THE GARBAGE COLLECTORS

                                     THE GARBAGE COLLECTORS      

      

An old proverb states that one won’t recognize the value of something/someone until it’s lost.

 But it took me just 3 hours in the traffic of Bengaluru to understand the value of Mysuru. 

I was on my way in a cab from majestic to Bengaluru airport for the past 3hours and now I seriously doubt if this airport is in the same state

My cab driver is a middle aged guy who stayed calm and elegant all this time. May be he should have got used to such traffic. Now the freeway looks clear ahead after the diversion and my cabby pressed the gas to cover the lapsed time as the signal ahead of us is still Green.

All of a sudden out of nowhere a load truck rushed in from the adjacent direction skipping the signal. My cabby applied brakes with such high pressure that I almost bumped into the front seat. 

Before we could get back to our senses the truck driver started abusing back as if it is our fault.

My cab driver instead of hitting back at him said sorry to him raising his hand out of the window with a smile. With this gesture the truck driver went mum for a second, replied ok and moved on.

I was shocked at my cabby’s reaction to the situation and asked him why did you step back when itz not your fault?

He smiled and said “Sir, that guy seems to be like a Garbage collector…why to waste our time in arguing with them?”

Illa Anna…That is not a Garbage collector it is a load lorry I replied

He laughed out loud this time saying I am not referring to the vehicle, itz the person. 

I am referring to his nature; they are Garbage collectors he said.

Well, this struck to me as an interesting concept and asked him to elaborate about it.

He said “Garbage collectors are people who always carry a lot of unwanted stuff on their back. They pick up everything that comes on their way and carry it with them throughout the day.                   

His sleep gets disturbed in the morning due to untimely power cut and he carries that anger on to his child who asks for a chocolate. 

He got into an argument with his wife and spills out that frustration on his attendant who didn’t clean the rear view mirror. 

He was fined 500 bucks by a policeman on his way and rolled out his rage on to us. It is always advisable to stay away from these people not because they are bad but to avoid getting ourselves dumped with Garbage in argument with them”

I gave a thought process about it and his words seem pretty meaningful to me. It applies to every one of us in our daily routine. 

We get upset about something/someone and carry that garbage with us the entire day sometimes more than that. 

The issues or discontent or resentment we have at one place or at one point or with one person should not reflect in our nature or approach to the next situation.

A survey conducted on IT professionals’ state that 90% of the times a bad day at office turns out into a bad day at home.

Don’t let the garbage rule your wonderful day. Carry a smile on your face rather than Garbage on your back. In a life that is filled with uncertainty and adding our stupidity to it; itz only a broad smile in all the situations that can keep us going forward.

Dedicated to all the sublime IT people who are the collateral driving forces behind the world’s third largest GDP.

A Golden Castle

A Golden castle

YEAR: Unknown

It’s early in the morning and the warm rays of the sun were trying to penetrate through the thick brown walls of the Castle. With the refraction of the rays the interior of the fort is filled with a golden charm

Little Charles opened his eyes and went straight to his mother to have a glance of her after the last night’s battle

His mother, the Queen of this castle is busy in coordinating the reconstruction work that is going on around after the last attack

What’s my little wee-bee doing here said the queen hugging her son

Just came to see you, that you are ok...

I am perfectly fine replied the Queen but the castle is bulldozed especially the outer walls as the attack is unanticipated during the night  

Why do those evil forces always attack us? Inquired Charles

Because, said the Queen taking her son into her lap…we have the skill of producing that thick gold, the art which is gifted only to our species

That’s a rare skill set that only we possess, which even the Gods do envy

Is it for looting the gold that they are attacking us? Asked the young one

Yes...this is going on since ages; they continuously attack our forts for the gold

During the early ages as per the tales I have heard, no one is particularly interested in our things and our kingdom flourished, later some explosion took place and most of them got extinct to the wrath of the Gods

We are a few among those fortunate groups that survived the explosion, Later for a few centuries things went calm and then we got this new enemy more hungry n more thirsty digging their own grave with his selfish deeds

Digging one’s own grave? I didn't get you said Charles with a confused look

Well…we are the producers of the food that everyone eats and when all of us die... obviously there will be no flora after some time and their life cycle will get affected due to shortage of food, leading to their extinction and also the worlds

