A Day In a “Bai’s” Life

I work as a Bai. I know a few of you may not know what a Bai is. A Bai is a woman servant working in multiple houses a day helping them to finish their household chores. Those who don’t know much of Hindi don’t confuse me with “Bhai” – which means Brother. I think Bai is a common household name in Mumbai- Maharashtrian areas.

So here I am to enlighten you with what goes on in a Bai’s life especially a Bai who works in a house where only Bachelors stay.

I reach this particular house that is a bachelor den every day early in the morning. Those guys are asleep. I don’t know what kind of job they do. But I have never seen them awake except for the person who opens the door for me half-asleep. No, I must say I have seen them awake during my starting days when I used to reach the house at 7.30-8 AM. And also the day they give me the salary. Later I shifted the time to 6.30 AM, when no one is awake and you know what no one even asked me why I am coming early.

I need to ring the bell 4-5 times to get into the house. Worse are those days when there is no current. I need to knock the big grill a number of times. At times I have left without doing the work. And the funny thing is what ever is the case most of the times only the same person comes to open. Let me call him Mr. X.

Once I get the entry, I will see Mr. X going back to his bed and covering himself up in a bed sheet. I know he is not fully asleep, for my sound of washing clothes and cleaning the utensils create quite a noise. I check the quantity of the clothes immersed in the soap water, if it is too much I don’t wash them properly. I don’t rinse the collars. At times I am not supplied with the soap. Then I call out to Mr. X.

“Oh Bhayya, Saboon Hai?” My shrill voice will wake him up.
“Kya?” He will ask, as he is still half-asleep.
“Saboon, Kapade Dhone Ke Liye Saaboon Nahi He”. I reply.

If there is a one, then he will hand it over to me. Other wise he will say in a guiltily voice.

“Bai, Kal Leke Aata Hoon. Aaj Zara Adjust Karle”.

Adjust!! How am I supposed to adjust? I have only a small piece of soap cake and if I use that, my hands are going to get hurt when I rinse them on cloth. So in such cases I don’t wash properly. How can I? You people say. I give a good rinse. And please note all these times the water tap will be on - water flowing onto the clothes in the bucket. I think it will clean the clothes properly. I agree it creates a lot of noise and is wastage of water. But then why don’t these people tell me about that. I wonder whether these people know anything other than sleep. In that wonder I remove all the old clothes from the strings in the balcony and put it on the top of a bag in the bedroom, as I don’t have any other place to keep the dried clothes. I don’t know what is in that bag, but due to the regular keeping of clothes on top of it the bag has gone into a U shape. Since I haven’t yet got any scolding for changing the shape of that bag, I guess it’s a useless bag. Onto the emptied strings I put the ‘washed’ clothes to dry.

Then I put my hands on the utensils. The kitchen is a mess. There will be leftover food on the sides of gas stove. Onions, Potatoes, Eggs or Green Chilies thrown out while the cooking of their favorite dishes. The remains of the cut vegetables, the onion and potato peel, shells and Yolk remains of the eggs eaten by Mr. G, banana peels, the cutting board all will be there spread on that 1.5 x 0.5 square meter of area. Oh God!! How much food these people waste.

The gas burners will have water steamed out of the pressure cooker on them. My job here is to clean the utensils, pick up the waste, and deposit them in the wastebaskets. Cleaning the utensils is a 2-minute job for me as I am expert in that. Then I collect all the clean utensils and dump it into the basket. Oh! I enjoy that sound. “Kling Kling Kling”. I can hear the grumble of Mr. S who is sleeping in the hall. These days I don’t see him. He must have left them.

Next is the real enjoyment. By this time I will be nearing my next timeslot for another house and I have to reach there. So I play hockey. This is what Mr. S says about my “Jadoo”. He is right, I consider the broomstick as a hockey stick only and dribble through the pseudo-turf (aka floor). You know I used to represent my school in the state games in my good old years. Hmmm those where days!! Now I play hockey with broomstick to make the two ends meet.

Cleaning the floor is the most dreaded job there. I have to face many a challenges. The unarranged chairs, newspapers flying around, the fan, the beer and other daroo bottles these people keep after their illustrious parties. At times I have even come across the chicken bones collected in the corner of the room. I don’t understand how these guys live. Huh!! Horrible!!

Amidst all these I continue to play my hockey. I have to, since if I do not do a hockey here I won’t be able to finish of my whole thing by 6.50 AM and reach that wicked old lady’s house by 7.00. She is very strict about the timings and scold if I do not reach at time. These bachelor people are good in those cases they do not scold me that much. All family people are like that. Find some kind of problems with us and scold. I even remember once Mr. X’s mother coming there and tried to modify my hockey into a slow motion. But since it was for 2-3 days I agreed to do it in a slow motion, but then I still had to compromise on my cloth washing capabilities. Otherwise how else can I satisfy all my customers?

I do clean the floor with water two times a week, but I have a great doubt that the floor is getting dirtier due to this. The reason is the cloth that I use for ‘Pocha’. Its is as old as me and has all the dirt in the whole world on it. I tried rinsing and drying it with all the kind of detergents. No use. My request to grant a new cloth has gone vain. Off late Mr. G had granted me a part of his Rose Turkish Towel, which he abandoned after it attained thrice the age of its retirement. That lasted two washes as my rough treatment brought out all the fibers of it only for me to go back to the old cloth.

My Last job is to pick up the waste, put in the basket and keep that outside. During this process I pick the plastic packets filled with left over foods, tea-dusts, egg yolks, etcetera, etcetera and run to the door, bangs the door behind me, put the basket outside and run down the steps. I can sense the irritation of Mr. S - caused by my banging of door.

Still I run… to the next house, and then to the next, then to the next – I live a whole day running. I have to. For there lies my livelihood.

A Revenge of the Other Kind

The second shift ended very late for Sadanandan that day. The client and the onsite personnel of his project were pegging him back to finish a critical work. The whole week has been like that for him and no different was that Friday also. Hectic. It was almost 2AM in the morning when he finally got down to the garage and started the bike.

Sadanandan was a serious guy, not the usual happy go lucky kind of person that you will find among software professionals. Short and stout, he was passionate about two things- riding bikes and photography. As an occasional writer, who had published a few articles in the company’s e-magazine, he had also won a best story award in the last Annual Competitions. And the passion of riding the bike in the late night might have tempted him to stay late and complete the work that day.

