tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65816434805085350052024-03-13T07:06:12.175+05:30SCRIPTED IN SANITYCRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-41257560925510936372022-07-01T00:01:00.000+05:302022-07-01T00:01:00.374+05:30TWO MINUTES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This post has been published by me as a part of the <b>Blog-a-Ton 29</b>; the 29th Edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following <a href="http://blogaton.in/"><b>Blog-a-Ton</b></a>. The topic for this month is 'TWO MINUTES'.
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #134f5c;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #134f5c;"><b style="background-color: black;">This post won the GOLD batom (1st position)</b></span></span> <br />
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Butch Arnold felt his face for signs of stubble. It never felt smoother. He couldn't remember the last time he had shaved. It felt good, but only momentarily. In less than an hour it'd all go to waste. He was to die at the gallows today.<br />
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He leaned against the dirty wall of his cell, eyes fixed on the floor. He thought about how life, as he knew it, was going to end without him having accomplished his goal. How close he had gotten. He thought about how those darned detectives had gotten the better of him, just before he could have completed a milestone. What a shame! His mind dwelled upon his diary, and his eyes turned moist. He didn't notice the sound of quiet footfalls nearing his cell.<br />
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The guard stopped right in front of the door. "<span style="color: #38761d;">Dead man thinking, eh!!</span>" he sniggered, careful not to graduate to full-fetched guffaws.<br />
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Butch raised his head. "<span style="color: #0b5394;">Are we ready to go?</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #38761d;">I hate to ask, it really doesn't matter much to me...</span>", the guard stifled a smile, "<span style="color: #38761d;">...but I have to ask you something before we send you packing.</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #0b5394;">Sure, go ahead</span>", said Butch, eyes now fixed on the ceiling as if looking towards the heavens.<br />
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"<span style="color: #38761d;">Uhm, okay</span>", the guard let out a long-drawn yawn that seemed to echo through the corridors of the prison. When he was done, he cracked his fingers, placed both hands behind his head and asked uninterestedly, "<span style="color: #38761d;">Any last wishes?</span>"<br />
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Butch's face hardened. His mind immediately drifted towards something. He stood up, dusted his pants, wiped the sweat off his brow and said, "<span style="color: #0b5394;">I want five minutes alone with my DIARY and a watch.</span>"<br />
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The guard suddenly froze. The wretched DIARY. The very thought of it made his stomach clench and sent a sudden shiver down his spine.<br />
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"<span style="color: #38761d;">I don't think I can do that. I can give you the watch and five minutes though.</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #0b5394;">Whatever happened to kind gestures to a dying man?</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #38761d;">Ask for something else.</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #0b5394;">Nothing but my DIARY!!</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #38761d;">I can't.</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #0b5394;">You shouldn't have asked then!!!</span>", Butch thundered back, his hands clenching the metal bars separating them. His eyes were bloodshot and his voice commanding. The guard was taken aback at the vulgar display of temper.<br />
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"<span style="color: #38761d;">Hey, alright...alright...relax...I'll see what I can do.</span>" The guard quickly turned around, leaving the prisoner alone once again. A faint smile returned to Butch's lips, probably for the first time since the dream he had the night before. He sat himself down, closed his eyes and waited.<br />
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About fifteen minutes later, the guard returned with a heavy book and a digital clock. He passed it through the bars. "<span style="color: #38761d;">Here you are my friend. It's 8.46 AM now. Five minutes then?</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #0b5394;">Alone</span>", said Butch, this time calmly.<br />
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"<span style="color: #38761d;">Of course</span>", said the guard, already turning away.<br />
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Butch sat down. He gently placed his diary on his lap. He ran his fingers over the cover. Legend was rife that Butch's diary was covered with human skin. The thought amused him. Only he knew that wasn't completely true.<br />
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He flipped the book open. It had initials. Each initial had a serial number as a prefix and a date for a suffix.<br />
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His eyes scanned through all the entries. It took him barely over a minute to reach the last entry.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">'Sr.no. 99 - T.S. - 13th December 2010'</span></b></div>
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Tracy Scholes, he remembered vividly. He smiled as he recollected the look on her face as she lay dying.</div>
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The next entry...</div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">'Sr.no.100 - blank'</span></b><br />
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He closed the book and his eyes, almost in perfect harmony. He couldn't let this happen. He couldn't remain stranded on 99. There was only one way Butch Arnolds was gonna go down in history.<br />
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He opened his eyes again. He turned the book on its side and used his nails to scoop out the hidden cabinet it concealed. He opened it and yanked out a device with a pen at one end and a small knife at the other.<br />
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Carefully, he made the 100th entry in his diary.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">'Sr.no.100 - B.A. - 23rd June 2012'</span></b><br />
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He looked at the watch. It was 8:49 AM. The guard would be back in two minutes. In two minutes he'd be walking towards the end of his journey. But he wouldn't be going with regrets. He was glad he'd found a way to accomplish his mission on earth. He'd go with a smile. Just two minutes, and he'll be done. He sat down in a corner of the cell, with his back to the cell's door. He then picked up the weapon and held it under his chin.<br />
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Just then, the guard came back. "<span style="color: #38761d;">Butch Arnolds, five minutes up?</span>"<br />
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Butch yelled out without turning back, "<span style="color: #0b5394;">You promised me five minutes! I have two minutes left!</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #38761d;">Oh no you don't</span>", said the guard, still struggling with his keys. "<span style="color: #38761d;">I'm sorry, but you're scheduled to hang at 8.55 AM. I'll have to get you going right away.</span>"<br />
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The prisoner didn't move. "<span style="color: #0b5394;">Very well Mister Ashley. Let's go.</span>"<br />
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"<span style="color: #38761d;">It's Astley...Brad Astley.</span>", he said with a wry smile, completely oblivious to what was about to transpire in the next few moments.<br />
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<i><b>TWO MINUTES</b></i>...to be precise.</div>
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<br />
The <b>fellow Blog-a-Tonics</b> who took part in this
Blog-a-Ton and links to their respective <b>posts</b> can be
checked <a href="http://www.blogaton.in/2012/06/rules-and-reminder-for-blog-ton-29.html"><b>here</b></a>.
To be part of the next edition, visit and start following
<b><a href="http://blogaton.in/">Blog-a-Ton</a>.</b></blockquote>
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-77577746456211133242021-12-31T18:46:00.006+05:302021-12-31T18:46:59.440+05:30LADY OF THE GARDEN (GARDEN OF LOVE)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj58EvW09H_RPSA3k-hY1YnCgSUr8wFltgECdlOYzu1ycEd4fECF4Gbt5w_2M5HDeLc1Pb4gN1FwwyJ1XETbJFYShpUAVB1EYPHrvJOCtZ5fTKHnzmjzivVtUo7sh37EJW2dMUAS73FNRbAplk0yyQmkLdCDOODL9eY-cMo5HLQ1hteP_aW4_zLsuRoXQ=s640" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj58EvW09H_RPSA3k-hY1YnCgSUr8wFltgECdlOYzu1ycEd4fECF4Gbt5w_2M5HDeLc1Pb4gN1FwwyJ1XETbJFYShpUAVB1EYPHrvJOCtZ5fTKHnzmjzivVtUo7sh37EJW2dMUAS73FNRbAplk0yyQmkLdCDOODL9eY-cMo5HLQ1hteP_aW4_zLsuRoXQ=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>She's Picked Her Seeds, She Knows Her Soil</p><p>She Nurtures With Ample Watering</p><p>No Heartbreak's Ever Kept Her Down</p><p>She Really Knows Her Gardening</p><p><br /></p><p>The "Thistles" Ne'er Escape Her Eye</p><p>The "Weeds" Receive No Pardoning</p><p>She Knows The Need For Hardening Off</p><p>Indeed...She Knows Her Gardening</p>CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-89585437130586688492020-05-03T22:44:00.002+05:302020-05-03T22:44:48.453+05:30EXTRA-TERRACE-TRIAL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">This episode will have certain references to <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/daily-report.html">Episode 18 - Daily Report</a> and <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/05/saturday-night.html">Episode 19 - Saturday Night</a></span></i></b></span></i></b></div>
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Anshuman lay in his bed, unwilling to even shift sides. Last night had been one of great fun with his friends. They spent three...or maybe four hours (he couldn't quite remember) drinking, smoking and talking (or bitching) about things...and of course, people.</div>
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Their discussions had started around largely civil topics, such as the coronavirus and the Government's policies. But very quickly, they escalated to fellow-residents, colleagues and bosses and women. Anshuman also vaguely remembered sharing his boss Lata's Instagram page with his friends - he couldn't, however, remember whether or not they were impressed with what they saw. By the time they had finished, Anshuman had been too wasted to realise that he had forgotten to lock the terrace - Pedro had to come to his rescue.</div>
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But this was a Sunday morning, so he wouldn't have to worry about waking up early. He checked the time on his smartphone - it was only around 11:30 am. He could easily stay in bed for another hour, and wake up just in time for lunch...lunch that would be prepared and delivered by Parekh Aunty downstairs.</div>
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Today was his well-earned rest day.</div>
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Or so he thought!</div>
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His moment of peace was disturbed when his phone rang - it was Ajju.</div>
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"Hello?" Anshuman's voice betrayed the sleep in his eyes.</div>
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"Where the fuck were you? We've been trying to call you since four hours!" Ajju was clearly agitated.</div>
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"We?"</div>
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"Me...Pedro...Anky...Raju...remember we met last night?"</div>
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"Hey...cut the sarcasm man! You're sounding like my boss now! Tell me what happened!"</div>
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"Check your whatsapp messages...right now!"</div>
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"Will you..." Ajju hung up before Anshuman could finish his sentence.</div>
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Anshuman checked his messages - there was a deluge. Many of them were forwards of the same video message - a video message by the local MLA. He clicked it and listened attentively.</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Namaskaar. I am your humble servant Chandulal Bhigona. As of 11 pm on 25th April, there have been twelve new COVID-positive cases in our area, and three patients have died. With this, the total number of active COVID 19 cases in our area has touched 63. We should all be very very concerned.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>As you all know, I had promised to introduce stringent measures to enforce strict implementation of the lockdown. Accordingly, since the past two days, we have been conducting aerial surveillance of our area with the help of drones. We found locals - youngsters and elders alike, roaming freely in the Hanuman Nagar and Thakurgaon areas, and that too without masks. They started running indoors as soon as they heard our drones hover above them. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Our drone also captured images of people gathering together in crowds on building terraces. There were children cycling, youngsters playing card games and adults having elaborate tea parties. This complete disregard of social distancing rules is really irresponsible and shocking, and if this does not stop soon, strict action will be taken.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I must also point out one building in particular. Till about 6 pm in the evening, our drones got visuals of kids running around and cycling on the terrace. About exactly 6 pm, three men came and drove away the kids, before settling down for a drinks party. Exactly an hour later, these three men made way for a group of five who then had a smoke and drink party of their own, with loud music playing in the background. One of them got drunk and began impersonating yours truly.</i></span></div>
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<i style="color: #38761d;">I this opportunity to warn all of these rule-breakers to mend their ways, or else we have all the evidence required to enforce action against you.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Stay home. Stay safe. Jai Hind.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NsHaGpqG2Kc/Xq77P6z_onI/AAAAAAAAJR0/sfh1CnPoXucFTe3SpVodXuFt3Ai70R1nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/T2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NsHaGpqG2Kc/Xq77P6z_onI/AAAAAAAAJR0/sfh1CnPoXucFTe3SpVodXuFt3Ai70R1nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/T2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
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<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
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<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 15 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/order-order.html" target="_blank">Order Order</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 16 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/papa-great.html">Papa the Great</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 17 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/quarantine.html">Quarantine</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 18 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/daily-report.html">Daily Report</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 19 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/05/saturday-night.html">Saturday Night</a></b></div>
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-6269961455448816912020-05-03T10:14:00.001+05:302020-05-03T10:14:39.935+05:30SATURDAY NIGHT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">This episode will have certain references to <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/daily-report.html">Episode 18 - Daily Report</a></span></i></b></span></i></b><br />
<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></i></b>
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Anshuman lay down in bed after having his dinner. The day had progressed quite well, except for a few low points here and there.<br />
<br />
After having clocked in his eight hours at work at the bank, he was back home by 6 pm, all thanks to the deserted roads. After a quick bath and his evening 'chai-biskoot', he called up his friends from the colony - Rajesh, Ankur, Peter and Ajay (or Raju, Anky, Pedro and Ajju, respectively) for a get-together on the terrace. This used to be something they religiously did at Anshuman's house every other Saturday evening, before the lockdown. Although behind closed doors, Anshuman's get-togethers were notorious for having it all - the cacophony of loud EDM music playing in the background, booze flowing like a river and the smoky haze of a dozen packs of cigarettes. On special occasions there would even be a few joints doing the rounds.<br />
