aathma’s blog

I just completed the reading of Freedom at Midnight, a book on last phase of Indian Independence, written by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins.

When Lord Mountbatten declared that India will have her own government by August 15, 1947, instead of celebrating the announcement, many Indians cursed the last Viceroy for taking the decision on his own without consulting the elite group "Astrologers"!!!

How can the Viceroy take an important decision like this without finding the auspicious time?

May be because of that unilateral decision made by Lord Mountbatten, we are having "good" relationships with our neighbouring countries.

I do believe in science. But I don't believe the Scientists that much!

I do believe Astrology is a science. But I don't believe the Astrologers that much!

In India, horoscope is the first thing that is created and gifted to the new born. The 4/4 twelve columns having some characters written will reveal the past, the present and the future of the candidate. Amazing stuff!!!!

But what happens if there are some typos in the character notations or change in columns? I.e. how will a person judge the authenticity of a horoscope? Hey, then you tell your birth time, birth date and birth place. There are lot of ways of generating horoscope with those parameters. Birth date and birth place is fine. But, birth time? Is that the time shown in the watch of the Gynaecologist, or is it the time shown in the watch of the Nurse or is it the time shown in the watch of the parent who always keep the time 10 minutes ahead of the actual time! I don't have an answer! But we believe in birth time and create the kundali as per that!

So a child starts his/her life in earth with the gift he/she got, the horoscope. That chart holds the responsibility for any good or bad things that happens in life. Winning a lottery or getting high marks in examinations, and then he/she is having good time as per the Horoscope. If there are good times, then of course there will be bad times or absence of good, like accidents or related things. And then he/she is having a bad time as per the horoscope. Well, these things are Ok.

But the importance of horoscope reaches its height at the time of one's marriage.

The first step of a normal Indian marriage is the exchange of Horoscopes between the families of the girl and the boy. Lot many parameters will be scrutinized by the so called elite group to ensure and support the alliance. It all depends. Yes the beautiful word in English "depends". Depends on what? Depends on the character notations and their position in the columns?

The bottom line is, in most cases the horoscope match ends up negatively.

It’s no more a Horoscope.

Now I call it as HORRORSCOPE!!!

“മാളിക മുകളേറിയ മന്നന്റെ തോളിൽ മാറാപ്പു കേറ്റുന്നതും ഭവാൻ!!!”

“Siapa makan nangka, dia kena getah.”

(Whoever eats the nangka (Jackfruit), will be touched by the sap (You are responsible for your own actions)

When something starts happening to you which you are not ready to accept, suddenly the things happening then onwards will be of the same gene. I believe that it's all the wish of Almighty to ensure that your feet are on the ground….

So was the case with me this Wednesday. It was the last day of the code freeze. When I was about to leave the office with the satisfaction of completing my work, a bug came on my way whistling. Red light of the traffic signal was brighter than ever!

While trying to fix the issue, I realized that the status of the defect which I have kept as "Resolved" in the Defect tracker, the application which we use in our company to track the defects in the product, is not solved. How can it be solved? Because I missed to commit the changes done to the source repository! So now there are two bugs on my name and have couple of hours to fix those. I was worried about the defect which was kept as resolved. Anyways it's just a minute's job to get it checked-in to the source repository as the solution was already reviewed by the Architect.

As a developer I hate processes. But I am bound to follow it. I sent the patch to the Architect again for the review so that the check-in can happen. The situation started deteriorating. It was hardly 10 lines of code change and he started finding out more than 100 issues!!! As another colleague also joined the review process, as he didn't have any other work to do, it eventually ended up in revamping the legacy code.

With the bhajans in background, yes; I really needed divine intervention here, started working on the review comments.

 I'll change the code; both of them will review and shot back with some more comments.

This process went on for about 12-13 times.

In between those activities my friend, with whom I am learning (learned) Chenda, called me up to wish on the occasion of first anniversary of our Arangettam!!! Unusually the conversation ended up in 2 minutes and I started concentrating on my work.

Thank God. My architect is married. His better half started enquiring about his arrival to their house. Yes, now the time is 2200 hrs. He left the place by handing over the review baton to my other colleague. I could convince him and the work got over in 30 minutes. But somehow my intuition said not to commit the changes to the repository so that the product stability is not disturbed.

