Wrong Number

At 7.30pm, I called a friend who is here in USA. I hadn't spoken to her for a long time on the phone. Went to my address book, clicked on her name and dialed the number. A low, squeaky voice answers
"Hmm"
"So rahe hai kya?" (Are you sleeping?), I asked.

Her reaction to that was a bunch of loud thuds. The signal was bad, couldn't hear her properly.
I hung up.

Later that night, I met her online and asked, "Do you know that I called you today, or are you still in your sleep?"
"When did you call me?" she asked.
"Around 7.30pm"
"No you didn't" she exclaimed confidently.
"Wait, I'll check"

As I checked the number I had dialed, I noticed a +91 as a prefix.
"Shit! Who has your cell in India?" I asked.
"My mother"

As soon as she said this, we both started laughing. I was feeling terribly sorry that I had woken up her mom at such an hour. It might have been around 6am there.

Later she explained to her mom what had happened and vowed to pull my leg on this subject for eternity. Her mom actually thought I was a drunk calling to harass her.

Maybe my voice has that natural tone. Sorry aunty!

( 30th July update - And now she has blogged about it too!! in a much better way, apart from all the exaggerations and leg-pulling!! )

I turn to you

There are a variety of people in life with you. Your family, your friends, your relatives, your family friends, your classmates, your colleagues, your cheddi-dosts and langotya yaars, the cricket-buddies, the hang-out dudes, your support-system, your unofficial brothers and sisters. The list and categorization can go on forever. Some may qualify for more than one category. Even though everyone doesn’t like categorizing, the fact is that it does exist.

No matter how many people you know in life, when crunch time comes, who will you turn to? No category will define anything on judgement day.

When those closest to you can’t understand what you are going through, do you turn to someone else?

What if they, too, are going through something that you can’t follow?

Do you wait for each other, or do you turn to someone else?

Even though it’s frustrating, would you actually be patient and wonder if you’ll ever get the good old days back?

No matter how much you try, why can’t you understand and feel “exactly” what the other person is feeling when they lose someone important?

Why do you feel like not staying in touch with people you will never see again in you lifetime?

Why do people turn their spinal cords towards you when it is their turn to help you out?

Why do people not understand that life is too short to stay mad at each other for long?

Why do we have second thoughts about naming a relationship, the first of its kind?

Him and Her - 1

Him: Nice party, huh?

Her: Yeah. It’s pretty boring.

Him: So, you’re Amy’s best friend, right? The one from Ohio?

Her: Yeah. How did you know?

Him: She told me that you would be the most beautiful girl I find in the room.

Her: (blushes)

The "Super"Jet

It is always interesting to see some new developments in your industry, some new inventions in your lab, a different chapter in your syllabus or a newly researched high-tech gadget in your toolbox.

In September 2007, at the KnAAPO assembly plant in Siberia, rolled out the 95-seat transport vehicle onto the tarmac. It was a joint venture between the Russian Aviation Industry, Rosaviakosmos (Space Agency) and the Boeing Company along with the marketing genius of Sukhoi, Ilyushin and Boeing.

It was the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The first of its kind. The beginning of a new series.

Having seen one in front of my eyes, I must say how posh and classy the exterior looks. I would have even been able to see the interiors had I been a Russian citizen. Anyway, the superjet boasts of some really state-of-the-art equipment. The standardization of the design will make it possible to improve the economic performance of the aeroplane family operation with expenditures kept at a rational level. The aerodynamics and design of the aeroplanes of the family are based on proven advanced technology to minimise technical risks at the stage of design, testing and operation. It can cruise at a maximum altitude of 41 thousand feet at a maximum speed of 0.78-0.8 Mach. It has the regular 2 turbofan engines as always.

Deliveries are to begin in late 2008. Sukhoi predicts that 163 units of all variations of the Superjet 100 will be delivered by the end of 2016.

In my personal opinion, I feel Russia has managed to create an aviation oil-well with the manufacturing and launch of the superjet. They will save a lot of money on imports and the orders have already started flowing in. I see the superjet 100 challenging the Boeing 737 and the Airbus 319 in the small-aircrafts category. It is just the former CIS countries that have placed huge orders at the moment. But when word spreads out about the efficiency of this machine, even the Brits might think twice about their agreement with Airbus. India and Russia have a “positive” history when it comes to aircrafts and in this case delivering the aircrafts won’t be a problem since Russia is geographically closer. Or do I need another globe?

In the long run the bigger jumbos like Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 will take away the candy, but the Sukhoi superjet is an excellent example of how to succeed when it comes to short-term profit in the aviation industry. It makes sense economically to the Russians, if they have counted right. They’ll need to fund their next few space mission failures with the money they generate out of the aviation industry.