<br />
Since tonight was one of those Saturday Nights, Anshuman was in the mood to let his hair down. He had assigned roles for everyone - Raju would be fetching the smokes and ashtray, Anky would get the glasses and a few bottles of soda, Pedro would fetch the beer bottles and Ajju would bring along his portable MP3 player and a bottle of Scotch whiskey from his private bar. Anshuman, as always, would arrange for the venue, an ice box, deep fried papad and paper napkins. Only the resourceful knew how and where to get what they needed - and this was certainly a resourceful gang.<br />
<br />
Now that he had already laid down <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/daily-report.html">rules for the use of the building terrace</a>, he was fairly certain that it would be cleared out by 7 pm. Yet, just to make sure the coast was absolutely clear, he asked his friends to gather only at 7:30 pm.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, he had to make sure the terrace was clean in all respects - there was to be no clutter, no garbage and absolutely no humans.<br />
<br />
So he picked up his phone and called up his Man Friday. The call was received after the very first ring.<br />
<br />
"Hello?"<br />
<br />
"Jee Saheb! Good Evening!"<br />
<br />
"Good evening Madhav. Any updates?"<br />
<br />
"No Saheb! All's Well Saheb!"<br />
<br />
"Where are you? On the terrace?"<br />
<br />
"Uhh...Yes Saheb..." Madhav gulped, "How did you....how did you know Saheb?" He looked around to check if he was being watched.<br />
<br />
"Because I had asked you to make sure the terrace was cleared off every evening at 7?"<br />
<br />
"Oh yes Saheb...that's exactly what I was doing."<br />
<br />
"So it's clear, right?" Anshuman began changing into a fresh T-shirt.<br />
<br />
"NO...NO Saheb!" Madhav panicked, "Another ten minutes please? We're still cleaning."<br />
<br />
"We?" Anshuman's tone changed, "Who's with you?"<br />
<br />
"Uhh....Uhh...cleaners Saheb...I brought a couple of cleaners along."<br />
<br />
"Cleaners?" Anshuman was annoyed, "Who asked you to hire cleaners? Whom did you speak with about this?"<br />
<br />
"No Saheb...I just thought I'd get some helping hands. Don't worry Saheb, you won't have to pay a dime."<br />
<br />
"Hell I will!" Anshuman smirked, "You hired them...you pay if you have to."<br />
<br />
"Yes Saheb."<br />
<br />
"Ten minutes only, okay? I want the place absolutely clean!"<br />
<br />
"Sure thing Saheb!"<br />
<br />
Anshuman hung up. He was really looking forward to a great evening. Of course, this was not going to be better than being in bed with someone, but it certainly came a close second. After all, as Anshuman and his friends always swore unconvincingly - "Bros over hoes...always!"<br />
<br />
At exactly 7:20 pm, Anshuman reached the door of the terrace, only to find Gardener Madhav and a couple of men rushing out with huge bags. As soon as their eyes met, there was awkward silence.<br />
<br />
"Good evening Saheb", Madhav broke the silence, "Home early tonight?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah...you have a problem with that?"<br />
<br />
"No no Saheb", Madhav laughed, "Why would I have a problem with..."<br />
<br />
"Has everything been cleared?" Anshuman cut him off.<br />
<br />
"Yes Saheb....come and see for yourself."<br />
<br />
"What's in those bags?" Anshuman pointed out to the bags in Madhav's friends' hands.<br />
<br />
"Just garbage Saheb."<br />
<br />
"Hmm...off you go now...good night!"<br />
<br />
"Good night Saheb."<br />
<br />
"Keys?"<br />
<br />
"Huh?" Madhav was confused.<br />
<br />
"Terrace keys!" Anshuman barked, "Are you drunk?"<br />
<br />
"Drunk? No Saheb! Me? Drunk?" Madhav started smiling sheepishly as he dropped the keys in Anshuman's hand.<br />
<br />
Anshuman pocketed the keys and steeped out onto the terrace. Everything was exactly the way he wanted it - there was no garbage, there were no people and there was a small rectangular wooden coffee table in a corner, with six plastic chairs around it.<br />
<br />
To Anshuman's surprise, there were two sealed bottles of soda under the coffee table. Someone must have left them there.<br />
<br />
"Madhav! Are you still there?" Anshuman shouted and waited for a response. There was none.<br />
<br />
"Perfect!" he declared as he waited for his friends to trickle in one by one.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>*Chai-biskoot - A Indian term referring to evening 'chai tea' with biscuits.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>*Saheb - A term used by some people in India to refer to people in a position of authority, like the English 'Sir'.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>*Papad - A fairly large poppadom </i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udwWOgSFIAY/Xqzm7Gq3HVI/AAAAAAAAJRA/ELKlyK4-qdU2_dLqtihX4g4N62ILyjE2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/S2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udwWOgSFIAY/Xqzm7Gq3HVI/AAAAAAAAJRA/ELKlyK4-qdU2_dLqtihX4g4N62ILyjE2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/S2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
<br /><b style="text-align: justify;"></b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 15 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/order-order.html" target="_blank">Order Order</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 16 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/papa-great.html">Papa the Great</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 17 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/quarantine.html">Quarantine</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 18 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/daily-report.html">Daily Report</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-88098380308333699912020-04-29T00:11:00.001+05:302020-04-29T00:11:29.177+05:30DAILY REPORT <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">This episode will have certain references to <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html">Episode 12 - Let There Be Light</a></span></i></b></span></i></b><br />
<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></i></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-sNArNZH8Y/XqhR0CBDxyI/AAAAAAAAJPc/MjtIy7hYA98KbIGRJmu02mlbC2DRTC91wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/reading-310397_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-sNArNZH8Y/XqhR0CBDxyI/AAAAAAAAJPc/MjtIy7hYA98KbIGRJmu02mlbC2DRTC91wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/reading-310397_1280.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anshuman usually got ready to leave for work by 8 am. Today wasn't any different. As per his instructions, as soon as he stepped out of the elevator, Gardener Madhav was ready to greet him with all the information he needed - which member did what...who said what...who was sitting in the garden with whom...and sometimes some non-juicy official updates.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Saheb, have you ever seen our local MLA's Whatsapp video messages?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Our MLA sends you Whatsapp videos?" Anshuman looked Madhav up and down in astonishment.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Arre nahin Saheb...he makes these video messages and forwards them...these are them circulated across multiple Whatsapp groups. Here, watch this one."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anshuman took Madhav's phone in his hand. He looked Madhav up and down once again, because it was a high-end smartphone.<br />
<br />
He dabbed the play button.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Namaskaar. I am your humble servant Chandulal Bhigona. As of 9 pm on 20th April, there have been four new COVID-positive cases in our area, and one patient has died. With that, the total number of active COVID 19 cases in our area has touched 38. This is very sad news indeed.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>In the coming days, we will be taking some stringent measures to stop the rise in the number of cases. I request all of you to maintain social distancing. Please do not spread rumours, strict action will be taken against rumour-mongers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Stay home. Stay safe. Jai Hind.</i></span></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Madhav could see that Anshuman was super-impressed, "So, what do you think Sahab?"</div>
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"This is good. Can you forward it to me?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Certainly Saheb. Not just this, I will also forward you some interesting messages about how Coronavirus can be cured."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Hmm."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Have a good day Saheb", Madhav bowed down as Anshuman went on his way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Later that evening, Gardener Madhav received a Whatsapp message on his phone. He was surprised to see that it was a video message from Anshuman. Before it could get downloaded, he ran towards Security Guard Gopinath.<br />
<br />
"Hey Gopi...Saheb has sent me a video message...look!"<br />
<br />
"I got it too...have you watched it yet?<br />
<br />
"Nope...let's do it together."<br />
<br />
They played the video. The backdrop suggested that Anshuman had probably recorded it while sitting in his office cubicle.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Namaskaar. I am the Secretary of Bright Minds Co-operative Housing Society. I hope all of you are safe in your respective homes.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Mr. M.V. Raghav, I would like to thank you for your <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html">letter dated 6th April 2020</a>. As you know, I always welcome feedback. </i></span><i style="color: #6aa84f;">However, I would also like to point out that you need to keep your windows shut whenever you have a fight with your wife. The noise emanating from your house is disturbing the peace in the neighborhood.</i><br />
<i style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></i>
<i style="color: #6aa84f;">I would like to advise other residents, especially the Senguptas, the Shindes and the Chaturvedis not to indulge in slanderous and sarcastic loose talk about the Managing Committee and the Respected Secretary.</i><br />
<i style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></i>
<i style="color: #6aa84f;">Finally, I know that all of you members might be frustrated after being forced to spend all your time indoors. I am pleased to announce that from tomorrow morning onwards, members can use the building terrace for activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, kite flying, card games, carrom and even for other small games. You can even use it for small tea parties. However, you are requested to vacate the terrace by 7pm for the sake of my privacy...erm...for security reasons.</i><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="color: #6aa84f;">Jai Hind.</i><br />
<i style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYjVxMK3k0U/Xqh4rEIYWfI/AAAAAAAAJPo/xg3sBsZmnksBEW_MKhwB5MNzciQF1UiygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/R2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYjVxMK3k0U/Xqh4rEIYWfI/AAAAAAAAJPo/xg3sBsZmnksBEW_MKhwB5MNzciQF1UiygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/R2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 15 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/order-order.html" target="_blank">Order Order</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 16 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/papa-great.html">Papa the Great</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 17 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/quarantine.html">Quarantine</a></b></div>
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</div>
</div>
</div>
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-33017270590706031122020-04-26T01:01:00.001+05:302020-04-26T01:03:07.314+05:30QUARANTINE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cluLgqXwuN8/XqSABho-mAI/AAAAAAAAJMY/Fymk9nMA90oGz5UKTtaA-Cpx3JeKSyb1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/quarantine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cluLgqXwuN8/XqSABho-mAI/AAAAAAAAJMY/Fymk9nMA90oGz5UKTtaA-Cpx3JeKSyb1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/quarantine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div>
<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">This episode is in continuation of <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html">Episode 13 - Musical Masti</a> and <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html">Episode 14 - Night Riders</a></span></i></b></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was about 10 pm on a sultry Saturday night; Anshuman had just finished his dinner. He picked up his phone and visited a few Instagram pages, including Lata's. He spent more than an hour catching glimpses of some scintillating images and ogled at them to his heart's content. He thanked his luck that he was living in the 21st century.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When he was convinced that nothing else was gonna excite him any more, he dialed Kavita's number. She didn't take the call until the fifth ring.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Hi beautiful", he said in a tone that sounded cringy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Hi Anshu...how was your day?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"You know...the usual...get back home from the bank...spend some time on calls discussing matters regarding the housing society...daily chores..."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"And Instagram...", she chuckled.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"You're wicked, that's what you are", he laughed, "Did you know that 10 people tested positive for COVID 19 in our area today?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Ten people? That's insane."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Yeah...so far there have been about 28 cases in our area."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Oh God", Kavita made her concern quite apparent, "Please be safe Jaanu."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"You stay safe too sweetheart", Anshuman's tone sounded grave, "Apparently there was some guy who was picked up by the police from outside your building gate a few nights ago."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Outside my building gate? When was this?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The night I wanted to come over to meet you. There was some guy in a car right outside your gate."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Uh Huh? What about him?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Well, the police took him for testing simply based on suspicion. Unfortunately, he turned out positive for..."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before Anshuman could complete his sentence, he heard Kavita take a deep breath. The very next moment, she disconnected the call.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the other side of the conversation, Kavita began sweating and felt her head spin.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A dreadful apprehension clouded her thoughts - "Was that Manoj who had tested positive? Does that mean I am infected too?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few miles away, Manoj was getting treatment in a hospital ward. There were questions is his mind,,,questions he had no answers for.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He and Kavita had met - more than just met - three or four times over the past two weeks. So, was it she who had infected him?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It seemed life was soon about to change for at least three people in the near future.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj82duXM8C4/XqSPsQGuHUI/AAAAAAAAJMk/cblsZO9nN44Lep0lLAXQ5bVtKXebJQHdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Q2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pj82duXM8C4/XqSPsQGuHUI/AAAAAAAAJMk/cblsZO9nN44Lep0lLAXQ5bVtKXebJQHdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Q2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 15 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/order-order.html" target="_blank">Order Order</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 16 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/papa-great.html">Papa the Great</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 17 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/quarantine.html">Quarantine</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-88688534325344665832020-04-25T19:52:00.003+05:302020-04-26T01:02:13.811+05:30PAPA THE GREAT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPQ5A5F8tqY/XqR-ZtvEXpI/AAAAAAAAJMM/94QojMr99-E6-Y4dVX6ZL62BxYrDuasGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mobile-2586292_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPQ5A5F8tqY/XqR-ZtvEXpI/AAAAAAAAJMM/94QojMr99-E6-Y4dVX6ZL62BxYrDuasGACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/mobile-2586292_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a>z</div>
