TEWARYAN

The Others

2011-04-19T12:16:00.001-07:00

I had a visitor a couple of weeks ago who didn’t come through my front door. She swooped down from above and made herself at home on the small deck of my apartment in a modest -rise building in Delhi.

The visitor was a mother pigeon, and she decided to make a nest in a pot that itself houses a four-foot tall plant. Horticulture has always been my forte, and perhaps the mother pigeon thought she had found some beautiful exotic wild-growing plant in the city. She was even more perceptive in selecting a nesting site at the home of the Product Manager of Indian Health Organisation, expecting a bit more from me.

Perhaps she knew there’d be no eviction. We have a robust Urban (wild) Life ,so her unexpected arrival is just the sort of wildlife experience we celebrate.

She didn’t make much of a nest—just a thin cluster of twigs. But she produced two fine-looking eggs, and she stayed on her clutch like any loyal mother.

Before long, there were two hatchlings—more scraggly than fuzzy. They would have been vulnerable if there had been a cat, or a person not fond of pigeons.
I decided I’d just do all my work inside for some weeks, and cede the deck to her and not disturb her. Well Rock Doves (pigeons) nest on cliffs, and well, if she thought this was a cliff, who was I to tell her differently.

Mama was with the chicks almost all of the time for the first few days, but ventured out periodically as time passed for food-gathering forays. She’d come back and regurgitate the bounty to nourish them. One thing that I had never known and Its amazing an experience to see the mama pigeon put its weight on the neophytes just in case they required extra warmth (my guess; and am sure, that it is).

It’s truly a miracle of nature to see life created, even in the unlikeliest of places. will keep a close watch at it till i see the babes sailing high!!!

#tewaryan diaries.

2010-07-09T21:22:00.000-07:00

THESE FEET CAN TAKE US ANYWHERE-2

IN THE SEARCH OF SNOW

We waited at the Bus Terminal not exactly sure what to expect from our planned journey on the 'Bus’ ,well it certainly lived upto its name ( name : Bus) and as the bus arrived we were sure of our fortunes for the next 16 hours. Well ‘we’ here is Sanu (Chacha), Priya( cant mention what she is to me here,sorry) and off course Suman (that’s me, am sure I dont need no introduction). Ok enough of introduction.

As the bus arrived. It was immediately assaulted by the crowds on the terminal waiting to board, everyone was fighting for the best seats. All the tickets were unallocated (a recipie for disaster, as unarmed combat broke out amongst the surging hoards of eager passengers) we struggled to gain access to the nearest seats elbowing our way to a seat which we leapt onto as if the music had suddenly stopped during a violent game of musical chairs. Everyone had just settled down when the conductor appeared to do his assigned job. The Adventure starts!

After 5-6 hours,The journey was as scenic as we had hoped , the road wound its way up a seemingly endless gradient folllowing the contours of the hills, passing over deep ravines , rounding steep sided valleys and huge buttresses . At every winding turn we were treated to new 'cinematic' vistas and impressive (if hazy) views of the slowly disappearing plains layed out below and the huge 'topless' peaks appearing above. We passed over cute little bridges spanning dark gulleys and dry streams. The roadside was a mixture of dry brown undergrowth and tall green trees which cast a dappled shade across the line. While all this time two people were enjoying the most Sanu and Pria, they both were deep asleep. Well it was understandable in case of pria as she had travelled a lot many times in this road so she had nothing to explore but I think tht’s what u should expect from Sanu.

Our destination lay some 6 hours or so up the mountain, The first 3 hours passed relatively quickly as we were fascinated by our everchanging surroundings. The final three hours consisted of us dozing, chatting to an Irish girl who was on the last league of a 9 month trip and so we swapped travel stories and advice, whilst fidgeting and, massaging our numb bits, until eventually we rattled into Dalhousie in the late morning.

The bus terminal is located at the foot of a very steep slope, up which we slowly hauled our rucksacs to find a taxi into town. On arrival We negotiated with a porter to carry Priya’s rucksac and daybags to our hotel (I & Sanu decided to manfully struggle on with our bags. Our pride wouldnt let us use a porter. Big mistake!). Our hotel was perched on the highest part of town and only accessible on foot as the porter danced up the almost sheer slopes towards our accommodation as if the bags were full of cottonwool. We tried in vain to stay with him but soon began to fall behind gasping, wheezing and panting violently after only 50 yards or so, he pranced to the top and sat down in the hotel lobby having a quick smoke a full 5 minutes before us.

