F.R.I.E.N.D.

There's no bigger crime than losing a friend
I just lost one, I know the pain

Things were merry when you were around
Nothing left to cheer now that you are gone

Laughter and smiles was just another day
Can't utter a word, now that's my today

Hug in happy times, shoulder during the lows
Deserted it is now, with you not around anymore

You understood my silence, just by a gaze
Even if I breakdown, seldom anyone stares

I miss our fun, I miss the cheer
All now left, is an occasional tear

I know I am bad, for it was foul play
A huge blunder I did, stole that smile away

I wish I could apologize, for being such a dumb-ass
Didn't intend to, but it just wasn't my day

Whenever you need me, I'll have your back
But don't leave me alone, you know I'll lose track

Punch me with words, don't kill me with silence
Asking for a chance, just for old times sake.

-SR.

Karma is a Bitch

I remember the times when you use to say
To appreciate was not my thing, come what may

A victim today of that same pinch
Realized the gravity of rudeness, by every inch

Remembering small acts was not my thing
As money did the talking, moments took beating

Words were plenty at my disposal
Could have made merry, but chose to be awful

Karma, truly is a bitch
For you'll get what you have served

Try being not bad, if good
For the same things will come back, in multitude

-SR.

The Game Is On !!!

Finally there was, a wave in the ocean
After a long silence, in the waters course

A star shined in the sky
Ending the long black hole

The engine showed signs of ignition
Rusted which was on the tracks, for so long

Things may change in the course of time
So can't lose it's track, now

A pinch of motivation was all I needed
For a long journey, which lies ahead

Path will, still, be tricky
But this time, I have the headsup

Time is moving it's pieces
Throwing the ball in my court

Need to be alert, on my toes
For the war is at stake 

Whose victory I need to assure

Got to roll my dice, before it's too late 

And regardless what happened till date

The show must not wait !!!

-SR.

चिनी कम

पाहिलंच कधी मागे वळून
कसाही आज असेन 
समाधानाचं हस्सू मात्र
नक्कीच चेहऱ्यावर येतं

उद्या नसीन जरी या जगात
खांदे शोधावे नाही लागणार चार
याची खात्री वाटते

पण कधी कधी का कोणासठाऊक
ह्या गर्दीत एकटेपण जाणवतं

दिव्यांचा प्रकाश सुद्धा 
मनाच्या काळोखास अपुरा पडतो

प्रवासात सहज डोळा लागतो 
तर डोकं टेकण्यास खांदा सापडत नाही

चालताना एखाद्याचा हात धरावा
असा सहवास लाभत नाही

वाटते कोणी आपणासही जवळ घ्यावा
All Is Well म्हणत
एक घट्ट मिठी मारावी

पण सारंच मिळत नाही याची जाण आहे
म्हणून अपेक्षा देखिल फार थोडक्याच आहेत

मग कधी आपल्याच हातावर डोकं ठेवून दोन क्षण निजतो
तर स्वतःलाच मिठीत घेऊन ,All will be well म्हणतो

कोडं आयुष्याचं हे असंच असतं
जितकं सोप्पं दिसतं चक्रव्यूह तेव्हाच उलघडून येतं

-SR.

A food for thought

Old rejects young ideas
Young rejects old beliefs

Corrupt gets felicitated
Innocent are mutilated

Lie and hate prospers
Truth and love suffers

Qualities - Hardwork, mere figure of speech
Byname - Money, defines success

Playground now, a distant dream
While battleground, heart of every regime

Less is the number, of bleeding in war
As more are dying to maintain peace

Forced to drag the baggage of past
Like it been always going on

And for those who seek new gateways
Get sacrificed at the altar of traditions

Is this the world what we wished for
One to leave, for our next gen, behind?
 

A food for thought

-SR.

Not your forte, always

Not everytime does the trick work
Not everytime you'll hit the home run

What may be your forte today
Shall not be the same tomorrow

Facet will change, 'per situation
Reactions will vary, 'per person

The same glove will not fit all
And same pattern will not please all

One should adapt to the evolving circumference
With these ever changing times

For Life is gigantic, Colossal from the view
Of what we see from the radius sphere

-SR.

प्रथम शुभेच्छा

एक बाळ गोजिरवाणं
माझ्या अंगणी नाचलं
घेता ओंजळीत त्याला
हे हळवे मन विरघळलं

तुझ्या निरागस डोळ्यात
माझं सारंच जग सामावलं
खोडकर हस्सू तुझं पाहून
माझं स्वप्नच जणू समोर अवतरलं

बगता बगता कुशीवरून
उपडी तू परतलास
अन बोठ धरुनी माझे
आज पायावर उभा राहिलास

भिऊ नकोस तू या जगाला
तुझी हि आई पाठीशी कायम आहे
पावलांना तुझ्या धैर्य लाभो
आणि घे गगन भरारी

हीच प्रथम वाढदिवसानिमित्त
माझ्या कडून तुला शुभेच्छा आहेत


-SR.

Always Remember..

Always Remember, the 26th of November
The night that didn't see the day

Always Remember, that fateful day
When death did a dance, around our bonfire

Always Remember, those shuttered eyes
Whose wait isn't over yet

Always Remember, them, who lost everything
As Value of life, was nothing but a mere statistic

Innocents were butchered in the bloodbath
While convicts still roam free at large

They tried to break us
But even death couldn't tear us apart

Let that anger burn in our eyes
And they shall tremble in fear

Turn our silences in a thunderous warcry
That shall annihilate their evil sphere

Never forgive, Never forget
For retribution is yet to be made

Always Remember, the 26th of November
So even the night won't defy, dawn of the day

-SR.

