Sunday, December 7, 2008

Sad End of a Friend.


Each one of us in our lives would have gone through touching times, seen incidents, events which leave their imprints in our lives….This is a true incident about a friend of mine who lost his life after being hit by a fast train on track 4 at Kandivali about 5 years back.

Surinder,21, was a normal guy, happy go lucky, fun to be with. We enjoyed his company, playing with his dog and loved to purposely tease him about his Nepali looks to make him angry. Initially they were 4 brothers and 1 sister, until his elder brother drowned in the sea many years back and it was left to him to take care of the family then being the eldest of the remaining siblings.

On that unfortunate day, he was coming back from his coaching classes along with one of his classmate, Rahul. Like many others who cross the railway track, they too decided to take the shorter route not knowing death was waiting for them on the other side of the tracks,not realizing that a fast train was approaching and soon found themselves too close to the train. At that moment both of them went blank unable to decide whether to step back or jump forward to save their lives…..Surinder took half a step back, Rahul took half a step forward but still both found themselves in the path of the oncoming train. Suddenly Rahul held Surinder’s hand, pulled him and jumped forward. Unfortunately, Surinder got hit on the head, his right leg got amputated and he died on the spot whereas Rahul managed to get past the train but the shock of what had just happened was so unbearable that he went into coma. Both were taken to Bhagwati hospital and their respective families were contacted to give them the shocking news. Surinder’s younger brother was called by the police to identify his body and by this time, we all had come to know about the sudden demise of our dear friend.

While the family was in shock seeing his body and we mourned his death, one of our rich friend Kishor and his rich friends (local corporator’s sons) had an idea- To feed dinner to 11 pandits and 100 beggars the next day as our mark of condolence to Surinder and pray for his soul……A bad idea according to me as those guys thought themselves too smart to decide what should be done in such sad time and all that too against the customs and religion.

Next evening, the parking area next to Surinder’s building was cleared, halogens put, carpets spread and a table was laid on which stood a big photograph of our friend with a garland and flowers around while the caterers prepared the dinner in the garages behind. All of our friends, local people from the complex, watchmen, etc had gathered. Many people shed a tear or two and left. By this time, Kishor could manage to get only 7 pandits but not even a single beggar came on knowing that it was offered as a condolence to the dead. The Pandits came, had a small prayer, enjoyed the dinner and went away…

But the food was remaining…that too of a 100 people. Kishor and his friends had spent a lot of money on the caterers and the lighting….Now what is too be done? Should the food be allowed to get wasted? Money go down the drain?.......Of course …..NOT.On hearing their next worst idea,I came back home and stood near my window.

I could see all my friends who had gathered to pay tribute to Surinder eat the remaining dinner that was meant for the beggars……a sad picture I was seeing that had a huge impact on me.

To this day I question the condolence meeting that evening, whether the friends really mourned Surinder’s death or celebrated it with a dinner party? Does anyone of you know the answer?

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Your shadow alone follows you.




In the circle of life we’re going on, and on
Meeting new faces till our time is gone, all gone
Bitter truth I want you to know
Think of it when you’re feeling low

Your shadow alone follows you
Where ever you go and whatever you do
There’s something within us that keeps us true
Where ever you go and whatever you do

We go through the smiles and we go through pain
The journey of life is not a simple game
Feel your soul, and feel your heart
And Look within, to give it a start

When you’re broken on the lonely road
Walk the path your mind has shown

Your shadow alone follows you
Where ever you go and whatever you do
There’s something within us that keeps us true
Where ever you go and whatever you do

Don’t regret, no tears for the time we see
Your best friends should be I, MYSELF, ME
Look forward with hope and enjoy the days now
Since your shadow alone follows you

When you’re broken on the lonely road
Walk the path your mind has shown

Your shadow alone follows you
Where ever you go and whatever you do
There’s something within us that keeps us true
Where ever you go and whatever you do

03.12.08

A Lovestory


Flowers bloomed in my heart, I know not why,
Stars twinkled in my eyes, I know not why,
Life looked so perfect, I know not why.

Then I decided to give it a thought
I asked my mind, my heart and soul
Eureka! I’ve found my answer
Yes, I know now that I’m in love.

Day and night I’m thinking of her
Sunrise and sunset I’m thinking of her
Everything goes so fast around
Yet time seems to have come to a standstill.

I thought & thought…I was going crazy,
So decided to express the feeling from within
Taking a chance one day I told her
And waited patiently for her answer……..

Life had changed completely for now
I was getting impatient, restless
Every minute seemed like an hour & hour seemed like a day
Every time I thought of her, the bubbles of expectation popped in my heart

Now the day has finally come and my happiness knows no bounds
Getting ready for the perfect charismatic look
Thinking that the clouds of darkness will disappear today
With a smile, I left for her……

Met her at the corner of the road
Our eyes met and my heart beat fast
Just waiting for her reply
With a mystical smile, she said……NO

My heart broke into a million pieces
My smile had evaded me
It seemed someone had stabbed me in the heart
Dejected, I turned to go.

Sitting quietly under a tree
I thought to myself-Why am I showing no feelings?
Suddenly, my face lit up as I said to myself
Why should I cry? I have not lost anything
I lost someone who did not love me,
But she lost someone who really loved her…

Next morning was a new beginning, the wind buzzed in my ears
The birds chirped and gave me strength
The fragrance of the flowers made me calm
Life looked so beautiful once again
For me that girl was just a bait
God said-For true love now my child you have to wait….