suddenly shifted to me. Before I could even realize, Nandi had pulled the trigger off my shoulder. Now for all that happened for 2 hrs, I was the only one responsible and till date Lella believes in it.
This is one of the many incidents where the plotter was Nandi and I the pseudo plotter. Still I don’t regret even one moment, infact I relish them till date.

The beginning.... thanks to Nandi

Yesterday I happened to catch both Nandi (Dinesh Bharadwaj) and Chotu (Nitin Mohan Gupta) on gtalk. We started to have a group chat. I sent the link of this blog to Nandi and he made me realize a major miss. I had forgotten to write anything about the most wonderful 4 years of my, sorry our life. The chat became a bit nostalgic, including some fond memories from our last 2 years… well I don’t want to mention the topic… The major breakout was that Chotu sang a Hindi song on radio. Doesn’t really sound interesting, isn’t it. Well I know the reason, its cause most of you wont be aware of chotu. A little insight, and a dive in good old times.

Nitin Mohan Gupta a.k.a. Chotu. Quite, cute, adorable, funny, a little reserved, Green card Holder (had to mention) and fattu, some used to call him this but I’ll preferably put it as confused about his emotions and so acted like one. Recently with a breaking news he confirmed to all that he is no longer a fattu. He was dearly in love (infatuation I’ll say) with one of our classmates and whenever she used to step in, he used to sing “Suraj hua madham”. I know I am very besura, but chotu ruled. He was a veteran in the field. If you don’t believe you can contact Mohnish walia (Another veteran, but in the true sense). Chotu left for US around 2 years back (remember I mentioned green card holder). He is working there for some project company as a chemical Engineer and is always on a move. He is in Brazil at the moment.

Chotu sang a Hindi song on radio. Now there seems some interest building up, especially to the fact that the radio was of Brazil. He was trying to convince us that he sings well and that is the reason he is appreciated there and we never saw the talent in him and were always involved in making fun. We all can imagine the RJ’s condition and also of the listeners. We all used to support him in class just cause we were so used to leg pulling that we couldn't imagine staying away. Nandi used to lead the attack and always provoked him to sing. Today we are happy to know that we are not the only ones in the world who have gone through that torture. Thanks to the RJ friend of Chotu who gave him (us) this chance.

We have the fondest memories together me, Nandi, chotu, pandit (Manu Sharma, I like calling him Manu), Malhotra ji (Amit Malhotra).

This one has nothing special, apart from the fact that it marks the beginning of writing about those unforgettable years. I’ll make an effort to put all those memories here and weave a memoir of the passed years. Thanks a lot Nandi for the insight.

Trip to Munnar..... (In the laps of God's own Country, Kerala)

1st may brought a respite with a holiday on Friday. This gave us 3 days and a chance to execute our long pending plan of visiting Munnar. Let me brief you a little about Munnar.

Munnar is a town located in the Idduki district of Kerala, situated in the southern Western Ghats Munnar usually refers to the whole tourist area of the Idukki District of which the town forms only a small part.The name Munnar is believed to be derived from the Malayalam words Munu (three) and aaru (river), referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers. Essentially a pass ; the area around Munnar is surrounded by vast jungles and remains wet and cold during most of the year. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience for the tourist and traveller. Munnar is essentially a tea town.
The region in and around Munnar varies in height from 1,600 meters to 1,800 meters above mean sea level. Munnar enjoys a salubrious climate. The temperature ranges between −5 °C and 10 °C in winter and 15 °C and 25 °C in summer. The tourist season in Munnar is from August to May. However, even the monsoons are lovely with many streams and rivulets in the area and post drizzle the dew drenched tea gardens looking majestic and heavenly enshrouded in light mist.

