End of an era

"Are you out of your mind? Why do you have to go back home this weekend? Its Sachin's final test! We have always watched cricket together and it will not be any different this time. This test match is going to be special and YOU are not going anywhere!" said Nikhil, who was very irritated hearing that his friend Vijay will be going to Chennai the coming weekend when Sachin is about to play his final international match at Wankhede. He continued, "Talk to your parents, tell them you have an assignment to complete at the lab here and you cannot come. C'mon bro! I am sure you won't regret this." Vijay sighed and gave a brief nod. "Yes! Yes! This is going to be awesome!" Nikhil's face glowed as bright as the sun. As the boys paid me and stood up to leave, I looked around my shop and searched for a small radio set which I have been safeguarding for the past 20 years. I finally found it and tried to switch it on, later did I realise its antenna was missing. That Murphy radio set was special to me for two things; one that it was gifted to me by my late father and two, I heard Sachin Tendulkar play on this radio for the first time. I wish I could have watched him play live. As a cricket enthusiast, all that joy and happiness of India winning a crucial game has been given to me majorly by the God. I still remember the match against England when he scored 119*. He was a 17-year old, wearing Sunil Gavaskar's pads with high hopes on him to end the match as a draw, which he eventually did. In 2004, I remember there was a great debate whether Sachin would return to the international scene as he suffered from the famous Tennis Elbow. He was tagged, "Endulkar" but the nation believed he would return and continue his long journey. I remember those days and nights when I was glued to my television watching the Maestro play some brilliant innings. To highlight some would be the glorious 98 v Pakistan at Centurion in 2003, 241* v Australia at SCG in 2004 and who would forget how he raised the roof by scoring that breathtaking 200* against South Africa at Gwalior in the summer of 2010? It took 40 years for any batsman to record a double hundred in an one-day international and fittingly the "Little Master" was the man to do so.
Sachin Tendulkar- an Indian cricket fan's answer for the love of the game, life and everything surrounding the 22 yards. There is a great sense of confidence when you realise that Sachin is there in the team and will be playing, irrespective of what he does or how he performs. There is a voluntary feeling within you that Sachin is there, so everything will be alright. He has carried the burden of a billion people for the past 24 years and given them everything to believe in Indian Cricket.
My eyes want to watch Sachin play one last time this Friday, at Mumbai. I want to yell, cheer, cry for my GOD and give him a beautiful farewell for all he has done for his country. I can now feel the fire burning in my heart and soul to watch Sachin weave his wand one last time. I know I will curse myself if I miss this opportunity, so I decide to depart on my journey to watch my cricketing legend play which will quench my thirst as I cannot leave behind the memories and beautiful moments he has gifted our nation without showering him back with love and respect when he plays his final test against West Indies.  The road to Wankhede starts from here.

Stressing stress-busters

"Our truck met with an accident. No cigarette stock will be arriving for atleast two days from now", said the dealer through phone as I opened the shop. Cold sweat ran down my spine. "I have stock to manage till today evening. What am I supposed to do after that? This month has been crucial", I thought as I ripped each packet of milk and poured them in a vessel. The weather was hot. It was not very surprising, considering it was Tamil Nadu.

Hours passed and it was quarter after eleven. The college students were writing their exams and it was their practice to smoke some cigarettes after they finish.

"Dude! I am surely failing! You?", "I might pass", "You see this question? I knew the answer and I wrote it too, but for a different question! How stupid am I?", "I wrote pretty well, I will pass"; these were the random murmurs and discussions I heard after the end of every exam for the past one week. I kept aside three-fourth of my stock for them. They trusted me everyday as the dealer of their "stress buster".

In not less than fifteen minutes, there was a huge crowd outside my shop. I had to deal fast to clear the crowd and simultaneously remember to take money from them for the cigarettes or tea or any snack they bought, as some do not care to pay. As I told you, this month was crucial. As I saw Farhan coming towards the shop, I got an idea. He seemed happy, maybe because he would have written his exam well.

"Anna, one Classic Miles cigarette", he ordered, as he placed the coins on the table. When I gave him his cigarette, I enquired " How did you write? Will you pass?". With the cigarette in his mouth, he muttered, "Super!" and flashed a thumbs up. He continued to talk to his friends while I dealt more cigarettes until I was left with just two packs.

"Should I ask him? Can I ask him?" I thought. Farhan has been my customer and friend for a long time now. He came to college from the town everyday on his bike. I treated him like family  and have often advised him to quit smoking. One day, he said, " I buy cigarettes only from you, so you have to shut down your shop if I must quit". I stopped advicing since that day.

