Sunday 2 October 2016

Candid Diaries (Concluding Part)



Read Part 1 of the story here - Candid Diaries



PART 2

‘Something’s not right….. Why do I feel this pain in the body, and why do some parts feel sore?...... The bed feels different…. Wait, this can’t be the bed.’

It wasn’t a dream after all. The sun’s rays had hit her face hard. She was lying on a bench in a park, with the red dress soiled and the face bruised. As she tried to get to her feet while trying to recollect the events of the previous night, she found that her dress was torn, and in some very wrong places. After a few seconds of looking around for her phone, she realized how silly that hope was. She closed her eyes for a minute, to gather her thoughts.

It didn’t seem correct to go to her uncle’s house in that state. She hailed a taxi.

“What the f*** happened here!” Sakshi shrieked.

“Will you please pay the taxi driver? I have got to take a shower and shall need your clothes,” Meera replied in a very calm but assertive tone. Her face was devoid of any expressions.

As the water poured down over her limbs, she tried hard to put the pieces of the puzzle together. And like a sudden flash, that sound echoed in her ears, ‘Gori chikni mem!’

“I need to borrow some bread.”

When Sakshi looked at her blankly, she explained, “I mean cash.”

Using her friend’s phone, she made a quick call to her uncle to tell her whereabouts. “I will have to go. I’ll talk to you later, please.” She added.

“Here, take this,” said Sakshi, placing a phone in her hand. “I can manage without one for a while.” 

Once in the office premises, Meera started looking around frantically for that one person who she believed could give her a few leads.

“Watchman uncle,” she screamed from a distance when she spotted him.

She chatted him up and figured out that the guy in question was the son of the local MLA. A wealthy and influential spoilt brat, he was the youngest in the family with zero interest in politics. The aged watchman had recognized the man instantly, having been a loyalist of the political party for a long time.

She called up her office and informed them that she was taking the day off. And then went straight to the park where she had woken up a few hours ago. As she sat on the bench, with a calm and cold demeanor, it suddenly dawned upon her that her mom must have been waiting, anxiously.

She took a deep breath, picked up the phone, and dialed the US number. She did all the talking without a pause and did not spare any detail.

“I’ll be there, tomorrow,” was all her mom said.

She dialed another number, Sakshi’s, and repeated everything. Then she asked Sakshi to come and fetch her at the park.

Sakshi arrived soon and sat next to her holding her hand. “How, why, I don’t know what to say! Come, let’s go home. You need some rest,” she advised.

“No. Take me to a hospital and then to the nearest police station,” Meera insisted.

“Have you thought this through Meera?”

“Totally,” she replied.

“You do realize that these are influential people and you are in India?” Sakshi was clearly worried. “You’ve not even allowed me enough time to digest the incident and now this.”

“I haven't allowed myself that time either.”

“Meera, this is scary!”

“Do you have a pen and paper?” asked the determined woman.

“Yes. Why?”

“Just write the details down and give me. I need to get going,” Meera stood up as she said that.

“Oye, you might be braver and stronger than I am, but I certainly am a better friend. Don’t stare at me like that now. Let’s get going.”



There was an intentional silence after Meera narrated her account to the Police Inspector at the police station. He looked at her minutely.

Kay ghaatla hota Bai?” asked the Inspector in the local language.

“He wants to know what you were wearing at night. I don’t like this Meera.” Sakshi got uncomfortable.

“I understand the language Sakshi. The answer is Clothes,” she replied audaciously. “I was wearing Clothes.” Mere looked the cop in the eye.

Bai funny hai, haha. Oh madam, samjhao apne dost ko jyada shanpatti nahi karneka,” he warned.

Kitna daaru piya tha?” was the next question. He demanded to know how intoxicated she was.

“Will you be passing the judgment right here, right now? Are you an inspector cum lawyer cum judge all rolled into one?”

Sakshi squeezed Meera’s shoulder, signaling her to calm down, and requested the Inspector to hear them out.

“What izz proof? Complaint kaayko likhoon main?” He went on.

Meera pulled out the medical report she was carrying.

Isorry Maidam, round ka time ho gaya. Kal aana.” He got up and left, citing an excuse of duty, and asking them to return the next day.

“Sorry Meera,” said a dejected Sakshi.

“Don’t be! I knew this wasn’t going to be easy. But a battle never really is.”

She sat in a taxi and rode off to the US Embassy. Within the next couple of hours, a formal complaint was registered against Vikas Pawar.

Meera stayed up all night, reading up material on the Internet, on rape cases in general, and rape cases in India in particular.

Even before the sun rose in its full glory, she stepped out for a stroll. She saw the chai vendor at the corner of the street setting up his stall, on her way back. Meera would pass by him daily, but observed him intently for the first time in a year. He appeared to be a harmless looking fellow, minding his own business.

