*From & To Sathish* - Thread 4 - Page 92

Vaanathai Pola 47

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” Shannon Alder

' A book about Vijay, his life?', Jeeva asked Kavita, who said, ' A little of his life and a lot of his memories and importantly the lives that he touched in the short while that he was here living and breathing.'

Jeeva looked out of the window and saw that one crow had fallen asleep, huddled closer to its mate, who sat still and wide awake and she thought of Raman and said, ' Raman loved Vijay a lot and always spoke so glowingly about both of you. There were many a time when he said that Vijay was the Laxman that he never had.

Kavita, I think it is a lovely gesture and a beautiful gift to Vijay and I am sure that through this legacy and memories will live on.'

' Thank you, Jeeva. This is not going to be an official book launch type of affair for I hate to do things in such a cliched manner and it is off-limits for press and television. My batch of college friends had planned to meet up for an Impromptu Alumni lunch when one of them, Anbu Chezhiyan thought that it would be a good time for this book to come out. So, now it is not just an impromptu alumni meet for old friends but a total family affair.'

' Nice of this gentleman, Chezhiyan.But, how does he know about you and your book?'

' I am sorry for not filling you in with the details about this book and its friendly release. Well, Anbu Chezhiyan works for an international publishing company and is the head of its branch in Chennai. But, more important than that post is his pioneering work in publishing many of today's author's works, both in English and Tamil and in various European languages.'

Jeeva seemed to recollect the name Anbu Chezhiyan for it sounded very familiar and repeated the name a couple of times and Kavita explained it, ' He is the same guy who was in the news last year and who in an interview said that our Tamil people are more interested in the language called Tamil than in the culture called Tamil and who blasted the young generation for being more interested in wearing and brandishing the slogan " Tamilanda" on their tee-shirts than really knowing the language and its roots.'

Jeeva in a loud voice said, 'Yes. I remember him very well now for I saw that youtube interview in which he said, most of the Tamil people know more about filthy, curse words such as " O..A, Ma..ru etc" than they know about their native language and that most people hardly know more than one or two Kurals and also openly accused today's youth that they are more interested in films, actors, songs and fashion trends than they know about their mother tongue.

' Exactly right, Jeeva. That is the guy and sadly because of his honest and frank views, the poor man is always in the centre of a storm and seems to be forever stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. I mean he is always in some sort of trouble with the ruling party, other major parties and also at the same time with the public. He has several dozen defamation cases against him and is either in the office or in the court.'

Jeeva worriedly, ' Then why court controversy and the wrong kind of publicity when you are part of the ruling party, yourself, Kavita. I don't have to tell you that you will find yourself in a bit of a soup with your cabinet for fraternizing with this brave friend of yours.'

' I am fully aware of the ramifications, Jeeva. But, I think and feel very strongly about the views and beliefs about Anbu Chezhiyan for they reflect and echo perfectly what Vijay felt and lived for.

The problem with our political parties, ruling, opposition and others all included is that they make hue and cry about all kinds of silly things. And, in this day of Whatsapp, youtube and twitter, every bit of news goes viral and becomes headlines the very same day. Take Rajinikanth and his statement about Periyar and atheism and immediately he was verbally abused in all social platforms and branded a Kannadiga, a traitor from Maharashtra who is least interested about the welfare of Tamil and the people of Tamil Nadu.

If it comes to that, then I will just quit the party and do something else with my time. Honestly, I have been thinking of teaching children who come from underprivileged backgrounds and also those who are differently-abled. I don't know why but off late my soul tells me that it is going to be my calling in the future and today's children are tomorrow's leaders and who will inherit this world.

So, start with the roots and the foundations and the tree and the house will be strong and stand the test of times.

But, I have known Anbu from my college days and he is the one who edited my draft manuscript and if this book is now ready for release then it all because of Anbu's tireless efforts and constantly pushing me to write from my soul and share with the world what a great and pure soul my brother was.'