"Farhan!" I called. As he turned, I signalled him to come. "Tell me, Anna. What happened?" asked Farhan as he stubbed his cigarette on the floor.

"I am out of cigarettes, Farhan. I will give you money and an address, can you pick up 2 cartons of Classic Miles cigarette from there? I will pay for the petrol too". He looked at his watch and asked, "Where is this shop? If it is at the beginning of the town, I can pick it up because I have to drop Gopal there and come back here".

"THANK GOD!", I thought. "Yes! It is at the bus stop! Can you please do this for me?" I requested. He asked for the address and the money and within minutes, Farhan had left on his bike. I felt relieved, thanks to Farhan.

"Done! My god, too much tension near the bus stop. Later I realised, it was because of a car-bike accident." said Farhan, as he handed me the two cartons of cigarettes. He had come back within an hour, just at the right time.

"Thank you! Oh! Anyone got hurt?", I asked him as I opened the cartons. "I do not know, I did not stop to check" he said, as he zipped his bag close. "Here, take!" I offered Farhan the last pack which had 2 cigarettes. He had agreed to help at the right time. He laughed and took them. "Thanks Anna! See you tomorrow!" he said and left.

You inspired me- Part II

"How was your sleep? You are awake just in time for dinner", I told a partially awake Veer. I continued, "Did you know? You sleep talk. A lot."
"I know, my friends have taken videos of it. They would show it to me the next morning and laugh about it. I am used to it as a fact, now", he replied as he washed his face and continued, "I guess I am not troubling you by staying here tonight?", asked Veer with a smile on his face. He was very young. What was he doing here, all alone? Is he lost? His mysterious eyes and smile made me think, otherwise. I had to ask him.
I served him rice and pickle. I looked up to check the time, it was 9pm. "Are you not eating?" he asked me. "I had my dinner while you were asleep. Do you want all the rice?", I asked him, as he looked quite thin for a young man of his age. He nodded. "What brings you here, Veer? Where are your parents? Are you alone, or lost?" I asked him as I cleared the rice from my bowl to his plate. I passed the pickle jar to him. "I am travelling from Kerala to Mysore Hills. I left Kerala, 3 weeks back and I am travelling on foot. Its all for the beauty of nature and the peace it gives you, which humans cannot. I travel and when I feel the need of some rest, I stop-by to stay with localites of the place. Like currently, for example, you. You would be amazed to realise the trip has not been harsh on me. Yet", he chuckled. I continued staring at him, as I expected him to continue talking. When I realised he has finished, I asked, "Nature gives you peace which humans cannot? On what basis are you telling me that?". He continued eating, and he seemed to enjoy the food. He asked for more pickle, as he spoke,"Well, I have my own reasons. I destroyed every evidence of my existence in Kerala, when I left. My name is Veer. Veer Deol. And, this definitely is not my real name. *chuckles* My dad was a businessman who believed in extreme comfort and fighting with my mom regularly. When I was in college, they divorced each other to live alone. Those were the worst days of my life as questions of custody of me and my brother were raised. I decided to live alone and independently, I was mentally upset. My brother stayed with my dad while my mom shifted to Mumbai and married an another man. I was not at peace, not one bit. My brother used to frequently call me telling how drunk my dad got the earlier night. I pitied my brother and I loved him. I wanted him to break free and live his life, rather than disturb himself with my dad's issues. I decided to leave Kerala for a peaceful existence. I did not want anyone to know where I was leaving, so I burned my passport and ID card. I took all the cash I required for the travel and decided never to come back. I started walking, and here I am in front of you. I want to live in Mysore, and experience the nature and our heritage. I want to be alone", he said, as he stood up to wash the plate. I sat there, amazed by the courage this young man had.
"Are you sure about all this? I mean, walking all the way till Mysore would be tiring and exhaustive. Have you decided where to live? Have you decided how to go? Being very clueless can be dangerous." I told him, as he returned after cleaning and wiping his hands. I thought he would have a plan. A guy who can leave everything behind must have a plan. But what he said next, denied it.
"Do you see this?", he said and showed me a bruised knee. It was aided, yet it looked bad. "I left Kerala on a bike. Half way out of Thirussur, I met with an accident. I decided to walk as I was not ready to spend my money on repairing the bike. It made my travel better, if you ask me. I admired everything on my way. I admired the never-ending lines on the black-tar roads, as it made me wonder how it was managed to be  painted so straight, even though a road surfacing marker machine was used. I admired the greenery, which I felt as I walked. Greenery is the best scenery. indeed. The colours used by the nature were so inspiring and beautiful that I could not take my eyes off them. I admired every person I met on my way and I am very sure, as each of them were as different than the other. So much humanity still rests in the deeper parts of our nation, which we refuse to consider in the whole picture. This is what I wanted to see. We all say we our humanity is falling apart, but then, even a bit of pure faith can help us save it," he said that and he stared at me. I agreed to his point and gave a brief nod. I understood, we ourselves should be and must be blamed for the actions for tension are initiated by us. "I can understand your boldness, Veer. If you are doing this for you, I suggest you continue. Never give a chance to regret." He smiled. "You can sleep in the same room, I will sleep in the backyard. Are you feeling cold?", I asked him as I saw his rubbing his hands for heat. "I would smoke some cigarettes if you have." I laughed, "I have a shop, son! Come."
He took a chair, sat against the fence and smoked his cigarettes. "Goodnight! By the way, I was thinking. Do you want an extra hand to help you at your chores at the shop? I mean, I can work here for sometime if you want to. I don't mind." I looked at him and I smiled. He had already made a huge impression on me. "I will think about it. But then, you need to sleep now. I will talk to you tomorrow morning. Take care!" I told him and walked to my backyard to sleep. I need to clean this place for an additional person to stay here, for sometime now. 

