Train to Hell

26^th Feb 2002

“Sabarmati Express 2 ghante late hai” Beeped the man at the railway enquiry counter.

Rehan’s heart sank deeper as he struggled out of the queue and walked towards Nazia. She was standing near the reservation chart with her luggage. He told her the status and added “Actually all the long distance trains get late and especially in night during winters” said Rehan justifying the delay.

Nazia and Rehan were college sweet hearts and she was travelling to Ahmadabad for an interview. They have been dating since 2000 New Year party in college. Their relation bloomed with the beginning of the new millennium and they were planning to get married soon. It was end of Feb but still it was chilly and they were shivering despite of their jackets.

After sometime, Nazia said: “Rehan you should leave now; it’s getting late and colder with every passing minute. I will call you the moment I board the train. Ok?”

Rehan didn’t listen to any reasons and decided to stay back till the train leaves. He picked her suitcase and they started walking towards the waiting room in an attempt to relax and stay warm. They started talking about how important it would be for her to get through the interview and their future plans. The time passed on and after sometime, they dozed off.

It was just 15 mins or so before the aging monster arrives crawling on the rails. They got up hearing the piercing train horn. They came out and stood on the platform. The platform was deserted and some dogs were howling on the one corner. Suddenly, the train appeared from the thick fog and S8 came to a halt where they were standing. Rehan helped Nazia with the luggage and after 10 mins or so the train left huffing.

As Nazia entered the coach, she found the entire coach was saffronised. It seemed like everyone is coming back or going for some pilgrimage. She made herself comfortable on the berth after chaining the luggage to the hooks below. As she was about to doze off, her cell-phone rang. It was her Mom calling. She had informed her earlier about the delay.

Maa: “Beta!! Train aayi ki nahi??”

Nazia: “Maa train mein hi baithi hoon aur abhi station se nikli hai”

Maa: “Chalo theek hai!! Waise beta tumko jyaada pata hai lekin thoda dhyaan se dena interview… Bilkul nervous mat hona. Nayi wali salwar pehenkar jana. Hotel mein pahunchte hi call karna.”

Nazia was listening to her like a 4 year old as she went on mentioning all the Do’s and Dont’s to follow for the Interview. After some more informal talk she hung up and slowly dozed off.

27^th Feb 2002

Nazia woke up rubbing her eyes as she found the train stationary. Lazily yawning she checked wristwatch; it was about 7:45 a.m. As she lifted the window up a cold and spine-chilling gust of air greeted her. Her skin puckered into goose bumps. It was all looking foggy as if it’s all covered with soot. The train was not supposed to halt for so long at such a small station. May be some train is crossing, she thought… She heard some raised voices at a distance which she was not concerned as she was looking for a chaiwallah to cross near her window. Suddenly her phone came to life and she saw Rehan’s name blinking. She picked the call and sat up straight to get a better signal coverage. She told him that the train is stopped at some unknown station and looks like there is some dispute going on.

While talking to Rehan, she saw a man wrapped up in a shawl probably hiding something inside, coming towards her coach from a distance. His eyes were blood red and he was looking very angry. Rehan was listening to her when she asked someone casually:

“Bhaiya, kaun sa station hai ye?”

He heard the man saying “Godhra” and with a sharp shriek the phone went dead.

Chai ki ek Talab

Shruti Kakkad was working in a MNC as a Software professional. She was one amongst the millions of engineers who used to spend half of their life in front of the blue screens. She hated her job like most. She had a delivery coming up in a week and she was asked to lead the team and had to stay back late that night. She was at her desk compiling the code which was sent for her review and the automated tool was taking its own sweet time to complete. Lack of sleep and previous night's hangover were taking their toll on the poor soul. She was not able to hold herself and finally dozed off. The screaming error message on the screen jolted her back to the reality, in her cubicle C-209 from her dreamland. She got up to realize that the keyboard and her cheek were smeared in her drooling while she was asleep. Disgustingly, wiping her cheek she stared at the screen and tied her flowing silky hair in a knot. While getting up she saw the big mug on her desk and she knew what she needed at this very moment.