Would she be able to feel safe around him again, she thought to herself. Rather would she be able to feel safe around any man again? She had read about it, seen it on TV, but had never in her wildest of dreams imagined, that there would come a point in her life, where she would find herself wondering, if men around her could be trusted at all.

She didn’t realize she was staring at him pointblank, until he looked up and smiled at her. She gave a smile back hesitantly and walked back home.

After a bath and a light breakfast, she hit the laptop once again. The fatigue eventually took over and she gave in, grabbing the much-needed sleep for a few hours. She felt her mom’s hand caressing her hair, and thought she was fantasizing. But when a drop of tear landed on her arm, she woke up.

“Mom, it is you!” She hugged her tight. For the first time after the incident, she let her guard down and cried her heart out.

“Are you sure you want to do this darling?” asked the nervous mother, once the tears were wiped and the two women were at ease.

“I loved the world around me, until I saw for myself, how some people set out to ruin others lives for their own egotistic agendas. Somebody has used a part of me without my consent. And I will never find peace until I make the jerk understand, that he so didn’t have that right!”

“I have always adored India. I’ve grown up listening to stories of your life here. Then one day, I arrived on this soil to build my own memories. And I treasured each one of them, until I met this monster.”

“There are a bunch of self-centered scoundrels here Ma, who feel they can get away with anything. They adorn the social media, but that’s about it. I feel it would be unfair to this Country, if this incident overpowers all my other experiences here. And if the only message I send across to Indians abroad is this! I will do what I can.”

Her mom was stunned. “When your dad abandoned me, had I been alone, the normal me would’ve crashed. But strangely, I stood there, strong and upright, without any iota of doubt about the future. That wasn’t me, it was you. I knew right then, that there was no ordinary soul in my womb.”

She looked Meera in the eye. “Have I ever told you how proud I feel to be your mom?”

“No! But better late than never,” Meera smiled and lay her head on her mother’s lap. Her jests reinstated the confidence in the mother, that her daughter was tough enough to fight anybody.



After the newspapers flashed headlines about an Indo-American woman filing a complaint against an influential man, the landlord requested Meera to find another dwelling. She moved out in Aarav’s absence.

In another couple of days, she was back at the desk. All her friends were their usual self, except for the one guy she was really looking forward to meet. Sid maintained a safe distance and smiled back once, only when she smiled at him.

“Meera,” Sakshi began in a comforting tone.

Meera cut her off short. “It’s cool, dearie. Life has a weird way of making things crystal clear. I’m glad I hadn’t jumped the gun with him.”

“Those guys actually tried to use their weight to send you back home.” Ruchi came to the lunch table. “You being an American, they couldn’t do much.” Ruchi had stayed at an arm’s length from Meera, more out of fear than anything else. She dropped by for a quick update and left.

While Meera was busy talking to lawyers, and making the groundwork for her case, she learnt that the bigwig was out on anticipatory bail, and it was business as usual, for him. The next day a new Facebook page appeared on the Internet - SAVE YOUR ASS VICKASS.

The About Page read as follows:

Me: Meera Naik. Rings a bell? Of course it does! A 20-something Indo-American woman. Brought up abroad, but Desi to the core. Of course, I’d like to get laid, but only with my choice of men!

Him: Wait! Should I call Vikas a He or It? His deeds may prove otherwise, but I can vouch for one thing, he does have ‘the’ organ, so let’s call him a He. For now.

Agenda: The page title is self-explanatory!

The page went viral, and received tens of thousands of likes. The first update on the page was a candid click, of the red dress.
·      “The cops wanted to know what it was that I was exactly wearing. Here it is.”

Smashing and hard-hitting updates kept the page alive and kicking.

·      “You thought that your exotic language would scare me Sir. Hard luck, I’ve grown up learning Hindi and Marathi.”

·      ““Kitna daaru piya tha?” That was the next question in line. I thought you were smarter than that Sir! Every girl brought up in America learns the art of drinking (and not getting high) almost as the same time as she learns to kiss. For that matter, every girl in metro cities in India does too.”

·      “To register or not to register, that was the question that was troubling Mr. Cop, until a phone call from the US Embassy cleared his doubts.”

·      “They said to me that I shouldn’t mess with the man in white, that he carries a lot of weight. I said never mind, I could carry him pretty well.”

·      “Thanks for arranging to get my drinks spiked, Vikas. Saved me the torture of ghastly visuals.”

·      “And oh yeah Vikas, whosoever told you that size doesnt matter, must’ve said so at gunpoint. I’m sorry to break the myth.”

The case had already garnered a hell lot of media attention. Meera had made appearances on national television. But the Facebook page and the buzz around it, took it a notch higher.