The ride back home for him was always exciting for the road was good, curvy and he could easily touch his favorite comfort speed zone of 80-90Kmph. It was on one of those curves that he was slowed down by a person who was standing in the middle of the road, waving a red cloth. Sadanandan sensed danger, but when he stopped the bike feet’s away from the person he was shocked. Shocked not because there was any kind of danger ahead, but because of the person.

The person was Appunni, the protagonist in his last short story The Last Hair Cut. He stopped the bike and got down.

“Appunniyetta, How come you are here? And that too at this time” asked Sadanandan.

“Yes, I am here. Why? Can’t I come to this place?”

“Ok Ok. That’s fine. But… I never expected you and why are you standing on this road. Where are you staying? You could have taken my phone number from mom and have called me? When did you reach the town?” Sadanandan asked a lot of questions.

“Unexpected things are happening, right? That is why I came.”

“What are you talking about? I don’t understand. Why are you stopping me here? Come let’s go home.”

“You won’t understand anything for you have lost that skill of understanding people. Otherwise you would be helping your aged parents out there at home.”

“What are you talking? And why are you talking all these things to me.”

“I am talking about this…” Appunni shouted showing the papers he took from his under pockets.

“What is this?”

“This is your death warrant for me. Your ultra fiction! The Last Haircut. Phew!! ”

“Where did you get that from?”

“That’s not your problem. Why did you do this to me? What you achieved? Money, Fame or something else. Come on tell me what you got by killing me.” Screamed Appunni.

“Appunniyetta, that’s just a story I wrote.. and .. and how did you come to know about that. Try to understand … it’s just a story. Nothing more than that.”

It was then Sadanandan noticed a bike parked far from them on the curve. He guessed it would be a bullet from its shape and a second later the passing light from the faraway lighthouse showed him the person sitting on it. It was Manoj, his friend .The person who first identified that his ‘The Last Haircut’ was a piece of fiction, the person who screamed - ‘You killed that poor Appunniyettan for a few appreciations’- over a bottle of Russian Vodka and the person whom Sadanandan used to tease about his lack of finishing of the football during their company matches.

“It may be a story for you. For me it’s a stroke. The stroke that caused me the same pain as piercing a dagger right into my chest. You have killed me Sadananda, you have just killed me. I will show you how it feels when one kills you.” Replied Appunni in anger.

“Appunniyetta, I didn’t mean it. I just wrote it for…”

“..making it interesting… or for a few appreciation mails ... ?” It was Manoj who completed the sentence.

“Manu, What are you doing here? Is it you who told Appunniyettan about this?” asked Sadanandan.

“Yes, it was I. It was I who brought him here.” Manoj then told how he contacted Sadanandan’s cousin at his hometown and there by got Appunni’s contact number.

“But why? What harm have I done you?”

“You don’t know? You don’t know how hurting it is when you kill a character who is alive.”

“Come on Manu. You can’t do this to me.”

“Yes I can. For I have the right to choose how a character should be handled. You have no right to kill him, even if it is for a mere story.” Blabbered Manoj

Sadanandan saw Appunni taking the scissors from his under pockets. It was the very own hair cutting scissors that he used in his village shop. This time it sparkled at that dark night.

Sadanandan ran. Not much further he could hear the thud of the Bullet coming behind him. Appunni kicked a running Sadanandan on his back from the bike. Sadanandan fell on the road on his back just near the approaching bike, whose ignition was turned off by that time.

Appunni got down from the bike and went towards Sadanandan. He could see the fear on Sadanandan’s face. It was pale. With no time he stabbed Sadanandan. Blood splashed on his face and shirt. Thick Red Blood. He stabbed him three more times.

*********************************************************************************

Sadanandan woke up with a loud scream on his bed. He was sweating and stammering… “Don’t kill me.. Don’t kill me...”

In the hall the new track from Strings sang on the TV.

……Deewaronke Aanchal Main Zinda Hun... Bas Yeh Hai Meri Kahani.

One Night @ The Call Center – A Review

Wow!! Chetan Bhagat is back!! Back with yet another hilarious, dark, youth centric, but message oriented Novel. This man is amazing, so is the book “One Night @ The Call Center”.
I bought this accidentally. In fact I never knew the publishing of his second book. I was heading to the Citypride Multiplex for a film only to find out an Asian Film Festival happening and thought about browsing Crossword. There I found this on the New Arrivals list. I didn’t have another thought since I have read Five Point Someone and the short synopsis given at the back side told me this book has something. So what is it?
On a night train journey from Kanpur to Delhi the writer meets a young girl and to pass the time she offers to tell him a story on one condition that he should make that into his second novel. Even though he hesitated, he wanted to hear the story and the girl said the story was about six people working in a Call Center, set in one night. She said it was the night when they got a phone call from God and there begins the story with Chetan’s hesitated guarantee of making it into a book.
One Night @ The Call Center is set on the lives of 6 call center agents - Shyam, Vroom, Priyanka, Esha, Radhika and Military Uncle. It is said from Shyam’s point of view since the author found Shyam closest to him as a person. All of them have some problem or another and it is the story where they all find a solution to their problems in a single night. It has three key themes – an ex-girlfriend, a bad boss and God. Also it tries to give us an insight of how things work in a Call Center like the way calls are handled, difficulties of explaining to the American Customers, the racial abuses, the different accents etc. Chetan has put in a lot of research into this and his website (http://fivepointsomeone.com/) and the acknowledgement in book says that. He has also introduced three girls instead of a single Neha in FPS and he found understanding three girls as a big challenge. Even the girl who narrates the story to the author is a mystery. Who is she?
The entry of God may be a bit awkward in today’s modern world, but I think with the way of narration and the criticality of that character for the climax, we can digest that theme of God coming to reality through a call.
Chetan’s narration is simply superb. Be it the way the writer approaches the young girl

“…it is not everyday you sit in an empty compartment and a young, pretty girl walks in. Yes, you see it in the movies, you hear about it from friends' friends but it never happens to you. When I was younger, I used to check the reservation chart stuck outside a train bogie to see all the female passengers near my seat (F-17 to F-25 is what I'd look for most). Yet, it never happened. In most cases, I shared my compartment with talkative women, snoring men and wailing infants.”
(Yes, I have also done the same thing N number of times during my train journeys, but nobody sat near me L)

Or the way the manager Mr. Bakshi talks to Shyam in Managese (Chetan’s term for Manager’s Speak), when his team is waiting for an approval from Bakshi for sending in the system’s guy for fixing a problem…

“ …‘Big Picture. I just told you focus on the Big Picture. Learn to identify strategic-variables Shyam’… ”



I liked this book for 2 reasons.
I could find some traces of me in this book through different characters. This was the same case in FPS also. This means Chetan has some power to understand the youth and the way they behave.
The story is told in a Call Center, which is an area may be nobody has explored or may be not even bothered to know.

