Evening Return from Grocery place

Today in the evening I went to buy some international calling cards and some grocery items for home. As some of the items bought are supposed to be kept in deep freezer, I decided to take taxi instead of usual public transport to save the items from spoiling by being out too long.

The Cabby in his 30s approaching 40, welcomed me on board with a smile. He asked me where would I like to go and upfront also the route I prefer to take. His way of asking and was very welcoming as all his talks was accompanied with a large smile.

Upon knowing the place he said long drive from here (approx. 30 minutes). I acknowledged the same with a smile. This initiated our small talk on the way. He said you come all the way to this place for purchasing somethings. I said yes because there are spices, sweets and some other stuff that we can only get in this place. It’s not easy to get it in other parts of the country. He acknowledged the same.

Shortly he decided to share his mother’s story. He said they have lived in Ang Mo Kio for long and have been shifted to Serangoon Central. All things that are available in Ang Mo Kio are also easily and sometimes every cheaper in Serangoon Central. But his mother is so use the shops and people that known her for so many years that she still likes to buy things from Ang Mo Kio and says she gets discount if she buys it from her knows shops. The smile on cabby’s face was so bright and sparkling that its not easily seen these days.

I decided to build up on the same and started telling him that even I lived in Ang Mo Kio for several years before moving into a new house and frankly the experience was the same. We still miss the convenience we always had living in Ang Mo Kio was great for eating, shopping and even going places. I told him that like his mother, my wife misses Ang Mo Kio environment the same way.

We both laughed and in this talk didn’t even realize that we were getting closer to the destination. Few minutes later I arrived at my block. I paid and got down. I wished him a Good evening ahead and he smiled and wished the same to me.

The 9-12pm Movie Day

It was 1.30am in the morning when I finished talking with my wife and hearing the on and off voice of our new born (Akshat). I am amazed that with all the busyness and the attention the new born requires, my wife is still trying to give the most possible attention to me. On and off its tough for her to talk with me while taking care of Akshat. I still wanted to talk with her but she asked me to sleep, I was a little upset, before sleeping I sms her, I am sad given that you do not give me all the time.

I did a bit more browsing on the iPad and then slept. The sleep was really sound as I suddenly wake up with morning light and sun coming up with its early morning rising crimson red color, half the behind the clouds. I looked into the watch, it was close to 7.15am in the morning. As it was a weekend I decided to still sleep on. The next I wake up was at almost 10am, now I have decided to get up and get the day started.

I walked up to the bathroom, did the morning deeds and went up to have a liter of water as my regular routine. I called up my wife to do a little day starter chat. She asked me to come online so I could see the Akshat on video call. Unfortunately the cam on wife’s end did not work, we talked for a while and then hung up.

Post that I came back and took shower, went through my vision board. Came out, got ready for prayer and went in to the prayer room. I finished prayers by 12.30pm. Now was the time for household things like laundry and some cleaning. While it was all happening, I decided to watch a little bit of history channel and I spent some 30 minutes watching it. As the clock was ticking I was feeling hungry so I moved on to prepare some mix vegetable sabji. It took some 30 minutes of preparations and 20 minutes of cooking.

Next of course, I eat and watched a little more of history channel and then decided to little more talk with my wife and take a nap. I got up one and half hours letter and after some snacks have decided to go for jogging and exercise. I went out and returned by closed to 7pm. I had to be at my friend’s house by 7.30pm. I took the shower and got ready to go out. But before that have ensured I have completed the evening Puja and then stepped out of my home on way to my friends house. It was already 7.25pm.

I walked up to the other side of the road to take a cab. Two cabby’s came and drive out fast. As I was getting late, I hopped on a bus and got down 2 stops later to take a cab. Still no sign of a cab so I kept walking and little later I got one. Within few minutes I was at my friends block. I took a lift, went up to his house, they were all waiting for me as we decided to have dinner and then move on to watch a movie.

After 6+ years I was going to watch a movie at 9-12 pm. I was all excited as I heard the movie was really nice and liked by a lot of people. We had our dinner, really nice one and on top some Indian sweets, what more can you ask.

