My Love Aaj Kal !!!

In my last post i had mentioned that why i liked the movie Love Aaj Kal...well hope the below story lets you know why ...my story was a mix of both generations...

Well we did not have any break up party ..and if we had, we cud have had more than 3-4 break off parties.. We wanted to be practical and not emotional..wanted our parents & family to be happy..we tried..we went our own ways..started looking for new partners but then we realised we could not live without each other..

Deepa and me first met when we joined TCS together. No no..it was not love at first sight. We were just acquaintances and had fun during the training, the company provided. We had great back benchers group and used to have lots of fun. I actually wanted to know one of her friends better but it did not work out.

I started my first project along with her. She was my Java teacher, but i never learnt Java. I was never good at coding. Deepa , i and Dipti shared the same computer for 2-3 months. We had a great group of 7-8 people, enjoyed our coffee breaks, lunch breaks and our walk to the Lower Parel station (Few of my friends must have seen me with Deepa on the station). People used to tease me or Deepa about us being a couple but we never felt that way towards each other. We used to laugh at people calling us a couple and enjoy. Both were very clear that we can't get into a relationship cause of our respective backgrounds. In hindsight, that made us comfortable with each other and opened up our lives without the fear of falling for each other.

Once i was having few beers with my friends Pritam and Amit in Gazebo, Bandra and i mentioned that i am really good friends with this gal from office. They got curious and said that i never spoke about any gal like this ever. They said there must be something more than friendship. I laughed it off!! Was there something goin on in my mind which i did not understand???

As friends we enjoyed each others company. First time i ever thought about her as more than a friend was after Hemali's marriage (she was colleague in TCS). We attended the function and something happened and we started talkin about how people thought us as a couple and then the discussion went haywire. We tried to convince each other that there was no chemistrybetween us , we, different people from different backgrounds, and it is not possible for us to be together. Actually we broke off before i proposed to her. But one fine day i asked her on the phone " Do you want to spend your whole life with me" . Ya how boring, un-romantic, but that was the only way i cud have proposed her and yes Hitesh gave me the support to talk to her.

And then the relationship started. For both of us this was a new territory. but we adapted to each other. To be a couple there are many things which we had to adjust, understand, fight. We needed to be sure about the relationship we were getting into. We were quite sure that we can work everything out.

We spoke to our parents about each other and got quite a negative response from both sides. So, we decided to be practical and part our ways to fulfill our parents wishes, not understanding or knowing what we are doing. Some of our very good friends tried to make us realise what we actually wanted, but we were too "practical".

After our break off in Diwali of 2005, we remained in touch. Sometimes meeting with common friends , sometimes an Odd message. I tried to move on with seeing gals for marriage and she also tried to move with her life and she went onsite for few months. I tried hard, saw almost 30 gals and yes somewhere she was in my back of my mind.

Then came THE realization day... my accident. It was November 2006 and i also wrote a blog about it. The point i did not write there was, that after my operation, in anesthesia mode i was only talking about 3 people, Mom, dad and Deepa. Next day, after the effects of the anesthesia went off, i realised that i am getting all these weird smiles and looks from patients, nurses and even the doctor. Later Krishna , my roomie, told me about it. It made me think. Few months later after lots of deliberation i spoke to my parents about it. They were fine with it, but wanted to meet Deepa. I asked Deepa, but she wanted time to think , get things sorted at her place. I went abroad twice after that so that she could have a realization and build upon the strength to talk to her parents.

In Jan 2009 , i came back from US and decided that we need to get married ASAP. She talked to her parents, tried to convince them, but they were not interested to meet me. We waited..we tried.but then we wanted to move on with our lives. Our lives had been stuck in the same situation for 5 years. Wish they could understand we tried out best to get away from each other but the bond was so strong . We were unable to convince them. Hence we decided to take the plunge by having a court marriage.

This marriage would not have been possible without the support of my parents, family and friends. They have laid the foundation for our relationship for which we have to build on now.

Cheers to the new beginning !!!

Suprise !!

My days in New York !

Sometime back i was speaking to my friend and i mentioned that one place i would like to go again for work is New York. My friend was surprised by it because knowing me working out of Mumbai is a completely NO NO for me even for short term projects.

Then why new York ...the place is just like Mumbai, traffic , train , people , food. You meet so many people from various countries , religion. So much to discuss , so much to learn and certainly very beautiful gals to ogle at. But not to forget the party places. There is always something to do in New York.

