Fuzzy days

I thought this blog was as good as dead. But then something came up. Something which was at the back of my mind for a while.

How we have strong notions about certain things?
How these whims diminish/transform over time?
Why is the cliche "Change is the only constant", one of the best truisms?
Here goes:

My naïve obsession with that cup of 'chai',
Let me reveal today, it’s just about to die.
I know for sure that this admission is risky,
The chai cup has been replaced by Scotch whisky.

That simplistic joy of a 'local train' ride,
Is not enough anymore, I have to confide.
Happiness has a new dimension my man,
As I breeze on the freeway in my sleek sedan.

Those mountain treks & that sweet earthy song,
All that is passé, fun is in night clubs and beer pong.
The roadside 'vada pavs' & chilies that make you cry.
Not for me these days, I just stick to bland 'stir-fry'.

The Hindu and The Express now fade away,
CNN/FOX are the ones that make my day.
Do I care a hoot if it is the UPA or the NDA?
What matters to me is the Romney-Obama fray.

Test match whitewash, cricket down the rabbit hole,
As me what I feel, I just tune in to the Superbowl.
I smile sometimes, when I look back upon the past,
How was I back then, what an amazing contrast!

Time where art thou?

I did not plan this as a blogpost (But I decided to turn it into one). Recently, I had a discussion with a few friends as to how each one of us plans his/ her blogposts. I was convinced by what one of them said. Sometimes spontaneity should win over planned perfection. Hence no formatting (well minimal formatting - to be honest!!). No write ups prior to posting. My first attempt at an impulsive post.

The pace at which the last few days went by - I'll have to say, "Time where art thou?" But in spite of all this haste, I spent some quality TIME with friends. (Names listed in a random order !!!)

Sunil: My original ‘chaddi buddy’. Came from Baroda for 4-5 days. Had ‘chicken dinner’ at his place as usual (the guy does not even touch chicken but he knows my love for the thing!!). Bartered some books with him (something we have been doing since 5 years now). Saw him off on a train to Baroda at Pune station. Had no time for our usual outings. Tried to pack as much conversation as possible in the 2 meets we had. Was the first in the list of close friends whom I bid adieu.

Sourabh: The second ‘chaddi buddy’. Yet to meet him. Just back from the South Korean odyssey. Has promised he’ll come over this weekend.

Sanju: Stayed back in Pune for one more day (23rd May to be precise) in order to meet me. (He left on 12:15 am 24th May !!!). But we enjoyed a lot.

Minakshi: Was in Pune for very short duration and had to do lots of things in the small time span. Yet we managed to squeeze in a 4 hour talk session at the BC.

Sayali: This busy, busy girl is always BUSY. Dunno when I should meet her. She has promised that we will meet once. From what I know of her, she will keep her promise. (Plz don’t disappoint me !!!)

Suyog: Could not come with us for the trek. But met me the next day. Went to the temple with him. Did not have enough time to engage in some serious talk – like we usually do.

My friends at Hyd (especially Shriek and Naidu): Came all the way from Hyd for a trek to Lonavala. Met them at the station – for about an hour (Each one of them was happy that I got away from Schhyd ;)). Shriek got emotional as always (Naidu was uber cool as always!!).

My friends at the Debating Club:

Shaizeen: Met her once at the BC. Got to know that she’ll be apping soon. Told her to aim for the Ivy League.

Swati: Perhaps the only person to whom I’ll say, “Sorry I will not be able to meet you.” Really sorry.

Mak: We already met thrice (Pune , Nashik and Purandar). Every single time we resumed our senseless (to others !!) discussions with the same enthu. Visited his room at the hallowed IIT, Bombay campus. Let me tell u the guy is an epitome of perfection and orderliness (I am dead serious out here). Survived the ‘honeymania’ along with me and Saurabh.

AJ: Met me twice in Mumbai. Went to his place. Took me to some place where ‘the bade log’ watch films. Saw the super crap "Kambakht Ishq". Cursed ourselves for spending 200 bucks for such bull. Camped in his house for the night. Talked for 3 hours nonstop. (12:30 to 3:30 am). Slept at 4 in the morning. Woke up at 6. He made some amazing chai as always. The day was screwed (especially for him) due to sleep deficiency. But who the hell cares.

Ballu: Met him at AJ's place. Conversed for about 45 minutes. Long talk by his standards.

Big B: Met him about 5-6 times after coming to Pune. Hosted the amazing Nashik trip . Was here this weekend as well. Had a cutting chai with him as always. Had one last run to Shivajinagar station together. Caught the local just in time. 3 year track record intact (of catching every local we've ever run for). Will see him again on the coming weekend. His way of making amends for not being able to see me off on 2nd Aug.

Rujuta: Met her twice in Mumbai (with AJ of course). Brought a box of sheera once. Well made - pan AJ chya hatachi chav nahi. Thanks a lot for it though. Took me and AJ to CCD. Ordered something exotic (Still don’t know what it was – some strange fusion of chocolate, ice cream, cake and God knows what else – tasted out of this world though – lady the last sentence is a complement. Trust me.) Came to Pune specially to meet me.

and finally.............

Saurabh: Met him countless times. Every single time I called out, he was there. Showed what he can do for his friends when he came all the way from Parvati to my place (just a day b4 he was going to Powai). Took me to Powai along with him. Played 'big brother' really well after my mom asked him to 'take care' of me. Was the first person who said he’ll come to see me off.

The morale: If you desire to meet your friends (and the desire is strong both ways) you'll make the most of all the TIME you have.