Reading about it may have created a beautiful picturesque scenery in your mind. Even we had all this in mind when we planned to start from office on Friday, April 30th. All had to go together but as always, not all plans go well. Me, Praphulla and Elizabeth Left together, Sonal came on her own, Mayank came with Subhra’s family and Saket sir came with his. We reached Majestic at around 2030 hrs. We couldn’t have missed the dinner at the Andhra style restaurant, where we had it while going to sharavati. I think it will become a hangout spot for us before to leave for any trip. We were only 4 there for the dinner as all else were running late. After dinner we were joined by saket and his wife and we went in search of our platform. Found our bus and waited for Mayank and Subhra. In the meantime we had one more task at hand. Selling off the 2 extra tickets we had. I didn’t want to mention about the people who had to miss this trip cause of some unavoidable reasons. Their emptiness had to be felt for the whole trip. The selling of those tickets showwed us another face of “The Great Indian System” and the laziness of Indians (ours). We directly talked to the conductor and he willingly accepted our offer. We were paid half the ammount, and sold the tickets at full rate to some other person. Finally everyone came and we set off to Ernakulam. It was a 11 hr journey. To make it more interesting, they started showing the worst flop of this year, some Bobby Deol and Nana Patekar starrer EK. I believe everyone else slept except for Saket and Mayank who enjoyed the whole movie thoroughly.
We reached Ernakulam bus stop by morning 9. A driver with a Tempo Traveller was waiting for us. The first thing we wanted to do was freshen up and have some breakfast. Everyone had waited till 9 for everything, some like me didn’t even had tea. Well we managed to cross Cochin and stopped at a roadside restaurant with facility to get freshed up. Had a wholesome of breakfast with a variety ranging from kerala parantha, omlette to idiyapam. After being content we left the place for Munnar. On the way we visited a fall. We all knew that coming before monsoon will surely kill the thrill of waterfalls. Made a 5 min stop there and left for our destination. Suddenly to our surprise, it started raining. We couldn’t have expected anything better. Suddenly it became very misty and the valley was at its best, exhibiting all its beauty. We stopped at a place called “View Point”. Like its name, the view from there was spectacular. One can see the whole mist covered valley. The mist would fade away in some time exposing the nature and when you would feel you havent had enough, the mist would again come and hide it from you. The wait for the mist to fade and view the natural beauty was worth. We spent sometime there untill it started raining again. We left from there prepared to stop at the hotel only. On the way we saw another waterfall which seemed a little big and had enough water. We couldn’t help, so stopped and went to relax there. There was a shop selling homemade choclates, old coins and tea. The numismatist in me started to jump in me for the coins. To my surprise and dissapointment, I had nearly all the coins he was selling. We tasted the choclates there and then went on to have a quite time near the water. All seated on the rocks with feet dipped in water. Somehow I had this intution that there is going to be splash. Strangely so it was right. In no time prahulla and Elizabeth started behaving like children and splashed water on each other. Seeing this some local boys got excited. Must be around 8 – 10 years old. They jumped in the water and splashed the water all around. Something else also happened there which I dnt want to mention. Don’t want to be a victim of wrath. We left for another surprise in waiting after the short stint of fun.

The hotel looked cool, to be very frank we never expected it to be like this. It was far better than the pictures on the internet. All the rooms faced the valley, with a view of a large tea estate. We were quite content with it, specially after all the speculations about the hotel type. We rested for sometime, took a bath and then gathered to leave for the town. The town was crowded, cause of the start of season and also it being a long weekend. We roamed around looking for places to eat and shop for choclates and tea. Our group was actually searching for some place where we can get sme beverages. To our shock, we didn’t find even one shop. On asking an auto driver, we got another shock. He said we wont get it here. It seemed as if all the enthusiasm was killed because of one shortcoming. With one final try we asked our cab driver, he explained us that every month on the 1st the shops will remain closed. It was a big respite. With all this and some coldrinks and chips we went back to our hotel. The night went by playing court–piece and watch IPL games.