Even though I wish at times Russia had more money, so that they could show the world what is the true meaning of technology, they are soon establishing themselves in the Asian aviation market at least.

Joy

There is a place where you are happy,
A face you see everytime.
You miss the bliss,
You long for it from nine to nine.

What you thought was a happy place once,
Just isn't anymore.
It has changed for worse,
It's nothing like before.

Maybe you need to think about why
You keep running away.
What you have been seeking all along
Will be beside you someday.

The pursuit of the joy makes more sense,
Than joy itself could ever be.
Everytime you turn a corner,
Standing by you you will find me.

For your happiness is my life,
I'll make sure you smile everyday.
But that won't happen,
Unless you say what you need to say.

Just because you find happiness in one place,
Doesn't mean it isn't everywhere.
For there are people around you always,
And you know how much they care.

I know what you're thinking,
But I still want you to say.
To make sure I'm not assuming,
And keep learning everyday.

Him and Her

Welcome!

A new series begins, a new chapter,

A series of short dialogues,

A series of special moments,

A series of romantic confessions,

A series of flirtatious comments,

A series of comic errors,

A series about understanding and misunderstanding,

A series about their past, present and future,

A series about their relationship, whatever name you might want to give it,

A series about Him and Her,

A series about them.

*ollywood

One thing I always manage to do in abundance in India is watch movies. This time I think I created some kind of a record. I behave like a film critic when I watch movies. Start pointing out faults and mistakes. Try and imagine a scene being shot differently. Here's what I thought of the movies that I watched.

Iron Man

Marvel have some really interesting stories to tell. From Spidey to the Fantastics. Iron Man is a really good way to make more money whilst providing entertainment. Any engineer would have a blast during this sci-fi flick, especially the Mech-geeks. The movie can boast of some really well-executed stunts coupled with the special effects. Robert Downey Jr. has done justice to the role, though I still prefer him in total comic roles. Gweneth Paltrow, ummm, is okay. They could have put in anybody in her place to be frank and it wouldn’t have made a difference. I loved the soundtrack and will be downloading it once I can get my hands on some free unlimited internet. I’ve heard that Marvel will be coming up with Wolverine too, starring Hugh Jackman. Can’t wait to catch that. But up next should be Dark Knight, Heath Ledger’s last.

Iron Man gets a metallic A minus.

Sarkar Raj

I don’t tend to like too many hindi movies, mainly due to chunks of useless reel shoved where it doesn’t belong. I absolutely loved Sarkar. It didn’t have any songs and it never deviated from the subject. Sarkar Raj is just more of the same. Quite frankly, such movies can be transformed into a neverending series. It will be one hell of an ATM series for the producers no doubt. Big B is awesome, just awesome. Small B and Aishwariya are good. The cast is filled with young, ripe talent. Ram Gopal Varma sure has an eye for talent and his directing masterclass just keeps on surpassing the previous. There could have been a few more twists and turns in Sarkar Raj, but I’m not sure anyone except me would have liked an overdose of surprises. A powerful movie!

Sarkar Raj gets a powerful A.

21

I have to admit, I have tried counting cards before. I’ve never done it professionally because I am not that good at it. I am more of an aggressive poker player than a card-counting blackjack player. 21 deals with a very real and confusing subject. It happens everywhere nowadays, card-counting. People pay their grocery bills because of it. The movie and the subject would be hard to grasp if you didn’t know how to play blackjack. I was expecting a lot out of 21, probably too much. I was disappointed. Kevin Spacey’s traits as an actor have been covered with a cloak of invisibility in this flick. Jim Sturgess and Kate Bosworth are only okay. Stories like these are bound to involve a lot of money and a lot of greed. In such situations, the story-line can be modified as seen fit. But there’s a touch of realism to the end.

21 gets a B for blackjack.

Sex and the City

A total woman-movie! Hundreds and thousands of women will flock in herds to see this stylish chick-flick. What they might not notice is how the characters are so different from the characters in the serial. This point too was put forward by my very sex-and-the-city-loyal female companion during the movie. I need not say more or I will be bitten by a smitten kitten.

B minus.

Bhootnath

This film was a timepass movie that maybe most people will enjoy due to the humor and sentimental bhav attached to it. But then again, songs shoved where they don’t belong and a stretched screenplay are minuses. Big B and Bankoo Bhaiya have done well in it. It makes me happy to see ghosts and objects flying without seeing the strings attached to them. The special-effects train has finally arrived from Hollywood.

Bhootnath gets a disappearing B minus.

