The collegiate

 All of past few years Abbie and Roul adored each other. Well, nearly. 

Since the last autumn, Ostensive discord ought to have overshadowed the bonding that stood the test of times.

Abbie experienced, not any tenderness, She felt the warmth missing. Nonchalance had crept in. 

Abbie was an enchantress and she worked at Willey's Brokers. A charming young man by the name Norman Huddlestone lived in the same premises. He had eyes that were immersive, Now If I attempt to be poetic, half baked at best, I would attribute it to his avocado green eyes, brows that were symmetrical, aptly arched. And lashes that were dense and long. He was stout, tall and 27. 

He was attracted to Abbie. In an effort to woo her, his everyday customs included smiling at Abbie for initial few days and wishing her "good mornings, noons or pleasant days" for subsequent many days. 

Slowly and steadily he had cultivated a good impression of himself in Abbie.

Every minuscule response from Abbie resulted in a celebration in his yearning heart and every cordial smile an euphoria. Abbie needed no effort in recognising the admirer in Norman. 

Abbie made up her mind to move the needle, with the hope of recouping her inner joy. For Norman was charming and Intelligent, she sanctioned a dinner. 

The dinner meeting was set at Roger's the forthcoming sunday. She was upbeat.

Now, I assume, you is a resident of Abbey street, for its my story and If you do not know Roul's Hair salon, its your loss, for if you are one of those who visit a Wella or Leonard of Mayfair, you should be responsible to know how the poorer half cut their hair and if you are one of those who wait for your hair to resemble that of an archetypal feral child, you should know "Roul's hair salon", boasting a tag line of "for the killer looks" and you should believe me that there was a photograph of a 'talkie cinema personality' in tinted sun glasses for the visually stimulated only creatures.

On a bright and sunny, moderate business day, Norman walked into the salon and greeted "Good Morning ", with anxiety  "I have come here to discuss a matter of great significance".

"Good morning Mister." Stammered Roul

"Norman is my name, Norman Huddlestone and I live two squares away,  the same building as "Willey's Brokers" on 10th Avenue".

'Matters of such significance, ain't anything we specialise in'  said Roul "Unless its sorting your hair for your wedding that is about to happen or has just happened" 

"Well no, not yet, but its no less important than my wedding. The thing is, I am in awe of this girl, who has agreed for a dinner after many attempts of pleasing and pleading. I can't say for sure if she adores me as much, but I know, I stand a chance beyond any doubts and that's only If I look at my best for this meeting"

"Take your seat" signaled Roul and briefly examined the Norman's hair hanging in a disorderly manner "The side part" with a tinge of Pompadour is my suggestion, for its masculine and has attracted women since ages. Lets keep the hair on the top flowy and The strands at the front brushed up evenly. Now a tinge of Pompadour is to get your girls' focus on voluminous nature of your hair"

"Most days, and when I say most, I mean all, I won't spend no time nor energy on these details, for a few pennies my customers pay, but you Mr Huddlestone, I like"

"A man is worth no more than a banana peel, if he wouldn't couldn't woo his loved girl." Roul paused briefly before enquiring  "Besides, who is this girl, casting a spell on you?"

"Pardon my unfamiliarity in  fashion trends, I can only relate to them like the elements in periodic table!!" said Norman with an unapologetic tone and continued with his dreamy eyes "Miss Abbie Walker, She is from South, "Stenographer at a Willeys Brokers" , Psst, hallelujah "Sight for the sore eyes".

Roul turned pale and gaped at sharp in silence. He tried to gather all his composure and engaged his scissors with Norman's hair.

As he went about his craft, he felt a landslide under his feet, and a glacier on his head, and let me emphasize, two concurrently. 

He regretted all the unreasonable altercations , felt remorseful about every instance when "ego overshadowed common sense . He rued all that, that should have been. A deep sense of longing prevailed. 

Slowly resented to the reality that way back was an uphill undertaking.

He said to himself with an hint of misery "Sight for the Sore eyes, Peace for the tired mind and strength at the time of doomsday, That was my Abbie", "Oh, What'll hap'en to me"

The haircut followed by a beard shave was carried out.