Posting a mail to the Manager at 2300 hrs, I shut down my machine and started my return journey.

Stood up from my place and I could realize that I am the only person who is inside the office. Painfully I understood that the main door of the office is locked automatically. With the hunger and irritation I started hitting on the door so that the security can open it. He was also not successful in getting it open. Some how the door near the reception was not locked and I "escaped" from office.

I reached home. Without even changing my dress, ran to the kitchen to have my dinner which would have been prepared by my roomie. God!!! Not even signs of dinner preparation I could find in the kitchen. I decided to make the "mouth watering bachelor special" maggi 2 minutes Noodles. I could see the wrapper in the box where these things are normally placed. I kept the water to boil and opened the box. Then I realized that it was an illusion. It was just the wrapper and nothing inside.

God!!! Why you are doing this to me? 'Nothing will happen if you are not having dinner for one night. Now itself you are over weight.' Did somebody murmur like that?

 I wanted to have something to satisfy my stomach. Definitely words will not help me in that. Took out the dough from the refrigerator and planned to make dosa.

"Oh Mom, what is this? Is this Dosa Festival or what? Dosa for breakfast, Dosa for lunch and now Dosa for dinner! I don't want anything." Remembered how I use to quarrel with my sweet loving mom. Now it's my fate as I had dosa as my breakfast, my lunch and now as dinner!!!

Silently apologizing to my mom, kept the pan in the gas stove and started stirring the dough. My patience is about to leave me. First dosa is on the process of making. Normally it takes couple for minutes for the dosa to be baked. It's now five minutes. I lost my control when I realized that the Liquified Petroleum Gas alias LPG Soul has left its body in the cylinder and had gone off the place!!!

Wednesday gave way to Thursday!!!

Thanks to my roomie and his friend who got the parcel from his home town. My dinner was 200 gms Jackfruit chips!!!!

Yesterday evening when I was watching my favourite news channel, my eyes got hold of one scrolling news item. Results announced!!! I was waiting for this day since May 15th, the day I wrote the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. The IPS officer aspirant in me rose up. So where will I check the results? As usual, decided to disturb my sis and her husband, my old roomie.

 “Sis, results announced. Can you please check my roll number in www.upsc.gov.in?”

“Oho… What's your roll number?"

I started searching for my hall ticket. I wanted Google to implement search facility with household articles. That could have helped me at this juncture. After couple of minutes, I was successful in locating that important piece of document.

Placing an application to all Gods, I read out my roll number. “Ok, the website is damn slow, I’ll call you back.” said my sis.

 Krishnanath Iyer, IPS, City Police Commissioner, Kochi Mega City, Encounter Specialist!!!

I made the notorious mafia gang in my home city to “get out house” from there.

Kerala State DGP called for a special meeting with all senior Police officers to congratulate me and my team for the effort we put together to achieve the goal.

“Commissioner Mr. Krishnanath Iyer and his team of young, dedicated and enthusiastic Police officers had made the entire Kerala Police proud with their sincere effort that ended the notorious mafia in Kochi. On behalf of the State Government and on behalf of you all, I thank Mr. Krishnan and his team for the successful completion of the mission they took up. The entire team will be given a promotion to the next rank with immediate effect.” Hearing the words of DGP, the entire crowd stood up and the sound of applause was banging the auditorium…

“kuttanaadan punjayile….”, the ring tone of my mobile indicating the call from my sis, woke me up.

“Krishna, your roll number is this right?" asked Sis. “Yes Sis, it's the same!”

The moment of silence increased my anxiety.

My inner voice said, “My country needs me yaar!!!”

But the website www.upsc.gov.in said, “Not this time yaar!!!”

Wherever you go, I am there; “gathikedu”!!!!

“paapi chellunnidam paathaaLam”. This is the notorious proverb which I use, to tease my friends, which relates; things which were going fine suddenly turn into disaster just because of his/her mere presence. Now I need to apply that to myself. Of course, am my own friend. Hence it's not politically incorrect to apply to self.

