Disastrous drive out of Forum parking lot

Forum is one of the most popular mall in Bangalore, since it was the first mall. Anytime you visit forum it is thronged with people. On weekends people struggle to locate a place to park their car or bike. Weekdays are much better.

Forum has mutillevel parking and it is pretty difficult for new driver to park their car in there. 26^th January, me, my wife and my brother-in-law(brother) decided to visit forum. Brother loves forum than any other mall, since he get good deal on CDs and DVDs at crossword there.

A signal before brother asked me will I be able to park the car in forum or needed his help. I asked him to park the car for me. We changed seats and brother drove us to parking. On reaching the mall we dispersed our selves. My and wife went to the food court their while brother went to look out for CDs. 

After spending close 2 hours we decided to head back home since we had to go for work the next day. Brother asked  me take the car out, I told it would be better, if he could do it. But he wanted me to learn it so I took control on driver’s seat.  Exit had slope like structure, with great difficulty I took the car to mid way and stopped for the other car to pass by.

This time when I tried to move the car in upward direction it started going down, I had no idea about what was happening? I tried one more time again the car started going back. Luckily the driver in the car behind us didn’t move his car up, I guess he has seen the L board in the car. Suddenly people gathered around the car offering help to drive it up.

Me and wife were too scared but brother was cool. With option in hand I asked brother to take the car out. I didn’t drive car back home asked brother to do it since the trauma of the incident was haunting me.

Just imagine if the car behind us has placed it just behind us some very big could have happened but his presence of mind saved the situation.   

A day out with my cousin

This was Unni’s first visit to Bangalore post marriage, prior to it she came to Bangalore for writing exams.  She used to stay with me then, this time she was coming here for attending “house warming” function from her in laws side. Was dying to meet her ,since it was our first interaction post wedding. 

She went directly to her in-laws place on 27^th Jan. Function was on 28^th, hence we decided to meet after the function and go out for shopping at M.G.Road. Then to my flat and from there she can go to station to board the train.

Things didn’t go as planned. Morning when we about to leave for the function, my car’s central locking system developed some problem, resulting which door from driver’s got jammed. We took it to the shop where it was installed, they told mechanic will come to our place by 3 pm due to his prior work commitments. On way back home we realized that petrol in car is  less, once we reached petrol bunk, we realized that petrol tank can’t be opened as it is connected to central locking system. We could still travel 30 km now.

Finally mechanic came and things got resolved, we headed straight to meet Unni. Unni was too happy to see us and wanted to come to my flat at the earliest. On reaching my flat we indulged in to chit chat. Post that I showed her my wedding pics and few other pic. By 11.30 pm she started feeling hungry then we had noodles, all this time Unni was with me talking, while my wife was at bed and Unni’s husband was watching TV.

It was 12 am, Unni was tired but still she wanted to talk. Then I asked her to go to bed as she had a hectic day. Morning I me and my wife work up early to prepare breakfast for Unni. By 9.30 we were free but Unni was still sleeping finally by 10 she woke up and then we had our breakfast. She wanted  to do some shopping so headed toward MG. She picked up few things in hurry and then we headed straight to her in laws place. She was suppose to leave from there. All through the way we were busy talking but even after that we felt our talk was less. My wife and brother –in-law has seen me talking so much for the 1^st time.

Unni wanted to  shop more but due to time constrain , she was not able to do so. I have invited her to visit Bangalore one time but with long days of leave. Then we can go for shopping and plan some outing together.

Waiting eagerly for her next to Bangalore!

My first driving experience on driver seat

I was always passionate about driving car, once I learned bike and stated taking it out. Since childhood I had traveled a lot in car but only sitting at the back seat since drivers were there to drive where ever I wanted to go. Usually mom would be there in car and I needed to check with her to go anywhere. I could go in car only if mom was free or she was not going out that time. Work first then leisure.

During graduation days I learned car driving from a driving school for about a month and could drive decently then. Riding on the confidence of driving car tried my hands on ambassador car but it was unsuccessful, that was the last time when I drove car. 

After 10 years again I was compelled to drive car and time with no option in hand. Reason was I was gifted a car by my brother in law as our wedding gift. He wanted me to drive it immediately after our wedding but I was not allowed fearing some mishap. Because it was a big car and people were afraid I might put scratches on it in the process of driving it.

Post wedding we used to visit our relatives in hired auto, taxis and in buses at some cases. When we see any Honda city parked anywhere or people driving it we looked at it with sadness and despair. During all this time my brother in law was too low that we were unable to use his gift and it has become a show piece. 

Finally my brother in law decided to get the car to Bangalore from Kerala. He got it here and with an hours time he took me out for a drive to check my driving skills. He was impressed by it and asked me to take car next time when I go out. Very next day me and my wife took car to a nearyby mall to buy vegetables and other things. We were trembling with fear till we reached home.

Our real test was next when we went together to an office for some official purpose and on way back we decided to visit kempfort. By the time we were out of temple it was 6 pm road was full of cars, buses and bikes. We had to be back home with me on drivers seat and wife at other seat. It took us 2 hours to reach home but both of couldn’t believe it was me who was driving it. It was pretty well.