Then Kavita asked to speak to Raman and Jeeva scoffed angrily, ' Raman, I tell you that Of late it has become easier to go meet Shri Raman in the nearby temple than meet our pal, Raman for he either he is in Delhi or spends most of the time in his workplace and about that which I have no clue at all. In fact, as we speak he is not even in the country and flew out last night. So, I seriously doubt if he can make it but I will, Kavita and that is a promise.'

' Thank you, Jeeva, But, on one condition and which is...'

' Which is?'

' That you allow me to pick you up and your parents and Ramans parents and then we can all travel together. It will be really nice and I will feel much better with all of you around for mum has to stay back to look after dad for whom all this will be too much of a strain.'

Jeeva said, ' Okay. But, promise me that we will stopover at your place on the way back so that I and my family can spend some time with your parents.'

' Promise and I bet my dad and mum will be really kicked about seeing you and family for they are really fond of you.'

' And that too is because of our missing hero, Mr.Raman. I think that the love and respect they have for Raman just spread from him and on to all of us.'

Both wished each other goodbyes and the call ended and just as Jeeva thought about him, he called and whispered

'Hi, baby.'

Vaanathai Pola 48

“Whatever our souls are made out of, his and mine are the same...If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger.” Emily Bronte

' Ram. Hi, ' Jeeva replied and overwhelmed by hearing his voice fell silent and tried to talk but failed to do so.'

' Wow! I must be either the luckiest or unluckiest person in this world. Either my wife really loves me so much that she thinks even silence is a beautiful language between two souls or worse, hates me so much that a mere hello from me has turned her into stone.'

' Never, Ram. Never will my heart or my soul turn into stone for it was once stone and then like water, you sprang forth and broke it into pieces. I fell silent for I had resigned and had prepared myself for not getting any calls from you for the next few days and then you called.'

' Jeeva, whether I call or don't call, I know that you know that you are my every thought and that my heart whispers your every name with its every beat. You are my being, the reason for my existence and you think I won't call and that too for even a short while.'

' Ille Ram, Things are not the same as before and have changed not 90 degrees but 360 degrees for you are not just a High court lawyer but you are part of this nation's security. And from what I know, you will shine and rise to the top of the cream and not remain in the bottom. For that is you and that is one of the reasons for your existence.'

Raman whispered in a soft and loving voice, ' I miss you baby. Miss you terribly and I know that I should be with you right now for you are due any moment now. But...'

' I know Ram and I miss you too, more than you will never know. The words " I LOVE YOU " just don't do justice to what a woman really falls for her man whom she loves and loves more than herself and everything else in her life.'

Raman laughed and said, ' All wives and all mothers say the same thing and then their child comes and the husband takes a back seat and is just a passenger who is along for the ride.'

' Please, don't ever say that again. Our children will come and I will become a mother but even then you will come first and you come even before my own parents, Ram and that is the truth. I have given you everything, my body, my thoughts, my soul, my tears and my laughter and have nothing left inside me, but for..'

' But, for what, Jeeva?'

' You, Raman. You. The only thing that is in me is you and your love for me with all your strength and kindness.'

Then remembering Kavita's call, Jeeva said, ' By the way, Kavita had called.'

' Oh! okay. How is she doing?'

' She is okay. She called to invite us both along with our families to a book launch that her friends have organized and it is going to be a very private and personal affair.'

' Very good. I hope you and our parents have a great time. By the way, whose book is she launching?'

' Her own book, dummy. A book that she has written about Vijay.'

Raman fell silent for it hurt and hurt terribly and he knew that he would take this pain to his grave for he had cared for Vijay so much and so deeply.

' Did Kavita tell you what she has named the book?'

' Yes, baby. She has named it Vaanathai Pola.'

