Expanding The Horizons

Monday Blues and Cricket Woes: A Tale of Procrastination

November 20th, 2023

Hey there, fellow procrastinators and victims of Monday blues! So, let me give you a glimpse into my world, or should I say, my attempt to escape it for a day.

Picture this: The Cricket World Cup final – India vs. Aus, the clash of titans, the battle of willow and leather. As a self-proclaimed seasonal cricket fan, I had strategically planned to push all my work for this monumental Monday. Responsibilities? Pfft, they could wait. I had a date with destiny, and it happened to be in the form of a cricket match.

Now, let me clarify something before we dive into my saga of procrastination and heartbreak – I am a hygienic human being. No, really, I bathe regularly. But hey, even the most pristine individuals have their moments, right? So, I may have let a few chores slide in my fervor for cricket glory. I mean, who can blame me? Cricket is a way of life!

As the match unfolded, I rode the rollercoaster of emotions. The highs, the lows, the near misses – it was more dramatic than a Bollywood movie. I was emotionally invested, to say the least. But alas, as fate would have it, India lost. Cue the heavy heart and the sinking feeling that only a cricket defeat on a Sunday can bring.

Now, the consequences of my strategic planning hit me like a fast bowler’s bouncer. Monday, my friends, was looming over me like a relentless umpire ready to give me out on the procrastination LBW. I had to face the Monday-est of all Mondays with the burden of unattended tasks and the haunting echoes of what could have been a cricket triumph.

So, as I dragged myself into the harsh reality of post-cricket blues and impending deadlines, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the cosmic joke life had played on me. I had successfully evaded responsibilities for a day, only to be confronted with them in their Monday glory. Irony, you cheeky devil!

Lesson learned? Maybe. Will I do it again? Absolutely. Because let’s face it, sometimes you need to escape the mundane and embrace the madness, even if it means facing the consequences with a smile (or a nervous laugh).

And so, as I tackle my delayed tasks with the enthusiasm of a tailender facing a fiery spell, I leave you with this thought: Life is too short to not indulge in your guilty pleasures, even if they come with a side of Monday blues.

Until the next cricket escapade or the next bout of procrastination – whichever comes first!

Keep batting through the Mondays.

Later.

JD
Contemplating the Infinite: A Night with Existential Whispers

October 19th, 2023

From the depths of Internet. All credits to original artist.

Last night ushered me into the profound depths of contemplation. A tempest of existential musings swept through the silent corridors of the night, prompting reflections on the boundless world we inhabit and the inescapable ties that bind us—birth, relations, and death.

As the night unfolded, the cosmic canvas of the infinite universe stretched out before my mind’s eye. Each star became a flicker of untold stories, emphasizing the insignificance of my being in the grand symphony of existence.

Relations, those intricate threads woven through the fabric of our lives, took on a dual nature—comforting and suffocating. Each connection became a delicate thread, a reminder of the profound impact relationships carry and the weight of responsibilities tied to our shared journey.

Birth, the inaugural note in the melody of life, and death, the inevitable punctuation, engaged in a ceaseless dance. The weight of mortality pressed against my chest, a reminder that every breath is a fleeting moment in this grand play.

There were moments when the vastness of the universe felt like a heavy cloak, suffocating in its enormity. The endless possibilities, boundless realms, and the ceaseless march of time pressed upon me, urging introspection and reflection.

Last night wasn’t just a struggle; it was a night of resonance, where existential questions echoed within. It was an exploration of the profound and the perplexing, a solitary journey through the corridors of my own mind.

In the midst of this cosmic contemplation, I realized the importance of seeking light in the dark. Conversations, connections, and the shared human experience—the very elements that bring solace to the wandering soul.

As dawn painted the sky with hues of possibility, I emerged from the shadows of the night. The existential whispers faded, replaced by the gentle hum of life continuing its eternal dance. In the daylight, I found a renewed appreciation for the simple beauty of being.

So, if you ever find yourself lost in the labyrinth of existential musings, remember that even in the infinite, there’s room for the warmth of human connection and the vibrant colors of life’s experiences.

May your nights be filled with peaceful dreams and your days with meaningful connections.

Later.

Jd
Tides of Sorrow

September 21st, 2023

In shadows cast by fate’s design, Two hearts set sail on love’s incline. With dreams of shores where hope resides, They ventured forth on fateful tides.