 

"So, Is this the 'The side cut and the pompp-odour'" beamed Norman with an undisguised appreciation, gazing at the mirror.

"I changed my mind Mr Huddlestone, Its 'The Collegiate' and if you'll care to pay for the services, I have other shambolic heads to attend to" says Roul with a disgruntled tone.

Norman followed the instructions with an expression that had confusion and radiance overlapping each other.

The sunday arrived. 

Miss Abbie had sent for Norman for luncheon and He promptly arrived at Abbie's at half past twelve.

Ms Abbie stepped out in a dark grey dress that appeared to have monochromatic stripes when looked from a close distance, and fit her toned body just about right. It did two things, hard to say which one more effortlessly. Enhance her grace and Mesmerize Norman .

With vaguely preoccupied thoughts in her mind, she smiled and asked "Mr. Huddlestone, How are you doing today?

"Well, I must admit, Iam a bit nervous, None the less, Very Well. Thank you Miss Abbie" said Norman in a calm, confident manner exhibiting no nervousness, neither in tone nor in his stance.

He continued, looking into her eyes "Well, Miss Abbie, You look lovely. I must say, Its a pleasure to be in your company"

Abbie acknowledged "The feeling is truly mutual"

After a brief silence, with a slightly puzzled look on his face Norman enquired "Well Miss Abbie, There must be a case for meeting for lunch and not dinner.. "

"Uff,It's something that I wanted to share. There is this boy I adore and he seems to be acting tetchy of late. I have arranged for meeting him this evening and fix him. I knows him. he should be as eager in taking the next big leap in our lives." with a crimson blush on her cheeks and many dream in her eyes. Briefly after, She continued "Hmm, You look very handsome today, Mr. Huddlestone. Now, You din't know, we from south have a special liking for "The Collegiate", Did you?"

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Success stories

I haven't been active in keeping touch with so many of my good friends. Looks like a lot of friends have got things going pretty good for them. 

Ramana has managed to convert his professional blog into a website. That is just symbolic of the fact that he is heading in right direction in fulfilling his mission To transform agriculture into an organized industry. Pretty pleased with this one.

Phani has started with his dance troop and traveled to bangkok and many other places to learn a thing or two about various aspects involved. Cool stuff.
 
And of course, Shashi is riding to Bhutan for a 18 day exploration. To be able to live life on your own terms, is success of greatest magnitude.

My brother has been able to write some of the best lyrics I have come across in many years. That is so overwhelming too.

Its time for celebrations

Ninna Mukha Nodi Lyrics

Iam mighty pleased that two of the kannada songs that my brother(http://www.facebook.com/people/Ghous-Peer/100001597864155) has written have gone on to become big hits.
One of the blogs that I follow has the lyrics and translation for one of those songs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7cXLdlcghI&feature=related
http://ourqueen-shreyaghoshal.blogspot.com/2010/08/ille-ille-ello-lyrics-with-translation.html

Here Iam translating the second one for all of my friends (That includes my wife too :)) who do not follow Kannada. Iam translating the essence of the song rather than the literal translation. The translation might ruin the beauty and simplicity of the original Kannada lyrics but Iam just giving it a try.

Ninna Mukha Nodi, Suprabhata Haadi
Munjaaneyannu Swaagathiso aase
(Have a desire to welcome the morning after seeing your your face)

Ninna Jothe koodi, kadala dadadi aadi
Mussanjeyannu beelkoduva aase
(Being with you, Playing with you on a Sea-shore, I have this desire to see off the twilight-evening)

Hoovantha nina madilali, Thale ittu naa irulali
Malagi Aakasha nodi thare enisuva aaseyu
(I have a desire to lay my head in your laps(comparing it with the softness, tenderness of flowers), Gazing at the distant stars)

Nana Saneehada idi balagava nee doora thallide
Bahu doorada nana kanasanu nee saneeha maadide
(You have made it seem like, all the close groups have become very distant
You have made it seem like, All my distant dreams have come very closer)

Haniyaagi ede serida olaveega kadalaagede
ninage helona endare mujugara kaadide
(The love that seeped into my heart as a small drop has turned into a big ocean.
When I feel like expressing myself with you, Something just stops me)

