Six-String

Its time. Once again. As I step out of Bhargava’s, my excitement is at its pinnacle. Another new chapter in my life. Something I wanted to do since ages. Now I see it all concur. I start to walk my way back with ‘the thing’ on my back. I still cannot believe it. Yes, my first guitar!!

When was the first time I thought of having a guitar? I was in the first year, and I was fascinated by the beauty of the instrument. A couple of seniors were practicing for their show and I was one among the spectators who were as enthralled as I was. I could not play the guitar then. But I am a trained tabla player, and many people in college knew that. And the very next day, one of those guitarists, his name is Rohan, came to me and asked whether I would play with him. Of course, I was more than happy to be a part of some band. The practice sessions began. A guitarist and a tabla player don’t quite form a band, but nonetheless, it was a humble beginning. We needed a vocalist and we auditioned a few. It was really an enriching experience. I got a chance to see what amazing hidden talents people posses that hardly get any exposure. In those days, I got to know Rohan and his abilities. He was an ace guitar player. Not that he could play the more difficult stuff, but whatever he played was flawless, practiced to perfection. This generated in me an ever increasing urge to learn the magical instrument. The sound of those strings made my mind its home. I asked Rohan many times to teach me. And being such a music enthusiast himself, he always taught me some basics, some cool stuff. As expected, I sucked at playing even those easy parts he taught me. Rohan did give me his guitar for a few days to practice. But I realized I have to have a guitar of my own if I wanted to learn. But there was the universal problem – money. I did not want to involve my parents’ money in my decision. I did my best to raise enough funds – shelled out my savings, sold my old books, curtailed on my expenses – but in vain. Somehow, my dream still remained a dream.

Through my four years of engineering, there was never a moment when I did not aspire to have a guitar. I had the tabla when I was 12. That was my first instrument. I still have it and, I must say, I am still pretty good at it. The way music changes your life is amazing. And to play one of its magical manifestations is a heavenly experience. I started listening to more guitar stuff and gained more knowledge about it. I met many more guitarists in college and started attending their jam sessions. They were simply mind-blowing. My interest kept soaring like a fighter jet. Again in my final year, I was a part of the band. The members were new this time. But the energy they showed was too awesome for words. The band was a success. That was the last time I played in college. In those last days, I resolved to myself that I would not let this dream die. I will learn guitar someday. And everyday I hoped that day would come soon.

And that day has come now, almost a year after I left college. I got my guitar last Saturday. It is a Pluto f-cut. Yes, it was hard to wait for all these months, but there was no alternative. Unlike many other dreams of mine, I did not want to sacrifice on this one. Finally, it has paid off. My guitar classes will be beginning tomorrow and I am much more than excited about it. And I can see myself playing the guitar like a rock star. I pledge to God, I pledge to myself that I will never give up on this quest of mine. A year has six seasons. A guitar has six strings. These strings will unquestionably make my life out of the ordinary just like the seasons spice up the year. Rock on, baby! I have got my first real six string….

Miracle

It was the usual end of a weekday for me. Done with my routine work, I packed my stuff and left for home. Took the accustomed bus home. The ride was no different - Packed with countless people just like me, going home after a tiring day. After an hour’s journey, I got down at my stop. It is some 15 minutes walk from my home. I had just began the walk when I felt that something was pleasantly different. I felt my skin react to it as it is used to, year after year. Something that was not at all new, but is welcomed with the same enthusiasm every time. Something that every one waits for eagerly. Something that I wait for eagerly. Yes, here come the first rains!

It was just yesterday. It took me another couple of seconds to really believe that it was raining. People started scattering for shelter. Vendors and hawkers tried their level best to keep their stuff safe. The fragrance of the wet soil – aha, not the best of attars can compete with it – refreshed the tired me. Soon, the roads were wet and shining, vehicles with their wipers at work and bike riders slowing down their speeds to a safe level. Well, what was I doing then? Nothing. I just kept walking. I just let the rain do its job. I just let it drench me. And I was enjoying every bit of it. My clothes were all soaked and heavy. I was wet and cool. The mild winds on my wet body felt so blissful that I wondered how I could possibly spend the rest of the 8 months without the rains. The roads were soon almost void of people. Only a few fanatics like me were enjoying the natural showers. I was still listening to the music on my cell phone. Then, probably the most apt song for the situation came up in the list. Turn the page by Metallica. I could actually feel the lyrics.

Here I am - on the road again
There I am - up on the stage
Here I go - playing star again
There I go - turn the page

Yes, I did feel like a star, walking alone on the road, wet and cheerful. I did not feel like going home. So I was out there, enjoying the change in weather. Nothing can compare the joy when you have some one special with you for the first rains. I have been welcoming the rains for years now. Every first rain brings with it the loneliness that wraps up my heart. I yearn to tell that special someone that the rains have come. I yearn to make that special someone listen to the song of the first rain. I yearn to be with that special someone, just to have a look at her when the first rains touch her. I believe there is someone out there who feels the same way as I do, who has the same yearning as I do, who believes in God as I do.

