Ouija Board

Ouija Board and the Presence at Gee Gee Emerald

I am back with another paranormal experience but this time it’s not mine but my colleagues'. I am sure most of us are aware of a Ouija Board, a simple yet powerful board which opens the portal to communicate with the dead. Earlier that day four of my colleagues watched a movie called 'Demonte Colony' a story of a Portuguese landlord settled in Chennai centuries back haunting the house after his death. This movie features a Ouija board scene in which the friends try to communicate with the dead Portuguesian. After the movie they came back to the office and shared the movie's tagline with me. Slowly our discussion shifted towards the Ouija board. I personally know that it is dangerous to play as I had a prior experience which ended up in a not so pleasant experience. To my understanding it’s only the confused entities in the lower astral plane often end up playing with us via the Ouija Board. I tried to convince them that it isn’t a fun activity to call the beings of other dimension. They were so thrilled about this topic and continued to talk till I left for the day from office.

I had a sound sleep that night and woke up only at 10 am in morning. As usual I checked my mobile and was shocked to see 7 missed calls from my colleagues. Initially I thought this could be an issue with the office project and I called one of my colleagues Saravanan. His voice sounded very excited and he said he cannot explain this in phone. I started to office at 2.30 in the afternoon and reached by 3.15 pm. To my surprise all four of them reached the office before me.

It was Saravanan who narrated the incident which happened earlier that night. There seems to be major power failure at our floor and all employees who had their own transportation started to leave. Our guys thought this was the right time to try an Ouija Board, but there wasn’t one to try. So they drew a very similar one in an A4 Sheet and tried it by seeing a demo video in youtube. Things did not go as expected and there wasn’t any surprise. Few of other colleagues joined the gang and there wasn’t any indication still.

 

It was then one of our colleagues; Mohan remembered the spooky incident that happened at the 9^th floor of our office building. Few years back there was a rumor that one of the securities who was lying severely injured, rescued in the morning at the 9^th floor mentioned seeing a smoke like figure at 3 am. He was there to check the water pump’s check valve and before he could check it he was thrown to the floor with one punch. It almost took a month for him to recover.

Now that these guys are in a thrill mode to explore more they decided to try the Ouija board in the 9^th floor. It was a group of nine members and they also had a candle to lit in the centre and try it in complete darkness. The switch board on that floor was few metres away and one of the members, Danny switched it off to start the proceedings. It was pitch black and a candle was lit in the centre to break the darkness. Mohan had a coin in his hand and started the ritual. He thought of his mom who passed away few years back and placed the coin on the paper board. For the first three minutes there was nothing and there weren’t any unusual turnarounds. 

It was then Mohan started to act strange and looked around everyone for a while in a bit of fear. It was only seconds and then all of a sudden he fell to his side a couple of feet away. Danny immediately ran to the switchboard and switched on the light. Mohan was clearly in shock and his face was gripped with fear. Everyone in the gang had chills and Mohan himself broke the silence. He said a sudden shock wave to his right hand paralyzed him and that the shock passed through the coin into his hand. 

It took a few minutes for the gang to come back to their senses. Few members were clearly confused and were not sure to proceed with the ritual at this point. However Mohan kept his cool and wanted to finish what was started. So everyone started to group and Danny ran and switched off the light and joined the gang. Mohan picked up the coin and placed in the centre of the board and closed his eyes. It was then the unthinkable happened, the light switch turned on itself and the light was so powerful and it started flickering at a rapid rate. All the 9 members including Danny were unmoved and no way could that one of these members switched on the light. There was no office open at 2.00 am in the 9^th floor or there was security employed in that floor. 

There was a sudden panic but all decided to climb down the stairs together. When they reached the 6^th floor the light on the corridor of the 9^th floor melted into darkness again. Saravanan was still in shivers when he finished narrating the incident. I was shocked and had Goosebumps all over me. It was clear that whatever stayed in the 9^th floor didn’t like the ritual. It warned twice and I am sure the third warning would have been more frightening if the gang continued with the ritual. 

How could someone get an electric shock in a tiled floor all of a sudden? Who switched on the light when all the members stuck together? We don’t have an answer, all just happened in a matter of minutes. One thing is for sure, whatever lived in the 9^th floor did not like our presence. It was good that the gang understood the intention of these activities and abandoned the ritual. There are some things which should never be disturbed and this 9^th floor ghost is one among them.

My Love Story

It was in the year 2008 I met her for the first time. I knew I loved her from the moment I saw her. I used to smile at her whenever she was close to me but she always gave me a blunt look, never smiled at all. Well, that doesn't stop me from loving her. I knew she will realize my true love in the course of time. I never gave up!!!