PotterHeads

Accio to all the blissful moments
For the smile shall never fade away

Alohomora to all the uncertainties
For you shall breathe in serenity

Descendo to the hard times
For the new dawn is upon you

Obliviate to all the baggage of past
To make space for new memories

Lumos on this new path
As you step on with a renewed hope

Wingardium Leviosa to all your dreams
May you venture out on your broom
And scale the mighty heights

-SR.

MNS: Its Your Time Now

I know you would have appreciated this message in Devnagri. But being an English medium student since kindergarten and now working in a MNC culture under the cloak of globalisation, writing has always been in this language. Hence I would appreciate if this would be considered only as medium which I have used to put my point across.

Before getting into details I would like to categorically mention one thing at the start,

“Our Time Is Coming !!!”

Since our secondary school days one word became, all of a sudden, too much popular; Globalisation. It sounded good, showed many dreams. Dreams of having a world without borders, trade, knowledge, expertise being shared with all neighbouring countries, business made easy, new horizons to be explored, new cultures to be shared. Everyone liked and fell for the idea. But no one did ever keep a tap or decided about the Line upto which things shall be permitted under the cloak of globalisation and where they should be asked to halt. If today someone asks me – ‘What is Globalisation’, all I will say – ‘It is just a façade used by big corporations and economic hitmen to gain control and huge contracts. And a great tool for the political class to use it as a fodder in all political campaigns, be it pro or anti.’

Being said that, I would also like to mention that I am not against the idea. But we need to keep a tap on the cost we are bearing in order to implement it. The fault line in contemporary politics is those that embrace globalisation look only at the near future profit whereas those that fear globalisation are the ones who do not wish to come out of their comfort zone and compete in the larger market. We have to find a solution that lies in between of these two ideas.

The reason for mentioning this in the start is, people have now begun to reject the idea of One World. We no more want our nation to be run by the ideas of few bunch of people sitting in the air-conditioned halls. Because in the process of making a single common market, people are feeling the sense of threat that they might lose their place in that world, only to be termed as collateral damage in the future.

What happened in UK and then in USA signifies the rise of new world power. The Peoples' power. Let’s take the example of UK and their exit from European Union or which is popularly termed as Brexit. Just before the referendum of staying or leaving European Union, UK had somehow managed to keep The UK united when they won the referendum in Scotland. The wealthy tried their best to coerce the scots in staying and they did win in the end. (I used the term coerce because the same people which voted to stay in UK, influenced by these campaigns, where the ones who wanted to leave UK post UK-EU referendum results) But the same bunch couldn’t do it for the entire UK. And as a result, Britain finally left the EU. 

Look what happened in the US. Every possible power which could be brought in service to keep Donald Trump out of White House was called upon in order to ensure the Democrat Clintons victory. The way world media portrayed him, social media mocked him, every possible mode of communication flooded with his jokes showed the desperation of what the rich wanted. But in the end after all the heated and controversial campaign, Trump triumphed. He may not have the populist vote, but his ideas will now be defining the USA.

And that’s the reason I am writing to you. Ever since MNS was established I had found someone to look upon. Your political acumen always sets you apart from the rest political class. And on this day MNS is the only party who has a complete Blue Print ready and not just typical pracharnama. MNS had taken the anti-immigrant stand since its inception and even today is firm on the same. Inspite of the all the criticism, the defeats in 2014, the party still has followers who believe in the leadership of Raj Thackeray.

The worlds established order is breaking. The usual rhetoric’s of media or few bunch of experts will not be defining the nation or states path but peoples voice will. That voice only needs to be channelised in proper direction. With your unmatched oratory, MNS should surely stress on the change which happened in USA and UK during the campaign for the upcoming Municipal Corporation polls in major cities. Instead of running an anti-establishment campaign MNS should strongly put their points across which they have been doing since 2006, but this time citing the examples of Worlds two big super powers. If those countries where majority of our young generation dreams to go can understand the importance of sons of soils, why should we stay behind. All MNS need is to potray the same, but from the other side of the coin. Instead of pouring hate on the immigrants, first step should be to make residents realise the importance of their home. Ideas are bulletproof. Once this is planted successfully, rest will follow.

MNS also needs to spread the idea of the blueprint across these cities. To win the state, party needs to capture the major cities first. I had gone through the Blue print, not thoroughly but in brief, back in 2014. The quantum of supporting documents, analytics and the need of the 21^st century has been incorporated in a very neat way. Had the same been produced by a Modi led team back in 2014 during that wave, articles of the size of newspapers would have been written by media experts back then just to explain how big a vision document are they producing. But this time the party shouldn’t let that massive document go unnoticed.

I won’t be saying or mentioning here what and how things need to be done, for you know better than anyone how MNS works. I just wanted to say, the time is coming. And this time MNS has huge citations for their ideas. And we should be using those aggressively in the upcoming poll campaigns.

Let us once again go back to 2007 from where it all started. The party, post its formation, had to immediately face civic polls in different cities. Today, after back to back setback in 2014, MNS needs to fire all the cylinders in full throttle now to win back the space. So begin in a new way with a powerful and more organised MNS and not a mere anti-establishment party. And carve out that space once again in the political spectrum.

Yes, its possible!!!

-SR.

Entangled

Life isn't straight as an arrow
Always it's Thread is entangled

Many look at it with negativity
Some tend to be frustrated by it

But we ignore to admire the beauty
For it lies only in the eyes of beholder

More the knots, only will it enhance the beauty
For together all the knots only, will create a flower

Same equation applies with the tangled phases of life
No matter how much we might get stuck in it
Something good is in the making

-SR.