It was 8.10pm and we had to collect the ticket by 8.30pm. The time was really short, so I suggest to collect it from the station AXS machine. We went down and hope on the car towards he station. Around 8.25pm we were at the AXS station and able to collect the ticket on time. Now was time to go to the movie theatre in a relaxed mood. We reached to the movie theatre by 8.45 and the movie was to start at 9pm.

We went in the theatre and to our surprise it was not like the huge theatres we were use to, but it was a mini – compressed version of the real theatre, all the fitted with nice relaxing seats and all latest technology. The theatres screen was resizing automatically based on the movie trailers and advertisement sizing.

After some time the movie started, it was focused on a few friends from different backgrounds but still closely linked as close friends and even after beings miles apart coming together to meet each other and go on a nice journey. In a nutshell the movie was really fun and showing we often live our lives in air tight containers and we must break away from such routines, be free to be able to enjoy the life and live it with happiness and fun. Excellent message for these times and the type of life a lot of humans live.

I loved the movie and the time spent with my friend and his family. After all these are the moments of life to cherish and enjoy. The fun moments, the moments of sharing, the moments of stress less talking, the moments of heart full laughter. At around 12am I returned home, was time to sleep, but first time to catch up with my life (my wife). I called her up, talked with her for several minutes, she was eating her dinner and was talking with me. She was tired through the day as Akshat was keeping her busy and today after his first vaccine jets he required more attention. I talked with my life until we could and then it was time to sleep, almost 1.00am midnight. I switched off the lights and tucked in the bed in dream of starting a new day and great week ahead.

On way to see my family and son..

The day started with me feeling a pull in my heart. I was still sleepy but the pull at heart was making me to get up and get going. I got up, looked at the watch and then convinced my brain that all is fine and I must rest as it would be a long day before I will reach my home at Mumbai.

I finally got up at 8.15 am and got my bag arranged for office. Today was the day for health screening means no breakfast until screening is finished. By the time i got ready it was already 9+am, after a little breather I called up the cab. With in 10 minutes when I got down the cabby was there waiting for me.I got on board the cab and moved on to office. As usual I did my religious bit during my time on cab as well as calmed my mind with days priorities and what must be done while what can await. 


I reached office and the first thing on the list was to ensure my new PC is all set for use and all data in. Also the old pc data cleanup and handover to help desk.I started with the action. With in no time it was 10.30am time for me to go for screening. I took out the health screening appointment letter and walked over to other side of the campus. The screening was planned at our healthcare training center a perfect place to have the screening.I went on handed over my health screening form, the lady ask me to take a seat while they process my form and call for next steps. While seating I have seen a colleague of mine was also waiting, by the time I approached to seat her number was on and she moved on. Little later the lady called my name and I was happy as she called my name perfectly correctly with right accent. I have chosen to go for more detailed screening then just basic. So I paid and went on to the first counter. The blood pressure was measured by an old lady in her 60s. I liked the blood pressure machine as it was a perfect instrument as it was measuring blood pressure by the arm. It was of Omran. The next counter was for body mass check and then was for blood samples. It was so well organized that within few minutes all was done and I was on my way back to office. 


I continued completing my data transfer work and when the help desk called up to collect the old pc I told him to  come by 12.30, he did but I was still in process of data transfer. So I told him to come an hour later, he agreed and by then I managed to complete all my data transfer and clean up activities. Now was the time to have some fruits in lunch and wait for the afternoon meeting. The meeting was related to a colleague Leaving company and his work needed to be taken over by my team member. I was also eagerly waiting to be on the flight to reach home and see my family. But it was a long day still ahead. The meeting started, I greeted all members. Little later I got to know that my voice was not going across as I was speaking. It seems something was wrong with my microphone and I believe the poor network. I told the same to the participants and we moved on with the conversation. We agreed on next steps and meeting got over. Post meeting I did a short 5 minutes call with my team member to check about audio problem. My voice was fine now but indeed in the conference call it was not clear. Now it was time to move out, I cleaned my desk, the coffee mugs and got on my way to station. 