Few months passed and things started changing. Her cute eyes started to talk with me. Being an IT employee its not easy to lead a peaceful life and I am sure most of us agree that as an universal truth. Stressful days at work, tiresome to and fro travel, all swept me like a breeze when she flashed in my eyes. Days went on and my love for her grew more and more. I was in a stage where I couldn't live without her.

My wife who's an IT employee too had a stressful work environment. Whenever she came back home I will become a listener to all her daily updates. Once she's done it was my turn and whatever I talk I'll end up with this girl. My wife was so courteous that she never came between me and this girl!! Everyday, when I start to office, she comes and asks in her cute voice, 'Can you take me for a ride?'. How could I say no to such a sweet angel!

As the days became months and then years, my love to her never changed. In fact it got multiplied and there was not a single day that went without seeing her....

Exactly after 2 years and 5 months since we met for the first time, I was going to miss her for the first time. My wife carried her bag and I walked with her hand in hand. When we reached, she was much hesitant to leave and tears started rolling in her eyes....I was heart broken and dumbstruck. I didn't know how to react. It was for her own good that we had to take this decision but seeing her crying, I was speechless. My wife was consoling her but she wasn't able to control and called me for help.

I stood speechless for few seconds before my wife lost her cool and yelled at me..'enough with your dad, daughter crying scenes...its her first day at the school, you say something and send her inside. Don't stand like a statue!!' I realized I should do something, so I hugged her in my arms and promised a beach visit later that day. That seems to console her a little and she waved her hand and went inside the Montessori. Looking at my emotions my wife wasn't able to control her laughter!!!

Of course a mother's love is the ultimate love but a father's love is a father's love :)

A Creepy Night Travel

It was in the year 2005 that I started my career in the BPO Industry. Before joining BPO I was working as an adminitration assistant on contract with a central government firm. Once I stepped into my office at Egmore, Chennai everything was new. I was pretty much used to the antique goverment offices with files, a desktop system which should have been purchased during 80's!! and much more stationaries. My transition to BPO industry was contrasting and suddenly everything was new, bright and friendly. All of a sudden I felt like I jumped some 10 years into the future!

Let's get back to the creepy incident...It was a few months since I joined this BPO and I worked on rotational shifts which changes every second week. So it was a friday night and little did I knew that it is going to be a fright night for me. My shift on that day was 2.00 PM to 10.30 PM and it was already 10.15. I was almost ready to leave for the day and was waiting for my colleague who will relieve me for his night shift. Suddenly I get a call from my reliever and he updates that he will be late by one hour. I have no other option but to stay as I worked on a livechat process. I have to be online till he appears. As usual he was late by another 15 minutes and I started back to home exactly at 11.50 PM.

It was already late and I thought I could take a different route on my way back to cut short the distance. The en route was through the suburbs of Kodungaiyur and the one street that I had to travel had this famous 'Muneeswaran' temple. Though the name gave me chills I just had a comfort that its still an 'house of God'. Every road was calm and dark until I reached the intersection which would connect me to the main road and from there my home.

I just turned right and entered this road, and in some distance I was able to see a load of white clothes in the center of this road. This road is just 30 feet in width and it streched for another 1 km in distance before connecting to the highway. As I am used to this road during my day time I was aware that there were no houses for another half a km strech. The interval between my bike and the cloth bundle was reducing and in the next few seconds I was able to see some movement in it. It was only few meters that I could pass by it and all of a sudden a woman raised her head from the bundle. Yes, I swear she was a woman in white dress, but I ain't sure if it was a saree. The bundle of clothes that I saw was not actually a bundle but a woman. It just scared the heck out of me, I was totally frozen in shock. My bike was just few feet from the woman!!!! I was so close that I could see her eyes which had cornea but no pupil. She was in the middle of the road, with a sitting posture, untied hair and pupil less eyes...Imagine yourself in this situation!

The only thing that scared me was, how could I pass through this ghost like figure...in seconds I could imagine her jumping on me, or just hurting me with any paranomal power or just posses me!!! I just prayed to God with all my heart...Lord, just help me and I will do whatever you want me to!! Within a couple of seconds I passed the women at high speed and my bike was screaming in sudden pulse. I had a sigh of relief and was scared to look back if she was still there...I will never forget those white eyes staring at me when I passed her. I drove like a mad man till I reached the nearby houses and only then I came into senses. When I shared this scary incident with my parents they went on a debate if it was really a woman or a ghost.

This was once in a lifetime incident for me. I have never experienced any kind of paranormal activity before or after this incident. Everyday I come around 1 am in the night these days but have never come across any such scary stuff.

