I was at the Computerised Railway Reservation Counter at Besant Nagar at 0630hrs. I was expecting to be the only person around but was greeted by 8 other people. The counter did not open till 0800hrs and I had Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies to pass my time with. Short stories are indeed so much fun.

The previous night Cheeru had double-checked with his travel agent who had told him that the chances of getting a 2nd AC Tatkaal ticket were more remote than getting a sleeper berth. That's because there are only 6 seats for the same.

Well. There was definitely something about my time being good. I got my 2nd AC ticket. I was definitely leaving Chennai on Friday afternoon.

We loaded my girl into the Cargo service. I wanted to travel light. So I took the extra trouble of packaging everything into cartons which would be cargoed. Pondy and Kaus helped me in packing her up. We wrapped her up like a young bride in all the jute bags I had. I wouldn't tolerate a scratch on her. She was too precious to be harmed.

I couldn't watch her getting loaded into the truck because Gandhi was leaving tonight. The idiots had not even brought a ramp. But Pondy was there to look after her. So she was safe.

Cheeru, Dil, Jai and myself headed to the Station to bid Gandhi Goodbye. He was off to New Delhi - closer home to his Dad. Never seen him happier ! He got luckier. Somebody wished to exchange his ticket with him, wanting to sit in Gandhi's coach. It turned out that the other ticket was a Class upgrade and Gandhi would spend the rest of his journey in 2nd AC comfort !

The rendezvous was Freez Zone, near Music Academy on TTK Road. Gandhi had shown us the spot. In fact he had raved like crazy about it. So there we were. Robbie, Dil, Cheeru, Jai, Shom, Maddy and myself. Blissfully eating Kulfis. In lovely Chennai.

Later that night. These chaps - my roomies of New#39 - Robbie, Maddy, Dil and Cheeru gifted me a Lord Ganesha idol - playing the flute. I also got a pack of Cigars. It was certainly not the most brilliant combination but it brought out the tears in my eyes.. These guys knew me too well.

Well Well Well. They gave me news that I need to report to Mumbai immediately. It was no surprise. But I did not expect my transfer orders to come in this fashion.

A lot of good things have been happening in my life lately. And a grand party at Geoffery's, Radha Park Inn, on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai was certain tonight. Mumbai has happened for good. I've got a more responsible role at work. And that's one city that is sure to teach me more about life..

So it was the gang - Kaus, Shameel, Mhzhk, Zerish, Shom, Cheeru, Dil, Pondy, Maddy & Suddy. Cheeru was kind enough to scan the Menu and place this fantabulous order - Rough Seas Pitcher, Mango Madness, Strawberry Lemonade, Sea Green, Long Beach Iced Tea Pitcher, Bloody Mary and finally, Ambrosia. It was crazy. With all that stuff going down our throats, and a superb DJ playing the tracks that were just right for the moment - all of us were rocking to the music.

Initially there was only one couple dancing. Then the party got grander with the Lady coming up to us and asking us all to join in. Believe me, she did not ask any other group to join in. There must be definitely be something she saw in all of us. And we all shook the place like anything..

Somewhere around 12:30AM we realized that dinner was still on our To-Do list. AFAIK, IITM has one lovely place called Dhaba Express which is open till a cool 1:30AM mostly. The only problem was that we could all walk ten steps straight - but no Cop would buy it.

But we took the risk. Shom led the way and Maddy suggested driving thru T-Nagar to get to IITM faster. Now we know not to ever take Maddy's suggestions. Especially at an odd midnight hour.

We were greeted by some 4 Cops, complete with Jeep, Lathis and everything. Cheeru has a Hawk's eye when spotting Cops - because he's never got his scooter's papers. I realized that there was a Cop ahead after I was 26inches away from squashing him. Too late.

I have never been so terrified in Chennai. I definitely had a strange breath. And I didn't speak Tamil. I couldn't imagine how bad it would get.

But when already in trouble, its better to face it - keeping the helmet on. I just turned off my lights as the Cop waved his baton. Promptly turned off the engine as well. Smoothly opened my Toolbox and produced this plastic sheet enclosing a bunch of white sheets - photocopies of all my documents.

The act was so smoothly done that the Cop assumed I had everything right (I did, except my breath smelled corny). He just said, 'Go'. That was the fastest 0 to 60 (kmph) I had done in Chennai till date.

I guess he let the others go as well - because they looked like these cute school kids who had come to Anna Nagar to eat Pizza and were now returning home in Adyar.

Just when you think the surprise is over, you're greeted by another. The second stop was opposite Raj Bhavan. The Cops were not noticeable in the dark and they were stopping everyone - especially bikers. These guys looked really mean.

I tried to repeat the same thing over. It didn't work. The Cop asked 'Drinks saaptingla ?' From the limited Tamil I know, this translates to 'Have you had drinks ?' Its a good habit to say 'Tamil Teriada' when you have nothing else to say. It means 'I don't know Tamil'.

The Cop was not amused. 'You're saying you don't know Tamil, in fluent Tamil', he said. I just stared blankly. I had no clue what he was saying (Dil explained that to me later).

