"Heights" of Monkeying around ;) at Shivagange!

     I thought this post would take even longer to come out (considering the hell lot of tasks@hand I currently have!). But then 2 things post my return from the trek kept urging me to write..

       No. 1: Couldn’t stop feeling happy for another ‘rocking’ day I’d just spent

       No. 2: Monkeys started haunting my daydreams!

Tough to relate to no. 1 & 2? Don’t worry..u’ll soon get the point!

Trek to Shivagange:

2^nd trek with the WOW gang. The 14 shortlisted girls for the trek had assembled at the Bangalore KSRTC bus-stand. Again, a bunch of all new ppl [with just the trek admin group familiar :P].

Plan was: to reach Dobaspet (the nearest bus-stand to reach Shivagange) and hire autos to the destination [a standard format for tourists visiting Shivagange on public transport].

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The journey begins….

Bus is half-full:

     After a couple of enquiries, we reached the platform where buses to Pavagadh enroute Dobaspet stood. Here, we find 2 buses: One empty and one half-full. Temptations drive us towards the empty bus, but then we learnt that this was starting only after an hour or so! Quickly, few of the girls who had rushed inside, got out of the bus; and the ones standing in Q took an about turn in sync (in that narrow lane between the two buses) and ran towards the half-full bus..thankfully.. just-in-time!

     Luckily, we managed to grab seats here-and-there for our counterparts, and were spread all over the bus [including the balcony seat – next to the driver’s deck ;)]

BTC promotions - on the drive!

     Bus to Dobaspet started. There was this techie sitting beside me (who had, OBVIOUSLY noticed the hungama that that we had created in trying to locate seats just a while ago – and by now had a fair idea that we were some sort of a ‘women-oriented-group’ going on an outing).

     He started enquiring about the group and surprisingly was aware about BTC (though a little vaguely). Took a chance, and started promoting BTC; and in turn learnt about a couple of other places to explore around Tumkur (which he proudly spoke about, as this place was native):D

Dobaspet to Shivgange:

     Reached Dobaspet. Had breakfast and finished a small photo session. Hired 2 autos to Shivagange (had absolute fun trying to pose for pics in running autos ;) ). The auto-walas also sensed the fun that we girls were upto; and were equally co-operative! The route itself offered views of scenic beauty and we were all set to take on the adventure. Pretty cloudy morning, though it seemed very fresh and pleasant.

     The ‘names-byhearting’ ceremony had already begun (much before the formal round of introduction!)

Introduction!

     Reach Shivagange – the Dakshina Kashi (you can find out more about the place in Wiki / google..apart from the history, pls don’t miss out on finding about the ‘monkey businesses’ here! You need to be careful of your luggages, not isolate yourself at any spot and stick to your groups, and do not hold any dang thing in your hand!)

now back to WOW 14 story :P..

     After climbing the first few steps of the temple premises, the WOW 14 gathered in a circle at a place for a formal round of introduction. So, our captain Ajju, just starts to talk something..and oh..what’s that..look around..a whole bunch of monkeys..forming groups all around us! One of the Bio students in our group felt it safe to disperse from that place (sensing a potential attack on our bagpacks), and we all were obedient enough to follow instructions (wisely). We climbed a little more upwards and assembled at a place that felt relatively safer. With quick introduction and division of the group into 3 teams, WOW 14 began the trek with full swing!

     The ‘names-byhearting’ ceremony still continued..[I heard my name a couple of times from the other teams in the group. turned back, and got a response 'nothing'!]

All about the Trek, Nature, Fun……and monkeys (of course)!

     Soon enough, we reached the Gangadhareshwara shrine [famous for the belief of abhishekam ghee, turning into butter!]. We offered our prayers here and continued the journey further.

     The Shivagange hill, being more like a ‘Shivalinga’ shape, is a bit steep for a climb. And because of the steepness, the place started offering panoramic views after crossing the initial levels itself. What followed post this, were just treat for the eyes!  Despite the earlier wear-n-tear that we felt (due to lofty climbing), the captivating view around us, gave us that motivation to get going.

The steep stretch

     Monkey-burglary started, when we came outta the cave temple (Olakala teertha). We had this lady from our group (I would call her the ‘King-kong lady’..not a personal remark, but you’ll know why ;) ;) ), who had opened her bag and was digging into it with full concentration (without noticing a monkey sitting right opposite to her, helping her keep the bag open, and peeping into it with equal concentration as she did!). One of us noticed it, and managed to quickly shoo it away; and keep our things and people safe (this is why you need to stick around in groups).

Monkeys ganging-up!

