Love Jihad

Syed and Gayatri didn't mean to fall in love. But love happens when you least expect it. It creeps up suddenly. When someone needs attention, care, conversation, laughter and maybe even intimacy. Love doesn't look at logic, or at backgrounds and least of all, religion.

Gayatri was from a very conservative South Indian family that went to a temple every Saturday. Syed bought goats for his family every Eid. That said it all. Their paths would never have crossed if it hadn't been for that fateful day. The day when he walked into the coffee shop. Gayatri wondered if destiny chose our loved ones for us. Did we have any role to play at all?

She looked at her watch. Syed was late. They met every Thursday at five pm to catch up. Their conversation lasted for hours. Sometimes at the cafe, sometimes in his car, sometimes in places that she could never tell her friends about. They would never understand. And yet Syed made her happy.

Suddenly her phone beeped. He had sent a message. "On my way. Have something important to tell you."

Gayatri stared at it and realised she had knots in her stomach. Thoughts flooded her mind. What did he want to tell her?

Every chord struck her like lighting. Being an avid violinist her mind is always chanting her tunes. Her two inseparable things are music and Syed.

Apart from music, Syed had fair complexion, well built personality with manly feature. Syed’s handsomeness was deadly which is further cemented by his violin skills. He is an undeniable package.

Spotting Syed’s car, Gaytri plunged inside immediately and started questioning him with eager eyes about the surprise. Syed procrastinated to further increase her excitement. Noticing her disappointment, Syed broke, You are in at Atharva Music Fest..!!.

Syed did all ground work. Gaytri felt incredulous, knew it was Syed who made this happen. A selfie with sensual love making in Syed’s car filled the rest of the time.

Gaytri hurried home to meet another important man in her life. Her father Mr Ramasamy Iyer waiting for a delicious dinner. After retirement, he looked pale, dull and sober due to his struggle to raise Gaytri with his menial salary as a clerk. His next duty is to inform Gaytri’s arrival to one who supported them financial all these years, Vignesh, Gaytri’s cousin..!.

Vignesh’s vision is to be a youngest millionaire. His brain child M2, an event management firm with strong investor base is the lauchpad to envision it. Vignesh was influential. His success and smartness made Iyer seal him as his son-in-law very soon. Vignesh saw this as a lucarative offer considering two things; Gaytri was highly talented and conservative. She will be his good puppet.

After sumptuous dinner with her father, she retired on her bed. Her mind still fresh went nostalgic. 5 years back when her Violin tutor Nisha was showing signs of egress due to personal reasons, She promised Nisha to help her find a better tutor. Nisha’s farewell party at the coffee shop was the day when music went second in Gaytri’s life. The first place was stolen by Syed..!!

Nisha and Gaytri was occupied by two contrasting characters. Iyer carrying silence and Vignesh’s talk reflecting his dearth on music. Gaytri admired beauty in any form. She gives a second glance only when something is unique yet simple. Syed made her look more than twice. She admired his decisive personality when he was standing at the doorway. Her heart beat proliferated when Nisha introduced Syed as her future tutor.

Syed was Succinct in his words and attractive in his gestures. Gaytri desparately tried to wean of her thoughts towards him. It is something different yet magical.

Gaytri was surprised with Syed’s sudden request – to give a spot performance. Being for a conservative background, she was defensive and politely refused the same. Syed being a gentleman understood her hesitation and proceeded to give one of his own. Syed’s dexterity was immediately visible, if playing violin is art, then Syed is Picasso.

 A loud applause thundered its way across the coffee shop after his emblazing performance. He was quick to grab the mic which magically reduced the sound of cheer and elation. He wanted to dedicate this song to someone special tonight. They need more than your appreciation, something which can buy anything in this world, money. Vignesh smirked, whispered to Gaytri – He is a better business man than a musician. Syed gazed at Gaytri as if he was dedicating this to her. But he quickly rushed to the doorstep and accompanied rather more hesitant soul, Virun. Virun was homeless; parents dead due to a drunken driver parked his truck on them. He wanders the street, begs for survival and sob on his appalling future. Syed wanted to gently hand over the contribution to Virun and explained the reason behind it. The crowd cheered his magnanimous act. Syed sat near Gaytri and told ‘If you get a chance to make life better with music, don’t miss it..!! Its magical than music itself.

That fortuitous event at the coffee shop was the beginning of their relationship, Gaytri soon fell for Syed. Their relationship grew like a music, intangible yet very much alive.

Gaytri’s flight to Singapore was at 2.00AM the next day. Atharva fest is waiting for her. She planned to practice hard till 6PM and later reach airport soon to avoid any unplanned delay. Gaytri reached Syed’s studio much for a disappointment that Syed was busy elsewhere. A loving call assured his presence at the airport, Syed asked her to practice hard and rest can be discussed at the airport.

Gaytri was surprised to see Syed waiting at airport well ahead of her arrival. Syed explained his disappearance, Virun was sick, hospitalized and now doing fine. They spent memorable 30 mins before her check-in. Selfie and tears perfectly ended the meet.

