Being a web developer it has been my job to create websites and web based applications for the firm I work for. And recently my younger brother asked me to create a website for our shop in Varanasi. Ours is a local shop and it needed a very simple site of few pages with simple static content in order to have a web presence. I liked the idea and told him that i would do it.
No my job has more been related to coding and putting algorithms in data. The creativity part of look and feel of web pages was never my responsibility in my job. But here the entire task was more over the above mentioned thing only.
Anyhow, i was lucky enough to get a google tool to create the pages with simplicity. It did not take much time and site was ready in 3-4 days.
I must admit this assignment has given me more satisfaction than anyone I ever did before. Mainly because I have a sense of ownership with the shop and when my father is no more in this world i see this site as a small tribute to him as all his heart was with his shop Madhur Milan Cafe.
Giving the link for you guys for prompt reviews.
www.madhurmilancafe.in
Please mail the reviews to madhurmilancafe@gmail.com
Friday, February 17, 2012
Saturday, September 10, 2011
BL Insights
Have been watching Boston Legal recently. Its been after a pretty long time that I have taken to TV series of any kind. And to my delight I have seemed to like it and in few exemplary episodes seemed to be glued to it.
The Tv series is cocktail of legal cases, well presented arguments, eccentric characters who despite all their paranoia do show up normal human traits at times. But yes for the best part is the humor prone arguments going on, sometimes for a purpose nothing more than bantering and on other times for convincing the juries on a case.
I have watched 2 seasons by now and I am pretty sure if i start garnering the dialogues that i like, would end up making a diary.
But the one that i am going to mention was something that pierced through me and hit me rather than influencing or inspiring me by its shrewdness.
It was probably the last episode of 1st season, where the two of the main characters are showed to be savoring night drinks and and the taste of legal successes they had in the past year.Its the Christmas night where one character(Denny crane in serials) says to other one(Alan Shore)
Merry Christmas my friend. I would want to wish you Happy New year as well, but I am pretty sure next year could not be this happier.
The instant the dialogue was delivered i had a rewind of my year 2010. Wished I should have thanked that year in the same way too. That year started with me, in pretty lows. The early days of cold January gave me rays of new hope. Things strengthened a lot with early summer. I was back in grooves by then. By mid year I was back confident and strong. When the winters of 2010 came they came with a lot of fun, a life time memorable one i got to admit. And the way the year chose to bid good bye, i am sure other years will find a lot of challenge conquering it.
And then I see 2011. 3 quarters of the year are already gone. I am still riding on wave that 2010 created, rather I shall say a permanent high where it left me as a individual and professional.
Wish i had said goodbye 2010 rather than happy new year 2011. But i am a man of hope and cant deny that a quarter of year is still left. Lets see what kind of chocolates are left in the box.
Count is on for the moments that i would really live....
The Tv series is cocktail of legal cases, well presented arguments, eccentric characters who despite all their paranoia do show up normal human traits at times. But yes for the best part is the humor prone arguments going on, sometimes for a purpose nothing more than bantering and on other times for convincing the juries on a case.
I have watched 2 seasons by now and I am pretty sure if i start garnering the dialogues that i like, would end up making a diary.
But the one that i am going to mention was something that pierced through me and hit me rather than influencing or inspiring me by its shrewdness.
It was probably the last episode of 1st season, where the two of the main characters are showed to be savoring night drinks and and the taste of legal successes they had in the past year.Its the Christmas night where one character(Denny crane in serials) says to other one(Alan Shore)
Merry Christmas my friend. I would want to wish you Happy New year as well, but I am pretty sure next year could not be this happier.
The instant the dialogue was delivered i had a rewind of my year 2010. Wished I should have thanked that year in the same way too. That year started with me, in pretty lows. The early days of cold January gave me rays of new hope. Things strengthened a lot with early summer. I was back in grooves by then. By mid year I was back confident and strong. When the winters of 2010 came they came with a lot of fun, a life time memorable one i got to admit. And the way the year chose to bid good bye, i am sure other years will find a lot of challenge conquering it.
And then I see 2011. 3 quarters of the year are already gone. I am still riding on wave that 2010 created, rather I shall say a permanent high where it left me as a individual and professional.
Wish i had said goodbye 2010 rather than happy new year 2011. But i am a man of hope and cant deny that a quarter of year is still left. Lets see what kind of chocolates are left in the box.
Count is on for the moments that i would really live....
Monday, February 21, 2011
random roads thoughts and randomness
Its been a while I posted last and most of the previous blogs have been inspired by and based upon adventure trips or something else based on bikes. Now when I don't have anything to account for today I feel void. It seems there is just nothing to tell about. Again I have another easy route I will take up some pic of mine and start discussing various philosophies that I associate with it. But I don't want to do that either.
Hmmmm...Hmmmmm..Hmmmmm..
