Bye to 2013, really?

4.13 PM..

                I was right there. It all happened right in front of my eyes. From absolutely clear when I first boarded the bus at Port of Authority, NY to a gloomy sky, the transformation took less than 10 minutes. It certainly left me wondering how quickly things change during winters. You see it as a bright sunny day, the minute you step out of your door, it feels somebody is stabbing you with a knife – such biting cold. Okay, the other time you’re sure its going to be a nice warm day, you got no coat on you, either it snows pretty hard by the end of the day or rains so heavily you wished you never stepped out of the house. I don’t know, I hate Summers for the reason that the sun shine almost blinds me nor I like the 10-20F freezing winter days. Atleast, the latter ones puts me to bed all day long, which I wouldn’t mind.

                Not really intended to speak about weather, but yes, as I witnessed the clear sky transformation, of course I could do it cause I sat by the window. There’s always something with me and my window seat. I tend to get lost in my own land with music playing loud in ears, Rahman’s music without any second thought. I happened to notice just a solo airplane flying in the clear sky. But, then there was another one even after it had gotten dark. Now, I really don’t know why it got my attention, but it did. It was a beautiful scenery though, bus sifting at 60 odd miles per hour, Dil Se album playing in my ears and most importantly I was sipping the new ‘Christmas Blend’ of Starbucks(not a new blend to me though), I was living that moment. 

Nov 16th 09.30 AM..

                I was only meeting my friend Sowji after my farewell in July (18th to be precise). There she was in her car, Divya next to her, ofcourse mad at me cause I dint tell her that I was coming to Cleveland. You did ask me to apologize that day, but now I’m doing it. Sorry divya, will definitely text you, text you first actually whenever I’m coming to Cleveland, the next time. :D It so happens with me, quite often. You know how I just spoke about living the moment, well often I don’t do that. Rather, I realize at the end of the day how amazing it was. That entire day, I was all fuzzy, lethargic, now that I think I almost looked lifeless, Is it? Well, I should ask Sowji and Divya about it. I was rarely speaking but yes fought with divya for almost half day, until Ravi and Divya took over. Boy, they fight so good, that I do not get the feeling I miss Tom n Jerry anymore :D. Be it time spent at Shiva Vishnu temple, all the laughter riot at Jaipur junction with Yeshwanth, followed by even more lethargic sleepy afternoon, dosas made by Sowji and how can I forget the Skinny-Bru coffee, which is really good by the way.

                I always wanted to go to Little Italy, I’ve planned it several times with Mani, thought of going for it, but may be it was destined to happen that day. And the tiramisu, oh I cannot say no to that even when I’m full. Now that I recollect, that was one good day to remember. Sincere thanks to both you guys. Honestly, I never expected I’d take back so many memories, but yes I do believe in miracles. Incidentally, that day turned out to be your marriage anniversary, Sowji, I was so happy for that. As it was per telugu calendar, I really had no clue, but I was glad I could meet you and I was at your apartment for most of the day.

                In the early hour of play, tino best, a newbie was trying to dominate little master. But, boom, a straight drive comes right in the face of Best, as a Slap, brings up his half century. And the anticipation from the little master adds to it. What a joy that was!

24 years. Yes, that’s the career span of our legend. An Era! It was tough to digest, a bitter fact for billions of Indians across the globe. More than anybody, it was hard for him to let go off the thing, the only thing he is passionate about. How can one give up something they’ve been doing all their life. It’s even harder than Joey (from friends) giving up on meat. Very bad comparison, but that final innings of the little MASTER, was a hunger satisfying innings to all the fans. He could give all our favorite shots be it the straight drive or the cover drives. The farewell speech of Master, was surely emotional. I’m certain even the cold hearted person would at the least have moist eyes by the end of the speech.

                 A quote from his speech, “Sachin.. Sachin.. will reverberate in my ears until my last breath.” But, you will be missed man. So much that every time India comes out to bat, the fact that the scoresheet wont have your name anymore, is something that will be with us forever. Well, that’s how I feel. Eventually, it was bound to happen, yet, it’s difficult to let go off a habit, that has been with us ever since we know what cricket is actually. “Is sachin still batting..”, the answer of a yes to that question, is something that we’re going to miss. A simple yes to that question gives assurance to millions of people that the game is still ON.

                Goodbyes, are indeed hard, aren’t they? I have planned so many times to write a post on it. I think I should do it sometime. Speaking of which, its already time, well we’re looking at couple of weeks or a week more to bid bye to 2013. Already? Wasn’t it the New year’s like a week ago, people were jumping at 2013, which is going to be 2014 sooner than later. Like always, I have no clue I have spent all the 11 months of an year. Has it really been 11 months or did I skip a month or two? It feels like I haven’t really done anything all. But, no that’s not true. I successfully finished all the seasons of Breaking bad. 5 years of breaking bad in a month or two. That’s an achievement, no? But yes, on a serious note, 2013 was a good year. As I was taught by my friend’s dad, that at the end of each year, you would want to compare yourself, see where you are standing from the previous year. Every day, we learn lot of things. I believe we move forward by learning from mistakes or from experiences to be precise. I think its time to look behind and retrospect.

                Here’s wishing you all a wonderful new year upfront, I don’t know if I may write another one in a month’s time, for I have become too lazy to write.

Stay Healthy. Keep Smiling. Just Breathe.

Vasu.