Singapore was synonyms to heaven for Gaytri, She was elated and immediately checked-in via facebook through a kiosk at the airport. She was tired, yet energetic to relive each moment. Gaytri completed her immigration and was waiting to collect her baggage. Her phone rang frantically. She freezed, the voice on the other side said, your father met with an accident, hospitalized. Gaytri was worried as the call ended only with this bad news, nothing more to help her.

Immediately she dialed Syed, Sweat trickled her face and tears racing down her cheeks. There was no answer. The next moment there was another ring, Gaytri pounced on the call, it was Vignesh – he saw her FB check-in and said he was also at Singapore aware of her father’s accident. He wanted Gaytri to go back immediately and extended his support to rest of the things. Gaytri was worried and stress eating her out. Her last call was soothing, yet disturbed. Her phone rang again, this time she was speaking to the exact person she was worried of, her father. Iyer reassured that even though he is hurt yet safe and under medication. He wanted Gaytri to finish her mission at Singapore. He said her mother would also want the same. Gaytri had no other choice.

Gaytri was not interested in ingratiating her decision with Vignesh. She check-in at the hotel and registered her name. She wanted time to fly away, only to be with her father. Her detour ended with a lifeless performance. She thought Syed was not her better half but disappearing half when needed the most.

Her action was robotic, hurried to her dad to end her horrific wait. She felt soothing as soon as saw her father breathing among cluttered medical devices. She had tears in her eyes and pain in her heart imagining her only care-taker on verge of life and death.

Vignesh’s phone quickly made her to wake up to present. She had lost the event. The news was not as painful as her father’s illness, yet it was something she dreamt of achieving. A participant has to wait 3 more years to re-appear for the event. She sat down heavy with failure and disappointment.

Gaytri quickly closed her eyes, a warm touch made her to open it immediately. It was Syed.!!

Gaytri was angry, furious and puzzled to see Syed. She refused to speak with him and controlled her anger and tone as it was hospital environment. When Syed tried to force her attention to listen, he was attacked by four gundan who stormed the hospital and took Syed out in a second. Biranga Prabhu, Vignesh’s aid explained that Syed was the one who took her father for an unexpected walk and planned this murder. The motive was Sharmila, Gaytri’s friend, another student who was also applying for the atharva fest. Sharmila felt Gaytri was a threat. Syed being religious wanted to sideline Gaytri and clear the way to Sharmila.

Having felt humiliated and cheated, Gaytri broke down to the lowest point in her life. The nurse called Gaytri and gave her a good news which was rare since last 4 days, her father is back to conscious and wanted her inside.

Gaytri hold her father’s hand with hope and love, assured he will be back to normal life. Her father with great difficulty tried to whisper something to Gaytri. She handed over a pen and paper. Her father wrote, meet Syed..!!

When she came out of the hospital, immediately she hired an auto and rushed to Syed’s place. There was more people than usual and Syed had bandages rolled all over his wound caused by Gundas attack. As soon as he saw Gaytri, he sat up and tried to walk up to her. Gaytri came closer to avoid any strain for Syed. Syed handed over a paper to Gaytri. She opened and stared at Syed. It was a car number plate, belonging to Vignesh – TN O5 AE 2000.

Syed added, M2 sponsored the event. Dr. Govind M2’s flagship investor’s daughter also participated in the event. All other variable were favorable to her to steal the crown except you. The judges were unbiased and passionate about music. Hence Vignesh wanted you to miss the event, planned something else.

Gaytri was shocked on how god helped her to know the truth among many lies. It was Virun who overheard the conversion of 5 beastly men rejoicing their victory was ruining someone’s life. They successful staged a hit-and-run plan on a poor soul. They shouted Syed’s and Gaytri’s name and had villainous laugh. Virun recognized one of the face who was there at the coffee shop during Syed performance.

The boy was weak but his words were strong. ‘I am grateful to you for giving me a good food that day. It is time for me to give back something else to you. Hope I am of some use to someone in my life time. 

The boy approached Syed and they zeroed in the car. The arrest warrant is ready for Vignesh.

Syed assured, you lost in Atharva, but you will never in your life, till Syed is alive..!!

Gaytri realized the truth – Music and Love are inseparable, the poor needs it and the rich never realize it..!!

Silver Spoon..!!

Silver spoon called education....!!

“Silver spoon” phrase classifies rich, flamboyant life styled individual who with very less effort has all the money and luxury in this world. Since our civilization money which was introduced to trade commodity and standardizes value of products has changed its course to trade and value human beings. I am awe-struck everyday en-route my work when I can see group of young and middle aged women mostly married being hurried to stand on a commodity truck with lunch bags packed for heavy work ahead for the day. Despite their fate to get classified as low-class people, I can observe them well groomed, neatly combed hair with uniform “god-ashes” and “kuk-kum” drawn on their forehead. Their effort to earn a little more so that their dependents and family would see a much brighter tunnel called life is commendable.