Grab this book if you want to read yet another novel on pure entertainment terms. It is one for someone who can step into the shoes of these characters and identify them. Stunning, hilarious and at times dark narration. Probably you will also get another explanation for FYI. Enjoy!!

Author: Chetan Bhagat
Publishers: Rupa & Co
Price: Rs 95/-

The Last Haircut

"Its your turn", said the Spanish lady to me as I sat waiting in the Karla’s Hair Salon. I was waiting for more than 30 minutes and was a relieved man when she finally called. The lady pointed me to the vacant seat where a tall heavy built man was waiting for his next customer. Well over 6 foot he had his hair cut so thinly and he had a neat thin beard that was trimmed well. Overall he looked a giant killer waiting for his next victim.
"How much you want – medium or short?" asked the lady.
"Short – 1 inch" I said.
"1 inch?? You want to be like him?" pointing to the giant.
"Oh No. Not like that. I want it a medium short."
"Okay Threis" She said to the giant.
The giant knew only Spanish and as he started cutting my hair with the 3-inch blade hair-cutting machine I started thinking of the ways, which my hair was cut. I was sitting in the American town of Chicago for my hair styling and was dropped there by my roommate.

Years ago I, when I was still in school, I used to cycle 4 kilometers for a haircut. Not because there was no barbershops nearby my house, but because only Appunniyettan’s barber shop, near my ancestral house, satisfied me.

Appunniyettan was not just another barber. He was the person who was approached by a whole village for their haircuts. He had no modern machinery. Just the needed manual equipments and two styles to offer- the fashionable “Bachan” Cut and the normal Crop Cut. With this he ruled the entire village. He was the busiest barber I ever met. His Sundays busy with all the working people and students. I used wait a couple of hours to get to the hot seat. But going down there was fun, I could cycle a lot, visit my grandparents.

Once on the hot seat you need not worry about your hair, because Appunniyettan would do the needful. So I never worried about the style of my hair, for Appunniyettan knew that I would only opt for the normal Crop or else I would bear the wrath of my father. His style itself was different; he used to scold if we do not keep the head in the desirable positions. Some times he used to put the scissors over my ears and mimic as if he was going to cut my ears. Only thing I didn’t like of his was the smell of the Beedi that was spread on his body and dress. As every other smoking Malayali of those times he also used to smoke Beedi only. The stamp of the working class. His haircut lasted about 15-20 minutes with fun filled stories happening in the village, as I was always an outsider.

Years down as I grew up, I was moving away from my hometown. In the college days, I tried new styles on my hair, with Mushrooms and Navy Cuts adoring my head. Some times I felt going back to Appunniyettan to have a cut, to know about the stories that were happening in my ancestral village, but the sheer thought of ‘who wants to go there when you have a salon near-by’ kept me away from him. At times, when I visit my grandmother I come across him. He had always one question:
"Hey, you are not seen these days."

Once he stopped my bike and asked, "Hey what have you done to your hair, it looks so bad. All these new fellows don’t even know how to cut hair properly."
"That is the new style Appunniyetta", I murmured without looking his eyes.
"What new style. You guys do something to your hair with some machines and say New Style. Shame on you. But there is no use in complaining you alone. Even the people of this village are after that. You know that Gulf returned Balan; he has opened a new barbershop in that corner of the road. The whole youth is there. He has got some smuggled machines. Good for nothing fellow, calls himself a barber. Who can’t cut another persons hair if he has some machines? Can he cut an inch of hair with a scissors and comb?" fumed Appunniyettan.
I was thinking why this person is saying all these things to me, but when I saw his almost empty shop I knew he just wanted to share his frustration with some one. Can’t complain since the whole world is modernising.
"What is the use of I telling all this to you. You also don’t come here. Isn’t it?"
"Next time Appunniyetta, I will be coming here. Sure. My word" I promised to him.

That was 2 years ago and the last time I met him. Since then I would have cut my hair umpteen times but never from him. Not because I didn’t want to go to him, but circumstances were against me. Now sitting in the Air Conditioned Salon, as the giant is making inroads into my hair, I was thinking of a suitable time visiting home. I decided I would go to Appunniyettan even if I didn’t have to cut much of my hair.

That night I called home, explained about my haircutting experience. Then my mom said.
"Hey Pee did you know, Barber Appunni passed away yesterday. He was having lung cancer." I was shocked to hear that. All that day I was thinking about this person and he never existed in the world. And my promise remained unfulfilled. The last haircut remains.

Next Time Appunniyetta, when you and I meet up there.

Washington DC to Miami Beach

“How Many kilometers are there from Washington DC to Miami Beach?” asked a frustrated M A Dhavan (Sreenivasan) to Mohanlal in the movie “Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (MPMK)”.

It was a very famous quote in the movie as MPMK was a roller coaster hit in the mid eighties and, the movie and this question are still etched in the memory of every Malayali. And one should not wonder why this was the theme of the my recent trip to Miami and Orlando even though I didn’t visit Washington.

I was packed off from Pune by my company to work in the USA. I came here with a lot of expectations , but by the end of second day I was let down. Let down by the fact that I am far away from Chicago – in a small time suburb – where you cannot see people walking , where you cannot see big buildings – where you can see vehicles speeding on the free ways , where you cannot live without a car. It was some sort of a realization that made me understand – yes Hoffman Estates in much different from a Pune.

And when my dear friend Sree called me up for a trip down south during the long weekend, I didn’t hesitate to go because I know I would enjoy just because its Sree who is with me :)

So I left on a hot afternoon to Orlando from Chicago O’Hare Airport after a Pizza Lunch with MBT Big bosses. The SPIRIT AIR was late by 40min to land in Orlando Intl Airport and Sree & Gang was there waiting for me. All of them came from Detroit.

Let me introduce the other characters now:
1. Ganesh – The Captain
2. Preethi – Ganesh’s wife and the Account Mgr
3. Abhilash (Abhi) – The Cheelan from CUSAT ( I know this guy through another friend of mine)
4. Manikandan (Mani) – The GECian who was supposed to be my Junior at college. I never knew.
5. Santhosh – Arrived from India on to the trip directly
6. Prashanth – The Poor chap only Kannadiga in the bunch of Malayalees - I bet he is now well versed with Abhi's PJ's

Day 0 - 01/07/2005

After a lot of search we found out our rental car – a brand new Toyota Sienna which was showing 10 miles on the odometer. Abhi was excited and Ganesh hit the road at 8.30 PM local time. It’s a great feeling when you drive through the American Freeways even though I didn’t drive I could feel it sitting in the back. On our way to Florida City we stopped Palm Beach to grab something from SUBWAY. I slept on the way only to wake later when we reached the Econo Lodge in Florda City at 1 AM the next day.

