Bollywood Classics

 Although the term "Bollywood" seems to offend many these days, I have been calling it by that name, so at least in my blog - I will continue to do so.

But just so that we are clear, I mean plain-ol' Hindi movies and here is a run-down list on the movies I think qualify as classics in Bollywood. I will keep editing order of the list as I deem fit. Currently they are on the basis of release date.

1. Sholay: I think this is the movie that deserves to be on the top of the list. Each character here is etched in such a way that even years later, one remembers them. Whether it was a 2 minute role of Surma Bhopali, a 10 min role of Angrezon ke zamane ke jailor or a full fledged role of Thakur / Gabbar / Basanti / Jay / Veeru! Even a silent role of Radha or Rahim Chacha or Ahmed is time immemorial. Each dialogue was written so beautifully, we still end up using it now and often - even at times in our daily lives. Each song so melodious, we can sing the lyrics to it more arduously than a new one released in recent times. It was a true blue timeless classic!
2. Deewar: "Jao pehle us aadmi ka sign leke aao, jisne mere haath pe yeh likh diya tha!" "Mere paas ma hai"
3. Mr. India: The rose-tinted glasses! Not the ones I see the world through, but the real ones - which makes you see Mr. India himself. But not to forget the best legacy of this movie - "Mogambo, khush hua!"
4. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge: The beauty of this movie was not just the story or the songs or the romance or the giving birth to a new superstar (SRK), but that it forever changed the way an Indian girl viewed the man of her dreams. I have heard so many times from girls I know that they are looking for a Raj in their life. @Raj Malhotra - you sure did spoil the Simrans of India for choice. Let alone Chaudhary Balwant Singh, it makes me wanna say - "Ja Simran, Ja. Jee Le apne zindagi!"
5. Kaho Na Pyaar Hai: The legend that gave rise to a legend and changed the ways that a hero is perceived. An amazing dancer, with moves that defy laws of nature and a face like a Greek God. Hrithik just managed to raise the scales where everyone else is still trying to reach!
6. Bahubali: The movie - the franchise, that crossed over from Telugu film industry to the Hindi, which broke barriers and gave rise to a new term "Indian cinema" and which brought to showcase the persona of Amarendra Bahubali and the ever titilating question "Katappa ne Bahubali ko kyun mara?!?"

Innocence or Ignorance

Lasting Impressions - Often in life you meet someone who leaves behind a lasting impression for whatever reason - small or big, good or bad... more on lasting impressions...

She is one of the best human beings I have known in my life. You know you watch the idiot box and wonder 'why do they show such self-sacrificing female protagonists when you would not find one in real life???' Well she was the exception. She was actually a self-sacrificing female!

She was a year elder to me. Had done her bachelors back home in India from an REC - now known as NIT. But she was naive in matters other than studies... too naive. She felt the first stirrings of love in front of me. I knew her love story - been through every step of it. By the way, her dude is a gem of a guy - a rare specimen. I respect him a lot for standing up for her in all situations. Before becoming a life partner, he already passed the test of 'for better or for worse'.

But back to our story, when she was on the precipe, ready to take that plunge into love, she one day came up to me. She had gone for a long drive with him the evening before. I suppose he held hands and probably kissed her. We were in the basement library.

J: Mujhe tumse kuch poochna hai
Me: Bolo
J: Bachha kaise hota hai?
Me (staring at her for a whole 2 mins before opening my mouth): Dekh ek ladka hota hai aur ek ladki, ladke mein xy chromosome hota hai aur ladki mein xx... (I tried to make light of it)
J: I am not asking that. I know that.
Me: To kya pooch rahi hai? Tune 9th standard mein Reproductive Biology ka chapter nahi padha kya?
J: I bunked the class. Mujhe sharam aa rahi thi
Me (mouth agape):

See this is what happens when they do not do sex education the proper way in our country!

Me: why? It was in boards as well, what did you answer there?
J: I omitted it. I left it in option.
Me (shaking head): You were in a hostel for 4 years before coming here. Didn't anyone tell you anything?
J: I never listened to what they said. I even left the room, when all were watching a pr0n movie.
Me (quiet for a moment): What do you want to ask?
J: bachha kaise hota hai? Kya karte hain?

I was feeling embarassed discussing this outright, never had that outright a discussion on this before where I would be the teacher. I looked around, went to the central display area and picked a harlequin (MB) book and opened the page to the right one, came back and gave it to her.