This incident still give me chills..was she a woman or a ghost? why was she there at 12 midnight in the middle of a deserted road? Why her eyes were white without pupil? I really dont have an answer..

Thamizh ini....

தமிழ் இனி.....

மெரினா கடற்கரையோரம் காற்று வாங்கலாம் என நண்பர் ஒருவருடன் சென்றேன். அது ஞாயிற்றுகிழமை ஆதலால் மக்கள் அலைகடலென திரண்டிருந்தனர். உழைப்பாளர் சிலையை கடந்து நடைபாதை வழியாய் மணலை நோக்கி நடந்தோம். சென்னை நகரமே கடற்கரையில் திரண்டிருந்தது போன்ற பிரம்மை. அருகாமையில் ஒரு உல்லாச பேருந்து சில பயணிகளை இறக்கி கொண்டிருந்தது. ஒரு கனத்த பெண்மணி தன்னுடன் வந்த ஒரு குழந்தையை செல்லமாய் கடிந்து கொண்டாள். "சுப் ரஹோ, மே தும்கோ வஹா லே ஜாவுங்க" என்ற பெண்மணியை கண்டு சமாதானம் ஆனாள் அக்குழந்தை. நம் நண்பர் சிரித்தபடியே, "இவங்க இந்திகாரங்க பாஸ், பீகாரிலிருந்து வந்திருப்பாங்க" என்றார்.

சற்றே முன் செல்ல எத்தனித்த வேளையில் ஒரு தம்பதியர் எங்களை கடந்து சென்றனர். அப்பெண்மணி அழகாய் இருக்கவே நம் நண்பர் ஒரு ஓரப்பார்வை வீசினர். உடனே அப்பெண்மணி தன் கணவரிடம், "இக்கட பீச் மட்டுகே பாக உந்தி, இ தமிலோளுனி சூச்தே பயங்க உந்தி" என்றாள். எனக்கு தெலுங்கு சற்றே தெரியும் என்பதால் நண்பருக்கு மொழிபெயர்த்தேன், "நண்பா உன் பார்வை ரொம்ப மோசம் என்கிறாள் அந்த பெண்". ஆவேசமடைத்த நண்பரை சமாதானபடுத்த சில நிமிடங்கள் ஆயின. 

மாலை நேரம் என்பதால் கதிரவன் இதமாயிருந்தான், கடல் காற்றும் கூட சேர்ந்து மனதை வருடியது. நம் நண்பர் என்னை இடிக்கவே முன்னோக்கினேன், ஒரு பெரிய குடும்பம் பொடிசுகள், இளசுகள், பெரியவர் புடை சூழ நம்மை கடந்து சென்றது. எதோ ஒரு மழலை "ஏற்ற தூரம் போகனம்?" என்றாள். இம்முறை நண்பர் என்னை நோக்கி சிரித்தபடியே "மலையாளம், எனக்கும் கொஞ்சம் தெரியும்" என்றார்.

கடற்கரையை நெருங்கிய வேலையில் மனதில் ஏதோ ஒரு உறுத்தல். நண்பரை நோக்கினேன், "நண்பா, ஒன்றை கவனித்தாயா, இவ்வளவு தூரம் நடந்தோமே, ஒருவராகிலும் தமிழ் பேசுவதை கவனித்தாயா" என்றேன். நண்பர் நான் சொல்வதை கவனித்தாரோ இல்லையோ அருகாமையில் சில இளம் பெண்கள் விளையாடுவதை கண் கொட்டாமல் ரசித்து கொண்டிருந்தார். இனி இவரிடம் இதை பற்றி பேசி பயன் இல்லையென அமைதியானேன்.

என் மன சிந்தனையை அறிந்தது போல ஒரு சிறு குடும்பம் எங்கள் முன் வந்துகொண்டிருந்தது. நடுத்தர வயதுடைய கணவன் மனைவி மற்றும் இரு குழந்தைகள் என அளவான குடும்பம். அவர்கள் முகமே ஒரு தமிழ் குடும்பம் என பறைசாற்றியது. எனக்குள் ஒரு இனம் புரியா குதூகலம். அக்குழந்தை தன தாயை நோக்கி "அம்மா, எனக்கு அந்த பொம்மை வேணும்மா" என்றாள். சற்றும் தாமதியாமல் அப்பெண் கோபத்துடன் "ஹொவ் மெனி டைம்ஸ் ஐ எவ் டோல்ட் யு, டாக் இன் இங்கிலீஷ்" என்றாள். அக்குழந்தை மிகுந்த ஏமாற்றத்துடன் " ஒகே மாம், ப்ளீஸ் பை மீ தட் டாய்" என்றாள்.

