See Me Through My Eyes

Who am I? I am CHARACTER - the writer's representative, a poet's symbol and the reader's inspiration. However, what say do I have in my creation? None! I have to cry when I want to rejoice. I am stamped the peacemaker, when I wish to be the evil devil. As Hamlet, I wish to be in action, but have to just wait forever! I know I am an author's puppet. But for once, can't I dance on my own tunes and sway you along too?

Treasure Hunt

“Treasure Hunt” These  words  send  a  wave  of  excitement through me, whenever  I  hear  them.  Normally it is a game of chits.  But  friends,  let  me  narrate  my  wonderful  experience  regarding  this  very  game.

     St Xavier’s  College  of  Mumbai  had  held  their  college  festival  “Malhar” . People  from  different  states  are  always  eager,  to  at  least  be its  spectators.  I  was  fortunate  enough  to  be  a  participant  in  this  esteemed  function.

     Siddharth,  Neela  and  myself  had  represented  our  S.I.E.S  College  from  Sion. Usually  I  am  a  late  riser;  but  for  this  event  I  rose  at  6  in  the  morning when  the  dews  were  still  fresh.  At about 8.30, we left along with our ACRs. About an hour later, we reached our destination, punctually.  The  queue  at  the  outskirts  of  the  St Xavier’s  college  was  longer  than  a serpent’s tail. Wow! What popularity!

     Our ACRs had already taken our entry passes. When our turn came, we were not allowed inside. Thankfully, our college receipt saved us. We were checked thoroughly by the volunteers along with our bags. Only then, they let us in. The security was very efficient. Our names were recorded and we were given our numbers. I still remember my number was 18. We freshened up ourselves and were ready for a tough challenge.

     In the first round, each team had to cross a long passage. However, friends, we were not supposed to touch the ground. We were given three large rectangular white sheets to walk over. All three participants had to move together. We were timed by seconds. If our legs touched the ground, we would get minus two points. That meant minus 4 seconds.

     We kept the first sheet ahead of us. Neela and I stood on the next sheet, while Siddharth stood on the last sheet. Neela and I jumped on the first sheet, consecutively; Siddharth following us on the second sheet. Then we moved the third sheet ahead of us and jumped on it. We followed this chain and got through the passage.

     We were desperately waiting for the results. Then when the results were out, I jumped with great joy. We had cleared the first round. Next round was very interesting. Two of the teammates had to be blindfolded. All three of them had to be tied together around their legs. Each team had a volunteer guide. Neela and I were blindfolded and all three of us were tied by scarves. Our guide led us excellently. It was difficult to walk and we had to actually run!

     During our “running walk,” we had to collect four slips. Fortunately, we collected all four. Soon we untied ourselves and reached a small table. The slips contained jumbled words. We had to solve them as soon as possible. Our guide hinted that the words were names of some countries. Neela and Siddharth solved them.  Then we collected a flag. This flag was our green signal for the next round. 

     The third round was brain twisting. Two wooden chairs were kept at a considerable distance. We were given one newspaper, cello-tape, scissors, and a Hot Wheels Car. We had to make a bridge with the newspaper and make the car pass the bridge without making it fall. We were not allowed to move the chairs nor stick even a bit of cello tape on the chairs. For us the question was what to do and how?

     Then we realized that cello-tape and scissors were of no use to us. We made a long cylindrical shape of the newspaper and placed it between the two chairs. Siddharth then slid the car over the bridge. During the first try, it flipped and fell. However, in the second chance, the car ran from one end to the other without breaking a fall. We rushed for our flag and then we received our next green signal for the coming task.

     One participant of each team had to stay downstairs and the other two had to go to the terrace. Siddharth stayed on the ground for the next round. He had to make a paper rocket and fly it to the target. It feels great to say that he was the first person to reach the target. On the other hand, Neela and I were supposed to burst three balloons without pricking them. After climbing so much, half of our energy was totally drained out. Neela somehow managed to complete this tricky task.

     Then from the terrace itself, we were supposed to find our teammate who was downstairs. Siddharth was given a huge bucket, while we were given newspaper sheets. We had to make balls out of these papers and throw it in the bucket, which Siddharth was holding. We successfully completed our task and rushed downstairs.

     When we were collecting our flags, some confusion had spread among the volunteering group. There was a tie between us and the three other teams. Imagine, from 32 teams only four teams were left. So it was decided to play another bucket game.  Within 5 minutes, the arrangement was made. Unexpectedly, one volunteer came and told us that one of the teams had committed cheating. At last, that team was eliminated. Now only three teams were left. The event was getting even more competing and exciting.