     With a roar of laughter and a cheer over this, we ascended further the hill. Most part of the hill has uneven steps along with the railings. What makes this an interesting trek is the uneven-ness, narrowness of the steps itself! You cannot climb these parts without the railing support. Moreover, you cannot stick to one side of the railing, and have to keep changing sides depending upon the width of the steps and the direction of the trek. Also, at many places you need to maintain a side-walk along the railings (because the steps are too narrow, even for kids to climb them straight!).

View from the top

     By then, we had got accustomed to the monkeys. Many a times, we dint bother them walk past us, but we still were with our groups for safer side. Moreover, it was the mesmerizing scenery that captured our attention more than the little creatures. The weather was little dull and windy, and the entire stretch looked covered with blankets of clouds.

     The trek became more of a ‘halt-and-proceed’ journey as the hill got steeper. And our lady (whom I call the king-kong lady) tried to open her bag again, probably for taking out the water bottle, only to find monkeys jumping towards her (bag)! We decide to share our water bottles and open our bags for as less times as possible.

     We had covered almost 3/4^th of the hill, when we found a ‘live inspiration’ who blowed our minds off! An Ajji [no. not our Captain Ajju ;) ;) !] – a skinny old granny descending down the hill, bare-foot! Even the other folks who were trekking along with us were quite astonished! [we had just covered that distance and knew the challenges the path had!]. Here we were - carrying all the necessary first aids and back-ups, and there she was descending gracefully down the hill, with nothing in her hand, and chanting the name of Lord shiva after taking each step! A live-wire…felt her worth of worshipping (literally bowed down to her). What more – she asks us ‘makkaLu (kids)’ to stay careful and safe! This was indeed a WOW moment during the trek. We continued marching forward. 

[the ‘name-byhearting’ ceremony was still on! I still heard my name being called out a couple of times:P ]

     Reached a juncture, where the direction of the trekking-path, takes a sharp 90 degree turn to the left. This is almost towards the peak. Here, we found a small stall, where we stopped over for some energy drinks. Trust me! The butter-milk at this stall was too good and refreshing. After a small photo session here, we continued our journey to meet the peak.

The monolithic Nandi statue!

      With all that new energy, Captain Jo and I started to whistle aloud – only to find the folks (even the other families) surrounding us howl with equal enthu (ain’t an over-statement)! The excitement and joy of reaching the peak had just build up inside all of us, with all this energy. It felt awesome!

     Within no time, we reached the monolithic Nandi statue and then the peak of the hill, thrilled by the enchanting Nature and the breezy climate..

The peak and weather!

     Reached the peak..all triumphant..Luckily, there were no monkeys at that point of time and we managed to almost-complete our lunch. But then the animals found their way and succeeded in invading the spot that we had located [(rather, claiming the rights to their adda; that we humans had just invaded!). We stopped our meals and gave away the open food packets to them. And this time again! A monkey approaches right towards our ‘king-kong lady’ just when she is about to open her bag! She realizes this pattern now, and shouts ‘why am only I targetted!’ – and this is when I remembered the movie King-Kong [the only difference being, the ‘king-kongs’ here were of much smaller size. Were they attracted to her bag or to her – honestly, now I don’t know! :D]

     Jokes apart, the view at the peak was just too brilliant! The weather got too cloudy by then. A mix of the gloomy weather and the 360 degree view, made us feel lost in some other world. We were literally in the midst of clouds and it all made the entire atmosphere – Beautiful!

The blanket of clouds! when we reached the peak!

     Of course, we did get a little wary of the challenges a heavy downpour would put-forth during our descend. But you call it a miracle – pure luck – or loopholes in weather forecasting;), there was no heavy rains, but just a misty weather throughout. The clouds did meet n greet us..gave us nice rains and breeze..but that was just a ‘flying visit’; when we were at the peak (probably to congratulate our determination:P )..and they gracefuly bade us a goodbye while we started to descend [ I remember – with a very heavy downpour that had occurred just the previous evening – news had showed predictions of equally heavy rains in the next 48 hours (nothing of which had happened :P)].

     With this, the descend looked safer than expected, and we had a smooth travel back to the base, though equally challenging. As always, the descend was a little quicker than the ascend. It was just during the descend that the Sun-god finally broke open! The rains and the Sunlight just made everything around us look as bright and fresh as a New morning itself!

Sun giving a freshness, late in the afternoon (after a slight downpour)

     We did have our pit-stops for refreshments, during the descend. And again! Our ‘king-kong lady’ was approached by her favourite heroes, eyeing her bag (or her?). Finally, she decided not to even attempt opening her bag :D Reached the base, with a victory feeling; and waited for the rest of the group to reach. 

     And again! heard my name being called out by someone in the group! I turn back and again get a reply ‘nothing’. Understood! [I guess we took each other’s names more than the deity himself, during the entire trek :P !].

Finally, the entire group reached the base – safe, sound and feeling accomplished. We congratulated each other; and headed off to Dobaspet bus-stand, in autos.

