Krishna Nee Begaane Baaro

KS Chitra's rendition of this song brought a tear in my eye last night. This Kannada kriti, set in Yaaman Kalyan raaga was composed by Vysaraya Thirtha. I had to scout for the links on youtube and did indeed find a goldmine. Here are some of the immortal renditions of this song:

1) KS Chitra



2) Hariharan:



3) Hariharan @ Puttaparthi in front of the Sathya Sai Baba, where he transitions from the classical version to his contemporary version effortlessly



Lastly, the Colonial Cousin's version:

These Photographs

Dear friend S made up for a dreary evening last night with her cheerful disposition, optimism and enthusiasm in embracing new beginnings by diving right into the thick of action.

You never know where life will take you ( a lot of times), but you have your anchors. The inner circle of people who are totally game for counselling sessions, drinking binges, impromptu road trips, hazy philosophising, reality checks and being asswipes in general. Life gets even better if they end up being where you are, or vice versa. Sadly, when all things mostly good and occasionally bad come to an end, the material and virtual memories are what serve as remainders of the better times we have had. The people who matter are the ones you want to see all the time.

Quote, unquote, these pictures bridge that gap and keep us closer, however cliché it is:). Very aptly put. Well said S.

P.S: This post was hastily written on a peaceful ride to Longwood and enthusiastically transcribed to cyberspace before one could say internet.

P.P.S: I did not know quote unquote and quote, unquote conveyed different meanings until 10 minutes ago.

Niceties

You turn to me and ask whether it hurts to be so nice? Is it difficult to be this person? I smile. I am not making an effort to be so. This is me. I do what comes to me naturally without thinking twice. Why is it that this nature seems daunting, odd, fearful and unaccustomed to many, including you?

You are not convinced. You still tell me it is not possible to be this way. I tell you I have not been any other way. I do not know if you will ever agree with me.

We continue walking and you lean against me. I sense your taut shoulders pressing against my ribs. You seem bothered. I put my arms around you as you lean against my nape. A smile escapes your lips while you find your own cozy corner. I kiss your forehead. the cold skin makes my lips quiver, while the warmth permeates you. I look up at the CITGO sign looming over Kenmore square for an instant, only to reacquaint myself with the curious brown eyes looking at me inquisitively. Its going to be a long night.

We walk across Brookline ave and watch the revelers make way from Fenway. The crowd intimidate you for a bit, but the myriads of happy faces and red caps have an aura of their own. The energy that permeates the biting chill of the night makes everyone put their best step forward. You take my hand in yours and drift aimlessly. I wonder what you are wondering. You look at me and smile. The same smile that caught my eye, the one that makes your eyes light up and curves the corners of your mouth. That same smile, following which I cannot comprehend what could happen next.

I know we have our tribulations, doubts, insecurities and faith (or the lack of it). I know that during this winding course, things will not end up being what it seemed. We still carry on, being ourselves, believing in the things we always did and said, say and do. Thats what makes cold dreary nights not so gloomy. Our world conforms to us eventually.

I bend down to kiss you as you tug my lapels, arching your neck and closing your eyes. It will take me a while to get back to planet Earth. But I softly land, my feet firmly in the ground.