“To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further.” Victor Hugo

This is the promo of the new serial that I am acting in for Vijay Tv and it will start from next month. The team that has given you the hit serial "Pandiyan stores" is the same team behind this new project called "Bhagyalakshmi.'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWOTn0-luto

A very long time ago I travelled to Chennai, a small orphaned boy, lost in all senses that the word lost can mean. It is that lost boy who writes in this forum and he writes about what he lost and tries desperately to describe and that which can be captured in one word, Love.

Love means security. Love means belonging. Love means happiness and comfort and most importantly, Peace.

You can have everything and it will mean nothing if there is no love in it. Love means this very universe and mother nature. It means family and friends and companionship and it means so much more.

I started with the word lost but I will end it with the word, gained and what I gained, is Love.

I might have lost a brother, parents, my native place and yet, over the years, I have gained hundreds if not thousand times over what I lost.

Sometimes, when I think of my wife, my friends and some of my family members, I look up to the skies and whisper thanks and say, ' God does listen to cries and does see tears and there is god for even small things and tiny people.

So, I wish you all a Happy Valentines day and wish and pray that all your lives are filled with love and God's blessings.

All the best. Satish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu5c3BEIPM0

அன்பிலார் எல்லாம் தமக்குரியர் அன்புடையார்

என்பும் உரியர் பிறர்க்கு

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDcxER8asGw&list=PLo-rZP7UP-FnXJSA2K3b-OgzdraX-9q8d&index=158

My introduction episode in Thirumati selvam.

Nearly 12 years back. Oh, my Kadavule.

Vaanathai Pola 49

' Apt title for the book about Vijay for his soul was as infinite as the sky' Raman said and Jeeva could feel the pain that he felt and also knew that no matter what, he would not let go of his friend and just like she could not ever let go of the memory of her sister, Suja.

' Jeeva, don't let Appa drive you to the place for my Santro will be too small for all four of you. So, hire a sedan type of vehicle and go comfortably.'

' Ram, Don't worry about that for Kavita has promised to pick us all up and also drop us back and we are going to stop over at her parents place and spend some time with them before returning home.'

' Good. Really sweet of her to pick you all up. I wish I had been there for I wouldn't have missed it for anything else in this world and I would have loved to say a few words about my late friend.'

' It is not too late, baby.'

' What do you mean it is not too late?'

' I meant exactly what I said, silly man. Just listen and do what I tell you to do.'

' Jeeva, I am your husband and you are calling me silly. Che, women change so drastically after marriage and just turn into such bullies.'

' Well, sweetie, you are not only my husband but my baby boy and my everything. So, I will bully and also cuddle you the way I want and when I want. So, just hush it and take it.'

' Raman, where are you right now?'

' sorry babe. Cannot talk about that and importantly not over phone lines.'

Jeeva's voice dripped sarcasm as she said, ' Saidapet lawyer ippo international spy. Periya James Bondunnu feeling. Jannal orama busla okanthu,enna jollu vittitu ippo international flight travelling ayidichu.'

' My beautiful Saidapet Sandai Kozhi, it does not matter if it is on a bus, flight or even space for all that matters is you by my side and your love in my soul.'

Jeeva smiled as her worries and loneliness vanished at least for the time being and she whispered sexily, ' Baby, Happy Valentine's day.'

Raman angrily, ' Jeeva, Valentine's day comes just once every year but you are in my thoughts every second and in even my dreams when I am fast asleep. Life is a celebration and with you in mine, it is much more than that. I love you. Sorry, but they are calling for me. I will call you when I am free again.'

' Okay, Ram. Take care baby.Bye.'

Milkshake and life

9 out of 10 times, I somehow manage to find time to make a protein milkshake for myself to take with me for my morning body's exercise routine. I specifically say body for it is totally different from the mind, the control centre for which the exercise and approach is totally different. No, milkshakes for that but just a lot of reading, listening to favourite music, spending time with favourite souls and well.. you can add your thoughts to that list.

I look at the clock and panic for it showed 5.25 am when it had been 5.00 am just moments ago. I, try my best to be there at the gym at sharp 5.30 for that is the opening time but sadly not for it is usually and casually opened at any time between 5.40 and 6.00 am.