Earlier my friends use to make fun of me by telling me to get a season ticket in Sabari Express. I countered it by telling them that I’ll get frequent flyer status in all domestic airlines…

Whats the relation between the above two paragraphs?? Yes, there is a relation.. It's about my flying experience with various domestic Airlines in India. Let it be patriotic erstwhile Indian Airlines now turned to Indian, majestic Jet Airways, sexy Kingfisher Airlines, hamara Sahara Airlines or the aam aadmi ka Air Deccan. Almost 90% of my friends had good, in fact very good flying experience in all the above mentioned Airlines… Now you are getting the point. Yes, but for me always irrespective of Airlines its turns out to be a pathetic story.

This started in December 2005. That was the time I got 500 INR tickets in Air Deccan. (Prior to that, I had very good experiences with all the Airlines). So HYD-BLR-COK-BLR-HYD, return journey cost me 3000 bucks including taxes. I was the happiest man… Am saving some valuable hours in my journey to my pyara home town. Actual flight schedule was HYD-BLR departing HYD at 1700 hrs… I love that time. I can be in office till 1500 hrs and no need to take that day leave. 
So will reach BLR by around 1830 hrs and I can meet and have fun with my old roomie cum cook and other rocking pals in BLR. I miss the weekends which I use to enjoy in Panjagutta when our friend Satan lands in the house screaming “What plans for the night, guys?”. Now the Satan is in US. (Best companion to President Bush). Mr. Amsu was ready to be there in the Airport to welcome me. Everything was planned and was ready for a party.

At around 1400 hrs, got an SMS which read “Your Air Deccan Flight to BLR has been delayed and will now depart from HYD at 1830 hrs”… Wow… that's lovely! Great timing!!!! My pals need not get out of office early just to be there at the BLR airport. ‘Its fine with me’, said to myself.

I was calling my roomie to drop me at the Airport. I got another SMS, “Your Air Deccan Flight to BLR has been delayed and will now depart at 2045 hrs…" Oh No… It's becoming late. But I was not panic.
After an hour, my mobile started ringing. “Sir, your flight has been further delayed and will now depart at 2330 hrs”. Oh Shucks… So it will around 0100 hrs the next day, I’ll be in BLR Airport. That too in the cold winter, I don't want my friends to suffer because of me… “What do you expect me to do now?" “Sir, you can either cancel the ticket or can reschedule it.” came the humble reply. HELL!!!
“Ok. Can you pls re-schedule it for the tomorrow morning flight at 0600 hrs as I need to catch the Kochi flight in the afternoon?”. “Sorry Sir, morning flight is full. I can reschedule it for the 1145 flight.” "Thats Ok. So will it be possible for me to get the Kochi flight if I travel in that?” "I don't think so Sir…" answer came in no time.. Oh Shucks… “What the hell is happening?” I kept the phone and went to the Airport around night 8.30.

The officer in the Air Deccan pavilion was busy accepting “complements” from the BLR bound flight passengers. I could see the fare in the ticket of the person who was standing next to me. It was 3578 INR. My favourite phrase splashed in my mind… ‘Happiness is not an absolute term. It's relative’  Now my anger is very less. I got the ticket for 500 INR!!! By that time I was successful in establishing a contact with one of the officer there. I made sure that if any seats are available in the next day morning flight, I’ll get it. Also I made up my mind to fly late night and informed my pals in BLR. I got the officer’s mobile number and in every 30 minutes I rang up and enquired the status. Answer was always “Sorry Sir, not yet!!!" My roomie, who use to sleep by 2100 hrs, was not sleeping and was waiting for my departure. At around 10:30 we went and had our dinner. Then I got a call from the Air Deccan by that officer in the Airport. “Sir, there was one cancellation for the morning flight and I have confirmed yours.” I thanked him like anything and went to sleep. I need to be there at the Airport by 0515 hrs!!

End of Part 1

Surprisingly the flight departed on time the next day and reached BLR 10 minutes before schedule… I met my friends and got the chance to wash the dusted Santro Car of my old roomie so that we can go out together. My next flight is at 1445 hrs. As it was a Saturday, heavy rush in the Airport and was able to check-in by 1405 hours. I could see in the information screen that my flight to Kochi is on time. I took out a book from my bag and started reading… Just like that I once again glanced at the information screen… “DELAYED”. I could see that word… Oh No!!! It's my flight!! And it's delayed by another 3 hours and to the height of desperation I already checked-in!! The counter staff, just 5 minutes back, told me that flight is on time!!!