I had to go to the post office before I can proceed for travel as a certificate was awaiting me to pick up. I reached the post office and took my certificate. Looking at the watch and humidity outside, I took a cab home. At home I did my packing, switched of the lights, ensure windows are taken care, did plant watering and spraying. I called a cab now and went down the block to wait for the cab. After few minutes the cab arrived. While awaiting the cab a thought kept coming back to my mind as to whether I have switched off the sealing fan, one part of me said yes and the other said no. I decided to take side of the positive mind. 


I got on the cab, all tired from the day and still several hours to go before I can reach Mumbai. In the cab I continued some thinking and religious duties. At the airport I had the swiftest check-in, really marvelous. With in few minutes my checkin and immigration both done. I moved on to the cafeteria to seat peacefully and do little book reading. I first decided to eat and drink something and then seat and read. After finishing some eating I have seen there was still an hour and half for boarding the flight. 


I took the autobiography of swami Vivekananda and started reading. It was interesting and 1.5 hours passed very fast. I moved on towards the flight gate. On the way withdrawn some money and got currency exchanged. I continued walking towards the gate and on the way i have seen an old colleague Sara. I stopped by to say hello, we both talked very little as I wanted to get to the gate faster. In the hurry I forgot and went on to the wrong side and after a while realized that I was fast off in the wrong direction. It was showing how much eager I was and busy in my own thoughts. I took a U turn back and moved on to my flight gate. On way called up my wife and told her about the day a little. Again I had extremely swift security check as if all was arranged by God himself to be this smooth.I sat peacefully, completed my customs arrival card and waited for the flight. 


The flight was relatively less filled then usual, this is the plus point of traveling mid of the week. I boarded the flight and took out my Bose headset to cancel the airplane noise. I smsed my brother that I am on board and will see him in5-6 hours time @airport. Got an instant reply from him. I switched off the phone and took out the boom and continued reading it.Many of the things and qualities mentioned in swami Vivekananda are very related to my own experiences as well. It got me even more interested in further reading his biography. 


In little time the plane took off and we were in the air. I was high flying at altitude of 33000 fits. Now I decided to switch mode and watch some movies. On board was 10inch LCD with superb sound and picture quality. I enjoyed the two movies both were fun filled and good stories around love. In doing so I enjoyed my dinner, drinks and lovely ice-cream.Post movies I decided to here some songs and write my diary. So I pulled out my iPad and started writing my diary while hearing some nice hindi songs. After some 15 minutes the captain announced we are ready to land. I took out my headsets, switched off the iPad and kept everything back in the bag.

The flight arrived a little ahead of time. We landed safely. On getting down the first thing i did was switched on my local number handphone and called my brother. Upon calling him understood that he was on his way to airport still from his office. On one side i felt why he didn't drive the car today to bring me from airport. But on the other side i was still grateful that even after a long day of work, he was coming to fetch me from the airport.

Within no time i crossed the airport immigration, got my baggage and was on my way out of airport. I was amazed at the speed of immigration clearance, baggage arrival as well as customs walk by. I didn't have to get my bag scanned which was a norm for so many years. Before coming out of the airport gates, i did booked a cool cab from airport to home. I came out and started looking for my brother, i saw him standing at the back of the crowd waiting and searching me in the passengers that arrived. I moved on towards him and we give big hug to each other.

Now was the time for the last lap of travel before i can reach home to see everyone at home. So we moved to the Taxi stand and went with the cabby. It was a surprise for both of us to see the old 1980s Fiat taxi model converted to run on CNG and fully air conditioned. At first I said what is this our car ? my brother said, don't worry get in. We moved in and told where we want to go and asked the cabby uncle in his 60s to switch on the air-con.

We started talking and sharing a little about family, work and other parts. I have never felt in past so many years as to how fast this time the 1 and hours drive passed and we arrived at home. This shown we both were so much in talking that the whole path passed very fast.