I was working for more than 12 hours but even after that watching the Manhattan after getting down from my office was amazing. Sometimes walk down the Battery park in NY, going to Indian restaurants, visiting the kebab / rolls places was just part of the routine.

But the most important part of my stay was my friends .. roomies..esp Prajwal. We had covered all the restaurants on Indian street in journal square. I was the 'Dupree' at Rahul & Sheenaz's place ( Reference movie You, me and Dupree). Spent most of my time with them. n Only regret was i could not be in India for Rahul and Sheenaz marriage and miss the Pittoragarg (Nainital) trip with my buddies.

I am bak !!

It just feels like Arnold from Terminator..saying..I am Bak !! he he..

Long time folks without writing anything..actually there was so much happening..but cud not sit down and write as if part of me had shut down..and i say to myself..Apne andar ke writer ko jagoa Santosh..
Last i had written was when i was in New York.. was there till jan..frankly i enjoyed my NY trip this time cause it fun..more like Mumbai..Friends, parties and good food..

Now i am in Pune for the last 1 month and will be here till September end...Life is boring here..but sometimes we are required to do things which we dislike ..all for the bigger picture..
Life is full of compromises but important thing is how these compromises shapes us as an individual..
Now now..enough of gyan...something related to movies..
Hangover is really awesome movie, tickled my funny bone. I really liked 'Love Aaj Kal' ..i will write a different blog really soon sharing with u all why i liked the movie so much..
I really need to watch Kaminey but no theaters r open, thanks to the Swine flu...
but cause of swine flu..i m writing again ..so..

I am bak !!

Diwali - The festival of colours & lights

May the flame of the 'DEEP'
remind us the right choices made
and Memories that hold us together

May the colours of Rangoli
add more colours in our lives

Wishing you all and your near & dear ones
HAPPY DIWALI & A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

I ask myself ?????

Here away in land of dreams
My mind wanders around
How one can stay away from loved ones
I ask myself

Is it money they look for or
Is it quality of life
Is the glamour or
Working in a new environment
One can save more here
but hey Is money all we need to live
I ask myself

Here life is same I see
Struggle all the way
Same crowded buses n trains
Smiling faces without any life
Its hot back home, biting cold here
No freedom to be your self
Always be an outsider to fit in
trying to find happiness
There lots of open spaces
Where are they people I want to be with
I ask myself

I try to have fun , try to enjoy
Keep my mind occupied
Visit new places like on vacation.
But Miss my family n frnds
All the good times n bad times
Which brought us closer
Is this what I want
I ask myself??

New Sports Icon .. Abhinav Bindra!!

In a country of population of more than 1.2 billion , we have always been empty handed at Olympics, the pinnacle for any sports athlete and pride for every country. Apart from winning a medal here and there or a gold in hockey ( 28 yrs back), we never gave our athletes a chance.

The start of Beijing Olympics was not great, as major upsets from Shooters and swimming contingent in first 2 days, but the 3rd day belonged to Abhinav Bindra who won the 1st GOLD for an Individual performance for India in the 10 mtr air rifle category. What a fantastic, fantabolous achievement by him and for a country starved for a Olympic medal. Never felt so excited watching today morning television when they showed his last few rounds and the whole nation cheered him on. He was calm , composed and held on his nerve. Felt proud & ecstatic when the Indian flag was raised and the national anthem was being played.

Kudos to Abhinav and hope that we win few more medals in Boxing, tennis, badminton and shooting at Beijing and we have many more sporting Icons apart from handful from Cricket.

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.” -- Dr. Napoleon Hill

Invisible Best Man !!

Last couple of weekends I traveled to Solapur and then to Goa for a cousin’s wedding and reception. Had loads of fun. But being first cousins wedding, had to work, manage and organize few things. We all cousins used to do some work here and there, but there was one cousin Rakesh who was like heart of all arrangements.. Without Rakesh most of the arrangements were incomplete. If someone wanted some work done or wanted to get something, Rakesh was the person to contact. He was completely involved and did everything without asking any questions. Not only he partied and enjoyed with us but never missed some task related to the wedding/reception. He was like to Super-hero who always faded after doing all the good work. There were people who chipped in here but without someone like him, most of things would have fallen apart.

