Guddu's Story

The hills have eyes.

Its true. I found out that night while walking uphill.

The overnight snow had made the walking path quite   vulnerable. The sharp edges of broken pebbles and rock      chips mixed with mud and snow made for  a walkers            nightmare. Usually,I walked six to eight times everyday quite comfortably.Though towards the end of the day it would get quite tough,but I would still make it to the top.I was not alone.There were others walking as well,and it always gave me support and    encouragement.

I never could understand why we needed to carry the load everyday? They came in all shapes and sizes, some had really bad odor and some loads were simply back breaking.I  tried my best to keep going but every now and then I would stop to take a breather.My master would get wild at me.He whipped me,abused me and kicked between my legs.It hurt. My neck bled when my master clenched his fist.

It was just after sunset and there was no moon in sight.My master never came to see me as he would usually do every night. He would never miss giving me food even if we had a fight early in the day. I was worried for my master today.
I didn’t worry about the stiff winter chill across my face and snowflakes that dotted the skyline. The place soon emptied and I was alone standing under a thick cloud cover and snow fall. I stood at the foot of those hills watched others go by as usual.As it grew colder and windier,at first I hesitated to move from my fixed place, but then I ventured to a nearby shed.

Its then I saw something quite extraordinary. A rock tumbled from the top of the hill and stopped in front of me.It was not an ordinary rock.It had a flat top,as if someone had just sliced the uneven part on top and the bottom firmly gripped into the ground.

Before I could unravel the flat rock mystery,another identical rock came tumbling down. And within minutes a barrage of rocks came rolling down. Was it an earthquake? I don’t know.It was a bit confusing and scary considering that there was no sound in the vicinity.
There was snow everywhere,except on those rocks. As I lifted my eyes,I could see the rocks had formed a path leading on to the hills.I was inexplicably drawn out of my shed and stepped on top of the first rock. Was it trying to show me a way? I set foot on the second rock out of unstoppable curiosity and before I could bat an eyelid,I was walking on top of the rocks at a brisk pace.

This was the same difficult hill I would walk up and down everyday, but today it all          seemed so unfamiliar.For a minute I did  think all of this was a dream, but it wasn’t, even after I had shaken my head three times!
At precisely the two hundred and thirtieth step ,it became clear to me.I saw a red stain on the white snow.It was master.He lay there helpless,hope less,motionless ,and perhaps lifeless.He had been hit by a boulder.

I did consider, albeit quite momentarily, but certainly, leaving him right there and walking back,but I didn’t.I stopped to think.I took a moment to recount my journey on the hill. The steepness never tired me, the mud and snow didn’t slow me,the rock chips didn’t hurt me and moreover,I was not tired anymore either. I managed to wake up my master, and all he said was 'Guddu I knew you would come', I nodded and brought him back to  town.

The hills have eyes I concluded.

Gyanban Thoughts : The story is a narration by a young pony.The inspiration for this fairytale came from a little pony called Guddu,I saw in Kufri. The locals used their mules and ponies to carry people up the hill and back for money. The irony was that neither was the money enough for the master to feed himself and his horses nor was it easy on the pony to carry overweight people up the steep hill.

As a result the masters would whip,kick and shout to keep the ponies moving. The quicker they finished the ride the better chance to earn more money,while the tourists had the   time of their lives.

I realised somebody's joy, was someones pain.

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Happy Apple

Lunches were always eventful at the Pandey residence. That afternoon was no different.Some debates,some observations,some jokes and some plans as always.

‘Listen son,I have found out the details.Its a superb deal – a steal perhaps.’
‘What is it Papa?’
‘Its Happle – The Happy Apple’
‘Now what is that?’
‘It’s the local Apple juice – it sells like hot cakes. I am going to start a business selling those. Maybe I’ll reduce some of your burden.’
‘Thanks Pa,but there isn’t such a need, why don’t you relax at home,I will figure something out soon.’
‘Listen to me,its not a big investment,hassle free trading, buy from the dealer and sell it in the apartment complex, and perhaps the park in the neighborhood.’

Mom snapped ‘uff how long will you be absurd? Why don’t you go inside and write or read newspaper- something you do best’.
‘Don’t be negative,don’t criticize me all the time’Papa said raising his voice.
Mom went inside the bedroom dismissing the comment.

‘So, as I was saying,I went and researched the brand, and at Rs.10 a pack, its not costly, and works wonders in the summer’ Papa continued undeterred.

‘Listen Pa,just because I am going through a tough phase at work,does’nt mean we don’t have food to eat,its ok – I will manage.Besides ,I need you to be healthy and fit – that will be a bigger support.’

‘You are not understanding my son.Its not such a complicated thing. You see,I did a pilot project with sandwiches earlier, remember,and that was a learning experience.It taught me that people feel thirsty, or more thirsty than hungry. Ah – such a simple thing.We can get started with 10 cartons.’

‘Yes but how would you do inventory control, supply ,deliver and what if it does’nt work? What will you do with all those Happy Apple cartons?