Me: Read this and then if you still want to know something, ask.

She left me for a while and then there she was again next to me with the same hopeful look.

J: yeh sab to maine padh liya but I have some doubts.
Me: bol
J: kapde utaarne padte hain
Me (flabbergasted): haan
J: upar ke bhi?
Me: upar ke utaar, na utaar. teri marzi. meri jaan mat kha!

I dunno how she went ahead with the relationship, but she did. And they even got married and have a wonderful son now. Don't ask me how he happened to come along!

Once after being out on a date with her guy she came back to me and said,

J: I have some questions
Me: Again?
J: Haan. Woh thong kya hota hai?
Me (Showing her a pic on the net): Yeh
J: Aur garter?
Me (Raising an eyebrow): What have you been upto?
J: Nahi woh aaj P ke saath bahar thi to wahan ek ladki ko dekh ke woh bola, "She has to be wearing a thong to be wearing that dress." Fir doosri ko dekh ke bola, "Ah. I didn't know people actually wear garters these days."

I just shook my head and proceeded to show her few racy lingerie pics. I guess she owns some of herself now! ;)

She was a devout Hindu. Often I went to the temple over there because of her, to accompany her. Warna mujhe to Pandit ki peeli silk dhoti, ladkiyon ke sexy salwar kameezes aur bachhon ke saath khelne ke alawa kya kheencta wahan. Dont get me wrong, I aint an atheist. I just believe that religion should be something personal, that is to say between you and your God. A place of worship mostly complicates matters, especially when there is a congregation. If you are spending some alone time there by yourself, I am all for going to a place of worship.

One day she asked me to accompany her with another of our friends to the Hindu Temple at Canton. I agreed. It was Maha Shivratri. (Shiv's my favorite God of the Hindu Pantheon. But more on him some other time.) But as usual, once there I started noticing everything over there apart from the "Mantro-ucharan" happening. Now, it is a ritual to bathe the "Shiv-Ling" with water daily and on special occasions as this, with milk.

So here I see the good yellow silk dhoti-ed Pundit ji pouring gallon after gallon of Vit D, Full Cream, Skimmed, Half & Half, all varieties of milk on the Shiv-Ling, which was going down the drain. I was flabbergasted. I know they do this in India on the pretext of belief, but in US?? I thought they would be more conscientious!

And I couldn't resist and uttered...
Me: What are they upto? They could have given that much milk to some needy instead of throwing it down the drain.
J: Tum chup raho. Tumhe kuch pata vata nahi. Aise hi hota hai. Doodh chadhana padta hai Shivji ko.
Me: Yeah I know. But gallons? Half a gallon would have been enough. Baki sab Bhagwan ke charno mein hi tha. Chadh hi gaya samjho. Vaise ka vaisa donate kyun nahi kar dete yeh log gareebon mein?
J: Tum chup raho bas abhi.

I kept quiet seeing her get angry. I know people are generally touchy about religion. But on the way back I again tried to explain my point. But she was adamant.

J: Bhagwan ke baare mein aisa nahi bolte.
Me: Bhagwan bura nahi manenge. He is God. He will be understanding enough. And if he doesn't understand, he isn't God.
J: Chup raho tum. Kuch nahi pata. Shiv-Ling hai woh.
Me: Tujhe pata bhi hai Shiv-Ling kya hota hai.
J: Haan Shiv Ji ka swaroop.
Me: Tu gadhi hai. Shiv-Ling, Shiv ka Ling hai. Matlab unka pen!s.
J: Shut up. Bakwas mat karo.

I looked stunned at her. She actually didnt know this. And she is a devout follower of Hinduism and Shiv Ji in particular. I tried explaining it to her about the union of the male and female form, a symbol of fertility in the Shiv-Ling. She dissuaded all my attempts. I went back and opened google and showed the information to her. She said,

J: You are making up stuff. You put that up and now your drawing up pages.

I was amazed at the kind of intelligence and effort she was attributing to me for that information. I could not convince her then, but a few days later she got convinced.

There are many incidents with her that stayed on with me. But she never ever changed. And I hope to the same Shiv Ji she prayed so fervently to, may she remains as she is... always.

Interlude with a Fitness Freak!

Lasting Impressions - Often in life you meet someone who leaves behind a lasting impression for whatever reason - small or big, good or bad... more on lasting impressions...

