Today (i.e. 17-feb’10) I opted to take a sick leave, not because I was unwell but wanted some time to sit and give it a thought. A deep thought on what happened with me as an individual and to India in total on 13-Feb’10. Many readers of this piece would need a clue to guess what actually happened on this date, because we are more concerned of, if Indian cricket team will level the series or not, whether Dharmesh will be back in DID (Dance India Dance, that’s how they call it). Let me come back to the topic.
Yes, so we were guessing what happened on 13-feb’10 in Pune. I hope now most of us will make a right guess. If not, then let me help you. It was yet another coward attack. This time it was German Bakery, Pune.
“Yes what makes me Mad, Glad and Sad?” This was the question posed by the trainer to the team of young mangers in a Leadership training programme, where I happened to be from 11thFeb’10 to 13thFeb ’10. I was absolutely clueless what that has to do with “Leadership”. But still, since ammi wanted right from my childhood that I should not argue with older and wiser people than me. I opted to keep mum….. Just for you ammi. We did the exercise and came up with funny but interesting answers on, “what makes me Mad, Glad and Sad?” Well not to discuss what bunch answered because that would sound uninteresting and deviate me.
Believe me it is an interesting exercise. Do it and look for what makes you “Mad, Glad and Sad”. If you get it right, start working on it. Seriously you will see yourself a more happy and satisfied individual.
After these three days of training at a resort nearly 32 Km away from Bhopal, we moved to Bhopal from where we had trains to our respective base locations. Few of us had train on next day (i.e. 14th Feb ’10). To have fun we went at the flat of our colleagues from Bhopal. They had 3BHK flat with two TV’s. As soon as the owner switched the TV on, there goes breaking news.
“9 killed in terror attack at German Bakery, Pune”
All of us were shocked to hear the ugly news. We hanged around the two TV’s. But then the news became repetitive and with that our state of shock was over. It was time for fun. Guys were more interested in DID and some reality show at STAR TV which were telecasted at the same time (I am sorry for I do not remember the name of show). But that’s how life goes in INDIA; we people are used to it. Some time its natural calamity and sometimes its terror attack. The size of us does not permit to stop in any condition. We need to get going what so ever may happen. So DID was a good show which I saw for the first time for I do not have TV in my room. Somewhere in the heart there was a feeling of discomfort, and I am sure others who were in the same flat would also not be happy inspite of Dharmesh their favorite contender coming backin the show after getting eliminated.
I had the similar feeling few days back when it was Mumbai and when it was flower market, Delhi.
Yess………I got it, this is real ****ing thing which makes me MAD.
“Tu to sirf akhbaar dekh kar dar gaya,
Uska soch, jiska toofan mein ghar gaya”
Next day was 14th Feb ’10. Many of us started new day with new spirit, reason being Valentine day. Hence we forgot what happened yesterday. Since we had our trains in the evening, my colleagues went for outing in Bhopal and I was also insisted to come along. I opted to stay in hotel room. I am still to discover that whether I was still in the state of shock or it was India v/s South Africa cricket match which prevented me to go for outing.
Next day cops on their toes. Every big and small city along with metros was on high alert. Cops were seen everywhere in crowded areas. Now it was the time to check out hotel rooms. I was only person on the counter along with hotel receptionist when two cops came in. This was security check of the hotel guests. Cops saw the list of guests in the hotel while I was busy paying my bill. I was satisfied with the security checks and that even small cities are on high alert. I felt a little bit secure and was happy that atleast now cops are doing for what they are paid. I had the similar feeling when whole country stood up together at the time of 9/11.
Probably this is the thing which makes me glad. “We stand together not always but alteast when required.”
They were two police man and they had to enquire all the hotels in Bhopal. I wondered how they do it; Bhopal is not such a small city. Time did not permit them to look at the list of guests and do other checks seriously. One of them was smart enough and asked receptionist two questions one followed by other.
“Are there any foreigners in the hotel?
“Is there any miyan bhai?”
I was frozen to listen that they are looking for a “miyan bhai”, in north every muslim is called miyan bhai. The receptionist looked at me but he was well aware of the fact that I had a train and I had come to Bhopal for a training organized by my employer organization. Cops were asked to wait by the receptionist and I was able to move out without facing real crap questions. I did not share this incident with anybody there and pretended as nothing happened. But I was completely lost. Throughout the journey I was unable to sleep and restlessness continues even today.
“Meri ammi ne mujhse kaha tha kuch logon ki galti ki saza saari insaaniyat ko chukani padegi”.