Bus is half-full..again!

     Coming to an end, with a full circle - A perfect climax, for a perfect beginning! 

     At the end of the adventure, we reached the Dobaspet bus stand. And again, on enquiries we found that we were just-in-time for a bus to arrive. And oh, not 1..but 2 buses to Bangalore arrive..Once again! One empty, and one half-full..Once again! Temptations drive us toward the empty bus (and then we learn that this was not going to the main Majestic bus stand)..and Once again! We take a U-turn in sync and rush towards the half-full bus that was just about to leave! <>. And once again! typical women mentality --> though we all were confused, atleast we all were on the same page :P

Climax:

     The way to Bangalore from Dobaspet was equal fun. Got to know more about each other during the journey. I was the first one to bid everyone a good-bye as I was supposed to alight at the much earlier Stopping point in Bangalore.

After all of this fun, adventure and hungama throughout the day; walking back home felt a drag for 2 reasons:

1.                The nice, smooth tar road seemed unusual (Of course, we were on a 'high' the entire day:P)

2.                I missed the monkeys! (suddenly it felt too isolated!)

Mom couldnot control her laugh, when I mindlessly explained her this….!

 A final thanks:

Thanks to the Organizing team &; Ajju once again, for taking all the risks of planning this trek and brilliantly pulling it off!

Thanks to all my fellow trekkers. It was a wonderful day with equally wonderful people! :)

Note: Mention of the 'name-byhearting' ceremony throughout the post is not an exaggeration! :P

Cheers!

Unplanned..UnReserved..and 'ROCK'ing..

So! Here's a maybe-not-so-brief excerpt of my Experience with the WOW gang! My first ever Trek Expedition

A Trek to Rayakottai and Krishnagiri Fort (near Hosur)...[nothing technical about the Trekking activity as such, you can find them via Wiki / google ;) :P]. Just sharing my experience...

And it goes like this...


With little brain-racking on "should I - shouldn't I", I enrol myself just 2 days before the event (with no planning done before). My first ever trek! Surprisingly, I get shortlisted, and then what followed has become an impressive memory of my life...Read on...

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Just a day prior to the event, I get a mail saying that there have been last minute changes and the mode of transport now changes from Road to Rail...and..Unreserved!.. fun had already begun..B-)

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The Introduction:
This was a gang of 19 shortlisted gals (from different places across Bangalore), very few of whom had known each other - few first timers as well (including em!) We were to assemble in the Train, (Salem Passenger) from different junctions in Bangalore. And, as the history goes, this mode of transport, had turned out to be a very efficient mode of Ice-breaker, with the gals teaming up with ease, and of course, cracking very 'organ'ized jokes :D

In the jampacked Unreserved bogie, we did manage to reserve seats for few our counterparts that were to join us. And in the end, we were scattered everywhere (even near the Gate...AHEM...door ;) !).

Must say! The group dint look any less than the Chak De! gang, ready to take on the adventure that lay ahead. A better thing being , a Lady leading it B-)

The Journey Begins:

Alight at Rayakottai station, meet-n-greet the monkeys who looked at us like any other among them, and bravely cross the Railway tracks with calculated risks ;), with a train heading on one of them (Ghulam-ishtyle)!

After having delicious breakfast (the Pongal was damn good!) and tea, we headed towards the trek base, after a formal and a more ORGANised INtroDUCTION to each other!! B-)




The Ascend:
With a couple of clear instructions and tips from the organizer Ajju, the teams started ascending along the trail, to reach the Peak. Puff, pant - but get there - of this, everyone was clear!

The leading ladies did a brilliant job, tracking the routes - allowing the rest of the team, to comfortably follow them - as they waded along the rocks and the Fort remains.

The gals started bonding better n better, with each helping the other at a li'l steep climbs, halting where anyone felt a need for a break, cracking more jokes, the whistles and of course - the crazy photo sessions.

Few paths along the trail were a real Challenge, and few were just a chilled step-walk. The view turned more and more spectacular as we touched altitudes.

The Peak! 

Do I need to express that in Words?? All I can say is - It was Worth all that puffing, panting and clambering!  Nature at its Magnificent best, offering an Eye-treat! Human Civilization at bay. All that was there was just Mother Nature and 19 brave ladies on the Top of the world!! B-)

Victory - After we made it to the TOP!

Hill Top

Fort remains

Weather:
This was a real Blessing I'd say! The Clouds, the Sun and the Wind gods did a perfect balance act - that made both - the Climb and the Descend - more inviting and fun! This had to be just that perfect sort of a trek with nature rejoicing alongwith the WOW ladies:), making it just the right climate to enjoy nature's beatitude :D

The Clouds , Sun and the Wind performing a balance act! Perfect climate for a Trek!

What the Goats!