MNS loses it in the end !!

Ever since I actively started following politics, have admired only one who actually had vision and not just vague talks or typical Pracharnama party of providing water, roads, electricity. I admired his political acumen which separated him from other rhetoric pseudo leaders. Raj Thackeray has always been able to carve out his own space in the political spectrum irrespective of his party winning or losing in the elections.

But now a days his decision are coming as a setback for a neutral supporter like me. Right when polls are around the corner he takes up such decisions which immediately back fires on him and his party resulting in annihilating setbacks. Back in 2014, from initially supporting Modi but criticising BJP led NDA. Initially saying his party will contest LS polls, then suddenly sending out press release to vote for NDA candidates in many areas. This resulted in a humiliating defeat in the state where even AAP had more of the vote share than MNS. Later, during state polls taking on PM Modi at such time when he had a huge Blueprint to talk about and spread that vision across the state. This further resulted into annihilation which brought his party from 29 MLAs in 2009, to just 1 in 2014.

And now, history seems to repeat itself. This time in his backyard, Mumbai. From taking a stand which was in support of public sentiment to suddenly favouring business houses, MNS seems to have created another hurdle just ahead of the BMC polls.

Post URI attacks, there was a huge sentiment for revenge across the country. Everyone wanted an eye for an eye. Though people's emotions were genuine, this was a perfect platform for any politician to cook up their favorite menu and store it for upcoming polls. MNS, hence, was no exception to this. Capitalising on the public sentiment, MNS gave an ultimatum to all Pakistani actors or technician in Mumbai to leave the city in next 48 hours or face the party workers wrath. On a normal day this would have gone unnoticed as a petty political stunt, but not this time. It received the mobs support as well as appreciation when they left the country within the given period. No other party spoke on this issue. Only MNS raised the concern that business cannot be as usual when that particular country is in war with us and killing our warriors.

So this credit was completely taken by MNS for being proactive and putting nation first. Just when the surgical strikes news came in, people were satisfied, for the Army had answered back in the wake of URI attack. Like always, mobs memory is always short-lived. People were happy and most of the anger had receded. Where some were asking to ban China products, PM Modi entered in some bilateral agreements with China on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in Goa.

Though the actors now had left the country, their movies were still a question. Karan Johar's movie Ae dil Ae Mushkil was now in the centre of controversy. Suddenly, few sections of Netizens had started a campaign for banning the movie. MNS too joined the bandwagon, and had asked theatre owners to not line up any shows of the movie. Even KJos late appeal to salvage something of his investment didn't had any impact on the campaign.

As it has been always, leaving few, film industry is only concerned about money. They try to display the most powerful emotion, love, in almost every film. Yet they do not posses the same for the nation. It's been seen in the past, it shall always be there even in future.

The controversy got heated up when those actors refused to condemn the attacks, instead supported their home country. So the film industry people met Home Minister of the country and CM of Maharashtra state to settle the issue. Both assured them support thus putting a dent in the campaign. MNS campaign for total ban was still on.

But as I said above, history repeated when Raj Thackeray made this blunder. Just when his political outfit was about to enjoy the brownie points out of all this, he just kicked away the entire platter. As per the press conference post meeting all stake holders at CMs official residence, MNS agreed for the release of the movie on certain conditions:

1. They shall be carrying a plaque in the memory of soldiers. (I remember my school days when in some random morcha we were given some plaque to hold on. Neither we knew what was written, nor did we implement it in our lives)

2. Contribute Rs.5 crore to Army Welfare Fund. (This is where everything was lost. It was like a bribe, in different sense though. People were angered for value of life was determined.)

3. Not to take any Pakistani actors. (Ofcourse, whose going to say NO here. For all they are concerned now is today's money and returns on the current investment)

By putting these childish reasons, MNS called back it's ban on the movie thus losing all the points it tried to capitalise on this hot cake. Like it's always, mobs memory is very short. All they will remember now is how they gave up their campaign after reaching to an settlement indoors. This will surely have an negative impact on the upcoming polls. It's the end which shall be visible which wasn't that great. Had even the full ban continued, without violence, MNS could have carved a space in city politics by showing they didn't budge inspite of so many bigwigs involved. Standing for a good cause and then retreating in the end by restoring the initial status quo makes the entire campaign a mere political stunt.

Now the impact of this decision shall be visible in February 2017. But for the time being MNS has lost the space it carved out just before official campaigning begins for BMC polls.

-SR.

Defeated !!!

Times are changing
People are moving ahead

For some, smiles are returning
Whereas for me it's, steadily, fading

Others are marching ahead in victory
With defeats piling up, I am walking towards darkness

Everyone is adding another feather in their cap
All I am earning is an additional nail in my coffin

Nothing is there around to celebrate
Nor anything is left to cherish

No matter how much I try to salvage the day
Fate steals the saving away

Even with some penny, I feel penniless
While others are creating their new worlds
I am busy destroying what's left of the old one

Intentions were never wrong
Nor did I wronged anyone in the journey

Still left alone, again, in the crowd
Speechless from the inside, still holding a smile on the outside

Can't raise a toast even in small victories
For the dementors of past feed upon them

No matter how much hope I feel
Or how much I try to hold on
Nothing's going to change in the near future

Have been living on fools hope for quite long
Now it is time to taste the reality

I am defeated, I have lost it
That's a Fact, now I need to live with

-SR.

