Dear friends,

Time has now come to say goodbye to you all. My spaceship from my planet has arrived.Like every good thing in life,this stint was also temporary in nature.I knew all along that I will have to go one day but it was difficult to reconcile in mind.But what to do?Our life is like that.

When I first joined this I land ,I was not knowing much about blogging.I had heard about it from one of my friend.I used to write during my college and university days.When I joined service,the tempo was difficult to maintain.Many other things like job and family became the priorities.Being at a different Planet[rather country] all alone, gave a new lease to my writing life through this I land.I could again be creative.i thank Rediff i land for it.

It was never a thought in me to have or develop relationship here,when I started.I just wanted a forum to express myself.But some how I developed a very intense relationship with many of my friends.This may not be understood by many of them but to me this was a very emotional experience.the thrill I get in visiting the I  land can not be explained.It was like a magnet.

Many of my friends are confused about my identity.Though many of them know my real name,they do not know who I am .I am a simple ordinery  man--47 yrs old,Insurance Professional by profession.My family consists of my wife and two loving daughters,aged 15 and 9.By Zodiac I am a Scorpio.I like to read,travel,see movies,hear good music,meet new people,eat variety of food and know new cultures.I  had a varied life and travelled a lot in India mainly, including some of the remotest areas, due to my job.

Why I am going?Well day to day pressure of life may be one of the thing,which is too much to handle.Also,there may be other reasons but difficult to explain at times.I do not know, if  situation improves then I may come back again some day.I hope you will then remember me and will not forget.My blogs are all there for you.If you feel, you can read them sometimes,which will keep me in your heart. 

So thats all about me,I will conclude this letter to you in my next blog which may look like a vote of thanks but really, will be expressed from my heart.

-------------------88888888-------------------------

And the moon was up there, bathing the whole area of Chikaldhara.The jungle was surrounded by the isolated Bunglows of the Resort in a semicircular manner.A man and a woman were walking side by side stepping over the muslin of moonlight on their path.The fragrant air brought some chill,thus giving an excuse for both to come closer.It was as if  like that somebody up there, was upto his favourite pass time of puppeteering.

Why you did not stay there,with them?-She asked.

Well,today I  was also not in the mood to be with them.I thought ,it will be a better idea to go for a walk.Specially with you.

What is so special?

He smiled but did not reply.

Sometimes when I see the darkness in the forest-She mused-I feel afraid.As if something is hidden inside and will suddenly come in open before you.

True,it is like a human mind.We can not fathom what is going on inside,and suddenly it comes open from it's hiding place-Ritam commented.

She laughed-Oh! A very unique example!Don't you feel afraid of a jungle?

He said-No,I like it.Today early morning I entered the jungle in front of the last cottege.It was quite dense.In the morning light it was amazingly beautiful and calm.With only occasional chirping of birds.

You should have called me,I would also have gone with you.-She said ruefully.

He smiled and said-You must have been deep asleep.You know ,what happened next?As I came back,I met this security guy of this resort.He asked me with a concern in his voice whether I  had entered the jungle.When I said yes-He was petrified.He told that yesterday night a few people including him and some of our guys saw a Tendua[Leopard] crossing the outside road and  entering the Resort through the jungle side.This is near Melghat Tiger Reserve,you know?

She was shocked.She shivered and clutched his hand and exclaimed-Oh!no!You should not have....'.He could feel her warmth and earnestness.

He also could smell her hair and her body.The flowery smell was very captivating.He wanted this moment to get frozen in time.He softly said-Pallavi-Will you hold my hand like this always, whenever you are afraid in life?

She looked at him in surprise.Then she saw his in eyes.In the moonlight his eyes were mellowing in to a etheral look.She was mumbling-..I..don't know...what...you...

He said in a serious voice-Pallavi,will you marry me?

She loked in his eyes.Her eyes were melting.The moonlight became a teardrop and was gliding on her glowing chin.She said in a choked voice--Please don't speak....Sorry,sorry , I can't...

He felt that somebody punched his heart.He asked intensely-Why,why?

She said in a whisper-You....You are late.....I am.... just got engaged.

He asked in a broken voice-Pallavi,this can't be true?Come on...

She was silent but her eyes were blurred.She wanted to hide her face.

He sighed and whispered-Lets go back.And the  moon was up there as a witness.

She was ahead of him,as if almost running away from him.A Barn Owl hooted somewhere nearby.He was not thinking as because he had lost that capacity.He only felt that getting mauled by a leopard would have been a much better option.

Morning hour in Chikaldhara was unique.With soft sunlight touching the world and surroundings.Blooming flowers and excitedly chirping birds were part of a grand design.Greenness of the forest cools and sooths from inside.It brings a new hope.