Amidst all the wilderness of the nature, and during the rock climbing adventure - playing goatherds was an extra addition to the fun! At a couple of narrow, and the only paths leading way to the Peak, it suddenly became inevitable to carry sticks to direct the goats out of our way - specially the ones with sharp horns rocking along with us (read - BEHIND us)! Halting at intervals , turning back, and shooing them away was quite a challenging task! . Yeah..it may sound comedy..but when your butts are direct targets to sharp little horns, that too,  at the peak of a hill, it ain't B-)

Well..to those who can relate to this ->; I'm skipping the 'Mmmaaah' part of the goat story here for privacy purpose!

The Descend:

After all the Victory celebrations, WOW flag hoisting on the peak, sight-seeing, photo sessions, howling n whistling (phew!).. and a bit of dancing - it was now time to make the descend.

Though it happened a bit faster than the climb, must admit, this wasn't as easy a task as it seemed ! (did scare the hell outta me at places - with a few slips here n there :-|). Thanks to the girls, who were always there, watching each other and taking care till we safely and successfully made it to the Trek base:)

Climax
Triumphant, worn out and with little aches and pain, we reached the station and learnt that the train was late by half an hour. Taking this opportunity, few of our ladies turned into their gharelu avatar and shopped in the subzee-mandi right outside the station , adding a feminine touch to the whole adventure. [Now! this is what I appreciate about womanhood. No matter how much heights you conquer, your ultimate theme of life is always family n food :P!]

At the platform, while waiting for the train to arrive,  few shared their trekking experience, and few did also share tips to recover from the post-trek aches (really useful!). The adventurous journey had now become a memorable 'WOW Experience' for all of us...


World of Sagittarians...

Well..women have this trait of getting thrilled for reasons which may seem trivial for others...:P Sharing one such thrilling discovery [which really made me wonder] during the return journey..Here it goes...

Like the arrival, the return journey was also to be UnReserved :D Considering that the halt at Rayakottai would be only for a couple of minutes, we decided to split and get into the train first and then sort out each other.

Train arrived. We split ourselves haphazardly into 2 separate groups and accomodated ourselves in two consequent bogies. To our luck, the crowd cleared to a great extent at Hosur, and we got space enough to be seated comfortably.

Now, Monu (a friend, and a co-trekker) n I [both proud Sagittarians] continue our yapping about being Saggis [something that we've been bugging few ppl with throughout the day :D!] Surprisingly, it so turns out that the ones with whom we had  randomly split with were all Saggitarians! To add more surprise, we learn, that few ppl seated in the other bogie were also Saggitarians!

So here, our discovery was that,  the World of Women, had a world of Saggitarians in it! [yeah.. sounds stupid and trivial, but for a Saggi its Thrilling and for women, it's even more :P ]

Return...

We reached our respective destinations. With loads of awesome memories, we bade each other good-bye and started out to our respective abodes ( with promises of meeting again in more such events).

Absolutely loved being with the people..

What other better way to describe the experience. It was just - WOW! B-)


Highlights:
1. I learnt that the World Of Women [WOW] is Bangalore's first ever all-women trekking Club. And m very proud of it!
2. Food - Thanks to the ladies whom the Organizer calls 'youngest-at-heart' in the team, for being kind enough to pack food for WOW '19 - this too, a Surprise! We dint miss Home :) Hats off!:)


Thanks to one and all involved, especially the ORGANizer and the INtroDUCER :) You guys really kept us entertained :D Looking forward for more such fun-filled n exciting adventures and more discoveries :):)

Cheers to WOW!



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well..the author's Story doesn't end here :P..it's got a fairy-tale touch to it!

Well, an avid reader as I have become; very few know that I'm currently reading the story of my childhood favourite Heidi. To my amazement all of this - the trek plans, the rock climbing and the goats too! - somehow miraculously happen exactly the way the book describes in the page I had last read (in fact I get the information about this trek activity exactly after I stop at the page where the character Heidi goes to the mountain alongwith the goats!)....

like they say...sabkuch likha hua hai...



Cheers!

Strangers..

The entire team of 30 was present at Toit. This was a success party from him. He was just back from the 5-week International Dance tour arranged by his Dance Academy. Being an all-rounder, he was one of the greatest assets for his Academy, and one of the Leads. Hardly had he imagined that he would be a key player in this initiative, and that it would be a huge success!

The crowd cheered as he opened the bottle of Champagne they had gifted for this grand success.

Someone from the lot shouted, “ Koi speech de de, yaar..yeh sab kaise hua..how do you feel”

(..yeh sab kaise hua..he shrugged at the thought of it. The crowd would not believe,  if he were to reveal the true ‘yeh sab kaise hua’…)

He blinked, took a deep breath, and replied..

“God’s grace” – he remarked without a thought.