Ok yes I had thought of this when I had seen a show on some news channel.
Break break, other topic change first: Today thoughts are flowing in the most pervert way they could. I am not able to take care of my own stuffs i want to tell in an organized way. probably this is a big reason I end up talking something else and my intention of starting the discussion with someone is almost of another world. Things are almost weird when I have a talk talk talk talkative person on other side too. Random musings just don't know any definite nooks i shall say o_O
Anyways result of this discussion, should write the blog at the moment the topic pops into ones mind otherwise note the topic to say the least. Hmmm...
Btw "some news channel" in above lines was only to avoid the courtesy to the news channel i would have needed to pay. Intelligence personified ohh yeah... :P
Coming back to the blog's main area of attention. This show was based on the role that DTC buses have played in the life of a normal mango Delhite.
Okay people I know...your reactions right now...why is this weirdo watching such a show in tata sky n airtel world which offer so much. But believe me I went from zero to infinity choices too may times before I took hiatus after my fingers got numb and stopped responding.
Well topic did not really ignite much interest in me neither. You know my attitude who cares about DTC today. Metro's rock. But decided for the fool box to make some noises rather than muting it and some peaceful drags for me.
But I could not ignore it for too long either. It was very touching how they brought out the history of specific No of bus and the kind of research bus's histories. The most interesting find for me was about a bus that ran on north delhi campus route. They anchor seemed audacious and bold while saying that this bus not only has impact on delhites but entire india.
My reaction at that moment :What Fart....
But the guy proved it....The bus was hijacked by the students of the campus during the political events of delhi university. it was involved in bandhs, dharnas and obviously the bigger scene of delhi university polls. and those buds go onto be the people actually representing us today in lok sabhas and rajya sabhas.
There was a long list of leaders of fame today who were there in the list announced in the show.
there were routes discuused which led to to the growth of a particular parts of delhi.
Drivers who drove on particular routes from there first day of of job to the retirement day were interviewed. Emotions attached with the particular road streaks for those guys did not need any attention to catch.
There were many more interesting finds and I seem to be missing it now. Oh yes there were issues raised about the conscience of delhites. be honest at basic levels pay the bus fair every time you use it.
I am still missing many but cant recall now. May be in some other thread will mention some other interesting facts.
DTC does have an impact i concluded. If metro defines the newer DELHI, dtc enables it to reach that point.
Anyways with Cricket world cup started and pulses of energy felt high through out the country. There is ample to talk about and see and feel and pray. :)
OK ok ppl gotchya not entering in another tunnel of random expressions. Will take a break here. Cya all when my fingers tap the keyboard next time with blogger.com opened :))))))))
tc all..
Hmmmm...Hmmmmm..Hmmmmm..
Ok yes I had thought of this when I had seen a show on some news channel.
Break break, other topic change first: Today thoughts are flowing in the most pervert way they could. I am not able to take care of my own stuffs i want to tell in an organized way. probably this is a big reason I end up talking something else and my intention of starting the discussion with someone is almost of another world. Things are almost weird when I have a talk talk talk talkative person on other side too. Random musings just don't know any definite nooks i shall say o_O
Anyways result of this discussion, should write the blog at the moment the topic pops into ones mind otherwise note the topic to say the least. Hmmm...
Btw "some news channel" in above lines was only to avoid the courtesy to the news channel i would have needed to pay. Intelligence personified ohh yeah... :P
Coming back to the blog's main area of attention. This show was based on the role that DTC buses have played in the life of a normal mango Delhite.
Okay people I know...your reactions right now...why is this weirdo watching such a show in tata sky n airtel world which offer so much. But believe me I went from zero to infinity choices too may times before I took hiatus after my fingers got numb and stopped responding.
Well topic did not really ignite much interest in me neither. You know my attitude who cares about DTC today. Metro's rock. But decided for the fool box to make some noises rather than muting it and some peaceful drags for me.
But I could not ignore it for too long either. It was very touching how they brought out the history of specific No of bus and the kind of research bus's histories. The most interesting find for me was about a bus that ran on north delhi campus route. They anchor seemed audacious and bold while saying that this bus not only has impact on delhites but entire india.
My reaction at that moment :What Fart....
But the guy proved it....The bus was hijacked by the students of the campus during the political events of delhi university. it was involved in bandhs, dharnas and obviously the bigger scene of delhi university polls. and those buds go onto be the people actually representing us today in lok sabhas and rajya sabhas.
There was a long list of leaders of fame today who were there in the list announced in the show.
there were routes discuused which led to to the growth of a particular parts of delhi.
Drivers who drove on particular routes from there first day of of job to the retirement day were interviewed. Emotions attached with the particular road streaks for those guys did not need any attention to catch.
There were many more interesting finds and I seem to be missing it now. Oh yes there were issues raised about the conscience of delhites. be honest at basic levels pay the bus fair every time you use it.