I have been to all the metro Airports. BLR Airport is one of the "best" Airports in the country. You CAN’T even get a cup of coffee once you have checked- in!!!

Again by God’s grace I happen to see my neighbour's ticket. The fare was 2850 INR. Happiness, again, in not an absolute term!!! I got the ticket for 500 INR!!! Somehow it didn’t get delayed further and the flight departed at 1730 hrs.

End of Part 2

The day reached. I need to fly back. I am enjoying the “Panchari melam” with my friend with whom I am learning “Chenda”!! I called up to Airport to check the departure. I really wanted the flight to be delayed and my flight to HYD is only next day morning and I can enjoy the Temple festival. As expected, flight is delayed by 2 hours. I thanked that sweet voice and gave my local number to inform me about any further changes. Believe me, just after 15 minutes the mobile started ringing. “Sir, your Air Deccan flight to BLR has been cancelled. You can either reschedule your journey or cancel the ticket”. If I cancel/reschedule the ticket will she fly for me to HYD, the next day??? I don't know what to do now… When my brother begged me not to trust that Airline, I countered him that it's his professional jealousy towards a budget airline. But now I have no option. I need to be in office next day and only he can do something for me. I rang up and heard all the things what he can tell to an younger brother!!! I kept quiet and urged to give me a solution. Somehow, he got me Jet Airways ticket to BLR for 3000 INR.

I looked at my Air Deccan ticket. It was 500 INR, but of no use!!!

I took a firm decision the next day when I boarded the Air Deccan flight to HYD. ‘This will be my last flight in this Airline, Alvida!!!’

End of Part 3

Days went off… It was time for the next trip to my hometown. This time I wanted to try sexy Kingfisher and they provided ticket for 3661 INR to Kochi via Bangalore. I was told that I need to board another flight from Bangalore. That’s not a problem for me. It's hardly one hour I need to be there in BLR Airport. Flight from HYD was supposed to depart at 1230 hrs and I reached Airport by 1130 hrs. I went to the counter for check-in. The lady in mini requested in her cute voice to wait for some more time as the flight is….. Yes it is delayed And by 2 hours!!!!


So what will happen to my flight from Bangalore to Kochi? It will be the same aircraft which is going to Kochi and there is no need to worry. Sigh!!! That's good… But, the flight is delayed!!!!

I booked my return journey in Air Sahara. I got it done just the day prior to my departure. Thanks to my bro!!! But the fare is bit high… It is 6654 INR. Yea, that’s OK for the time being as I need to be here in HYD. Scheduled time of departure is 1520 hrs. I reached the Cochin International Airport by 1430 hrs and went to the Air Sahara counter and checked-in. Kochi Airport is far better than Bangalore Airport and so the boarding lounge. “Your attention please. The Air Sahara flight S2 146 to Delhi via HYD is delayed by 90 minutes due to the late arrival of the incoming flight”. Again!!!! This Airline too!!!

I met one of my colleagues, with her cute kid, in the Airport. Happiness is again a relative term!!! She was supposed to depart one day before, in Paramount Airways. That flight got cancelled and her ticket has been rescheduled!!!! 

End of Part 4

Again a day reached. I need to go to BLR. This time I don't want to wait long in the Airport. I booked the ticket in Indian. The scheduled departure time is 0930 hrs. I managed to reach the Airport well in time. As usual checked-in. I enquired at the counter and got a firm reply that the flight is on time. I called up my friend in BLR and asked him to be there at the Airport. I went to have a cup of coffee. “Your attention please. This is the last and final call for the Air Deccan flight to Vijayawada. Passengers are requested to proceed for boarding.” I looked at the information screen. Hey!!! That flight is on time!!!.

While having my coffee, I took out a book from the bag and started reading. I have 45 minutes more. One more announcement. “Your Attention Please. The Indian Airlines flight to Bangalore is delayed by 30 minutes due to technical reasons. We regret for the inconvenience caused to the passengers”!!! Oh God!!! Again !!!

I sat back. So it's nothing to do with the Airlines. The common thing or the entity is none other me!!!! “paapi chellunnidam paathaLam”!!!