I met him while I was overcoming a failed relationship (if you could ever call it a relationship in the first place), okay let me reword it - I met him while I was overcoming a failed albeit serious attempt at a relationship. Anyway, sometimes you strike friendship in the most unlikely of places. And this was one of those times.

We shared a few classes together - invariably it was either the first class of the day or the one before lunch time or the last class of the day. That means it was always time for a break before or after the class. Morning classes brought breakfast pangs, afternoon ones inevitably were followed by lunches and the evening class with a walk home.

He was a very interesting dude and very, very different from any other friend I had had before him. He was a body-builder, a health-freak, a rock climber, a certified gym trainer. He kept a calorie count of what all he ate (first guy I met who did that!) And he said the most audacious things I had heard before (these days I could put him to shame ;-) ). And had a wacky sense of humor. A year or two senior to me, he was a total player - he had had 5-6 girlfriends / relationships by the time we met, most of them Americans. He was in a relationship with an American (I think) while we met. I never asked. I don't interfere in personal matters... generally.

He told me once, 'Indian girls scare me!' I guess he was scared by the severity of expectations an Indian girl generally has from a relationship and like any other guy across the world he was a commitment phobic.

But even then, as sheltered as I had been throughout my life, I still liked him as a friend and found his company very amusing whatever my other friends thought about it. And I do know some of them were very skeptical about it. But he never treated me more than a friend or less than a friend and I liked spending time with him. Spending time with him also made me aware of a few things about me as well, and for that I will always be grateful for the short duration of friendly acquaintance that we shared.

Some incidents that stay in my mind with him...

While walking down to one of our morning classes, there were some sorority tables lined up serving muffins and bagels and the like. I generally whizzed past them barely glancing that way. Never had much of a sugar tooth and those bagels and cakes never tempted me. But while entering the elevator, he paused and said...

S: That chocolate muffin has 15 calories in it.
Me: So? (As I pressed the elevator to take us to the floor where our classes were being held.)
S: I can afford only 7.5 calories at the moment.
Me (with a roll of the eyes at the ever present calorie count): So?
S: So will you take the other 7.5 calories so that I do not exceed the number of calories I can spare? (The elevator doors opened to our destination)
Me: (with a laugh) why couldn't you just say, 'Will you share a muffin with me?'
S: (shrugged)
Me: okay, lets go. (With that I pressed the down button of the elevator once again)

Some other time in class, sitting next to me he was playing with some sort of clay, squeezing it again and again. It was very distracting to me, let me tell you.

Me: What are you doing?
S: My rock climbing instructor says that my fingers are too weak. I need to build up strength in them. So he has suggested some finger exercises.
Me: (shaking head in exasperation. By this time I was used to the statements pouring out of his mouth and his convoluted logic - at that time for me) okay
S: You wanna try? (with that he offered me the clay)

Not to offend him, I took it and tried instead of saying what I actually felt about that at the moment. 'It seems stupid.'

It was pretty hard and I was having difficulty squeezing it.

Me: Its tough
S: Oh. Dont worry, I will get softer clay for you tomorrow then you can try on that.
Me: Its okay. I dont need strong fingers. I do not rock climb.
S: I will still get it for you.

And sure as it was, I did find him the next day waiting for me in class with an empty seat next to him and a softer version of the clay in front of that seat.

S: For you (With that he turned back to look at the lecturer in front of the class)

The clay sure was softer and fun. And I was touched that even after me refusing he would go ahead and bring that for me. And here I thought I was giving him all negative vibes about that clay!

Another time, we were having lunch together in the cafetaria. He had got these four huge slices of brown bread and another box filled with sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, few lettuce leaves and some boiled egg white slices. With that he began assembling a sandwich while I was eating my lunch.

Me: What are you doing?
S: Making a sandwich
Me: Why are you doing that here?
S: So that the bread does not turn soggy.
Me: What about the eggs? Where is the yolk?
S: Can't afford to eat that.
Me: Why?
S: Too much cholesterol
Me: And this egg-white is fine.
S: (keeping his sandwich making at a pause) I need 70 grams of protein each day to maintain my muscles for rock climbing. These are egg-whites of eight eggs which provide me with approximately 40 grams of protein. The rest I will take at dinner time when I have chicken.

I was staring at him trying to make head or tail of what he was saying and he said all that with a straight face. I never repeated the mistake of asking about his meals again.

Some days later....