I am still missing many but cant recall now. May be in some other thread will mention some other interesting facts.
DTC does have an impact i concluded. If metro defines the newer DELHI, dtc enables it to reach that point.
Anyways with Cricket world cup started and pulses of energy felt high through out the country. There is ample to talk about and see and feel and pray. :)
OK ok ppl gotchya not entering in another tunnel of random expressions. Will take a break here. Cya all when my fingers tap the keyboard next time with blogger.com opened :))))))))
tc all..
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Another dip in the beauty of mountains with bike nature and chocolates
After the scintillating experience of riding in the curves of Shivaliks(Lowest Hiamalayan mountains) there was an itching inside me to go further and into more adventurous terrains.
Luckily did not need to wait a lot and Mranal's visit to India also brought me an invitation for the bike trip into the cradle of mountains and destination this time decided as Wangtu in Himanchal Pradesh.
Bike Trip Day 1 - 23 Dec, 2010:
Probably this is the worst part of living in Gurgaon that for going anywhere you need to cross Delhi and is the most boring part and awful way of starting. But the hidden excitement regarding the upcoming surprises during the trip carries you on. By the way, like the last trip I had to do ride alone in small parts of the trip as I was supposed to be meeting the co bikers Mranal and Mohit in Dehradun. Started early in morning somewhere around 6 A.M I remember and vrooommm I left my place, full fledged loaded under the winter wears though, had worn as much as I could. There were hardly any people to be seen on Delhi roads in that cold and at time of the day especially. One does get a feeling he is the king of roads in such scenarios. Since i was alone so did not really take many breaks in between. Had stopped near Roorkee to have my breakfast and did not take long and reached Dehradun by 12:30 PM.
Did not go ahead on that day as far as the bike trip was concerned but had fun with Mranal ,roaming in doon streets. And it was a nice rest for the body before the tougher part of the journey.
Bike Trip Day 2 - 24 Dec, 2010:
Mranal was up on his toes early morning. It was colder in doon than it used to be in Gurgaon and I held my blanket tightly. With all my efforts going in vain, I was forced to get up at 6 am and by 7 am we left the house. Mohit joined us in way , the team was complete and we were ready to roar in the rocks. Within the first few kms only I got a feeling that I am with hard core mountain bikers and was having a tough time keeping a track with them. They too understood it very soon and slowed down keeping in mind mountain biking in adverse terrains was not something that i was very used too.
Well it did not take long for me to get surprises. Some 60 kms from Dehradun in village of Chakrata i had my first experience of biking on ice sheets frozen on roads. And before i could understand anything the bike skidded, zapppp, and i was all on roads. Mranal rushed from behind laughing that he knew i would fall over there. Well a fag gave the courage to move further.
I must also tell anything that was considered second to biking in this trip was not fagging but chocolates. Had collected loads of them before leaving the city and we were not leaving any opportunity of gulping the yummies down.
With little apprehensions I moved ahead, slowing the herd constantly and simultaneously being told to move faster. Did catch up in speed and lost fears of the last fall in some time and was doing pretty well by afternoon. Stopping frequently at various places where ever we got a view worth trapping in the lenses, gulping dairy milks and chit chatting in the rythms of natutre passed the first eventful day of the trip.
Had our late lunch in early evening at Rampur but decided to move ahead towards Wangtu as far as possible on that day. Finally we decided to pass our night at Sungri and got a cozy guest over there.
Bike Trip Day 3 - 25 Dec, 2010:
It would be sufficient to tell that we found ice sheets on our bike seats next morning if it was asked how cold it was there. Mranal was again the warrior who woke up first and got ready. Pestered others to get up as well, for the sake of reaching the destination. But who cared. It was by 8:30 am that some how me and mohit gathered courage and got ready that too after many rounds of tea. The view that the spot threw at us can not be said anything else other than awe inspiring. In true words when I myself opened the gates my mouth was like khulla ka khulla types u all know big beeepppppp...bigger beeepppppppp..(It is often said best feelings come in your local language).
Tried our best to trap the view,for future, as beautifully as possible. Failed once again against God's machine. Still looks good and is the first pic put in this blog on the top.
Trip after this was heavenly, every other view challenged the aura and splendor of previous ones. Got to stop at places where ice was frozen on mountains. Played like children with ice swords and went as crazy as humanly possible.
I will stop writing about the views over here because I know I wont be able to and my words wont to any justice, neither would be done by the pics i am putting here but then it is easier and smaller a task for me.
Story did not change as we moved further found stunning views and yet rougher terrains to bike.
Reached wangtu somewhere aroung 2 pm in afternoon. Place was good but not as we had expected. Saw a board mentioning Sangla pass at 36 kms from there. When my friends came to know that I had never been to a pass this was a good enough reason for them to go ahead. Drove for sm 1 hr to reach the place. It was a moment of discussion over here. We could have gone back from here or driven ahead to Chitkul the last inhabited village on indo tibbet border and bike upto the height of 3500 mtrs abv sea level.
