Sushant Chaudhary’s World

“I see her everyday, she always crosses me at that traffic light.

She was not there today.

Am I early today? OR is She Late?

Are things all right with her?

My inner voice just said that, i saw her running. She had a look at me. It was as if she said, sorry for being late. It has been over a year now. We just match our timings, to cross light. It has been very rare stage we have not crossed each other just like today. One thing for sure, if i made it in time, to that traffic light, for sure, I am not going to miss any of my further commutes.

The tradition had been continued for over a year now.

I almost do a shake-hand with her, says God Morning. Even said you look pretty today. All said but there was a never a single word exchanged between us verbally. We always use to let our eyes do needful.

Like her i meet alteast 12 such strangers, who I say, “I know”, or “I don’t know”. I have fixed timing to start for my work. And i have these timekeepers for me at various places. I am for sure, i have forgot my timepiece at home at once, still with help of these people, i will make it in time to office.

She was missing today, i just thought, “How many time, you step-up and talk to this people, or even notice them”. Have ever acknowledged their efforts, to be there for you in time.

Just number of people, i see and would really like to acknowledge are:

1. Jogger Aunty - she is first one, who sets pace for my day. She is first to tell me; run to catch a train, or relax you can walk for remaining distance you are early today.

2. 7:43 AM KP local - Now with new timetable, it has been Khopoli local. She starts with my train and after taking fast route, she joins me later at Mulund station. In case she is out of sight, I am sure i am late.

3. 8:05 AM A from Thane - She follows, Mumbai Madgoan express! Is right there at Thane station on opposite platform, when we arrive. If before platform, we are late, if after leaving station we are early.

4. Miss Lakdi – She crosses us at Vikhroli station, reminding us that its not Friday. Every Friday she is missing. I have assumed that’s her OFF Day for the Week.

5. Pelaa Dabba Now a brand new Sai travels Mini Bus - This cute little beauty has her pick up from Vikhroli station at 8 35 AM sharp. And I dare not miss her, because if i do, i am going to miss my company pickup for sure.

6. Gucci truck - She just does a ramp walk, on LBS, and right in front of my pick, before she heads for station. She reminds me as well as my driver, its 8:45 AM start off your engine and move. Things she wears or carries are Gucci!

I gave all the names, as i personally don’t know any one.

I do really appreciate these timekeepers for being there for me.

Experience, Travel acknowledge, Girls, Gucci, Local, timekeeper

26 December 2008, a month to our Republic Day number 60th. Rajpath was on its way of make over. Work was in progress for most prestigious “RD Parade” (Republic Day Parade).

Over the years, right from childhood, i have seen people from forces, personnel etc. marching on this road, with a great pride and honor. Its a mark of respect to nation, and individuals on dice.

Almost 10 years back, while under going training i was being asked to “Fall Out” and go and join separate division. A group of individual who were to be observed and trained. These cadets were to represent our training institute (para-military category) at “RD parade”.

With news coming to us, entire pack was happy. We were rehearsing 12 hours a week. We had already made our rhythm of march as heart beat. It was as if, we missed a step in a march we missed our heart beat.  Each one was confident to make it. We had done a similar exercise before in honor of then Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat. Hence our confidence was high. Each one had a dream to kiss that road, that has seen so many march.

But dreams are dreams. One Sunday all confident guys were made to “Fall Out”. We were happy and thought we made it. That joy short lived on our faces. We were given a letter to be signed by parents and our respective school authorities/registrar. The letter said “NOC” (No Objection Certificate). When showed to parents, i realized, i was having a trouble in my hand in form of declaration. NOC was meant to have a declaration that there was no impact on my schooling and personal activities by a week long trip to “Rajdhani” (Delhi- capital) on account of “RD parade”.

It meant trouble to parents, they were happy with opportunity i had got. But they also wanted me to concentrate on  ”SSC” (Matriculation that year itself). Unfortunately, the schedule of “RD” was overlapping my preliminary examination for “SSC”. Parents said, “We let go if school approve to postpone your papers, or at least re-conduct it for you”. And that sentence meant clear “NO”. I had being skipping my classes to be a part of training group 40 miles away. I knew i was running short on attendance (75%).  School response was 2 lettered “No”. And i saw my dreams of making it happen shattered.