Many of my readers,I know, would  not like to have a sad ending of this  story.I also do not like any  sad ending.But the life is a constant ups and down.It's a game one plays every day.As one of my friend ,who is an expert in romance  matters ,says- ' when the tear rolls out  from a woman's eyes----- to decline a man----it is only a begining of the Hope.'

-Concluded

----------------------------888888-----------------------------------------

And the moon was up there,flooding the whole surroundings--trees,forest,valleys,cotteges,flowers,gardens and courtyard. Flooding them with it's milky white hues.It all became very surreal.The men were happy.The flowing alcohol,clinking glasses---the bonfire,the dancing and singing  troops of tribals in the courtyard of the Resort---All pointed out to  that, this was  a different world all together.One can rarely visit the same again  in a lifetime.

And the moon was up there,giving perhaps an indication of the things to come.Or it was exhaulting one to do something----Something keeping with the mood of a sensuous romance of nature, conjured by somebody invisible up there,throwing in the fragrance of Hasnuhanh to intoxicate the mind.Even the birds in their nests may be making love in this beautiful night.

And the moon was up there and she was  there too,sitting alone , a little away from the others.The burning amber flame and a glow created by the moonlight was creating a montage of light and shadow on her. She was there and yet very far.

Ritam thought for a while,looked at his glass and then threw the pale Orange liquid on a nearby bush.Alcohol,that went inside was enough to tear the inhibitions that he had.He knew that he can not let this moment go---It was too precious.

He stood up and walked towards her.Flittingly he noticed that nobody including boss is noticing anything as boss and others are enjoying themselvs to the full.

He said-hi!

She was startled.She said shyly-hi!

Why are you sitting alone?Why not with  other ladies?

Just like that.Not feeling like...

Any problem?Are you well?

Nothing...Baba,just I am not Accustomed to this kind of things.Can't adapt to it.

But ...Dear,twice or thrice a year.It will be like this--This is a marketing meet...and you are in that department.

I know,yet I want to avoid.

Want to have another soft drink or juice?

No,no...please  don't bother, I  had enough.

How about a walk,in this beautiful moonlight?Upto the last Cottege,atleast....?

Her face suddenly  lighted up-sure, why not? That will be nice....

Ritam's heart started pounding.He knew in coming few seconds, the world may or  may not  be his....!

---------------------888888-----------------

TO BE CONCLUDED IN NEXT BLOG.....

[A REPOST FOR MY NEW FRIENDS]

I WAS LOOKING AT THE SEA,

BLUE,VAST,CALM AND DEEP.

I WONDER-WHAT IT SAYS?

DOES IT INDICATE LIFE,

WHICH IS AS UNFATHOMABLE?

AS IF IT HAS STOLEN THE

COLOUR OF THE SKY,

A FEW SEA GULLS

OR MAY BE ALABATROSS,

HOVERING OVER  AND

GIVING ME COMPANY.

THE WIND BRINGS IN SALTY SMELL,

A BOARD SAYS--

'SOUTHERN MOST POINT

OF ASIA CONTINENT'.

THE PALM TREES SWINGS SLOWLY

 BUT SILENCE REMAINS.

I THINK AND THINK,

HOW TO FATHOM MY LIFE.

HOW TO SEE THAT IS UNSEEN?

GOLDEN RETREATING SUN LIGHT

SIGNALS END OF ANOTHER DAY.

CHINESE FISHING BOATS AT FAR

ALMOST NEAR THE HORIZON.

A SADNESS DESCENDS

AND I LOOK AT MY WATCH.....

'SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE....!!

BY NOW......'

--------8888----------

Samantada said-We must go for it.Jayanta said-what is it all about?Samantada said-It is something you have never experienced.Jayanta said-Is it a Zoo?-No-Samantada said-It is unique here.I said- Let us go and experience it.

We started as usual.On a Saturday evening we met at Ang Mo Kio MRT station.As we came out of the MRT station,we saw an old Chinese man,who  was calling -Night safari ...Night safari.He was standing beside a matador type station wagon.We approched him and came to know that he can take us tonight safari at a price which includes the ticket and tram ride as well.We readily agreed and entered the van. It was already almost full with some Indian tourists.

We started our journey.The main way is through Mandai road,which in fact is quite near my house.I came to know it  just then.Mandai road is a lonely road with rain forest on both sides.It was quite thrilling.It took around 45 minutes to reach.As we got down from the car,we could hear drums beating in a rythm.Tom- Toms of Africa.As we approached the entrance,we were overwhelmed.The whole set up was like an African Bush village,with African tribal songs and  drumming of Tom Toms was in the air.The entire path was lit with fire torches.You can suddenly notice the logo of the Night Safari-two big green eyes of an animal-a  large cat family....very hypnotising.