In every wedding you find someone like Rakesh, managing everything, and doing all the hard work but hardly you will find them in fore-front and will never get enough appreciation for the same.

This blog is dedicated to Rakesh- Invisible best Man and hope you are there for my marriage too ;) !!

Aai ani Aouba ( Mom & Dad)

My first memory , I remember Goa
Carefree fun loving family we were
Going to the Carnival, beaches
My Love for water , beaches is your inheritance

We moved to Kolhapur ,
Things were not going good for us
Still I used to see you both smiling
Facing all the hardships

You have provided me everything in life
I never realized how tough it must have been
But u never let me bear the burden or tension
Ensured I was happy

Every time I needed you the most
I found you standing by my side
Hand in hand , Supporting me
Wishing the best in my life

Was immature and foolish sometimes
But you bore every stupid action of mine
Protected me every time
But made me learn from my mistakes

Don’t know how many times I hurt you
Broke your heart & trust
Never realized how many times I made you cry
But, always thought, will never hurt you again

You are my inspiration, motivation
My pillars of strength
You Made me the person I am
And the person I will be

You deserve all the happiness in world
And a son to be proud of.

Aai ani Auoba ..I love you too much !!

Which IPL team do you Cheer for ??

The newest tamasha IPL has arrived with a big bang and created a flutter among cricket lovers. Hope it sustains all the hype it has created. You can find everyone from Top executives to your watchmen talking about it. Now people will don’t have to watch SaaS bahu dramas, instead all the Rona-dhona will be done on the cricket field.

Being in Mumbai I thought of supporting Mumbai Indians but then I still can’t associate with them or for the matter of fact with any of the teams. Chennai superstars is an excellent team and so is Kolkatta Knight Riders but I feel Rajasthan Royals are the Underdogs of the tournament and I feel they will catch up with the rest.

I have decided not to support any of them. Also I have decided to cheer for the cricket and not for any team in particular. It will take at least couple of years for these teams to make a strong fan base where fans will travel across cities to watch the Away matches of the teams they support.

Till then, I find Football tournaments like EPL & Champions League, etc more interesting and entertaining and will always be a die-hard Chelsea fan !!

Chance !!!

Give me a chance
To be your knight in shinning armour
To be your Mr. Dependable
To be your love of lifetime
To be happy and make you happy
To dance to your tunes
To be part of your life

So I am down on my knee
Asking for this chance
For that is all i need
To start a new beginning.

Back to Mumbai!!!

It’s been ages since I have written anything (2months 12 days to be precise). Well I guess the cold in Minneapolis must have frozen my so called creative juices. And when I landed here in Mumbai, man I thought that the cold was following me and the weather in Mumbai was just like of that of some hill station. Feels awesome to be back in the city of life where I feel I am alive and to be among all the family and friends I had missed for the last 3 months.

My stay in Minneapolis was great and enjoyed there mainly due to Poonam, Sandip, Swapnil and Ved and my room mates Suresh and Raj, . Also the friends in office like Nilofar, Poonam, Preeti, Swati, Dhaval, Hitarth, Kavita and many more who made my stay wonderful and thanks for those lunches and special dinner. Not to forget friends in Chicago like Balaji , Raju and all friends who called and made my life comfortable.

Now will write more frequently and looking forward for your comments/feedback. Keep reading my blog and sorry for staying away so long.

Dance with me !!

Dance floor is set
Spot lights are on

Join me on the floor
Don’t have any qualms

Feel the music
Feel the beats

Tap your feet
And hold my hand

Sway your hips
Move them in rhythm

Forget people around
Just enjoy my touch

Don’t take your eyes off me
Feel the passion

Turn round & round
As if on top of the world

Dance with me !!

Something to think about people !!

Couple of days back I received a forward from a friend of mine. Generally I just delete or glance through any of the forwards. But this one caught my eye and when I read it then I was thinking about it for a long time and then I decided to put my thoughts into this blog and discuss with all my friends. Please go through it and then my views on the same are mentioned below.