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Saturday, 18th April 2020, around 10:30 am</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anshuman looked at the workaholic seated to his left. As always, Gulshan's eyes were glued to his laptop monitor. It was almost as if he was expecting a gargoyle to jump out of the screen and pounce on him if he ever blinked. His fingers danced on the keyboard like an overenthusiastic Varun Dhawan in ABCD.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anshuman was bemused, "Wasn't today supposed to be a holiday?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"It's the third Saturday of the month", Gulshan admonished him, "Are you sure you've been a banker for nearly five years?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Where's your sense of humour?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Where's YOUR sense of duty?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Gullu...Ullu", Anshuman chided Gulshan; but he seemed to have switched off from the conversation already.<br />
<br />
Just then, Anshuman's mobile phone rang. Neha Kakkar's "Garmi" as a ringtone would have made anyone else go red in the face in embarrassment - but Anshuman was made of a different timber.<br />
<br />
The number seemed a tad familiar, "Hello?"<br />
<br />
"How're you Nalaayak?" The voice sounded familiar too.<br />
<br />
"Govind Kaka?" Anshuman asked in an irritated tone.<br />
<br />
"It's your father, Nalaayak! You don't recognize your own father's voice?"<br />
<br />
"I was joking Papa", Anshuman bit his tongue, "How are you?"<br />
<br />
"Nevermind the formalities...what are these things that have I been hearing about you?"<br />
<br />
"About me? Please don't believe her! She's lying!"<br />
<br />
"Who's lying? What are you talking about Nalaayak?"<br />
<br />
"No nothing, Papa! I was talking to my colleague", Anshuman bit his tongue again.<br />
<br />
"No nothing, Papa! I was talking to my colleague", Anshuman bit his tongue again. "What did you hear about me Papa?"<br />
<br />
"One of the elders of your neighbourhood told me you set off some fireworks inside your house on 5th April...Is this true?"<br />
<br />
"But it was supposed to be a light show Papa."<br />
<br />
"I get that...but why didn't you share this idea with me earlier?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgrCA1KUyC4/XqRG8HZL42I/AAAAAAAAJMA/HpmhUKAnvoYCAoVHxxiiY_WDCuciSOhvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgrCA1KUyC4/XqRG8HZL42I/AAAAAAAAJMA/HpmhUKAnvoYCAoVHxxiiY_WDCuciSOhvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 15 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/order-order.html" target="_blank">Order Order</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 16 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/papa-great.html">Papa the Great</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 17 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/quarantine.html">Quarantine</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-23491436211097935812020-04-22T23:35:00.002+05:302020-04-25T19:53:23.394+05:30ORDER ORDER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cl3jCcOYMv0/XqB6QsDRSCI/AAAAAAAAJHA/dGjBkXj6pmAYRPDwy6ZOj-m2fu7ezvlcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/telephone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cl3jCcOYMv0/XqB6QsDRSCI/AAAAAAAAJHA/dGjBkXj6pmAYRPDwy6ZOj-m2fu7ezvlcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/telephone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was 10:30 am on a Saturday morning. Thankfully, this was the second Saturday of the month, which meant it was officially a holiday for bank employees. But since Anshuman also owned a pharmacy - it was being operated by his cousin Dinesh - he sometimes spent a few hours of his weekends helping his cousin. It wasn't just about being a helpful relative - a good businessman always kept a close watch on his investments. Yes, Dinesh did have a share in the profits, but this was Anshuman's business at the end of the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Business had been pretty okay since the lockdown. After all, healthcare, essentials and education will never go out of business, and Anshuman's pharmacy dealt with two of these - the pharmacy doubled up as a provision store for a few FMCG items like milk, bread, food grains, etc. as well to cater to the middle class neighborhood. Truth be told, business was pretty good, even at these times - after all, it was pretty easy to make a profit in times of crisis.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Aye Chotu...do we have enough bread?" he asked one of the helpers. He didn't know the teen's real name. In fact, he didn't know he other helper's name either - he simply called him Lambu.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Yes Sahab, we have 20 packets."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Milk?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"10 litres."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Sugar?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The phone rang. It was a landline device with the punch-able number pads. Before Dinesh could warn him not to take the call, Anshuman picked it up on the very first ring.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Hello?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Hello, Dinesh?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Nahi...Anshuman here."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Oh Anshuman...how are you? Philomena from Dominic Villa."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Oh hello Aunty" Anshuman responded, brushing off Dinesh's attempts to catch his attention, "How can I help you today?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Sonna...I need two packets of bread and 2 litres of milk."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Yes Aunty, we have enough stock. You can come over and pick them up."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Sonna...can you please get them delivered to my house?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dinesh slapped his forehead, but Anshuman didn't flinch.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Aunty, we have only two helpers here...if you want items to be delivered, there will be a delivery charge."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"How much?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Forty Rupees."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was silence for a few seconds, "Okay Sonna."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"And Aunty, the items can be delivered only till your building gate...we will give it to your security guard."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There was silence again, "Okay."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"And Aunty, you understand we're trying to be as safe as possible, so can you transfer the amount electronically...by Google Pay maybe?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Of course, of course! How much do I need to pay? I'll do it right away."<br />
<br />
"Ninety for the milk, sixty for the bread, and forty delivery charges. One hundred and ninety."<br />
<br />
Philomena took less than a minute, "Done."<br />
<br />
"Thank you Aunty. You can expect your items to reach you in the next 10 minutes...or maybe earlier."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anshuman dropped the receiver. He looked towards the helper, "Chotu, pack two litres of milk and two bread packets."<br />
<br />
After the teen did as he was bid, Anshuman picked up the parcel and stepped outside the pharmacy. There he saw a young urchin, not more than 10 years of age, loitering in the area.<br />
<br />
"Hey young man", he called out to the boy, "wanna earn ten rupees?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJguFU3zZiY/XqCHSFIpbwI/AAAAAAAAJHM/3aZCRgl3u_87OP1h3YjO11aUYHZS0wqqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/O2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJguFU3zZiY/XqCHSFIpbwI/AAAAAAAAJHM/3aZCRgl3u_87OP1h3YjO11aUYHZS0wqqACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/O2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 15 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/order-order.html" target="_blank">Order Order</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 16 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/papa-great.html">Papa the Great</a></b></div>
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-88333799845353185862020-04-20T22:45:00.003+05:302020-04-25T23:10:53.318+05:30NIGHT RIDERS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_2pSYKBJAQ/Xp3YFWiVyvI/AAAAAAAAJGc/ELYMHop9_B88DrmVAhOgy2mXFuGPGfo6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="219" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_2pSYKBJAQ/Xp3YFWiVyvI/AAAAAAAAJGc/ELYMHop9_B88DrmVAhOgy2mXFuGPGfo6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/hospital.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">This episode is in continuation of <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Episode 13 - Musical Masti </a></span></i></b><br />
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Manoj fiddled with his phone; anyone could make out that he was a bag of nerves at this point in time. And to think that only a little over an hour ago, he could possibly have had the night of his life!</div>
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He dialed Kavita's number for the umpteenth time; but she rejected his call yet again.</div>
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"Pick up dammit!" He dialed her again. She rejected the call once more.</div>
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He then sent her a DM. "I'm at the hospital. Please call me ASAP."</div>
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Thankfully, his phone rang in less than a minute.</div>
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"You're at the hospital?" Kavita sounded frantic.</div>
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"Yes, sweets."</div>
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"I was so upset...I actually thought you'd stood me up", she complained, "I waited for almost an hour! What's the time now? Three?"</div>
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"Not my fault sweets."</div>
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"What's wrong?" she finally remembered she had to be more considerate, "Are you okay? What are you doing at the hospital?"</div>
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"I'm waiting to be tested", he buried his eyes in his hand.</div>
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"Tested? For what?"</div>
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"For the coronavirus..."</div>
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"What the fuck Manoj? You could've landed me in trouble too..."</div>
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"Lemme finish Kavi! I think someone set me up!"</div>
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"Someone set you up? What do you mean?"</div>
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"Well...I was in my car...and there was no one to stop me throughout the 6 km journey. But as soon as I entered your lane, there was a car waiting."</div>
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"A car?"</div>
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"Yeah...just a few metres outside your gate. It was on its way out of the lane."</div>
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"And?"</div>
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"Well, when the guy driving the car saw my car approaching, he honked a couple of times. As soon as I stopped my car next to his, he rolled down the window and asked me the way to the nearest police station. After I gave him directions, he thanked me. But just before he rolled the window all the way back up, he blew some weird kinda powder into my face and sped away."</div>
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"Oh my God. What powder was it?" Kavita was genuinely worried now.</div>
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"I have no freaking clue. But it left me sneezing for a good 10 minutes. I thought I was gonna die sneezing!"</div>
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"Oh God, then what happened?"</div>
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"Then a police patrol van appeared out of nowhere and the cops asked me what I was doing outside during the lockdown. My constant sneezing got them suspicious, and here I am now at the hospital, waiting to get tested."</div>
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"Are they gonna quarantine you?"</div>
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"My gut feeling says they will! I should've worn a mask...that would have saved me all the..."</div>
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Kavita hung up without waiting for him to finish.</div>
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A few miles away, Anshuman kept his grandmother's snuff bottle back in the cabinet drawer and finally jumped into bed for a good night's sleep.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vlhi7TNLqoc/Xp3YAk1B6QI/AAAAAAAAJGY/F7o99-It_jIFAgmWu8FOTJnNG2CmBE3lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/N2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vlhi7TNLqoc/Xp3YAk1B6QI/AAAAAAAAJGY/F7o99-It_jIFAgmWu8FOTJnNG2CmBE3lwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/N2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
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<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 15 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/order-order.html" target="_blank">Order Order</a></b><br />
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-6024015865597495102020-04-19T01:19:00.000+05:302020-04-22T23:35:59.374+05:30MUSICAL MASTI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2Luk-vpPZI/XptZlEC4wmI/AAAAAAAAJFc/mRy7N-dBOKs_iVRH5bT_lJsvT9DsvWeXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pexels-photo-1670035.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2Luk-vpPZI/XptZlEC4wmI/AAAAAAAAJFc/mRy7N-dBOKs_iVRH5bT_lJsvT9DsvWeXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/pexels-photo-1670035.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was already way past 1:00 am, but Anshuman couldn't get himself to sleep. He was still thinking about the other night when Kavita had left him high and dry.</div>
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He was also thinking about the kind of attention she was getting on social media. Insecurities about Pratik, Manoj and many others in her social circle festered like an abscess that had been ignored for too long. He simply had to make sure Kavita was not slipping away.</div>
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He quickly logged into his Instagram account and began typing out a DM to Kavita.</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Every Night On Insta</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I See You, I Feel You</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Then I Get A Boner, So Strong</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I Have Checked Your Stories</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>And Sent You Some DMs</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>But You Keep Me Waiting Too Long</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Near...Far...Wherever We Are</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>It's Insane That The Lockdown's So Long</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Fear Not, I'm Not Being A Twat</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>You Are Here In My Thoughts</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>And My Dreams Will Go On And On</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Your Eyes Are So Alluring</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Your Curves, So Enthralling</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Lips Are So Beguiling, Oh Lord!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Hair Is Long And Silky</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Your Skin, White And Milky</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>My Fantasies Are Kinky, Oh Lord!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Near? Far? Let's Meet In My Car</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Why The Hell Is The Lockdown So Long?</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Fear Not, I Won't Be A Twat</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>You Are Here In My Thoughts</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>And My Dreams Will Go On And On</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Call Me Wherever You Are</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>I Don't Care If The Lockdown's Still On</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Screw Fate, I Just Cannot Wait</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>We'll Be Safe In My Car</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>And The Night Can Go On And On</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Kavita took more than five minutes to respond. "Babe...it's way past 1 in the night. Why the hell are you still awake?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">"I want you baby. Let's meet...right now!"</span></div>