It was about to become dark.The place was having various souvenir shops ,all with the safari theme or jungle motives.T-shirts,mugs,artifacts,shirts,bags,slippers,caps,soft toys and what not.A vintage old Glider is hung with the roof as if it will fly just over you.There are resturants also serving all kinds of Cuisine.The toilet is unique.At first you feel as if it is just an Aquarium-actually it's a facade to the toilet.At a corner,on an elevated ground stands a Safari Jeep,with a few staff members dressed in safari dress and hat.They are holding with them an Barn Owl,a Leopard Cat and a Python.One can take photographs with them in lieu of a few doller.

Suddenly we heard a battle cry sort of thing .A group of Javanese/Surinamese Tribal war dancers jumped into the courtyard from nowhere with war cries and drum beats.They started dancing with fire eating.We gradually walked towards the Tram station.Already trams were standing there with big line of tourists waiting patiently.The trams are painted in zebra,leopard or yellow and black stripe paints.Each tram has two interlinked cars.We got up in one of them.It was open the on both sides.Each tram has a guide with mike.As we were about to start,we could see ata distance in falling daylight,on a cliff-some himalayan wild goats-Thars,Bharals and Markhars ,grazing nonchalantly.

As we started our thrilling journey through the jungle seeing various animals at various nook and corner,we sometimes went over short streams with an warning from the guide that -we should be careful, as the crocodiles are nearby.Order was-total silence and no sticking out of our limbs lest they are lost unnecessarily.The whole forest was divided into Himalayan jungle,African jungle,Tropical rain forest,South American jungle,Indian jungle and Malayan jungle.Some of the close contacts were worth remembering such as Indian Lions,Malayan Tigers,Hynahhs,Tepirs and Bisons.We saw a number of animals in open ----free and wild.

The Tram then stopped at the only Halt,at East Lodge.We were told that those who would like a walk in the jungle can go for a Forest trail called Leopard trail-a 20 minutes walk.We can catch a tram,after the trail, back again.We three Bongs were always forthcoming for the adventure thrills.We had a cup of coffee in east lodge atmidst African songs and Drums.We could hear the roars of lions at a nearby distance.The toilets here were again unique,set atmidst a forest with one side having no wall and looking to the forest,directly.It really gives a creep.You can distinctly hear the roars clearly.

The Leopard trail started with going through big iron meshed gates,two at a time.Once you enter the first,it automatically gets locked and the other one opens before you.I can't describe the trail-it was so thrilling with sighting of various animals, by walk, and suddenly you find the big cats-Leopards resting under a tree.Your heart skips a heartbeat.

We came back from the trail and caught another tram.At base station ,we witnessed an unique Animal Show called Creatures of the Night show.Beautifully trained animals performed before us with a theme on conservation of animals and nature.I specially can't forget the feats of a Puma-a South American lion and the escape of a very big and thick Python amongst the spectators.But that is another story.....

It was really an unique experience in life.

------88888-----

DEAR FRIENDS,

I DO NOT LIKE MONOTONY.BASICALLY I HAVE A NOMADIC INSTINCT IN MY BLOOD.SO,I THOUGHT WHY NOT HAVE A VARIATION IN MY I LAND TOO.

I,THEREFORE CHANGED THE NAME AND THE LOOK OF MY I LAND.IT IS NOW CALLED ALIEN AANG.DO NOT BE SURPRISED IF YOU GET COMMENTS OR ALERTS FROM ME IN MY NEW AVATAR-----HA!HA! WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY JOURNEY IN LIFE.

YOURS,

SID

EK AJNABI HASEENA SE, YUNHI MULAQAAT HO GAYEE, FIR KIYA HUA? YEH NA PUCHO......

After the initial shock,I realised within seconds,that I had tucked in a major portion of my money in a hidden pocket in my underwear.Oh my god!Really you are there to help a person in trouble.In situations like this,we feel your presence more.Thereafter ,the bus journey to Vasco was beautiful.Through goan country side,villages,beautiful and colourful bunglows,Churches and crossing the river in a ferry,which can carry a bus also.Local folks,beautiful girls,liquior shops,bars,local markets,each of them gives a specific character to this place.It does not seems to be india but a foreign land.