Craziness won the contest and we moved ahead.On reaching Chitkul we did not regret our decision for a single momemnt. Were at the foothills of snow capped mountains and the roads(should use path here word roads is misleading :P) from sangla to chitkul, each moment of it, was worth trapping in camera but neither the memory card supported this nor the time limits. We had to start back as well.
It was another chocolate fag celebration in chitkul where every thing seemed to froze if allowed. Left the place by around 4:45 and redishness had started spreading in the sky by that time.
Drive after this was all a haste. Rush to go back had started. It did not need to be said that breaks were over now and it will be bikes running all the way if we had to have any hope of reaching any guest houses. Alas it was not destined for us to rest that day. We just kept moving from one town to another in our search of guest houses. Finally accepted that we will not get any and started a full fledge night drive to Shimla. Oh yes i forgot to tell we decided to go back by a different route. Taking very small breaks after every 40-45 mins we snailed ahead. Drving bikes at night time was really tough and even tougher at such low temperatures. Dont think it was above zero at any point of time.
To sum up day 3:
Whooaaaa what a X-Mas celebration it will be worth remembering all life :))))))
Bike Trip Day 4 - 26 Dec, 2010:
Reached Shimla by 5 o'clock in the morning. Body was aching by now especially the lower backs. Booked a hotel as soon as possible. City was brimming with tourists as it was chistmas day before and it was a sunday in itself. All hotel rooms being booked. Got a room somehow by 6:30. No one cared of anything. zzzzZZZZZZZZZ we were all in deep sleeps as soon as we got to touch the luxury of beddings.
Woke up at around 1 pm. This rest did immense help to body, only thing now needed was good food. Had a nice lunch in way to Solan. We were returning from such magnificently beauty striking places that on that day we did not even care to look into the normally so beautiful looking city of shimla. Our eyes were still twinkling with the views we had relished on trek the previous day.
Well the co bikers had to take another route from Solan for Dehradoon. Had nice flicks together before we departed and Shubh kaam ke sirf pahle hi nahi balki pure hone pe bhi kuchh meetha banta hai. So our last dairy milk together with bikers' laughter pouring into the Solan's air.
For me Gurgaon was still some 380+ kms. I had decided if the roads will be good I will stretch myself and rather rest at home the next day. It was all going as plan but suddenly after crossing Chandigarh it went foggy like a mad man. Did try to ride for some time but finally gave up and rented a room in kurukshetra. Body still longed for rest and i did not show any misery either. I showered my body with the pleasure of sleeping.
Bike Trip Day 5 - 27 Dec, 2010:
After this overtly luxurious rest I was into my elements again. The traveler soul had risen by now and realised the bliss of stopping in kurukshetra by chance. Got lovely portrait pics in city and roamed through the local streets for few hours after checking out from the hotel.
Once i felt content with my knowledge of the city (though i will go back there to explore it fully primary reason being I felt it being very similar to my hometown varanasi) i started back for gurgaon. Roads were smooth like hema malini's cheeks (to put in lalu ji's words). And any kind of restriction of speed was because of your own beast's limit. Drove as fast as i could and was as the entry of new delhi within some 2 and half hours.
Again it was delhi which needed to be crossed and no excitement of upcoming trip was there but heart was brimming with experiences worth millions to be shared with friends and a world that existed in those mountains,trapped through the lenses, to be shown to the the rest of contemporary world who generally call it by the name of heaven.
Heavenly it was indeed :)))))))))))))))))))
PS: Conflict just grew wider. (For those who know about it)
But the lost one became victorious.
And yes BIKING in mountains is ADDICTIVE. Will be back soon. I SWEAR.
Luckily did not need to wait a lot and Mranal's visit to India also brought me an invitation for the bike trip into the cradle of mountains and destination this time decided as Wangtu in Himanchal Pradesh.
Bike Trip Day 1 - 23 Dec, 2010:
Probably this is the worst part of living in Gurgaon that for going anywhere you need to cross Delhi and is the most boring part and awful way of starting. But the hidden excitement regarding the upcoming surprises during the trip carries you on. By the way, like the last trip I had to do ride alone in small parts of the trip as I was supposed to be meeting the co bikers Mranal and Mohit in Dehradun. Started early in morning somewhere around 6 A.M I remember and vrooommm I left my place, full fledged loaded under the winter wears though, had worn as much as I could. There were hardly any people to be seen on Delhi roads in that cold and at time of the day especially. One does get a feeling he is the king of roads in such scenarios. Since i was alone so did not really take many breaks in between. Had stopped near Roorkee to have my breakfast and did not take long and reached Dehradun by 12:30 PM.