S: Would you like to come to dinner at my place?
Me: Special occasion?
S: Na. I was making roasted chicken. My roomies are vegetarian. I could use some company. Bring along your roomie, I know she is fond of non-veg too.

He actually had not met my roomie, just heard about her from me.

Me: Okay. sure we will.

The food was amazing and we had some great fun with his roomies as well trying to do some match-making (but that is another story). I sure didn't know S could cook so well.

Once...

S: I think you should take up rock-climbing
Me: I am not interested
S: You will like it if you try it.
Me: Seems too tough.
S: I will teach you. It will be fun. You don't need much to start with. Some gear, some shoes. You can get good second hand as well. It will just cost you 80 bucks to start off.
Me: And what about the classes?
S: Twice a week, 40 bucks each.
Me: I don't have that kind of money to spare.
S: Oh well... Think about it.

I was quiet, but I thought it was sweet of him to try to include me in his favorite activity. If I had that kind of money, I would have been persuaded to take up rock-climbing just to honor his offer to make me feel 'included'.

Once while we were walking to school in the snow.

S: I think you should join the gym
Me: (hesitatingly) I go there sometimes. I do not find it interesting enough.
S: I could accompany you there. I go there everyday.
Me: Thanks
S: Or we could go on a jog early morning. It will be fun. We could start with 2 miles and slowly increase it up to 10 miles a day.
Me: Are you crazy? Its snowing. There is ice all around. I will trip and fall.
S: I could motivate you.

I was too exasperated to say anything to him. I had no interest of going on a jog in the snow on an icy street. I was bound to fall. I trip way too much. I am way too clumsy. He gave up after few days.

I make friends easily, I talk a lot. I knew about half the student population in our town and also the maintenance guys, the girls working at the Rental House, the fire department and police (don't ask how!) Once while walking down the street to home with him, I was waving and wishing everyone we came across 'hi'.

S: You seem to know everyone.
Me: (shrugs)
S: I have been here before you. I don't know as many people.
Me: (shrugs again)
S: I don't talk to many Indians here I guess. Specially not to any girls.
Me: (with a laugh) You are talking to one now.
S: Yeah. But you are different.
Me: How so?
S: You don't get offended by things I say
Me: What kind of things? I didn't know you said anything to offend me or anyone?
S: Yeah. But like, if I like a girl, the first thing I would notice is her (gesturing with hands to make b**bs)
Me: (with a laugh) Stop making those gestures. People will misconstrue what you are saying.
S: See. That's what I meant. Any other Indian girl would get offended, you laugh it off. Its easy to talk to you.

I gave another laugh and changed the topic. But I wondered, was there some truth in what he said? That incident was probably what made me realize that I sure am a little different from my other friends and I am more candid or can take a conversation with more of a pinch of salt as compared to other friends of mine. Today I realize that the understanding S had of me, was just a tip of the iceberg. I do not get offended easily on stuff others in my place would.

I had very refreshing talks with him during the entire time I have known him. There never was a dull moment with him. And the best part was, it was just plain friendship, not a single romantic intent on either part.

It was fun knowing S!

A Day In The Library

Lasting Impressions - Often in life you meet someone who leaves behind a lasting impression for whatever reason - small or big, good or bad... more on lasting impressions...

I may not be the classical bookworm, but I am a voracious reader. I read just about anything and everything, except biographies perhaps and economics. I hate those - coz I probably do not understand them - either of the two. I can't make my head understand complicated terms in economics and my heart understand the need to bare all in a book. I much prefer this coward's way of giving away snippets of my life in an anonymous blog. Thank you very much! ;-)

I can spend hours in a library, with a computer, reading a book, hard copy or online. I just love to read. In The States, I used to often go to a library downtown in the University and then later to this city library in the place I was staying with my family friends. (I got mugged one day in this library, but that's a different story!)

So, as I sat reading a novel on a secluded table in the city library of this small town in the suburbs of D.C., a guy approached the table and asked me if he could sit opposite me. Generally I was left alone, as there were always enough tables to sit on around the library, even if each table could accommodate easily six people. I looked up at him and gave a quick glance around to see there were few empty tables still. However I just shrugged and told him, 'Sure' and then I went back to my book.