O Kaalave Nee odade, alle nilla ondede
Ee rasa kshana , idi jeevana eege irabekide
nanageega nanna parichaya nininda Khatari aagide
(O time, U must cease to function and just become static
This beautiful time, must remain like this forever.
I have started to learn about myself, only because of you)


The video version of the movie track is available at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDoRiJ2KCp0

Tribute to a living legend

Iam delighted to see Murali quit the test arena as he did...This is a day that I will rejoice for a long time to follow. To summarise the man, the performer and an entertainer he is, Iam collating some of the quotes on Murali by some of his colleagues and counterparts.

Mahela Jayawardane as quoted to the Guardian:
"He is the sort of guy you want in the dressing room, but sometimes you think: 'Why is he in the dressing room - he won't stop talking!' When he exhausts us, he goes to see the opposition. He is the only player I have ever known who spends more time in the opponents' dressing room than his own. You never sit next to him on an aeroplane because you won't get any sleep. Lal, the masseur, has that job. But ask him to make a speech and you will be lucky to get 10 words."

Sanath Jayasuriya quotes “He was the first guy to take any newcomer to dinner and making sure that he has smooth transition into the team. Till date, Since he was 19, He made sure that every single debutant was helped to understand what it takes to compete at the highest level for SRILANKAN cricket”

Murali answering Tony Greig after his final test “Yes, In Australia, I had asked Arjuna Ranatunga to take me off from bowling after having taken 3 wickets. I was very young then and din’t know how to give interview speeches. I had asked Arjuna to take me off from my spell so that I could prepare my interview speech, just in case, I was adjudged Man of the match” 


Mahela on one of the funny incidents in the Srilankan Dressing room:
I remember Murali hitting Darren Gough for a six one year at Lord’s. It was a low full toss that he tried to hit to midwicket and it went sailing over extra cover. He marched into the dressing room afterwards with a big smile, telling us all what a fine shot it was. Then we pointed out the video replay and the red mark on the edge of his bat. He was livid.

Madhi Malar Ramamurthy quotes:
“Every time Murali picks up a wicket, my heart starts beating faster. Tears of joy just flow down my cheeks when I realise how special he is to the people of Sri Lanka, how much they love him and how much he means to them. I have never seen anybody in any sphere of life get this kind of a farewell. I am proud to be Murali’s wife"

Murali to Andrew Flintoff while playing for Lancashire:
While others are afraid to voice their opinions after a team-mate loses his wicket, Murali can't resist. A towering Andrew Flintoff stormed into the dressing room, ashen-faced, having failed to end a lean trot. Murali sauntered over casually. "What happened - another shit shot?"

Charlie Austin, former Sri Lanka editor on Murali's Down to earth personality:
I travelled with him to the tsunami-hit town of Batticaloa on Sri Lanka's east coast. Murali had single-handedly organised about 10 lorries of emergency supplies for distribution in the relief camps. In the evening we stopped at the Polonnaruwa Rest House to catch some sleep. They only had three bedrooms available for about 10 of us. Murali not only insisted on paying, he steadfastly refused to take a bed, spread a sheet on the floor, grabbed a pillow and slept happily.

As we run for the medals...

Its been a footballing week that has left mixed feeling in me. Arsenal have done brilliantly well in winning the game against Stoke city and securing all the three points and they have closed in the gap with Chelsea and ManU.

Aaron Ramsey, The 19-year-old suffered a double fracture at the Britannia stadium following a strong challenge from Ryan Shawcross. This the worst injuries I have witnessed ever in my life. I could add a picture or a video but Iam refraining just to avoid the sickening feeling of seeing something so Horrifying. The Welshman is the third Arsenal player to suffer a serious break in the past four years.
The game that arsenal play is a treat to watch in a sense that the passes and movement is so elegant.The arsene's squad.. they neva give an impression that football is muscular game contradictory to what stoke and some footballing clubs are known far.
I remember Arsene wenger had asked his side to ‘toughen up’ at times, stressing on being strong physically and as he quotes “I have a go at them when they don’t put their foot in sometimes".I believe its imp to exhibit a muscular game at times, if you are looking to win the silverware at the fastest paced footballing leagues of the world.