She expectantly looked at the passing peon and made an eye contact just for a second and he immediately understood what she needed in this cold chilly night.

He said, "Madam, Doodh to nahi hai, chai nahi ban sakti hai." Her heart sank deeper hearing this as she trudged out of the cubicle with a heart heavier than the delivery pressure. Life’s tough. With the clock striking the Cinderella hour, error screen screaming to be addressed, and No tea, Shruti felt as if the world is conspiring against her. It was not fair. Irritatingly she muted the system and went to the ladies room to cover the ruined make-up before one of her many fans sees her. From the ladies room window she saw 2 boys smoking outside the company gate. Immediately she knew what she has to do. She got an idea.

After the quick patch up of the makeup she rushed out and ran towards the lift. From the unlucky floor she started descending to the ground at snail’s pace. The moment the lift doors opened, a gush of ice-cold breeze kissed her freshly painted face. She immediately realized her mistake as she walked past the lobby. The stole was hanging in her cubicle and she should not have worn sleeveless. The security guard saw her and stood. She was taken aback as she didn't expect anyone there. He caught her and knew that she did it again. She forgot to get her Id while running down. Shruti pleaded and explained that it is at her desk and she came in rush. Reluctantly he agreed to let her go. She came out of the company lobby only to realize that it was extremely cold at this hour and she could see the dense fog in distant light. The night was getting more seductive by the minute as a poet would express it. The night was really cold and for once the weather department’s prediction came true, which she chose to ignore earlier that day. She was getting cold with every step she was taking outside. And her teeth were like a Morse code machine, punching the code into thin air coz of the spine chilling winter. kitt kitt kittt….. It was pitch dark outside. She could hear the distant growls of the zooming cars and trucks on the Outer Ring Road. She was determined that her idea will not fail her in keeping her warm and relaxing her. She was little scared, but she saw the boys out there and she knew she will get what she wants there.

Rubbing her hands, in an attempt to keep herself warm, she moved to the entrance gate. At the gate she found that the boys have left and there was no-one. She felt depressed as the last hope was also gone. She was sure that she saw him also on the cycle. All her effort of coming all the way from 13th floor went down the drains. As the human count on the road became sparse, the canines started patrolling with their tails up. Dogs added the required Indian-ness to the office landscape. One of them looked inquisitively to her and after a moment joined its pack, which was howling together at a distance. In spite of all the atheism and rationale she was bred in all these years, she was still feeling really uncomfortable with a pack of dogs howling at a distance for no reason. It was a bad omen. Suddenly an auto driver popped up like a matrimonial ad of shaadi.com from thin air asking if she needs an auto. Looking at him disgustingly, she said "No". Disappointed and dejected she turned back to head to her 4 by 4 cubicle. And then she heard it.

She turned back in anticipation hoping what she heard was true. She realized that the security guard in the adjacent company was whistling trying to shoo away the canines and the sound was not what she thought it was. She thought her fate could not be so bad. How can god be so heartless to a poor soul like her? She heard it again and this time she was sure that she heard it right. She waited with baited breath, voicing the prayers for it to come true. The fog was thick and the service road ahead was pitch dark. From that abyss of darkness she saw a ray of hope, a tiny twinkling light. Her hopes started rising and she was sure that her prayers have been answered finally.

From the pitch dark fog she saw the light was coming closer and getting brighter with every passing second. She could make out a lean young figure walking towards the company gates. Yes, it was him. It was confirmed now. He was walking with his Hero cycle with 2 jute bags dangling from each side of the handle. He was short and lean, may be in his mid-20s. He had a white pair of "action ke sports shoes" on. An unbuttoned orange jacket over a bright red shirt made him look like a character from the nursery sketchbook of a mischievous child. His head was covered in a woolen cap to protect him from the cold blowing wind. She had seen the big steel container tied to the seat. She was never so ecstatic to see anyone ever as she was to see Manoj- the regular guy. She knew Manoj well, as he was Krishna’s brother who used to cook at her boyfriend (Ashish) place. He used to come sometimes to help his brother in cooking where she met him. She felt comfortable seeing him walking towards her. She could not wait for him to come closer. With every step he was taking towards her, she was feeling energized and rejuvenated. Finally Manoj reached where she was standing expectantly. He asked her, if she wants. And then she said, "Manoj, Ek chai pila do". Sipping contently on the hot brewing tea she went upstairs, wrapped up the work and left home late that night.

