Dandruffed

I used to not much like it. But still, it never was too frightening for me. I mean, it was ok if I had to live like that for a short-term. Not a big deal. Yes, short term. There should be a not-too-far, an end date. I equated it, a prolonged one, with a painful psychological torture which when undergone could lead me to madness. I mean, in that case, I would imagine me lying on my couch, scratching my ragged beard with no sleep to sleep or no thought to think. A swarm of water bottles and cans popping all over the carpet and that humiliating ‘Are you still watching?’ message on Netflix, when you look at the TV noticing that it's been silent for a while. Unappealing to say the least – isn’t it? By now you might have guessed probably, I am talking about solitude or staying alone. However, having lived it for some time now without meeting my pre-condition of visible end-date, I have a changed perception. It doesn’t suck all together. I mean yes, it is not the ideal way to live pro...

Spending weekend in Noida makes me nervous on the question of how to spend it. Having stayed here for quite a long time, I am like – been there, done that – for every nook and corner of the city. Two days to spend and the terror of impending ennui sends chill up my spine. People would say that if you are an interesting person, you can always craft a happening time for you and your spouse anywhere. But monotony on length of time can put you at an end of your imagination and creativity. The pressure on Friday evening is of elephantine proportion. That pressure worsens when you discover that the film critics have unanimously given poor ratings to the movies. But fortunately, on that weekend, a decent movie was out. I persuaded my wife, who was skeptic about it, on her condition that we would dine at Barbeque Union (name changed) afterwards. All along the way, I was busy justifying the movie – “it’s superb...believe me...after all, two veterans, Pankaj Kapoor and Naseeruddin Shah, a...

That morning was different. I woke up quite early in the morning. What made me to accomplish this feat was probably a recent apprehension. An apprehension, which developed when I began to monitor the side view of my belly. I went out and headed towards the nearby park. That morning was really different. It welcomed me with a gentle flow of air. The sky was clear with sporadic presence of beautiful feathery clouds.  And the trees and shrubs had acquiesced to the changed mood of weather by wearing a coat of colourful flowers. A new season probably had broken after the monsoonal one. The green sight of the park comforted my eyes. Old people could be seen walking with tiny but rhythmic steps. In the centre of the circular park, few of them were sitting on green grass practicing yoga . I began my humble attempt at gaining a flat belly by walking down the circular periphery lane. I heard frenzied exhales of somebody from behind and a guy with a ponderous tummy went past me, tryin...

There was a time in 18 th century Europe when fervent encounters used to happen between two broadly defined schools of thought – scientific and traditional – whenever they explained an observation. Origin of species, for example, was tried to be described by both biblical conservative and rational challengers. Former had no dearth of sources – ranging from holy books to their own authoritative fiats, while later just had plane logic. The encounters were frequent, leading to heated debates, ridicule and sometimes violence. For their interests were mutually exclusive a middle-path between them was almost impossible to draw. Middle -path or compromise would mean that science might have to acquiesce to the wishes of tradition, rejecting its own hallmark of rationality. So it never happened. Science remained pristine in its objectives and approaches. And time rewarded it with an increased acceptance throughout the world. But a recent happening in India has marked a rare but unfort...

Somebody loves floral while somebody oriental. Some love to wear cologne and still some prefer musk. They cover your pathetic odor, make you attractive. Chances of leaving an everlasting impression over an opposite sex increases manifold at least in fantasy, if not in fact. Almost every moron applies the fragrance, pressing the top of the can, getting as much uneconomical as imagining a girl falling for him takes. The advertisement wizards know this and that’s why they create one of those stupid ads where they show girls as idiots, ready to rip their clothes off for the guy wearing the deodorant. The truth is - perfumes or deodorants (apologies to purists of fragrances who don't like clubbing both of these together) are pleasant and if your underarms stink like those of the dhalaos of New Delhi, you must use them at least as social service. And yes for this kindness you have full liberty for imagining a girl turning into zombie behind you. But for those advertisement make...

Ever done a prank with a friend? Well most of us do that. And needless to mention that evil cell phone adds to your capability to prank with someone. The basic ingredient required is a cold ruthlessness in executing your plan . And the victim is  forced to believe a canard  and act accordingly.  Simple isn't it? Thankfully No. Another prerequisite is something related to the “art” aspect of the game i.e. an individual’s capacity to execute the science of prank. I have come across many such great pieces of art. And many a times have been on receiving end too. Whether it was that day when I felt a kiss of vertigo upon being informed that I was booked under some IT ACT for using a free message center number resulting into free SMS, or the most recent one which I am going to give a short account of soon, the best part was a sensational enjoyment they produced after the disclosure.  But nonetheless, I have crafted some of the great pranks with folks as well. Fol...