I really wanted to be part of it. Unfortunately, there were so many like in same pack. Some did overcome opportunity, with help of parents, and taking a year drop at school. Making my parents to take that decision was foolish thing to do. Eventually I was forced to retire from the training.

From that day, till today. I do keep remembering, how dangerous can be dreaming, when you don’t have situation in your hand. And you are not the decision maker.

Opportunity knocks, and you should grab it. It took exactly 10 years, a bit more. I was in Delhi, as a part of my tour to Northern India. With a first step on New Delhi station, recollected by dream. After checking in hotel, getting fresh, lunch and then i was already walking in direction of Rajpath.

After having fantastic ride of Delhi Metro, I was at central secretariat station. After coming out of station, I had Vijay Chowk on right and India Gate on my left, and me on Rajpath. It was foggy even in evening. India Gate was more than a mile walk. I walked the distance (Marched with heart beat) twice.

Saluted war soldiers of war!

Kissed Rajpath! and was on my way back to hotel.

Eyes were filled with spark of achievement, fulfillment.

I got my first dream fulfilled!

Experience, Speech, Thoughts, Travel, politics, spiritual Delhi, delhi Metro, Dreams, Rajdhani, Rajpath, RD parade, Republic Day Parade

Ae dil, hai mushkil, jeena yahaan,

Zara hatke, zara bachke,yeh hai Bambai meri jaan

Travel mumbai local, mumbaikar

I am back, from 2 and half weeks of break, and barely managing to touch 4 northern states on India. A journey through various cultures, vivid hospitality and still being a part of complete India.

My journey started with Rajasthan, then went on to Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and ended in Delhi.

Rajasthan land of riches and Rajputs. Rajputs are well-know for thier valor in war and love towards their motherland. This is tough arm of indian Northwest region. When i planned my vacation, was lucky to get a Fairy Queen pakage tour in my schudule. The package while expensive for 2-day, was all worth to all what it offers. Delhi -> Alwar -> Sariskaa -> Alwar -> Delhi. That night we had cultural perfomances by local Rajasthani troupe, with folk song. Here we got to see Sariskaa wildlife on-board safari (part of package).

Just before the warmth of hospitality of could fade off my memory, I was already on my way to pathankot (Punjab) and then to Dalhousie (Himachal Pradesh). Dalhousie a relaxed place. Where life seems to come still with awesome surrounding Phir-Panjjar range. I was at Dalhousie to attend a 6-day Winter trek organised by Youth Hostel Association of India. Trek was through thick decidious forest of deodhar and pine trees. The route was Dalhousie-> Kaltop -> Khajjiar (mini Swiss) -> obori (Chamba) -> Dalhousie. The 6 days i got 43 new people to know. Self realisation of many many things. Trek was walkers paradise, so was for photographers. End of trek i had reduced chin, Toes with blisters, some sweet memories of Trek.

After trek i was in Delhi, our national Capital. And so was it neat, clean, ans secure. Every hundred meter Government had deployed a security person. With an automated refiles patrol streets and places of Historic and Political importance. I was walking up and down streets of Delhi. The way i did majot part of m local site seeing. I was at Delhi from where i did a short trip to Agra (Taj Mahal) ->Mathura (birth place of lord Krishna)->Vrindawan Gardens.

There are many more things to come from my vistis. Which i will be posting some time soon.

Important thing is -

I am Back!

Experience, Travel Agra, Delhi, india, North, Rajasthan, Taj Mahal

Hi all, its time of year end.

Many of us ready to gear up for Annual Bash at works, with friends, family etc. I have set up my bag-packing to my solo voyage, tour to northern India.

Hankering for snow clad mountain peaks, chilly winds and dark nights. Plan to visit one of hundred mini-Swiss on earth.

I never knew bag paking would be huge task. lost of chekclist items. List is neverending. Had been runnign thruogh list last night was really tough to find simple things at last hour. Hopefully things will all be done tonight.

I am visiting few places with Delhi as HUB, will be away for 3 weeks starting Christmas eve.

Till then Dasvidaniya!!

Experience, Thoughts, Travel