Beneath the moon’s soft, silver grace, They sought a love no waves could erase. Hand in hand, their spirits soared, Two souls entwined, forevermore.

But cruel and cold, the ocean’s might, With treacherous currents, endless night. In Palolem’s embrace, the tempest roared, And in its depths, their love was stored.

The waves, like tears, began to weep, As love’s embrace was buried deep. Their laughter silenced, dreams untold, In the ocean’s depths, their love grew cold.

Oh, the pain of loss, the ache of grief, Like crashing waves without relief. In sorrow’s depths, we stand and weep, As two beloved souls forever sleep.

But in the night, a star appears, A beacon bright to calm our fears. Their love lives on in memory’s keep, In the silent night, in dreams we weep.

Though tides of sorrow may ebb and flow, Their love endures, a steady glow. In our hearts, their spirits soar, Two souls entwined, forevermore.
Navigating Life’s Storm: A Tale of Tragedy, Hope, and Perseverance

September 21st, 2023

In the grand theatre of life, some acts are filled with laughter, while others, like mine, are marked by the heavy curtain of grief and tragedy. Today, I invite you to join me on a rollercoaster of emotions, a journey through the stormy seas of loss, and the fragile beams of hope that pierce through the darkness.

Act 1: The Arrival of Joy Amidst Grief

Twenty days before the tempest hit, a ray of sunshine entered my life in the form of my newborn son. His tiny fingers and innocent gaze promised a world of happiness and dreams. But as life often has it, joy and sorrow often walk hand in hand.

Act 2: The Unthinkable Tragedy

In the blink of an eye, tragedy struck our family. My wife’s brother and my cousin sister embarked on a journey to Goa, seeking love and celebration on Valentine’s Day. Little did we know that fate had a different plan. Palolem Beach, Goa, became the stage for an unimaginable tragedy, as they drowned in the unforgiving waves.

The news hit us like a tidal wave, shattering our sense of peace and leaving us gasping for air. The world went dark, and we were left with the overwhelming weight of grief and the cruel irony of life and death coexisting.

Act 3: The Daily Battle for Courage

Since that fateful day, my life has been a constant battle for courage. It’s a struggle to go about my day, divided into four parts, like the acts of a melancholic play.

Work: A necessary distraction, a way to keep moving forward, even when my heart feels heavy with sorrow.

My Son: A beacon of hope and a reminder that life, in all its complexity, continues to march on.

My Post Graduation: A testament to my determination to carry on, to find purpose amidst the pain.

The Fourth Part: This is the part where I lie down on my bed, and my mind replays the day’s events. It’s both a refuge and a battleground, as I grapple with the memories and emotions that haunt me.

Act 4: The Unseen Strength Within

But amidst the darkness and the despair, there is a glimmer of hope, a reminder that the human spirit is resilient. It’s in the moments when my son smiles, in the support of my loved ones, and in the small steps I take toward healing.

This tragedy has etched a profound scar on my heart, but it has also revealed the unseen strength within. It’s a reminder that even in the face of life’s cruelest blows, we can summon the courage to face each day, to cherish the moments of joy, and to find solace in the belief that there’s hope beyond the storm.

So, as I navigate this journey of grief and healing, I hold on to the words of Shakespeare: “Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break.”

In sharing this story, I hope to give voice to the grief, to weave words around the heartache, and to remind us all that even in the darkest acts of life’s play, there is a glimmer of hope and the strength to carry on.

Until next time, dear readers, may we find courage in each other’s stories and the resilience to face life’s storms.

Meh!
Shah Rukh Khan: The Sultan of Sass on the Silver Screen

September 10th, 2023

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around as we embark on a rib-tickling journey through the zany wonderland of Bollywood. Today, we’re here to discuss a man whose acting prowess is so impeccable that even the Oscar committee secretly wants him to host the next awards show. Yes, it’s none other than the man, the myth, the mustachioed marvel – Shah Rukh Khan!

1. Versatility, Thy Name Is SRK:

Imagine a man who can romance a leading lady in one scene and then outwit villains like he’s solving crossword puzzles in the next. Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t just act; he shape-shifts. If Bollywood ever made a “Mission: Impossible” movie, I’m pretty sure SRK would play all the roles.

