"Love is with you"

Kruti was blessed with wonderful parents and she got the best of everything in life. Education, extra-cirricular activities like dance, singing, painting, skating - she was a brilliant kid all through and now grown into a beautiful young, intelligent girl. The statement "Beauty and Brains" fit the highly ambitious sweet girl aptly.

Ramu kaka's ginger tea is the key ingredient to start her day with the lingering freshness. Aroma of the chai kept her going all day through. Excellency in all fields, specially remarkable academics recognition landed her in a high profile job. Living her dream in a city that offered the best of bests, she couldn't have asked for more. Roshan Joshi , her immediate boss , appreciative of her achievements, proposed a new opportunity abroad , only if she was interested. Kruti's reponse was immediate and negative. She did not want to leave the city that gave her everything in life.

Roshan repected her decision, quit the proposal. As she moved towards the cabin door Roshan intervened "Kruti Please join in for the party this evening at the La-meadows. I would be glad if you can make your presence there."

Every known big shot of the city was bound to be present at the party.

"I'd love to make it sir, but I think I'd be uncomfortable. I'm extremely sorry".


"Well, I've invited Priya and she will be there for your company. Guess that'll do."


Kruti shrugged a "Yes" in response as she was wiped off the other options and could not help but attend the party.

Priya was the bubbly chirpy girl, Roshan's distant relative and Kruti's best pal in college.

Roshan had an inclination towards Kruti ever since he'd seen her in the college fest 3 years from today to be precise. Not sure of the sorts of what, but he liked her for what she was. Kruti felt the special attention she got but never cared much about it.

Dressed herself in a pink suit that enhanced her beauty by a threshold, she set off for the party that evening. "Enjoy dear. Take care" Vibha , her mom scored from the balcony as Kruti helped herself into a taxi.

Priya was waiting for Kruti at the famous Kala theater junction where they had watched numerous movies during their college days. Soon they were engrossed in speaking about the sweet memorable days and how fun it was. They did reach the destination well on time inspite of the slight drizzle.

Kruti walked in and there came applause from all corners accompanied with music. Bewilderment struck the beauty as she stood frozen at the spot. Not knowing the happenings around, her eyes sparkled at the sight of Roshan who looked stunning in the Black shirt. Priya and Kruti reached the center of the party and as Priya whispered "She has no clue of this party" into Roshan's ears..

"Welcome Lady of the evening. This party is for the success of our company's recent endeavour. Here's Miss Kruti who is the main person behind the success story. Please join me in wishing her more laurels" .

Surprised Kruti lost for words and signalled Roshan to stop praising her.
Filled with joy Kruti exclaimed "Its my pleasure. Thank you all for the profound respect and esteem shown. I've been doing my duty and I love my work".

Roshan introduced Kruti to Mr.Parth Savarkar, the number one icon in the industry of adds and magazines.

Roshan: "Parth has been in the industry for long time now. He started his career a decade ago and his journey so far is very interesting."

Parth:"Oh Come on Roshan,don't you digest your intake if you dont bring these talks once in a while." Smiles:)

Kruti: Listens carefully "Nice meeting you in Person. I have read a lot of your work. They are awesome. The content is brisk and clear. I'd love to follow your steps and some day be the best designer of the era." :)

Rounds of drinks, plates of crips, lots of talks, sharing and laughing continued. Kruti had spoken to her hearts content. Parth was bowled over the stunningly attractive, smashing, sophisticated, elegant and a real beauty - Kruti. They shared a lot in common and became the best buddies in that short span of time.

After dinner Priya settles to stay back at Roshan's while Kruti plans to leave. Parth offers her a drop if she was okay. Kruti checks her watch , it showed 11. Hiring a taxi this time meant unsafe as her home's a twenty minute drive which includes an open park of a kilometer stretch. The thoughts got carried away till Parth pitched in "Are you coming young lady?"