“Well, I may sound too philosophical now, but then I have to say this!” – his voice went deeper – “There’s one streak in each one of us, that’s irrespective of the outside world – what the world talks about us, how the world treats us, or how it looks at us! You name it anything – Talent, Passion, the Love of your Life, God gift – whatever! And when it knocks you, there’s just nothing else to it”

Silence in the crowd!

 “yaaron! Pehle main bhi in baaton ko bakwaas hi manta tha”’ – he winked as he heard a couple of whistles from the crowd, continuing – “But I owe a very big Thanks to Someone, who is not present here”

 “kaun hai woh, haan ?”.. Who, eh?” - some more whistles

Looking at the floor and then quickly back to the audience

“A random Stranger” – he smirked.

Couple of howls, and then the team slowly started getting immersed with the drinks and food, that came in by then.

Taking this chance, Mayur slipped out of the crowd to have some time of his own (the last three words of his own speech had somehow got him disturbed). His thoughts wandered at the past, and came to a halt at that one instance..when the both had met last..

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11 months ago:

They were Strangers...

...They had turned into strangers!

( ‘Saale yeh third person beech me aake sab kuch gotala kar dete hain. Very dangerous!’ - Ragini had agreed once, when one of her close friends had said this –‘ even worse when there are more that one ‘third person’ – she had told him)

---

Mayur spotted her taking a stroll at the office cafeteria. She doubted if she would step into this  campus ever again. This was Ragini's last day as an Employee. She would be pursuing her Masters in Mass Communication abroad and work with her cousin as a partner in his Consultancy firm.

“So..finally you have decided” – he said, as he walked and stood up in front of her  “(to leave Me)” – he said to himself.

“yep..just the right time” – she replied, with half-a-smile. “(its just too late to ask)” – to herself.

 “dreams coming true and all, eh – real fighter” – he said  (i wish I was in that list) – to himself.

“yep..kind of” – another half smile, concealing “(not all become true)” – to herself

There was a vacuum – of silence. Only two pairs of eyes looking at each other, with nothing in mind.

Breaking the silence..she continued “There’s that one streak in each one of us, Mayur  – a passion – that overcomes all the h…” –a sigh, and she left her statement trailing..

“at least for once, please attempt to make it work. i don’t even know if I can interfere any more, but you can do it! Not for that Big name..but atleast for Yourself…to meet the same old person you have had been”

He blankly looked at the floor tight-lipped and refused. He was lost! Making this promise looked tough! (why should I, at all ...? i can't live without you. i hate you - he thought in his mind)... he frowned.

She stretched out her palm at him..as she uttered “I still have..” .

Alert, he again turned and took a step closer to her- “you still have..?” – with a heavy breathe, looking deep into her eyes now.

'"h..hopes..you can , i know" - gulping the actual words she had in mind.

she stressed her hand that had reached out to him and nodded - "promise me, you will take your dance to an International level..it's not for ME!"

He had no clue how, but he knew that was the right thing to do. He nodded back and grasped her hand – only for a moment. (just for you) - he said to himself

There were these vibes in the air, that only the two could understand.It was time for Ragini to leave.

She controlled her urge to look back, as she walked towards the Exit gate. Her tears would shatter him to pieces..She knew that.

 Neither did Mayur wait. He gazed at his hand that had just given a promise, a promise he had now decided to fulfill - just for her. And then, he walked inside..

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"Dude, where were you lost? we were looking out for u!” he startled, as he heard Angelo, a common well wisher, calling him inside. Lost in thoughts - he had not noticed the missed calls he'd received in the last 20 minutes.

“No where, come on, let's go inside”, as he patted Angelo.

“Are you guys in touch”, asked Angelo, sensing what possibly could have been in Mayur's mind.

“Nope”, he replied, as he unlocked his phone and opened the photo Album of his latest success. 

As he scanned through the pictures, he knocked into one, which swept him off his feet. It was that of his audience at the Mega Dance event. 

Right in the middle of the ecstatic crowd, there was this strikingly familiar face, brimming with pride, filled with tears in her eyes...a face he had not seen since the last eleven months..

Author's note: Love aint always a mushy story…!:)

At the table

      It was another weekend meet for the TQS4. Their college folks had named this gang of four -  'The Quad Squad' ( which sounded like,  some sniffer dogs squad according to Akshaya). Eventually, they got used to it, and added the suffix 4 - their TQS touch to it. And this had become their identity, even 5 years after passing out of their Degree College.


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     Vishaka had called Trishna, Akshaya and Samridhi at the Queens' Mall; to give them a formal invite for her elder brother's wedding due for the next month. (they could do without the formality. this was just a reason to catch up). Held up with too much of workload, Trishna could not make it for the meet, that weekend.