Did not go ahead on that day as far as the bike trip was concerned but had fun with Mranal ,roaming in doon streets. And it was a nice rest for the body before the tougher part of the journey.
Bike Trip Day 2 - 24 Dec, 2010:
Mranal was up on his toes early morning. It was colder in doon than it used to be in Gurgaon and I held my blanket tightly. With all my efforts going in vain, I was forced to get up at 6 am and by 7 am we left the house. Mohit joined us in way , the team was complete and we were ready to roar in the rocks. Within the first few kms only I got a feeling that I am with hard core mountain bikers and was having a tough time keeping a track with them. They too understood it very soon and slowed down keeping in mind mountain biking in adverse terrains was not something that i was very used too.
Well it did not take long for me to get surprises. Some 60 kms from Dehradun in village of Chakrata i had my first experience of biking on ice sheets frozen on roads. And before i could understand anything the bike skidded, zapppp, and i was all on roads. Mranal rushed from behind laughing that he knew i would fall over there. Well a fag gave the courage to move further.
I must also tell anything that was considered second to biking in this trip was not fagging but chocolates. Had collected loads of them before leaving the city and we were not leaving any opportunity of gulping the yummies down.
With little apprehensions I moved ahead, slowing the herd constantly and simultaneously being told to move faster. Did catch up in speed and lost fears of the last fall in some time and was doing pretty well by afternoon. Stopping frequently at various places where ever we got a view worth trapping in the lenses, gulping dairy milks and chit chatting in the rythms of natutre passed the first eventful day of the trip.
Had our late lunch in early evening at Rampur but decided to move ahead towards Wangtu as far as possible on that day. Finally we decided to pass our night at Sungri and got a cozy guest over there.
Bike Trip Day 3 - 25 Dec, 2010:
It would be sufficient to tell that we found ice sheets on our bike seats next morning if it was asked how cold it was there. Mranal was again the warrior who woke up first and got ready. Pestered others to get up as well, for the sake of reaching the destination. But who cared. It was by 8:30 am that some how me and mohit gathered courage and got ready that too after many rounds of tea. The view that the spot threw at us can not be said anything else other than awe inspiring. In true words when I myself opened the gates my mouth was like khulla ka khulla types u all know big beeepppppp...bigger beeepppppppp..(It is often said best feelings come in your local language).
Tried our best to trap the view,for future, as beautifully as possible. Failed once again against God's machine. Still looks good and is the first pic put in this blog on the top.
Trip after this was heavenly, every other view challenged the aura and splendor of previous ones. Got to stop at places where ice was frozen on mountains. Played like children with ice swords and went as crazy as humanly possible.
I will stop writing about the views over here because I know I wont be able to and my words wont to any justice, neither would be done by the pics i am putting here but then it is easier and smaller a task for me.
Story did not change as we moved further found stunning views and yet rougher terrains to bike.
Reached wangtu somewhere aroung 2 pm in afternoon. Place was good but not as we had expected. Saw a board mentioning Sangla pass at 36 kms from there. When my friends came to know that I had never been to a pass this was a good enough reason for them to go ahead. Drove for sm 1 hr to reach the place. It was a moment of discussion over here. We could have gone back from here or driven ahead to Chitkul the last inhabited village on indo tibbet border and bike upto the height of 3500 mtrs abv sea level.
Craziness won the contest and we moved ahead.On reaching Chitkul we did not regret our decision for a single momemnt. Were at the foothills of snow capped mountains and the roads(should use path here word roads is misleading :P) from sangla to chitkul, each moment of it, was worth trapping in camera but neither the memory card supported this nor the time limits. We had to start back as well.
It was another chocolate fag celebration in chitkul where every thing seemed to froze if allowed. Left the place by around 4:45 and redishness had started spreading in the sky by that time.
Drive after this was all a haste. Rush to go back had started. It did not need to be said that breaks were over now and it will be bikes running all the way if we had to have any hope of reaching any guest houses. Alas it was not destined for us to rest that day. We just kept moving from one town to another in our search of guest houses. Finally accepted that we will not get any and started a full fledge night drive to Shimla. Oh yes i forgot to tell we decided to go back by a different route. Taking very small breaks after every 40-45 mins we snailed ahead. Drving bikes at night time was really tough and even tougher at such low temperatures. Dont think it was above zero at any point of time.
To sum up day 3:
Whooaaaa what a X-Mas celebration it will be worth remembering all life :))))))
Bike Trip Day 4 - 26 Dec, 2010:
Reached Shimla by 5 o'clock in the morning. Body was aching by now especially the lower backs. Booked a hotel as soon as possible. City was brimming with tourists as it was chistmas day before and it was a sunday in itself. All hotel rooms being booked. Got a room somehow by 6:30. No one cared of anything. zzzzZZZZZZZZZ we were all in deep sleeps as soon as we got to touch the luxury of beddings.