“You are not going to ask me if I’m sure about this?” Meera asked her mom, the day she went to see her off at the airport. She had made up her mind to extend her stay and fight tooth and nail, for justice.

“I’m surer than you are, darling. Kick them, kick them hard. Gheun taak!”






Saturday 24 September 2016

Candid Diaries



A YEAR AGO....

“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Mom, you and the Wi-Fi in India have so much in common! I’ve already finished unpacking my bags. And you are still stuck! We’ve spoken about this over and over again. Chill now, shall ya!”
“A never say die spirit, that’s the first lesson every mother learns, Meera.”
“Mom, I’m in Mumbai, not in Timbuktu! I’ve seen the city inside out through you, for years on end. I’ve spent an awful amount of time with aaji-ajoba in this city.”
“That was ages ago. This is different. Today, I feel like a stranger in my own city.”
Two months of sane discussions couldn’t bring about any change in the anxious tone of her mother’s voice.
“Mom, no melodrama! It is different for me, and that’s why it gives me the adrenaline rush. The hustle-bustle, the liveliness, there’s a current in the air here, (a wild one). Plus this opportunity to work with a global giant, it’s to die for.”
“Meera, Meera…”
“One more time, and you could set a Guinness Record for the world’s most anxious mom,” smirked the girl. “I’ve even agreed to your condition of renting out a room with your wacko distant relatives. You know I’d rather be on my own.”
“They are not wacko! Yeah, my cousin’s wife is a bit, what’s the word?”
“Bizarre!”
“Sshh woman, she might be around! Anyway, I hope you haven’t forgotten my second condition,” reminded her mom.
“Daily updates on Whatsapp? You’d be getting those even if I slip into amnesia!”
A loud knock on the door dragged Meera back to reality, from the Big Apple to the matchbox abode in Mumbai she had taken shelter in.
“I’ve got to go Ma. See ya.”
“Meera didi, Aai says that you are too loud, too over-the-top, too forward, and a hindrance to my studies. And Baba should reconsider his decision,” said the 10 year old Aarav as he jumped on her bed.
Aarav and Meera had no siblings of their own and had taken an instant liking to each other.
“And what do you have to say?”
“You rock!” he chirped.
“So do you, little champ.” They sealed that thought with a hi-five.




Sunday 31 July 2016

5 Googlies Smart Kids Could Throw At You!




One of the big problems with our generation is that we are always trying to attain a stage where we can proclaim to ourselves and (more importantly) to the world that 'We have arrived'. Careers, relationships, zindagi is driven by this agenda. One such major 'upload to Facebook' moment is the overnight conversion of the modern day fudakta hua couple into responsible doting parents.



Smart Cartoon Images & Pictures - Becuo




Sunday 19 June 2016

Live And Let Live - Jeeyo Aur Jeene Do!




Is that a very difficult feat to achieve? Apparently so, as would appear from the thousands and thousands of domestic violence cases, recorded not just in India but worldwide. There is no particular strata or class or caste of the society that this disease is restricted to. Yes I choose to call it a disease, a mental one obviously, cos only a psychological imbalance can lead to brutality towards other humans.
Inform your attorney if you are in a violent relationship ...



Saturday 4 June 2016

Being Tanmay!



Tanmay Bhat - an overly obese homosapien who has to be airlifted from one venue to another, a potato who has difficulty lifting his own bum from the seat, the modern day version of Gabbar who moms use to threaten their kids with – ‘So jaa puttar varna Tanmay tujhpe baith jaayega!’

Thats an introduction the AIB way. That’s how these standup comedians praise and Roast each other and every other human.


What to bring to the Pig Roast



Sunday 22 May 2016

Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna!




Goodbyes, of any kind, I hate them. I don’t know how some people can do it so easily. Really. We live in a world today where, we are gheraoed by too many people, and come across lots of junta across various walks of our life. But that’s about it. People come and go, easily. This is unlike our previous generations. 


Cute Cartoon Sad Face


Sunday 1 May 2016

Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai!


-          Some people are like clouds. When they disappear the day gets brighter.
-          I think stupid people were put on this planet to test our anger management skills.
-          Kuch log bubbles ki tarah hote hain, dekte hi fodne ka mann karta hai!

Report: NSA use smartphone apps like Angry Birds to track people ...


I’m sure this happens to many of you. Sometimes its them, sometimes our mood. Bottomline is Albert Pinto ko Gussa Aa hi Jaata hai!
I believed, wait why believed, I truly am quite a calm person unless someone rubs me the wrong way. Don’t get misled. I am not a Gandhian. I will not offer my other cheek if somebody hits me on one. But I do tend to control my emotions in a lot of provocative situations. Lately though I’ve started realising that the emotions are not just under our control in today’s overly modern, overly technological, overly connected, overly loud and over-the-top world. 