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"Are you crazy? It's so late!"</div>
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"Please baby!"</div>
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"Relax baby...we'll meet tomorrow. Okay?"</div>
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"Really?"</div>
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"Yes baby! Now go to sleep!"</div>
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"Did you like it?"</div>
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"Like what?"</div>
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"The song I wrote?"</div>
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"Oh...that? It's cute."</div>
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"Aww...thank you dear."</div>
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"G'nite my love...Mmmwaah."</div>
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"G'nite Sweety."</div>
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Kavita smiled to herself. That was such a cute gesture. Yes, it was cringe-worthy and not very creative, but it was cute. She copied the entire write-up and pasted it on another DM window.</div>
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"What is this?" The response was quick and came across as bemused.</div>
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"Anshuman wrote me a song. Cute na?"</div>
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"This isn't a love song....this is a spoof song. Celine Dion will turn in her grave long after she's dead."</div>
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"Haha...I know, Manoj. But guess what...he wanted to bring his car below my place so that we could meet. And maybe even have some action."</div>
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<br /></div>
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"Hey...I have a car too!"</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
"So...you coming?"</div>
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<br /></div>
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"Be there in 10 minutes!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vVdAwcAaSQ/XptFX3hNkPI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/chwm8ksOfnQYt5ZgafMZOaLuWg4ACw7xACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/M2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vVdAwcAaSQ/XptFX3hNkPI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/chwm8ksOfnQYt5ZgafMZOaLuWg4ACw7xACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/M2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 15 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/order-order.html" target="_blank">Order Order</a></b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-4183734975032113332020-04-16T09:25:00.001+05:302020-04-22T23:36:26.566+05:30LET THERE BE LIGHT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLNvTjNtf_4/XpfZXpRqraI/AAAAAAAAJEg/6XrrYCuMsnYXL0rgFKSbU37dOh4LV610wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/complaint.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1600" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLNvTjNtf_4/XpfZXpRqraI/AAAAAAAAJEg/6XrrYCuMsnYXL0rgFKSbU37dOh4LV610wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/complaint.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
To,</div>
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The Managing Committee,</div>
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Bright Minds Co-op Housing Society,</div>
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Gyani Nagar,</div>
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Mumbai.</div>
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Date: 6th April, 2020.</div>
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Subject: Public nuisance caused by a resident on 5th April, 2020. </div>
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Respected Members of the Managing Committee,</div>
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A few days ago, the Honourable Prime Minister made a clarion call urging all countrymen to participate in a symbolic show of our country's resilience against the Covid-19 pandemic. As you are all aware, he asked us to switch off all lights at 9 pm on Sunday, 5th April 2020 for 9 minutes and to light a candle. This was supposed to be a gesture symbolizing the dispelling of the darkness caused by the pandemic.</div>
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Alas, one of the members of our housing society saw this as an opportunity for extravaganza. The aforementioned member, unfortunately, also happens to be a part of the Managing Committee.</div>
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At exactly 9 pm on Sunday, 5th April 2020, Secretary Anshuman Kumar joined all other residents in switching off the lights. However, he broke the ensuing silence soon after by lighting firecrackers. What's more, he lit the firecrackers from within the confines of his house. On inquiry, he reminded that the PM had warned citizens not to get out of their houses.</div>
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By his actions, he has not only indulged in a potentially hazardous act and disturbed the peace in the locality; he has also brazenly turned what was supposed to be a show of solidarity into a cocky light and sound show. As a banker, he probably thought adding an element of sound to the light aspect would be akin to 'compound interest'.</div>
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I urge the Managing Committee to get the said Member to mend his ways, or to find a more worthy and responsible replacement for the post of Secretary.</div>
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Yours Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
M. V. Raghav<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Hope all of you are safe and doing well. Here's an AC/DC song to lift your spirits and energy levels:-</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uCxN0qAAx4U/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uCxN0qAAx4U?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1tEi7-zgvw/XpfRdR_9HaI/AAAAAAAAJEU/aGEHnK1IBAkQdbohLLs4hMFr9kekl0eYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/L2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1tEi7-zgvw/XpfRdR_9HaI/AAAAAAAAJEU/aGEHnK1IBAkQdbohLLs4hMFr9kekl0eYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/L2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-58703132073849267952020-04-15T09:26:00.000+05:302020-04-20T22:48:07.277+05:30KEEP SAFE DISTANCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"I'm glad you finally came", Anshuman threw his arms out, but quickly retracted.</div>
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"You could've come too", she complained, "Why did it have to be me?"</div>
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"The security guys in your colony are too strict to let outsiders in."</div>
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"As they should be...they're doing their job."</div>
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"On the other hand, it's easy for me to get you to sneak in here...I have special privileges", he beamed with pride.</div>
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"Actually, there was nobody at the gate to stop me", she giggled like a teenager.</div>
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"Don't lie Kavita."</div>
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"I'm not lying", she tilted her head and purred, "I never lie na Babbu!"</div>
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"Come here you little Persian cat."</div>
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"Uh-Uh-Uh", she raised her index finger and swung it to signal her disapproval, "Keep safe distance. Corona, Corona....Karo Naa!" To a random stranger, Kavita's crooning would've sounded slightly out-of-tune...a tad annoying even. But Anshuman found it seductive.</div>
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"I wanna play a game!"</div>
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"Have you been watching the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saw_(franchise)" target="_blank">Saw</a> series again? I find your taste for gore disgusting!"</div>
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"Not that kinda game you silly girl", Anshuman rolled his eyes and threw out his arms again.</div>
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"Uh-Uh-Uh", she raised her index finger again, "Keep safe distance. Corona, Corona....Karo Naa!"</div>
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Anshuman slapped his forehead. "Let's play truth or dare."</div>
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"Oh nice! Do you have a bottle?"</div>
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"To spin? It's just the two of us silly!"</div>
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"Oh yeah" she giggled again, "So we take turns?"</div>
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"Yup...ladies first."</div>
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"Okay...Truth or Dare?"</div>
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Anshuman rolled his eyes again, "Truth."</div>
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"Mmm...do you have a crush on your boss?"</div>
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"No!"</div>
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"Liar! I always find her Insta page open on your phone."</div>
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"Well...I'll just say I find her very attractive", he gulped, "And she sure knows how to pose. But that's all!"</div>
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"Remember last month when I caught you with one hand holding the phone and the other in your pants? You were looking at her Insta page even then."</div>
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"It was just a sudden urge na baby...I said sorry...I've never visited her Insta since. You can check my phone if you want to."</div>
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"Sure...gimme your phone."</div>
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"OK, it's your turn now", Anshuman diverted her mind with good old 'sense of urgency', "Truth or Dare?"</div>
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"Truth."</div>
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"Mmm...does Manoj still DM you?"</div>
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"Manoj? How did you know about Manoj? Did I tell you about Manoj or Pratik?"</div>
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"Pratik DMs you??"</div>
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"Oh yeah, almost thrice a day...since three months."</div>
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"Why, that scoundrel. I'll break his teeth. Do you reply?"</div>
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"Of course."</div>
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"Why?"</div>
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"Relax! I don't give him any wrong ideas. I speak matter-of-factly. Just last night we were discussing Covid dos and donts. It was so insightful...the discussion went on till 3 am."</div>
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"3 am??? That's not acceptable! You should..."</div>
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"Wait! You don't trust me?"</div>
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"I do baby!"</div>
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"Let's proceed then. Let's reverse the order now."</div>
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"Okay" Anshuman was still licking his wounds, "Truth or Dare?"</div>
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"Dare", she said with her nose high in the air.</div>
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"Okay...kiss me!"</div>
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In the security bay, Security Guard Gopinath heard a spine-chilling scream from the Secretary's apartment on the first floor. Before he could pull himself up from his seat, he saw Secretary Sahab's girlfriend run out of the building and disappear into the distance.</div>
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"Strange", Gopinath mumbled to himself, "I guess that means I don't have to go to get Sahab's condom today."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyf6SMJxSIg/XpaEjeUDecI/AAAAAAAAJDw/TJjMk88sa1I-HueIqZmoNuNuSQ0CFwHXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/K2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyf6SMJxSIg/XpaEjeUDecI/AAAAAAAAJDw/TJjMk88sa1I-HueIqZmoNuNuSQ0CFwHXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/K2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-27455737962736958722020-04-14T09:13:00.000+05:302020-04-20T22:48:53.556+05:30JAMBOREE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekyNuQ9ABTg/XpUxKRI5VnI/AAAAAAAAJDk/G4wi4EO04ZQWioDxvYndML72PKbq9tGDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/jamboree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1053" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekyNuQ9ABTg/XpUxKRI5VnI/AAAAAAAAJDk/G4wi4EO04ZQWioDxvYndML72PKbq9tGDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/jamboree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Security Guard Gopinath was in a poignant mood. He sat on a chair in the colony garden and stared into the distance. When he couldn't take the anxiety anymore, he pulled out a beedi from his shirt pocket. He fumbled a few times trying to put the beedi in his mouth; only a few attempts later did he realize his folly and lower his mask. He saw Gardener Madhav sitting a few feet away fumbling with his own beedi. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Lower your mask" Gopinath hollered.</div>
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"Aah...yes! Thank you!" Madhav's gratitude was genuine and heartfelt.</div>
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"I am very upset Bhai", Gopinath thumped his heart thrice to add gravitas.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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"Of course you are...so am I."</div>
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<br /></div>
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"How can people be so bad?"</div>
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"They're jealous, that's what they are!" Madhav spat on the ground. Gopinath could not determine whether he was expressing disgust or was bound by habit.</div>
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<br /></div>
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"Look, honestly speaking I don't like Secretary Sahab one bit. But he was doing something very noble."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Agreed! I mean how many people have actually thought of something as innovative as this to raise funds and spread awareness?"</div>
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<br /></div>
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"What wrong was he doing? He was only preparing to organise a carnival with food and game stalls to raise funds to raise awareness about coronavirus. All residents are anyway all sitting at home doing nothing. What's wrong about inviting them to do something noble while having fun? He had even thought of a name for the carnival - Jamboree."</div>
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"I hear there was also a session on social distancing and a workshop on homemade sanitizers planned. All down the drain, just because a few members filed a complaint."</div>
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<br /></div>
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"Some of our members I tell you!"</div>