My focus was only on driving and looking after the objects on my side, while my wife would guide me about the distance to be maintained from other side. We both had to be alert all time to keep going. We didn’t even speak much except the guidance from sides. Though I was driving all throughout but still I asked my wife to pinch me to make me feel its really happening. To save us from any untoward incident we had pasted an L sign both in front as well as back side of the car.

On reaching home we were very happy but more than us my brother in law was happy, that finally I was achieved what he wanted me to achieve? Had he not been there I couldn’t have ever taken the care despite my utmost desire and the fear of scratches. Only place were I face difficulty is to cross humps, car gets stop their, hope to cover it soon as well.

But it fun driving, isn’t it

Why can’t wife’s be with their husband and family?

Marriage is considered the most auspicious event in an individual’s life. It’s the beginning of a new life which is going to be different from the one lived so far. Both parties need to adjust a lot to make things moving in life else can part ways before things turn nasty. Guys don’t have much to sacrifice after marriage. Sacrifices are done mostly done by women not only during marriage but even after.

Girls have to leave their house, parents, relatives and friends and accept her husband with his family. Initially it is difficult for girls to adjust things but later on they get used to it. During wedding girls father hand over his daughter’s hand to the guys hand whereby he gives full responsibility of his daughter to her husband.

Husbands try their level best to make their wife’s comfortable at house and with his relatives because from now on she need to take care of them in the way, her husband has taken care of them. Married girls get respect, love , affection from her husband and his relative because from now she is the one who will be taking care of their son and will be responsible for taking the family tree to next level.

Despite such attempt  by husband’s, when wife’s decide to stay by her family on any occasion, husband’s get annoyed and feel cheated. Reason being husband’s effort to appease his wife by standing for her has failed or she was just using him for one thing or the other. Come what ever wife’s will always stand by her family side and justify their claim. Very rarely they will stand by her husband or his family. 

Wife’s just want her husband along with her family to move ahead. They don’t want her husband’s family in her life and ensure that his family is kept at a distance. Even while doing so why can’t they think for a while that “when she want her family then how can her husband survive without his”?

Married women have 2 family and house one her own other one of her husband. When she sees that situation at her house is not good she switches to her husband’s house and stick their but if her family is in a better position then she will stick to her family ignoring her husband. Its very difficult to say whether your wife is with you or with her family. Only situations can answer it. 

It is always said daughter’s house is the one where they get married off not the house where they were born. Girl’s are aware about but they don’t want to accept it and try to manage things other way round. There are very few girls who stick to her husband and his family all throughout, such guys are really lucky. 

I think its high we guys need to take a stand and ask our wife’s to make her stand clear. We have no problem in you being with your family as we also need our family but given a chance to stand for your husband even if its with against your family, you should stand by him. If wife’s can’t do so its high time she  need to decide which way she want to head. But we guys will never allow our parents love and affection being used by someone just because of being our wife on paper and not in deeds.

Christmas special “Buffet lunch”

Sitting at home on Christmas eve would be foolishness, when people around your friends would be out either offering prayer at church or for shopping. As usual got up by 8 in the morning thinking it would be pretty cold outside. From bathroom it appeared a foggy day outside, when I turned on the tap and hot water came within seconds my assumption changed. Reason we have solar geyser, if it a foggy day hot water either hot water won’t come or will take long time to come.

After bath when I came to balcony for drying my towel, saw pleasant sunlight which we were missing for few days now. Assuming today being a sunny day, my wife suggested we should put our clothes for washing as it will dry soon. Before we could freeze on it my brother in law announced we will going out for lunch today to enjoy our favorite non veg delicacies. We didn’t even had our breakfast properly, thinking will compensate for it during lunch.

We arrived at the restaurant with my brother in law’s friend there. On enquiring about Christmas special dish we were told about “Christmas special buffet lunch” where five non veg delicacies were being served. My brother in law inspected the delicacies and said its good deal (he is a foodie so no doubt about his decision), we paid 1250 for 5 (3 guys and 2 ladies) people. On reaching the table brother told this deal is not good since I, my wife and my brother’s friends wife will have less food as usual and 2 guys can’t compensate for the remaining 3 of us.

I was feeling guilty because despite my best effort won’t have food beyond a limit, somehow started off well. Hogged on to non veg, more than bread or rice, suggested by my brother. Managed to have 3 rounds, brother was satisfied by performance to some extend. Jackpot was still pending for everyone ice cream, am a die hard fan of it nobody was aware about it except my wife.

Had 2 cups of ice cream first then, my wife offered me hers had that as well but my desire to have was just increasing, brother don’t like ice cream much. Brother noticed I want to have more ice cream, he said go and have only one but my wife got me one more, in all I had 6 ice creams. Brother couldn’t believe it was me who just stops at 2 or 3 roties can have 6 ice creams in one go. He termed as the last batsman who has turned the losing match to wining one. 