Day 1 – 02/07/2005

We started early in the morning to the Florida Keys – the southern most tip of USA after the light breakfast from the lodge. We were sure we could not cover the entire 120 miles to reach the tip, because that would mean we will reach late in Miami and then Orlando. So we decided to keep driving till some area and the return.

The drive through the keys was excellent and we kept on going through the long bridges that reminded us of the climax scenes of True Lies. I hope to have got a good number of pictures of the Pacific Ocean. The corals and the long bridges were simply great. After we crossed the 7 Mile Bridge we decided to take a U turn and go back. The only adventurous (or funny) stuff that happened during this long drive was when Abhi took the car to the other lane on the thinking that it was a 4 line drive. And Mani/Santhosh from behind was saying “Eda Abhilashe , De Munneennu Oru Vandi Varunnu speed kootti othukada” (Hey Abhilash , A vehicle coming from front. Increase the speed and change the lane). Thank God the person on the right lane reduced the speed and allowed us to overtake him. It took me a moment to realise what was happening. And all the time while driving on the wrong lane Abhi was thinking – “Why the guys on the other lane are going very slow”. I know what the driver of the opposite vehicle would have been thinking :).

The drive back to Miami was smooth and fun. We had Abhi’s cheels (PJ’s) and Anthakshari going on as Ganesh took over the steering. So it was never a tiring journey and we never knew when we reached Miami. We had to ask for the driving directions for the Actual Miami Beach as we were roaming around the Miami Downtown for a few minutes.

Miami Beach on Atlantic Ocean was cool and at peace. But rain decided to play the spoilsport. We couldn’t move into the beach and we were stuck in the middle and rain poured down on us heavily. Sree tried pick up an umbrella only to find the guard not allowing it. What to do ! We came back in the rain to the changing room and we were wet. Only excited people I found there were the two children who were playing in the rain and mud. And their mom was watching all their play and taking the photographs. Another day another mom might have scolded her. I too joined the party and took some pics in the rain and I believe I got some good children pictures this time.

Rain Rain Go Away!
Come again another Day.
The Big Guys want to play !!!!!

And the rain left Miami :) .
We didn’t waste any time and plunged into the Ocean. And there I am in the Miami Beach bathing in the Atlantic Ocean. I told Sree – Had a dream of bathing in Miami Beach, Now that’s over ;) .

Rain came again as you know I cannot control him. We decided to call it a day at 5PM local time and washed ourselves came back to the van, changed our dresses, sipped Hot Cappuccinos and started our journey back to Orlando.

At 11PM we hit Orlando and searched for Woodlands – the Indian Restaurant- only to find that it was closed hours before. Dominos provided us with some good Pizzas and we got into the Econo Lodge after some ‘time’.

Day 2 – 03/07/2005

How can you miss a breakfast at 7.30 AM ? Unfortunately we missed it and I don’t know how. Were all these people in the lodge so hungry. Huh!! Anyways McD was there for us to grab something. 2 more characters joined us on the way to Disney as Mani’s friends.

1. Suma Antony - My junior in college – had given some ragging to her I guess !!
2. Nisha – Suma’s friend.

Disney World was huge!! Huge enough that we could cover only 2 out of the 5-6 ones they have established. We chose to go to the Magic Kingdom first as people said that it was the best of the lot. Suma, Nisha and Mani became the Program Management Office and at times Preeti was the Technical Consultant.

Our exploration started with the Space Ride and Boy that was a really good one to start with. Into the dark the crafts speeding twists and sudden turns , sudden rises and falling – boy that was one hell of a ride. Later we tried some good animation pictures. Donald Duck was good, other rides like .. hmm don’t remember the names now. Leave it – we had lunch a big Smoked Turkey Leg !!! shared by me, Mani and Suma. Rain also played the spoilsport at times especially during the Jungle Ride. But I think the rain made the journey through the (pseudo) wild a bit sexy.

We went to the Epcot after the stint at Magic Kingdom. Epcot was purely Scientific & Technical. Had a good ride of space mission to Mars. Even though it was a simulated one – The effect was good as Gary Sinise as the Instructor. After a brief confusion of going to TechnoTrack or not an exhausted me decided to quit the rides and went to have a great Decaf and Fruit Dish at the Electric Umbrella Restaurant.

At night we decided to give Epcot adieu and caught the monorail back to Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately we could reach only the main entrance as the monorail to MK was closed due to the fireworks display. We wanted to be there before the fireworks but I think this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I found a position close to the lake where I could see the fireworks at the best. I positioned myself to get the best of the view and got a lot of pics. I had a trouble time holding the camera as I had no tripod. Hoping to get those best.

We waited for the Parade till 12.30 AM and the parade was grand. Grand in every sense. Have no more words to express it.

We reached back our lodge at 2 AM the next day. And Oh Boy – It was one helluva day.

Day 3 – 04/07/2005

Happy 4th of July !!

The day started with the breakfast and driving down to the Universal Studios. Suma and Nisha had bid adieu the morning as they had to fly back to Greenbay.

Frankly, I didn’t like Universal Studios at all. May be because of the hangover of Disney World or may be I didn’t like the Roller Coaster rides J. Anyway it was just ok visiting Universal Studios.

There are two sections in the park - one where they show the Movie based stuff and another Isles of Adventure, where you have all the rides.

The Movie section started with the 4D SHREK. Now don’t wonder what 4D is. It is the normal 3D plus motion. Your seats will get moving according to the scene in the film. If SHREK is riding a horse, you also just feel like that.

The MUMMY Ride was fantastic and daring. It was fast through the fire and water and had steep curves and sudden falls. At times mummies came to frighten us too – it was a bit scary too. The picture that was taken by them reflected – a scared Preeti closing her eyes and covering her head onto Ganesh’s shoulders. I guess this was RIDE.

MIB was a disappointment as we had to shoot pseudo Aliens L . And the boy sitting next to me was complaining when I got bored and stopped shooting – “If you don’t shoot, they will shoot us”. Huh !! How these movies are getting into these kids brains.

We had a heavy Pizza lunch. Mani and I only know how we finished the Medium Pepperoni – I thought Medium was 9 inch in India , but its 12 here :).