     We were taken into a ventilated classroom. We were very exhausted. The volunteers were kind enough to serve us with some cold water. We had to solve a coded message given on a chart. Nevertheless, we had to do it without uttering a word. Majority part Siddharth and I solved. People complimented me as a good decoder!

     Now we had to perform the most challenging task. It was the final round. Some volunteers had many expectations from us. They were heartily praying for our victory. There was a cardboard shoebox. A long twisted metallic wire was fixed on it. We had to pass a small ring wire around the long wire without touching it. If the wires touched each other, the small bulb on the box would glow and we would loose our chance. Each participant was given three chances.

     Neela tried first and then we followed. However, we lost our three chances. Again, Neela tried. Next, I tried, but in vain. Now our last and the final chance were left. Our all hopes rested on Siddharth. I was so nervous that I closed my eyes and started praying. I had full faith in God and Siddharth. People around me did try to distract me. Nevertheless, fortunately they failed.

     Then I heard a huge cry of joy. When I opened my eyes, I heard Siddharth was able to finish the task successfully. Our hard work and prayers had worked miracles for us. Everyone started congratulating us. It was the most shocking surprise for me. Never in my life had I participated in any such event or a competition. The last time I had won a competition was when I was a six-year-old child. After so many years, winning that “Malhar” was the most rocking thing happening to me in my life!

     Our college authorities and our ACRs were the happiest of all. I was very excited to meet my best friends Tanushri and Supriya. I called up at my place and broke the great news to my Mom. She too was enjoying the news. On reaching my house, my younger brother hugged me and everyone congratulated me.

     Our College honoured us with a certificate and a beautiful watch. I can never forget this incident in my life. I thank you God for gifting me this wonderful day!

Dare your Deadlines!

Deadlines! -  A scary word, isn’t it? Nah! It’s fun for me. No doubt the pressure gets me into the panic mode, but I transform it into a peaceful one by chanting a simple mantra, “It’s easy and I am done with it.” Coolly reciting it and totally believing in it, boosts my confidence and I get the energy to complete my assignments by the D – Day.  Result? My boss is happy and so does my salary increase.  So, are you going to try this successful magic and win over your dreadful deadlines?

Our Deeds Map Our Lives

Ouch! I had badly burnt the tip of my index finger, while lighting the candle. Suddenly, flashes of my Bamboo Tree with some of its burned leaves held me stunned. A few days back, when a thorn had pricked my left foot, I was vividly reminded of unknowingly crushing down an insect under the same foot. I had barely passed my toughest exam. Staring at my marks, I saw my previous action of bitterly criticizing the Professor who had taught that same subject.  These incidences made me realize that life is a full circle, giving me back what I gave to the others. This shows that our wrong deeds are the sole reason for our suffering. Then, isn’t it better to be good to the others and lead a happier life? What say?

Happy Tick! Tick! Tick!

Are you really happy with your life? No! Right? Then what can make it a blissful one? Only your effort of enjoying every moment of your life; be it meetings, assignments, deadlines, kitty parties, your daily soaps or just about anything.  Not that easy with the boiling tension, right? Face it! It’s your laziness to take the effort hindering you. Once you are through it, a blissful life will welcome you with open arms. Try it and see the difference!

Who is right – your head or your heart?

What’s the worst battle you have ever faced? The conflict between your head and your heart, right? Ever wondered why is it always so painful? That’s because your head is constantly feeding you with doubts and fears, while your heart – faith and courage. Yes, God wants you to overcome your weaknesses courageously with love and faith. Of course, in today’s world these words might seem useless, but try genuinely and you shall surely win. So, who is going to rule you – your fearful head or your brave heart?

The Win-Win Situation Technique

What makes certain people successful in their ventures?  What is it that helps them to stay at the top level? One of the key techniques is diplomacy combined with sincerity. You might wonder what crap is this. No my dear friends, this isn’t any crap. It’s called The Win-Win Situation Technique. Appreciate your rival genuinely and surely, she or he shall melt. Sincerely agree on her or his good points carving a way to portray yours. First give her or him a fair chance to prove their point. Agree on the good ones and then shower your views delicately, gradually earning your opponent’s confidence. You are sure to stand victorious letting your rival win as well!

Prune the danger right now!