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The woman in your life...very well expressed...
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Tomorrow you may get a working woman, but you should marry with thesen facts as well.Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are; Who is earning almost as much as you do;
One, who has dreams and aspirations just as you have because she is as human as you are;
One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your Sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements
One, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;
One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family name
One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen
One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook food at the end of the day, even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more, and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother, a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and is learning just like you are as to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you;
One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too, those, who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;
Yes, she can drink and dance just as well as you can, but won't, simply because you won't like it, even though you say otherwise
One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met;
One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some and trust her;
One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding, or love, if you may call it.
But not many guys understand this…
One of the best told stories through mails, every word in this is felt and expressed directly from heart….
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Everything mentioned in the forward above is true partially or completely for all of us. I have seen friends , family act in this manner and then the gal just follows it . I have seen my mother also going through some of these phases. Why do we men expect so much from women and in return what do we do to make the gal comfortable in the whole process. I am not married , but may be I will also act in a similar manner. Who knows? But why marriage should be compromise from one end only. Is it guys don’t even realize that they are doing this or taking things for granted.

I want to ask all my married friends to atleast put their thoughts forward and comment on this blog by which they have prevented such a situation to occur and if not how they will be much more careful in future.

Also to all the ladies I ask a question , we all discuss about the women being more strong and are better then men in many areas, then why do after marriage you have to succumb to all these things. When speak about Women of future , is this the future they see for themselves. You gals also have to put your foot forward and discuss things with your husbands or to be’s before marriage.

I guess the main point here is how the couple develops their relationship and how they are open to each other and adjust to each others preferences. Now it should not be that one sacrifices more then the other. We have to take care that similar situations should not arise in our lives . I just want to wake up you all early so that you all enjoy happy married lives.

And all for the gals..reminds me of a quote by Mel Gibson:
"I love women. They're the best thing ever created. If they want to be like men and come down to our level, that's fine. "

My first American weekend !!

Hey its was Diwali and I was away from home missing family & friends in India. Friday evening packed my bags and went to Poonam’s place. She is here in Minneapolis with her husband Sandip, 18 month kid, Ved and Swapnil , her brother in law. I met Poonam all thanks to Deepa, both are very good buddies . Poonam and I had never met or talked before coming here, but the way she made me comfortable in this alien city shows the friendship Deepa and Poonam share.

Friday evening I barged into Poonam's house. I first time attended a virtual/techie pooja where Googled aartis were played on laptops, prints of aarti were taken and electrical lamps were lit. It was Lamxi pooja day, so the entrance door was also opened during the aarti for Goddess Laxmi to come and bless us all. Then had great dinner of Puran polis. Wah wah. My mom was really happy when I told her about me having Puran polis during Diwali Then watched the movie ‘300’ after dinner celebrating Ram’s home coming with a drink.

Then on Saturday , we went to the Hindu temple in Maple Grove, to clean our souls and mind. Remove all selfish thoughts and bow down before the Gods. I cant imagine myself going to any temple to do that, but then I had see around Minneapolis . Also I thought that I would be able to see some good desi gals, but was disappointed on that count . Poonam’s complex had organnised a Diwali get together in the evening. Me also crashed into the party. Danced , ate and played games and we did not realized that it was past midnight when party got over. We returned home and over a drink watched India and Pakistan match for a while.

Sunday was more relaxed and went out to check out the malls there. In US I have seen more malls then people on the street. They have such huge malls, and variety. Also there is less crowds as compared to Indian malls.

Was very unhappy when the weekend got over cause I had to go back to my place for the weekdays. Had a blast and looking forward to few more great weekends in Minneapolis before the cold freezes us all inside our homes.

Mumbai to Minneapolis !!

It has been 3 days since I have reached Minneapolis, and now settling down with my new roommates, both are Gulatis.

It was my first international flight, from Mumbai to Minneapolis , with stop over at Amsterdam. It was almost 24 hour travel. Tried to sleep most of the time but the air hostess were quite a distraction.

I reached safely and got a great place to stay, and all the credit goes to Poonam and Sandip who actually got me this apartment very close to office with a direct bus. Also they showed me around home and office. My stay would not have been so comfortable without them. All thanks to them, I doing great in this city.

My first impression of the city is nice. Weather is good 10-12 degrees but the future is quite cold, it might reach -20 degree in December.

Looking forward to spend my next couple of months here and hopefully will be back to my Mumbai & Kolhapur at the earliest.

Challenges Faced Everyday !!

Each day is full of challenges , my god .. lets take a look at them.