The next stop was Hulk – The Roller Coaster ride at Isles of Adventure. I was afraid and so neatly I pulled away from the group – citing some reason ;). Went around and took some pics. It was very hot out. Due to time constraints we decided to make the Jurassic Park River raft our last ride and call it a day. It was another good experience – Dinosaurs coming from the river to eat us and the final plunge to 50ft down below.

We had to rush to the Airport, left our rental back at the parking and checked in at the Spirit. It was time to part. Time flew just like that and as usual the end of every trip is sentimental. Two reasons – parting the jolly group and thought of being back to my boredom world back there in Hoffman. And luck as usual didn’t have any time to visit me as I was boarded onto the flight to Chicago only to be deplaned. The flights to Chicago were held up due to heavy storm there. ATC Order. 1 Hour later the good news came up and we were boarded again. Touched Down O’hare at 10.30 PM and caught the cab to my home. Cops caught the cabbie L. Over speeding, No Seat Belt, No line discipline. Finally at 12 I reached home. Only good stuff during that period after our parting was the Chicken Curry that my roomie had made for the night. Into my dreams Buddy !!

Don’t know when I will make another trip. Don’t know If I will be here for another trip. Don’t know If I would meet any of those characters again. But from the depths of my heart – Thanks Guys for giving me a wonderful trip. You were simply the best. At last we all know where Miami Beach is and how long is it from Washington DC :).

Adiós Amigos.

The Vishu Memoirs

Part I

Venue: My Home in Vadakara - A small town in Northern Kerala, near Calicut
Date: 14th April - Any Year between 1986 to 2003.
Occasion: Vishu at my Home.

"Hey Pee, Come On Wake up.. Don’t you want to see the kani?" There comes my dearest mom in her all new Set and Mundu (Two Piece Kerala Sari) to wake me up at the early hours of the Vishu Day. She is all ready; I can feel it, even though I cannot see her as she had covered my eyes with her hands.

I am to see the Kani which should ideally include gold ornaments, fresh and white cloth, a measure of rice or paddy, bell metal mirror, flowers of the Konna tree, halved jack fruits, halved coconuts, yellow cucumber, and two standing oil lamps emitting sparkling light – all kept in front of the Lord Krishna statue in the Pooja Room of my house. But always things wont be these much elaborate as my mummy settles down with the Konna Flowers, Coconuts, Rice and Coins.

Mummy takes me down, slowly but steadily I am in front of the Kani and I see it - my first sight on the astronomical New Year day of Malayalam Era – the first day of Medam Month in Malayalam Calendar. This is my first sight of this year and of course the fortunes of the coming year depend on this first object I see on the Vishu day – and it should be good. So the important is this Kani Kanal, which literally means the first sight.

One by one my mom brings in my sister and Achan (Father in Malayalam). So naughty my sis is that she used to cry a lot in her younger years. Achan later distributes the Vishukaineettam and it is always equal. I crib.. "I am the eldest, why you are giving the same amount to Molu". No response, he goes back to have another short nap before going to his morning walk. Vishukaineettam means the gift of money to the children and to other people by the elder members of the family and it is always welcome

After the Breakfast we all are off to our paternal house – the Tharavadu where more cousins and uncles are ready to join the party with more kaineettams, crackers and may be a round of rummy (I was allowed to play this only after I became an earning member in 2001). Some uncles are more kind as they grant me more amount of money than that was given to Molu. Hurray, I am happy. Now I can have more bank balance than hers.

Crackers, Crackers and more Crackers. The one with sounds that deafens your ears – Gundu, MalaPadakkam, The rocket -Vaanam, The one that is handled by kids – Kambithiri, The one that can be put on the floors – Nilachakrams – only to here Achchamma’s (Grandmother) scolding saying that her floors will be now good for nothing. There all goes, up in the air and the atmosphere has a smell of gunpowder and little bit of suffocation and fun.

Sadya (Sumptuous Lunch) served on the big Thooshanila (Plantain Leaf) with Rice, different types of Curries, Pappadams and finally Payasams – usually two – one with Semia and other with Jaggery. Now back to long chatting, some may be sleeping, I may be teasing my sister, it’s all happening and it all happens only in Vishu and later during Onam.


Part II

Venue: My House in Pune and My Office
Date: 14th April - 2005
Occasion: Vishu at my Desktop!!!

06:00AM IST:
(Background Music: Good, Bad and The Ugly…)

"Oh where am I!! What is that music?? Oh it is my cell phone ringing.. Now where is that? Oh kept as a bookmark in between the Three Men In A Boat!! "

"Hello!!"

"Hey .. What are you doing.. Still sleeping on a Vishu Day.. Go getup and have a bath and go to a temple"

"Oh Mom – Why are calling me up so early in the morning – I came yesterday very late and that too from Mumbai after my Visa Interview"

"So What, Its Vishu Pee and I want you to go to a temple at least today. And Happy Vishu " and the phone went dead. Hmmm Yet another Vishu, but shall I sleep some more. No but I must go, I cannot lie to mom and she will ask me later in the day if I had gone to temple. In that cold morning I bath and then on my bike to visit the Ayyappa Temple at Khadki

After the temple darshan I am back to my reading world. Yahoo!! I need to go only by 1.30

10:00 AM IST:
(Background Music: Good, Bad and The Ugly…)

"Hello Dhanush, We got some problems in the UAT environment that you built. Please come and look at it urgently." That’s my PM and now I have to report… Oh God!! - Bye Bye J, Harris and George. Will meet you guys at night


10:20 AM IST:
Phone at my Desk rings

"Hello Dhanush, Its Jim here – what is the problem in the UAT" Now it’s the Client’s Turn
"Jim that was a problem with some in-doubt transactions and they are getting locked in the Database"
"Now what is that and why did it come now?"
"Jim I don’t know- I need to look into it and fix it."
"Ok alright then, do that and keep me updated"
"Sure.. Cheers Bye"

This is why I love Google. Search it, apply it, and Fix it. Oh No its 3 PM and I haven’t yet had my lunch. Canteen will be closed by now. The R K Caterers is having something. Thank God the "Healthy (or Unhealthy) Diet meal" is not there. Now I am left with Egg Biriyani. Look at my fate on a Vishu Day eating the Egg Biriyani for lunch and that too at 3 PM

03.15 PM IST:
IP Messenger Says: "Can we have the daily status call at 3.30 PM." Oh Yes Sir.

03.45 PM IST:
Outlook looks out for me with a beep and "You got a new mail"

"All,

Please attend this conference call regarding Bridge Classic Testing at 13:00 to 16:00 CET (GMT +1)
Thanks
LM "

Now what time is CET here? What is the difference? Ok I got it. Reminders Updated

04.00 PM IST:
Outlook looks out for me with a beep and "You got a new mail"

" You are invited for the online testing of our new service at 10.30 to 12.30 EST (GMT –5). Please attend without fail.