We woke up at 7 in the morning and gathered out for a morning walk in the tea estate. The walk through the dew dipped tea estate was ecstatic. Moving all the way through the estate, we came back after about an hour to have our breakfast. After breakfast we left for sight seeing in and around munnar.
First we went to the Mattupatti dam, had to walk for some distance as the road was small and it was overcrowded. We all bought cowboy hats and stayed there for some time. Next to the dam was an echo point. Because of the crowd it wasn’t really an echo point. Only whistles were echoing. Well we thought that the afternoon was all wasted so we left for the town to have lunch.
After lunch we left for Eravikulam National park. We had to stop at a place and take tickets to visit the place. The queue for the tickets was neverending. There were around 3 busses which were used to commute to the hill top. We waited for around 2 hrs for the ticket. Finally all of us boarded one bus and travelled for around 25 min to reach the place. From here we had to walk to the final limit of the national park. Everyone was enthusiastic about seeing some wildlife. We walked for another half hour to reach the top. In the name of wildlife we saw only wild goats, but the scenic beauty was mind boggling. We could see a deep valley from there. All covered with mist. The mist would rise and then hit the mountain and stay there for a while before disappearing. This place made our day. The dissapointment caused by the echo point and the dam was covered up. Finally we left in the last bus after thoroughly enjoying the place. On the way we bought everything necessary to make the night more lively.

We had already arranged for a Campfire at the hotel rooftop. We all gathered there at around 8 in the night. It was bitter cold and the fire was a big respite. Had our drinks there and enjoyed for around 2 hrs before we departed to our rooms for another round of card playing and IPL.
Coming morning was the day to leave the place. We had our mornign walk, but this time the volunteers were less. Had our breakfast and gathered to visit a waterfall for some fun in water. We reached the one we had visited the other day. Everyone jumped in the water with excitement. After sometime we started climbing the rocks and tried reaching the top of the fall. It was quite risky as the rocks were slippery and steep. After a lot of effort four of us reached the top. To be frank I didn’t have the heart to go back through the same route, it was scary. So me and praphulla planned to take the root towards the jungle and then reach the road. Mayank and Elizabeth receded through the same path. Somehow we managed to reach some house in the forest. From there we headed using the road towards the waterfall. We had diverted a bit too far and now it seemed quite a distance. On top of it, Praphulla was in his shorts only. Everyone was seeing us as if we were aliens and blurting something in Malayalam which to us was alien. Finally we managed to reach and left from there to check out from the hotel.

We left munnar at around 12.30 for Cochin. On the way we had our lunch (it wasn’t worth mentioning even). We dropped Subhra at Cochin airport and we headed towards the cochin beach. We reached there just in time to see the sunset. Till now everyone was exhausted. After the beach we visited the chinese fish nets and then went to the marine drive. Everyone had icecream there amidst all the dirty talk. Everyone was in full flow. Finally we had our dinner at pizza hut and the left for Ernakulam bus stop for our bus to bangalore. The bus was late and it was unbearable to stay in that humid weather. It was a respite to be in the bus. We reached bangalore Monday mornign at around 9. Boarded our bus to home and came back to office by afternoon.

Three days went like a few minutes with all the fun except that we missed the company of few, without whom everything lacked the lustre.

The most meaningful materialistic thing.....contd....

Continuation of this phrase wasn’t intended, but had to.

Why does it happen that when u resent something the most, u even need it the most. When you hate going out, it’s a perfect weather for outing. When you have a filled stomach, someone pops up with your favorite delicacy. Like everything is working according to a plan. Some say you are being tested so we shouldn’t move by our instincts and stick to the resentment, while others (I call them optimists like me) get carried away and do what u like doing. Eating even when your stomach is full or going out even if somehow you don’t feel like, cause that is what makes you happy and completes you.

Something similar is happening to my blanket and me. From the past few days since I thought of discarding it and getting freed from it, Bangalore climate has taken a U turn. From a hot 30°C it has dipped to as low as 21°C. During all this I had packed my blanket, and placed it in the closet, never to open it again. I thought I’d transfer it home and will purchase a new one. One with which I’ll feel more cozy, where I m not afraid of loosing it in winters when I need it the most. Till the new blanket doesn’t arrive I thought of using a bed sheet. Suddenly in the morning it becomes chillier and forces me to open the closet and take that blanket back. I somehow refrain myself and go for other measures like switching off the fan. But cant sleep after that, that’s cause of the habit of cuddling to the blanket when I feel uncomfortable. So I end up waking early.

Sometimes during the day when I open my closet I feel like the blanket is looking at me and prompting me to pull it out and place it near me. Then I know it’s the optimism in me that makes me think that way. The blanket is quite comfortable there, far from me. It doesn’t wants to be there. Somehow the switch that made it mine has been turned off.