The guy however started talking with me and asking me about me and telling about himself. He was a Latino and came from a large family. I think he said they were 10 siblings. We sat there talking for about 15-20 minutes and then he said,

Guy: I gotta go. But I would like to see you again. Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?
Me: I have a flight tonight to catch. (I was surprised)
Guy: Some other time then? (he said hopefully)
Me: I am afraid, I have a flight out of country. I am returning back home. I won't be back.
Guy: Oh. Its sad that we didn't meet earlier in that case. Enjoy your trip. Goodbye. (With that he bent down and kissed my cheek and walked away.)

He said it so genuinely, that I too felt it was sad that we didn't meet earlier. Although if we had, I do not know if I would have the courage at that time to go out with him or anyone. I was for sure a "kunwe ka maindak" then, still probably I am.

But I often think of that day in the library, and it always brings a smile to my face.

Its complicated!

I like stories where girl meets boy, they fall in love and after some minor squabbles marry and live happily ever after.

I don't like love triangles, especially if all the three corners are upheld by someone nice, coz I don't like when two of this trio fall in love and the third one is left nursing a broken heart.

What can I say, I am a die-hard romantic at heart! I just don't see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I want the world to be rosy enough, that those glasses are not required. But things never happen the way you want them to, do they?

In today's world its not just triangles that scare me, its much more complicated! Its the love Polygons stretching over a function of time that scare the wits out of me!!! We joke when someone's relationship status says 'Its complicated', but there is a wealth of wisdom in those words.

What terrifies me is when the person who gets attracted to you is a friend and though you may not think of him or her in a romantic way, he or she still goes ahead and falls for you. Its so much of a strain on a relationship, on your friendship when something like that happens. I do not know how to react in such situations and I often bungle up things. My friendships have never survived the strain of one-sided attraction, whether the fault for that lies with me or the other person is a different question.

The first time it happened, I wrote a poem; the recent time it happened, I am writing this blog.

The Past
Could have avoided the past!
Just remember what happened last?
The harsh words spoken,
Or the hearts broken:
Acting like an imp -
When it could have been a nymph!

Out in life's column
To make myself ever so solemn
The time, the impression, words that failed me;
But ever so much the friend to be -
Here when I am in need...
To be a friend indeed!

The time lost could never be gained,
Life, as it is, untamed!
Learnt quite a few things -
How to pull the strings!
If not the past, the present can be set right:
Leading to a future that is bright!

1. Another time, I left things drift away. I had a huge crush on the guy and it would never ever have materialized anyway.


2. Another time it happened, I tried my best, but the other person gave up. I have to admit though, if things were different at that point of time, I could have, would have had a relationship here. The timing of realization was too wrong and I was, have been always too practical.


3. Another time, I acted as if that conversation never happened, but due to some other reasons we drifted away from our friendship.


4. Another time, I was repulsed coz the person just didnt know when to give up and I severed all ties.


5. And another time, I was on the opposite spectrum and not ready to accept less. However I did come to my senses and cut every modicum of contact.


6. Another time, I am gradually drifting. And since I do not want to give up entirely, I do talk once in a while - say once in 3-4 months.

And this time, I am yet again clueless. But I hope I can come through.

Relationships scare me, these complicated ones more so. Why can't the world be a perfect place - a simple place where there is no space for complications?

You Look Wonderful (Tonight)

Lasting Impressions - Often in life you meet someone who leaves behind a lasting impression for whatever reason - small or big, good or bad... more on lasting impressions...

I have never been someone who attracts male attention just based on my looks. Don't get me wrong - I do not lack self esteem. I see the way things are. I am alright enough in the looks department if somewhat overweight. I have a crazy sense of humor. I may be pretty, but I am not beautiful. And I have always had an unapproachable aura around me as far as sexual interest goes. Of course if its just plain ol' friendship one is looking for, I come across as the most approachable kinds, I guess. Often during a mock-fight with one of my friends I used to play the 'feminine card' and say, 'Is this the way to treat a girl?' The response I got, 'But you are not a girl.' What can I say, I am one of 'the buddies'.

So when this incident happened, I was very... confused. In my final year of college, during the last 2-3 days we had 'dedicated days' each day. One of them was 'Traditional Day'. The guys had to wear Kurta-Pajama or Business Suit and the girls had to wear Sarees. My friends had planned to come dressed in their regular clothes and would change in the Ladies Washroom once the studies were over and the fun about to start. I did not have the patience or desire to either bring clothes along with me or wear them in a Washroom where 10 other females are playing 'dress up'. No, I didn't mind sharing - I just was not comfortable with the idea.