என்ன செய்வதென்று தெரியாமல் திகைத்து நின்றேன். கோபம், வெறுப்பு, ஏமாற்றம், ஆச்சர்யம் என பலவிதமான உணர்வுகள். நண்பரை கோபத்துடன் நோக்கினேன், மிக பணிவாக "நீ என்ன கூறினாலும் நான் கேட்கிறேன்" என்பது போல பாவனை செய்தார். " நண்பா பார்த்தாயா இந்த கொடுமையை, இம்மட்டும் நாம் பார்த்தவர்கள் வேறு மாநிலதவராயினும் தம் தாய் மொழியில் பேசினர். ஆனால் இங்கோ நிலைமை தலைகீழாய் உள்ளது. தமிழ் பேசுவதையே அவமானமாய் கருதுகின்றனர், ஆங்கிலம் பேசினால்தான் கவுரவம் என்ற பொய்யான கணிப்பு."

நண்பர் மிகவும் அமைதியாக இருக்கவே, நானும் அமைதியானேன். சற்று நேரம் மணலில் அமர்ந்து கடலை நோக்கினேன், மனம் ஏனோ லேசானது போன்ற ஒரு உணர்வு. நண்பர் குறும்பு பார்வை பார்த்தபடியே "விடுங்க நண்பா, வாங்க அந்த பாணி பூரி சாப்பிடலாம், அந்த பையன் கடையிலே நல்லாயிருக்கும்" என்றார். இருவரும் அந்த வட இந்திய சிறுவனின் கடையை நோக்கி நடந்தோம். எங்களை நோக்கியதும் அவன் சிரித்தபடியே "வாங்கண்ணே!" என்றான்.

ஏனோ என் மனம் மறுபடியும் குதூகலமானது.

Namma Chennai

Chennai's history dates back to the early part of the 17th century. It was not a Greater Chennai then but a large village near the coasts of the Bay of Bengal. India itself was a scarcely populated country before its Independence. Chennai was not an exception too, the few densely populated nearby villages where Egmore, Triplicane and Vepery. As the village is located nearest to the coast of the Bay of Bengal, 'Kuppam's where famous those days. These Kuppams are still a lively place among the fishing communities of Chennai. Right from Thazhankuppam, Nettukuppam near Ennore to Ayothyakuppam near Santhome and Pattinapakkam (Fore Shore Estate) one can across 20-25 kuppams near the coast.

 Portuguese in Chennai

 Portuguese were the earliest of all the European settlers who entered Chennai in the early part of the 16th Century. In the year 1522 AD they built a port named São Tomé near the village of Mylapore. In the following year the legendary Santhome Church was built in honor of St Thomas. Later the Portuguese went on to build famous churches like the Little Mount Church in 1551, St Mary's Church and Luz Church during the early part of the 17th century.

 

The arrival of the Dutch

 Portuguese flourished their trade and social activities for almost 150 years since the 16th century. However they lost their stronghold on the city after the arrival of the Dutch during the early part of the 17th century, 1612 AD to be exact. Pulicat was the capitol of the Dutch East India company and was an happening place during the 17th century. Pulicat port was very famous for its textile and mineral imports during this period. Apart from Pulicat, Sadras fort which is located some 17 kms from Mahabalipuram is famous for its Dutch styled cemetery, secret chambers and warehouses, some survive to till date.

French vs British Raj

During 1746 French had their first victory over the British and captured Fort St George and Madras. Because the East India Company was rich with its business base at Chepauk and Black town (North of Fort St George), French troops destroyed these villages. Though French had their first establishment in Pondicherry in the 17th century, the rivalry between them and the English reached new heights during the 18th century. It was only in that instance (1746) that French gained the upper hand on the British Raj.

The British East India Company

 Though Dutch and British arrived almost at the same time, British emerged victorious among all other settlers during the 18th Century. It was in 1637 that the East India Company arrived at the modern day George Town via Francis Day's vessel. The total population of Madras during 1646 was 19000 locals and 10000 Portuguese, Dutch and English settlers. Though English had different ideas after the 18th century, it was only during their period (17th and 18th centuries) that Chennai flourished. The very first monumental work of the English is the Fort St George constructed during 1640 AD. The first British Hospital started on 16th November 1664 is still standing tall as the Government General Hospital. Later during the 18th and 19th centuries the Britishers constructed many schools, colleges, hospitals and churches. Other notable monuments are Memorial Hall – 1860 , Madras Museum - 1862, Public works Department 1865, Post and Telegraph office – 1884, Victoria Public Hall / Town Hall – 1887, High Court - 1892, Bank of Madras – 1896, Connemara Library – 1896 etc. One of the greatest services that Britishers offered to Chennai is its railways. It was in the year 1856 the first railway line from Royapuram to Arcot was built. Though the Britishers are long gone, their historical monuments and service to the community is still remembered.