With these thoughts in my mind, I walked towards home. My mom saw me and smiled. Perhaps, she saw the child in me, still wanting to be out there. Before going in, I turned back to have a last look at the attraction of the evening. The Rain Gods were still showering their blessings. Children were out there in their cute little raincoats and umbrellas, their parents shouting instructions from the windows. A couple was just around the corner celebrating the romantic scenario gifted to them by nature. I smiled. Really, God must be a magician. He just has to put on one of his miracles to make us aware of the so many already out there.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Well it has been over 18 months since I wrote my last blog. And naturally, I have forgotten my old login id and password. Hence the new blog space. Feels great to be in the groove once again. For all you guys and gals who are not updated on me, I have graduated with flying colours (the colours really flew when I saw the results), and now working with L&T InfoTech as one of those boring geeks - software engineers. My school life had just started to be fun when it was time to leave the school. But I never ever separated from my school friends. They are with me, even today. But over the past few months I had had quite a few new experiences. College life is heaven. And I realized it the moment I finished my final exam paper. That was one of the last days I spent with all of my college friends together. There were those rare moments where tears were shed. Can God be so cruel to separate us and end those days of endless fun? Maybe yes. Maybe no. We hardly get to speak now, let alone meet. All of us have been now gobbled up by the sophistication of life. We are destined to separate, that is God’s way of making us realize what friends mean to us. Perhaps, and I hope from the bottom of my heart, we are destined to meet again, and relive those long lost moments. My only solace now are the countless photographs, of that very bunch of people who never even thought that these moments would eventually be reduced to mere memories, that bring both smiles and tears to me. But I agree with those who say God is fair. While it was time to say goodbye to some of the old buddies, I came across a lot of new ones. The new phase in life began – my first step in L&T InfoTech training course and I was among all new faces – apprehensive, just like me. I never realized when I became a part of them. I had to be, I used to be with them for 12 hours a day. I never felt I was at office. It was always fun, even if it was work. My college life seemed to have extended for a few more months. 12 hours a day at work never turned out to be dull. I was one of those late comers in the batch and was (in)famous for that. Also I was one of those who find it hard to defy gravity when it comes to their eyelids. My friends really took good care of me or else I would have been out of job for now. The days went by swiftly and soon we realized that something unwanted was creeping back, something scary, something that was most hated – the moment of separation. Not again. Oh God, I was just out of it. Why are you doing this? The answer was the same – we were destined to separate. I realized that the sorrow of separation is somewhere related to the fear of not meeting again. Is that true? I hope I am wrong this time. But there have been very few instances to prove me wrong so far. Is my faith in destiny justified enough? My heart is still searching for an answer. Another new chapter in life – got posted at the office where I thought the people ‘actually’ work. The cycle repeats. Many more new friends, each having history of friends not much different than me. Yes, few old friends with me this time – a little comfort. But soon every one got busy with work. Those moments of fun seemed distant. My workplace offered no work for me for almost 7 months. And there were many like me. I can thankfully manage to squeeze out those precious moments where everyone laughs with me. I have got a few seniors who treat me like a younger brother. I know the words are easy to read and write, but to implement and experience, it is a different story. I have now got amazing friends where in we have non stop chats, loud laughs and fun. The college is not yet out of me – and I never want it to be. I like to move around from cubicle to cubicle meeting friends. I like when a friend drops in at my cubicle with a cute smile even if it is just to say hi. I like those short and long cubicle conferences that are built around utter nonsense. I like to have my luxurious afternoon nap on my desk. And I like even more if it is disturbed by a friend for no reason. I now know that even these days won't last long. There would be that moment of seperation again, that pain again, those tears again. I may say I am ready to face it this time, but it is really tough. Five years from now, I can see these small, fun-filled moments running through my mind - those happy memories which will remind me of the great tresures I had at one point of time. In short I can say that my experiences have taught me one of life’s greatest lessons – a human is in need of friends throughout his life. That is what makes him humane. God gives him the freedom of choosing his friends. That is why they are so close – the chosen ones. Lucky me. I have got the most amazing friends in the world. I do not remember ever regretting someone’s friendship. Wherever I went, I was accepted as a friend unconditionally. Thank you my friends, for embellishing my life. Thank you for encouraging me to start writing again. This one is dedicated to all of you, wherever you are. Dil Chahta Hai, Kabhi Na Beete Chamkeele Din Dil Chahta Hai, Hum Na Rahein Kabhi Yaaron Ke Bin Din Din Bhar Ho Pyaari Baatein Jhoome Shaame, Gaaye Raatein Masti Mein Rahe Dooba Dooba Hameshaa Samaa Humko Raahon Mein Yoonhi Milti Rahein Khushiyaan Jagmagaate Hain, Jhilmilaate Hain Apne Raastein Yeh Khushi Rahe, Roshni Rahe Apne Waaste Jahan Ruke Hum, Jahan Bhi Jaayein Jo Hum Chaahein, Voh Hum Paayein Masti Mein Rahe Dooba Dooba Hameshaa Samaa Humko Raahon Mein Yoonhi Milti Rahein Khushiyaan Kaisa Ajab Yeh Safar Hai, Socho To Har Ik Hi Bekhabar Hai Usko Jaana Kidhar Hai, Jo Waqt Aaye, Jaane Kya Dikhaaye