So I wore a Pink Saree from home and attended class all decked up. I even helped my friends to drape a Saree after class. I dressed most of them infact. But even after all that, I still had time to while away as all of them wanted to get on their make-up and hair. So I moved out of the Washroom quietly and left them to it.

As I was sitting alone in front of the library looking out at the central garden area of the building, a guy came up to me and sat down next to me. This seating area could seat three people at the max if you squeeze in. So for a stranger to sit next to me, was pretty close for comfort.

After a few awkward moments of silence, he turned to me me and said,

Guy: Hi
Me: Hi
Guy: I am Mishit and you are?
Me: ........ (Gotcha! You thought I would give it out to you, huh? ;-) Don't worry, I did tell Mishit my name though! :P )
Guy: Nice name. I am in MCA first year.
Me: Engg last year.
Guy: You look lovely. (He said sincerely and with genuineness)
Me (surprised): thanks

After some idle chat, the guy left. But the way he spoke and the duration he spoke, he made me feel beautiful. I could even sense him wanting to meet me again. But me being me, I don't know how to give hints or act coy. I never met him again, but I often think of that day when I felt attractive to someone in the first look for the first time.

Ofcourse, I gave the entire credit to the Saree. After all, this traditional Indian dress looks good on almost everyone and I sincerely believe 'every girl looks good in a Saree'. But still sometimes I think maybe, just maybe I could be 'beautiful'.

Vanity always was my favorite sin!

Bheed Mein Ajnabi

Lasting Impressions - Often in life you meet someone who leaves behind a lasting impression for whatever reason - small or big, good or bad... more on lasting impressions...

Like most students in Grade Twelve, I had taken up tuitions for every conceivable major subject to better my marks. My favorite was Physics, the teachers in school & tuitions both were good, I had a knack for the subject and I always got the marks! (I scored 96 marks in theory and 42 in practical. That 42 was my least score ever in any exam, mind you!) Anyway, so the tuitions was quite a distance from my house and I rode my sis' trusted Luna. (For those who don't know what a Luna is , its a cycle garbed in a moped look). I never had a license (shhhh....). I recently did get one finally after 13 years!

My tuitions were at 6:00 p.m. and it was the same time some factory workers got done with their work. So as I was driving my Luna and these laborers were getting off on their cycles. They were on the wrong side but they were in a crowd. I barged into one worker and he fell, as did I. It was his fault as they were on the wrong side and he had suddenly appeared in front of me, but the workers saw this as a chance to pester me for money. I hate it when they do that!

I was all alone and every single of these workers was shouting at me to give money to the one who got hurt. I am pretty sure that guy was acting more hurt than he actually was. He didn't even get up from the road, was just lying there. I had more blood on me and these people were threatening. I was so scared. I was 16. I had no money on me. Stupid, I know, but yeah, I didn't think I would need any kind of money. Naivety!

Suddenly a guy appeared from somewhere in the crowd. He seemed to be well-educated. He looked like a cross between Bobby Deol in Gupt and Aamir Khan in Mela, with curly hair and fine features. He came and fought with all those workers.

Stranger: Akeli ladki ko kyun dara rahe hain aap log. Dekh nahi rahe kitna ghabrayi huyi hai. Aur vaise bhi galti uski nahi, inki hai.

Then he turned to me and said:

Stranger: Ma'am, aap jayiye yahan se. Main sambhal loonga.

I was in such a state of shock, I just picked up my books and my Luna and started walking off. My Luna had suffered severe damage and the tire had twisted. I had to drag it away. I didn't go to my Tuitions. I went to a friend's house nearby. And there I broke down. I dunno why. I guess I was scared of what could have happened and didn't. My friend's mom and sister tried to console me and my friend went to check the place of the accident to fight for me with these people. Ofcourse there was no one there, not the injured guy, nor the angry mob and neither my knight in shining armor. I was grateful to my friend for trying to help me although it would not have made a difference. Lovely, thanks - you are truly, lovely!

And as for you, my good Samaritan - I often think of you. For long I used to think, you are the most benevolent guy in the world and with such a charming face. Any time I traveled that road for a year, I used to look around to catch a glimpse of you. But I never did see you again.

However, if wishes could ride on the wind and carry to you; here's mine to you - You will never ever know how much it meant to me you being there when I needed a friend, though you were... are a stranger. You made me believe in the goodness of people, and may it return to you hundred fold.. coz you truly deserve it! Thank you!