Someday I want to wake up in the morning and instead of switching the fan off I want to switch the feeling off for that materialistic thing. Don’t know I’ll ever be able to do that or not…. This time its not the hope to do it that’s keeping me going, but the hope of not getting into that situation is doing the trick.

The most meaningful materialistic thing

It’s been a few days now when I lie only on the 1.5 ft part of my 2.5 X 6 ft mattress. My blanket covers the other part. It has now become an integral part of my bed from where I just can’t discard it, no matter how the weather is. I have kept it close even in days when it was nearly 40 °C outside. This has happened over the past one year, I wasn’t always like that. The past one-year brought this change when I wasn’t able to stay away, it had to be over me. If it was hot, I’d still prefer it by my side, with either my arm or my legs over it. Even if I weren’t doing anything like that, I would wake up in the middle of the night and find it over me, safely holding me and asking me to do the same.
From the past few days, it lies by my side but I barely touch. I even don’t try making an effort to do it. Once I did and in return I didn’t get the usual warmth, but an irritating burning hotness. It almost made me realize as if it was saying “Stay away you !@#$”. I stopped, and now I lie all-alone. Though it is there, by my side, I rarely make an effort to clutch it or even touch it. I wake up during the night expecting a part of it to be over me, but alas. A practical person (who decides from his mind and not heart) even rebuked at me saying it’s only a blanket. I guess I no longer want to hear what he says. Don’t know when these nights will end, but they will. Hope is what’s keeping me going.

Sudoku n Life

Ever since the Times Of India starting giving Sudoku in their edition, I have been solving the puzzle. Over the period I developed a sense of competitiveness to solve all the puzzles confronted by me. The easy level is far easier now. The medium and difficult level pose some sort of resistance.
During this learning phase with experience I developed this way of solving the medium rated puzzle. When all the obvious blanks are filled with numbers, usually I get a row, column or a 3 * 3 square with only 2 options left with a unique combination. Clearly one is right and the other is wrong. I fill the space with one of the options with a smaller letter than the rest and then move forward to solve the puzzle. If all goes well, my guess was right and I change all the smaller letters into normal font. If there is any ambiguity than I reverse the choice I made previously. In anyway I find the correct answer.

This Saturday while solving the medium level Sudoku I wondered if I could do the same with life. Decide on one thing and then live life with smaller font and in case of confrontation, I could just go back and reverse the choice. Solving the puzzle correctly this time.
How true it is when someone marking the difference between reel and real life said, “Life has No retakes”

Weddings

The last 2 months made me witness 3 marriages of close friends. I couldn’t help but notice some real big differences, which I thought to pen down.
Out of the 3 two were of South Indian friends and one of a North Indian. 1 was a Christian another a Brahmin and one a Punjabi. Well I m not trying to divide everything on lines of religion and area but the differences were evident and spoke a lot about the two.
Jan started off with a South Indian Christian of a dear friend and an ex – colleague. It was nothing like the Christian wedding, which we had pictured complete with wine, ball dance etc. The ceremony was simple, religious and with mass involvement. It took place in a chapel. The ceremony took around 3 hrs and every one was quite attentive to the sermons and hymns or whatever they are called by the Father and his group. People were actively participating in prayers with full enthusiasm. Though the whole ceremony took place in Malayalam, which for us was alien, but we could feel the presence of faith and serenity in the atmosphere. This followed by a community lunch, which to me was quite different than all I had witnessed in 26 years of my life. There was a big hall with table and chairs arranged and food already placed on the tables. Everyone was to sit and eat from the contents on his/her table. There were all sorts of delicacies ranging from chicken, mutton, beef, vegetables, something for everyone. Another thing that was odd was that after the marriage, the groom was supposed to leave for the brides place and not the other way round, as I had known till date.