Praveen was supposed to wait for me in Hotel Rodrigues.It is on the main road just before the Vasco city.Praveen has taken leave for me.I got down and as I entered the hotel lobby,I saw Praveen at the reception.It was a feeling I can not describe.We rushed at  each other,with open arms to hug heavily.Afterall,we were meeting after two months.The closeness we developed during our training period was no less than like a family member,though we belong to different areas of India. Praveen said-Boss,it feels so good to see you again.I nodded and said-You have become a little  thin.Praveen laughed and said-good for me.

We reached Praveen's apartment in his mobike.It was small but compact.I suddenly felt tired.We had a light lunch and I took a long nap.I woke up as Praveen was shaking and calling me.He was saying -Beta,you have come here to sleep only or what?Get up.-We got ready and started for the city.The Vasco city is like small town.It consists of two main road crossing each other.We roamed around and then settled for a bar.In Goa,if you throw a pebble,it will either hit a Church or a bar/wine shop.We ordered Fenny-a local drink.it was strong.I remarked -The stuff is good , just like local beauties.Praveen gave a laugh and said- Boss,tomorrow we will go to my office,I want to show you something.I have so much to tell you.-Why not now?- I asked.-No, first you visit my office-He was adament.

Next day,we went to his office.It was very nice, at fourth floor,with a glass wall on one side, overlooking Murmagao Harbour.Most of the employees are ladies.I was taking a look around,suddenly I saw her walking in.She was stunning-in a light blue top and blue denim,she looked like a movie star or a model.I felt a tap on my shoulder.Praveen said-Bachchu,got floored?I wanted to show her to you.How is she?Can't explain but who is she?-I  asked.She is working with me.Her name is Nidhi.Nidhi Kamath.-said Praveen.Can I  exchange my office with you?-I asked.Praveen laughed and said-No way,darling.come ,let me introduce you to her.

Nidhi!Meet my friend and batchmate,Siddharth-Sidd,as we call him.He is in our Aurangabad office.Nidhi gave a flashing smile and shook my hand.As long as we were talking I observed Praveen's face.It was radiantly glowing.

Later,we were discussing only her.It was very difficult to take her out of our mind.During lunch time, Praveen confessed that he has fallen for her but yet to propose  her.I asked-what was   her response to you.I think she likes me-He said.Then propose her-I said.I didnot have the guts to do that.Now ,since you are here,I can risk it.If I  fail,you will be there to console me.-He said.I  thought silently-Oh god!My current luck, you know-It should not pass on to Praveen.Praveen asked-Why are you so silent?Tomorrow, we have a holiday for Chrismas eve.I am planning to get a car and visit Benaulim beach.I want to ask her to accompany us.What do you say?I remarked-Fine,fine,it will be a pleasure.

It all went on as planned .She readily agreed to accompany us.Next morning,we started for Benaulim.It is one of the most wonderful beach of south Goa-remote,less crowded.On the way we picked her up from her home in Margao.She was as sweet a person as she looked.The whole day went on in fun,gossip and frolic.The beach was beautiful,like a half moon,with two hillocks at both end.We drove hired mobikes on the beach on the sand.Had wonderful rawa fried Squids washed down with beer,in nearby shack hotels.Suddenly, I could not find them.I  was searching for them everywhere,when  suddenly I saw both of them walking hand in hand,at far, on the sand.I was about to call them but I thought otherwise.

It was the hour of Sunset with a crimson sky.The water of the sea was glistening like orange crystals and the roar of the waves was breaking the silence.At a distance,in some fishermen's cove,some local songs are being sung.A tune very known,which I  recognised latter.It was the song -Na maangu sona chaandi-From the film Bobby,but being sung in konkani.

Latter,at Martin' s Corner,in the midst of diners, a  live Band was singing beautiful Chrismas songs,when I saw love was blooming fully.Sometimes, it is the atmosphere and surroundings, that brings love to you.It complements your mood and mind.

I suddenly felt alone---I also wished if I could have  had someone at that moment, touching my hand and looking at my eyes...sitting beside me.... near the sea.....

Well, Santa did not have any gift for me.

[CONCLUDED]

---------------88888-----------------------

RAHI MANWA DUKH KI CHINTA KIU SATATI HAI, DUKH TO APNA SATHI HAI.....

Sometimes in life,whatever you try or plan to do, fails invariably.I was going through such a phase.The biggest setback was that I though cleared my Civil services Prelims.Exam ,my application for the Main Exam was rejected by UPSC.It was heart breaking but fault was mine.I made a mistake in filling up the form.So, the dream of becoming an IAS officer vanished.At that point,Praveen's invitation came to me as god send.Goa,a place I can go any time,any number of times.I simply adore that place.Praveen is my dear friend and a Batchmate.He was posted in Vasco Da Gama.Another thing I liked about this invitation is the timing.It was Chrismas time.