You inspired me- Part 1

I remember this day very well. I, in fact, can never forget this day. The 24th day of February, 2012. This day gave me courage to fight the odds of my life. This day taught me what it is to live. This day put forth the meaning of life to me. This inspiring day I met young Veer Deol.
Veer was born in Mumbai and eventually shifted to Kerala when he was 10years old. He admired nature like no one did and was very young, maybe in his early 20s. His parents divorced each other when he was in college and since then, he preferred living alone. He had an elder sister, to whom he was very close in his family. She lived in Kochin.
I met Veer, not at my Chai shop, but on the middle of the highway, when I was riding back to my shop from the town. He asked me for a lift. He looked tired and but not dirty. He had short hair and had an unshaven beard. He carried with himself a rucksack bag, perfect for his travels. He looked like he deserved a lift more than anyone on the highway that day, trust me.
"Any place closeby to rest?", he asked, in hindi. I understood the language well as I worked at Raichur, a small town near Pune with my uncle. I was unemployed and he decided to lift me up in life with that wonderful job of a table-cleaner. I was sarcastic, but whatever I am today is because of him.
"Yes, sit", I told him. We drove to my tea-shop. I had a small room at my shop where I slept at nights if I got late. I would not mind letting Veer stay there, if he asked. He looked matured and strong for his age, not physically but mentally. His eyes had reason as to why he stood there. Why he was on one of the hundred highways in our country with a bag and without any contact with the outside world? What made him let go off everything? I wanted to ask him all these questions and many more, but I instead said, "Here, take this room. You can rest here".
"Can I spend the night here?", he asked me with a soft voice. He looked like a loved kid. "Yes! Definitely", I told him and handed him a blanket. "What's your name, son?" I asked him. "Veer Deol, bhaiya. Call me Veer", he replied. I nodded and left. He slept soon, and woke up just in time for the dinner.

Singara Chennai.

As I wondered where I had kept the jar of sugar last night, I heard Raghav's voice nearing the shop. He was with a new friend, unknown to me. I had not seen him here anytime before.
"Two teas, Anna. My account!", he said. This was his habit- "My account". What Raghav used to practice was something different and logical. He would have his account with me for whatever he brought from the shop including cigarettes, tea, etc., and he would clear the account at the end of the week. I trusted him, as for the past 3 years, he had not missed once.

"Who is he?" I asked, as Raghav came to take their teas. "1st year, Anna. Very good boy. His name is Aurav. He is from your city, Chennai!". As soon as he said Chennai, I felt an understanding grow towards Aurav, as if I had knew him all along.

Chennai or let me call it Madras the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is where I grew up. Madras is a brilliant city, not only because I grew up there but also because I have seen and felt the beauty of Madras. Those beaches where you see filmy couples sit and romance or the ripped Tamil men with thick mustaches playing Rugby fiercely, little later to realise that they are all policemen and it is their past-time, that is Madras for you. The temples my mom took me to, the fairs where I played my heart out, the "Pongal pandigai" as we call it and the vibrant food dishes, made me fall for Madras. So why did I end up here? I will let you know soon. 

"Oh yes, Madras. Nice..", I murmured and smiled.

Unlocked a new achievement!