De Dhakka

This movie will be fondly remembered by me. I hadn’t seen a marathi movie in ages, maybe the last one I saw was 12 years ago and I don’t even remember which one it was. Inspired by Little Miss Sunshine, De Dhakka has totally original characters and a totally different feel to it. The rural marathi rocks and so do the cast. There were times when I didn’t actually understand the dialogue, but the way a scene is portrayed just makes it so much easier to understand. A journey of a loving, dysfunctional family!

De Dhakka gets a B+.

I also managed to see Blue Planet, Mysteries of Egypt and Space Station at the Imax Dome Theatre. It was indeed a privilege. I wish they actually made more movies for the dome.

Cristiano, Cristiano...

You might have heard of

Ronaldo
David Beckham
Luis Figo
Zinedine Zidane

These have been the best players in the world in the last decade. At the moment, the best player in the world says he wants to leave the best club in the world. That's laughable, I tell you!

Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon five seasons ago, has scored a massive 42 goals this season as United won the Premier League and the Champions League. He is, no doubt, the best in the world at the moment. He'll only get better, they say. He is valued at around 70 million pounds. Yes, you read it right. In 2001, Zidane cost Real Madrid around 45 million pounds, which is still the world record transfer. Seems like Ronaldo's transfer, should it happen, will shatter it to pieces.

Even though news reports are still shaky, I really fail to understand why Ronaldo wants to leave. He is at the best club in England and in Europe at the moment. Why would someone want to leave? He is among the highest paid footballers in the world. Why would he leave? To get more money? Maybe. He said a while back that it is his dream to play for Madrid.

I think that it is the face value that you get at Real Madrid that players enjoy. If you've noticed all of the above players in that list have played for Real Madrid when they were crowned World Footballers of the Year. Ronaldo has achieved that feat at United itself. Even David Beckham reached his peak at United before he joined Real Madrid. Why Ronaldo would take this decision is beyond me.

At the end of the day it is the club that own the player. If Manchester United say Ronaldo is not for sale, and they have, then he is going nowhere. I don't think the richest club in the world would be awed by a 70 million pound price tag, no way! I'm sure United will not sell him. But then I hope Cristiano doesn't do something stupid like hand in an official transfer request.

The gossip continues anyway.

Everytime

Everytime you use the same attitude while arguing or fighting, you realize that it is the result of 20 years of agony.

Everytime you behave a certain way, you wish you could explain why.

Everytime you feel like tearing your guts apart, you remember what is was like when you were happy.

Everytime you feel like giving up, a face comes in front of you that won't let you.

Everytime you feel like you are being yourself, someone comes along and tells you that you are not.

Everytime it hurts, you think about the big picture.

Everytime you think about being negative, you slap yourself saying "This is not you".

Everytime you walk, you see your footsteps from last time.

Everytime you think about pouring out everything, you remember that it's no use.

Everytime it feels wrong, a feeling deep inside you tells you otherwise.

Everytime you lose someone, you realize what you feel for them.

Everytime you start to feel vulnerable, you start backing off.

Everytime you lose control, you take drastic measures.

Everytime someone else's happiness seems more important, you sacrifice.

Everytime you think about the future, it scares you more.

Everytime you talk to yourself, you edge towards madness.

Everytime something doesn't make sense, you ask the questions a million times.

Everytime you think you are alone, you discover yourself all over again.

Everytime I think of it, my life seems incomplete.

Need for speed

I have loved driving all my life. There was a time when I would have given anything to become a professional racing driver. Even today, there are some people in my life who still encourage me to take it up professionally. I used to be amazed at the street races happening around Mumbai. The ones at Marine Lines and the Western Express Highway interested me the most. Quite a few early-morning walkers have been killed over the years because of this so-called sport.

You have to know the right people, be at the right places and have the right attitude to even be considered for the races, I was told once.

On May 25th, 2008 I was offered a seat in a race. I was given instructions and details. Everything felt real. In fact, it was as real as can be. Suddenly, I remembered all the accidents of the past that I had read about. Now, even though I would be racing on the Western Express highway on certian undisclosible nights at certian undisclosable times when people do not venture out to stroll, I was reluctant to say yes. This is something that surprised me. I just couldnt say yes. It isn't gambling, it isn't. No money involved. Only your car, your skills, your pride and your life.

I have been thinking of the hit-and-runs. Haven't even started to think about what would happen at speeds of 120-150kmph. What would happen if I lost control for a split second at those speeds. Newton would laugh in his grave while pointing out to his second law. Others would just point at the picture below in horror.

I have never doubted my skills as a driver. Never been scared.

I still have been given the option to mull it over and say yes after a year.