ये अँधेरा कुछ केहता है

ना जाने क्यों मुझे ऐसा लगता है
शायद ये अँधेरा कुछ मुझसे केहता है

रास्ता कहीं भटक न जाऊं
इसलिए काले आइने मैं दो पल मेरे लिए रखता है

युही हम रात को कोसते है
सूरज की मोह मैं चांदनी का मजा खो देते है

कदम तो अभी बाहर निकले है
कारवाँ तो सेकड़ो और भी है

तू मुसाफिर है, तुझे सिर्फ चलना है
समय की इस परीक्षा मैं तुझे भी खड़ा उतरना है

तेरे हौसलो मैं अगर जान है
तो रास्ता तुझे ज़रूर मिलेगा

निशाने पर अगर तेरे आसमान है
तो सितारों मैं तो जरूर गिरेगा

भले ही हो आज अँधेरा बहुत, पर सूरज जरूर निकलेगा
ये मौसम भी बदलेगा और वक़्त फिर झूम उठेगा



-SR.

Ray of hope

In search of a paradise
A heavenly abode

No matter where is that place
A palace, cottage or a rented space

I came down the lane
Leaving everything, I knew, behind

With a desire in my heart
A dream in my eyes

Path is clouded
Engulfed in darkness

Fear gripped me
My bones trembled
Found myself in despair

Emerged a light
Splintering the dark
A ray of hope, to walk on

-SR.

वक़्त

हाथ आनेवाली ख़ुशी पल मैं छीन लेता है 
वक़्त भी कैसे खेल खेलता है

जो नहीं मांगता उससे भर भर के देता है
पर जिसकी दुआ है उससे अंधेरे मैं छोड़ देता है

माना ये गम सभी के ज़िन्दगी का हिस्सा है
ना सिर्फ मेरा या तेरा पर सबका यही किस्सा है

पर कितना भी उससे समजाऊ
ना जाने क्यों ये दिल रोता है

हर पल एक नया मौसम है
ज़िन्दगी हर पल एक नयी पहेली है

वक़्त ने भले ही लिखे होंगे कहीं और इम्तिहान
आज नहीं तो कल, होगा अपनी मुट्ठी मैं ये जहान

साँसें चल रही है तो संघर्ष अभी बाकी है
लड़ाई भले तू हरा है पर युद्ध अभी बाकी है

घना अंधेरा, इतना सन्नाटा ही क्यों ने हो आज
पर नज़र मैं अगर तेरे ख्वाब अब भी ज़िंदा है
तो कल तेरी ही ज़मीन होगी और तेरा आसमान होगा  



-SR.

World beyond the stars

What we think as correct
Is inappropriate in their eyes

Our perspective towards life
Is nothing more than a trash can

Our talks were silenced then
By using the cloak of we being kids

So why question the reap now
When we can't have a conversation, deep

Words have a killer blow
Mightier than any sword
You will never understand
For you only give what you inherited

Things are changing at lightning speed
Neither you are open to it,
Nor do you try to understand it

Intentions are clear
Realisation is also there
But in a different way

Your approach is in one way
You forget to explore beyond the horizons

For there is a world beyond the stars
And hope is alive, even in the dark

Never learnt to appreciate, but
You know the trick to demoralise

Difficult it becomes to stand again
When going is made tough by the close ones

We suffer more in imagination, out of fear
Then what it is in reality

Hoping for a miracle, a ray of hope
Something to hold on to scale the mighty slopes

-SR.

Special One

For quite some days I am feeling a void
Want to share tons, but can't find an ear to hear my plight

Heart is bleeding from within
Don't know the reason why

Eyes getting filled up with water
Each time I speak or even give a try

Can't look in anyone's eye
For the dam might break open wide

So running away into hiding
To allow a few drops, pass in the cry

Missing that special one today
Who would have been there for me

Who would have understood my silence
And read the pain in my eyes

Friends are there for me
No complaints on that part

But they also have restrictions
Can't be there besides me all the time

All I want is to speak out loud
Into someone's ears pour my heart out

Feels heavy from the inside
Don't know what tomorrow might have

Living on a thin hope
One day I may be able to hold my head high

-SR

Sleeping Beauty

Long journey it has been,
Almost a decade old

Was yesterday as it seems
Came across this sleeping beauty

Silent person from the outside
Violent comedian from the inside

Keeps fighting with me always

Who says we are friends

Forever enemies at each others gate

From forgetting her birthday

To those birthday get togethers

From non stop masti and pranks

To serious life talks on the platter

Saw the ups and down, while sailing in same boat

Now we laugh upon those tragedies, Cherish the memories

Learning curve it has been

For you learnt things from me

Not the other way...(LOL)

Still more fun to explore, 

Still more memories to create

It's been a pleasure uptill now

Hope to see many decades 

Together, like enemy-friends

-SR

Battle Stations

Didn't I try this time
Far far way to better than last time

Still why the same feeling
Why am I sensing the same outcome

Was true to myself this time
Didn't hide in the cloak of diplomacy

But as I am through halfway in the battle
Why does the result of war appears against me

They say tuff times are temporary always
Why is it then a different law for me

When many defined me good for nothing
I always went out to prove them wrong

Why is it that their understanding about me coming true
And my about me being proved wrong again

Life is too big to be upset with such petty setbacks
I know.
But sometimes they do take a toll

All I ask is some breathing space
Let my results do the talking
Rather me explaining everytime

Need some light, a pat on the back
That victory smile on my face again

Don't know what fate has plans for me
But I can't just give in
Coz I still have two battles to fight

‌
-SR.