But I stick to the time and usually warm-up and stretch and use that delay to be ready for my routine when the gym doors are opened.

My protein milkshake is made up of a scoop of whey mix, a banana, a dose of soya milk ( Vanilla is my fav), little cold milk and a dash of cold water and into all this goes a tablespoon of honey.

I have been doing this for many years now and I learnt something in the beginning years of mixing with my mixie in the wee hours.

I drop the tablespoon of honey in the end and as always it sinks to the bottom and sticks to the bottom like some alien goo.

In my panic and rush to be at the gym, I did not pay too much attention to this sticky honey goo at the bottom of the jar and just emptied the contents in my flask and rushed off.

One day, I decided to tackle this rather stick and irritating issue and so, I persevered with the mixie for a longer time and after a precious few minutes found that the honey did jell with my protein shake and also those banana remnants that usually stuck to the blades too had blended well with my milkshake.

Time. So, it was just a little more time and perseverance and the milkshake came out well with all the honey in it and none wasted.

Okay, I see that you are " Catch my point" and yes that is the point.

Time and perseverance will get you the honey and a well-blended milkshake.

In this case, life is the milkshake.

Vaanathai Pola 50

Girija Padmanabhan, sister of Former Brigadier Rajashekar Varman sat with folded hands, staring at the table while Radha Krishnan and the other three faculty members of the educational institution called " The Flock" stared at her.

The past month had not been kind to Girija and the stress and sorrow of seeing her brother who she thought of her as her own son lying in a coma had clearly taken its toll on her already aged body and now appeared to be finally cracking the skin of her formidable will and soul.

She looked at all four of them and asked them although she appeared to be talking to some entity that watched over The Flock, ' Just ten children have come back for the final semester?'

Thangamani master, the librarian nodded and replied in a dejected tone, ' Yes, ma'am. And that ten includes Appu, Pappu and Meena. If that was not enough, five of the faculty members have failed to turn up and the reasons are obvious.'

Mrs Parvati Sundaresan, the Tamil teacher who also doubled up as the social sciences teacher aired her anger openly, ' Ungrateful parents and ungrateful colleagues.'

Girija slowly lifted her eyes and aimed her stare at Parvati who did not waver and returned the stare calmly and with full of defiance.'

' Parvati, Why have you stayed back? Why do you still remain here, in the flock?'

' To teach, of course, and teaching is my passion and flows in my blood and I have been doing that for nearly 40 years now.'

' Fair enough. But, everyone is not the same and it is also not fair to expect everyone to think and behave like you or me. The parents and the families of the children who have failed to turn up for the final semester obviously value their lives more than education and their future and it is correct for if they are dead then there is no future and there is no use of the education that we impart here.'

Thangamani master shifted slightly in his seat ' It does not matter who you or I am for what really matters when it comes to " The Flock" is its head who now lies in a coma. The Flock is Rajashekar and he is the face and soul of Rajashekar. When the head was felled, out went the belief and morale.'

Miss. Indumati Bai, was the faculty member who handled physics, Chemistry and Mathematics and she in her tiny but steely voice, spoke her mind, ' Maybe this situation is for the good.'

Girija Padmanabhan and the rest of the others looked at her with curiosity tinged eyes but none replied for they were well aware of the fact that when Miss. Indumati Bai spoke, which she did rarely, she always spoke sense and what she said was usually followed and had been followed even with the Brigadier himself.

' Ten students. You look at the half-filled glass of water as nearly empty and I look at the ten students and think, " well, we can devote more time with each student and hone their skills and hidden talents in a much better way. We can take greater and turn out each of them as the next Abdul kalam.'

Girija shook her head sadly, ' I don't know about you all but I am slowly losing hope and my will is finally begun to waver. I think I am too old and too weak to face this situation and am only now beginning to realize what a strong man my brother really was.'