2. Emotional Rollercoaster Specialist:

Ever seen an actor make you laugh, cry, and question your life choices all in one movie? That’s Shah Rukh Khan for you. He’s got more emotional range than a cat meme compilation – from heartwarming smiles to heart-wrenching tears, he’s got it all.

3. Dialogues So Legendary, They Have Their Own Fan Clubs:

“Kabhi khushi, kabhi gham.” The man doesn’t just deliver lines; he births legends. Shah Rukh Khan’s dialogues have more staying power than that chewing gum you accidentally swallowed in the fourth grade. They stick with you forever.

4. The Charisma Quotient:

Shah Rukh Khan’s charisma is like a magnetic forcefield. You know you’re watching a real superstar when even the props in the scene look starstruck. Forget acting; his smile alone could power a small village.

5. Shah Rukh Khan: The International Love Affair:

He’s not just Bollywood’s darling; he’s a global phenomenon. Shah Rukh Khan’s fanbase is so vast that even aliens in a distant galaxy are tuning in to his films. If E.T. had a favorite actor, it would be SRK.

6. No Pain, No Gain:

Do you think he just rolls out of bed looking like a million bucks? Think again. Shah Rukh Khan’s work ethic is so intense that even your treadmill would ask for a break if it saw his workout routine.

7. The Robin Hood of Hearts:

When he’s not busy melting hearts on-screen, he’s out there making the world a better place. Shah Rukh Khan’s philanthropic efforts are so commendable that Mother Teresa once asked him for fundraising tips.

In conclusion, Shah Rukh Khan isn’t just a Bollywood actor; he’s a national treasure, an international sensation, and a parallel universe of charisma. He’s the guy you’d want at your party, your wedding, and your darkest hour because he’s not just an actor; he’s the Sultan of Sass on the silver screen. So, here’s to Shah Rukh Khan, the man who continues to redefine what it means to be a superstar, one witty dialogue and one killer smile at a time!
Rainy Day Blues: Battling the Frogs for a Sleepy Siesta

September 10th, 2023

Ah, what a wonderful world we live in, where even the skies can’t resist a good cry. Today, my friends, we dive into the chronicles of a rainy day, the kind that lures you into a cozy siesta with its rhythmic pitter-patter on your windowpane. But, as fate would have it, I found myself locked in a battle of wills against the most unlikely of adversaries – a group of audacious frogs!

Now, let’s get one thing straight. Rainy days are the ultimate invitation for the slumber enthusiast within me. The bed becomes a haven, the blanket a fortress, and the pillow, well, it’s the crown jewel of comfort. I had grand plans of losing myself in a deep, dreamy sleep, escaping the cares of the world. But it seemed the universe had other plans for me that day.

As I nestled under the covers, closing my eyes to the symphony of raindrops serenading my senses, I couldn’t help but drift into a blissful state of drowsiness. It was as if the universe itself was whispering, “Sleep, my dear. Surrender to the sweet embrace of slumber.”

Just as I was about to embark on a voyage to the dream realm, a new player entered the scene. The croaky chorus of frogs took center stage. It was as if they’d been waiting for this precise moment, the moment when my eyelids grew heavy with the promise of sleep.

Now, I must admit, I have nothing against frogs. They’re nature’s quirky little amphibians, and I respect their place in the ecosystem. But on this rainy day, I couldn’t help but wonder: “Why, oh why, did these frogs choose this particular moment to stage their performance?”

Their chorus was a cacophony of ribbits and croaks, a symphony of amphibious enthusiasm that would make even the loudest rock concert seem like a lullaby. They were having a blast out there, leaping and splashing in puddles as if they were auditioning for a froggy Olympics.

My attempts to shush them with a stern “shh” were met with more exuberant ribbits, as if they were challenging me to a vocal showdown. And thus, the battle commenced – the battle for the coveted prize of sleep.

Picture this: a cozy room, a comfy bed, raindrops on the window, and an epic frog chorus. It was a conundrum for the ages, a test of endurance between my drowsy desires and their watery revelry.

As the hours ticked by, I found myself in a state of half-sleep, half-consciousness, where dreams and frogs danced a peculiar tango. In this peculiar limbo, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. I mean, who knew that a rainy day could turn into an epic showdown with the -amphibian kingdom?