आयुष्य विद्येच्या माहेरात - II

Vasooli
Like I mentioned in the previous post, here I will be mentioning some memorable and adventurous incidents which took place during my stay in Pune. The first one was not so good but still something to remember was recovering my Rs. 2000/- given to the previous room mates where I stayed for one night. It was almost the very next day I called up that guy to return my money as I was not going to stay in that room anymore. And to that he replied, he wont be able to give the same as he used that money for some of his personal purpose. Officially, it was his money the moment I gave him. So he can use it as per his convenience. But I was not in a position to accept that practical thinking as I was desperately in need of money. So I asked him to give me a tentative date when he will be able to return the amount. I had prepared a rough budget while coming to Pune. And I had considered the maximum possible expenses plus few amount as buffer. Hence I was not going to fall in any pit if this recovery is delayed. But I didn't wanted to withdraw money from bank. Plus, I couldn't trust a stranger with my money. In case I don't follow up regularly I might end up losing my amount. So I use to regularly ping him to remind about my dues.

Now this is one the biggest trait in me. When you know one cannot change a situation at the moment, we have no option than accepting the same as it is. But that's what I fail to do most of the times. And this spoils my daily routine. As that thought occupies my mind all the time and I become restless by each passing day until the status quo changes Ofcourse this attitude was at it's peak when Pune was Live i.e. in 2010. Lot of things have changed in the past 5 years. And today I feel I have learned some skills of accepting the situation rather than cribbing on it.

When my calls and messages were going in vain, I finally involved my friend Mane into all this. We both once went to his house so that Mane could see my debtor. That day he paid me Rs. 500/- and further asked time for paying the balance amount. I took that amount as a token of trust and gave some more grace days. But my mind was not able to give those grace days. After a few days I lost patience. So finally me and Mane decided to talk to our roommate Nagesh. On a normal day we leave for library before 6am. But that day we both stayed back to chat with Nagesh. I told him the entire situation. Final 2days of his extended grace were pending. Nagesh assured me that if now he defaults I will intervene and talk to him directly. That much of assurance was enough for me. Those final 2 days my mind wasn't occupied by that thought since I knew that now I wasn't alone in the battle ground.

On the final day when I called him, he said he ready to pay the balance amount but for that I had to come to a certain location. At that moment I only wanted my money back so I asked Mane if he could accompany me to that place. He readily agreed for the same. I told Nagesh all this. Prakash was also there listening. He said that, the place you are talking is quite far from here. I have a friend there who stays at the exact location where you have to go. So if you don't mind I can tell him to collect the money on behalf. I readily agreed as at the end the money was going to come in our house. So officially the Vassooli chapter should have ended when the cash was transfered from my original debtor. But I didn't receive the cash immediately. The amount was with Prakash but maybe he forgot or I don't know but I still wasn't in receipt of the cash. Follow up with the stranger wasn't a big deal as there weren't any strings attached. But here it was different case. Already they had did a big favour on me by allowing me to stay with them. So it was a bit complicated. But after a few days of biding my time, I finally gathered some courage and asked Prakash to give the money as I had to pay the Mess Allowance. It was then that I finally received the cash and the chapter came to an end.


Dance Session
My regular day use to kick off at 6am and will go until 9pm. Our dinner use to arrive at 845pm in the library. So we use to have our food and then leave for the day. By the time we use to reach home other room mates would also be home from office. So now it was time for talks, discussions and fun. One such day we all were sitting and enjoying some videos on a friends laptop. Please don't overthink, they were related to Raj Thackeray and not other stuff. Common factor among all of us was the MNS. Everyone followed this one political party and hence this topic always dominated our discussions. But that day suddenly we started playing songs and dancing to it's tunes. After one took the initiative other too joined in and it was one helluva event. Unplanned but awesome. This happened in the very initial days. I was not completely involved in them. So I preferred to do the video shooting. Even today when I see those clips, how carefree were those days. I had many reasons to stay alone, secluded and keep cribbing on my personal problems. But instead I chose to enjoy the moment and find solace in this dancing session.

Finally...A Bed
I had assumed that I will be getting a bed in the hostel. But since I was the extra member there wasn't any bed allocated to me. The owner used give me a new reason everyday, but I had guessed it on first day that I won't be getting a bed. I remember the first two weeks, I used to sleep on the floor with one bed sheet below. Since I didn't carry any pillow so I used to use my bag as my pillow. The room partner did allow me to use his bed sheet, fortunately. Else I had no option but to literally sleep on the chilled floor. Finally in the end of September, my family decided to drop a visit. I did tell them to please get one pillow and one folding mattress which we were having back home. So now I can have my own bed at last.

Birthday
Never in my life I had celebrated my birthday at 12 midnight. What Mumbai didn't do, Pune did it for me. The thoughts which were there in back of my mind before I reached Pune were finally receding. I was almost in a different world in this new city. The change in location was surely working. It was mid October by now and I had almost settled in the city. Normally this period is the most exciting time of the year, as its my birthday. But this year I didn't sense any such excitement. I wasn't looking forward to that day or had made any grand plans. Only thing I had decided upon was that I will surely treat these new friends with a sumptous dinner in our regular restaurant. I don't know what is there in me that even before someone asks I am ready with plans to celebrate achievements may they be big or small. As one thing I have realized in life, happiness isn't any material thing, its just a state of mind. So never ignore a moment to cherish.

Dabang & Night Walk

The day I came to Pune, I was having a feeling of homesickness. To a very large extent. N most of my talks, I was speaking about going back home. Mane realised this. So he planned for a movie in a multiplex near to our library. I am not at all a fan of any actors in that movie. But somehow that movie break did help me cure my homesickness. After a couple of weeks, roommates too decided for the same movie. We also had a sponsor so no reason to deny the offer. It was a late night show. Fortunately it wasn't pouring that day, so we took our bikes and rode to the theatres. We all had our dinner. So once the movie was done we reached back to our houses by 12. No one couldn't resist the temptation to have a night walk. If my history is correct this was my first night walk. Those quiet streets, the starry sky is something one should surely experience. You realise the true meaning of peace. Just our sound echoing around. Ofcourse a sense of fear also grips you sometimes. But that togetherness gave us a great memory, for every first thing is special.