I could here someone murmuring… “Wherever you go, I am there. ‘gathikedu’”!!!!

For me, a week starts on Sunday, because, I need to start a week on a holiday!!!

Well begun is half done… So I want all Sundays to be enjoyed to the maximum at my interest… 

A normal Sunday in Hyderabad begins at 0730 hrs for me. But the preparations for the Sunday celebration would have been started on Saturday night itself!!!

The very first thing I would do on a Sunday is to wash the clothes which were accumulated in the last week. Really, I don't understand why my pals are hesitant to wash the clothes themselves.  You have SURF EXCEL in the market. After soaking the clothes for 30 minutes, its just matter of 10-20 minutes to get the clothes washed in normal water. And of course this activity burns some calories… yea; I am doing some work… So, for me, it's an exercise too.

 Also while you are keeping the clothes in the soap water, you have the entire 30 minutes to do your routine things. These 30 minutes is very important for me to make the Sunday Celebration a success…

This is the day I use to enter the Kitchen without taking bath. I want to save time… The black grams which were kept in water the before night, needs to be cooked!!!!

This Sunday too, everything was fine and was happening as per plan… Also I am having a special guest, my best friend cum my school classmate cum my philosopher cum my guide. He will be arriving around 12 noon… He called up and I promised him breakfast-lunch. Even though he is coming in flight, I am sure that he will not get even a glass of water in that Airline… So I am prepared to put extra effort in cooking.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7 enough. I turned off the gas stove after counting whistle from the pressure cooker. The 30 minutes is over. I went to wash the clothes and to take bath. My morning prayers are over. Again back to Kitchen…

 Grated the coconut which was bought from the shop when it was about to close at around 2200 hrs… Fried the coconut in the pan along with Coriander and red chillies. Again took extra care to make sure that I am not letting my friend down!!! In the meantime, prepared the dough using rice flour and water for making steam cake alias “puttu”. Twice I checked its taste for salt. I am satisfied…. Black gram or in traditional malayalam, “kadala”, is also cooked well. The coconut is grinded well with enough water in the mixer grinder.

I looked at the clock. Its 0930 hrs… In another 10 minutes my cooking will be over and at 1000hrs I need to start so as to participate in the Anti Reservation Rally to extend my Solidarity with Equality for Youth!!!

I felt proud of myself for the time management….

But then it started… Everything was going wrong from that moment…. This was really unexpected. It's been just 2 1/2 months and in that, 3 weeks I was not there in town, still????? Just 10 more minutes I need. Delicious puttu and kadala will be ready!!! I don’t know which reader of my earlier blog did this to me!!! Anyways it has happened… No escape from it… I am using the gas cylinder provided by Hindustan Petroleum… It's no more in the current cylinder…. My anger didn't even care to offer the condolences… I accepted the fact… The gas is no more….

The half made things found its resting place in the refrigerator… My Sunday is spoiled… It's not well begun…. I didn’t have my favourite puttu and kadala this Sunday… The week is going to be horrible!!!!

Disclaimer: Characters in this blog are truly fictitious. Any resemblance with anyone who is dead or alive is just deliberate.

Friend: I always have very high regard to this particular word. But in this story for one, it has got a meaning which is not so close to its actual

Read on, you will understand…

It's about one of my best friends and his “friend”. I don't want to call him by his name. Let me call him as Mr. B. Why B? Not A? It's very simple. For me, letter (A) has got a different meaning . This guy, (not gay) is such a nice person. So am referring him as Mr. B and not A. This pal hails from a reputed village of Kerala. He is having enough talent to prove that he hails from that place!!!  His physics, actions; everything! He is very good at his academics. Having good reputation in the organizations where he has worked and now working…

Now about Mr. B’s friend!!! (S)He was Mr. B’s roommate. Very much close to the heart of Mr. B. Always shares his worries and goodies with him. (S)He is very accommodative to Mr. B!!! I am confused. How can we refer this guy? Yes… (S)He is Mr. X!!!