Perplexed Kruti replied "Errrr Yes!" and she got in. Parth , a medium built personality carrying off his well groomed beard, was sitting by her side. He was known for his charming nature and beautiful writing skills. As a teenager Kruti had read his number one seller "Love is with you". She had assumed herself to be the lead in the novel and imagined Parth to be the male lead for his masculine handsome looks while reading the chapters through the novel. Now Parth was next to her in a luxurious car driving her back home. The lines from his novel hovered in her mind as she got close to him, held his hand. Parth, mesmerized by her gorgeousness, and by instinct, let his eyes linger, travel all over her exquisite body. Parth stopped the car near the park. He noticed her breathing going heavy, as she questioned him, if she was doing the right thing. On a note of assurance he responded "Don't worry honey you are absolutely fine in my arms!"

He turned towards Kruti, cupped her face in his hands and drowned himself deep into her eyes. He could sense her finger-tips caressing the nape of his neck. He grabbed her, held her tight as she slumped forward into his arms. she looks up into his eyes, yearning, thirsty, ravishing.
And suddenly, naturally, instinctively, it happens. The most spontaneous, natural, beautiful and passionate experience of her life. Spur of the moment, unplanned, unforeseen frenzied love. Like a volcano.

Kruti gradually come into consciousness, her eyes heavy, body overwhelmed by the pleasurable sensation of lethargy in the aftermath of passion. Everything looks blurred and slowly Parth's face comes into focus. Kruti said "It was lovely".

As she moved her fingers on his hair she glanced at her watch . "Oh heavens! Its 12:30. We'd better hurry".

"One more session" he said tauntingly. Both smile as Parth ignited the car and drove her up to the house in the city.

Kissed him a bye and left him with her mobile number. Running up the stairs she waved back at him with a beautiful smile. She heads to the bathroom and comes out fresh after a hot shower. Sleeps on her cozy bed waiting for his call.

Suddenly she hears the ring and notices an unknown number. It should be him. Who else can it be at this hour she thought as she picked the cellphone. She answers with a soft "Hello".

"Hi, you awake? Roshan here and I was just curious to know if you've reached home safe."


"Oh its you? Roshan are you in senses. Its 2 am and you are worried about me? Am perfectly fine"

"Were you expecting any other call this hour" .

"Er No but I was startled on hearing you" .

"Okay! Thanks for coming today. Its the best day of my life and I love you. ooops I did not mean to say it this way. But I love you Kruti."

Kruti could not believe what she had just heard.

"You are not alright. I'll cut it here.Talk to you tomorrow". She ends the call.

She tried but failed to sleep as thoughts follow. Kruti was the only one who knew about Priya's love. Priya never revealed it to Roshan fearing the betrayal.Yes! Priya loved Roshan deeply. Her parents were going talk to Roshan's parents in a week's time and here he confess his love for me. Sleep fights the thoughts and Kruti falls asleep on her bed.

Next morning with a lot of questions, feelings,thoughts pondering her way, she walks the half mile crossing the same faces and places she has known for the past 24 years. Her cell phone rings and there again its an unknown number. She answers.

"Hello Honey. Are you up? so early.. "

"Hi Parth. Yeah I have to head for a meeting. So on my way..."

"I am still lying on my bed thinking of last night. You are the best thing ever happened in my life."

Kruti blushes "Hey ... You are one romantic pig. Well can we meet in like 30 minutes. If you have some time that is.."


"Honey whats the matter? you sound tensed. "

"Will tell you. 30 minutes at cafe-villa, Thompson Street.Alright"

"And your meeting?"

"I'll postpone that by an hour"

"Okay. See you there soon."
They hang up with a sweet kiss.

Cafe-villa was her favourtie coffee shop. She had completed tons of assignments sitting on that corner table , where her brilliant ideas sprouted. She sits there now waiting for her partner. Parth comes in and the coffee shop owner is surprised to see such a big icon walking into his
small lousy shop on the street. Parth is greeted and welcomed as his eyes anxiously searched for Kruti. Kruti had the same lovely smile , dressed in a floral white peach frock. She stood there waiting for him. As he walked closer, her heartbeat sounded loud. Exchange of Hello accompanied an order for two black coffees.

Worried Parth raised the concern "Whats the matter Kruti. you look pale and lost."

"You know Roshan right"

"Yeah Roshan Joshi.Whats up with him?"

"Last night he called up at 2 to know my where-abouts. First I thought he was a bit concerned. But then.. as he spurted out the words 'I love you' I did not know how to react."