' Ma'am, nothing has changed but for the drastic decline in the students numbers. This is just a temporary situation and soon it will get better' Radhu spoke and Girija looked at him, ' You don't understand Radhu. What if my brother dies? what happens then?'

' We all die eventually ma'am. Death will come to us all. But, that does not mean we have to sit around waiting for it to come. Your brother might die now or years later but that does mean his dream, your work called The Flock too should die out.'

Girija Padmanabhan looked at him sadly, ' what do you want me to do now?'

' Just keep fighting and doing what you have been doing and let us all work together towards a better tomorrow.'

He looked at his watch and saw it was nearly 11.00 am and getting up said, ' Please excuse me for I have to meet someone very important.'

Girija looked at him, ' Take my car Radhu for I am going to be here for a few hours and maybe until evening.'

Radhu thanked her, ' okay. I will be back by then.'

Taking her car keys he headed to his room to change into slightly more formal clothes for the appointment he had in mind and that he aimed to keep.

Appu, Pappu and Meena were not in class for they were the only ones in their respective classes and since all the remaining faculty members were in the administration room they had decided that they would roam around the corridors and spotting their new friend, slowly stalked him to his room and turning the corridor found their friend standing with his arms folded across his chest and staring down at them with a smile on his lips.

' Do you know about the three little piglets who went stalking a tiger and what happened to them?'

Appu looked at Pappu who looked at Meena and all of them in their tinkling and sparkling voices asked ' What happened to them Radhu Master?'

Radhu growled ' they got swallowed by the tiger' and suddenly pounced on them and all three kids screamed loudly and yelled ' More. please, tell us more stories, Radhu master. Big master used to tell us a lot of stories and used to read from the Harry Potter novels.'

The yells and screams of the happy three made their way through the corridors and reached the Administration office and Thangamani master looked at Girija Padmanabhan, ' The Flock is alive, ma'am. Those sounds are of the future and I mean of both old and young.'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdMYOTwuxXk

I absolutely have no recollection of all these scenes. Paravilliye, naanum oru periya hit serialla vela panni irukken.

QUIET CHINA

Written by a Chinese Pastor sent to a brother in Istanbul via friends in Singapore

The hustle and bustle of China finally quieted down, the restless society finally calmed down, and the restless Chinese people gradually calmed down.

The Wild Animals that were once held by humans in cages finally managed to Keep Humans in "Cages"

Humans finally lowered their proud head and begun to think quietly: Are we still the king of the earth? Mankind finally felt the power of Nature once again

In the face of the threat of death, human beings have only begun to reflect seriously, only to realize that a lack of awe-inspiring social atmosphere will lead to more harm and more risks.

The greedy heart is being purified by the virus, and the mouth that loves to eat is being punished by the virus. The people who have been soaking in the bright red and green places all day have been driven home by the virus, saying.... Go home

There are fewer and fewer people on the street, few cars on the road,

The Air is getting Fresher...., the Haze is gone..., the Sky is getting Bluer...., the Sun is getting Brighter...., Family Life is getting Warmer, Harmonial, and Cordial and People's hearts have become more calmer.

People who haven’t read for Years have picked up books at home. Parents and children who had no communication with their children, couples who couldn’t speak a few words a year have opened up the conversation box. Children who did not know how to respect the elderly has also begun to be filial.

The virus taught human beings a vivid and profound lesson. It made us understand awe. It also let us know what is called "Good Times". It also made us feel true love on earth. It made us gradually fall in love "Return to the Road", we really should be grateful for this "Enemy", we need such an "enemy" to give us Reminder" and give us "Empowerment"

The virus will not leave so quickly, it needs to see the "Cultivation" of human's good habits, and the virus will not continue to rag, because Human love will gather more power to keep the virus away, time will tell us everything, Time will also prove what is right.

I really like "Quiet China" and I hope Chinese people will take the initiative to build a "Quiet China" without the virus reminding them again.