‘Oh they will sell I tell you – people get thirsty don’t they?But be careful not to share this with anybody,I mean why attract competition when we can rule the market?’

Exasperated, Sameer Pandey,got up and went to his room,leaving his father alone in the dinning hall.

‘I don’t get it, I think he’s shy, or maybe its his ego,I’ll have to try and explain it to him again,after all I am his father,if I don’t help him, who will?I will have to show it to him.’

That sunny afternoon Nirmal Pandey, went out for a walk.Wore his favorite red cap,took his walking stick,and trotted out quietly while the house was sleeping.He had decided to surprise his son.
He walked in the hot sun,till he reached the local grocery shop.
Careful not to give away his business secret,he asked ‘Errm how many Happy Apple cartons do you have?
‘How many do you want?’the shopkeeper retorted.
Restricting his frown he asked ‘if I ask for 100 will you give me 100?’
The shopkeeper looked at him without an expression.

Mr.Pandey thought ‘this guy is wily, he is trying to get my business plan’ his forehead frowned.After a brief moment of silence,he finally spoke‘Uh mm, actually we re having a party at home,so let me call and check’.

The shopkeeper did not respond again.

Nirmal Pandey turned his back, pretended to dial his mobile phone.
‘Hello, Hello who’s this, Sameer? Listen son, how many people will come home tonight?’ 
What?  B-but what about the rest? Hmm ok ok, now keep the phone’.

He turned around and said ‘give me 20 for now, looks like some guests dropped out’.

‘How much will it cost?’

‘Rs.15 but I will give it to you at Rs10’ the shopkeeper lowered his voice.

‘Oh really?’he said, clearly taken aback.

‘But Mr.Pandey, since 20 cartons will get too heavy for you,why don’t you take these 2 in your hand,and I will send the rest to your residence.’the shopkeeper said.

‘Ah that swine is trying to cheat me, eh,but I am not falling for that, I think he’s realised that he’s making a mistake selling this to me at Rs.10’ Nirmal Pandey smirked quietly.

‘Errm No,I will push it in the trolley’he announced.

The shopkeeper did as he was told. Nirmal Pandey took those cartons in the trolley from the shop and headed towards the park.Nirmal pandey walked along the roadside muttering to himself along the way ‘This is good,I got a good deal.Now I will show to Sameer that all of these will sell in no time –then he will realise my worth’.

Nirmal Pandey reached the park and spotted a strategic location – the park bench.He dragged the trolley and parked it behind the bench and sat down with an air of accomplishment.

He looked around,strained his neck to find a pair of eyes he could connect with.He only saw the security guard and park in charge looking at him. He chose to ignore them.

Nirmal Pandey was getting a bit worried.It was almost 5PM and there was no sight of any customer.Some kids played cricket in the distance and some toddlers babbled with their nanies.

Just then a bunch of young boys walked into the park with a football in hand.They looked tired.Nirmal Pandey was overjoyed – he knew he had found his customer.He turned back to take a glance at his business and adjusted his shirt and cap quickly.

‘Boys come here’he shouted.
‘What is it uncle?’one of them said.
‘How was the game?’
‘Oh it was great-we ran a lot and now we are tired’
‘and thirsty?’Nirmal Pandey interrupted.

‘Yes yes,we are- do you have something to drink?’
Nirmal Pandey couldn’t believe his luck , ecstatic he said ‘I have just the right thing for you –but it is going to cost you money’

‘Oh uncle, we only have Rs.20 on each of us,our playing allowance – will that help?’
Nirmal Pandey calculated mentally – ‘Rs.10 for each pack, add profit of Rs.5 and sell it for Rs.15 bucks.Bingo!’

He looked up and said ‘ah don’t worry just pay Rs.15 and I will give each of you Happy Apple juices’.

Soon the cartons was empty and Nirmal Pandey had earned enough money to go back and talk to Sameer.He cleaned up the park bench of wrappers and litter.Dragged the trolley out of the park and walked home upbeat with a spring in his stride.

It was 7PM when he reached home and called out ‘Sameer come here my boy,let me show you something’.

Sameer was standing in the corridor ‘Yes Papa what is it?’

Nirmal Pandey took out a bunch of notes from his pocket and gave it to his son ‘here take this – and guess where I got this from ? My business idea of selling Happy Apple juices worked! Come sit here,let me tell you all about it’

Sameer interrupted ‘Oh Papa, please sit down first,relax and I will listen.But first its time for your medicine.’

Mrs.Pandey came out of the kitchen and gave the medicine. Mr.Pandey promptly obeyed and sat back on the rocking chair.
‘Give me your cap and stick, I will keep it safely, you might need it tomorrow’said Mrs.Pandey.
The rocking chair relaxed him and slowly he closed his eyes.

Seeing him sleep Sameer said ‘Ma please be here,and take care of him,I’ll be back soon’ Mrs. Pandey nodded with a hint of sadness. 

‘Thank you so much all of you – here’s your money Ramu kaka,please keep your happy Apple stocks handy – and don’t overact’

‘Oh you should’ve seen me, I did just fine’he said.