Next day she went to Ashish's place where he was preparing tea. She noticed he was little disturbed about something. She got to know that Krishna has not been coming since past one week. He told her that his brother Manoj who used to sell tea in Outer Ring Road was run over by a lorry last week and was dead on the spot near her office. A chill ran down Shruti’s spine. Her whole body numbed. Her blood froze. She gave him a scared look and fainted, when he offered her the cup of tea. Still Ashish wonders, why she stopped having TEA suddenly?

Turning 30 :(

Being 30 is something different & not so good. First time this funda made an impression in my mind was when I saw the 30Plus tablets ad of actor Jitender. C'mon, I mean one needs some energy tablets in 30s? Let’s not go that way as yet! One more phrase that was so immensely popular during my college days- to disgust and ridicule somebody - call him 'uncle'. I had a very different 'point of view' about these 30 something uncle category people. Now there is no point in having that view.

They say the average life of an Indian male is about 62. So, technically I am half way through. There are so many things to be done and so much more to achieve. Well, time is running by very very fast. Frankly speaking, I was fine with this pace of time when I turned 20. End of teenage was kind a cool! Breaking the shackles... There was some awesome stuff to look forward to - Graduation, Interviews, Jobs, Promotion, Salary Hikes, Clubbing, Onsite trips, New Bike, Car, Parties, Expensive Accessories and Labelled Clothes. Wooow... I was almost dying to turn 20+. Well, I missed 'girl friend(s)' in that list. I was 23 after my graduation in 2004 and these last seven years have been lightening fast!

The point is, one always expects so much more from life. At 30 I am feeling a bit let down because there is really so much more to be done and very less is achieved. I need to up the tempo for next 10 years because then I will be in my ridiculous 40s. And that sure is crap!

So 30s, here I come. I am sure we will show each other some good time. And as they say - Men look more handsome in their 30s. Certainly looking forward to that !!!

Shame!! Shame!! Shame!!

This appeared in Readers Quotient:

http://www.readersquotient.com/india/shame-shame-shame

It’s been already 1 month we are in to the New Year and Valentine’s Day is round the corner. Very soon the cities, malls and stores would get painted in different hues of red- symbol of love. The season of love will again witness some drama from the moral police claiming their 15mins fame reminding the community what they are capable of. Let’s keep the V-day aside and talk about the shocking headline of 1st Feb 2011 in TOI which caught my eye- “Bill seeks to let 12-yr-olds have non-penetrative sex”. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bill-seeks-to-let-12-yr-olds-have-non-penetrative-sex/articleshow/7400208.cms When I saw this headline, I could not believe my senses and read it multiple times to make sure what I understood is correct. Such a bill coming from Chennai of all the places in the country was a bigger astonishment. The people of Chennai who have filed case against Khushboo’s statement on Major girl’s virginity have proposed for the legal acceptance on minor’s sexual acts is startling. The bill states: “Twelve-year-old children will be legally permitted to have non-penetrative sex with children of their age. The Bill also seeks to introduce a gradation in the age of consensual non-penetrative sex (12-14 years and 14-16 years) against the existing age of consent for sex which is 16 years. It proposes that in case of the age group 12-14, the maximum age gap between partners should be two years. For the 14-16 group, the maximum gap should be three years”. The consent age for sex in Spain is the lowest -13 and looks like India is trying to prove the world that we have arrived and broken all the shackles of our rusted traditions and become global. Is this some kind of mockery of “India Shining”?