So, here I am, dear readers, sharing my tale of the rainy day that got away. The frogs may have won this round, but I’ll be back for my rendezvous with sleep another day. Until then, let’s tip our imaginary hats to the froggy performers who turned my siesta into a ribbiting adventure.

As for me, I’ll continue my quest for the perfect rainy day nap, undeterred by a few enthusiastic frogs. After all, in this wonderful world, every day brings new surprises, and sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that make life truly memorable.

Until next time, my fellow rain-soaked dreamers.

Meh!
Etched In Our Hearts

March 16th, 2023

I, read we, lost people very close to us in an accident. An accident that seems unreal even now. I had so much to tell them and I’m still sure that they had stories of their adventures to tell us.

Dearest Vibhu & Supriya, we’ll miss you.

The last month has been extremely difficult, and it still is. Life is continuing to progress linearly even if a part of me just wants to scream and bring the entire world down and a different part of me is just too weak to even react to what has happened.

Life doesn’t make sense, especially at this moment. When the sad news came, it crushed us to the ground in a thousand pieces, each of which is still attempting to mend itself.

I hope and pray that you two are at peace and that God gives us the fortitude to go on living without you two.
Your memories will always be etched in our actions and I am confident that you will give us a loving glance from your heavenly dwelling as we go about our daily lives.

Our love’s eternity shall endure.
ASL?

January 12th, 2023

My exact answer to the question of how many abbreviations I can guess correctly is that I belong to a generation that started expanding their urban diction with ASL, and that is also my exact answer to the question of when and how I started distrusting people. A person with a tat attempting to be a tit.

Abbreviations were also a two-mark struggle for me. Competitive exams I appeared in had these questions pertaining to abbreviations, which never have lol or brb in their sentences. I have no grudge against it because sometimes answering the full form of PDF is better than answering the jargon that new humans use. I took exactly 13 seconds out of my life today to understand what my heavily pierced client meant when he asked me to be in his bandwidth.

I don’t want to start a tirade about the trend, but I do need a way to modernise my database since using Google to search for these new age jargons has left my newsfeed quite complicated, and I’m sick of having to clean my browser history to have it corrected. I also don’t want to look for these phrases incognito. Something is wrong with it.

It shouldn’t feel that illicit, in my opinion.

In life, it’s all about tit-tat, it-that.

Sigh.

JEEP.

Later Alligator.

A millennial.

P.S. Seriously ASL?
Evolution

December 29th, 2022

No one knows this, but I’m telling you: wandering around is the first characteristic that a creature develops. Take any foetus in the womb of any mammal as an example. This wandering is what has led to the evolution of life on this great, big blue planet.

Do you think that fish in the ocean just wanted to come out to go someplace new? Maybe yes. Moving to a new place is also a subset of “wandering around.” And with this being said, the most important question at this point arises: what caused that amazing vertebrate to move to land?

Nagging wife? Maybe. Totalitarian Government? Can’t say. But wanderlust? A big yes. It was a wanderlust that made life evolve. That feeling of sinking your newly-formed limbs into the sand of great white beaches is what has led to evolution.

That moment when you breathe in the fresh air and exhale out all the bullshit to find yourself in an exciting new place is what has fueled the evolution.

Darwin may have agreed with me if he would have been around, but I’m sure Deepak from Vishwasnagar and Neha from Ghaziabad with “wanderlust” in their bios on Instagram agree with me.

More on this Later.
Pictures

December 28th, 2022

What a wonderful world we live in and also a great time in history when a human with a zest for life can take ten thousand pictures to put as an update on a social media platform of his/her choice. Everything has to be glittery and about that one specific moment, they carefully craft it to be on their timeline.

For those who failed in Sarcasm 101, it is just my not-so-polite way to tell the world why in the lord’s name you have to plan a picture. And why does your “planned” picture have to be above and beyond every living soul?

Now, There’s a whole industry born out of this itch to curate that one picture-perfect moment. Where has that time gone when everyone used to just stand together and look at the camera and just smile?

Oh! How I wish life could be just about being ordinary and not about finding a spark of joy in everything… at least, not about making everything Glittery. I hate Glliters. I’m a hater.

I’m a hater because it has stepped up on my nerve. No conversation, no finger food, no waddup homie how are your piles, nothing else, it is just about the pictures.

I may rant forever but now I have to go and yell at kids playing in my neighborhood. I’m a grumpy old man.

Meh!