As I stood near my cash desk and watched the technicans fit my new television and the antenna, students surrounded the shop in awe. I could feel the excitement in the air as the boys started to suggest me different channels which they wanted at the shop.
"Anna, super! There is no chance for me to attend college from now. Do not forget to subscribe ESPN and Star Sports anna!"
"Anna, subscribe MTV and let the music play at the shop 24x7!"
"Anna, Fashion TV? Please. They catch us if we surf on the college wi-fi", he stopped as I looked back and stared. "C'mon, it was just a suggestion!" he continued. Everyone burst out laughing, I too did.
They finished fitting the TV as I asked one of the boys to check if everything was fine with the remote and TV. Channels started to display and within seconds, Bollywood and Kollywood songs were blaring at my tea shop. I was delighted and smiled from ear to ear when students wished me for my new achievement- the only tea shop to have a TV in the surroundings of the college.
Venky and his friends had just arrived at the shop.
"If you do not mind Anna, can we watch a football match here, tomorrow night?" asked Venky, a third year Mech student as he put his hand inside the jar of biscuits. "It is a Champions League match anna, very prestigious tournament in world football, similar to how Champions League t20 works. Please anna!". I was supposed to spend a week's night at the tea shop as my wife left for her parent's house. I thought about the idea of keeping the shop open all night and serving tea to the boys. "Watching these boys enjoy the game would be fun", I thought.
"Sure! The shop will be open tomorrow all night. Feel free to come. Tell your friends too! Now tell me what to you want? Tea or Coffee? Vada is hot and tasty, try them", I told the boys while pointing at the vadas. They looked delicious, indeed.

A Sunday morning about bikes.

"Anna, two strong teas with sugar and one strong tea without sugar, please", an Afro-haired boy, nearly in his 20s, ordered me. He was accompanied by his two friends, both looked younger than him. He asked for three cigarettes, lit them and joined his friends while I was dexterously busy making their teas.

It was 7am on a bright, Sunday morning and I had just opened my shop. I had to pay the milkman for the ten liters of milk that I had brought yesterday when I heard one of the boys talk about buying a new bike.
 "How is Bajaj Avenger? Is it worth buying?" asked the shortest boy who had long hair and a goatee with a cigarette in his right hand. He seemed to look like a bike lover as I have seen him adoring many college bikes before which stop at my shop. "Ahh, Bajaj Avenger? No. Bad reviews from my friends. Try getting the new Duke, it is amazing!", the Afro boy spoke, as I finished making 3 strong teas for them and asked them to take it. As they came to get their teas, the third boy opened up, "Duke is quite costly, and for a first bike, I don't think such a powerful engine is necessary. Your first bike should give you control on gears and as you know, a bike averagely picks up faster than a moped. One should get used to that also. What if you get a Duke and cannot manage it, at first?". The boy seemed to talk smart, I have seen him several times at my shop,only with his Afro friend. They returned back to their plastic seats which they had set sticking to the wall so that they could lean back on the wall comfortably. "That's valid, surely! But, if he is going for looks, no bike will have looks and a less powerful engine. Take r15 for instance, it looks god-like! But, you get a powerful engine too. It is tough to find a properly balanced bike when one has to think about money too", said the Afro boy. He continued, "Hmm, why not a RX-135? You can buy a second-hand from Chennai and then, re-model it with your own style. I would prefer a Maroon color", he stood up to return his empty glass to me and paid me for the teas. He picked up three more cigarettes and lit them. He asked one of his friends for an extra 18 rupees as the third boy came up to return their glasses and paid me. They began to leave, while his friend was still in deep thought about the RX plan, sitting on the chair while resting on the wall. "That sounds good! Actually you have a RX right? How's it?" he asked, while he stood up from the chair and stretched. ."Its brilliant. The exhaust is orgasmic and the feel is just too good. Don't ask me if I am going to sell it, because I never will!" said the Afro boy who continued by imitating the sound of the exhaust, "drrrenn, drrrrrennnn, drr drr drren! Ahh! I need to get back soon to Chennai. My bike is calling me!"
After staring for a while at his senior friend and his antics, the boy with the goatee spoke with excitement in his eyes, "Soon, very soon, I ll come pick you up on my RX:..." before he could finish, his senior friend continued, *laughs* Thanks, but there is no need. Tell me where you want to meet, I ll join you with my RX. You ride yours, okay?", he finished and laughed at the other boy, continued by his third friend as they started to leave.
*sighs* "Fine!" said the boy and walked behind his friends. "See you, anna!", the boy said as he turned back to wave me good-bye. I smiled and waved back at him.