Tag: people

Accidental Bestseller

His book was on the best sellers list and it was the worst possible thing that could have happened. – Today’s Author

He had never expected to send that draft to print; it was his first novel, and it was meant to remain unpublished.

Despite the people who appreciated the work, he knew it fell short somewhere. After countless scrutinizing drafts later, he had decided to put it off for sometime.

Then came the flourishing era.

He wrote another book, published it, and from there, his path was paved with success.

Throughout the years, the first novel remained a draft, collecting dust in his drawer. He never made an effort to revive it.

His family tried to coerce him into getting it published but he wouldn’t budge. He had convinced himself that his first book wasn’t meant for public readership.

Then it happened.

One bright Sunday, he left home for his morning walk, never to return.

Floating in mid-air, he gaped longingly at the shelves. After what seemed like hours, a young girl picked up a copy and flipped it to read the synopsis.

He read it over her shoulder.

“The critically acclaimed first work of the great novelist Bradly Wilson, published posthumously by his loving family.”

“This is his greatest contribution to the literary world. Pity he never got to see it in print.” — The New York Times.

“He was always like that; he gave away a lot without trumpeting it” — Mrs. Wilson.

Ride of a Lifetime

ride of a lifetime

Her eyes lit up as he came to a halt. All her life, she had been dreaming of this and within two days of his first visit, he had made it a reality.

“Hop on!” He smiled. With a fleeting thought of her parents, she got on the bicycle and held on to whatever little part of his shirt she could.

As he sped on, the heavens opened up and the chilly breeze kissed her face, brushing her soreness away.

For the first time, she felt bliss.

When he dropped her off at the hospital, she knew something had changed within. She was free. As she followed the nurse inside, the seven year old was hopeful.

Ultimate Fitness

He was not going to allow the cold, wind-driven rain to change his plans. Today’s Author

He replayed the motivational speech in his mind.

“Fitness is everything.”

He took one look at the wet street through the window, heaved a sigh and turned to his unmade bed.

What wouldn’t he give to cuddle up inside those comfortable sheets?

No. He had to go, it was his destiny.

He imagined the roads calling to him. With fierce determination, he walked, away from his bed, to the front door. Opening it, he stood on the doorway.

Squared shoulders and head held high — a perfect silhouette. As he took the first step onto the rain-lashed road, the camera zoomed to his shoes, and on it was the logo, bright and shiny.

“Yolker: Dare or Dare?”

Applause broke out as the advertisement ended, and up on stage, Richard’s face glowed with pride.

He thought of that wet morning. Motivated by a fitness advertisement, he had run uphill on a cold, wind-driven rain — only to slip and dislocate his spine.

That day, he realized: lying sells.

Smiling serenely, he accepted the award from his wheelchair.

Let’s Get It Started!

Wishes abound —
Celebrations galore — lights aglow,
Resolutions, that last a week.

No matter how cynical, the first day of a new calendar year is nothing short of joy. I had a quiet day of rest and relaxation – just the way I like it. Hope you all had/have a good day too.

It’s official; let’s get it started. New year, hopefully happy.

Let's get it started

Now That’s the Kind of City I’d Love to Live In

I recently went on a family trip to Pondicherry. I know they say  Pondy isn’t a place for family, but that’s just the common notion.

If you spend only a couple of days, relaxing and doing nothing else, Pondy — with its beach an all — is a great holiday spot. Of course, not to mention it’s the hottest spot for booze when you’re with friends.

That said, I was impressed with how the people of the city manage to maintain discipline and decorum despite the thronging crowds. Here and there, are posters and banners that prompt people to “keep the city clean.” And surprisingly, unlike in the case of other despicable Indian cities, people heed these posters. Perhaps the presence of such a vast foriegn populous is also a reason. That’s how people are; no matter how unclean they are on the inside, they want to put up a show of divinity in front of strangers.

Human blunder.

But Pondy’s more than just a clean city. It’s the kind of city I’d want to live in. And that doesn’t happen often. We stayed at a hotel on the beach road, overlooking the ocean. It was a great experience, sitting on the balcony, staring at the waves crashing on rocks.

Pondy beach

Seeing the waves, you can’t help but wonder at the lack of vehicles on that road. That’s because the government regulates traffic in a way that I’ve never seen anywhere before.

All vehicles, including motorcycles, should move out of beach road before 6 pm. Every evening, they have a truck moving around the street warning vehicle owners and the general public to move their vehicles out of the street. Any vehicles that violate the regulation will be locked and will be released only after 11 pm — with a court petition.

This is a safety measure for the civilians who visit the beach after the peak hour of 6 pm. The best part is that this drill is extended ‘till 7.30 am the following morning. And it’s not a vain attempt either; the beach is filled with enthusiasts during the late nights — though it does get a little quieter after about 11 pm. But there are a lot of early-risers embracing a fitness regime, as early as 5 am.

It’s one of the greatest thrills of life, to wake up to the mild noise of crashing waves, watching the sun rise, rather reluctantly, out of the clouds. And to witness all these without the smoky and noisy vehicles zooming by.

Pondicherry is a great place. The government doesn’t urge its people to “get to the safety of their homes before nightfall.” Instead, they make the city safe enough so that people can enjoy their freedom without compromising their wishes. (You can’t sit in the Chennai beaches after 10 or 11 pm; the police will get way too dutiful.)

Now that’s the kind of city I’d want to live in. I know it’s difficult to bring this control to the rest of the city, but just the beach is enough — for a start.

Pondicherry made me feel welcome; it gave me a sense of belonging. And the warmth that spread through my veins as I looked on at the beach, is something I’ve never experienced before.

It’s an experience of a lifetime.