Thanks
M "

EST – Eastern Standard Time – what is the difference now.. Oh that will be 7PM here, or is it 6 PM. "Hey RS what is the time difference between US and India"

"One Minute Brother, Abhi Batha tha Hun.. Ok it will be 7 PM our time "
"Thanks Yaar"
"You are welcome"

04.07 PM IST:
IP Messenger Says: "Have you seen this Exception: java.lang.Exception: ORA-20999: No Customer..……." It’s RS and he is tense because his server is throwing out strange things.

"Hey RS, I have seen it man, but I don’t remember. I think its DB related issue with Geneva. Don’t worry"
"Oh Thanks Buddy!! You are great. This is real good information" RS always flatter you and you are elated.

04.30 PM IST:
LM ‘s Web Conference.

07.00 PM IST:
"LM, Can I drop off from the call as I have another call to attend now "
"Ok Dhanush, Cheers". To hell with all these cheers. I am out

After a bathroom break and not-so-hot pantry coffee

07:10 PM IST:
M’s Web Conference

"Dhanush has joined the conference"

"Sorry M, just got out of the other call now only"
"Its alright, we have just started" And M’s desktop moves, mine too.

09:15PM IST:
(Background Music: Good, Bad and The Ugly…)

Oh it’s from home!!

"Hey Pee its me Molu" It’s that naughty sister of mine.
"Edee.. I got no time to talk you now. I am on another call. Will call you later."

09:35 PM IST:
M’s Web Conference

What are they talking about? And why do they want me here, my area is working perfect. Come one M let me go out man.

"Dhanush, the defect 3089 seems to be with your area. Can you please have a look at it?"
"Yea will do that, can you give me some test data to investigate?"
"Oh Ya sure the id is B002347"
"Thanks"

09:52 PM IST:
Phone at my Desk rings

"Hello, Dhanush here"
"Haa patha hai too hi hai , Isliye tho phone kiya there hi extension me" Now that’s my roomies wakeup call to go home
"Tho, Mei Kya Karoo"
"Ajinkya jaana hai kya " – To us Ajinkya always meant less food and more booze and today I am not interested. Today is Vishu
"Nahi yaar aaj nahi"
"Chal Phir Teeek hai yaar – agar thujhe interest nahi hai tho abhi kya karooo. Jaake Mera favourite Aloo Capsicum banathe hai" Now that’s the only one dish my dear friend knows to make, and in that he is the king among us. (Now should I think if Ajinkya Better than the Aloo Capsicum. No No!! Today is Vishu – the New Year day. If I drink today I will be a Bewuda for this whole year)
"Teek hai yaar, Too Banale, tera Aloo Capsicum Khaake kitne Din ho gaya. Aur sun, sabji main Aloo ya capsicum dalna boolna math"

10:15 PM IST:
(Background Music: Good, Bad and The Ugly…)

"Hello"
"Yea Mom"
"Did you go to temple today?"
"Yes Mommy, Don’t you have anything else to ask"
"Okay, Got some Sadya or what. What did you have for lunch"
"Egg Biriyani"
"Why did you have Non-Veg on this day? Didn’t you find any time to go to the Malayali restaurant that you always mentioned? This is the problem with you. No care of values and traditions after you leave home"
Oh Mom!! She started in her usual self. Her worries about me, her particular about rituals to be followed .Oh Mom please understand me.
"……"
"……"
"Any ways you went to temple atleast. Here I have gone to temple and offered prayer on yours and Molu’s name"
"Ok Mom"
"Now what are you doing? Why can’t you go to sleep now and get up early in the morning and go for jogging instead of sleeping till 10 AM?"
"Mom, I am working from 1.30 to 10 PM and at times I come late and by the time I catch sleep it will be Midnight "
"Hmm you and your habits have changed a lot"

No Mummy. I haven’t changed at all. I am still your dear son, who would love to be at home during Vishu, see Vishu Kani, enjoy the Sadya, fire up some crackers and sleep while your fingers run through my hairs.

11:15 PM IST:
J, George and Harris are still on their boat across the Thames. J explaining his tryst with the cheeses. I know I am reading it and still to go along way before I finish it. But things are not sticking in my mind.

11:30 PM IST:
(Background Music: Good, Bad and The Ugly…)

"Hello Petts"
"Hai Macha. Still half an hour to end of the day, so not late to say a HAPPY VISHU"
"HAPPY VISHU da"

And into the night my thoughts went about me, my family, my friends and the Vishu I had with them all. Where are all those moments, which I miss in this Multinational Culture? Where are all those people whom I would love to be with on this day? Missing them all, but not my memories – my nostalgic sweet memories.

Dr Hannibal Lecter wisely said – Memory is all I have instead of a View

Naam Gum Jaayegaa

Chehra Yeh Badal Jaayegaaa

Meri Aawaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai

aGhar Yaad Rahe

---

How beautiful these lines are ...

Name Will Be Forgotten ,

The Face will change

My Voice is the only Identification ..

If it is remembered

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt - A Book Review.

I didn't have that great desire to read a memoir in my small whole life, but this one was different from "My Experiments with Truth" and "Long walk to Freedom". I had glimpse of the book at my friend's hostel in IIT and thought there should be some thing in a book that was being read by a management brain.

Angela's Ashes is not just another childhood memoir that everyone has. It's a book where you can find the childhood heroisms, desire to make it big and poverty all written with a touch of humor. The pain that Frankie McCourt goes through from his birth till his journey to the America is etched in a simple and witty way just like he gives in the start of the book

"When I look back on my childhood I wonder how I survived at all. It was of course a miserable childhood. Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is miserable Irish Catholic childhood."

The memoir is set in the slums of Limerick, Ireland where the McCourts move to from New York after the death of their daughter. Frank's mother's family is in Limerick and Frank's father is from North of Ireland where he fought with the IRA against the English. The situation gets worse when Frankie's younger twin brother dies and the family goes through a period of trauma where his father is not working and has a drinking problem. They live upon the Labour Exchange money, the Dispensary helps, and occasional begging. At the same time Frankie goes to school and tries to build an identity of himself where he begins to work in his free hours with the target of relieving his mothers worries and cries, bringing up his younger brothers and a distant dream of going back to America to make it big. After school he finds a job as the Telegram boy and makes money to end up in the Americas.

