Sunday, February 14, 2010

Oh ! What a funeral..

Life is just not complete with these episodes - Growing up, failed relationships, lost love, getting/losing a job, raising up kids, sans a perfect climax - the funeral.

Been to a distant relative's funeral, this gentleman was bed ridden for last 10+ years..(1)

In the span of 45 mins until the final rites to commence, the topics discussed ranged from - Honda/toyota re-call, Maruti 100's being phased-out, what should have been India's playing XI against SA in the 2nd test match, the raising construction cost, etc.. with my intermittent questions on getting to know the life * achievement of the person whose funeral it is !

For the customary sorry-pat for the spouse(grandma) who had spent a rather 60 years of matrimony, I had a torturous 10 mins meeting other characters

- the lovable sister of our hero. To everyone's dismay she had these interesting array of questions to me - When did you come back from Australia ? Wheres your office ? Mount road ? how are you commuting ? Any impending foreign trips ?.. With one-word answers I tried to convey my emotions in vain ! She nailed it by - What do you like to have - Coffee ? Stay over for sometime..

- younger bro in his 70's. Who are you ? Are you related to X & Y ? Oh.. so you dint face any racial discrimination in Australia ?

- Another . How long you intend to be single ? any proposals ?

- Uncle. Few shots on stock market, gold rate..With a tinge of advocacy sprayed during every possible interval on our religion & hinduism, to keep the crowd motivated on the "process" & rituals during a funeral !

For a man who retired from railways dept after 40 yrs of service, raising 2 daughters & 4 grand kids, waged a lone war as a teetotaler amidst his weirdo brothers who were kings in - black jack & black knights ! It all succumbed...

(1) so technically today, its his mere physical death !

Man, all I wish.. to die ONCE !

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I Quit

With no imminent plans and a whale-like belief on myself, I put down my papers.

Wonder whether I had the guts to do something of this sort ever in life. Ok – to contrary beliefs and practice, I dont have an offer in-hand, worst - I dont have a plan, foresight, or entrepreneurial.

First thing, I have been hearing from whomsoever who got to know about this is – Oh wow (a grin), Ok ( thank god - get out of my sight). So where are you heading, (with a raised eyebrow) followed by a hand-shake (dude, how much is the hike !!) - Yikes... $$$ is the bait in the corporate jungle.

Im sure I would have done the same – few years back...Everyone goes through a cycle of answering why?s what?s before they take the - point of no return. Am not publicising this a monumental feat or something. But, for a person whose conservative tam-bram upbringing with these constant overtures - planning, loyalty, job-on-hand, bank balance, “work”, no-mardh-stays-vetti-at home, career-growth – etc . It really is straying away from realism.

Too with the 31 fading fast in the horizon, this irresponsible act of quit-without-an offer is quite disturbing for the folks around me. Being single, adds on to their agony as well. Gosh – you have the liberty to do , just because you dont have responsibility – is what they say to convince themselves. Im sure of being the top of the wannabe-list of some, but hey ! who cares. Its orgasmic and no-one but “i” go through this pleasure.

Suddenly, I wake up to find my days are longer, and I have them for myself.! Sunday is just another day..
Sometimes, life is worth when we decide without any expectation. Just wading through the tide.. does gives some time out . I been really lucky to do that..so far. !!