Woke up at around 1 pm. This rest did immense help to body, only thing now needed was good food. Had a nice lunch in way to Solan. We were returning from such magnificently beauty striking places that on that day we did not even care to look into the normally so beautiful looking city of shimla. Our eyes were still twinkling with the views we had relished on trek the previous day.
Well the co bikers had to take another route from Solan for Dehradoon. Had nice flicks together before we departed and Shubh kaam ke sirf pahle hi nahi balki pure hone pe bhi kuchh meetha banta hai. So our last dairy milk together with bikers' laughter pouring into the Solan's air.
For me Gurgaon was still some 380+ kms. I had decided if the roads will be good I will stretch myself and rather rest at home the next day. It was all going as plan but suddenly after crossing Chandigarh it went foggy like a mad man. Did try to ride for some time but finally gave up and rented a room in kurukshetra. Body still longed for rest and i did not show any misery either. I showered my body with the pleasure of sleeping.
Bike Trip Day 5 - 27 Dec, 2010:
After this overtly luxurious rest I was into my elements again. The traveler soul had risen by now and realised the bliss of stopping in kurukshetra by chance. Got lovely portrait pics in city and roamed through the local streets for few hours after checking out from the hotel.
Once i felt content with my knowledge of the city (though i will go back there to explore it fully primary reason being I felt it being very similar to my hometown varanasi) i started back for gurgaon. Roads were smooth like hema malini's cheeks (to put in lalu ji's words). And any kind of restriction of speed was because of your own beast's limit. Drove as fast as i could and was as the entry of new delhi within some 2 and half hours.
Again it was delhi which needed to be crossed and no excitement of upcoming trip was there but heart was brimming with experiences worth millions to be shared with friends and a world that existed in those mountains,trapped through the lenses, to be shown to the the rest of contemporary world who generally call it by the name of heaven.
Heavenly it was indeed :)))))))))))))))))))
PS: Conflict just grew wider. (For those who know about it)
But the lost one became victorious.
And yes BIKING in mountains is ADDICTIVE. Will be back soon. I SWEAR.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Haunting
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL THE CHARACTERS IN THIS STORY ARE REAL AND THERE IS NO RESEMBLANCE OF ANY OF THEM TO THE IMAGINARY WORLD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was one of those Joyful days in City of Joy, Kolkata. Roads were wet after the overnight rains. And there was mild sun glimmering over the left drops here and there. everything seemed to be brimming with life. Ankit was there to visit his relatives in the town. And the kind of invitation that this weather threw was impossible to ignore for anyone. Ankit has always been an enthusiast in roaming through unknown streets anyways. He asked his cousin brother for his bike's key and off he was on the Kolkata roads, relishing the beauties of Bengal.
He wandered through the old streets of Kolkata, amused by the red structures. Stooping here and there relishing the local delicacies and savoring tea ofcourse.
It was almost dusk time when he decided that he should start back to his place. And thought of buying some gifts for the relatives back at home. He asked some of local elders for nice place to do marketing. Seeing his interest in traveling he was suggested by localites about one mysterious CHOR BAZAAR (Thiefs's Market). He was informed that he would be able to get various branded items at pretty reasonable prices over there.
Ankit was interested too after listening all these. Next he headed to the Chor Bajaar. It did not take him long for him to reach the place. After parking his bike in one of the secluded corners of the street he went towards the more happening nooks of the market.
It wasn't tough for him to select the gifts. In an hour or so he had wrapped up all the shopping he had to do and made up his mind for going back home. Giving little attention he tried to reach to the place where he had parked his vehicle. When he could not see his bike over there he thought that he had reached some other place. But then he saw a pillar which he had noted just as a symbol for returning back. He started getting anxious. beads of sweats were flowing over his forehead and he could feel his heart beat increasing now. He was kind of sure that his bike was stolen and collected the courage to turn back and head towards the nearest Police Station for FIR. But then he did not even have his driving license or bikes documents with him. He was utterly confused.
I those moments of numbness he noticed a very narrow street running besides the pillar. Seemed like a dead end in itself and there was hardly any light there. He did not know why but his legs started moving into those directions. On moving inside the street there was a big right turn which opened into a huge area after walking for some 200 feet He never expected this and he was even more bewildered to see what was happening over there.
It was like a stock market for used bike parts. Everyone seemed busy is just dismantling the bikes which had any recognizable shapes. Only noises there were perhaps of the tools interacting with the way vehicle parts. He did not know what to speak to and whom to speak to. There was a young muslim boy in lungi and vest with a cap over his head, throwing a stern look over him which perhaps questioned his purpose of being at the place.
He hesitatingly approached him and told him that his bike has been missing from the markets outside. The other guy asked whether it was 6083. When Ankit showed his consent with him the other guy gestured towards some dismantled parts and ankit cold see his no plate lying some where too. he lost his temper after all this and started shouting that he would complain to police about all this illegal activities happening over here.