Frank McCourt's beautiful words give us an understanding of the pain through which they have gone through and it is that pain that keeps you close to this book. There are emotional scenes etched in the book where he sees his mother begging at the church, when he hits his Mam on the eve of his sixteenth birthday after having his first pint, where the brothers are searching for coal along the abandoned streets of Limerick in the cold nights and also very much the humorous scenes which show the innocence of a child throughout, be it Frank or his brothers Malachy, Michael, or Alphie.

Angela's Ashes is an unimaginable memoir of a boy searching for a childhood in a world where he is forced to take on adult responsibilities. Narrated from a child's point of view (of age 4 to 20) it is a story that is wonderfully written and deeply moving and story about a childhood that you and me cannot even imagine.

I will not say this is a must read, but it is book that is worth a read, it is a book that touches your heart, it is a book that takes you to a world where people existed in absolute misery and it is a book that may change your perspective.

'Tis.

---

Dhanush Gopinath

When Sijin shot me a question last monday : "Let's go to Mumbai next weekend", I was a bit excited bcoz it has been a long time since I took my bike out of Pune. The roadies here in MBT was going through a dull period after the trip to Mahabaleshwar during XMas, so didnt have any long rides.

So When the dates came closer we made sure that Mel and Shana was there in Mumbai, atleast we wanted a place to stay for a day and I know that Shanas House is so BIG for both of us. Even though he was been saying that he wont be there and threatened us with his famous IDIS myself and Sijin decided to go ahead. Its fun after all driving abt 170 kms (Even though Its peanuts according to Arun Petti U R).

So there we were on the chilly saturday morning @sharp 6 AM touching the NH 4 - the Mumbai Pune Highway, of course the OLD one since 2 Wheelers are not allowed on the Express Way. The Highway is scenic, awesome and beautiful and it offers no less the scenary what Express Way offers. Our First major stop was at Khandala to have our morning Snakes- the typical Vada Pav and the Cutting Chai -.After that it was breath taking with a little bit of tension. Breathtaking bcoz of the curves, and scenary. Tense bcoz we stepped on to the Express Way where vehicles move at avg 100km/hr and 2 wheelers are not supposed to ride. Confused ,if we took some wrong direction, we stood there on a side ( U r not allowed to stop also on the Express Way unless its a break down!!) and was looking for some help from others , luckily a Lorry Driver helped as and asked to come with him and told to take the Khopoli Exit. As we approached the Khandala Tunnel we knew why we reached the Expressway. The MSRDC couldn't afford to build another tunnell !!

In the mean time we took some photographs of the ourselves and nature and we sped to the max , till we reached Panvel. Here we followed the good road and after a while reached a road where there was no vehicles. We alone and an occasional two wheeler. Now we knew that we have lost our way. But from where its still a mystery!!.

Some how we managed to reach Mumbra and then Thane and then Shana's Kaperbawdi junction. There he was to greet us with his famous Idis.

Then It was Coooking Time mates !! Mutton Rib Chops, Salad, Rice and Pappadams. Mel I say you missed it!!Isn't that true Shan. 'Tis

Off we were to VT - me, Sijin and Shana. Met Mel at the VT - Times Of India building, went to McDonald's to fill our tanks in. Called up Rajesh Aambakkadan, who is very busy these days with the trainees. He joined us at the Bombay Gymkhana. We walked to Marine Drive. Sat there chatted, gave missed calls to the famous personalities-they called back :) , had some good vayinottams and as the Sun Set, and Nariman Point Darkened we walked again, this time to Church Gate to have some books and then to Hotel Fountain Plaza to have Biriyani and Fish Fy - Kerala Sshtyle.

And when we boarded the train back to Thane, we were totally exhausted. Mel somehow got out at Kanjur Marg to his managerial abode. We reached and slept until the Dolby Joju called at midnight to check if we have slept *&#*#&#%#**

Sunday, the Day II was a day of sleep,kathi and few idis.

Shana and Sijin made a great Egg Curry and we had a sumptous lunch - a quick mood swing from Noodles to Rice ;)
Started back at 3.15 PM and this time we took the new Thane - Panvel Route and Shana, you wont believe it. Its really gorgeous Four lane route, sexy flyovers and what not you wont feel you are over speed even if you are going at 80+ kmph.

We took a break some where on the NH 4. Sijin took over from me to ride into the Ghats and that helped me taking some photos of the Expressway and other scenaries ( God knows will that come good !!! ). Ate some wadas at Lonavla. Back on ride targetting pune before it gets dark didnt work even though managed to reach at around 7.45 PM.

And there we were finally with a lot of satisfaction , sore backs and pains of idis, after a nice warm and pleasant get-to back in Pune. There is nothing great than going for a weekend ride and if that is on a bike its absolutely stunning !!

All you biko guys start moving out of your places- as Sijin aptly said "We found more places in and out of Pune, once we got bikes"

Life was little smooth today, so tried to put in some blah blahs.

Yesterday I got a leave due to India's Republlic Day. Even though I was supposed to come didnt come after consultation with the customer. So how did I celebrate that ??

Woke up late as usual.. went to have some breakfast, saw "Snehithan" on Surya TV. That was damn boring. And "One flew over the Cuckkos nest" is even more ... went to a friends marriage reception.. It was utter bore.. The food was pathetic :((

Had some white wine after coming home - Rahul's UK remains - First time having a white wine... hmm very nice .. and 2 pegs of DSP on top it .. to my dreams.

Today woke up with a bad back pain.

Maria was sizzling, in play and in outfit. But Serena was too good for her.. Oh dear why didnt you convert those 3 Match points.. Why didnt you convert those 2 serves for the match :((.. Waiting till the French Open for u.

Started "Randidangazhi" after finding that I cannot move ".. The cuckoo's Nest"- Priyadarshan's Thaalavattam.

Had lunch in canteen after days. And here I am after finishing the work .. here to John Denver,

Almost heaven, west virginia

Blue ridge mountains

Shenandoah river -

Life is old there

Older than the trees

Younger than the mountains

Growin’ like a breeze

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West virginia, mountain momma

Take me home, country roads

All my memories gathered round her

Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water

Dark and dusty, painted on the sky

Misty taste of moonshine

Teardrops in my eye

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West virginia, mountain momma

Take me home, country roads

I hear her voice

In the mornin’ hour she calls me

The radio reminds me of my home far away

And drivin’ down the road I get a feelin’

That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West virginia, mountain momma

Take me home, country roads

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West virginia, mountain momma

Take me home, country roads

Take me home, now country roads

Take me home, now country roads

... Still remembers the day when pradeep Somasundaram came to my college and sang this - dedicated to his late friend. Oh that was glorious days ...