The ancient temples of Chennai

Long before the village of Madras the entire part of the northernmost Tamilnadu was called Tondai Nadu or Tondaimandalam. Almost from the beginning of the Christian era some ancient temples are still standing tall. Some of them are the Kapaleeswarar temple of Mylapore, the Parthasarathy temple of Triplicane, the Marundeeswarar Temple at Tiruvanmyur and Tyagarajar Temple at Tiruvotriyur etc.

Villages of Chennai and their history

George town - This is the place which marks the beginning of the present day North Madras, it is bordered by the Wall Tax road in the west, North Ford Road (P.H Road) in the south, Chennai port in the east and the Basin Bridge in the north. This is the place where the modern city of Madras began its expansion in the early 17th century.

Triplicane - This is one of the oldest villages in the entire Tondai Nadu. Along with her sister Mylapore, she is famous for her temples. Triplicane derived from the tamil word Thiru-Alli-Keni (Sacred Lilly pond) which is claimed to be the pond in front of the Parthasarathy Temple.

 Mylapore - Mylapore derives its name from "Mayil arparikum oor" which means land of peacock scream. During ancient times this place was called 'Vedapuri' and it was a well known port city even to the Greeks and the Romans then. Arguably Mylapore might be the oldest village in Chennai.

Egmore - Egmore known as Ezhumboor in Tamil derived its name from "Ezhum Voor" meaning seven villages together. An inscription found in Tamilnadu mentions “Ezhumur nadu” (Egmore) coming under “Puliyur kottam (division) which, in turn, fell under “Jayamkonda Chola mandalam, says KRA Narasiah, a well-known researcher and historian.

 Tondiarpet - One of the ancient villages of Chennai derived its name from "Thondiar Nagaram". One of the famous Tamil Muslim saint called "Kunangudi Masthan Sahib" of the 17th century is believed to have meditated in this region. Later on people called him Thondiar meaning "Man from Thondi". Tondiarpet was earlier called "Lebbai Kaadu" associated with the Muslim community who lived there in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Royapuram - Very near to the village of Tondiarpet, Royapuram derives its name from "Rayar Puram" meaning St Peter's town. St Peter is fondly remembered as Rayappar by the Catholic community and hence the name. The famous St Peter's church was built in the early 19th century by the Christian fishing community which migrated from the village of Chepauk. Royapuram silently holds the record to own the first railway station of South India. To the north of Royapuram, there is a place called Clive Battery even today. It is said that Robert Clive a British officer gathered his battery of artillery at this place and fought against the French troop. In the early 19th century Britishers used to throw social parties which were called 'Rave' party. 'Rave' party became Rave while Clive's Battery became Clive battery. Both these places are adjacent to the town of Royapuram.

Chepauk - Located close to the village of Triplicane and Mylapore, Chepauk is said to derive its name from the Urdu "Che Bagh) means a place of six gardens. The Nawab Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah or famously the Nawab of Arcot resided in Chepauk palace during the 18th century. Wallajah road in Chepauk remembers this great man to till date.

Purasawalkam - It was once a land of paddy fields, Neem trees and the famous "Flame of the forest" tree - "Mullu Murungai" or "Purasai" tree in Tamil, when it is full of flowers it gives an impression of a Forest fire. Even today this tree stands tall in the famous Gangadeeswarar Temple on Gangadeeswarar Koil Street.

Nungambakkam - Another old village which dates back to the 11th century AD, it features in the copper plate referring to Rajendra Chola. It had vast empty lands till the early 20th century but is the centre of attraction today. The Valluvar Kottam high road is still called 'Village Road" due to its long history.

Perambur - A couple of centuries back, it was a bamboo forest. It derives its name from Tamil word Perambu (Bamboo) and Oor (village).

Thiruvottiyur - One of the most ancient places in Chennai and is the home for many famous temples like Thyagaraja Temple or famously called the Vadivudaiamman Temple, Pattinathar temple etc. It is believed that Kambar composed Ramayana in this very own Vadivudaiamman Temple. Thiruvottiyur derives its name from the Tamil word 'Thiruvodu' and 'Oor' meaning 'begging bowl of the sanyasis' and 'Village' respectively. Pattinathar spent his final years in this area with a 'Thiruvodu', hence the name. The North Madras residents would have comes across a small area called 'Kaladipettai' in Thiruvottiyur. Like the 'Rave' and 'Clive Battery' areas of Royapuram, the Kaladipet has an interesting history as well. In 1719 British Governor Joseph Collett founded a new colony for weavers and painters of cloth near Tiruvottiyur. This village was called 'Collettpetah' in his honor. Like many other English names getting localized 'Collettpetah' became 'Kaladipettai'.