 So there are two friends, Mr. B and Mr. X. They are roomies. Very much close each others heart. So what's the issue? Hang on pal… let me start one by one…

There is a common friend for Mr. B and Mr. X. Mr. X claims that the common friend is close to him more than to Mr. B. This common friend bought a car… Yeaaaa, now it's interesting Common friend told (’invited’ in the words of Mr. X) Mr. B and Mr. X to join him on the way to their work place. Incidentally they all are working in the same organization. Mr. B knows Mr. X’s nature not well, but very well. But still, he did it! I feel it's knowingly!!!

So their journey started to office. While driving the brand new car, common friend asked the other guys, “Hey, howz it going?”

Mr. B answered “kewl… worth paying for this car, right Mr. X?”

Mr. X passively commented “Yea…"

There ends scene 1.

Scene 2: Flat where Mr. B and Mr. X are staying; 2100 hrs

Mr. B enters the room and notices sad face of Mr. X (as usual??!!) “What happened?? What's the problem with you? Didn’t your teammate share the chocolate with you today??” asked Mr. B. He had the other smile in his face while asking.

“No. That's not the case. Today’s issue… No I don't want to tell you. You will feel bad.” replied Mr. B’s roomie.

“Me?? Feeling bad? And that too for your issue! NO WAY!!!” emphasized the pot belly guy Mr. B. “You tell”, insisted Mr. B.

“Today morning when we were ‘invited’ to go with our friend in the car… you know how much I am close to him. I am very much, very much, very much close to him and that too definitely than you. Even then… even then…" stopped for a while and Mr. B could see his face emotions changing. He is almost at the verge of crying…. “What's the problem?” Mr. B again!

“How much I was worried you know? I am having the privilege to sit with him in the front seat and not you!!!” said Mr. X.

We could imagine the face of Mr. B!! Embarrassed?? Worried of his fate???, I don't have any idea on that!!!

“And what you did?” continued Mr. X. “Without even asking me you sat in the front seat of the car and I with no other option left was forced to sit at the back seat!!” literally started crying….

What to do? Mr. B was in a dilemma. ‘How can I solve this issue??’

He didn't solve the issue. He escaped from it and went out of his bedroom and slept in the hall!!!!

This incident is there in the mind of Mr. X. He still thinks Mr. B did it purposefully.

Days passed. This is the time Mr. X looks very happy. Oh!! He is getting married!!!
On the eve of his wedding, Mr. X was waiting for his best friends, yes, including his old roomie Mr. B and their common friend, at his home town. Its night 8′O Clock, 9′O Clock!!! No signs of those guys entering at least the surrounding areas of the town… Mr. X looked at his watch and suddenly his mobile started ringing… Yes it's Mr. B!! He was thrilled. He knows that Mr. B will come and now he is calling to find out the exact location. “Where are you? Are you at the bus stand?” asked Mr. X eagerly. “I am sorry daa…. I am not in a position to join you for the marriage. I didn’t get the ticket for the bus.” the phone answered.

How can Mr. B tell such a blunder to that guy? Only as it was Mr. X, he believed the statement. His marriage was fixed six months back!! Even then Mr. B was not able to get a ticket and that too in the bus?? Why can't he take a flight??? He could have got the flight ticket at a very cheaper rate!! Lots of questions in our mind…

Mr. X without uttering a word dropped the call.

Again mobile started ringing. Now its the other guy, “common friend”!! Mr. X was happy, at least he is there. “Hi man!!! I am sorry. I am stuck up with a work and I could not get down from the office…" Mr. X flattered. He threw  his phone with anger and disappointment and left to his room!!

Just a note here: Now at this moment Mr. B and the common friend stays in the same city.

What were Mr. B and the common friend doing without attending the marriage??

Answer is simple and known to all, except Mr. X!!!!

They were having fun and some rounds of drinks on that weekend!!! They don't wanna spend a paisa for this marriage and utilized that money for their own enjoyment!!!

My Friend is the same, Mr. B. But now his friend is not his old roomie!!!

I love to enjoy my breakfast on Sundays with puttu and kadala. But this Sunday I was not having the time to prepare the same and also I forgot to soak the kadala on Saturday night.

It was 0702 hrs. My mobile woke me up with the tune of the film “Kaaka Kaaka”. “Uyirin Uyire Uyirin Uyire…..". That reminded me about Ambu Selvam IPS, ACP - Encounter Specialist!!! The character in that movie which I got attracted with, that seeded my desire to serve Mother India!!!