So he started bickering. He said you guys all smell weird. And had we had drinks ? I don't know how Dil came up with this but he told the Cop in Tamil - "Yes Saar. I am totally drunk. In fact, that is the reason I am sitting behind this fellow who is not".

Can you believe he let us go ? Neither did we.

The dinner at IITM was fabulous. Cheeru arrived before us. He took a detour to avoid the Cops by riding thru Guindy.

We had tons of Lassi and really well-prepared food. It had been a brilliant evening and I knew I was going to miss my time here.

It was somewhere at 0200hrs that I realized that this was the place where I set up base after arriving in Chennai - the first time 2.5yrs ago. It was ironic that I was celebrating my last dinner inside the same campus..

Robbie is distraught. Robbie goes to the UK. Robbie returns. Robbie's boss finds greener pastures. Robbie gets promoted. Robbie and friends open the bottle.

Wine Connoisseur, veggie foodaholic, Jain Dharmatma cum idiot-extraordinaire - Cheeru turned Bartender tonight - mixing Maaza Mango Juice, Sprite Ice and 12-year old Chivas Regal Whiskey.

We could have planned, but the fun is in the chaos.

So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
and nothing else matters

After listening to the original and the S&M version on Southern Spice Music till 0500hrs, Puyal and I finally crashed.

At precisely 1145hrs, Cheeru enquires about the shortest route to get to Ega Theatre. At 1200hrs, he informs us that all of us are also to come. At 1240hrs, after missing out a crucial Ghost-in-love-with-Mortal scene, we're all watching Amol Palekar's 'Paheli'. Thank God, Cheeru took that decision.

We practically had the entire Cinema Hall to ourselves. And aapno Rajasthan, its colours, its traditions, and the culture portrayed was marvellous. I, incidentally, was in my Jodhpuri Jootis, and not before long, I was enjoying the show sitting cross-legged on my seat as if it were a Diwan.

All the characters got their Rajasthani perfect, with a super-dignified Rajput twang. Naseeruddin Shah's unmistakeable voice carried the narration with style. But this was not all.

This film too, brought about a refreshing change in perspective. One big loser, Kisanlal, leaves his newly-wedded wife, a day after the wedding. The idea is to return after 5yrs with ten times more money. That's what we call the 'Baniyaa' in Rajasthan. He even checks his account books on the honeymoon night.

Kisanlal leaves the beautiful Lachchi to make money. And that's when the naughty Ghost, who can take any form he likes, and who adores the young bride, returns as 'Kisanlal'. The one-liners were sometimes hilarious, sometimes poignant. But not a word was to be missed.

The way the movie goes, the Ghost is so mesmerized by Lachchi's beauty, that he reveals his true identity - an apparition. And because he will not force her to accept him, he offers to leave. Which is when the Lady remarks, "Jaane waale ko to rok na saki, aane waale ko ub na jaane dungi".

This movie was about the woman. Her grief at not being able to restrain her man from leaving. And her accepting, and then falling in love with the Ghost embodied as her husband. It was her choice.

So even when the real Kisanlal returns and challenges the Ghost, she tells the Phantasm, 'Promise me you'll never let go'.

The ending was that of a classic fairytale and all of us had sored our throats with the cheering. My hands were throbbing from the intermittent claps throughout.

The liberal use of the lovely Rajasthani phrases 'Padhaaro' and 'Khama', reminded me of home. This movie is saturated with everything Rajasthan. And even before it ended, we had decided that lunch was to be at Jaipur.

Greams Road houses Jaipur - one fantastic place for Rajasthani cuisine. We weren't very hungry, so all of us ordered one Thali and multiple plates of Dal Baati. When visiting home, my ABCD (American born confused Desi) cousins refer to the stuff as paper-weights !

The Dal was marvellous, although the Baati had taken a form that neither Cheeru nor I were accustomed to - It was flat, like a cookie ?! The original paper-weights are spheres prepared by baking wheat flour.

We enjoyed the meal, nevertheless. The taste was different. And for a change, I was missing Ma's cooking.

We rounded up with the Matka Kulfi. Getting it out of the pot proved rather troublesome, until Maddy figured out using the reverse of the spoon to scoop the stuff out. Jai and Dil succeeded in bending a spoon Matrix-style.

Chennai has almost everything I have back home.

Watched Fanta Regina Nacro's Bintou today. This lovely film portrays Bintou's struggle to educate her daughter. It reminded me a lot of rural Indian society, where women don't usually go to school, as its an added financial burden. In this film as well, Abel (the husband) is against the concept as there's not enough money to fund their sons' education itself.

But Bintou is adamant. She figures out a way to get a loan to start her own millet-sprouting business, which is a success. In the process she invites the wrath of her husband, because Abel fears that the newfound financial freedom would lead her to adultery.

The husband spies on the wife. And overhears Bintou's plans for a rendezvous the next afternoon. He plans to trap her red-handed in the act. However, when sneaking up at the place, he's spotted by some women who beat him up thinking he is an auto-thief. Bintou somehow helps him out and informs everybody that Abel's her husband.