We got down and moved up the stairs and their my amma was waiting for me. I moved in, we talked for some more time. I was asked for dinner but i was still fool so i said no. I changed and then went on to sleep to open my eyes to new day the next day. It was also a day to go and see my son at my wife's parents house (called sasuraal in India)

The Cabby in his 30s

June 13 2011

Today in the evening I went to buy some international calling cards and some grocery items for home. As some of the items bought are suppose to be kept in deep freezer, I decided to take taxi instead of usual public transport to save the items from spoiling by being out too long.

The Cabby in his 30s approaching 40, welcomed me on board with a smile. He asked me where would I like to go and upfront also the route I prefer to take. His way of asking and was very welcoming as all his talks was accompanied with a large smile.

Upon knowing the place he said long drive from here (approx 30 minutes). I acknowledged the same with a smile. This initiated our small talk on the way. He said you come all the way to this place for purchasing somethings. I said yes because there are spices, sweets and some other stuff that we can only get in this place. Its not easy to get it in other parts of the country. He acknowledged the same.

Shortly he decided to share his mother’s story. He said they have lived in Ang Mo Kio for long and have been shifted to Serangoon Central. All things that are available in Ang Mo Kio are also easily and sometimes every cheaper in Serangoon Central. But his mother is so use the shops and people that known her for so many years that she still likes to buy things from Ang Mo Kio and says she gets discount if she buys it from her knows shops. The smile on cabby’s face was so bright and sparkling that its not easily seen these days.

I decided to build up on the same and started telling him that even I lived in Ang Mo Kio for several years before moving into a new house and frankly the experience was the same. We still miss the convenience we always had living in Ang Mo Kio was great for eating, shopping and even going places. I told him that like his mother, my wife misses Ang Mo Kio environment the same way.

We both laughed and in this talk didn’t even realize that we were getting closer to the destination. Few minutes later I arrived at my block. I paid and got down. I wished him a Good evening ahead and he smiled and wished the same to me.

Travelling with a Professional Driver

June 13 2011

I woke up, realizing I have a morning ten am meeting with Japan’s new manager for introduction. I got ready on time and called a cab to fetch me to office. By the time I reached down stairs to my surprise the cab driver, already arrived and awaiting my at the void deck on my apartment block. I approached towards the taxi and he some how new from a distance that I am the one to board his taxi. He auto opened the door for me.

I sat in the taxi and he said welcome Mr. Singh where would you like to go today. I told him to bring me to the office location. He knew the best route to the location. The cab was already having nice 23-24 degrees temperature compare to outside 29 degrees. As we started our journey I could see him really well worse and professional in his job. He knew where to slow and where to be full speed.

Generally it takes up to 30 minutes+ to reach office. He could bring me to office in 20+ minutes. The cabby was really well behaved, professional. Along the way he got a call from someone, he picked it up and started talking but his eyes were still on road all the time.

When arriving at the destination, as per normal I made the payment and thanked him for bringing me safely to office as well as wished him a good day ahead. He wished the same in return and moved on to his next pickup.

Travelling with Old Uncle

June 10 2011

I woke up in the morning all tired with body ache but still with full mind to go to office and do necessary activities. After getting ready, I did my morning breakfast. Looked at the watch and decided to call a cab. I moved out, called the lift and then realized I forgot something so I went back in to take it and by the time came back, the lift has gone. I called the lift again and reached downstairs.

I sat in the cab and told the cab uncle (in his 50+ age) to drive me to my office by a specific route. He didn’t know the exit properly from our location so I decided to guide him until we reach the highway. While uncle drive me to work I normally do my religious duties of spending sometime thinking of GOD.

We arrived at office location and uncle almost missed the turn, but managed to take another one fast enough. I decided to tell him where to turn and which office building lobby etc. Upon arrival I decided to pay by card, somehow on the first try my pin was not authenticated. So I tried again and transaction was approved.

I wished him a good day ahead. I could see as 1^st time my pin did not authenticate he was still looking at the receipt. I walked out and reached to the lift and I could still he was waiting there and looking at receipt.