Ramsey is 19 year old and one of the most brilliant footballing talents around, was starting to just make a mark in the football arena and was one of the brightest footballing prospects in my opinion. An injury of this nature could be career-ending one or even if he returns back, Iam not sure if he would be as effective as he was. It was not worth losing a player for the three points in the title race, but then, this is the game and thats how it is played. Injuries, recoveries and unfair advantages are a part of most sports.

However, I wish Ramsey recovers superfast and be back with the same strength and niche. I wish and Iam very optimistic that gunners would win the title for Aaron Ramsey.

some days are routine

First of all, I've almost not controlled anything that has happened in the past 3-4 months in my life. I have just cruised with the wind, doing things that are very routine.. Loads of Work, Frnz, and managing personal boring responsibilities... Its not surprising that responsibilities and Boring go hand in hand. So much so that, I can use 'boring' as an adjective with every word 'responsibility', I use in my life.

For a few days now, Iam bored of routine and want a change from usual and I have decided that I shall do it by writing something that I had not done for long now. Then there are many plans in Queue, A goa Trip with dear pal Shashi. May be a full day or a weekend trip with another friend. Ofcourse ensuring that I finish 3 month old - piled up, chaotic, directionless RT work pending at Cisco.. yes, I plan to complete it in a week's time. Long time since I have put my heart and soul into work and seen the fruits of it.

And then there is Stocks/Furtures .. Its as important as anything else.. I have already incurred good amount of losses in stocks/futures.. If I dont regain my hard earned money, My subconsciousness will haunt me calling "jackass" everytime I see CNBCTV18 or UTVi or Moneycontrol.com.
Its time to Re-gather whats not been lost...

My dad is a hero

Since the time my dad is retired from his official job, he has been looking for various activities to keep himself occupied and interested. There are days when he is very busy with activities varying from "visiting our hometown and spending good times with his old mates" to "engaging himself in spiritiuality and prayers" to "pulling my Moms leg the entire day followed by the three fourth of the night". And then there are days when he sleeps for 14 hours a day and finds it difficult to find new ways of spending time and keeping himself busy.
During one such phase, he decided to engage himself in learning car driving and joined motor driving school. Everyone at home were very excited about my Dads decision to learn driving at 65. He started learning. He was scheduled to take classses for 25 days and then, the driving school would get him his Driver's License.
Subsequent 25 days, All of us spent our dinner time mostly engaged in talks about the driving and My dads experience with it... After about 25 days, My dad was done with all his classes and for my dismay, I sensed that he was not very keen in giving his tests for getting his driving license. I started wondering if it was, for, he was not confident in passing the driving tests. I pursued him a couple of times to go ahead and get his driving license. My dad was unusually reluctant. Then I decided, it was time to see him drive our car. When My Dad tried, we realised that the trainer had not taught my dad how to drive completely and he was not comfortable driving a car on his own.
Finally me and my younger brother decided that we will train him on driving a car and for next few weeks my younger brother who is very good at cars and driving managed to teach my dad the basics of driving a car. Finally Dad fixed up an appointment at 10AM on a thursday morning, with Motor driving class and Road transport Officers to give his driving test.
In comes thursday morning, I and both my brothers started preaching dad, the basics of driving. We told him to be confident, not to worry about the car indicators etc and only to concentrate on driving slow and steady. Also we told him to adjust the seat to his comforts and wear a seat belt, before starting ignition. We also told him to drive barefoot instead of wearing sandals for we felt that, it would enable him with better grip and control over clutches and brakes.
As my younger brother went to drop my dad to Road transport office, My mom said to me and my elder brother 'While you were kids, this is how your dad used to send you guys to your exams, asking you to double check if you had carried the hall tickets, extra pencils, eraser etc, and reminding you to go through all the answers once, before returning the answer sheets and so on". I felt very touched and thats when I realised why my Dad keeps becoming more and more adorable everyday and why "My dad is the biggest hero of all times" for me.