Ganpati Dance

No Mumbai kar is stranger to this term. All we need is few beats either coming from the drums or the DJs woofer else out very own local banjo party. Every one becomes Shiamak Davar or Ganesh Hegde. But if one needs to enjoy Ganpati festival, it's rich history, culture then you have to visit Pune. Whoever comes to this city, from whichever corner of the country a visit to Shreemant Dagdu Sheth Halwai Ganpati is on everyone's list. This time I visited during the festival. Normally during visarjan, idols are immersed in the lakes or seas. But in this  special case, they don't. It's just taken near the river and brought back in its original temple. On visarjan day, we left our rooms at 9pm and parked our bikes in a safe distance. The most popular place to be on the Visarjan day in Pune is Laxmi Road. As that's the main route to the river. You get to see so many idols. The best part is to watch the Dhol Pathaks. The scenes are truly worth watching. Wherever you hear music you can just loosen up. Dance. Shout. After I left college in 2008, this was the first time I was dancing and enjoying the moment to the core. Already I had come to this city with lot of baggage. This was the perfect occasion to get rid of it. I still remember I had danced my heart out like a maniac. Might have cried loudly inside to get rid of that baggage. Feeling reborn. I couldn't feel more thankful to all my roommates for that evening.

Diwali

The biggest festival in our calendar. And first time I wasn't home for the same. Every roommate went home, but I preferred to stay. So nothing special happened as such and it was the most dull festival for me. But our library did a small gesture for us which was worth remembering. They brought sweets and snacks for all of us to share the he festival excitement.

It's been six years now after that epic 3 months trip. I thank my luck that I got great people. And that is what always matters to me. Be it outside  or inside, in professional life or personal life all I need is good people. Rest whatever may be the problems, together we can overcome. I started writing this blog almost 3-4 years after that trip. So already a lot of memory has been diluted in the sands of time. I am still in touch with a couple of my those room mates. One of them is still in Pune while one is currently in USA. After that 3months stint, I could only visit them once. But the memories and the friendship is forever.


-SR

Stupidity

What happened then happened again,
Water under the bridge I thought,
Back it came and has haunted me now

What is it that I fear, can't decipher
The fear is surely hurting others
That's crystal clear

Intentions are not wrong
They understood
History though repeated for me
Tragedy or farce still unclear

What is it that brings out the animal in me
Mostly I never speak
And when I do,
Either I spill venom or breathe fire unto you

They were there yesterday,
They are there today
But the over possessiveness 
May not assure a tomorrow

Committing a new mistake is human,
Repeating the same one, Stupidity
Need to keep a tap on my emotions
Else shall remain forever alone in this sphere


-SR.

दोस्ती

ये वक़्त हमारा था
कोई हमसे इसे छीन नाही सकता

कल मुलाकात हो ना हो
ये कारवान हमसे कोई छीन नाही सकता

कुछ रिश्ते अंजाने में बन जाते है
पेहले दिल से और फिर ज़िन्दगी से जुड़ जाते है

ज़िन्दगी भले उल्जी रहे किसी अंजुमन में कल
पर यादों पे मेरी हुकूमत सदा रहेगी

बिक जाते है हर रिश्ते इस दुनिया में
पर जब तक दोस्ती ज़िंदा है
मेरे सर से मेरा आसमाँ कोई छीन नहीं सकता


-SR.

Fear is Good

There is always light in the end
But we fear the barren lands

There is always light in the end
Yet we are conscious about the dark alleys

Every journey comes to an end
Either on a positive note or with a learning curve

Still we worry about the unknown
Which ruins the path as we dwell upon the destination

Fear is an essential element
For it helps us define our limits

One needs to know where to halt
For that shall save us a walk in limbo

Fear is good
It keeps you on your toes
For everything you want is on the other side of fear

-SR.

Tigress

You got a problem with her
Just step aside

Don't you dare mess with her
For she'll chase and outrun you
Even in her stilettos

She chooses to stay beautiful
Inspite of those scars

Narrow minded may call her rude
Hard head with big attitude

Flaunts herself with pride
For every ounce of it, she has earned
Is painted by her tears, sweat and blood

Travelled the road less travelled
Climbed those mighty cliffs

Made her way through the dark
Without waiting for a torch or stick

So fuck the world
Those stale perspectives
Rusted chains and mundane bonds

Even if the critics rise in numbers
Keep standing for what you believe

Bitches will keep cribbing
Haters will continue hating

May you keep your head steady
And rise from the ashes, everytime, refined and strong

Is my birthday wish
To my bestest buddy
And the strongest tigress around

-SR.

Just a Drop

A drop of water begins to fill the ocean

A drop of faith gives us hope to live the day

A drop of light shows us the path in dark

A drop of wisdom helps us sail through the storms

It's the small things done in big way, matters
Than waiting for a theatrical big one which never comes

Celebrate and cherish every moment of being alive
For every drop of minute turns into eternity

-SR.

Expectations

Expectations is the root cause
Still we don't give up

They hurt, sometimes with a killer blow
Still we won't budge the next time

Actions might not be wrong for you
But my expectations failed, that is only true

Words were perfect from your point of view
My expectations failed, that hurt me in the blue

Your approach was correct
Can never blame you

I should learn to expect less
To avoid getting these mighty blows

Each time I try
Still end up expecting in the next

Can't react for my foolishness in front of you
So penned my insanity to avoid any future woe

-SR.