I fail to understand why do we need such a bill to be proposed in the first place? Is our country so perfect that we don’t have any major problems at hand to solve? Or is it the government’s idea of diverting the attention from the multi-crore scams and price rise? India is a junkyard of problems starting from poverty to illiteracy, corruption to racism. Instead of addressing the problems at hand we are igniting controversies and hullabaloo on the grounds of morality & ethics amongst the fellow citizens. The proposed person would get his 15 mins fame and the TV channels would get their required TRPs. Under the existing law, if two 12-year-olds get physical and if one child’s parent complains, the other can be pulled up by the Juvenile Justice Board. The panel that has members from National Commission for Protection of Child Rights felt such minor things should be decriminalized. The panel feels that child sex is a minor thing? Will the panel members be alright for their kids to indulge in such an act? I know I would not be. By saying this I don’t believe I am putting myself in the category of narrow-minded people like Shiv Sena or Sri Ram Sene. As ministers say at all occasions “I condemn such a bill” :P (pun intended). This just proves the in-capability of our judicial system and un-accountability of the parents who do not want to inculcate right morals/ethics into their offspring. Anyways we have enough perverts in this country doing, the unmentionable, we all read a lot of rubbish happening, whatever the argument/ legal explanations, by any act of humanity, this is just not permissible, 12 years of age and to allow such thoughts, this stinks big time.

If a similar act conducted by a grown up person it is considered to be child abuse/molestation, then how can such an act be justified if it is done by a fellow child. If child molestation can traumatize the child how child sex can be considered acceptable? This bill would give pedophiles a chance to exploit the law. The bill talks about non-penetrative sex but it will not be possible for young children to control themselves if they get excited. At the time of sex even a sane/adult person becomes insane and actions become uncontrollable. Moreover how will a 12 year old give Informed Consent? At an age where Children should be taught Morals/ethics and the stress should be on Sports and Education, the Government is coming up with a proposal for having sex, that too with a qualifier of being non-penetrative. Children at a tender age can't differentiate between good/bad or right/wrong. What is needed is elderly guidance to humanely navigate them through their adolescence and bring them to their adulthood where they are able to take the right decisions. In a country where talking about sex publicly is a taboo, proposal of such a bill is extremely astonishing act. 12 years is not the age for a child to be indulged in sexual activities and not even for sex education for that matter. Sex education for a child should start from at least 14 years of age. Letting them do such acts and decriminalizing non penetrative sex would lead for more acts of crime. Several questions which need to be answered first:

1) How will government make sure non penetrative act does not end up in penetrative sexual act? Will they be present to stop it? Consequences: Rise in no of 12/13 yr old pregnant girls, increase in number of abortions, Child pornography, and child sex.

2) With introducing this act of decriminalizing non penetrative sex, what would be the fate of sexual harassment acts? That law would become null and void as mostly all sexual harassment faced by women at offices would come under the category of non penetrative acts.

This bill raises a lot of questions on the grounds of morality which is a very sensitive issue specially when it comes to our children-coz everyone is protective about their kids. This bill, if enacted, will become haven to child molesters and pedophiles. We can tolerate price rises, but how can we ever tolerate our children’s future destroyed? Such laws won't help in building a good nation and in building up those who are the future of our country. The Government should spend its time and energy on the more pressing things on hand. It’s really a Shame!! Shame!! Shame!!

Happy Republic Day !!

This article got published in Readers Quotient on 26th Jan 2011.

http://readersquotient.com/india/happy-republic-day

Another year has ended and going by Mayan Prediction we are closer to the end of the world. In a few days India is going to celebrate its 61st Republic day where we would publish India’s report card to the world. Suddenly I started feeling home-sick thinking about republic day. My parents are old fashioned patriots who ensure that special delicacies are prepared on the eve of 15th Aug and 26th Jan, since they felt it’s extremely important to celebrate the milestones of our free country. While engrossed in the thoughts of mom’s special delicacies, a little girl started tapping the window pane trying to sell some tricolors. Her tiny body and saucer eyes made her resemble the classic poster girl for poverty. She tapped on the window of my cab and said, ‘‘happy republic day saab.’’ She was shivering as she sold the plastic flags to motorists, most of whom shooed her away. She possibly didn’t know the meaning or importance of the Republic Day, but she knew that she would make some extra rupees that week. And that made her happy! For the little girl, those few extra rupees may have translated into extra bread for dinner.