February end we headed to Moradabad for another marriage. This time it seemed like home. So even the expectations grew. We hoped to have some drinks a tiring dance on the floor and a big Non Vegetarian meal. This is what most marriages in North comprise of, though the Non veg and the booze thing depends on individual family choices but dance is surely there with the upbeat Punjabi music. This wedding also started with dance in front of the horse the groom was riding. It followed with drinks from a cars boot. This is usually done when the booze is a no – no in marriage. Well drinks brought out the tireless dancer in us and we rocked the dance floor till past midnight. Had our dinner and were back to where we had to go.
March starting I had an invitation to attend another south Indian marriage in Bangalore. I was feeling quite lonely, as there were no friends to accompany me. I reached the reception hall and was welcomed with a rose from a very sweet little girl. The environment was filled with sound of shehnai. I met my friend, congratulated him and then sat among the guests to enjoy the proceedings. The dinner was in the same style. Tables laid down for small groups.

The differences in noticed in all the three weddings were:

1. The groom for some reason sits on the right of the bride in North Indian weddings and the reverse happens in South Indian weddings. I don’t know the funda behind the seating position but there is an evident difference.
2. The pomp and show in North Indian weddings is mush more than in South Indian. People in North feel that marriage is the only time to look best. The dresses are carefully chosen for the occasion and mark a strong show off. In Southern India, only the bride and groom are well dressed. Others don’t really believe in getting dressed for the occasion.
3. The ceremonies in Southern India are quite and religious. While in Northern India they are marked with loud music and a lot of people fanatically dancing. The religious rituals are carried out in seclusion or with only the near and dears present.

Summing up with one thing that is common is the grooms ever smiling face for the photographers. Each time a friend or relative comes to visit, all get together to have a pic with the couple. Both the bride and groom are constantly smiling throughout this display that lasts for more than a thousand photographs and some 3 hrs of video recording.

Some vague thoughts crossing my mind

I just can’t help but recall the time spent at our camping trip. Something I noticed there is haunting me ever since. The trees standing tall between the harsh rivers current.

I wasn’t able to take my eyes off it, and was thinking just one thing. What did it gain from being there? It lost all its leaves, its fruits, and possibly even the power to bear these in near future.
Then the second thought passes by and I realize that its not only the gain that defines every action. It is in fact making a strong point standing the test of time and tide. It’s talking aloud about its invincible nature. The zeal to stand for something. The never say die spirit.

Then my mind wanders about towards the trees on the shore. They are green, blanketed with leaves, bearing fruits. They might not be as strong as the ones standing in water, but they have everything they have dreamed of.


Was facing that harsh current and proving your strength so important that they let go off the very reason of their existence (the leaves, fruits etc). Their very identity.

Was it worth?

A Trip to Heaven amidst Hell (Camping at Sharavati Backwaters)

The planning to visit this place had started long back but for some reason or the other wasn’t materializing. Finally it did (to the benefit of all). The group was small and more or less people with matching frequency. I really didn’t know all of the group. A couple of friends, some team mates, another acquaintance and some total strangers. In all and all I wasn’t really looking forward to this trip. Was a little skeptical about the coming together of these different people but was confident that no matter what turns out, I was there to enjoy.

We started by planning to reach Majestic (Bangalore Bus Stand). 8 were to go in one bus, boarding from different locations and 2 were to meet up there. The hassle started from the local bus itself. Finally we all reached the stop and 2 others joined in time for dinner. I was very much hungry by now and so seemed the others. We raided the restaurant in the bus stop. It was Andhra style, so no chapatti. My nightmares for the trip had started to surface with the major one, FOOD. After a wait of around 20 min, we were served on banana leaves. The first sip of dal and the firs bite of sabzi I took, I coudnt stop myself from shouting, WOWWW. The food was amazing. To top it, a waiter who was in some bad mood with the supervisor, took good care of us loading our rice with a lot of ghee. Filled with good food and around 11 in the night, we were all looking for some place to fall asleep. We boarded our bus, a 2 by 2 semi sleeper and the Journey started.

Sleep didn’t overcome most of us though some like Bhaskar ( 6’ 3” and 102 kg) made the seat feel like they were resting in some fairies lap, sound asleep. Stopped at 0200 hrs for some tea. Reached our mid destination, SAGARA, at around 0715 hrs. We freshened up at the local bus stop while our organizer, Arun called the main camp organizer about further directions. At 0800 hrs everyone got ready for a cup of tea, even ordered. Arun came up with supposedly the worst news. There was only one bus to the camp site and that too was leaving at 0815. So, no time for tea. What the F!@#.