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"Tell me something", Madhav spat again, "What does Jamboree mean?"</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6R4iwVHHgc/XpaHPHmLCqI/AAAAAAAAJEE/lbk74Q8Cg94EWeNhu15ScDtNPOk1TCMiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/J2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6R4iwVHHgc/XpaHPHmLCqI/AAAAAAAAJEE/lbk74Q8Cg94EWeNhu15ScDtNPOk1TCMiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/J2020.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-43982688392043795992020-04-12T22:55:00.002+05:302020-04-20T22:49:20.501+05:30I WANT TO BREAK FREE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9piN8ZHFPxc/XpUpN-0QwpI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/5IW65s2GQfECEx1aVhS0zBFWBZrv6h-kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9piN8ZHFPxc/XpUpN-0QwpI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/5IW65s2GQfECEx1aVhS0zBFWBZrv6h-kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/fm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I Want To Break Free</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I Want To Break Free</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I Want To Break Free From This Government-Imposed Quarantine</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I Can't Take It</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I've Got To Break Free</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">God Knows, God Knows I Want To Break Free</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I've Been Washing My Hands</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Been Washing Both Hands All Day Long</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Now They Don't Get Along </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Let's Just Face It</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">God Knows, God Knows I'm Washing All Day</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">It's Strange But It's True</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">There Are Cops Below My House With Big Bamboos</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">And I Have To Be Sure</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Before I Walk Out That Door</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Coz They Might Liberally Spank Me </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Oh, I Just Want To Walk Free</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Oh, I Just Want To Be Free</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">*Guitar Solo*</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">But The Curfew's Still On</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I Can't Get Used To Living Indoors, Living Indoors</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Living Indoors, Phew!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Wanna Step Outside</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I Don't Want To Stay At Home</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">God Knows, Got To Make It On My Own</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">So Bhaiyya, Can't You See</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I've Got To Break Free</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I've Got To Break Free</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I Want To Break Free, Yeah</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">I Want, I Want, I Want, I Want To Break Free</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lata took back her phone and kept it on her desk. "So, what did you think?"</div>
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Gulshan laughed. "Maybe I'd be impressed if it was a different song. Anybody can make a parody post out of a simple song like that!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Very few people pay attention to Facebook posts these days - and yet he's already received about 70 likes. You've got to hand it to Anshuman the Great."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Sure Boss, but how do you explain the guitar solo part?"<br />
<br />
"Imagine Anshuman dressed in drag like Freddie Mercury."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They both clutched their bellies and laughed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fux8UYeTBU/XpNO8g65RwI/AAAAAAAAJCo/v0Do-WO_sk01xv3wbDrai_lTi8QEKJ61wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/I2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fux8UYeTBU/XpNO8g65RwI/AAAAAAAAJCo/v0Do-WO_sk01xv3wbDrai_lTi8QEKJ61wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/I2020.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 1 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 2</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 3</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 4 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 5 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 6 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 7 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 8 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-52301751570064849122020-04-12T19:38:00.005+05:302020-04-20T22:50:36.345+05:30HELPING HANDS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2M7kure1j4/XpMcVxivL6I/AAAAAAAAJCU/ZnKJvgPdgqUa6klHuoDi4qIrvpV-g38nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hand%2Bsanitizer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2M7kure1j4/XpMcVxivL6I/AAAAAAAAJCU/ZnKJvgPdgqUa6klHuoDi4qIrvpV-g38nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/hand%2Bsanitizer.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I can't believe this is happening", Lata shook her head in disapproval.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The HR team is simply doing their job", Gulshan explained, "Besides, they haven't conducted too many training sessions over the past few months, so they can hardly refuse someone volunteering to conduct a workshop - even if it is someone like Anshuman."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Oh well", she sighed, "At least they were kind enough to let us go through this workshop over the weekend from the comfort of our homes. Did you try that sample?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Mmm..I was a little hesitant at first, so I made two people in my neighborhood try it first. They strangely seemed to like it. When I told them that this hand sanitizer was prepared at home by a colleague of mine, they refused to believe me. I must admit, I like the smell too."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Have you tried it yourself though?" Lata sniggered.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"No way, Boss! And I don't think you should either."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Too late!" she chuckled, "It's hand sanitizer after all. I'm pretty sure there's no gaumutra in this one. And I kid you not, it actually is pretty gentle on the hands. And the fragrance is quite refreshing. And yeah, it's hard to believe this is homemade stuff."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"We'll find out pretty soon. Anshuman's online workshop on 'How to make hand sanitizers at home' is about to begin. Let's log in Boss."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Let's go."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lata logged in. She could see there were about 90-odd participants so far, but the count kept increasing. She was quite impressed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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At exactly the pre-decided time, Anshuman appeared on the screen. He was standing in front of what looked like a kitchen counter. On the counter was a pretty huge glass bowl and three transparent bottles filled with unidentifiable fluids. He was wearing an apron.</div>
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"Good evening friends", Anshuman began speaking, "Thank you all for spending your valuable weekend time with me. As you know, I am here to conduct a workshop on making hand sanitizers at home. In these times of uncertainty...", he then took a long pause, probably because he had forgotten what he was supposed to say. Lata laughed out loud after confirming she was on mute. A few miles away, Gulshan did the same.</div>
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Anshuman could clearly hear a lot of guffaws in the background. Eventually, he broke the awkwardness by putting everyone else on mute before continuing, "Let us first check with our audience, how many of you have received the sample?" At once, a survey questionnaire popped up on all viewers' screens to help them convey their responses - it had one button marked 'Yes' and another button marked 'No'.</div>
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"Great", Anshuman continued after a few seconds, now sounding a little confident, "I see that out of the 113 people attending this workshop, about 110 have already received their samples. My apologies to those who couldn't get their samples."</div>
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"Lucky bastards!" Gulshan said in his head. He was watching the session very keenly, simply expecting something unexpected to happen.</div>
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"How many of you have tried the sample?" Anshuman asked, and at once another question popped up on the screen. Lata and Gulshan both clicked on Yes.</div>
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"I see that all 110 of you who received the sample have tried it! That's wonderful!" Anshuman was already manning the session like a pro. "We now move on to the next question, which is pretty obvious!"</div>
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The next question that popped up on screen was "Did you like the product?"</div>
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Gulshan initially chose to ignore the question, thinking it would allow him to get away without an answer. To his disappointment, he wasn't being allowed to proceed without a response. Having no other choice, he picked the safest option.</div>
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"This is really encouraging guys!" Anshuman screamed like an excited teenage girl, "All of you have liked my product. I feel really ecstatic. Thank you guys!"</div>
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Lata expected the next set of questions to be more specific - perhaps there would be questions about the look and feel, the colour, the fragrance, the texture, etc. Strangely though, there were no more questions thereafter.</div>
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"I will now waste no more time and dive straight into the process of making hand sanitizers at home. Guys, it doesn't get more natural and organic than this."</div>
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Anshuman placed the bowl right in front of himself, making sure his viewers would have a clear view. "First, you are going to need an alcoholic base with 90% alcohol content. That's what will kill the microbial bodies. I'm using surgical spirit."</div>
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"Surgical spirit? There goes 100% natural out of the window!" Lata threw her hands up in the air in disappointment, as she watched him empty three 100 ml bottles of surgical spirit into the huge bowl.</div>
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"Next, we're going to need Aloe Vera pulp. That's what will help protect your hands against the harsh effect of alcohol."</div>
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"Aloe Vera Pulp? That's natural alright." Gulshan cupped his jaws in his hands and mumbled to himself.</div>
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"Many of you might be growing aloe vera plants in your flowerbeds, some of you can easily find these plants in the gardens of your housing colonies. You will need just a few leaves. Here's what you need to do - make slits on both the edges of the leaf, open it up and scoop out the pulp using a spoon. Like this." Anshuman demonstrated the process quite well.</div>
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"Make sure you maintain a 2:1 ratio - 2 parts alcohol and 1 part aloe vera", he extracted enough aloe vera pulp to full the bowl halfway to the brim, "And now, finally, we're going to need an essential body oil for a soothing fragrance. I'm using lavender oil that I ordered from the Vain Vixen app."</div>
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"Vain Vixen??" Lata felt her jaw drop to the floor.</div>
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"Just a couple of drops. There we go."</div>
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Gulshan sat at the edge of his seat. </div>
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"And now friends, since we have all the ingredients ready, it's time to mix them all together."</div>
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Gulshan saw that all 113 viewers were still very much online. He rubbed his hands together, almost as if he knew exactly what was going to happen next.</div>
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And exactly as he expected, Anshuman dunked both his hands elbow-deep into the bowl.</div>
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Out of the 130 viewers originally logged in, only one remained online till the very end to watch him complete the mixing.</div>
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But completely oblivious of the reactions he had evoked online, Anshuman ended the session with the statement "There you go folks! For your hands only...by my hands only!"</div>
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Who do you think watched the session till the very end? Lemme know in the comments.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MK4RQ1FFrM/Xp3Z1035apI/AAAAAAAAJGs/cLF5goWZ-mUSWc_VqXPT6sLmvtlcoKB9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/H2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MK4RQ1FFrM/Xp3Z1035apI/AAAAAAAAJGs/cLF5goWZ-mUSWc_VqXPT6sLmvtlcoKB9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/H2020.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 13 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/musical-masti.html" target="_blank">Musical Masti</a></b><br />
<br />
<b>Episode 14 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/night-riders.html" target="_blank">Night Riders</a></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-39011366604970627332020-04-10T23:12:00.001+05:302020-04-18T23:48:13.183+05:30GROSS SPREAD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img height="298" 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" 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<span style="text-align: justify;">"Apples?" Anshuman put took out a plastic box and placed it in front of Gulshan.</span><br />
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"No thanks", Gulshan said, slowly chewing on his roti-sabzi, "I take fruits only after the main course. And besides, I'm not very fond of apples." He didn't particularly like having lunch with Anshuman, but with limited seats in the office pantry and every team being assigned fixed lunch time-slots, he didn't have much of a choice.</div>
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"I wish Lata could join us too", Anshuman lamented, "Ever since news of the virus broke out, she's stopped having lunch with us."</div>
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"Actually, it's because of the lecture you gave her last week about Covid-19 being God's punishment to all those who had non-vegetarian food...", Gulshan clarified, "...despite knowing she was a non-vegetarian."</div>
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"I was just telling her the truth! Why can't she accept the truth?"</div>
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"It's bullshit. I'm a vegetarian myself, but I know this is bullshit."</div>
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"Don't get me started now...if you guys can't accept the truth, at least take it with a pinch of salt."</div>
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"Right", Gulshan replied with a smirk on his face, "Strawberries?"</div>
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"Eek, no way!" Anshuman froze.</div>
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"What's the matter?" Gulshan raised an eyebrow, still chewing on his food.</div>
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"Nothing...nothing at all!" he brushed aside the topic, "I follow a well-known Guru, who is an expert in Ayurveda. He clearly mentioned in a speaking session a couple of days ago that coronavirus first affected the Chinese because they are hardcore meat-eaters."</div>
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"As I said before, BULLSHIT!"</div>
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"You progressive intellectuals only want to believe studies by firangs, right? For your information, even the World Health Organisation has confirmed this fact."</div>
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"Bah! Typical University of Whatsapp crap. Anyway, what else did your learned Guruji teach you about the virus? I'm sure he must've suggested some remedies to deal with the virus."</div>
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Anshuman never really couldn't handle Gulshan at his sarcastic worst. "Guruji said that chewing on Ginger can help keep you safe, since it has antibacterial properties." While saying so, he pulled out a small box with scraped ginger and kept it in front of Gulshan.</div>
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Gulshan picked up a few slivers and dunked them in his mouth, "I agree that ginger might have some medicinal properties. But alas my friend, bacteria and viruses are two different things."</div>