Tomorrow never comes

Time has no resurrection
What is today, won't be the same tomorrow

Our craving for that future
Destroys many todays on the way

But that tomorrow never comes
And the loss is heavy in the bargain

Everyday is unique
Each day is precious

Why wait for tomorrow
For what you can do today

Nothing is permanent in life
Change is the only true universal law

The today which we sacrifice
Will never come tomorrow

So live every moment
Keep adding life in days

The last day won't send a postcard
Before arrival

'Least we can ensure
There's nothing to regret
When it finally comes

-SR.

Travel is Life

Travel the road less traveled
For adventures cannot be experienced behind closed doors

Travel the path unknown
As workstations won't unlock the mysteries of nature

Travel the places unexplored
Every place has it's own beauty, a place in history

Travel the route unplanned
Being organised keeps you tied, while curiosity sets you free

Every tree has a story to tell
Every fallen leaf has lesson to enlighten

Feel the wind blowing on your face
Birds chirping in the sun, stars glowing in the dark

Feel the wrath of the sun, bathe in the chilly moonlight
Hot barbeque on the grass, a sleep beneath the starry skies

Each moment of travel is worth a lifetime
For time has no resurrection, choose to wander than wonder

Ignore the world, for you deserve to be with yourself
Not to plan a move or crib on the wrong one
Just to celebrate Living and being lively

Let the curiosity to explore, breathe
Let live the adventure to wander

For travel is life
And life is to travel

-SR.

Simple Things

That which attracts your eyes
Is not always essential for living

That which captures your imagination
May not be necessary for survival

That which gives you an adrenaline rush
Won't make a difference if you don't experience it

We crave for material things
While ignore the simple ones

Hunger for temporary satisfaction
May ruin the room for future happiness

-SR.

Peace of Mind

I was missing something in life, I knew
Exactly what though could never know

There is a feeling of emptiness, can sense that
Reason for the same I couldn't decide

A nights drive made me realise
I am missing a lot while living a monotonous life

The moon, even in its half size
Never appeared so beautiful

Lying lazily on the window
And staring at the twinkling skys

Crystal clear they were
Giving way to the many stars 

Which are not visible in our polluted skies

Sound of darkness didn't create a fear

As moonlight lit our way
Chilled breeze gives you goosebumps

Can feel the blood rushing, a lively moment

Traveling through the quite road
With such starry skies above
One can experience peace of mind
In its actual sense

-SR.

Adieu

Canvas is new, paint a quality picture
Opportunities are there in tons, up for the grabs

 Life is calling, Welcome it with open arms
This moment is yours, make it the very best at large

Don’t fret over petty setbacks
Don’t be anxious, if any battle you lose

As the final war is what matters in the end,
For whichever path you set afoot
You shall triumph & conquer
Is my best wish as we bid Adieu.

-SR.

Too Small To Worry

If that is Himalayas from the above,
Then who are we.

Another brick in the wall
Or a breeze in the wind.

If only cosmos is our canvas
Perspective shall always be larger

Petty setbacks won't hinder us
If galaxy is what we seek in life.

-SR.

Goodbye

Just like the day and night
Like a drifting river and a passing wind
People will come and go

They play a part and move ahead
For our journey was only that much together

What is left are memories
The times we spent,
Are moments to cherish

Nothing is permanent
For change is inevitable

Life is a journey to be traveled
So follow your heart for dreams do come true

-SR.

Child Innocence

They say God is omnipresent
But when asked if any one has seen
Everyone has a different take

I confess, though, I have seen God
And my tale is neither complicated nor controversial

When I want to see Gods beauty
I see a baby's innocent smile
Gives me hope there is still good in this world to Live On

When I wish to hear Gods voice
I listen to kids own dialect
Gives me strength to speak nothing but truth

So pure and amazing is their life
They know no fear
Nor do they understand lies

For a child's innocence is our last hope
That could teach us how to cope

-SR.

Ask Me

Everyone wishes to do good for me
Without asking me

Everyone tries to define my path
Without asking me

Everyone feels they are correct about me
Without asking me

Everyone takes decision on behalf of me
Without asking me

Different perspective deserve a chance
For what was good for you won't be the same about me

Sometimes the very own love, no matter how much true
Turns into suffocation, while we turn a blind eye

All I ask is a breathing space
Just ask me

-SR.

One Sachin Tendulkar

Not every Evolution turns out to be a Revolution

Not every time a player becomes bigger than the Game

Not everyone is asked to decide the venue of the next Game

Not every time does a players wicket is protested by Hundred Thousand capacity Crowd

Not everyone's name is chanted in the grounds even when the player isn't playing

Not every time a team wicket is celebrated just to see One Batsman Bat

Not everytime strategies are formulated around One Man

Not everytime does One Mans' wicket decide outcome of the game

Not everytime a Domestic Game earned more TRP than an International Game

Not everyone could give nightmares to Shane Warne

Not everyone hooked a six of Shoaib Akhtar over Third Nan

Not everyone could go down the ground to play a pull of McGrath's bouncer

Not everyone can play for the nation with a bleeding nose and broken back

Not every player can unite us as One India disregarding all caste, religion barriers

Not everytime did an entire nation came together to win the World Cup for One Man

Not everyone captures the imagination of an entire nation

And the list will go on and on and on !!

Coz there are some players,
Then there are some actual good players,
Then there are some good cricketers,
Then there are some whom we term as Legends

And then there is One. Just ONE Sachin Tendulkar, the cricketing SuperPower.