The conclusion was lovely when its clarified that the afternoon meeting was that of a women's self-help group. One of the women tells Abel how lucky he is to have a wife like Bintou, who is so eager to share the financial responsibility of educating their children. In turn, which is what I liked even more, she tells how lucky Bintou is, to have a husband like Abel, who loves her so much. I guess it was all about perspective. The fact that Abel feared his wife's adultery (and all the crappy thoughts) was completely overshadowed by the fact that the cause for all this was his immense love for her. Hmm.

The last scene is even better. Bintou declares that her millet-sprouting business has helped generate enough money to fund two of their kids' studies. Abel can fund the second son's education. And he accepts. Their love for each other is superbly reflected on the screen, and it works magic.

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Also watched Joël Vanhoebrouck's Joséphine. It was hilariously creative. And there was this statistic that 99% of men will not talk to the woman they're interested in.. And this wasn't even India !

I liked this synopsis very much:
"Nowadays, in an appartment-building in Bruxelles (or anywhere else...) men and women cross paths. In the hallway. In the staircase. In the elevator. Men and women looking for something. Looking for each other or for themselves, it doesn’t really matter... And sometimes, they end up finding each other. An elevator-breakdown might even help. But that’s not always a solution. Why don’t you ask Augustin, the caretaker? He can tell you the stories. And maybe he’ll tell you about Joséphine?"

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Richard Jutras' 'Hit and Run' was hilarious. The story of Hélène and her baseball bat. Reminded me of "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned/ Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned", as quoted in William Congreve's The Mourning Bride.

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But the one movie that had us all sighing was Reines d’un jour by Pascal Magnin. Shot on the slopes of the gorgeous Swiss Alps, this short was all about the sensuality associated with graceful human movement. The best part was the idea of using breath, blowing in then blowing out, bringing people closer and then pushing them away (physically). It was too well done.

---

Just when I thought we were done for the day, I got a request from Jai - 'When is the screening ?'

Had been planning this for a long long time, and finally succeeded. We (Arun, Puyal, Shom, Dil, Cheeru, Jai, two special invitees - Pooja and Shakthi, Robbie, Maddy, Kaus, Zerish, Mhzhk, Shameel and myself) gathered at Pondy's place for a lights-off premiere of 'We'. Won the audience's approval. And then got kicked again. I don't know what it is with these guys, but there's no non-violent way to celebrate anything these days.

---

Finally headed to Romallee, next to Music Academy to celebrate two birthdays and friendship. The funny thing was that we first peeked into Mowbray's Inn on the same road. Neither Arun, nor Puyal nor I spoke a word as we entered. But the Concierge did. "Bar is closed.", he said. Now how did he know ? It was probably Puyal's long-hairdo and dope-eyed look. They'd probably serve him Toddy, even if he went to a free-food camp.

Romallee was fantabulous. To serve beer after 2330hrs. To treat us to amazing fish masala at 0100hrs. And to play Hindi tracks one after the other. Arun added another year on the 23rd. Puyal will, on the 27th. I, probably will, never grow up..

They screened Frédéric Leroux' Jour de chance today. All the films screened at the festival seem to have sudden twists in their plot. This one was about a Tramp who moves around scavenging for food in dustbins and gets turned away from there as well..

It got worse. He enters a Supermart to exchange stuff (most probably food) for the Special Voucher he has found. The Store security gives him only 5mins to make his purchase. In between, an Assistant at the Confectionery offers a complimentary Cookie to the hungry man, which too is snapped up by the Security Guard.

He languorously makes his way to the Cashier, when another customer rudely overtakes him saying he doesn't have all day. Eventually, the Cashier trashes his Voucher because its invalid.

I had already lost my appetite for dinner.

All this was in black & white. The shot then changed to colour and some TV Presenter walks up to the Tramp and announces him as the 1,00,0000th customer at the Store. So he gets a million euros and a villa and a leather-interiored car and..

I started clapping. I was the only idiot to clap in the silence, characteristic of a special screening. People probably thought I was kiddish, but I really wanted something nice to happen to the poor man.

Meanwhile, the rude customer who had overtaken the Tramp comes up and says that the prize is actually his, because he had overtaken the man out-of-turn. It was hilarious to have the Presenter announce an XL T-shirt and a shiny watch with a leather strap for the disgruntled man.

The sad part is, that all this (the Tramp winning a jackpot) was only part of a low-budget shoot to promote the Store. I don't know why they involved the Tramp, because it wasn't clear if he was paid anything. Or if he in the shoot by accident. They show the crew asking the Tramp to leave because the Store shall be opening and there shall be customers soon.

Me thinks the movie should have ended with the Tramp winning the fortune of a lifetime, nevermind how and why he's initially in such a pitiable condition. But then, they had to twist something. Really creative, though.

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Marc Fitoussi's Illustre inconnue was another lovely film. This one was about a Manga Voice-artist (played by Marilyne Canto), who wants to make her lucky break as an actress.

She struggles real hard and gets an opportunity to prove herself in a screen-test. She is, however, turned down because she has to play a Nun. And the Casting Director thinks she doesn't fit the bill because she wore make-up and is a non-believer.

She gets news of another Director looking for a young actress and conspires to steal the script this time, in order to be better prepared. Her enthusiasm and keenness is something I would have encouraged. All this while the movie illustrates what lengths this Lady is willing to go to, to further her ambition. Most of her activities are quite harmless, me thinks.