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Anshuman got all the more nervous. "Garlic...garlic has anti-viral properties. Chewing on garlic can help against coronavirus." He pulled out another box with peeled garlic cloves.</div>
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Gulshan confidently picked up a clove and put it in his mouth. "Garlic is also good for health. It has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. But you might not know the fact that China is the world's largest producer of garlic. If garlic really could cure Covid-19, China wouldn't have lost so many people. C'mon now, your Guru needs to do much better than this."</div>
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Anshuman felt a lump rise in his throat, "Guruji also mentioned Aqua Omnium Florium", he pulled out a bottle and plonked it on the table, "One glass a day can help you build immunity in a week."</div>
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Gulshan picked up the bottle and twisted the cap, "Aqua Omnium Florium? Finally something that sounds like a remedy worth trying." Gulshan chuckled. "Glad to know your Guruji has not lost all faith in the wonders of modern medicine."</div>
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Gulshan took a swig, and immediately his face contorted into an unbearable scowl. He put his tongue out and began coughing like as if he was being strangulated.</div>
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"That's fowl!!! What on earth is this???"</div>
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"Aqua Omnium Florium" Anshuman repeated, "Also known as Gaumutra."</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PO2jETauVY0/XptEUL9SHVI/AAAAAAAAJFI/_SEYIE70bK0G8kqY1xfodhnHfka-LDfvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/G2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PO2jETauVY0/XptEUL9SHVI/AAAAAAAAJFI/_SEYIE70bK0G8kqY1xfodhnHfka-LDfvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/G2020.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">All episodes so far </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 01 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/aah-choo-story.html" target="_blank">Aaho-Choo Story</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 02</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bus-ted.html" target="_blank">Bus-Ted</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 03</b> <b>- <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/bohemian-clapsody.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Clapsody</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 04 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/departmental-chor.html" target="_blank">Departmental Chor</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 05 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/exceptionally-coarse.html" target="_blank">Exceptionally Coarse</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Episode 06 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/fruits-nuts.html" target="_blank">Fruits & Nuts</a></b> </div>
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<b>Episode 07 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/gross-spread.html" target="_blank">Gross Spread</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 08 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/helping-hands.html" target="_blank">Helping Hands</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 09 - <a href="https://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/i-want-to-break-free.html" target="_blank">I Want to Break Free</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 10 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/jamboree.html" target="_blank">Jamboree</a></b></div>
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<b>Episode 11 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/keep-safe-distance.html" target="_blank">Keep Safe Distance</a></b><br />
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<b>Episode 12 - <a href="http://scriptedinsanity.blogspot.com/2020/04/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">Let There Be Light</a></b></div>
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</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-60280752965470011012020-04-09T22:08:00.002+05:302020-04-09T22:09:29.355+05:30FRUITS & NUTS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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" 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<span style="text-align: justify;">It was about half past 7 in the morning. Yes, it was a Saturday, and most people usually woke up late on Saturdays. But these were different times - the fruit vendor knew this all too well. He had managed to get hold of a wonderful spot, located bang in the middle of three housing colonies. There was a dairy shop right behind him and only a couple of vegetable vendors nearby. And to think that just a few days ago, this place was swarming with people selling all kinds of stuff - street food, toys, newspapers, cheap Chinese electronics, detergents...the list was endless. When the lockdown was suddenly imposed, most of them had left the city in a jiffy to get back to their hometowns. The unlucky ones who were late in reacting had to walk it out. </span><br />
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The fruit vendor thanked his luck. Finally, there would be no squabbling for ideal spots, no extortion by local goons or corrupt officials and no competitors. The icing on the cake was the fact that given the lower availability of essentials, there would be no bargaining by buyers either. It meant one thing and one thing only - profits galore.</div>
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He examined his cart yet again, like all fruit vendors do. Fruits might be extremely perishable items, but 'prolonging' their shelf life was an art he knew like the back of his hand. Stock simply had to look fresh. So a little camouflaging under packaging here, some stale portions to be kept out of sight under a pile there, a little sprinkling of water to bring the produce back to life somewhere else. Presentation is a hard job.</div>
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The cart displayed a lot of variety - there were bananas, there were apples, there were oranges and sweet lime, there were a few watermelons and musk melons in the far corner. The grapes were kept safe in cardboard boxes laced with straw. And then there were strawberries.</div>
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Now strawberries are fussy customers. They look juicy and mouth-watering only when they are wet. They go dry and limp very easily. But he had a solution.</div>
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He quickly opened up all the transparent plastic boxes holding the strawberries - about ten of them. Then he took out all the strawberries that were in the topmost piles, licked them and put them back. He stopped only after he was fairly satisfied that all were shining. Today was going to be a good day.</div>
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Anshuman suddenly appeared in front of him - almost as if out of thin air.</div>
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"G'morning friend. What's your name?" Anshuman put out his best smile.</div>
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"Munna Michael", the fruit vendor said without thinking.</div>
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"Are you Christian?"</div>
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"I have no religion except profit Sir. I like keeping profitable names."</div>
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"Profitable names?" Anshuman scratched his head.</div>
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"Most of the people in the building behind are Christians, so today I'm Munna Michael. If I was standing in front of a Hindu-majority colony, I'd be Babu Bhaiyya. If it had to be a Muslim colony, I'd be Sukhda Salim."</div>
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Anshuman continued scratching his head, "What about a Sikh colony?"</div>
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A frown appeared on the fruit vendor's forehead, "What do you want Sir?"</div>
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"You see that gate there?"</div>
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"Yeah..."</div>
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"I'm the Secretary of that housing society. We need some vendors to come inside to sell their stuff."</div>
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"Why can't they walk it down? It's hardly any distance away", the vendor protested.</div>
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"We can earn a handsome profit if you could bring your cart down there."</div>
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"Excuse me...we?"</div>
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"Oh, profit is my religion too!"</div>
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"Ten per cent."</div>
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"Make that fifteen and we have a deal. They're not going to bargain anyway."</div>
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"Deal."</div>
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"Wait...you'll have to wear a mask...here's one...only eleven rupees."</div>
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"Noted, let's go!"</div>
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"Wait...those strawberries...you missed a few."</div>
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-85669995450474534012020-04-07T21:28:00.001+05:302020-04-07T21:28:41.172+05:30EXCEPTIONALLY COARSE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Scene 1 - Monday, 23rd March 2020, 8:00 am, At the Workplace </span></b></div>
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<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" 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" 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"Oh, you're back?", Gulshan's nonchalant body language betrayed his indifference. He was still staring into his laptop screen.</div>
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Anshuman dropped his backpack on his desk before giving his teammate a pitiful look. "I'm coming back to work after three full days Gullu...but you're just the way I left you..still screen-gazing. Tell me honestly, did you ever go home?"</div>
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"There's work to do, Anshuman. I believe Lata wanted to see you."</div>
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"She did?"</div>
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"For work allocation."</div>
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"Of course, kya Gullu?" Anshuman donned his trusted family business-manufactured mask and hopped towards his boss' cabin.</div>
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He swung open the door without knocking, "Good morning Boss, may I come in?"</div>
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Lata was caught unawares yet again. But it's hard to suppress instincts, and so she yet again tossed her phone away without locking the screen. As luck would have it, the device once again landed face up. From the corner of his eye, Anshuman caught a hazy glimpse of an insta story with some potentially juicy content.</div>
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"Good morning Anshuman", she put up a confident facade, "You're wearing a mask? How thoughtful."</div>
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"Sorry, I should have knocked."</div>
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"Yeah, but it's you, so I couldn't really expect more. Do you still have a cold? Perhaps you should've gotten yourself tested."</div>
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"I'm good boss. It was just one of those allergies I guess", his tone was confident but his twitching nose gave him away. "Ullu says you wanted to see me?"</div>
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"Ullu?"</div>
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"Gullu..Gullu...Sorry, Gulshan."</div>
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"Ah, yes! One of our tellers at the withdrawals counter has reported sick. The Branch Manager was asking for a resource to take his place."</div>
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"No problem Boss, I'll speak with Gulshan right away."</div>
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"No Anshuman", Lata cut him short, "Gulshan will manage solo today; we're not expecting too many home loan customers to walk in anyway."</div>
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"Okay Boss." </div>
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Lata could easily sense the reluctance in his tone. "I'm sure you'll do a good job."</div>
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She then turned her attention back to her mobile phone, where a deluge of reactions was ready to enthrall her.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Scene 2 - About 15 minutes later in the Boss's cabin</span></b></div>
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Anshuman sat awkwardly in front of the Boss with his head lowered and his arms crossed. He didn't need to be an expert in psychology to understand that she was ready to eat him alive, nevermind her Jain upbringing.</div>
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"ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE???"</div>
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"But what wrong have I done Boss? I was pretty quick. I can count more than 150 notes a minute...look." He proceeded to pull out a bundle of notes and began counting in the blink of an eye.</div>
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"THAT'S PRECISELY THE PROBLEM ANSHUMAN! WHY ARE YOU LICKING YOUR FINGERS???"</div>
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-17018089695715229932020-04-05T22:44:00.001+05:302020-04-05T23:02:04.684+05:30DEPARTMENTAL CHOR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHea2fuf5dY/XooRu3LgZrI/AAAAAAAAI-M/37NY3xlHzNMi7WUixFIFGK3BD-YNPKTCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pexels-photo-1005638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="975" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHea2fuf5dY/XooRu3LgZrI/AAAAAAAAI-M/37NY3xlHzNMi7WUixFIFGK3BD-YNPKTCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/pexels-photo-1005638.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sugar 12 kilos - Check</div>
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Bathing Soap 20 bars...no, 30 bars - Check</div>
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Masoor Dal 15 kilos - Check</div>
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Tur Dal 15 kilos - Check</div>
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Salt 15 kilos - Check</div>
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White Bread 20 packets - Check</div>
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Butter 20 packets - Check<br />
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Fabric-Washing Detergent 4 kilos - Check<br />
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Milk Pouches 20 litres - Check...</div>
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As Anshuman kept dropping grocery items into his jumbo-sized cart, he failed to notice two GleeMart attendants talking among themselves.</div>
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"This man...is he crazy?" Santosh frowned, "Look at all that stuff he's taking away. And wasn't he here last morning as well?"</div>
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Aparna nodded, "Not just yesterday...He comes here at least 4 times a week. And he carries all that stuff in a small tempo."</div>
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"What is he? A shopkeeper?"</div>
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"My friend lives in a chawl near his housing colony. He's actually a banker. But he owns a pharmacy there which his cousins run. This pharmacy also doubles up as a provision store in the locality."</div>
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"Is he even allowed to take these many quantities?" Santosh protested.</div>
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"He's smart. He's definitely not here alone" she said, pointing towards two young boys shadowing him. They looked like they were still in their teens - probably helpers from the pharmacy.</div>
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"Wow! Some businessman he is. Considering the rates we offer, he probably earns a pretty good profit."</div>
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"Absolutely! He even levies cooling charges on items like milk and fruit juice. Best part is he doesn't even have to store these items for long, since these are fast moving items."</div>