‘Bahadur and Pinto you guys need to keep a closer watch – those boys were playing cricket,the ball could hit him no?’
‘Arrey Saheb, we are there, has anything happened ? No ? Then don’t worry.’
Sameer pursed his lips and said ‘Anyways here’s your money and be alert’

‘Thank you Sameer sir’ they said in unison and left.

‘And Joobi – you better look more convincing’

‘Arrey Sameer Bhaiya,I told you Tennis team would be better,one does get thirsty after playing those cross courts ?

‘Nothing can beat football – that’s it. Here’s your money,and next time pick up my phone a bit early ok?’

‘Yes Bhaiya’

Sameer smiled with a lump in his throat. It was 5 years since Nirmal Pandey had Alzheimer's,and he didn’t have the heart to break the news to him.

Gyanban Thoughts - Some relationships are so delicate that they have to be handled with extra care.While it is tough for the patient,it is probably tougher for the people around him or her.This story attempts to touch the sentiment of people who give unconditional love and support,years together,just to keep someone they love,happy and smiling.Salut.

Jal ~ Water

Sometimes it flows as tears
Sometimes it sums up fears
Sometimes it's just joy
And sometimes it's a ploy!

It quenches thirst
Refreshes hope
You can drown first
Or flow with the slope


It can wage a storm
Yet Light a life
Can work a charm
Feed the unborn


Wasted it flows
Drains when it rains
Cries the future
Bathes in sorrow...

Save it now
Save us now
If tomorrow dries 
We all die...

Gyanban Thoughts - Save Water is like save a life! I wonder when will people take this seriously? Perhaps until a war breaks out, people are just not going to take notice.Sad.
Save water,save a child,save our future.

Goodbye

As the shocking news trickled in, the whispering dignitaries at the state

banquet dinner table waited for a reaction from the prime minister.

There was none.

Instead he offered an unflinching calmness & composure.

His love,and duty for the country, demanded a silent farewell.

He’d once asked her - ‘Why does it take a minute to say hello & an eternity to say goodbye’ ?

He’d finally got his answer.

-

-

-

Edwina Mountbatten had died in her sleep.

Gyanban thoughts – Lord and Lady Mountbatten served as, respectively, the last Viceroy and Vicereine of pre-Partition India. Jawaharlal Nehru and Edwina Mountbatten shared a strong platonic frienship,perhaps borderlining on romance.Some secrets are forever wrapped in pages of history and only a few people know the exact nature of their relationship. The prime minister displayed exemplary courage to set aside personal grief and engaged with the important foreign dignitaries visiting Hyderabad House that evening.The final Goodbye tested his strength of mind to the limit.

Researched from - The Hindu Archives and authored by Ramchandra Guha here.

On February 21, 1960, Edwina Mountbatten died in her sleep while on a visit to Borneo. Shortly after midday, the news was communicated to Walter Crocker by his friend Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, the veteran Gandhian and high-ranking Minister in the Union Government. That evening the Australian diplomat was due to attend a dinner at Hyderabad House in honour of the historian Arnold Toynbee.

As a first-hand account of how Jawaharlal Nehru felt and acted the day Edwina Mountbatten died, this is striking indeed. With an almost magisterial self-will, Nehru appears to have kept his thoughts (and we may presume, his grief) hidden within himself. A honoured guest had come to town, and the Prime Minister’s duty was to entertain and amuse him. At the time, Toynbee had a colossal popular following. Never since (and rarely before) has a mere historian been treated with such deference around the globe or so readily acknowledged as an oracle. That evening at Hyderabad House, the others around the table, whether Indian or Western, were inhibited, even tongue-tied. It was only the Prime Minister who could engage Toynbee in a conversation of intellectual equals. His dearest friend had just died: but his office, and his country, demanded of Nehru that he set aside his personal grief and act as was expected of him.

A Bit Of Life

I lose a little bit of me everyday...

every role takes a bit away,

only pictures remind,

for a bit,I can rewind,

the bell that rang...

the run that followed..

the lunch box I gulped...

the friend who helped..

where are they now?

lost bits somewhere somehow...

the strings I strummed?

the nights I hummed?

the song I once sang,

the feet that danced,

where are they now?

lost bits somewhere somehow...

why can't I splash the rain?

feel breeze in the train

aimlessly walk the roads,

exploring all the cross roads

where are they now?

lost bits, somewhere somehow...

where is that first feeling?

the goosebumps so thrilling,

the tender first touch

which meant so much,

where are they now?

lost bits somewhere somehow...

I lose a little bit of me everyday,

every role takes a bit away,

those lost bits on the way,

somewhere seem to say,

please come back to us

just one more day...

Gyanban Thoughts - often in life,we get so caught up playing roles,duties,responsibilities that we tend to forget who we are.Our lives become transactional, scheduled..planned..that we forget what it is like to be carefree.. hassle free..just like in our growing up years..enjoying every little bit that came our way.So take some time out,and be with yourself just for one day,where you have no role to play..just spend the day with you.

image courtesy:desktopnexus