"Oh no. Do you love him? what did you say"

"No :). I love you damn it... I ended the call saying 'I'll talk to him today' and now I'll need to go for the meeting he's set up for me."

"Ohhhhh! So what will you talk to him of"

"I am gonna rightly put across his face that I am in a relationship with you. He better be off from me. Does that sound okay Parth"

"Perfect! But are you sure about ?"

"About what?"

"us"

"Yes Parth.. Are you uncertain? I'd love to be yours forever. Would you be mine."

"Certainly my love."

He hugged her as he said the last line and laid a soft kiss on her cheek. Sipping the last of the coffee they rose from the table and no wonder there were a group of media men waiting to
cover this gossip for their magazines and papers. Parth and Kruti sweeped through them to the car parked in the front and sped away before anyone could question. Kruti apologised for the mess she had caused by calling him down to this low profile shop. He was more than happy to meet her and it was after all their first date. She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder feeling lucky to be in love.

Parth dropped her off at Champa Garden Road which is adjacent to the main doors of her add- center office. Roshan was waiting for her eagerly. When he saw her crossing the road he could not stand still on his feet. A sense of fear struck him and a shiver ran down his spine. She looked so extraordinarily exquisite, so tantalizing, so sensuous, so temptingly inviting, that he could not take his eyes off her. He was there waiting to confess his love for this lady when Priya walked in from the ally on the side. Unexpected it was for him. However Priya was happy to see Roshan's cheerful face and asked him the reason for his happiness. Little did she know of his happiness
or his love. There was a surprising shock waiting for her as he said he was waiting for his Love. Priya went crazy over her heels as she heard him talk of Love.

She hugged him tight. Kissed him and said "Stupid dumbo.Why did you take it so long to tell me. I was waiting for this from years now. I am happy you did it finally. I love you too dear".

Shocked! Deflated. Yes, deflated! He’d never felt so deflated ever. As Priya still stands hugging him, Kruti walks in with her usual cheerful smile. Kruti was confused with what she was witnessing. Priya screamed with joy "kruti you know what.. Roshan proposed. He loves me". Kruti looked at Roshan and Roshan at her. Kruti smiled and congratulated them both on their decision. All the while Roshan held an expression of embarassment.

Kruti could not wait to reach her desk and immediately dialled Parth's number.

"Hello What happened to your meeting. Is it over. Did you speak your heart dear?"

"Oh Parth , That's not necessary anymore. Roshan's heart is already stolen.." She makes this statement and giggles.

"Hey come on. Tell me what happened. I dont understand your puzzles.."

Kruti explained what had happened. Parth and Kruti both had a hearty laugh. They met that evening at the cafe-villa again on the pretext of celebration. The celebrations continued throughout their life then on.



Disclaimer: All characters in this post are fictitious. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is just pure co-incidence.

Happy Krishna Janmaashtami.

Wishing all readers a very Happy Krishna Janmaashtami.

For who do not know about the festival - Janmashtami is celebrated to welcome and enjoy Lord Krishna's birth. It is believed that the birth of Lord Krishna took place when the various planets were in auspicious places.

Lord Krishna was born in Dwapuryug(Iron Age) in Mathura.

If you'd like to know more of this festival and the diety - lots and lots you'll find in any search engine. What interests me most on this day is the various mouth watering delicacies - laddoos and fried crispy murukkus(chakkalis), kodubaLes.

Hmmmm as I write these lines my tummy is calling for some.. I'll leave you with a kannada poem which talks about a devotee who is trying to call the Lord Krishna -who has disappeared in Kalyug. Offering his devotional prayers he'd love to hear Krishna as an infant or young boy playing a flute. He wants Krishna to bring joy, love and happiness into all spreads of Life.


ಬೆಣ್ಣೆ ಕೃಷ್ಣನ ಕೊಳಲ ದನಿ
ಕೇಳಬಯಸಿದೆ ಇಂದು ನೀ
ಕಲಿಯುಗವಿದು ಮರೆತೆಯೇನು
ರಾಮ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಇದಾರೇನು ?

ಮರದಡಿಗೆ ಕುಳಿತರೇನು
ಕೊಳಲನೂದುತ
ಮುದ ನೀಡುತ
ಗೊಲ್ಲ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಬರುವನೇನು?