At the venue of the screen-test, she even bribes a stranger into approaching her for an autograph. The Man was to make an entry when she is in conversation with the famed producer inside. Its all set and decided, and the plot doesn't surprise, when the stranger turns out to be the Director himself.

But the inevitable twist. I'd be in awe of a person who's tried so hard. She could have used more honest means, though. She doesn't make it.

And she returns to the studio as a Voice-over artist. The Manga script closes with her dubbing the voice of a woman who has been a failure.

I was thrilled to watch these films, despite all the irony.

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Another fantastic story was Emmanuel Malka's Une vie en l’air. About hired labourers who risk their lives to excavate Saturn's inhospitable moon Titan. The story of how Men break down after not having met their loved ones on Earth in years. And the tale of a man who yearns to return to his wife and daughter after spending five years on a moon. All this to make money to pay-off his father's debts.

Enter cost-cutting and constraints on transportation. The man now has to shell out 3,00,000 units of currency to officially return to Earth. That is 3/4th of his savings of 5years.

But he has to return. And some unscrupulous rocket pilots assure him a place as a stowaway aboard the spacecraft for a smaller, yet substantial sum. He has to, of course, trust the pilots, for he shall lose consciousness during the transit.

Of course, they make a mockery of the word 'Trust'. But the end is even more gross. He's deserted with his baggage on some rundown spacestation. He somehow salvages the only photo of his wife and daughter, and the corrosive atmosphere fades out the coating on the photo almost instantaneously. The film closes with the wife and daughter's last transmission to the Man.. 'At last.. At last..'

I was in the open. But I needed water. And even more, more fresh air. And mebbe a huge hug.

They're having the Festival of francophone films at the Alliance Française backyard in Nungambakkam. I read that some of the films were laced with humour, and turning up became imminent.

I watched Jean-François Rivard's Noël blank (Best Foreign Short, Los Angeles Film Festival 2003). It started off as a sweet little film about a couple - Denis and Diane (they pronounced them as Den-ee and Dee-aahn), who bring home Denis' father to celebrate Christmas, apparently.

The Alzheimer's afflicted father played by Gilles Pelletier was touching. The emotions in the movie made me sit up. He insists that he only has a daughter Suzanne, and no son. Diane, although a loving wife, looks flustered at having to host the Old man for Christmas.

Everything looks perfect. Denis almost won my heart as the 'Good son'. Until the family exchange presents and the Old man regrets having brought nothing. Denis says that that's why he remembered to collect his Dad's cheque book from the Shelter where he stays. The story went from emotional to downright shocking after that. A figure of 1000 is scrawled onto a cheque leaf and the Old man encouraged to sign it.

It was fiction allright, but the dialogues were brilliant. Especially the line where the truth is revealed, when the son is driving him back. The Old man says 'Its Christmas, but I don't see any snow'. And Denis goes, 'because its August'.

Denis is not his son. He just works at the Shelter and found this novel way to make money. And its not Christmas time. They rob an Old man suffering from Alzheimer's in a sickening way. The daughter Suzanne never calls for her Dad anyway..

I had two Aavin Kulfi bars at 2AM. I had one. And it was so good, that I had another. Tidel Park's ground floor is the only place around Adyar where you can get authentic Kulfi at such an hour. Too bad its only for people with a Tidel Access card (as only they get to enter the premises).

From the size of the dustbin put up next to the little stall, I know that that guy's business is roaring. Simple ideas work.

20mins later I rode the Bajaj Discover, racing the bike to a cool 80kmph on the ECR. At 125cc, she was puny, practically made no sound and I felt like I had nothing between my knees and was sitting on a little toy.

Nobody can match my girl.

Me and my baby went out for a spin this evening. I just got lucky and it started to rain. Considering the source and the destination, I was to cover a cool 10km one-way. And it didn't rain all the way. It was just bits of rainpour on a stretch, followed by a light drizzle on another and parched dry on some segments. But the stuff was enough to get me all excited. Its just so much fun to have raindrops cover the helmet visor. And I deliberately didn't put on my windcheater. So it was a dry head, and a lightly soaked button-down shirt and formal trousers. Little things to make me happy !

As per Cheeru's well-intimated plan, the third day of eating-out meant another assembly at home. I had been cribbing about the timing and had arranged for everyone to meet at 1900hrs sharp. So, when the rains played naughty, and I took my own sweet time to get home at 2000hrs, I was in for a painful surprise.

Reminds me of the birthday bumps at college. When all the people I knew, and even the others I didn't, gathered together to hang me by my limbs, and then kick my ass, literally.

Only this time, it wasn't college. And it wasn't my birthday. And this was no celebration. This is what I got for asking everybody to be on time, and everybody (surprisingly) turning up on time, and me not showing up.

BTW, in order of muscle power, this is how I rate their kicks:
Robbie < Delta < Cheeru <<< Dil <<<<< Pondy
I had to beg Pondy to stop. My seat was numb. It still is.

We gathered at Minar, atop Hotel Savera on Cathedral Road. The 'Long Island Iced Tea' served in a tall glass with Vodka, Gin, Rum and Coke (and no tea !) was of considerable help in distracting me from my aching bottom.