And when Shimmy in his letter today say that "If there is something to remember when you are away from home , thats college days" I can only agree with him..

But When A R Rahman ".. Par door tu hai apne Ghar se, Aa laut chal tu ab Diwane , jaha koyi to tujhe apna mane , awaz de tujhe bulane .... "

I feel like asking where are my country roads ?? Take Me Home

19th Jan 2005

I had a tryst with Live Server yday. I was doing the installation of the Software on a Live Server for the first time in my llife.. And Oh God I was really nervous ... Hmmm

Life

Life poised to take the form of a stray dog,

Wandering in the busy world.

Without any interesting Work,
Without any changes,
Without any shocks, but stress.

Still around in this IT world,
Attending Calls, Managing Developments and Deployments,
Shucks !! The Life Is So Boring. It Sucks

Where are my views, Where are my thoughts
And to have some views, some thoughts, where is my memory.
Dont have that - knows that my computer has a 1 GB RAM.
Wish to have that.

But Its life mate- and I have to sit in this ugly working hours.
To finish my work, make myself good enough for a good appraisal and
To make my company proud.

I am Done.

Wish to go back and have some porridge with some "Curry".

I Wish I Can.
Man I am really frustrated.

Jeevithathilekku Thirichu Nadakkumbol

Jeevithathilekku Thirichu Nadakkumbol,
Njan..
Veendummaa Vayalvarambin Cheliyil
Mannappamundaakkunna Unniyaakunnu.
Iruttil Kinnattinkarayile Kuli Kazhinju
Eeranuduthu Naamam Chollunna Kuttiyaakunnu.
Schoolavadhikku Maavil Kalleriyunna Baalyakaala Smaranakal....
Padippura Kadannu Varunna Achante Sanjiyile
"Kadala Muttayi" yude Saadhundo Innee,
Valiya Companyude Adukkalayil Janmamedukkunna "Paraatta"kalkku.

Jeevithathilekku Thirichu Nadakkumbol,
Pandu aa Kalaalayathinte Naalu Chuvarukalkkullil
Prasingichu Nadanna Adhyayana Chinthakal.
Vannadutha Sishya Ganangalil ninnu Oodiyakalumbol
Enthe Thiricharinjilla Njan...
Ente Jeevithathe ?

Enthe Annu Njan Arinjilla,
Ente Mannappavum, Sandhya Naamavum...
Ente Maathramaayirunna NeelaParunkikalum... *
Ente KadalaMuttayiyum...
Ente Chinthakalum...
Ente Souhrudhangalum...
Ente Pranayavum...
Oru " Yemensi" yil Thakarnnudayumennu.

Jeevithathilekku Thirichu nadakkumbol,
Ammayude cheetha kettu,
Achante Adi Kondu,
Madhavan Maashinte Chooralinte Choodettu,
Naalom Vayalum, Pullottu Kulavum, Eekanonthavum **
Karangi Nadannu ...
Veettinte Ummarakolaayilil Kidannuranguvan Moham.

Ennekilum
Jeevithathilekku Thirichu Nadakkan Kazhinjenkil.


Kurippu:
Ithu Malayala Lipiyil Ezhuthanamennundu .. Pakshe Parimithikal mollam Kshamikkukka.

* = NeelaParunki , Oru Thram Maanga yaanu .Vatakarayil Kandu varunnava.
**= Achante Tharavaadinaduthe Sthalangal. Eekanontham Oru Valya Kayattamaanu. (Ontham ennu vachal Kayataam)

Nee Marannathu

Innu Nin Koode Nizhal Maathram
Souhrudangal Chuttumundenkilum ,
Ninakkaayi Aarum Kathirikkunnilla
Ninakkayi Karuthi Vachavale
Nee Pirinjathenthe ?

Ormakalil... Aval Veendum Varaarundu
Idaykeppozho Swapnangalilum,
Parayaathe Paranja Vaakkukagal
Enthe Annavalkku Manasilaayilla ?

Ninakavalodu Pranayamaayirunnu ..
Avalkko ..
Ariyumo Ninakku ?
Avalkkayi Nee Sookshicha Vaakkukagal
Jeevithathinte Idanaazhiyil Marannu Vachuvo ?
Ninte Munnil Aval Punjiriyode Ninnappozhum ..
Enthe ..Parayaann Nee Marannu ..
"Nee Ente Yaanennu "

KSHOBAM

Pranayathinte
Nishshabdamaam Thalodal
Eettappol
Avan Kshobichu..

Neeyenthe Innum Vannilla
Ennavan Parithapichu

Avan Oru Kaamukanavunnu...
Avalo.. ?

Avalum Kshobichirunenkil....

Idanilakkaaran

Pranayam Oru
Idanilakkaarante Roopathil
Ente Munnil Nilkkunnu..
Aadhyam Colleginte Idanazhikalil
Kandumuttiya Suhruthinu Vendi,
Kaarmeghangal Neengiya Oru Sandhyaa Nerathu
Njaan Avale Phone Cheythu.
Avanu Vendi...
Avalude Suhruthaayi, Aniyanaayi,
Chettanaayi, Bandhuvaayi...
Avanu Vendi...

Innippol Pranayam
Ennikku Chuttum Nrutham Chavittunnu.
Veendum Suhruthaayi, Junioraayi ..
Njaan Avare Kandu..
Chodyangalkku Marupadi Paranju.
Aval Vilichappol Avan Pokunnathu Kandu.
Avan Vilikkaanju Avalude Paribhavam Ulkondu.

Virasammaya Jeevithachithrathinte
Reelukal Theerumbol...
Njanum Oru Idanilakkaarane Kaathuninnu..
Maranathinte Idanilakkarane...
Aalkoottathil Thaniye
Avan Enne Kaathirikkukayaanu.

The Microprocessor

Nee Urangukayaanennu Karuthi Njaan Mindathe Nokki Ninnu..
Unarnnappol,
Ninte Nishkalankkatha Enne Ninnilekkakarshichu ..
Ninte Mizhikale Njaan Nithyavum Swapnam Kandu,
Ninnil Njaan Layichu Chernnu
Oduvil,
Nee Vittakannappol
Hridayam Vingi .. Enkilum Ninte Spandanangal,
Ennum Ente Manassinte Orma"chippu"kalil Niranjirunnu...