Looking at her made me think where is the country heading? What is our government’s goal for the country apart from robbing the common mans hard earned money to quench their desires? Do the people like the small girl on the streets begging or selling toys are ever part of the agenda to start with? It’s been over 60 years of our Independence but how much have we progressed? What is the measure of the country’s progress? Does the country’s progress ever take into account the poor and under the poverty line people? Recently I read somewhere- “According to recent Forbe’s list of Wealthiest people in the world, there are 23 billionaires in India with combined net worth of $99bn.” And on the other hand we have around 40 % of Indians below the poverty line who can’t afford to spend even Rs. 21.6 per day to get the basic 3 meals.

Recently some entertainment channel was showcasing the minute details of the humble billion dollar Ambani Residence with 27 floors and 3 helipads as the world’s luxuriest home in Mumbai, where around 60% of the population resides in slums or streets. When one lands in Mumbai, you get the visual treat of Dharaavi (Asia’s largest slum) and the sorry state of our country which Danny Boyle has painted on the celluloid for the world to witness. It’s difficult to believe that on one hand India have few of the most affluent people in the world (www.forbes.com) who can topsy-turvy the country’s economy, while the other side of the coin is rusted with poverty where people are struggling tooth and nail to survive each day. I don’t have any complaints or resent against the rich and affluent people in the country coz they are in a way face of the country and in some ways are able to showcase the world that India is not a snake charmers country anymore. They have worked hard enough to be in their current position and are working harder to maintain that position which should be appreciated. But what about the downtrodden half of the society? Who is responsible for them? What is the government doing for their upliftment apart from making programs on the paper? The fact is, even though there are facilities/schemes being initiated, the target audience don’t get to know or avail the facilities as there is corruption in every level. By the time the huge issued amount trickles down, there is nothing left for the needy; however documentation would be available to prove that the scheme has been a huge success leading to some more such schemes.

By pointing out all the negative aspects and losing hope I might sound cynical; which is the state of most of the youngsters and educated section. With the current rate of corruption, the country is doomed for disaster and probably our generation would be there to witness it. It’s high time that we think about some measures to get the country move in the right direction. The least we as citizens can do is pay our taxes on time and don’t encourage corruption from our end as must as possible. Stop paying the traffic policemen for the lack of license or signal crossing. Follow the rules in the first place and if not, get a receipt for the paid money. I am not saying that this would change the country’s destiny but could be a stepping stone. The girl like this who is selling flags would probably end up in the metro’s mean streets turning tricks and hustling or peddling drugs, who would never see the inside of a concrete home. For such people the blue plastic sheet will have to suffice. Her bright eyes and cheerful smile will soon be replaced by a hard, stony expression. But chances are she will still be working on the same streets decade from now. Try telling people like them “Mera Bharat Mahaan”, she might just punch you.

2010- Year of Scams

This was published in Readers Quotient site: http://readersquotient.com/2010/12/15/2010year-of-scams/

