Chat Friends

School friends, college friends, Office friends are very special people in our life. We really can't live without them. But what about our chat friends? They are our mere unknown-unseen friends. Rajeev, my (college) friend used to always say "Chatters Are Cheaters and there cannot be a true and pure friendship or love in this world of cheaters". I too beleived him, only till 2 years back when I met my school friend, Revati after 6 long years.

Some 8 yrs back, Revati told me that she was getting married to Avinash-her chat friend. I knew that they were chat friends for almost 2 years but the idea of them getting married, at first did not appeal to me; but I knew it was meaningless explaining her anything. The only thing I could do at that point of time - pray for her happiness.

Revati got married and went to United States. Even her parents shifted to some another place and so there was no idea about her whereabouts.

2 years back, all of a sudden, I met Revati in Mumbai. We were really excited to see each other after so many years. She was accompanied by Avinash and her cute son, Adi. I could understand that Revati was enjoying her family life and Avinash had played a great role of a perfect husband. Looking at the happy couple I really thanked god for all the happiness in her life and even prayed that this continues forever and ever and ever.

On my way back home a thought came in my mind that All Chatters Cannot Be Cheaters. There can be an exceptions like Revati and Avinash. There can be true and pure love or friendship between Chat friends.

I could rightly say then....

Rajeev, I dont beleive you.

High Hopes

Some 4 months back i had been to Goa, my home town, to attend a family wedding. I met one of my college friends with his family after 10 long years. We were really happy to see each other after a long period and recollected our college days, the fun-week, the bunking of the lectures, the teachers, our favourite place - Bappa's Canteen and about his special friend Ria-full of attitude.


While we were sharing many things I started realizing that this guy had changed a lot. His confidence was a reflection of a different 'Sahil'. This guy used to hardly attend lectures, call me on the previous day of exam to ask about the time-table, the syllabus and so on. I used to really get bugged and tell my maid to tell him I am not at home.



Today, Sahil is a well-known Chartered Accountant and works for a reputed Multi-national company. I advised him to get married, but did not get a clear response from him. Finally came to know from his mother that he was still waiting for Ria who was not in Goa and was out of touch for 10 years. His parents-friends had tried to convince him a lot but in vain. 'HIGH HOPES!!', just slipped from my mouth. At once he replied 'HOPES SHOULD ALWAYS BE HIGH AND HOPES NEVER DIE'.


I came back from Goa and my routine began. I just forgot about my Goa trip and Sahil. Today morning, my cell showed Sahil calling, i was surprised to get his call. He was very happy and told me that he was marrying Ria. That was a real pleasant shock!!


Everyone might not be as lucky as Sahil, but being super hopeful might not be a super-bad idea either.

Modern Day Extortion

One fine morning my friend Rashmi, called me and asked me whether I was willing to send my son Raj for a fancy dress competition organised by a local club. The idea looked cool. I immediately agreed to accompany her.

Raj was merely 3 yrs old. Convincing this guy was a tough job.

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Me: Raj, Rashmi Aunty had called, Esha is going to act as an Angel on the stage she asked you to come with Esha and give her company. Shall we go my baby?

Raj: What am I going to do there?

Me: Raj, I'll dress you up as Shivaji Maharaj. You would make a great Shivaji Maharaj.

Raj: Wow Shivaji Maharaj!!...Will I get a sword?

Me: Yes dear, you will get everything. Sword, shield, royal clothes; but please don't ask for a horse.

Raj: Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji!

He ran away from me. I was happy that I had successfully cleared the first step of convincing him.

Next day:

Papa: Hey, my Shivaji Maharaj...how are u this morning?
Raj: What am I to say on the stage?

Papa gives him two small sentences to present.

Raj: So much?

Papa: Baby, u'll be appreciated. The people should feel that they are seeing a real Shivaji Maharaj. Participating on the stage is not very easy. It shows how smart you are. In future there will be many occassions where you have to participate. At that time you can't run away from the situation. You have to try from now. In future it won't be a big deal for you.

Raj: Ok...

The day of the competition rose.Time to go on the stage...

Me and Papa: ALL THE BEST!

Raj: I am not going!!

Papa and Me: Why?

Raj: I don't feel like saying anything there.

Me: You have to! Come on!

Raj: Ok...Then i want the big car which we had seen last Saturday.

Me: You wont be getting it. It's too expensive.

Raj: Ok...Then I am not going on the stage

Papa: Ok...will get it but please go now.

Raj, in his excitement hardly said anything of what we had prepared.

Raj: C'mon hurry up! Lets go...The shop will close

Me: But u did'nt say anything

Raj: Atleast I participated. Let us not waste time now!!

Before going home he made sure that his Papa's wallet was lighter by 2000 bucks.

Today's kids know how to time their demands well. This is what I call modern day extortion!

Wakeup Sid

Wake Up Sid is one of the best movie I have watched in recent times. Was very lucky to get the first day first show tickets, and enjoyed the movie thoroughly. Well done Mr. Karan Johar! But along with entertainment, there was something about the movie that made me a bit uncomfortable, perturbed me a bit. I wanted to put that down in words, but it took me some time to figure out what exactly was it that hit me so much.

And then, figured out what it was, after a few days. There is one incident in the movie where Sid insults his Mom very badly that set me thinking...have I behaved in a similar manner with my parents? There may be many circumstances where I might have done so, but did not realise it or rather even if I did, must have never bothered to say SORRY.

When we get out of our house, may be, for further education or for job or after we get married we face a new world around us. This is the time when we really miss our parents; we are at our own to deal with our problems. And then, we realise the sacrifices made by them for us. The sleepless nights which they have gone through when we were sick. The compromises they might have made when they faced similar problems just to ensure good future for their children.

The returning of Sid at home according to me, is the upbringing of his parents which made him realise that he had made a mistake by leaving his home.

We too are blessed with loving and caring parents who are always beside us in good as well as bad times. So let us all thank god for such wonderful parents and try to utilize the opportunity to serve them to the best of our ability in the years when they need us the most.

Exams nearing......

Oh no....not again! The same exam fever, this time its not me but its my 7-year old son, Raj. He is in class 2 but i feel he has so much to study. I hardly remember my school days but I doubt whether I needed to study even a fraction of what my kid does.

Today, these kids have so many other curricular activities like Music, Sports ,blah, blah, blah. Me as a Mom want him to study first and all those activities should be given a back seat; but at the same time i want him to know each and every little thing which I feel will matter a lot in his future life. Though others might feel this is putting him into a rat race, like Ishan Avasthi's father in Tare Zameen Par.

When i sit alone and think, I sometimes come to a conclusion that i'll be happy even if he makes his career in Sports or Music or for that matter even as a Bollywood Star, but at the same time he should be very sucessful in whatever he does.

BUT....Education matters a lot, gives you that humility, and that cultured behaviour, that will stand out in whatever you try to do.

Hey, Raj, hope i am not torturing you my baby.