I staggered into the reception with my head spinning. Priya had to explain who we were and our reservation details as we were unable to speak, and it was her colleague (teacher) who had booked the hotel for us. I was too busy concentrating on sucking in enough air to prevent myself from blacking out, as I slumped on a nearby bench seat (had no idea about Sanu, did not check on him) Im sure I noticed a wry smile (even a smirk) on the face of the porter. Another tourist humiliated!

The town of Dalhousie is set on a ridge surrounded by pine clad 'alpine' style hillsides, its height affords it a pleasantly cool climate. We had at last found a respite from the incredible heat of the plaines. The mornings tended to be shrouded in mist which lifted by midday when the direct sun could be rather hot (but tollerable).It was wonderful to be able to wander around without being poached in your own sweat.

First day we set off early to explore the town starting with its centre known as the ‘GPO' near the Gandhi chowk it is here that the famous Tibetan market is situated where we chose to do some shopping (after all you cant afford to side the fact that we were being accompanied by a GIRL called Priya.) The morning passed quickly as we just milled around with all the other tourists taking in the views and wandering around the sidestreets.

As we were warmed by the pleasant afternoon sun, and after a filling lunch we set for Kalatop and Lakkarmandi-places known for bear sightings.

We had great fun in the woods, after an hour and a half trekking, we found ourselves resting in an open café, The atmosphere in Dalhousie had a wonderful relaxed 'Belgium summer afternoon' feel to it . A fantastic contrast to the very Indian plaines of Gujarat.

That very evening we had an invitation from Pria’s Ex-Principal Mr Bhanu Pant of that of Hilltop int’l school for dinner, a very lively and soft spoken person survived by an equally intelligent wife and a beautiful but cute daughter. After a quick session of drinks, we made our taste buds to do some exercise, the dinner had a himachali taste to it, must say was awesome. We were dropped to our hotel by the driver of Mr Principal.

The second day saw us planning our next step, we wanted to travel through the high Pir Panjal ranges but a review of our guide book left us not the wiser idea as we appeared to be 'spoilt for choice' from the bewildering amount of options available so we decided to get some advice from the local people before taking the final call on Pir Panjal. But we were tempted on hearing that it snowed fresh last night in Sach paas. Without wasting a second, we booked ourselves an Alto (you can assume how desperate we were, that we booked an alto for such a terrain). We were seated comfortably, I was leaning out of the window as we snaked around some of the tighter corners. As the journey progressed trying to get comfortable became a continual task for Sanu as the seats for someone of his size were very uncomfortable.I along with Pria sat in the rear seat , I perched myself in the seats gazing out over the passing scenery but had to eventually retreat from the suns power and so slumped on the tiny and uncomfortable seats with my elbow out of the window trying to make the most of the cooloing breeze that our speed created.

As we inched closer we could see the ice caps quite visibly, being summer not all parts were covered by snow. Our first encounter with a solid water form will not be forgotten by us for sure as it looked like a man built – thermocol like structure. Least had we thought it to be a huge chunk of ice.

The day was generally hot and sunny but moody clouds swirled in and out. And that was the major reason that made Sanu crib, as he had expected snowfall to happen in mid-June :P. Well never the less it was the best season to explore this part of the country,without getting yourself caught in the fury of nature. They say the roads here are narrowing down because of the frequent land slides, we did witness few road blockages but they were not major enough to deter our spirits. Road conditions varied, from mud to hardpack gravel to untameable shards of rock. Great slabs of granite added even more drama to the already epic setting. The only thing that kept us moving were the closing ranges of buckled mountains that appeared and disappeared from the view. As we closed in on the top, we got drenched under the spray of a waterfall, this place will be remembered as for a second we thought pria had lost it (her senses;) , she was spell bounded).

Well the best part was the army base,(had always seen such bases in movies like lakshya, border) they even photographed us for their records. It was their at around 4 P.M. and above 8000ft that we had the day’s first meal and that too bread and omelette, there we learned that India was playing Pakistan in the over rated Asia Cup and had been given a target of 267 to guarantee their win. This was the time that I missed my Camera THE MOST. Well just to confirm these photos were taken from our sets, edited by ME ;)

The milestone read Sach Pass - 9kms ,here we were some 14500 ft, where due to hard ice our Vehicle (Alto, I understand it takes courage to take an alto to 14500 ft above sea level) refused to go further, we respected its decision & parked at a safe place.