ಕೇಳಿಕೊಂಬೆ ನಿನ್ನಲಿ
ಕೃಷ್ಣ ನೀ ಬಾ ನಲಿಯುತಲಿ
ಮನದ ದುಗುಡ ದೂರಾಗಿಸಲು
ಸುಖವನ್ನೆಲ್ಲೆಡೆ ಚೆಲ್ಲಲು

- ಅಶ್ವಿನಿ

ಸಾಧ್ಯವೇ ?

ಎಲ್ಲವನರಿತ ನೀ ಏಕೆ ಸುಮ್ಮನಿಹೆ
ಕಂಡರೂ ಕಾಣದಂತೆ ನಿಂತಿಹೆ
ನಿನಗೇಕೆ ಅಂಜಿಕೆ ,ಶಕ್ತಿ ಕುಂತಿತೆ ?

ಕಡಿದಾಡುತಿಹರು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬರನೊಬ್ಬರು
ಬಂದೊಮ್ಮೆ ನೋಡಬಾರದೇ ಈ ಶಹರು
ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಅವರದ್ದೇ ಆದ ಕಾರುಬಾರು

ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಗಲೀಜು , ಮಂತ್ರಿ ಹೊಲಸು
ನಿನಗಾದರೆ ಕೊಂಚ ಪನ್ನೀರು ಸುರಿಸು
ಹುಚ್ಚು ಕುರ್ಚಿಯ ಹೊಡೆದಾಟವ ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸು.


Gist : I am hereby asking the unseen Lord to try and put an end to the unwanted political disorder in the country. Who so ever , what so ever we need some peace ! Can you please bring it down to this land I live.

Confusing Coins.

Last week, an evening as I sit watching a reality show on TV, dad came home with a set of coins and placed two coins on my palm - heads facing up. He then asked me to guess their denominations. Instead of wondering why on earth he is asking me such a silly question, I rather concentrated on the coins. Without any hesitation replied back - Of course appa(Dad) they are one rupee each. He had a cunning smile on his face which revealed the signs of his victory. Yes he won the game. They were two different coins - 1 rupee and 2 rupees in denomination. I stood there gaping at the coins for a moment.

He then placed another pair of coins and repeated the same question. This time I was defintive than before. In a confident tone I said "You cant fool me around. These are 50 paise coins. Aren't they ?" He smiled again.
On no not again. They are of 50 paise and a rupee denomination , he replied. The confused me was now even more confused.

Beware people! There are new series of coins with improved design and revised size in the denominations of 50 paise, Re.1, Rs.2, Rs.5, and Rs.10 released recently. These new coins carry the new Rupee Symbol as well. Don't get duped as I did.

The 50 paise and 1 rupee coins are of same size , so is the old 1 rupee and new 2 rupee coins. Check before you hand out some change next time. Ensure you have the right number on the coins :)

I dont understand why they need to mint these varying size for the coins each time they release new series, causing a hell of confusion for the consumers. Are they reusing technology and modifying the existing plant to only change the number on the coin??

What are your thoughts??

Note: Snapshot of the coins - I'll post them later this evening probably once I get back home.

A Day out in Lal Bag!

This was not the first time I visited Lal bagh. Yet it had its own charming welcome. Colors around and pretty decorum made it the perfect outing. Alone I started this journey and the best part of the day was the attractive Lal Bagh Flower show. Its been a beautiful part of my life now as I can cherish the memories viewing the clicks I happened to capture in the lens - How ever they dont match the real view that's stored in my brain :) Lucky me - to have been blessed to see this colorful nature.

Part of the Independence day celebrations started a week before the actual date.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Flower show and here is a glimpse of what I saw in Real.
Next time if you are in Bangalore either during the Republic day weekend or Independence day weekend and if you love colors , nature and gardening - Please don't miss this event.

Vande Mataram. Jai Hind!

Macro shot of a Dahlia in white and Maroon.











That's an Anthorium in Red. Loved the contrast.










The Lotus mahal built out of 75 thousand white roses. Is'nt this amazing?













Tri color - and the patriotism shown..


