But as the fate had it in mind,hurdles were not willing to leave my side.I wanted to start early but once in office ,you do not know when you will be free.By the time I reached Aurangabad bus terminal,it was already late.When I reached Pune,the last bus for Goa had already left.Pune was a new place and I did not know anybody there.I tried for some nearby hotels but got scared by observing the  sleezy looks and surroundings.I saw highly and garishly madeup girls are loitering around and often entering the hotels with some shady looking men.Same was the situation at the gate of Pune's bus terminus.I somehow managed to eat something and retreated inside the terminus, as at that point of time,it  seemed the safest place.

It was an extremely chilled night.The next bus to goa was at 4-00 am.and I had no where to go.Only option for me was to sleep on the  cement benches inside the shed of the terminal.and that is what I tried to do.Sleep was not forthcoming as the cold was piercing the bone.Only a sweater was not enough.For one night I became a Vagabond.Early morning, I got up.It was quite dark.The toilets of the terminal was full of users and when empty,unusable,as per my senses.The bus came in time but there was no seat.All seats were  reserved and I had no reservation.Infact I did not know that I would require one.

It was a journey of 15 hours and I stood in the bus for 10 hours.when I reached Kadamba bus stand of Panaji,the last bus for Vasco had already left.Since it was Chrismas time,no hotels were available.I was roaming around at night searching for a place to stay,and my companions were drunkards,few tourists- out for happy hours,prostitutes waiting under the shadows of the trees in the parks and occassional choral singing groups.Their beautiful songs were making me more aware that in this city,  I am all alone.And then somehow I  managed to get a place to sleep in a Lodge.

Next morning I started for the Kadamba bus stand to catch a bus for Vasco but the bad luck was following me there also.There were so much crowd for the buses that I had to literally push me in to be inside the bus.Just as I got the seat and was feeling relieved,I put my hand on my trouser's pocket to take out my purse, to pay for the ticket.It was not there anymore.Some good pocket-mar had pickpocketed the purse.I was dumbstuck and in total panic.

To be concluded  in my next blog............

[I JUST GOT IT FROM A FRIEND,WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU,THOUGH SOME OF YOU MAY KNOW IT ALREADY]   A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray. Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle, The minister frowned as he saw the man hadn't shaved in a while.       His shirt was kind a shabby and his coat was worn and frayed, the man knelt, he bowed his head, Then rose and walked away. In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap, each time he knelt just for a moment, A lunch pail in his lap. Well, the minister's suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear, He decided to stop the man and ask him, 'What are you doing here?' The old man said, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time, For finding strength and power   I stay only moments, see, because the factory is so far away; as I kneel here talking to the Lord, This is kind a what I say:    'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, GOD, THIS IS JIM CHECKING IN TODAY.'      The minister feeling foolish, told Jim, that was fine. He told the man he was welcome To come and pray just anytime Time to go, Jim smiled, said 'Thanks.' He hurried to the door. The minister knelt at the altar, he'd never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love, and met with GOD there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim's prayer:       'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN. I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY. SO, GOD, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY.' Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn't come. As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill. The hospital staff was worried, But he'd given them a thrill. The week that Jim was with them, Brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward. The head nurse couldn't understand why Jim was so glad, when no flowers, calls or cards came, Not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed, He voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn. Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile; 'the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, that he's in here all the while   everyday at noon He's here, a dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand, Leans over and says to me: 'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN, SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN. ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY! , AND SO JIM, THIS IS GOD, CHECKING IN TODAY.' If this blesses you, pass it on. Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart May God hold you in the palm of His hand and Angels watch over you. So this is me ... Just Checking In....  ------------------------------88888----------------------------------

[ A REPOST FOR MY NEW FRIENDS]

TREES CAN SPEAK,YOU KNOW,

WHEN RAIN COMES,

DRENCHED AND WET,

THEY SPEAK TO ONE ANOTHER

IN WHISPER....

WALKING OVER A CARPET OF FALLEN LEAVES,

I GET THE WET SMELL OF EARTH,

I TRY TO LISTEN,WHAT THEY SPEAK...

SILENTLY,SILENTLY.

FERNS AND WILD FLOWERS

AND HUMMING DRAGONFLIES,

ALL INDICATES -HOPE,

AS THE TREES SPEAK,

SOFTLY AND SOFTLY.

I NOW KNOW WHAT THEY SPEAK,

THEY TALK ABOUT LOVE AND HAPPYNESS.

TRINA,CAN YOU HEAR THEM ?

AS I ALWAYS DO!!

--------8888-------