• Every morning waking is one, Motivating self to go for jog but eventually end up not going.
• Reaching office is a challenge, As if all the traffic jams preventing me to go to office.
• At office surfing for proxies is another, since I require these proxies to chat and open mail accounts not possible to open in office.
• Eating in canteen is the biggest one, Dunno how i manage everyday and still alive.
• Telling tele-marketers ‘NO’ for all kinda stuff they sell is the newest.
• Trying leave office early is next to impossible, since all reasons have been exhausted.
• Planning weekend activity is hectic , so many movies n so less time , so many eateries n pubs with 2 days in week to cover , so many friends n so little time spend with them.
• Sticking to a TV channel is such a difficult task, At last end up watching multiple shows at a time.
• Trying sleep requires no effort since u have worked so hard to face all challenges in the day. Looking forward for another challenging day tomorrow.
  

Good night.!!!

Yeah India !!!

The stage was set, India vs Pakistan in the T20 World cup final. Who would have imagined in the beginning of September that these two sides minus the so called stars will make it to the final. Remember this March these teams did not make to the Super 8 stage of World Cup . Which team would be able to wipe that disgraceful performance with a World cup final win.

All my friends in office, project mates, colleagues assembled in the canteen to watch the match. All the 6 TV sets were showing the match. It was like mini Wankhade stadium in the canteen. Cheers, whistles, claps was heard on every run scored, four , six during India was batting. Thanks to Gambhir, Rohit we made decent score. When we were bowling every dot ball, wicket was celebrated and every run Pak scored was booed. And when the match went to the wire everyone was standing and acting as if they were Dhoni captaining the side. When we won everyone erupted from their seats and chanting Ganapati Bapa Morya, Jai Hind, n stuff. There were high fives, hugs, handshakes, screams, chaos all around.

We won a hard fought battle and first time in Indian cricket history we won cause of team effort and not individual brilliance. Everyone contributed , right from Robin to Shree, the bench, even Agarkar who bowled badly initially and gave Jogi chance to prove his mettle. I made a mistake in underestimating Dhoni's capabilities as captain and good he proved me wrong. At the start of tournament i never expected to win but we won. Yeah India. This team deserves our adulation and love. Three Cheers for our Indian team ! Hip Hip Hurray! Hip Hip Hurray ! Hip Hip Hurray!

Hats Off Mr. Ramadorai !!

On Monday 3rd September, TCS celebrated its annual event ‘Hats Off”. In this event all associates who have completed 3 yrs, 5 yrs, 10 yrs, 15 yrs, 20 yrs, 25 yrs, 30 yrs and 35 yrs in TCS were felicitated. My initially motivation of going to this event was to as a welcome break from office and to catch up with old friends. The location was NCPA at Nariman Point which added to the motivation to attend. It was a huge event as almost 1200-1300 people were felicitated and it was ensured that each associate was called to dais for the same.

But the best news we heard during the show ,was when we were told that the CEO of TCS Mr. Ramadorai will be felicitated along with us for completing 35 yrs in TCS and that Mr. F.C. Kohli would be doing the honors. Also all the all the bigwigs of TCS like Mr.Mahalingam (CFO), Mr.Padmanabhan (EVP HR), Mr.Pendharkar (VP Marketing), Mr. N. Chandra (EVP Sales & Operations) were present for the ceremony.

Then I realized how important recognition of service is and that to for being in same company for so many years. I was truly elated by the fact that I was felicitated in the same function but also pondered that I was felicitated for a minuscule 3 years as compared to 35 yrs of Mr. Ramadorai and will I be able to complete 10 years in any company during my lifetime? Nowadays we think of and most of us skip jobs within a year or couple. What makes someone to stay in a company for so long?

I guess Mr. Ramadorai was there from the very beginning of TCS, hence he had a sense of belonging and as there were few people in the organisation , the chances to grow were more. Not to forget that he had the talent & capability to grow with the insight into future. But in today’s scenario with around 100,000 people in TCS, chance to be in position like Mr.Ramadorai after 30-35 years is 0.001%.

But then you never know right , I maybe remain in Tata group for 35 years or more and be at similar position as that of Mr.Ramadorai. What say people ???

‘U R’

u r the inspiration of my life
u r the calmness in my life
u r the soothing feeling of my life
u r the liveliness in my life

u r a listener when I want to talk
u r the voice when I need to listen
u r the motivation to write

u r friend when I need
u r in my dreams when I sleep
u r the music which I want to hear

u r the incentive to stay alive
u r everything that I want from life