Then we walked for more than a kilometer to ensure a view that would be reasonable enough to make all of our pals jealous of us. We got ourself clicked as Sanu was least interested being clicked (Reason: as given above, he wanted snowfall in mid-june :P) so the models were me and not to mention Pria.

We walked along the snowline point which was a task as its quite difficult due to lack of oxygen. After the photo session and nature-admiration, it was time for some sports. We chose to walk another kilometer, This part was quite uneventful but very exciting and the view was marvelous. We were in the snow again. Anyways we played in the snow, got photos, and finally decided to let our butt feel the snow too by falling.

All too soon we were going back as we had to get our ride back. Once we got back our driver was waiting for us. We headed back for Dalhousie, the nearest dhaba was 4 hour drive from the pass, there we learnt that India thrashed Pakistan to secure its position in the Asia Cup Finals. We reached our hotel – Hotel Greens by midnight. Ended our days adventure by getting some chole at the hotels restaurant with our shoes and socks off and trying to get warm in any way possible. Thus after a long day of tough riding, we crashed in to our beds and dozed off.

The third day started with a cold morning, hot coffee and a much debated plan to go to Khajjiar, I was not that very keen but am sure any one would agree that whenever a girl pleads, you can do nothing about it. We booked a cab and soon were off for a 42km ride in the canopy. En route to Khajjiar, we had to pass through Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.

A lush green forest, made even more enchanting due to clouds and fog, which made it appear as a dream sequence from a movie. Narrow roads, lack of traffic, small streams and falls nearby made the whole experience even more endearing. I had a negative impression on Khajjiar till I visited it. Its called the ‘’Mini Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh’’.

And very rightly so. Khajjiar sits on a small plateau, shaped like a saucer, this huge bowl of 7 emerald-turfed meadows, 1.6-km long and 0.9-km broad, lies embedded beneath a dense pine forest surrounded by high mountains, and fringed by gigantic deodars. Along its fringes, amidst the thick forests above the woods and in the centre of the glade, is a small lake fed by streams that traverse the green carpet. This small stream-fed lake in the middle has been covered over with weeds. Hutchinson wrote, "Khajjiar is a forest glade of great beauty, 6,400 ft (1981m) above sea level" in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas and snowy peaks can be seen in the distance.

The view was simply mesmerizing, we bought ourself a Frisbee and played till the last visible ray of light. We had to take off soon as we were leaving for Delhi that very night. So we drove back to Dalhousie, collected our stuffs and rushed to the terminal, never had expected history would repeat itself- As the bus arrived. It was immediately assaulted by the crowds on the terminal waiting to board, everyone was fighting for the best seats and it continued….

Will certainly miss Dalhousie, the view from the hotel balcony – the snow cladded mountain amidst the canopies of deodar playing hide and seek with the clouds. They look so mysterious “A Beautiful Never Ending Nothing”.

…..AND YOU SAID “U” LOVED ME

2010-03-12T05:19:00.000-08:00

My perception always used to be ‘Nobody was perfect, until you fall in love with them’. Until last year, this very day as per my perception I was PERFECT. Never ever had I agreed that Love starts with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a tear. But bet me on this that the most toughest thing to do is watch the one you love, love somebody else. But what I realized with this “happening” with me was life's short, If you don't look around once in a while, you might miss it. Don't let the past hold you back you may miss the good stuff.

There goes a saying “first impression is the last impression” to which I used to not take seriously, After all it was all a saying. The first faint look of yours did not impress me to that extent where I would have said “ohh! I want my children from you”. But yes! This I surely had known that you would certainly affect my life.