Those chaps permit access to the adjacent terrace and the weather was perfect to stand in the open and enjoy the wind in the face, high up on the 11th storey. Then there was the Ghazal singer to play our requests and Cheeru had the Gentleman churning out memorable numbers. This was a night of shayari.

The cocktails (that took 15minutes to arrive from Sparks on the ground floor) continued to flow, and consuming dinner actually got difficult. But while rounding up, we tried every dish listed under Dessert - their Shahi Khazana being one very creative dish with a bread base, while the Gajar ka Halwa and the ping-pong ball sized Gulab Jamun was simply spectacular.

All of us agreed on putting a halt to the incessant eating-out till further notice. Despite all the lovely food, we all were craving for Prema's recipes and Tahir Sadam again..

Tonight it was Little Italy, opposite Pizza Corner at Nungambakkam. Pondy was being toasted for his leap from Software Professional to Maritime Consultant. Cheeru, Jai, Dil, Maddy, Robbie, Delta and myself were also present to enjoy the Billabong white wine, prepared from the finest grapes from South Eastern Australia (the label said so).

It was quite funny.. the Steward got us this napkin-draped bottle of wine. He displayed it before me and I sheepishly pointed to Cheeru - recognized as the only wine Connoisseur among us. Then my cell buzzed, and I had to excuse myself. When I returned, my wine glass was full. The thing was, that after all the pomp and ceremony, all of us committed harakiri by not holding our glasses by the stem. What's more, the 0.5% alcohol Billagong wine was so tasty, that it was quickly gobbled up with the accompanying starters - cheese draped Nachos and assorted breads !

The pizzas were markedly different. They had unusually thin crusts, which on baking, made them crisp and kinda hard. I sprayed ketchup to make 'em soft. But as the dishes kept coming in, I started to relish the goulash on my plate. There was sauce dripping from everywhere and everything on my plate tasted wonderful. Towards the end, we were all so stuffed with the bakes, that nobody was willing to have the last slice of Pizza left on the serving plate. Finally, each of us took a bite to finish the thing !

And only then, did we order dessert. Somehow, there's always room for dessert.

And just as we were leaving, Madhavan makes an entry. I didn't recognize him in the 3seconds of direct eye-contact. The moment I did register who this chap was, my face probably gave it all, and the Dude quickly looked away. He looked shabby with his long uncropped hair. Must be the new look for his upcoming film. But one thing's for sure, make-up can do wonders.

The ride back was at a modest 60. Delta and I experienced single drops of rain on our faces. Not a drizzle. Just one raindrop at a time. It was wonderful.

Delta, Pondy, Cheeru, Dil, Maddy and myself celebrated Delta's recent success pertaining to a job change on some floor of the Hotel Aruna Inn in Nungambakkam. A place called Mainland China. I had been told its one of those places that maketh you appreciate Chinese cuisine even if you think it sux. Well, that's why we were all there.

It didn't change our opinion much about Chinese cuisine, except that if such food is to be relished, its best done at Mainland China. The place is very elegant. Its the quiet kinds, and we were just too loud for a sombre dinner.

I started off with a Vodka and Pineapple based Planters Punch. I don't know if it was the crushed ice, the oriental music, or just all of us together.. But this was quickly followed by another Vodka, this time with Blue Curacao, aptly called Blue Lagoon. We ordered Chicken Taipei for starters and it was delicious. There was another dish as well, but I liked the Taipei so much that I memorized the name. They also serve Cucumber in a sweet syrup. None of us quite figured out what that liquid was, but it boosted the cucumber consumption big time !

Moi also liked the Butter Garlic Noodles. They felt like Maggi. They almost looked like Maggi. Thank God, they didn't taste like Maggi. They were kinda prepared in some sauce that gave them the peppy flavour. And they were very good.

I liked the place overall. Except its kinda quiet. Maybe I was in the mood for something noisier. The ride back was fantabulous. It had rained in the evening. And I ripped thru a desolate Mount Road with the Speedo hovering around 80. Delta clung on at the rear. The entire week ahead is gonna be like this..

There were only two pieces of Starburst Fruit Chews left. One was the perky green flavour, the other, a sharp purple one. I've never bothered to check what I have eaten, as long as it tastes good.

But there were three of us. And although Cheeru insisted he had had enough of the delicious candy, Maddy decided to share some of his. When Maddy brought it out of the wrapper, what appeared was a distorted purple candy - because it had melted in the heat and had been refrigerated again. Cheeru, quite naturally, did not realize that the candy had not been split when Maddy had offered it to him expecting him to break it in half, and share the remaining.

As Maddy and I watched, Cheeru popped the candy right into his mouth and started munching it.. and Maddy let out a loud shriek 'Har-aa-ami !'.

Maddy is this nice little kid whose grown up speaking Telugu. When left to himself, he'll be beside the television, watching his favourite Nagarjuna movie or a recast of the last Australia vs Bangladesh cricket match. The biggest swear word we had heard from his mouth till today was 'Shit'. Cheeru and I agree that we have a promising effect on people. But so soon, was least expected.

Quite naturally, Cheeru nearly choked on his candy when he heard Maddy's shriek. I confirmed what I had heard, and Maddy quite proudly told us that he has no clue what the word meant, but liked the sound of it. Cheeru patted him on his back, as Maddy pondered over the repercussions. Cheeru told him that it literally means 'To every man (har), his mango (aam)'.