Then why don’t we educate those beasts about this asked Charles

They are aware of this son; but they were deeply stuck in a web of desires which is tempting them to forget their primary reason for existence

They are ready to kill anyone for their greedy needs and are least bothered about the imbalance they create

Moreover, they got a new weapon now-a-days which has invincible rays, and we are not able to cure our people who were hit by that weapon 

(After a pause)… including your elder brother

Charles went fuming realizing the fact that it is because of this enemy his brother had gone through such a painful trauma for some days before he left his last breath

Then, why are we always in defense? Why always protecting ourselves, why don’t we go out there and counter attack? Asked an enraged Charles

The Queen took him close, hugged him tight and said...calm down son, calm down

Never let this rancor lead your mind Charles

If we too think in the same way, then what’s the difference between good n evil?

We have a set of morals; and we don’t have the right to kill others

All of a sudden a minister came sprinting towards the queen and said...My Queen, there is another attack coming on

Everyone on to your positions now… set your blades ready ordered the Queen and the entire fort got on their heels to withstand the attack

The Queen held up her armor getting set for the battle when Charles said “I too will join with you”

She smiled and said “no, you are too young for this...stay here”

Charles held his head down with disappointment and again looked at his mother and said...

“Don’t spare them, just kill them all!!”

The Queen smiled kissed him on forehead and said ‘Son, I already told you that we don’t kill others’ and gave him a book which is kept on the side of her throne

Read this Charles… you will get to know about our culture and morals

She turned back to the thousands of soldiers who were ready for the battle; they look as if they were set to avenge the lives of their loved ones lost during the other night

Our castle is under threat again! Let’s protect it, but don’t forget our primary woe

Protecting our castle doesn't require killing the opponent...hurt the enemy as they are trying to attack us but we don’t have to kill them for that

The fire waves of the enemy started to rip into the castle walls

Now...here we go said the queen and the entire army started to make their move

The queen looked back at her son before she left

“What are these beasts called?” asked Charles

Human Beings said the Queen, turned back, unleashed her wings and flew high with her army

Charles gave a glance at the cover of the book, it says…  

“We are the only species with the dexterity of fabricating royal liquid gold...
We are the source for the pollination of all flora in this world...
We have the moral of not killing our enemies,
We exist in this world from the age of wild animals to this new age of human animals"

 

We are called Honey-bees 

My first blog

An Unaccepted Apology

The rays of the morning sun gleamed through the steel vessels in the kitchen as Sandhya completed preparing her breakfast

She looked classic and elegant in the aurora of the reflecting light on her face as she moved across the kitchen. She bought her bowl of boiled oats and sat at the dining table

Surya was pretty sure that she would not prepare breakfast for him and even Sandya’s straight face told the same

Surya sat on the adjacent table and started staring at her as she began eating her bowl and she didn't even seem to have a concern about him

‘I admit it… the mistake is mine’ said Surya but Sandhya continued with her breakfast ignoring him.

 The aroma of the secret masala that she uses in almost all her recipes invaded Surya’s senses causing his jaw to open a bit expecting she would offer him a bite.

I am feeling really hungry said Surya in a childish tone feeling offended

Sandhya took the tetra pack of orange juice and emptied it into the glass in front of Surya

He smiled at his wife’s concern as he always knew that she is a loving heart

He was about to take the glass when Sandhya grabbed it and drank all of it in a gulp and walked away with the glass and bowl

Surya was stunned for a sec and understood the prank played at him

‘Whatever they do… the wife is always right’ he said

Sandhya turned back instantly and Surya stood up from his chair, she started walking briskly towards him and by her body language it seems as if she is gonna hit him

Surya ran into the bedroom squealing sorry again, she stopped near the table took another bowl which needs to be washed and went back to the kitchen

Surya peeked from the bedroom and this time said in a low voice ‘daayan’(witch).

Yes Mom… everything’s fine ya yes… Surya heard Sandhya’s voice coming from the living room

I don’t understand what business these mom-daughter will have the entire day over the phone.

I am going out for some shopping, will call you in a while bye she said

Surya ran into the living room and said “I’m in” but she didn't respond.