      So, there they were in the food bay.. at a table, a table meant for four; in the afternoon.  Considering Aki and Sam's personal commitments, they had decided to keep this meet shorter than regular - just a lunch and a kuppa coffee.

     Thirty minutes passed by.. None had started any conversation still.  Akshaya was singing an all-time fav track of hers to herself, audible to only the other two. Vish was fiddling with her mobile, at the same time making a random sketch on a tissue with glitter pens. Sam was just watching around, and was, as usual, in her deep thoughts. Surprisingly, none gossipped about the newly wedded couple from their college. They (including Vishaka herself) were already fed up of her breakup saga (that had taken long hours of phone calls a couple of days ago). Stories of upcoming alliances for the 3 had reached a stage of boredom (Akshaya was married, and groom hunt was on for the other 3 of these 25-somethings). Whining about work-life - the same gossips, politics, bad hikes etc etc - was an absolute waste of time, they knew!

     Grass looked the same, at all the sides. All they enjoyed at that moment was - the mere presence of the other....FRIENDS!

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     "My husband asked me what am I passionate about last week" - Akshaya was the first one to break the silence.

     "What question about PASSION!? Your hubby is already fed up of you, eh?!" -  shot Vishaka instantly. Spontaneity was her nature! The trio burst out laughing.

    "Then what did you tell him" - asked Samridhi, post the pause that followed their laughter. Sam sounded a bit serious. This girl was a sophisticated mind.

     "I was blank!" - replied Akshaya "but then, that made me think!" ...she continued.

    "think like...?" - probed Sam.

     "well..like...if I could have it all, and I had no limits to do whatever I wanted, what would have I chosen to do!" - Akshaya would have got whacked, if this statement was made 4-5 years ago - inside their college campus, or even at the same table they were sitting right then! But at that point of time, it had made a lot of sense, it stirred them to some serious thinking...Vish got little uncomfortable with the question.

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     "I just feel like quitting everything..and become a priestess or a Nun!" - grumbled Vish with a drop of tear trailing down her cheek, leaving a tinge of silence in the air. Akshaya and Sam looked at each other. They knew where it was coming from. All the more, deep down her heart, Sam too felt the same - but for a different reason. Sam was the sole bread winner for her family and the additional pressure of balancing Work   with personal life had gotten the better off her.

     In a couple of seconds, Vishaka's emotions got a soother; when she found Akshaya's hand clasping hers; and Sam patting her head gently.

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     "You are right, Aki..We've got so much involved in trying to just fulfill our daily commitments, and making li'l sacrifices - that we hardly realize we are going far from ourselves" - the thoughtful mind - Sam - was giving a direction to the conversation.

     "I still love to think of the good ol' days, when I used to assist Neeta ma'm in her yoga training sessions. Back then, it was just the thrill of those 200 bucks. Pocket money! Had never imagined I'd miss it so bad, and come to think of it this serious!"....

     "Why don't you continue it ? Don't tell me you don't have time for it!" - Aki hit it right.

     "don't have time for all that now..." - irated Vish.

     "Give me a break, Vish! You have enough to still get onto long calls, going on and off with him, and end up hurting yourself! Why don't you spend that time on something good for yourself, instead? something that uplifts you! " - asserted Aki. Vish took a deep breath! Aki was talking the truth. It was all about priorities! Choices!

     "My thoughts, your words, Aki! Had no courage to face it. But, you just said it and things look pretty clearer now!" - acknowledged Sam, continuing "All this doesn't happen in  just love, Vishi. Things just creep in where people are not open enough!  People who were a constant support, go against you all of a sudden! Trusts break, true colors pop up! People ignore you, try de-motivating you, or hurting you on your face! You call it jealousy, insecurity, effect of some hormonal problems or whatever! But then, what do you choose to give your 'time'  for matters!  Aki has a point!"

     "And do you think that people who have hurt you are un-scarred? pure and absolutely unhurt people?" - remarked Aki, sharply.

    Truth sank into the 3 minds as if some enlightenment had happened. But there was more to it...

     "True! There's this lady , who just got too pricky with me for no reason since few days. I did get affected initially and felt hurt. But then, I got to know about a very shattered side of hers outside the office! I pity her these days. If she gets happiness in showing herself up as something else, so it be!" - adding - " I dint feel it worth my time whining or thinking about her crankiness. This is just one of the examples! It's become a routine. I ain't gonna blame anybody as well!"

     "Love and care - I relearnt those from my nieces last week, when I had spent an entire weekend with them. I'd spent an amazing mushy time with them, they cared so much for me in fact. It's amazing. How well-connected they are with themselves and their play; they don't bother the world even when they face the same things that we do at this age! True. who has not come through jealousy in childhood days! nobody...and still we behave as if its the end of our world" - Vish got a little too philosophical this time. Nevertheless, she was right!