All ten finally boarded the local bus and it started its 45 min journey through narrow roads and villages. I was now enjoying every min of the journey. It took me back to my village in Punjab, where though the rides are not that bumpy, but the landscape and the type of people we meet are nearly same. I got to see a “Julaha”, A community of weavers. In ancient India, the job was specific to a particular community and these people were responsible for weaving clothes. He was carrying his equipment to shred cotton, which not to my surprise, some people have never seen. I couldn’t hold but recite the famous verses of Gulzar saab “Mujhko bhi tarkeeb sikha koi yaar julahe…….”. The local boarded and de boarded the bus on our journey. Ours was probably the last stop.

We started on our walking expedition right from the bus stop. For walking for around 10 min or so, we reached to the GATES of HEAVEN. It was a sight to watch, blue water around small stretches of thick forests. It seemed was untouched froma ny human interference. Some trees standing tall in the water, with no leaves at all. The place was perfect for photography buffs, and everyone made right use of it, the photographers and also the ones posing for them. Our boats (Karakal) were ready to take us through to our camp site. Breakfast was waiting for us and that led us to compete among each other to reach the other end. We were 7 people in one boat and 8 in other, including the navigators and 3 who joined us at Sagara. The race event made us learn how to row the boat. Enjoying the clear water and Praphulla (leg pulling him) we reached the other coast. Breakfast was ready as we reached. There were a few people already there. We had upma and tea for breakfast. To our joy, the tea was perfect. After eating well we started with the days activity. Firs was my favorite, swimming. The sad part being that I had to wear a life jacket. Which later I felt was good only as it made us less tired.

On the sight of water we were in double mind. There were small colonies of tadpoles, moving over the water bed. Though the ran as we approached but the mere feeling of them touching your feet was enough to give Goosebumps. We finally managed to get in. the water was cold and we started to enjoy every bit of it. From the lot only me, Arun and Elizabeth (Elzi) were the one who knew swimming. Other like Mayank were quite enthusiastic about learning, while some like Praphulla and Sonal preferred staying at the shore. I started with teaching Mayank some basics and dragged him in water. Soon he was floating well (courtesy: Life jacket). Slowly we all were in deep water, swimming and enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature. Tired and feeling cold we cam out for a sunbath and started to enjoy the game of flash. It ended with the call for lunch. After so much of swimming everyone was real hungry. We were served rice and sambar, and to this day in 25 years Sambar had never tasted more delicious. We enjoyed it thoroughly and to top it cam buttermilk. Again a small competition started of, who can drink the maximum glasses of buttermilk. Praphulla was dragged here also. Mayank started with asking us to take him on our side and we ended by concluding that no one needs him. Though his support would have been beneficial to any team. On one side were me, Tanmay and Sujay and on the other side were Bhaskar, Mayank and Arun, though they had an advantage of having Bhaskar on their side, but that didn’t deter our spirits. The count started and so did the spectators curiosity. We stopped at 3 cups short to them, to which we some how compensated. Now they were one cup ahead, Tanmay made a call and equaled the score with another cup down his throat. Everyone was filled to the brink of vomit. We were barely able to move. The war of words carried on till both the teams accepted a draw. Even our cooks got involved and were more curious in serving than we were in drinking.

After this filling meal, we had some rest and waited for our next activity, that was to surf an island and trek to the sunset point and come back after the sunset. Everyone was looking forward to it amid the laughter of the competition and respite that Praphulla and Tanmay provided by being the scapegoats.

We started for the island surfing at around 03 in the afternoon. We went to a nearby island in our boats and the trekked for around 1 km to reach the sunset point. The sun was still up in the horizon so we had some to ourselves before the sunset. We sat there silently enjoying the music produced by the waves against the shore. Everyone was lost in his/her own world.

The land at the shore was cut in shape with the force from the waves, carving on discretion. Still there were some trees in the middle, sustaining the wrath of these waves and standing tall. The only thing was that they were only wood and no leaves. Made me wonder, what they got being adamant and staying against that tide. They are lonely now and have even lost their color. In our personal life also we tend to go against the people close to us, though we emerge out strong but have to sacrifice our leaves. The leaves, that gives us a reason to live. The leaves, that makes us more beautiful and caring.