And he thinks Maddy believed that ?!

Later this evening, we headed to T-Nagar to say Bye to Pharaoh Ramses. We met up at Mansukh's sweets on Ramaswami Street, and although Pondy and myself had stuffed ourselves on the brilliantly prepared Club sandwich at Hot Chips, we proceeded to order a Basundhi and Shrikhand. Which was, of course, delighting.

Cheeru was kinda feeling low and we sauntered off to get him a tablet. There were two things that I observed while searching for a medicine shop in T-Nagar. There is only one chemist, and it is next to the massive Nalli Silks showroom. And its probably closed on Sundays.

The other thing is that being the Doorman at The Chennai Silks looked like a most interesting job. For one, he gets to sit at the door all day and enjoy their super-duper cold air-conditioner. Second, he gets to hold the door for the prettier women of Chennai. Now, how many men are THAT fortunate ?

Pondy and I didn't get the tablet. But we offered to get Cheeru his curd rice dinner, after bidding Ramses a farewell interspersed with warm hugs. Back in Adyar, its a pity that none of the better restaurants stock Cheeru's favourite dish. Sangeetha did not have it, Coronet's didn't list it on their menu, and the man at the counter at Hotel Runs thought we were mad.. It dawned on us that we could prepare the rice, but we wouldn't get curd at that hour. Thankfully, there's this little place called Ganga Mari Mess, near the Kun Honda Showroom, that serves stuff on a made-to-order basis.

Cheeru's dinner was sorted. So Pondy and I headed to his place for dinner. Got treated to fantastic food prepared by his maid, Mary. I guess Adyar is swelling with these housekeepers who help us bachelors get by. They have been a contributing factor in making Chennai the wonderful place it is.

I submitted our day-night effort at the Ability Foundation office in Adyar today. Its in the form of a DVD - and the audio and video are present together, thanks to a Mr. Srinivasan. His 16-bit theory worked after all !

Our work was to be titled 'Naangal', meaning 'We' in Tamil. But we couldn't label it that way as none of us had a Tamil font on our PCs. So, its now simply titled 'We'. The 59second black and white screenplay depicts a differently-abled Cheeru's life in an inclusive society.

After all, all We need is each other.

I am yet to come across a shopowner as Mr.Srinivasan of Sri Krishna Videos at Gokul Arcade in Adyar. Its very unlikely of a Chennai shopkeeper to treat you as his most-prized customer. And to value a commitment.

Shameel was able to compose an original score for our movie and even figured editing on Adobe Premiere Pro, with a little help from Shom. We were very excited when we got the fade-in effects right and the film completed in 00:00:59 seconds. Our first attempt had created a film that last an excruciating 00:01:13 seconds. And stripping down 14 seconds hurt. Bad. Editing a 3hr Indian feature must be very painful.

Once done, we headed for Lattice Bridge Road in the hope of contacting a Software Pro who could burn us our movie onto DVD. The problem with shopkeepers in Chennai is - that they answer 'Yes' only. If they don't do or have something, they usually don't reply. Sometimes, they say 'No'. But don't ever expect an answer to 'Can you suggest someone who..'. We tried four shops that advertised DVD copying, and in two of them, the proprietors didn't know what we were talking about.

That's how we headed to Gokul Arcade, because this place houses some of the few hi-tech shops in Adyar. Mr. Srinivasan wasn't available but his assistant called him up and we agreed on the price and time to collect the DVD.

At the appointed hour, I returned to his shop. The man was burning a second DVD in the hope of getting the audio right. Somehow, the video was getting saved, but the audio was not getting stored on the disc. The man tried everything, as I patiently watched. He called up his technology-savvy friends. Installed two new softwares to enable some features. But to no avail. Four hours after I had requested for burning my movie onto a DVD, I had the movie minus the audio.

I was angry, but kept quiet. He finally told me that the problem was that I had saved the audio in 32-bit format. Saving in 16-bit format would get me the sound as well. But the deadline was in 15mins. And rendering itself would take another 30mins !

So I decided to submit the movie minus the audio. I was obviously not gonna pay him the decided price (the work was not complete !). So I enquired about how much I owed him, preparing myself for an argument. And he replied - Zilch. I was really not expecting that. He had burnt the movie onto my DVD. Ok, it was minus the audio. But the audio didn't matter - there were no dialogues. It was just part of the background score. He told me he couldn't be paid for a job not done completely !

I was impressed with his service guarantee. He finally agreed on accepting money equivalent to the price of the second DVD that he had burnt in the hope of getting the audio saved correctly. He let me keep that second DVD.

I told him I'd come back if the Ability Foundation people allowed me a late submission tomorrow. That way I could save the audio in 16-bit format and try burning onto the DVD again.

If you're honest and true to your work, the rewards are forthcoming. Atleast, it works like that for me. And I suppose its like that for him too.

The Ability Foundation extended the deadline by one day. I was definitely going back to Mr. Srinivasan.

We shot the last two scenes of the film at home tonight. Unable to stick to the original script, Shameel and I agreed to improvise and proceed. So, the idea of Cheeru appreciating a televised cricket match, despite his visual impairment was dropped.