     "Like you said, Aki. I can instead spend my time on a more productive stuff! Like my Yoga classes...Yoga classes....I have got my answer, girls!" - Sam shone with a proud smile, continuing "and so have You, Vish" .. lookin at Vishaka. 

     Sam held in front of Vish, the tissue on which she had sketched a beautiful portrait with the glitter pens, while none was talking in the beginning.

     "This is YOU - as a child! This is what you need to spend time for, Vish" - Aki exclaimed to Vish, pointing out at the sketch.

     Vishaka glowed this time. The peace that she felt looking at her own work, was totally new. She stretched out her hands and hugged Akshaya.

     The entire conversation had a deeper meaning. They had never spoken this way ever before. Somewhere in the midst of unexpected twists and turns in their individual lives, their togetherness had progressed onto a new level without their realization!

     Following the hugs, there were a trail of deep conversations with each talking about interesting books; how best to invest their time on useful stuff; GenNext and the joys of playing young Aunts to their nieces and nephews,;their next Gang outing; and of course, Trishna. 

Akshaya had opened an awesome topic, but she herself was yet to figure out what she loved to do the most! Nevertheless, she was happy, and ignored this fact; leaving this thought to be pondered on some other time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

    "Got to go, girls. Aadi's waiting for me". Vish and Sam got up too. It was time for all the 3 to make a move. They hugged each other and left towards the exit. Akshaya rushed towards Adi's bike while the other 2 were admiring the newly wedded couple.

     Aadi had just started his bike, when Akshaya's phone beeped with an incoming voice message. It was a message from Vish. She plugged on the earphones and was deeply pleased, to listen to her own voice..It was the song that Vish had secretly recorded while Aki was casually singing..at the table...

   It followed with another text message from Sam - "You were trying to figure out something, right;)"

     Aki turned back expectedly, Vish and Sam glaring at her and waving her a sweet goodbye...Each one smiled!

     It was time to give a call to Trishna, and update her of the chats they had...at the table..

     

The Day when everything went...

     It was too gloomy for a Friday. Bangalore weather had got somber and chill, and made the Bangaloreans think of just the pillow and the bed. To add to it, Krishna had an Interview at 9.30 am. He was back home from [over]work just in the midnight; and all he needed at this hour was just some peace of mind and a peaceful sleep. He was deprived of both, at that moment..

      It was 10 minutes before the interview schedule. He was seated at the reception, waiting for his host's call.

     This was just a chance he was taking - a custom, worldwide in the Corporate world, for the obvious reasons! Considering all the bizarre events that took place while riding his way to the interview Venue, he needed little time at least to collect himself (if not for a sleep!).

---
    ...Half-sleepy - he had run into a No-Entry path on the way and was fined for it. In trying to cover up for the time he had lost, he sped a bit and dint realize that he was on a water-clogged road due to heavy rains the previous night. A car had just passed by with a greater speed and had splashed on his Interview attire! He abused the moron and cursed him...the car had already left!

---

     "Dude! what's up? You here?..I mean..good to see you!" - Kris looked up..startled! It was his colleague Kevin, who also had come for an interview! Kevin was equally embarrassed.

     Kevin and Kris - once upon a time buddies - were the most talked about competitors in the team.   The higher authority had succeeded in drilling out both the 'resources', terming each one as a 'potential project lead'! The rat-race had just damaged their 'buddy' status, and had created a professional tiff between them. Nevertheless, they maintained a cordial rapport. Discussions were on as to who would get the Promotion. This was to be announced on the same day..


-----


    The team had assembled in the Meeting Room. This was one of those rare meetings which had some meaningful Agenda and everyone was looking forward for it. Both, Kevin and Kris were done with their Interviews for the day and were well on time at office. None spoke about the interview.

     'And finally its time to announce the Rewards and Promotions, something you have been waiting for, quite a while now' - spoke up the Ops Manager who was assigned the task of announcing the quarterly  rewards and the promotion.

     If it were a promotion, this would be the first one for Kris in his career. Ditto! for Kevin as well! The only difference was - Kris was yet to receive even the quarterly rewards. Inspite of being appreciated for work, and being called as a 'potential frontrunner' - Management had not rewarded his work till date. Was it a sheer overlook - a business tactic ? Or some lapse in communication? - he never understood...

     4 rewards were announced, one by one, in the team of 25. None of the K's names were mentioned. Kris kept up his hopes though - waiting for the big announcement!

     'And I am pleased to announce that we have a new Project Lead this year, replacing Miss Uma earlier this year. And that's none other than - Kevin D' Souza'


....The world came crashing down for Kris. For a couple of minutes, he felt like a loser. This was the first time, this kind of politics had pinched him. Theoretically, he was not new to it! But when reality bit him, he felt the pinch. All the efforts of 2 and a half years..all the appreciations he had received..started feeling meaningless! He wanted to just run out of that place. He felt an alien to the place where he was seated. Nothing made sense...