Chetpet - It is believed that Chetpet derived its name from 'Chettiar Pettai'. One of the famous master builders during the 19th century, T. Namberumal Chetty, had most of his bungalows in this region, hence the name. This place also has a rich history for its Dhobikhana dating back to the 19th century.

Chintadripet - It derives its name from Tamil, "Chinna Thari Pettai". Weaver's village, Chintadripet is a twin sister to the 'Collettpetah' as both these villages came into existence in equal times. During early 18th century the Dubashes and chief merchants of the English East India Company engaged in the supply of cotton goods rose to great prosperity. One of them is Alangatha Pillai who founded and built the Ekambareswarar Temple, and another of them, Sunkurama had a large garden in the bend of the Cooum River south of Periamet which was taken over in 1735 for a new weavers' village known as Chintadripettah.

Washermanpet - It derives its name from Tamil "Vannaara Pettai". It was during the period of Governor Joseph Collett that cotton trade reached great prosperity. The village of Peddunaickenpettah where the weavers and painters settled complained that the water of the river was not pure. They were subsequently relocated to the north of the Black Town where the ground water was rich with fresh springs. The place where they settled was, therefore, known as Washerman Town and its present appellation of Washermanpet is apt.

Chennai's history cannot be explained in just one webpage and there are lot to be explored. The one common mistake committed by our ancestors was not to record the events and literature in a safer way. The historic evidence that we got of Chennai and Tamil Nadu by large is just a tip of an iceberg. Most of the information that we have now is from the journals of various English officers and not from Tamil scholars. Hope we can carry our cultural history to the generations to come.

Love at first sight!

                Last week when I went to the newly built Phoenix mall in Velachery I happened to meet Saravanan, a very close friend during my college days. He came to the mall with some of his friends. Though we did not have much time to talk, we shared our mobile numbers. It was a pleasant surprise for me to hear that he is residing at Madipakkam which is very close to my resident. During the weekend I met him in his house and his family was very happy to see me after a decade. After a few minutes of chit chats with his parents, we both left to the terrace to have some private talk. After sharing all those sweet moments happened during our graduation, he shared an emotional story which happened during his post graduation. As I wasn't his classmate during post graduation I was keen to hear his story.

During his post graduation his family was residing at a busy part of North Madras. It was a congested locality and people can talk to their neighbors from their own home. It was one evening when Saravanan came back from college saw his mom chatting with a neighbor. His mom then introduced him to the neighbor lady and told her, “He is doing his post graduation in Maths in Loyola College". The lady then smiled and said, "That's nice, my daughter too is doing her graduation in Maths at Stella Maris College". After few seconds Saravanan left to his room to spend some time to study.

Later that weekend the neighbor came to meet his mom and she had some notes in her hand. She handed a notebook and requested him to solve a question from Complex Analysis in which her daughter had some difficulty. However it was not as challenging as he thought, he was able to answer it within 5 minutes. She thanked him and left to her house. Saravanan has never seen her daughter and was eager to meet her.

In a few days his sister became a good friend with her, but Saravanan was yet to see her. His long wait came to an end the next day evening. He was watching TV and suddenly his sister came inside and said, "Anna, there is a guest in our home". She then turned towards the door and said, "Please come in, it’s only my brother". She raised the curtain and entered the house holding his sister's hand. Saravanan was dumbstruck looking at her. She was the most beautiful girl that he had ever seen. She was like an angel from unknown skies. She was wearing a blue churidhar and held a small wallet in her hand. She had a little blue bindi in her forehead and looked gorgeous. She had very sharp eyes and when she looked into his eyes, he got electrocuted for a while but realized that his sister was there; he acted normal and smiled at her.

His sister introduced her saying, "Anna, this is Saraswati, our neighbor aunt's daughter". She then turned to Saraswati and told her, "Saraswati, this is my sweet brother, Saravanan". She then turned to him and said, "You both talk for a while and I will prepare tea and come". He thought to himself, "What a cute little Sis I have, she has given me the best time of my life". There was silence for a while and Saravanan started the conversation by asking about her graduation. She was hesitant for a while but became normal in the next few minutes.

While she was talking, he was just looking into her eyes and said to himself, "Oh my God, I am sitting next to an angel and listening to all her sweet talks". She realized that Saravanan is looking at her all this time and felt a bit uncomfortable. She was blushing when looking at him and tried to avoid looking at him. Soon when his sister came in they started to chat and had a good time that evening.