But I declared one thing on the table won’t have dinner tonight as am full beyond space. While coming out of the restaurant brother enquired at the ice cream counter the cost of one cup, it was 20rs he was very happy as I ate ice cream for 120 bugs. Brother told from next time onwards only ice creams will be offered to me for buffet lunch as I eat rice and roties less.

Don’t know what was the reason for having so many ice creams but it was truly a delight as long as I don’t fall sick. Due to sinus problem can’t have ice cream much. If I have sore throat or fever like symptoms tomorrow morning, then am gone for sure. Somehow has convinced my wife not to tell mom and dad about ice cream competition else good long lectures are sure from them (just kidding). 

It was great fun today with family and friends today, hope it continues through out..Seem like santa gifted me ice creams this Christmas.

Foggy Morning

Winter is the most awaited season for 2 reasons, first it gives respite from the scorching summer and we can digest food more easily than other seasons. People like to eat more food especially parathas and chats during this season. Consumption of tea and coffee is very high during this season. Ginger tea is preferred more during this season.

Foggy morning is a spectacular view for the people, I love such mornings and stand in the balcony watching the beauty of nature. But foggy morning is not good for travelers many flights and trains either get delayed or canceled due to fog to evade accidents. Car drivers and biker also have their own share of problem driving in foggy season.

Since childhood I love foggy days because we can lit fire on charcoal in room and sit next to it. In northern part of India vessels made of mud and cow dung are available especially for burning charcoal in it.  We can use it safely in room without much smoke, provided one knows how to handle it. Here in Bangalore no such option is available, people prefer room heaters than any other mode.  

Despite my liking towards fog can’t enjoy the weather for long due to sinus problem. Still step out to balcony and enjoy it some time. Last year I did a crazy thing on a fog filled morning, went on a drive on bike without helmet or cap on head. After 20 minutes ride came back to room, by evening was suffering from severe headache and cold, accompanied by running nose. Luckily I was staying alone then, but now if I venture for such things my wife would stop it and ensure such adventures are banned for future as well.

I love to come out in fog after taking bath (preferably in hot water) it a wonderful feeling then. Today morning also did the same thing but didn’t stand for long in balcony fearing falling ill. Going out for jogging is also a viable option to enjoy the season to the fullest, will try it at the next available opportunity.

Most difficult thing during such days is getting out of bed and taking bath. Leaving bed is like battling with oneself and the warm blanket. Taking bath even in hot water is nothing less than a struggle especially changing clothes. Despite these small troubles, still love foggy day and wait eagerly for it.

Miraculous escape from a disastrous bus accident

Accidents are common these day but we feel it when our loved one is involved in it, otherwise we care little about it. Me and wife were coming back to Bangalore after attending my cousin’s wedding. Our ticket was booked for train earlier, since it was not confirmed we booked ticket by bus. It has been six years now that I have traveling by bus from Bangalore to Kerala and return. Bus tickets are easily available if you are a frequent traveler by any particular travels.

My dad use to book tickets and even this time he accompanied me to the travels because of his familiarity with travels. I prefer sleeper birth that also in the front row, knowing this the agent allotted us the seat in the first row after driver’s cabin.

My parent’s and in laws came to bus stop to wish us happy journey, we reached bus stop in our new car. My wife loves traveling by it. Bus came on time and left immediately. As bus parted we settled our self to the seat allotted to us. I called my brother in law to inform him about our departure.

At 7.30 pm bus stopped for us to have dinner, since we were carrying sandwich, we decided to have it. It was bus last stop before touching Bangalore. By 8 pm bus left the restaurant and lights were switched off. I was feeling tired so I slept but my wife was not getting sleep. She was changing position and used to wake up frequently.

At 5 in the morning my wife she held me tight and started calling me, followed by some strange sound and bus coming to halt. I was in deep sleep so couldn’t understand what was happened but soon I realized our bus has met with an accident. 

I got down from my seat to see what had happened. The moment I opened the door, first thing I could see was front glass of the bus was missing and the door was jammed. Somehow I got out of the bus and saw front portion fully smashed, couldn’t even image it was the same bus we boarded few hours ago. The moment I saw the wheels of the bus, I was shocked because had the bus not stopped then, it would have toppled down, since it wheels were too close to the divider.

Luckily none of the passengers were hurt, only the bus was damaged beyond recognition. We stayed back on our seat, as new bus was coming to ferry us to Bangalore. By 6 I called my brother in law to inform him about the accident and ask him not to come to bus stop to pick us. By 7 we called up our houses to inform them about the mishap.

The moment we called them, “first question was where have you reached?”.When we told them about the accident, they become extremely worried and started asking question about the incident. They wanted us to reach Bangalore at the earliest by any means. But we had to wait till the other bus comes and take us to Bangalore.

Bus came and we reached Bangalore, then home but throughout our journey phone kept on ringing.  Our parents are yet to recover from the shock of losing their kids to an accident. While lying on bed I was thinking, if we have been dead in that accident, nothing would have been lost. We met all our relatives and friends in the wedding. Our parents bid us goodbye, had lived our life till that moment to the fullest.