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"Boy...if I ever manage to save up some money, I know where I'm going to invest it!"</div>
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They both laughed and gave each other a high-five.</div>
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Sometime later Anshuman revisited his shopping list. He had managed to get all the things he needed, except for dishwashing liquid. He desperately needed it - it was for personal use. Alas, the dishwashing soap shelf was empty today. He would have to make yet another trip to the departmental store tomorrow.</div>
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Anshuman called the boys and divided the stock among themselves. He gave both the boys some cash and whispered instructions into their ears. He then guided them to stand in adjacent lines in order to save time, and himself proceeded towards a line nearby.</div>
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In front of him in the billing line was a man and his little daughter. Although they were all wearing masks, he recognized from instantly because of the cute little cap she was wearing on her head - the girl and her father lived in the same locality. She had lost her mother at birth; she was therefore the apple of her father's eye. Anshuman would sometimes stop to play with the girl on his way back home from office. </div>
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He dropped his mask a bit while waving at her with the other hand. "Hi Bulbul!"</div>
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The girl and her father both turned to look at him. "Hi uncle!" she babbled like a typical five year old.</div>
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"What a cute little girl doing here at GleeMart?" Anshuman asked her playfully before turning towards her dad and smiling inside his mask.</div>
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"Dadda brought me for shoppy-shoppy!"</div>
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"Wow! You're helping dadda?"</div>
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"Yeah uncle!"</div>
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Anshuman laughed with her. He simply loved the innocence of kids.</div>
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He then inspected their cart. There was hardly anything in it - just some essentials in small quantities. Essentials like salt...sugar...rice...some biscuits...tea powder...milk pouches...dishwashing liquid...</div>
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'Wait a minute! Dishwashing liquid???' he thought to himself, 'Where the hell did they find it? The shelf was empty!'</div>
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Maybe they just got lucky. Or maybe the store had replenished stocks a while ago and he hadn't noticed. He cursed his luck.</div>
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Anyway, there was not much he could do now; so he decided to talk to the little girl.</div>
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"Hey Bulbul...what do you do at home all day? Do you still go to playschool?"</div>
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"Nah...schools have gone on early break for the year", her father responded while waiting for his turn at the billing counter.</div>
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"You must be working from home I presume. How do you keep her busy? Does she have enough toys at home to play with?"</div>
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The word fell on alert ears. "Dadda, I want some toys...please!!!"</div>
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"Sure beta...what do you want?" her father obliged without batting an eyelid.</div>
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"Why don't you accompany her to the toys section? Don't worry, I'll hold the line for you."</div>
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"Hey, thanks man! We'll be back in a jiffy."</div>
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"Absolutely no problem."</div>
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The father-daughter duo dropped out of the queue, leaving the cart under Anshuman's watchful eye. They were back just in time for the billing.</div>
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The little girl and her father looked at each other with eyes full of excitement, because they now had a bunch of new toys to play with.</div>
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And Ashuman giggled to himself with a sense of achievement, because he now had his dishwashing liquid.</div>
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-52239389411002171432020-04-04T17:50:00.000+05:302020-04-05T20:20:37.136+05:30BOHEMIAN CLAPSODY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Scene 1 - Friday, 20th March 2020, around 11:30 am</b></span></div>
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Security Guard Gopinath and Gardener Madhav are sitting in the patio of the garden of a random housing colony in Mumbai, having a conversation.</div>
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"Did you listen to the PM's speech last night?" Gopinath took off his cap and began fanning himself. Once upon a time, he used to wonder why security guards had to wear caps and why those caps had to be black even during scorching summer afternoons.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SuvhUa64Yiw/Xoh7Nf_PH9I/AAAAAAAAI9g/K1s2db2gJK4nGDBPWogJjknmPRb7N4ZIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/clap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1209" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SuvhUa64Yiw/Xoh7Nf_PH9I/AAAAAAAAI9g/K1s2db2gJK4nGDBPWogJjknmPRb7N4ZIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/clap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"About the 14-hour Janata Curfew?" Madhav responded, maneuvering the garden hose like a pro, "Secretary Sahab told me about it this morning. But no, I couldn't listen to the entire speech. I think Mansukhbhai had sent me to fetch some groceries at the time."</div>
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"These managing committee guys, I tell you!" Gopinath complained, "Mansukhbhai thinks this colony is his fiefdom. Chairmen ought to have some sense of honour and ethics!"</div>
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"Ethics?", Madhav finally dropped the hose and spat on the ground in anger, "These guys simply take advantage of their positions. Do you know what Secretary Sahab sends me to get?" He spat again because it's hard to comprehend a mouth full of gutkha.</div>
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"Condoms?" Gopinath's eyes almost popped out of their sockets.</div>
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Madhav rolled his eyes, "He sends me every morning to fetch cow urine from the stable nearby. He thinks it keeps his hair healthy. Crazy chap! Anyway, what did the PM say in his speech?"</div>
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Gopinath leaned forward, "He said the 14 hours of the Janata Curfew will play a big role in fighting against the Coronavirus. I am very confident his plan will work and that we are going to defeat this virus in less than 14 hours!"</div>
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"Yes, we can do it!" Madhav punched his fist in the air.</div>
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"Absolutely", Gopinath sat back in his chair, "And that's not all!"</div>
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"No? What else?" Madhav's eyes widened in excitement.</div>
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"The PM asked everyone to come to their windows or to step out into their balconies at 5pm on Sunday, and either clap their hands or make some noise using vessels or other metal objects, for about five minutes."</div>
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"Hainh?? Why so??"</div>
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"As a mark of tribute to all the doctors, nurses and sanitation workers."</div>
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"What a great gesture!" Madhav shot back, "These workers have played a great role in helping our countrymen during this pandemic."</div>
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"And guess what!", Gopinath continued, "Experts are saying that the clapping of hands and the clanging of metal by all Indians simultaneously will create a great amount of sound energy, which will then kill the virus. NASA has done research on this. See, someone sent me this news on Whatsapp!"</div>
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"That's such a brilliant idea! Waah!", Madhav's eyes started getting a little moist.</div>
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Anshuman suddenly appeared out of nowhere, interrupting the conversation without wasting time on pleasantries.</div>
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"Gopinath, did you get those things I asked for!"</div>
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"Yes, Secretary Sahab! 100 plastic cups, 100 paper plates and 40 big bottles of flavored soda. I've kept them in the society office."</div>
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"What about the samosas?"</div>
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"I've already spoken with Chandu, he'll keep them ready by 4pm on Sunday."</div>
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"Great!" Anshuman rubbed his hands in anticipation, "And what about the speaker system?"</div>
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"They'll be set up in time too", Gopinath assured him, "Don't worry Sahab."</div>
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"Super!" Anshuman exclaimed. "Oh, by the way, the people living in my other flat...number 403...I've asked them to move out. Very dangerous people...they can spread the virus in our colony. They might move out on Sunday. I've told that guy to hand the keys to you, okay?"<br />
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"Sure thing, Saheb."<br />
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Anshuman nodded his head and hopped away with a spring in his stride. </div>
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Madhav waited for the Secretary to vanish out of hearing range before asking, "What's this? Is someone getting married here?"</div>
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"Wait till Sunday evening my friend. We're going to thank India's health-workers and sanitation staff and celebrate the country's victory over the virus...with great fanfare!"</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Scene 2 - Sunday, 22nd March 2020, 4:59 pm</b></span></div>
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The colony seemed ominously silent and bereft of life, just like it had been throughout the day. But as the time drew closer, Gopinath and Madhav waited with bated breath for the party to get started.</div>
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And soon enough, an electronic speaker system placed in the middle of the colony flagged off a countdown. As the countdown reached five, Gopinath and Madhav also joined in the chorus.</div>
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"Five!"</div>
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"Four!"</div>
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"Three!"</div>
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"Two!"</div>
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"One!"</div>
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"Go!"</div>
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At once a collective shriek of excitement reverberated in the air and a huge group of men and women - young and not so young - came running out of the building. They were all dressed in traditional, colourful and exquisite Garba attire.</div>
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Gopinath and Madhav witnessed a glorious spectacle of 100-odd revelers running out in perfect synchronization and harmony. Anshuman was right in front, leading the group like a pro.</div>
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"Wait for the song", Gopinath nudged Madhav, "We listened to the original on Whatsapp the other day...this is a dandiya remix version. You'll love it!"</div>
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And soon enough the speaker system started blaring "Corona Go...Go Corona!" in a fresh remastered Dandiya avatar. As anticipated, it was an instant hit with the crowd, who presented a wonderful display of Garba. Needless to say, the footage was shared on Facebook and other social media platforms.</div>
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Tears of joy welled up in Madhav and Gopinath's eyes as they saw the crowd dance around the cutout of a doctor and nurses. "Our doctors and nurses are sacrificing their family time and risking their lives to keep the virus in check", Madhav commented. "This is such a fitting tribute. Our health-workers will really be proud today."</div>
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But just then, they noticed a man quietly leading his wife and young children out of the building with a couple of huge luggage bags. Although they all were wearing masks, it was easy to see the grief and disappointment in their eyes. The man of the family, trudged hesitatingly towards Gopinath and handed him the keys before going back to his family. They then sat in their car and drove away.<br />
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Gopinath reminded Madhav, "That's the tenant from flat number 403 - the tenants living in the Secretary's second apartment." </div>
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"I didn't know he lived there. His name is Doctor Chaturvedi", Madhav muttered in disappointment.</div>
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Meanwhile, the dance of gratitude and victory continued across the country.</div>
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-15439107761094888832020-04-02T00:35:00.000+05:302020-04-03T00:35:13.139+05:30BUS-TED<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Anshuman was still beaming with
pride at his stroke of genius. He smiled at everyone who walked past him at the
bus stop, a few metres from his workplace. To his mind it was a triumphant smile,
although they probably thought it was creepy. Not that he cared anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The bus arrived a good 15 minutes
later. As he hopped on, he realised that it was more crowded than usual. In his
mind, he was certain that there would be no seat for the taking.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Ki9n52EwI/XoTkerICidI/AAAAAAAAI8k/GW_qnpmsDEEFx4fY_fOFxQjVfMKyEFVvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Delhi_Bus_Crowded.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Ki9n52EwI/XoTkerICidI/AAAAAAAAI8k/GW_qnpmsDEEFx4fY_fOFxQjVfMKyEFVvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Delhi_Bus_Crowded.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To his surprise, however, there
was this one seat that had miraculously escaped everyone’s notice. It was only
after he had jostled his way towards the seat and hurriedly plonked his
derriere that he realised why.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Erm…Sir”, his voice was as shaky
as a stoner on a hangover, “Is there a reason why….”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“…why I’m wearing a mask?”, the
white-haired man retorted. He was probably in his late fifties.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Y…yes.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“What do you think?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“If this was six months ago, I’d
probably think you only had TB.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“So, what do you think it might
be now?”, he asked in a gentle yet teasing tone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Corona…?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“HAHAHA…I love how you think my
friend!”, he laughed his guts out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Didn’t mean to offend you Sir…just
figured that was probably the reason why no one in a bus this crowded was sitting
next to you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Probably”, he whispered in
Anshuman’s ear. “I’m only wearing this mask to protect myself from contracting any
viruses. And I think everyone else should be doing the same themselves.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Oh, I have a mask too!”,
Anshuman smiled in excitement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“So why aren’t you wearing it
then?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Anshuman rummaged through his bag
and pulled out a sorry excuse for a mask. It was a cheap variant of a surgical
mask that resembled a colourful tissue paper suspended between rubber
bands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Are you sure that is going to offer
any protection?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Oh, my uncle manufactures these.