Sandhya took her bag and turned off the Television, Surya knew that the silence means a yes and he was about to take the car keys when Sandhya took them instantly and moved towards the door.

 Wow… It’s gonna be GTA vice city today on the roads of Mumbai said Surya with a smile

Sandhya has already half opened the door and she looked back hearing the comment

Just kidding replied Surya hiding his face with his hands trying to control his laughter

Both of them got into the car and Sandhya has reversed the car and while coming out of the parking at high speed she applied a sudden break

Surya bumped in front and his face hit the mirror… Ouch!! My nose squealed Surya

Sandhya gave another straight look; Surya is not wearing his seat belt

You could have told that, you psycho yelled Surya

Sandhya pressed the brake hard again and Surya’s nose kissed the mirror again; this time he almost felt unconscious back in his seat

Till when will this cold war last?? I told you that I am sorry I will be careful and I won’t repeat it pleaded Surya

She stopped near a khadi shop for buying some cloth. Surya is standing silently behind her thinking of how to convince her

Blue or Pink which one is better she murmured to herself slowly

Blue looks perfect for our home suggested Surya from the back

Umm… pack this pink one said Sandhya handing over the pink cloth to the guy and Surya made a face

They drove further for 15mins and Surya tried to make her talk but all in vain… Sandhya concentrated only on the road as if to keep the casualties to a minimum

She stopped near the marine drive and got down the car and Surya followed as usually

It’s almost afternoon but the winter brought its own magic of cool breeze to the entire area

She sat silently facing the sea from where one can have the best view of the queen’s necklace

This is the place where Surya n Sandhya use to meet when they were in college during the days of their budding love

Surya sat beside her but maintained some distance as the conditions as still volatile and he could receive a punch or blow for crossing the border

I love you said Surya

She turned her head to the other side

I don’t know of any better way of telling sorry he told looking straight into the sea

Sandhya’s eyes turned moist. A drop of tear started to flew down her eye when a strong tide had hit the rocks and some water sprinkled on them

Both of them turned their heads in the same direction towards each other as water sprinkled on them and their faces came so close now

I love you Sandy and I am sorry whispered Surya

A shrill sound of cry came out of her epiglottis but she held it back by closing her mouth tight and wiped her tears

I am a real idiot… you always told be cautious while driving a bike but I didn’t take it seriously

I forgot to take the helmet while going out in spite of you yelling at me every time about it

That accident is not my fault but yes I accept that even if it is the other person’s fault we may suffer injuries and I totally agree about wearing a helmet

I know you can’t leave without me or you can’t bear if something happens to me and it is the same with me about you

From today I won’t ignore when you tell me some cautions when I go. If this agreement is ok can I expect a small smile in acknowledgment asked Surya?

Sandhya got up and started walking on the foot path where she stopped near a guy selling different flowers and bouquets on the road side

Sandhya grabbed a bouquet of blue roses and is impressed by the aura of it

The lilies are much beautiful than these said Surya from her behind as he is always fond of white lilies

But he knew that she is gonna take those roses

She took the lilies bouquet and said to the guy I will take these with a small yet beautiful smile

Surya jumped into air with joy shouting yessss!!!!

They both got back into the car and Sandhya started driving, Surya started to initiate some conversation but she didn’t respond again

Again back to normal yelled Surya, see this time I am not going to talk with you until you talk with me

I told you I am sorry what else should I do to make you happy??

She didn’t reply and even Surya sat silent

After another 10mins of drive she stopped her car on the side of the road

Surya decided not to go with her this time and stay back in the car

Sandhya got down the car took the bouquet and walked into a large empty area with greenery all around

She stopped near one of the many stone engravings which read 

‘In memory of loving husband Surya Kumar’

She placed the bouquet of lilies on it with tears rolling down her cheeks

I can’t be happy without you… Are u here? Are u listening to me… I need you and if you are saying sorry to me right now, I do not need your apologies I need you she cried burying her face into her hands

Men always question and comment about driving skill of women… but in reality more than 90% of the deaths in road accidents are men due to their reckless and careless driving without caution.

Remember it is you your loved one’s need not your apologies.