Oh that's my (chenda) class mate… “What happened???, Didn't wake up till now? The persons whom the country needs should not sleep like this. We, ordinary people can do so..  All the best!!!” and handed over the phone to sis. “Hello, best of luck. At least this time make a difference!" She smiled and then, it was the turn of their sweet baby to wish me. In her cute voice she too did wish me good luck.

I was half sleep when the conversation held. But that helped me to woke up and get myself prepared for it. In another couple of hours I need to start my journey to Indira Priyadarshini College for Women, Nampally, Hyderabad. Where is this place? It's been five long years am in this city of pearls. But still the geography is not my piece of bread. Searched my mobile and got the number of Telugu speaking Malayalee friend. “Brother where is this institution?” I enquired. “It is somewhere near public gardens.”  Got the answer.

0905 hrs: After my prayers, started the journey. Thanks to my old roomie. He is having his vacation time with his wife in Ukraine. So the car is with me. As the affair I was indulged with is a splendid one, went to the place in the car. There should not be any short comings in these things  

Oh No!!! Today is the day Government is celebrating second anniversary in office and the celebrations are planned at Lal Bahadur Sastri Stadium. I need to cross that area to reach the college. Hyderabad is notorious for traffic chaos. This can add its part too!!!

But God’s grace it was not that much hectic to pass the stadium and the traffic cop helped me in finding the place I was heading for.

I reached the place in time and got into the hall where my roll number was scribbled. My place is near a Punjabi young girl. Thank God, my attention was not diverted with that. I hope you understand the reason First paper is Mechanical Engineering. Yea, that was my discipline for my BTech!!! Again PV = nRT; Hooke’ law, Stress/Strain is a constant; Bernoulli’s Theorem; Oh God, Thank you so much. I do remember those things… 2 hours, 120 questions. Enough time to answer all… After the exam, I was really depressed!!! I could not have a beautiful design as expected in OMR answer sheet!!! Ok. Let me try that for the other paper General Studies…

It was in the afternoon session. I was happy seeing the first question. What is CMYK related to? Answer I was pretty well aware of. Thanks to the guy who use to tolerate my doubts in the Empire printing press in my home town. Hey.. Its related to Offset printing. That's the code word for Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Black. Offset printing is not dependent on RGB colour scheme. Oh Sorry, I am not going to explain all the questions and answers here… Well, at least I know the first one. Well begun is half done!!!  

This is the day I was waiting since a year. I am appearing for the Civil Service examination (prelims) for the second time. Last year my country had better choices than me . This year I prefer to be my country’s choice… Whether I’ll make it or not? For that we need to wait for few more months.

But my inner voice said “My country needs me yaaar!!!!”

I could see some messages on my mobile when I got up today morning. Many of my friends had sent their birthday wishes to me. I was surprised! Why they sending me the wishes today without “belated” as my birthday already had in January?. Oh!! now I understand . They want me to celebrate my birthday on All Fools’ Day!!!.

At around 11, I got a call from my friend, who was my roomie, cook, :):), colleague and all for some years in Hyderabad, from Bangalore. “I bought an an Activa”, he said. “Congrats” I replied. My mind googled to search some of the conversation we had together couple of years back. ‘I want to buy a bike and I like splendour.’ ‘Bike will not suit you my dear, go for something like Kinetic Honda or the latest trend Activa’, I replied to his statement. ‘No man. Activa is a ladies bike. I don’ want that’. As if he knows driving and he will be driving the bike like in Dhoom.

“So you changed your mind or changed your sex?”, asked him. I got the exact reply which I expected. “Also one news: I failed in the test for Learners License” with background music of laugh. I was not surprised hearing that. He did it again. It was 3 years back in Hyderabad when he took the license test for Car and failed miserably. So the history repeats. He is capable of getting good marks in all the tests he attended and he has proved the same in his MS exams too. But why? why only during license tests he is failing. I think I will present a thesis on the same and will apply for PhD.

“Ok man, will call you later”, the statement ended the call.

Today April 1!!! I ranged back. “Are you trying make me fool?”

“No da, I really bought Activa.”..

Now I am really fooled!!!!