Freedom - True spirits . We are free..















An exhibit showing a man and his wife - totality through vegetables. This was yet another highlight of the event.



I have tried to show you only about 5 % of what you can see in Lal Bagh.. So for the remaining 95% you'll need to head to Bangalore!



Fear!

Days and nights
Come and go
Simple it looks
The life that throw
problems at you
making you the "STRONGER YOU"

Banking your strength
A step a time you took
Came a demonic hurricane
Strong winds blew
Stronger you stood,
little you shook

Was it the fear within?
You constantly yearned to win.
Burn down, Feel the cry
Weep along, Dont be shy
Vision clears
Gone are the fears

Start afresh holding the happy
- strings of life.
Don't you worry
No happiness comes easy
Push and Pulls - Prone to happen
No matter what season
Keep those lovely smiles coming.

Wet weekend!

The Meteorological Department had its forecast in place, ahead of time. Wet weekend it had to be - So was it.

Friday evening as I sit on my chair keying in some words making the rugged program work accidentally happened to glance at the window and my vision is stuck to the dark clouds. The setting at any IT office is pretty much similar - Lights are on throughout, giving an imaginary illusion of day beyond 6 in the evening as well. However I sit in a place that gives a clear view of the sky.

Hurdling through the bustling traffic, avoiding as many potholes possible - made the trip back home in a ridiculous 3 hours drive. Cars carried mud along, auto rickshaws pulled themselves with all the strength - drivers making the best of the opportunity. Bikers - ones afraid of falling sick took shelters off the road until the rains mellowed a bit, the ones who did'nt care of drenching - zoomed along.

Adding to the splashing surprise for the city on Friday, more rains and thunder-showers were expected on Saturday. That ruins the weekend gala time I get. The optimist inside me did not loose hope. Thoughts were grinding in the busy mind - on how best to utilize the wet weekend.

My previous post says Cooking is something am passionate about. So goes it - Saturday morning I hit the kitchen and made some delicious custard. Indeed Delicious !! Snaps.... OOOOps haven't clicked one.

It had been a while since I had given myself a little pampering and so decided to visit a parlour after one wholesome lunch. No signs of rain and I was blaming the authorities for announcing a wrong forecast. As the beautician continue with her fine line of work, I could hear the drops of rain. In no time it turned heavy and only thing I hear is a constant sound of water splash. I grumbled and mumbled to myself , reason being I'd forgotten to carry an umbrella. As I walked out, the downpour continued and guess what ?? - I loved the rains. I kind of enjoyed every drop touching the ground. I could smell the freshness around. Was lost in an unknown world of simple pleasures. That's the magic of rains.

The rains receded after a non-stop pouring for an hour and a half. Cold weather and hot Rasam for dinner. Exactly what I wanted. Heaven is no comparison to this combination.

A new day with a new dawn - birds sang along , Green leaves danced in unison - that's when a bunch of friends head out jogging in the Bangalore University campus. An awesome way to start the day. I'd already planned for the best to-do activity for the weekend - visit to Lal bagh for the Independence day flower show. New blooms and the wet weather complimented each other perfectly. Few clicks and a simple stroll kept me healthy for the rest of the day.

What more could I've asked from a wet weekend?

[Before you ask for some snaps I'm hinting you on the next post up here! Independence day - flower show. Chao bye for now.]

August 2011 Calendar shot.

Comes August here creeping in through the winds.


[Click on the image for a better resolution]

Details of the Capture
Camera: Nikon D3000.
Place: Leavenworth,WA.
What's it? : String of beads on a lampshade.

Some facts of the month August which might interest you:

* It was originally known as Sextilis in Latin , mainly named so as it was the sixth month of the original ten-month Roman calendar in 753 BC under Romulus[one of the founder of Rome].

* In 8 BC it was renamed in honor of Augustus.

* In the United States, August is National Goat Cheese Month

* In many European countries, August is the holiday month for most workers

* And Yes Am not forgetting 1947, 15th August - Indian Independence day.

The list doesn't end here. If you have something new to share about August please do not hesitate putting it up here.

And now for the September which pic do I choose???


Please check my photoblog thats running from about a month now @
"Unveil the Colors"
Feedback much appreciated.

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