Sunday 17 April 2016

Aaj ki Taaza Khabar



- Do you feel like donating the newspaper to the guy shitting along the railway lines, cos it would be put to better use?


- Do you feel like pelting a stone at the TV whenever you hear the screaming and yelling on the news channels?


You aren't alone buddy. All of us are sailing in the same boat. Here we are, pulling our hair over the daily dramas with the Bai, knocking our heads off over bossy bosses, going bonkers over the traffic, trying to breathe through the mouth cos the compartment’s full of sweaty fellas. After such a khatarnaak day, when we turn to the Khabars for relaxation, what do we get? Loads of shit.


Dog bringing newspaper Graphics and Animated Gifs



The overly exhausting and unreasonably stressful life becomes brutally torturous. Grim unbearable and unfortunate state of affairs. Who wants to be greeted with that on a daily basis?

I was no different. I had started hating picking up the newspaper or scouting for news on the internet. Until one fine day, when I realised that newspapers are no less a source of comedy and relaxation. Don’t believe me? Check out these real headlines.


Sunday 10 April 2016

Haan re Haan Haan 50 50 – With An Award!



Today, no tomorrow, no day after. The mahurat just wouldn’t arrive. I kept telling myself that I’d pick up the laptop soon (the modern day equivalent of picking up the pen) but it just wasn’t happening. My 50th post was just not meant to be, from what it looked like. Reasons. There were tons. Mood swings, bottlenecks, jams, blows, punches. Let me share a few.






Saturday 19 March 2016

Agar Tum Na Hote!




A world sans internet! Hard to imagine? All the more difficult to believe that we lived and survived without this indispensable monster two decades ago. To say that its taken over our lives would be an understatement.

logan odriscoll: 9 popular internet browser

Akele Hain toh Kya Gam Hai! – Go online

Khoon Chusne Bloody Monday Aaya – Go Online

Confusion hi Confusion hai Solution Kuch Pata Nahi – Go Online

Shaadi Ka Khayaal Dil Mein Aaya Hai – Go Online



Sunday 6 March 2016

Vaada Karle Sajna!


As he sat across the table, I looked into his eyes and said to him, “Yes, tum oxygen ho aur mein double hydrogen, aur hamaari chemistry paani ki tarah hai. So I thought I'd make your life easier, and answer the eternal question. Here’s the much coveted much debated much wanted list - ‘What Does a Woman Really Want!’ You’re welcome sweetheart!”


For the benefit of all MANkind, a list from WOMANkind, here it goes –





Sunday 28 February 2016

5 Gifts You Should Avoid Dude!



February being the month of love and all, the Internet is always loaded with lists of gifting options. But what about the put-off list. I couldn’t resist the temptation of ending February with a list which may appear like it’s a Tohfa Tohfa Tohfa list but its nothing more than a Dhoka Dhoka Dhoka list.

Lets face it, the girl who counts every calorie that goes into her body, is she really gonna gorge on the chocolates that you gift her? Flowers will perish and cards will get stacked in drawers. So if that gives you a brilliant idea Sirji of coming up with something that achieves the dual purpose of being a gift and a utility item, stop right there. Avoid these like you would avoid Tees Maar Khan or better still Ram Gopal Verma ke Sholay.


Babysitting Gift Certificate Template Free




Saturday 20 February 2016

5 Myths About Stressbusters




STRESS STRESS BABY..ting ding ding tiki ding ding

  • Honk honk honk, it’s got to be the end of time!
  • Would it have killed them to have just one more hour in the day!
  • Why’s the freaking pressure cooker not whistling!
  • Will I find the Rs.251 smartphone in my child’s pocket one fine day!
  • Am I just taking away water from my next gen!


From local to global, so many things playing on the mind, at the same time, with the same speed.


Funny Stressful Clipart [





Sunday 7 February 2016

5 Guidelines For When Your Toddler Starts Preschool



If your toddler barely raises his hand to wave you goodbye when you drop him off, what is it that you should exactly feel? 'Ja Master A ja jee le apni zindagi' or ‘Tujhe Yaad Na Meri Aayee, Kisise Ab Kya Kehna’?

I was told that I should pat my back, for having bred an independent kid. 'Yeah' (read, what do you know!) I said, as I hid the tissues.


School Bus Clip Art For Kids






Saturday 30 January 2016

Faking It!





Those of you who jumped out of the bed and closed that  bedroom door, kindly get up once again to open it fellas. Nope this is not the faking of ‘that’ kind, and no there are no tips on doing or detecting it.

Fake tans? No. Fake fingernails? No. Fake eyelashes? Oh heavens, no. I’m talking of the Fakeness you and I encounter day in and day out. We either stand at the receiving end or we very blatantly do it ourselves.