All of a sudden all the people who were peacefully doing there work stood up and started approaching Ankit with their tool in their hands itself. their was furosity in each of those eyes and fear would be only thing that could be seen in Ankits's now...The circle of people surrounding him was reducing in size and he admitted to himself that he had done a mistake by losing his patience and started thinking of good and bad moments of his life. He closed his eyes losing all the hope.
Suddenly he wakes up in his bed. Feels as though the very same beads of sweat are still there on his head. takes few moments to realize he is still in Gurgaon and thanked god for bad things happening in dreams only :))
ALL THE CHARACTERS IN THIS STORY ARE REAL AND THERE IS NO RESEMBLANCE OF ANY OF THEM TO THE IMAGINARY WORLD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was one of those Joyful days in City of Joy, Kolkata. Roads were wet after the overnight rains. And there was mild sun glimmering over the left drops here and there. everything seemed to be brimming with life. Ankit was there to visit his relatives in the town. And the kind of invitation that this weather threw was impossible to ignore for anyone. Ankit has always been an enthusiast in roaming through unknown streets anyways. He asked his cousin brother for his bike's key and off he was on the Kolkata roads, relishing the beauties of Bengal.
He wandered through the old streets of Kolkata, amused by the red structures. Stooping here and there relishing the local delicacies and savoring tea ofcourse.
It was almost dusk time when he decided that he should start back to his place. And thought of buying some gifts for the relatives back at home. He asked some of local elders for nice place to do marketing. Seeing his interest in traveling he was suggested by localites about one mysterious CHOR BAZAAR (Thiefs's Market). He was informed that he would be able to get various branded items at pretty reasonable prices over there.
Ankit was interested too after listening all these. Next he headed to the Chor Bajaar. It did not take him long for him to reach the place. After parking his bike in one of the secluded corners of the street he went towards the more happening nooks of the market.
It wasn't tough for him to select the gifts. In an hour or so he had wrapped up all the shopping he had to do and made up his mind for going back home. Giving little attention he tried to reach to the place where he had parked his vehicle. When he could not see his bike over there he thought that he had reached some other place. But then he saw a pillar which he had noted just as a symbol for returning back. He started getting anxious. beads of sweats were flowing over his forehead and he could feel his heart beat increasing now. He was kind of sure that his bike was stolen and collected the courage to turn back and head towards the nearest Police Station for FIR. But then he did not even have his driving license or bikes documents with him. He was utterly confused.
I those moments of numbness he noticed a very narrow street running besides the pillar. Seemed like a dead end in itself and there was hardly any light there. He did not know why but his legs started moving into those directions. On moving inside the street there was a big right turn which opened into a huge area after walking for some 200 feet He never expected this and he was even more bewildered to see what was happening over there.
It was like a stock market for used bike parts. Everyone seemed busy is just dismantling the bikes which had any recognizable shapes. Only noises there were perhaps of the tools interacting with the way vehicle parts. He did not know what to speak to and whom to speak to. There was a young muslim boy in lungi and vest with a cap over his head, throwing a stern look over him which perhaps questioned his purpose of being at the place.
He hesitatingly approached him and told him that his bike has been missing from the markets outside. The other guy asked whether it was 6083. When Ankit showed his consent with him the other guy gestured towards some dismantled parts and ankit cold see his no plate lying some where too. he lost his temper after all this and started shouting that he would complain to police about all this illegal activities happening over here.
All of a sudden all the people who were peacefully doing there work stood up and started approaching Ankit with their tool in their hands itself. their was furosity in each of those eyes and fear would be only thing that could be seen in Ankits's now...The circle of people surrounding him was reducing in size and he admitted to himself that he had done a mistake by losing his patience and started thinking of good and bad moments of his life. He closed his eyes losing all the hope.
Suddenly he wakes up in his bed. Feels as though the very same beads of sweat are still there on his head. takes few moments to realize he is still in Gurgaon and thanked god for bad things happening in dreams only :))
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Losing the madness in the mountains
I so very not want to miss the opportunity of writing a blog on my bike trek to the himalayas. I know no words can do justice to the feelings that are effervescent when one rides to the natures castle. Still here is an attempt to sum up the events during the trek. We started on Saturday, 5th of Dec for Kotdwar. And it was not the best of beginningss. Started late than we ususally do and got lost in the maize of cannaught place's circle before reaching to anand vihar. The entire process of finding out the correct way just took too much time. But once we reached Anand Vihar things changed. Roads got better, almost creamy from there on. But my biking partner and me lost track of each other. Assuming that both of us would keep moving, and we did keep moving met at some place near Meerut. Discussed about the directions and the best roads with the locals present and we were all set to rule the roads from there on, our next targets being Kotdwar. Soon bikes were taking with the winds making a noise that every biker loves. Views changed as fast as a movie played on fast forward mode where you know of eevrything happening around and at the same time you don't know of anything in proper details. Anyways reached Kotdwar by 3o'clock. It was time for some food. We hadnt had anything since morning except some tea and the fags, the fellow biker ddid,t smoke so he was devoid of that too.