My first reaction when I met with the truth about the best* thing that you did to me made me restless, I thought that was the worst of dream I was having. I was unable to console myself, I couldn’t even think that you actually had dumped me for someone else. Those days I must confront were the toughest days of my life. Even the rough hard terrace floor felt so comfortable to lie and weep on. And the most weirdest part was to hold on a smiling face across the dining table and sneak chappatis in my pockets as the digestive system also seemed to mourn at my loss. But challenging mother was not a good idea as you can fool some of the people all the time and all the people sometime but you cant fool your mother. She read my eyes (off course not the Hindi movie types). But believe me she was better than many of the fortune tellers I have come across. The moment I had anticipated she had known what had happened I definitely had better options than my terrace floor. Earlier the whole time I had felt rejected but now it felt as if the whole of the universe was with me. She poured the required strength in me. I remember I had screamed at her, that the girl in my life was no less than an angel and that she understood me best, off course better than the rest. The relation was so pure, hers and mine. It was beautiful somewhat divine. Even there were thoughts of moving out if my love was not accepted. Am very happy, off course that you are happy and satisfied (as am not that selfish). But am more happy today than yesterday cause I have lived up to mu families expectations. The culture that they had sown in me can be seen sprouting today. I am happy that I have succeeded and am thankful to you that you did the best thing that you could have done(and yes those friends of yours, I wish them good luck and must say you have best of pals and I thank god I don’t have one such).

I cant help but remember the past, when mom used to get so stressed up on my deeds, that she used to wail at me,time and again. She never stopped crying at me and I would not stop but you know the best part ‘she loved me,so she never rejected me.’

It would be wrong to deny the fact that, there was a time when I thought that without you the world means nothing, I was compelled to think again “I meant the world to someone else”.Still lost at my history I could feel a tear drop make a splash on my forehead when I realized for a fact that it was not me alone who felt for “me”. I hugged her said sorry. She held me close and said something as if nothing had happened, I was so at peace. No matter what, I want to say thank you for the impression you made that will stay with me for eternity.

I do ask god at times, why are humans left confused at each step of life? why isn’t it simple? Even if my questions are never answered , there is one thing I want you to know, I have been blessed by the effect my best of people had on me in that moment in time. When it hurts to look back, and you're scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friend will be there. Here in this part of the world they still love me and you said you loved “me”!!!

UNDONE

2009-04-04T12:17:00.001-07:00

Undone..
(nothing personal)
Above in hell, I have nowhere to turn
Memories of you,my love you spurn
Unseen forces brought us together
My heart is scared , broken forever..

In my dreams, I feel your touch
My heart is full never so much
Time heals all wounds this is a lie
My soul is lost, wanting to die
With broken pieces I shall carry on
Crying forever for whats left undone…

LIFE IS ONCE AND ITS BEAUTIFUL..

2009-04-02T10:53:00.001-07:00

Life is once and beautiful..

Love is indeed a destiny,
Until I found you ,I knew not love
You were sent to me from above,
Occurring through first sight..
The love continues to grow
With each passing day
They blend like green leaves with golden flow
Into one beautiful and perfect whole

You see very soon and my life will be over
Darkness has grown within me
And I will move on to whatever comes
Destiny has taken place
I will leave behind all the memories
That will make a few people smile and my love weep
And I want you to stop
And consider for a while
What you are doing to yourself and those around you
This life is but once and its beautiful..

CONFLICTING ELEMENTS IN YOU

2008-12-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

CONFLICTING ELEMENTS IN YOU

Many emotions run down your body every day and someone has aptly said that emotions talk more than words. Though, they are generated from two different sources: mind and heart but collectively reflects oneself, and when there is a conflict between the mind and the heart one encounters a negative feeling. In such case retain a positive attitude or chant a mantra(gayatri mantra).Feel the divine power wiping away all your negative feelings..

Every individual without their knowledge has a feminine power as well as a masculine power within them.Here,i refer love as the feminine power and intellect to be the masculine power and when both are in harmony,you feel complete as a whole, above all a feeling of spiritual wellness arises. In the oppossite case when both are not in harmony,you feel incomplete and this feeling haunts you inspite of your achievement. A feeling of disgust and misery clouds upon you and it really does not matter whether you are in a slum or a monastery.

To overcome such feeling of negativity treat your body as a temple, feel it with respect. treat every moment of your life with awareness, respect and accept your body as a gift of nature, and when you encounter a negative feeling, imagination plays an important role. Imagine that you are diminishing its power. if this does not work then bring a happy feeling and super impose it on the negative feeling and its impact will diminish.

This is how you successfully transform your body's action,feelings and thought. Add love, intellect and
understanding and transform your presence...or say being.