The year 2010 is about to end and the new year is round the corner with lots of hopes, promises and cheers for everyone. 2010 seems to have been one of the most eventful year in the history of Indian politics since our independence. The year 2010 has been aptly coined as “The year of scams” by the media. This article is just to have a quick roundup of all the major scams exposed. With media and Common Man questioning the government, it looks like a big blow under the belt for our Prime Minister. While our PM Mr. Manmohan Singh is clean and praised for his smartness and intelligence across the world, back home most consider him to be a puppet guarding the throne for the next Gandhi Kin. The rate at which the information about fraudulent business practices involving lakhs and crores of money are getting exposed, India is bound to grab gold in the corruption race. Corruptions like 2G, CWG, LIC Housing loans, Adarsh land scam and IPL to name a few are the top 5 in the pick list. Many are saying India has come of age and soon it will be a powerful country in the world, but with the rate at which we are unraveling the corruptions every day, I only see India moving towards an economic black hole. From Raja to Kalmadi and Yeddyurappa to Ashok Chavan every possible person has looted, robbed and cheated making the common man difficult to trust anyone. Now with some well educated leaders in the power we hoped something’s would change and the country would get a new direction towards growth, prosperity and better living standards for all. But it turned out to be bigger calamity in itself. All the skeletons that have been brought out of the closets are going on for past few years and it took us so long to acknowledge that there is a problem. India as a country has come a long way since our independence and we rest of the world foresees India as a major economic superpower in coming times. Lot has been said, debated and argued about the corruptions. Every channel had their field day with new exposures at regular intervals, sky-rocketing the TRPs, but how many channels have come up with a solution? Isn’t it the responsibility of the journos also to suggest some solutions? Corruption is not new and we all have been experiencing it since decades. From the meter tampering in the auto fare to 2G, from metrics tampering in reports in office to Bofors, from pulses to land, we are omnipresent. Is it that difficult for the government to set a process with full spirit and see to that it is followed with integrity? It’s high time that we come up with some concrete solutions to curb such events. There should be new laws enforced. I personally think that India is not made for a democracy. I believe a bi-party system should be implemented. Presently every tom dick and harry has their own party. A bi-party system will ensure some level of control and also lead to accountability for the ruling party. Apart from that government should mandate a certain level of eligibility criteria for MPs and MLAs; may be a Post Graduation in Political Sciences or for that matter any degree as such. Any candidate with an FIR/criminal record should not be allowed to contest the elections until their name gets cleared in the case. There should be mandatory audit/inspection for every MP/MLAs on their accountability for their portfolio. This will definitely help us take necessary steps before the trillions of money is gulped. Government officials should also look out for eligible candidates from colleges via campus selections for government/municipal jobs based on fair selection process. These steps might sound small and petite but even a mile long journey has to be started with one step. I hope that by implementing some of such stringent solutions and several others which come into the minds of you all which you may like to put them across in the comments and feedback we can probably get some discipline in the way we are functioning and help the country progress in real terms. Hope India ushers into a new era of development in coming years.

Guzaarish

What does life mean to us? Is mere breathing considered to be life? This is the question raised very loud and clear in the most anticipated movie of the year: Guzaarish- story of Ethan Mascarenhas. After painting the celluloid with Black and Blue the ace director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is back with his grandeur. This is a movie which would tickle your grey cells to think if it’s high time to debate and re-look into our judicial system to make euthanasia or mercy killing legal?

Firstly coming to the movie, "Guzaarish" is a story about a wheelchair-bound magician who once used to fly. A patient of quadriplegia, who has to be nursed day and night. SLB is back with his magical formula which got him most of the accolades- a handicapped person for whom life itself is the villain. Guzaarish works on many levels and fails on many as well. Surprisingly, the movie which highlights how imperfect and cruel life can be, everything seems to be unfailingly perfect. He looks too glowing and perfect for someone who has trouble breathing, whose lungs, liver and kidneys are deteriorating... Hrithik Roshan tries to wring every ounce of sympathy in us by laughing in the face of tragedy. It’s only designed to make you love him and feel for him. Only… you don’t after a point. You never really get inside Ethan’s head beyond a certain level and remain disconnected with him throughout the film. Aishwarya is a stunning picture of fire and grace, walking away with certain scenes by her sheer vitality. His student, the wanabe magician, Aditya Roy Kapoor, dresseed like Raj Kapoor in “Mera Naam Joker” is a natural and a delight. One can see the beauty of incandescent Goan landscape that literally transports you to an art gallery. The cinematography is so beautiful that you can feel the goan breeze on your face.

Beyond all this good cinematography and bad performances, there is an important question which the movie leaves behind. Is mere breathing considered to be life? Should Ethan and likes be allowed to die simply because they don’t want to live anymore? What does freedom of life mean to us? Isn’t the right to live is closely linked to the right to death since death is an event of life itself? It’s high time that we think about it and take a pioneering step. I agree life is scared and we ought to live it to the full extent. Is it possible for us as a society to recognize and assert the fundamental importance of life while at the same time recognizing and asserting the right of a terminally ill patient to die with dignity? This is something that our judicial system need to see on the humanitarian grounds and take a call.