After having our food we decided to move on for destination next , Lansdowne, some 45 kms from Kotdwar. It was a moment which played on my nerves because I had never driven bike in mountainous ranges and path to Lansdowne is known to be no less tortuous than any of its counterparts in shivalik mountain ranges. Anyways, risk is the name of the game. Prepared myself mentally and set we were for the next part of the trip. Was anxious at first few turns, especially the U turns but got hold of things pretty soon and it did not reallly take time when I had started to enjoy biking there. Stopped at many spots in between when ever got a view worth trapping though the lenses . Though after every shot clicked got the same feeling that God is the greatest painter and eyes are the best cameras invented.
Next morning was equally serene and temperature was not as low as the previous night. We were late in waking though and missed the chance to trap amazing sunrise through the curtain of mountains in our gear. Without delaying it any further we started for our next destination Tarkeshwar temple, lacated 35 kms from Lansdowne this was probably the most solacing place I visited in the entire trek. It was amazing to see that the roads ended at that point and we were there biking till the very last nook. The temple had a mystique associated with it and it hovered over you just as you a get a glimpse of it. Surrounded by tall coniferous trees from all around and zillions of bells hanging everywhere, the landscape it presented to the eyes could be nothing other than a treat. Ride back to lansdowne was amazing too, was feeling pretty fluent with driving in rocks now and had made friends with the curves. Once we reached a point from where there were two ways one back down to kotdwar and other to lansdowne it was a emotional moment. Other friend(Ashish) was returning from this place as he hadn't any more leaves approved with him and I was supposed to go further in the terrains alone. Well we bid each other happy journey for the rest of the trip and moved ahead on our respective paths.
My next destination was Khurshi (An even smaller village in Pauri) some 100 kms from the Lansdowne. Was not sure whether it would be worth covering so much distance. Had read about this village on Internet and that was all the information I had as it is not a well known hill sttaion type of place. But doubts were all erased when i witnessed the sun set over the snowcapped mountains on my way to Khurshi. Reached the site late evening took a room and went straight forward to sleep. As the market was all closed when i had reached. Next morning was special. roamed through the narrow foot walks in the village observing the details of the place and the beauty of nature of course.
Next stop was at Devprayag. After this the roads turned better and raced up my accelerator. Did not stop much. Though did stop a rhishikesh n haridwar for small breaks and some odd clicks which did not come well in all those hassle. Went nostalgic when i stopped at roorkee in front of my college. Never thought that just passing in front of it would have such an effect. Had first good meal of the day at Punjabi Dhaba(A name all roorkee passouts will recognize without taking a moment).
It was already dark by that time and was time for cautious driving. Delhi was still 170 kms and body was feeling the tiredness too. Did it the best way I could and when I was just few 100 mts away from ma place in gurgaon a smile effused on ma face broad and loud, celebrating the journey, the destinations and every moment of it.
PS: There is so much to write that I can just go on and on. Still have tried to brief it up expressing the best parts of it.
A special note of thanks to Ashish Wahi, the co biker. It was always his idea to bike in rocks. Thank You dude for persuading me enough to come out of my shell of apprehensions.
Last but not the least, I do hope that i did lose some of the madness inside me in those mountains :)))
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Yaaro dosti badi hi haseen hai !!!
Its funny how one gets busy in life, gets lost in an unknown desires of oneself and keeps running the marathon for the very same reasons. And in between when there are small pauses when one looks back at time, just to get a glimpse of the reflections of beautiful moments of past and yet again starts chasing the mirage. Well, may be this is what life is. But those small miniature breaks are the moments that make life beautiful, which make you realize that life is not only a race to win but also a beautiful walk which keeps pacing itself alongside.
And one of better ways of relishing the beauty of our existence is meeting the god old friends. Its almost unbelievable how one tends to forget that its been years for those moments of fun which occupy the most profound nooks of heart. What is there in fact is the spark,alive and bright. There is an incessant flow of feelings and rest just goes with that magical flow.
Last few weeks brought alive the very same feelings in me. Meeting the best friends from college after such a long time was a bliss in itself. It never felt that we were meeting after such long times.
PS : Dont expect a period of decades. It would not make any difference though.
Fun and frolic knew no bounds and each moment of our togetherness just extended the sheer meaning of the above used phrase in fact. Things became so simple and straight forward.
No formalities, no professionalism an no unneeded social etiquette. The only feeling that kept hitting was the various layers of formalities that we keep adopting with growing age have ebbed away.
Getting into the details of the re-union will make this blog go long like eternity. So lets end it over here.
Kudos to friendships :-)
CHEERS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)