In a couple of weeks they started to talk and became good friends in the course of time. Saravanan's love towards her grew stronger by each day. He did not share his feelings to his friends but felt like he could share it with his sister. After much hesitation he revealed everything to his sister however he was much surprised to see his sister's reaction. She was not shocked or surprised but smiled at him and said, "You are my brother, I know what is bothering you". She promised that she will definitely help him; her consoling words gave him some encouragement.

The next day she and Saraswati planned to go to Marina beach but lied at home that they were going to a nearby mall. However Saravanan knew it and got ready to meet her at the beach. It was 5.00 pm in the evening and Saravanan was already there at the beach. He saw them both coming towards him but acted unnoticed. His sister created a fake panic by looking at him and asked Saraswati to walk alone and that she will hide in the nearby park for the time being.

Saraswati got panicked as well but promised that she will save her. She started walking towards Sarvanan and smiled at him. He was so happy to see her while she was all blushing. She lied that she came to visit a friend who resides near the beach and that she was about to leave. Saravanan looked at her and asked, "I overheard you girls talking and I came early before you, I know my sis is hiding somewhere here, I need to talk to you". She looked at him and said, "Yes, we can sit here".

The Sunset was beautiful, the beach was charming, the sea was calm and there's an angel sitting before him. He took a deep breath and pulled out his emotions, "You are the most beautiful person I have ever met, I lost myself when I saw you first, its you and only you I have been possessed with, and I am in love with you". She did not utter a word but sat there for a while looking at the calm sea. After few more minutes of silence she got up and started to walk towards his sister.

Sarvanan was heart broken at the reaction that he received. He doesn't even want to go back home as he did not had the guts to look at his sister. He came late in the night and soon fell sleep. In the morning he woke up early and wanted to go out somewhere but his sister was waiting for him to accompany her to a nearby temple. His parents also left early in the morning to see some relatives. After much hesitation he accompanied his sister to the nearby temple. After few minutes they started again and reached home within the next 10 minutes. His sister waited at the entrance while he rushed towards his room.

When he entered his room he could not believe his eyes. His room was decorated with roses and on his table roses were arranged saying, "I love you too!" Saravanan rushed towards the living room only to see his sis and Saraswati laughing at him. His sister noticed that they were staring at each other and said, "Okay, let me prepare some tea"; she left the room without waiting for an answer.

Saravanan looked at Saraswati and held her cheeks. Like always she blushed and tilted her head towards his chest. And that's one of the cutest proposal I have heard in a long time.

When he finished his story I looked at him for further answers. He seems to understand my reaction and smiled at me and said, "We got married 5 years back and she is on an onshore project in US and will be back later this year".

I was so happy for my friend.

Forever Love!

The other day, I happened to meet one of my friends, I hadn't seen for many years. We talked for a while and exchanged our mobile numbers. The following week I called my friend, Vinoth for a get together with our friends. He shared the story of his first love which happened some 6 years back.

Vinoth had just completed his graduation and was waiting for his results. Some of his friends from Bangalore came to Chennai during holidays and Vinoth was very happy to receive them. They said they were going to stay for a week in Chennai at a friend's apartment. The next day they planned to visit the rock temples at Mahabalipuram in the East Coast Road. It was only 3 guys apart from Vinoth and so he thought of booking a Tata Indica call taxi. However his friends wanted to take a Toyota Innova, an 8 seater SUV. Vinoth was wondering why they wanted an 8 seater SUV for just 4 guys. However he got the answer in no time. Within few minutes the vehicle stopped at a nearby place and 3 girls got into the SUV. Vinoth was again wondering what was happening.

The friends then introduced the girls to Vinoth. Two of the girls in the gang were the lady love of two in the guys gang. In the next few seconds the cab started to move to the destination. Everybody started to chat with each other and soon Vinoth mingled with the group. In a couple of hours they reached the tiger cave which is few kms before Mahabalipuram. The two couples ran towards seashore and started playing around. The third girl's name is Catherine, a final year graduate. She felt a bit inconvenient as her friends left her alone. The third guy was also busy with his mobile phone and slowly distanced himself from Vinoth and Catherine.

Vinoth sneak peeked at Catherine a couple of times but she was busy watching the sea. She looked gorgeous in her dark brown cotton saree. She was wearing it single fleet and looked cute in her slim physique. She let her hair loose and held the pallu of the saree in her left hand. The sea breeze flew through her hair and touched his face. Vinoth inhaled the fragrance of rose flower and felt like flying with her. It was a couple of minutes before Vinoth broke the silence. He looked at her, "Your name sounds foreign!" She was smiling, "Yes, I belong to the Anglo-Indian community". She continued, "I have heard about this place but never had a chance to visit, what it so special about this place is?" Vinoth was happy that she was starting to open up.