All this didn’t stop the sun, and soon it came to a point where it was showering its diminishing glory on us. It was a sight to watch. I missed her the most, taking her hand in mine, sitting on a rock, our feet dipped in water, and it would have been a perfect date.


The sun had set and so had all the feeling sunk with it. We started to move back to our campsite. We rowed in dark, enjoying the solitude of the backwater, which was broken momentarily with every row. We reached to a heavily lit up sky. I have never seen the sky so bright with so many stars. Though I having come from a village could have boasted for seeing the sky clearer than anyone present there, but still it was no match to what my eyes were experiencing. It seemed like a kid had sprinkled white paint on a black sheet.

Sitting across the fire, we introduced ourselves to the others present. Then the usual campfire games started and everyone seemed to enjoy. We started with playing dumb charades. It took a little naughty turn when some of the mischief-makers gave movie names like Kama sutra and Tom Dick and Harry. Well all in all it was a fun evening. Many more games were played, the one that made an unforgettable mark was one started by Sujay. Everyone was told to say a movies name in the neighbor’s ear. Then the person had to say the movies name aloud followed by “In my Pink Pajama”. The fun filled trip from the first to the last person included movies like, “Chota chetan, Mohra, Finding Nemo, When a stranger calls, hum tum,” and all in “Pink Pajama”.

After having our dinner we all went to our tents for the night. Sleep didn’t overcome, as the experience to be there was so extraordinary. Anyhow we woke up in the morning at around 0700 hrs. Finished our morning chores and were all gathered brushing our teeth when the most amazing incidence on the trip occurred.
Bhaskar cam running towards the water body and spitted, murmuring some foul words to someone. He hurriedly cleansed his mouth with water and then stood up to ask, “kisne wahan toothpaste ke jagah ODOMOS rakha?”
Everybody burst into laughter. He was told to take the paste from the bag, where a pack of odomos was also present. He mistakenly took odomos and starting brushing. When it tasted odd, he thought to himself that maybe its some ayurvedic medicinal paste. It was only after some time that he read on the tube what he was doing. Bhaskar earned the reputation of being the “ODOMOS BABA”.

After having our tea, we sat for a discussion with our organizer, Sampat on the conservation of this place and the efforts he was making to do so. It was good to hear that the money went to the people ion the nearby villages and was not used for any commercialization. This immensely beautiful place was to be preserved from any infiltration. We went on to have our breakfast and then moved to another stream of water for swimming.

This place had some trees in near access, so we all gathered near them and started to climb them and jump from top. The child in everyone had overpowered the adult in enjoying. After some hours of swimming we all took a karakal and went out to explore the water. We did some kayaking and then moved to have our lunch. After eating to our capacity, we lied to have some rest. Some slept while others kept discussing the fun and all we had on this trip.

Time came to move with our luggage to the final activity and then move away from there. Last was trekking to a hilltop, to have a bird’s eye view of or site. The path was through our bus stop. We started with boating till the other coast and then trekking our way uphill for about 45 min. The trek as tiring but the view from top compensated for everything. We waited for around 10 min at the top and tried finding all the places we were in the past 30 hrs, starting form the camp site, to the sunset point, to the shit island etc. We started our journey back and reached the bus stop by 06 pm. The bus was scheduled at around 06:15. Everyone made use of this opportunity by playing the most famous game in India with the village children, the fool’s game – Cricket. We left the place with a gift (ball) to the children playing there and numerous memories, which can never fade away.

We boarded a bus from Sagara to Shimoga Railway station. Reached there around 30 min before the departure, stocked our luggage and had our last meal of the trip. Lemon rice and Chatani. It would be unfair to mention that the food we enjoyed throughout the trip was of the most superior quality I have ever tasted. Had our food and went off to sleep on our births. We were a little scattered in the train. Reached Bangalore station at 04:30 in the morning. Ended our trip with a cup of tea and then headed back to our home with a pledge to make some more trips of this level.