    He was not completely shattered. He  just needed some time to collect his feelings and digest whatever had happened in the day. At that moment, he was carrying a very heavy feeling...nobody noticed it..except for one colleague..


--------


     It was 11pm already! Kris did not realize he had spent the last half an hour gazing at the blank red sky, until he found that his cigarette pack had exhausted! It was almost an end of an unusual day, the night started getting equally cold. Kris moved to the floor, to pack up..

Team had already left for the day, except for that one colleague..who had noticed him...Kris was surprised..and obviously a little happy!

     'Nisha! Why you stretching so late..on a Friday!! ?'

     'Had some pending work' - she lied, with a smile and a soft tone.

 
    Nisha was a Simpleton, highly matured girl in the team - little naughty, and equally shrewd at work. Nothing went unnoticed out of her sight.  Like Kris n Kevin, Nisha too - had some 'frenemies' ..some rather nasty ones. But unlike the guys, she hardly made a noise about it and chose to concentrate on 'Constructive things'.

   In a very short time, Kris and Nisha had shared a great bonding with each other. He admired her simplicity. He always liked her way of handling things and people, even when pointed out at - something that he never was able to do. He admired the simplicity she carried. He liked her way of looking at the 'Bigger Picture' of things. He admired the smile she carried along. Secretly...he loved her...

     Though Nisha was comparatively new to the team, she very well understood the dynamics that had existed. She was one of the 4 awardees. However, she very well understood what Kris had just gone through, and knew he had deserved the better!

    'How will you get back home? Taking the cab?'

    'I thought you have come by bike?' - she winked.

   'Shucks..My bad! shall I drop you home?' Nisha was already heading off towards the parking area at the basement, with his jacket and the helmet in hand.


---------

   It was drizzling. The midnight hour was just descending. At the highway, on the way to Nisha's place, was a 24 hour Cafe Coffee Day - a place where the team often chilled out during peak work times, for a break. This day, it was only the 2!

     'Cuppa coffee ? Perfect start for the weekend!'  - offered Nisha [knowing the obvious response].

    'Sure',  replied Krishna, with no expression..rather too exhausted to give any expression. 'perfect weather too' - he said to himself.


---------

     The song 'Tum ho toh' from Rock On was playing in the Cafe. Kris was all silent at the table - a very rare scenario, considering his very jovial  and optimistic nature. Nisha did not complain.

     'So, how was your day today? You seemed little lost' - she knew what was going on. He knew she was just playing up. There was no need to explain.

     'They have a knack of terming absolutely anything as Smart Work. Anything!' - laying emphasis at the last word, he shrugged.

     'SMART WORK!' - she uttered, and giggled.  ' a term most abused in this world'  - she continued.- 'Come on, this is not the end.. and you know that...  after a pause...A day will come when even dry nurses will be termed as Smart workers'. - Kris had laughed for the first time in the last 24 hours. She finally managed to put a cheer on his face.

     Kris just looked at her smile. He still got an urge to kneel down and say to her all that he had been wanting to. But something in him, just dint let him do so. It was the 'loser' label that he had given to himself for the day...that had shadowed him..that had almost convinced him this was just not the right day!

    After a bit of gossip and humor, the duo decided to call it a Friday. They walked towards his bike, Kris doing a bit of talking this time. Nisha silently nodded to whatever he was talking, without paying much attention. Suddenly, it seemed as if she was waiting for something.

      They went near the bike. Kris dug into his Jacket pockets for the keys, when he found a paper note wrapped inside. He took out the paper and opened it. Nisha gazed at him, with her smile a little more lightened up..waiting for the obvious reaction. Finally, he came across the note that she had dropped inside his Jacket pocket, while in the basement back at the office; without his knowledge. The note said -

'How long will you keep me waiting you Idiot. I LOVE YOU! - Nishy '

     Another thud fell down at Krishna's feet. For a minute, he felt like he was seeing some dream! Without his consciousness, he walked here and there for a couple of seconds, wanting to shout, not knowing what to say, what to do! His joy knew no bounds! Nisha captured every gesture of his and just gave her characteristic naughty stare at him.

     He knelt in front of her, holding her hand and finally spoke his heart out! It felt as if all the bizarre incidents had been planned; Only to reveal the surprise that was awaiting.

     'Nisha...I...I....' - tried to collect his thoughts and speak it out! he was choking out of excitement.


     'And you lost this chan...' - he did not let her complete the sentence.


Damn the reward and promotion he had lost in the day! Damn the politics and ugly manipulations!And anyways, there was always another chance!

The real reward was right there...into his arms, embracing him...The chill midnight weather, was just perfect...


Cheers!