He explained, "Mahabalipuram is a remarkable work of the Pallavas, it was said that the shore temples where built during the 7th century AD, this is a place full of art and culture." Catherine looked at him and said, "I don't find this place attractive apart from the seashore". Vinoth immediately answered, " I know you don't like this place, I am not blaming you but most if the teenagers don't like either, its a place of our tradition, culture, history, I come here all the time, sad or happy, this is the place which gives me inner peace". He continued, "Don't look it as a rock temple, touch and feel the rocks, these same rocks were carved into fine sculptors thousands of years back, imagine yourself in the past, a thousand years back, touching these rocks". Catherine realized that Vinoth is not an ordinary guy but a great lover of art and culture.

Vinoth realized that he was talking too much and said, “I am really sorry!" Catherine asked, "Why?" Vinoth answered, "You came here to enjoy the day, but I started boring you". Catherine looked at him and said, "No, not at all, you are sweet, I can feel these rocks, I mean it." Vinoth was very happy, "Really, that's great!" She looked at the others but everyone was busy placing in the seashore. Vinoth asked her, "Will you walk with me?" She did not show any feelings but said, "hmm, okay, but promise me that you would explain more about this place". He was very happy and said, "Oh sure, come let's move".

After a couple of hours all the other friends came back to the cab but then noticed Vinoth and Catherine missing. They waited almost an hour before Vinoth and Catherine reached the cab. The other girls were laughing and started to cheer her. To Vinoth's surprise Catherine did not utter a word nor did she show any emotions. Rest of the trip was not much fun as everybody else was tired. While leaving the girls at their apartment, Vinoth looked at Catherine and asked, "Do you have any plans tomorrow?" She said, "Yes, I am going to visit few of my relatives here in Chennai". So with heavy heart he bid adieu to her.

In the following day his thoughts were occupied by Catherine. After a long time thinking, Vinoth made a decision that he would propose Catherine before she was leaving to Bangalore that weekend. He was unclear on how or where to propose. He kept it confidential and did not even reveal the matter to his friends. Vinoth finally decided that he would propose Catherine on Saturday evening at the railway station.

It was Saturday night and Vinoth was rushing to the railway station to see Catherine. He reached the station and searched for his friends. At distance they waved their hands and Vinoth reached them within the next few seconds. After bidding adieu to all his friends, he searched for Catherine, but she was not there. One of his friends, after seeing him restless asked, "Are you okay buddy?” Vinoth looked at him and asked, "Yep, no problem, where is Catherine?" His friend answered, "Oh, she left yesterday, she had some personal work, and she left early." Vinoth was shattered and thought, "She did not even have the courtesy to tell me". After his friends left Chennai, he came back to his apartment and spent a sleepless night.

The next day he felt he needed some break and decided to go to Mahabalipuram. He reached there around 10am in the morning and there was none at the seashore. He sat in the seashore, hands on his knees and looked at the calm sea. The cool sea breeze pacified his soul. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly he felt a fragrance of rose flower in his breath and thought to himself, "Catherine, how can you leave me like this?" He opened his eyes and turned towards his left. Catherine was sitting next to him looking at him. He was shocked and thought, "Am I dreaming, is she real, or is it my thoughts". Catherine enjoyed his silence and finally burst out in laugh.

He was still confused and asked, "I was told that you left a couple of days back, I am confused". Catherine smiled and said, "I will answer that later, I knew that you came to see me at the station, I also knew that you were upset you did not see me". He answered, "Yes, I can't stop thinking about you, when I close my eyes I see you, only you.” After a moment of silence Catherine asked, "Do you know the story of 15th Pallava King?" He thought to himself, "Is she playing with my emotions, I am proposing my love and she is talking about a Pallava king". But he answered, "Nope, to my knowledge there were 14 Pallava kings associated with Mahabalipuram, I really don't know."

Catherine smiled and said, "This 15th Pallava king sat in this same place and proposed his love to his ladylove, and she accepted his proposal". Vinoth was confused as to what this story has to do with his proposal. Catherine lowered her head looking at the sand and said, "The 15th Pallava King's name is Vinoth and her ladylove is Catherine".

Vinoth's heart pounded heavily, he felt like he was projected to unreached heights of the sky, he felt like he was flying. He stood up and looked at the calm sea. He felt the sea was smiling at him. Catherine stood next to him still looking at the sand. Vinoth slid his hands into hers and asked, "Look into my eyes, this is the moment of my life, will you walk with me?” She looked into his eyes and said, "Yes, my King, I will walk with your wherever you go!". They both laughed and started walking by the seashore.

The King and Queen lived happily ever after!