You are busy with your work – managing a very important career. Have you any clue what your children or younger siblings are entwined with? Yes my dear friends, they are a prey to over-exposure of open sex and violence! You might find it a stupid thing to worry about. However, at a closer look, you will find major juvenile delinquents reacting to this very danger. Look, you still have a chance to protect them. Be friends with them genuinely and tactfully explain the consequences of their incorrect actions. Your moral support and trust in them will lead them to become wiser individuals, making your own society a better and a safer place to live in.

Complaints versus Acknowledgements

When was the last time you sincerely appreciated someone? You don’t remember exactly, right? Yet, I am sure your list of complaints must be longer than a serpent’s tail. Why so? That’s because, there are millions of reasons available to you. However, on a careful glance, I am sure, you will vividly admit trillions of reasons to say a hearty ‘Thank You!’. List your complaints and acknowledgments against each other and check them for yourselves. Thus, replace your sulking with gratitude, as you have the capacity to transform every dreadful challenge into a winning opportunity! That’s God’s personal gift to you. So, make the best of it.

Carefree Living

What restricts our carefree living? It’s our, “What they may think attitude?” ‘What will my boyfriend think if I turn fatter? My colleagues would laugh at my pimpled cheeks, if I don’t hide them with thick make-up. My friends won’t accept me, if I don’t smoke.’ Big deal! 

     How should it matter to any one whatsoever happens with you or your life? Moreover, it’s your life and not theirs to bother about so much. So, stop living for them and start living for yourself. True love is truly unconditional. If your boyfriend truly loves you, he wouldn’t notice your fatness. Though, if you truly love yourself then, it’s high time you weigh healthy. Glowing and clean skin comes with a calm mind and genuine care. Not with people’s stares. Real friends would save you and not kill you with smoking. So, ready for a carefree life, now onwards?

Darlings, how opinionated are we?

How easy is it to given an opinion about just anyone. Yet, when the arrow faces you, why does it hurt so much? Well…you would say, “I am judged in the wrong way.” or “How can anyone speak so about me without knowing the real truth?” Still better, “No one has a right to judge me. I know the exact truth!” Darlings, aren’t you passing on useless comments for the others as well? So, it’s even, right? No, it’s wrong. So, why don’t you stop it from now onwards? Trust me, there’ll be an added bonus - people shall appreciate you more, especially, if you shower people with genuine praise. Check out for yourself and experience the amazing difference.

Fears and phobias – you are no more to stay!

We are strong, confident and independent individuals. Yet, we house innumerable fears and certain phobias in our thoughts. Yes, our thoughts generate our fears. You might say, ‘But what can we do? It’s human. Terrorist attacks, natural calamities and human calamities like recession have engulfed our securities. What way do we have?’ Friends, there’s always a way. You have got to dissolve your fears. How? Simple! Just recite or chant this little mantra having complete faith in your God – ‘I am absolutely safe’. Then, see what miracles it brings to your lives. Yes, of course, you’ll need little practice. Whenever you are in trouble, use it and it shall show you the escape route. So goodbye fears forever! I’ve mostly conquered mine. Would love to hear the same from you as well!

How to ice your brain’s heat?

Easier said than done, but “Keep your cool!” is today’s new mantra. Right. However, how can you keep your cool, when your boss’ best target is you? Your boyfriend is hitting at your best friend? Your expenditures never seem to minimize, while you hardly get time to sleep soundly? Yet, staying cool is your best bet. How? 

     Smile, when your boss reprimands you. Happily, give good company to your boyfriend’s guy friends. Buy only those things that bring a genuine grin to your face. Sleep like it’s the best cure for all your troubles. Face your issues with a hearty laugh and for sure you will find good solutions. So, maintaining a calm profile is easier said and done, but worth the efforts, right friends?

Night Riding to Work

So strange! My mind works the sharpest at just about 2 a.m. After all, tranquility has its charm. Isn’t it a fantastic boon to work at such an hour? Or is it a bane in disguise? Well…firstly, it’s hell to awake even at 1 p. m. Next, if I do muster up courage to shake off my cosy bed covers, the headache turns out to be my evilest enemy. Moreover, the red puffy eyes make me look worst than a zombie. My dark circles dance about welcoming wrinkles sooner than their time. Besides, my immune system starts acting cranky. Who’s to blame? Of course, it’s me – the brave Night Rider. Brave I say, because night riders like me foolishly challenge God’s scientific system leading us to create ill health and miseries forever. So, the best bet is to love our body like an angel. I start from today, how about you?

The Karnala Climb!