Even though money and education is less directly proportionate to each other, at a much lower level in the society education is the only piece of wood which you can rely upon to keep yourself warm (economically sound) in the shivering climate (money driven economy). Even a less-privileged male counterpart would have lot of personal preferences which they classify as their passion to burn away their savings at a cost of even basic amenities not reaching their children and family.

Two things I can infer from this small incident which provoked me to write this article. One is women are more responsible is discharging their duty to earn money with selfless motive to uplift their family. On the other hand our society has cremated human values and feelings by giving a vital position to ministers called money and education. Two limbs and hands, perfect sensory motor skilled humans cannot relax feeling themselves lucky on their creation. Highly paid lucrative job with over spilling money is highly embraced to be most lucky even if an individual is half dead. Another moment when I feel this social animal is getting worse than other living creatures…!!

"I" movie audio release - Part 2

Following the global star's entry, the director of the movie made his presence. I won't define myself as intellect but I strongly believe that any masterpiece is brainchild of some different thinker. I strongly believe the saying "Everything is old under the sun" (Exception for hollywood sci-fi movies), it is the movie maker who wraps the old wine in a new dress.

The agenda of the event was unclear. The buzz and electricity among the crowd slowly reduced. The show was hosted by an amateur singer and recently glorified actor from the movie "Jigarthanda".

Instead of writing the schedule of the program, I wanted to express my thoughts and feelings which I personally wanted to share. Every time the anchor quotes the name of the hero, loud roar erupted from the stands. I always respect the hero of the film for his achievements in his personal life. I saw him as a living example for two things - 'Patients and Perseverance'. He was a less preferred actor a decade back but now the versatility and dedication this artist shows for each of his assignments classifies him to be a respected film artist for couple of centuries from now.

I would say he set a benchmark in striving perfection both physically and mentally to play the character in every movie. An Audio-Visual (AV) substantiated the above statement which had lots of creativity already established by this actor.

After a brief body building show, the global star came up to the stage and gave a quick talk. "If I do things I do it in my way" was Super stars Tamil dialogue that is understandable across all languages". When this global star said those words the crowd gave a loud roar which made it clear that punch dialogues are above linguistic hindrance to understand. He quickly exited the arena. Later I came to know that he was irritated by some surreal behaviour of an event co-ordinator. The patrol cop vehicle came rushing out to escort the global star's car as his departure was unexpected.

Next morning, I was reading news feeds in a popular social networking site, were there was a feed from a popular e-entertainment portal which explained that the global star requested chance for acting in veteran directors forthcoming projects. I was taken aback but this unreal statement. having witnessed the entire speech of the global star, I can recall that he was actually advocating for the body builders to be given a chance in any forth coming projects of the director. He simply explained that his fortune started the same way with continuous blockbuster Hollywood hits.

To conclude this, I had golden opportunity to see individuals who have excelled in their respective field and Film brought them to limelight. Hope to attend more events like this to cherish and share my thought with you readers..!!

"I" - Movie audio release

I always have a special place in my heart for two things, one is media and the other is fitness. There were so many dreams in myself to achieve and contribute to these wonderful fields. Perhaps it is even more electrifying to see people around you achieving the same in these fields as you live your life in dreams..!!

This movie audio launch was rumored around for quite some time in media and social networking sites. Shankar as a veteran director has done a fantastic job to keep everything under the cover. This has fueled already burning excitement and expectations about the movie.

Having arrived well before the commencement of the event, I had a chance to see the organizing team buzzing up to get ready for the big event. I could see more LCD screens than people working around. Likewise more lights than one could ever imagine. Whoever comes to the stage with all those devices live will make them feel star struck. Perhaps I felt it sitting in 3^rd row from the stage as if I was really a VIP as my ticket spelled out.

All my dreams were like a bursting bubble when a 6’2’’ inch 100 Kg WWE kind of a guy came and said that this was MIP seat and you ought to sit on the other side of the hall which spelled out VIP. Having no time to explain or no energy to win a seat in MIP stand I swiftly shifted to left most corner of the hall. First moment in my life I could realize how seating angle would affect the view of the stage. I immediately knew at the end of the show I will be having a neck pain..!!

Nothing made me to stay aloof with the buzzing environment. Immediately I starting to sink in so called dream world (Media) but quickly managed to stay afloat. Yes it is so deadly attractive it mesmerizes you in fraction of a second and makes you think like ‘come on dude get yourself in this profession’. But mind voices won’t last long.

Each stars entry was stunning, electrifying and thundered by loud cheering from fans on first floor of the hall. We all know how super star is treated in this part of the world. His entry justified the statement that he is the pinnacle of success in big screen. He maintained the same humble, courteous behavior but never docile.

The much awaited moment for which I came here was about to happen. The most famous personality in the world who is synonyms to most robust personality that Hollywood ever seen. Yes terminator music filled the hall with loud cheers; Arnold entered the arena dressed in red t-shirt with brown blazers. He is one hell of a personality at 60+ years of age.

To be continued…….!!