-SR.

Existing, not Living

Patience is a virtue I have in abundance
Still these days my resources seems to be depleted

Even seconds now seem like hours
What was fun till now appears woeful at large

Every good thing has to end one day
Even the sun doesn't shine in the dark and stars can't twinkle in the light

Ignorance is a bliss I know
Implementation is difficult although

My word does not yield power today
The status quo, though, wont be the same everyday

Biding my time and pushing the day
Only in my hand
For things doesn't appear to change in nearby future

Time sometimes seems to be impertinent
As the sun always sets when hope is sky high

Merely existing is doing injustice
For life is meant to be lived to its full extent

Yesterday was merry, today is gloomy
While tomorrow stays a Question Mark.

Makes me wonder the way things are falling apart
Are they actually falling in place, or......??

-SR.

Tough Times

Together we were once
Now faces have turned in different directions.

Something is missing I can sense that
Can't change the fact
Makes me feel dreary.

Crying on it is folly
For the darkness shall be further deepening.

Days have become longer
Hands of clock are running at snails pace.

Surely this isn't my time
Less excitement and more tautness.

Friends are now the only hope
For there is nothing on the table to hold on.

The night is too long with few hands parting ways
Has the time come to start plotting another way?

-SR.

Question Mark ???

No question remains unanswered
Sometimes we just ain't ready to live it

Symbol itself ends with a dot
Even after a roller coaster ride involving a fall

Some can't bear the curves
Others fail to survive the drop

Every storm resides, even the darkness has to pass
Only those will see the light, who sustains the blizzard

Nothing can kill you
If you don't let it overpower you
For catastrophe is a parasite, thrives on your reaction

Endure & Endure, hold on even on a grain of Hope
Your time shall resurrect, at the end of the fall

End may not be what you desired in the start
But surely it will be what you deserve at last


-SR.

Vidāya Sarkar

New sun is rising above the horizon
As New chapter unfolds from the Book of Life

Take a leap of faith, Spread your wings and fly high
Life is calling, Abre Los Ojos

Change is an inevitable part of life
Though your absence will surely create a void

No more trees on the desk, no fights with paper sticks
No more nonsense talks, no more weird selfies.

Time has come to part our ways
But I am so glad that I met you
Though a notorious munchkin, but you're my Friend
And this is true

Won't say goodbye, for we shall meet again

Maybe on a different day, in a different way,
But the friendship will stay
Just like it is today.

Hasta-La-Vista !!!

-SR.

Breakfree

Staring in the eyes when our paths crossed on that winter night.

Freed me from the past, whose prisoner I was for such a long time.

For your eyes were seeking answers, questions I chose to ignore this time.

Maybe the hard way, but I learnt few lessons at end of day.

Not every song is worth singing, nor every mountain worth climbing.

Neither is every race worth running or every war is worth fighting.

Today I took back Me from you.

Freed me from the past, to which I bid adieu.

-SR.

Black Friday

Voices are fading with the passing wind.
Pain is dissolving in the sands of time.

Today didn't wipe yesterdays tears
The crescendo of Black Friday is still ringing in our ears.

Pieces of human souls were lying on the streets
The city that never sleeps woke in fear.

Soaked in blood, world for us stood still
Sky turned dark by witnessing the wrath.

Justice was not swift and remains incomplete.
While main perpetrators are still at large,
The ones caught got heroes welcome with round applause.

Victims are mere numbers for the establishment
But for us they are The Gods own stars twinkling in the dark.

Remembering those who deserved to be amongst us today.

-SR.

Revenge of the Fallen

Fallen on the ground ignored by the town,
No one hears its cries, as time passes by.

They provided solace when on the tree,
Rendered shade, gave new hope to those who seek.

Fallen on the ground, now seldom one stares by,
No one hears its cries, as time passes by.

They hide the path so people may notice,
Only to get crushed, without any regret.

Ignored by the very tree, whose beauty, once, they defined,
Now fallen on the ground it didn't even blink an eye.

Heart is boiling in anger, soul letting a cry of anguish,
Feeling of revenge conquering the mind, in these moments of pain.

They gave all they could, did everything right,
Still ignored when fallen, made their blood go dry.

United as one, they yelled their battle cries.
Revenge for the Fallen was the path they sought.

But amidst the roar, they saw a life being born,
Coming out of the very spot from where they had to fall.

Autumn may be on its way
For what seems to fall apart, might actually be falling in place.

Necessary it was for a larger cause,
For the tree won't fall and provide shade and hope to all.

So stay still when the going gets tough,
If life hasn't given up on you, you don't give up.

'Cause when the winds are blowing high,
Only fallen leaves have the power to touch the sky.


-SR

 

Toy Days

These things remind us of our golden days.

When planes could float in water and cars could fly in the sky.

Being stuck in a monotonous life, all we can do is look at them

And give a faint smile.

Missing the days when we were lords of our creation. 

Where Our dreams were big aims bigger than the sky.

 

 

-SR

Blue Flame

I have a story tell,
But unsure about its end.

A dream to Live,
But reality is a nightmare.

A desire of being in love,
But I am afraid to speak

A yearn to wear the crown,
But I still can't seek.

Journey of life is elementary,
Our perspective complicates it.

Though the yellow or red flame burns bright,
Blue Flame, no matter how small, is the hottest light.

Never forget to live, never forget to cheer,

Today is yours, make it a memorabilia forever.

Make peace with your past, for future is still uncertain
For our struggle with the two, present is lost in the bargain.

So still I make a wish in the starry night
With a hope, someday the flame will burn hot & bright.




-SR.