Instead, Cheeru was to cut his birthday cake amidst loud cheering. Dil, Robbie, Maddy, Sud, Zerish and Shameel did a great job as the cheering extras ! I loved that shot. Cheeru was asked to don Zerish's Dunlops and keep his eyed closed throughout the shoot so that his actions looked little more convincing as a visually-impaired roommate.

He kindly obliged only after patiently hearing through a banter of the choicest abuses from me. That's because when we shot the first time - he kept his eyes open - and when Dil and Maddy offered him cake, he turned his face in their respective directions ! So much for being cast as visually-impaired.

The scene of Cheeru getting a job despite his disabilities could not be shot because none of us live in tidings having Corporate interiors. And we were not able to shoot at any of our workplaces because most of the cast was chilling outside Chennai over the weekend. So we decided on highlighting Cheeru's success in the form of an outstanding Certification that gets delivered to him by post - and the excitement that follows !

What we shot and have decided to keep, was an excited Robbie squeezing Cheeru's rotund stomach in appreciation of his stupendous achievement. But it was Pondy who stole the show (he wasn't in the Core Group of the Dramatics Society at IITB for nothing !) with his genuine appreciation for a visually-impaired colleague. Here too, Cheeru kept his eyes shut throughtout, so that he could momentarily experience the darkness in a blind man's life.

Maddy, meanwhile, took advantage of the situation and kissed Cheeru on his cheeks in both the takes. Although, Maddy's gay act does not appear in the final version, those frames have been retained for posterity !

Shom's friends asked him to join them at Annapurna, near the Police Commissioner's office in Egmore. It was gonna be authentic Bengali cuisine. I had a fever but Shom insisted on taking me along. And then, I was on medication anyway. So I went.

Annapurna is not your regular restaurant. Its a small place. We initially rode past without spotting it. I met the entire gang. Everybody there seemed Bengali, or atleast spoke the language. The Menu was penned on a whiteboard in Bengali and I guess there were only 5 dishes.

As the afternoon progressed, I realized this place was unlike any restaurant I had visited in Chennai. Its more like an eatery put up by someone to allow other people sharing a similar taste in food to come and enjoy themselves. And that's what makes it so homely and no frills.

All of us were served the staple bhaat, motor dal, dhoka (something like a kofta) and thor (delta sweet and made of banana). I also got treated to rui maach. The overall feel was like having lunch at a Bengali home. The bhaat was way too much for me to swallow, but the the amer tok chutney did the trick and I rounded up the bhaat with it !

Later that evening.. 11pm and I was starving. Robbie and Maddy tried their luck at the Murugan Idli Shop and quit plans for a Dosa dinner after seeing the crowd. So even I wouldn't get packed Dosa.

Luckily, we've now got a new chain close-by - next to IITM. The decor is a welcome change from the dingily-lit Sangeetha. Its perky and bright in there. I really liked the interiors of the swanky new Hot Chips. Its got a huge inviting entrance. Their lower floor is a self-service restaurant. And the entrance has separate fruit juice and coffee counters on opposite sides - perfect to handle the crowds ! The seating is simple and comfortable. The delivery counters are deep inside and the space has enough fans and openings to keep the place airy. You can't feel claustrophobic in there. Great work by the interior designer !

I got my Masala Dosa pretty quick and spent most of my time thinking how pleased I was - never having to go to Sangeetha again !

They serve Cothas Coffee in plastic cups. And its bloody milky good. The one thing I forgot to ask them is - till what time they're open. The cuppa was worth coming back for more.

Pondy had not anticipated that permitting me to meddle with his Canon PowerShot S1IS would resurrect the film-maker in me. This ad was also the cause for my waking up Cheeru at an unearthly 0545hrs. Jai and Pondy usually beat the Rooster each day, and were more than happy to make themselves available for the shoot.

Zerish was kind enough to lend his Dunlop shades for maximum effect. We shot the first scene at Thiruvanmiyur Beach. After watching the sea being used as a gargantuan bidet, we strongly decided against touching the water. We didn't have a tripod yet, so I squat down, stabilized the Digicam on my kneecap and captured the waves, Cheeru, Jai and a fisherman's boat in one black and white frame. It was lovely. But the 10seconds of shooting took a lot of time and Pondy managed to get us a lot of attention thanks to his Sage-like attire.

I think the winds, the waves and the moment did something to Cheeru. And he insisted on taking us to Besant Nagar Beach. Pondy and I were already starving. We parked our bikes at the Parking lot and Cheeru had us trek about 500m to a broken bridge. Or was it an unfinished bridge ? Discounting the smell, the place was superb. What a view. I could sit there the whole day all by myself if the weather stayed good. The wind velocity was high and I got some excellent shots of the trio.

We spent about half-an-hour chilling out at the wind-loving spot. Until our stomachs were ready to cave-in. The all-new Murugan Idli Shop at Besant Nagar Beach is the place to be at 0800hrs on a pretty Friday morn. Chilled Water in disposable plastic was served in ornate holders. I have never enjoyed drinking water as much. Melt-in-your-mouth Idlis. Vadas that were fried but weren't oily. Piping hot sambhar accompanied with delectable chutney. Then crispy Dosas and finally, Sakara Pongal - that still sets my mouth watering. And the Kaapi.