It has the ISI mark, ISO 9001 certification and the Make in India logo. Ekdam mast!
And imported! Would you like to buy some? Just 10 rupees each!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The white-haired man simply
raised his eyebrows in disbelief.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, the man standing next
to Anshuman’s seat wanted to make some room for himself in the crowded bus. He got a little carried away though, and proceeded to rest his cojones on Anshuman’s shoulder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Aye bhai”, Anshuman protested.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“What is it?”. The man’s tone was
defiant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Back off a bit, will you? You’re standing too close!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Says who?” The man’s chin went up
as his eyes narrowed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Says the Government”, Anshuman
shot back at him. “You need to maintain some distance from me and my old friend
here.” He turned towards the white-haired man, winked at him and then looked back
to settle the argument, “We both are COVID-19 positive!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A few chaotic moments later, the
bus sped off leaving Anshuman and the white-haired man stranded on the road.</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-20289852431574242422020-04-01T13:16:00.000+05:302020-04-01T13:16:53.105+05:30AAH-CHOO STORY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His tea had long gone cold. All
he needed to do was walk a few metres to the pantry to use the microwave, but
Anshuman was determined not to leave the comfort of his seat. He had a plan to
set in motion after all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<img height="266" src="https://thenewswheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/man-sneezing-cold-tissue-760x507.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He turned to his colleague, “Yaar
Gullu…what are the odds of being allowed to go home early today?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“How early?”, asked Gulshan, his
eyes still fixed on his monitor screen and fingers punching the keyboard with a
sense of purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Maybe 11:30-ish?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gulshan’s gaze didn’t swerve a
bit. “Bhai, it’s only 9:30, and we’ve stepped into office only a few minutes
ago…you haven’t even started your computer. What’s your excuse going to be this
time?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Excuse? Aww c’mon dude!”,
Anshuman objected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Reason…reason is the word”,
Gulshan sniggered. “Sorry, I grew up in a small town.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Look at me man! I have a headache…and my nose is running. I think I have a bad cold!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I don’t need to remind you that
the entire world is going through a lockdown to fight a dangerous pandemic.
We’re running an essential service, my friend. We don’t work for any small-time
bank, we work for one of the largest banks in India!”, Gulshan's tone made his
irritation apparent, “A simple cold isn’t a good enough reason for anyone to
give two fucks about your condition!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Anshuman was taken aback; it was
not so much about Gulshan’s sudden outburst as it was about his colourful
big-town vocabulary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Is that so? Watch me!”, he said
as he hopped towards the Boss’ cabin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gulshan didn’t react. He kept
punching his keyboard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As was customary, Anshuman
knocked twice on the door before entering the cabin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Lata’s instincts were good enough
to make her toss her smartphone aside, but her fingers were not quick enough to
lock the screen. Anshuman didn’t care to take a glance though; he had already been
stalking her anonymously on Tinder and Instagram anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Yes Anshuman”, she asked,
struggling to hide her surprise. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Good Morning Boss”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Good morning. What…erm…what is
it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Can I take the day off today? I
am not feeling too good.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
‘About the job? Tell me about it’
she thought to herself. “What happened? Is it diarrhoea again?”, she laughed,
her chest swelling with pride at her seemingly witty remark.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Erm…no. I think I have the flu.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Don’t be ridiculous”, she almost
fell off her chair. “We’re running an essential…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“AAH-CHOO!!!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Anshuman’s sneeze
echoed in the general emptiness of the cabin, even though he had covered his
mouth with his kerchief. From the corner of his eye, he saw Lata’s jaw drop
halfway down to the floor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But he wasn’t finished yet. He took a
look at his kerchief before holding it out towards her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Look Boss!”, he shouted
excitedly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Needless to say, what Lata’s eyes
beheld was the ghastliest sight ever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“WHAT THE FUCK ANSHUMAN! YOU’RE
GROSSE! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Does that mean I can go home?”,
Anshuman asked, still precariously balancing the slimy blob in his kerchief.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“GOOO AWWWAYY!” Lata covered her own
mouth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Oh wait! There are droplets on
your desk. Allow me to…”, he folded his kerchief and moved closer to the desk,
ready to give it a wipe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“EEEEEK! DON’T DO IT! YOU’RE FUCKING
INSANE! GOOOO HOOOOMMME!!!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Okay Boss! Relax! I’m going…I’m
going!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He swung open the door and walked
towards his seat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He then rolled up his sleeves, picked
up his backpack and bade a wide-mouthed Gulshan goodbye.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As he walked down the staircase
of the building, he patted his left trouser pocket. Looking skyward, he said, “Thank
you Grandma…thank you for leaving behind a treasure-trove of snuff bottles.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And then he patted the right
pocket. “And thank you, China. Thank you for the virus…and for making flubber.”</div>
</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-35895223962433389922020-03-31T12:55:00.000+05:302020-04-01T12:59:04.072+05:30A TO Z BLOGGING CHALLENGE 2020 THEME REVEAL: IDIOSYNCRASIES OF A COVIDIOT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The COVID-19 pandemic that unfolded over the past couple of months has disrupted businesses and life in general for our generation. More than 40,000 people have died so far and close to a million have been affected. Governments across the world have rightly imposed lockdowns to ensure social distancing and thereby cut the spread of the virus and "flatter the curve". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With lock-downs in place, it has been a war-like situation for many people, especially for the less fortunate. Amidst this chaos, there are certain people who have chosen to ignore guidelines and warnings regarding public health, safety and welfare. A new term has been specially coined for these people...<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Covidiots</span></b>. These Covidiots, knowingly or unknowingly do things that would defeat all efforts being taken towards stopping the spread of the pandemic - going out in public, not wearing masks, not staying indoors if they are unwell, spreading baseless rumours, hoarding essential commodities, et al.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With this context, my theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge 2020 is <b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">"Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot"</span></i></b>. This 26-episode series will follow the life of a Covidiot named <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Anshuman</span></b>. This will be my first attempt at humour/satire after almost two years. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>A to Z Blogging Challenge</b></span></a> is a daily blogging challenge scheduled every year during the month of April. The last time I participated was in 2018 I think. It's a great way for writers and content creators to get their creative juices flowing. Also, you get a chance to take a look at amazing content created by fellow-bloggers. I certainly had the privilege of coming across some wonderful people through this challenge.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hope you enjoy reading all the posts in this series. Would love to have your feedback.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cheers!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<img src="https://talesofsuchita.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/3695a-1badge.jpg" /> </div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-18349954457990715112018-09-12T01:43:00.001+05:302018-09-12T01:43:12.604+05:30LONG LOST<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
O'er Sands Have I Searched For Your Footprints<br />
In The Winds Have I Followed Your Scent<br />
I Have Pried Into Vaults For A Sight Or A Hint<br />
I've Imagined Emphatic Assent<br />
<br />
In The Depths Of The Seas Have I Tumbled<br />
Over Lofty Heights Have I Flown<br />
Into Rocky Caverns I've Stumbled<br />
And Yet Where You Are, I Don't Know!<br />
<br />
I Now Find Myself Deep In The Abyss<br />
I'm Battered And Down On My Knees<br />
And The Fathomless Void Clearly Tells Me<br />
It Aint You That I've Lost...<br />
It Is Me!</div>
CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581643480508535005.post-47827269921508691632018-05-03T23:59:00.001+05:302018-05-04T00:11:16.552+05:30REFLECTIONS - A TO Z BLOGGING CHALLENGE 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The month-long A to Z Blogging Challenge 2018 is finally over. And what a month it has been! It's been a month of sleepless nights, eerie thoughts, imagination running wild, and yeah, even numb nothingness. But hey, the feeling of great satisfaction after successfully completing the challenge far exceeds any other emotion. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last year had been mentally draining as well, largely because of my starting out pretty late. In fact, last year, I actually finished the challenge about 15 days late. This year though, I consciously made an effort to start out early, and managed to prepare drafts for about eight posts way before the challenge actually started. I think I was able to complete the challenge on time only due to this reason.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the risk of coming across as boastful, I must honestly tell you this - for someone with a full-time job, sitting down to write after getting back home from work is no mean feat. This is how my routine was for pretty much all of April - I would wake up at around 7 am, read and leave comments on about 6-8 posts of fellow-bloggers, leave for work by 9 am, come back home by 9 pm, have my dinner and sit down to write at 10 pm. Since most of my write-ups were unplanned, I usually had to stay up till 1 or 2 am to finish my posts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Needless to say, I managed to stay motivated because of the help and support of many people:-</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">My Wife</span></i></b> - My wife is the person I need to thank first and foremost. It's not easy for someone to patiently do all the work at home single-handedly, while her spouse spent all of his time staring into a laptop like a zombie. My wife has been amongst the greatest admirers of my writing, and for that I feel blessed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Fellow bloggers</span></i></b> - Not many things manage to keep you more motivated than peer pressure, and my fellow-bloggers did their job very well. When you see your fellow-bloggers taking pains to put up their posts in time, you instinctively tend to push yourself to put in that extra bit of effort yourself. I would like to thank:-</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://ashwinis-perceptions.blogspot.in/" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Ashwini</span></i></b></a> - for helping me with ideas for posts, for constantly motivating me and for being very generous with her comments</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i><a href="https://canvaswithrainbow.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Anagha Yatin</span></a></i></b> - for religiously visiting my blog and providing postive reinforcement through her comments</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://talesofsuchita.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Suchita Agarwal</span></b></i></a> - for her thrilling (and insanely funny) detective story</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://smsaves.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Smsaves</span></b></i></a> - for her wonderful, wonderful poems and stories - she has earned herself a fan for life! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://namiwise.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Anami</span></b></i></a>, <a href="https://syncwithdeep.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Deepa Karthik</span></b></i></a>, <a href="http://www.gleefulblogger.com/" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Dipika Singh</span></b></i></a>, <a href="http://kreativemommy.com/" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Deepa Gandhi</span></b></i></a>, <a href="http://lifemyway.in/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>Disha Khanna</b></i></span></a> and <a href="https://akswrites.com/" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Akshata Ram</span></i></b></a> for pushing me to go on with their wonderful and highly engaging write-ups, and for making an effort to read my sometimes insane posts ;)</div>
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All those Instagrammers who allowed me to use their images with my write-ups. </div>
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And finally, I would like to thank BlogChatter for championing the A to Z Challenge and thereby providing bloggers a great platform to showcase their creativity.</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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CRD<br />
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CRDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040468252329133910noreply@blogger.com8