Finishing my last minute preparations, I finally leapt on my bed. With feverish excitement, I awaited my upcoming picnic. Prof. Coomi had suggested the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. Our grinning applause was her answer. Aadya and Surekha along with Santosh Sir arranged for the splendid picnic. It was set on 1st Feb. My Khudaaya Ve alarm raised me at 5am.

Zombily I awoke, but was ready within an hour. Half an hour later, I stopped the auto rickshaw driver at the drive to the Girls’ Hostel inside Mumbai University – Kalina Campus. It was too spooky and ghostly breezy to move any further. At 7am, day had entered its misty beauty. I left the hostel with my best friend Panchasheela aka Panchi. We were supposed to meet the rest at the University Canteen beside our Institute – Ranade Bhavan. My champion – Sujju drove me mad by not answering any of my calls. Then, just suddenly, she popped up. What a relief it was to see her! Panchi and Sujju added spice to my picnic!

Without realising anything, I jumped with joy when Prof. Coomi announced the next day to be a holiday. Her reaction alerted me and I went “Oops!” Santosh Sir got our bus and we took off at about 7:45am. Several M. A. Part - Is accompanied us too. One of them was a stud with a Guitar! For a long while, we played Antaakshari and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Then Amol – the Guitar stud played melodious tunes on his Guitar and we sang along joyfully.

Prajakta served us a homemade tasty dish, while we also savoured other snacks and Fruity! I entertained myself by clicking pictures. Also, posed for a few and blissfully chatted with my buddy Maima. By 9.45am, we had reached our destination. At our arrival, strict instructions and a ready breakfast greeted us. Any person found littering the place would be fined Rs, 5000/-. Fair enough. We had Pohas, where mischievously monkeys tried to join us. By 10am, we had begun our trek to the Karnala Fort.

On the way, we saw a beautiful peacock, another white peacock, varieties of parrots and a little furry rabbit. Sadly, they were all caged. Journeying, we took plenty of snaps, but all missing the promised birds, monkeys or any other animals. However, the climb was fun, risky and just superb! It was my first trek shot!

Half-way through, lunchtime arrived. Several went back. Nevertheless, some of us continued with the Guide“How many more minutes?” His usual reply would be, “Just few more.” and our Staff Members. At regular intervals we would badger the Guide by asking,

The rocks were of course tricky. The ones, which looked impossible to climb, were actually the entry gates. Numerous times, we formed a hand-chain and scaled the rocks; while at others, we crawled like monkeys. Panchi, Ranjit and Swapnil Sir held my bag consecutively. They were real Angels! And so was Sujju. She motivated me, whenever I lost hope of climbing any further. Gradually, most of my friends had moved quite ahead. Inspired, I rushed and matched up.

Finally, I reached a tiny Goddess temple. Seated nearby, Sujju and Surekha guarded our luggage. Taking my one litre water bottle, I sped up to Panchi. The rocks were now turning steeper and trickier. Yet, the tiny specks of our friends inspired us to move on! Ultimately, we reached the summit. We found small water filled caves. Strolling around, we collected good snaps.

The down climb was the toughest for me. Somehow, I had managed to reach the peak. However, the vision of going down gave me goose bumps. My jelly legs obstructed as well. Nevertheless, with Panchi, Ranjit, Swapnil Sir and the others, I trudged ahead. Sensing my fears, Ranjit found me a broken branch. He smoothed it on a huge tree trunk and asked me to hold it with a hanky. I followed suit. My journey curved easier.

I tried holding Panchi’s hands. As both our hands were clammy, I was losing my balance. Umpteen times, I could hear snakes slithering towards me. I tried to rush, but almost slipped, though, thankfully remained safe. Swapnil Sir joked that he would rush down and get me a Paalkhi, just to speed me up. Panchi exchanged her smooth shoes with my rocky-electric blue slippers. She’s a sweetheart! When I finally reached the end and saw Prof. Coomi, I felt new life breathing in me. I felt glad as I had achieved something!

We had our lunch - Rice chappati, mixed vegetable, moong vegetable, legume, rice, pickle and papad. In addition, the staff considerately bought us extra chilled Bisllery bottles, tea and coffee.

Soon, we resumed our journey. Almost all were half-asleep. Some left mid-way as their homes were nearer. Finally, we reached Kalina University. I bid goodbye to everyone, thanked and left for home with a friend – Renita in an auto rickshaw.

Coming home, I changed in to my nightwears, had a light dinner, watched T. V. for a while and got back to my cosy bed. I was shivering with cold and my limbs ached terribly. Nevertheless, nothing mattered as sleep had drugged me. I awoke at 1.20pm next afternoon!