Cheeru and I met an old lady on our way to wash hands. She couldn't figure how to turn the sensor taps on. Was sufficiently delighted as we demonstrated at the wash basin. And when the cashier returned the change, he gave me an extra Rs.100. Me being me, returned the Rs.100. It could have cost him dearly. Should have captured the grateful smile he gave me. I had started the day in a fine way.

Was pretty unsure if my trip would work out, for my ticket was listed as Waitlist 3 when the Computerised Railway Ticketing System shut down for the day, last evening. Anyhow, I just crossed my fingers and reached the station at an unearthly 0630hrs. I was praying for an RAC (Reservation-against-cancellation) status, that way I'd atleast get to board the 2nd AC coach. But if it stayed WL, I would not be permitted to board the train at all ! As luck would have it, my ticket was confirmed.

2nd AC travel is a luxury. I could feel the difference. To begin with, everybody accompanying me on the journey was sophisticated. Nobody spoke to anybody. Everyone stressed on their 'Please' and 'Thankyous'. Even to the coffee/tea/soup vendor. People were courteous to turn off the light so that the neighbour could sleep, and leave mine on, so that I could continue reading. Everybody's cell was functional throughout the journey (Heck.. cellular roaming costs so much moolah man!). The Coachmen didn't ask anybody to pay upfront while ordering food. Instead, each individual was billed throughout the journey and the money was collected just before we got to our destination.And best of all, everybody folded their quilts when the Coachman returned to collect them.

The toilet had a fan, fluorescent tube-lighting, tiles (instead of the canvas floor that adorns the inferior Sleeper class), and even a porcelain sink with pedestal. The tap was not the push-button variety, and they even had a liquid soap-dispenser. Only the Kimberley-Clark tissue dispenser was conspicuously absent !

A 2nd AC train journey can really boost your ego. The pampering was royal. Incidentally, my coach also had 1st AC compartments in it. And I was amused to find a uniformed coach attendant sweep the (already) spotless interiors clean. Furthermore, there were none of the irritating eunuchs to harass us throughout the journey. No blind men. No patients of leprosy. No kid who could slide her body through a ring, and absolutely nobody to throw peanut shells on the floor.

Me being me, just had to find my way to the Pantry car, for I like my food fresh.. I crossed the 3rd AC coaches to get to the Pantry. The place was a ruckus. There was a noisy din just as I entered the 3rd AC compartment. There were more people than seats available. The floor was soiled and kids hopped around. The AC also didn't seem effective. I was disgusted with the sight. These were co-passengers, but only paying a little less.

Its the same everywhere. The more you're willing to pay, the better you'll get treated. But this was 3rd AC, which was more expensive than Sleeper class. How bad was that ?

I liked the 2nd AC experience. It was of an India I did not know, which exists. I hate it when money dicates worth. Thank God, life's not a journey by train.

Robbie returned from his UK experience at 0500hrs this morning. We were there to receive him.. Loaded as he was to the hilt with chocolates, two towers and a paunch to flaunt. There were so many people visiting our place today that Prema ended up preparing a feast and hand-rolled 25 chapattis. She took the evening off !

And then, a colleague of mine gifted me one beauty of a Ducati when he came home from the US. Its not such a big deal for him as he earns in US Dollars. He buys stuff like this with spare change.

She's been the cynosure of all eyes for some time now..

Pondy was busy all day on the phone explaining the features of his new Canon PowerShot S1IS with 10x optical zoom. He would have faced everybody's wrath when he nearly executed this manouevre on her.

I haven't heard such good instrumental tracks in a long long time. And the ambience of Silver Streak, at the Ramada Raj Park on TTK Road, helped me ree-lax.

I don't know if it was the evening, or was it the place, but me has no memories of another restaurant in Chennai with such fine carpetting. Add to this, the fantastic Air-Conditioning, the opportunity to sit bare feet, and the lovely dinner. By the time I had finished with the gorgeous helping of Black Forest for dessert, I was in no mood to move.

But the wind outside was fantastic. And noo traffic. And a call from Cognitron after ages.. Riding home was so much fun. Great day.

They call it 'Heaven and Earth'. And its difficult to believe that they were able to get so much floorspace, and so many Chinese waitresses in a single restaurant, located opposite Spencer Plaza on Mount Road.

The decor was very unique. Especially the numerous statuettes that adorn the walls of the place. They've got the Buddha, Shiva, Ganesha everything. The Lords, i.e.. Miniatures that were works of art. The colossal Buddha in penance, cast in stone, is beautiful as the centrepiece.

One shelf had a Lord Ganesha playing the violin. Never thought of something like that, but that idol's poise absolutely delights ! I was more fascinated with their exquisite collection than the food. And despite the polite waitresses with their cute English accents, the 'slawbelly putting with grep' was just plain sweet.

The highlight of the evening - after they offer you some brand of non-alcoholic fruit vodka called 'Mr Strong' and you politely refuse, the lone Gentleman tells you (sic), 'We have this in other different colours - green, pink, orange..'. Must have had a tough time memorizing them flavours.