The experience of a different world

I don't know whether it was drug, wine with Mashuai, or sex, it was 11:30 am when I looked at the pendulum clock hanging on the right wall of this bedroom. One minute, Do I know this place? Though it is small but it had the royal traditional touch to it. It seemed to be a small guest room of a big palace. 

Before I could say anything, Sultan entered and addressed me with his natural soft voice, "Hemant!! How has been your sleep today? Take a shower, my mom has prepared some special breakfast for you". It felt nice to hear a familiar sound and voice in this unknown place. Before I could ask anything, Sultan closed the door and went away.

I was confused but happy to find Sultan here. Within minutes I was on the dining table. No girl came out, I saw only auntiji serving bread butter with chicken sausage.

I didn't want to ask Sultan about my whereabouts during last night in front of his mom, hence I had to keep mum during breakfast. After breakfast Sultan himself invited me on a drive around the place. We both came out. It was so hot outside, though their home was almost as cool as Pune during winters. After coming out, I looked at Sultan's home. It was almost a small palace. I still kept my curiosity on hold and waited for Sultan to come out of his garage with his Toyota Camry.

Finally I started, “Dude! I remember having loads of alcohol last night, I also remember my intimate moments with that German lady in her bedroom. But it’s difficult to recognize these strange roads here. It seems to be a very less populated place surrounded by desert like plains.” “Chill!!” Sultan replied and added further, “You were drunk and unconscious last night. You called me from hotel, I came and picked you up. I had no option but to take you home”.

I was least bothered about getting into details of last night. While we drove I saw a mountain range on one side of the road and a range of wadis with a good number of lush palm trees on the other side. Now the car was crossing an area with small market. It was a close aircraft hangar type structure, with ACs exposing from the walls. Sultan halted the car and we decided to take a look. Gush!!! It was a pottery market with beautifully crafted handmade items, from toys to pieces worth being a souvenir from this strange place. It was such a peaceful market, with shopkeepers sitting patiently and customers buying without any bargaining. A completely new, rather strange experience for me. I also observed women shopkeepers with their traditional dresses in the Muslim men-dominated society. It was definitely not Dubai.

“Sultan! How come you guys have ACs everywhere? At my place it’s a utility for rich people”, I asked with puzzled reaction. “Long story man!! Hold your patience. Your question will be answered”, he immediately replied with his natural chilling attitude. I was almost getting frustrated by his responses now. I bought few things for family and friends and Sultan happily paid the money, knowing that I didn’t have the specific currency of the village.

We came out and planned to have lunch at one of the coffee shop. Since both of us had good breakfast, we thought of going light. We ordered few kababs with Kahwa [traditional Omani Coffee].

It was indeed cool when we got into our car, Sultan intentionally left the car engine on so that it remained cool.

“Which place is this Sultan? You seem to be very familiar with this place. How far is the city?”, I asked. “This is the gate to Al-Dakhiliyah Region of Oman. We are located right in the middle of Al-Dakhiliyah Muscat”, Sultan responded with wisdom in his eyes and further added, “I drove you here last night, its 52 km away from the Main City of Muscat. Fanja is known as one of the famous farming towns of Oman Sultanate”. As we drove ahead, Sultan asked me politely if he could take a break at nearby Masjid for Asr [afternoon prayer], and I simply nodded my head. He requested me not to go far while roaming around the place, with strict instructions to not look at any woman.

While Sultan prayed, I roamed around and found an interesting structure. It was a very old building with three levels; however there was no staircase to go to the next level. It was creating a feeling of nostalgia, as if it was constructed during the time of British rule. It seemed to be a post which must have been used to keep an eye on rebels.

Sultan picked me up from the place and my guess was verified by his wisdom words. It was indeed a Post or a Tower for keeping an eye during British Rule on Middle East.

This was the second time he was performing prayer during that day. I felt a curiosity to ask him why he prayed so many times. I hesitantly asked the same question and it seemed as he was also as curious to answer as I was to listen to, he explained, “As per Quran, we Muslims pray five times a day. Fajr early in the morning, followed by Zuhr in Noon, Asr in the afternoon, Magrib after the sun-set, and Isha in late evening or at night. We must wudu [purify or wash] ourselves and recite these prayers facing Ka’bah in Mecca. Don’t you also recite prayers?”

His answer certainly increased my knowledge and made me wear a thinking cap, and I responded after a pause, “Yes, I do pray but I do it whenever I feel to do so. Though I belong to Hindu Religion; my faith is almost like an atheist.” He certainly respected my thoughts and further added, “Hemant, do you believe in peace?” I responded positively. He quickly reacted, “Then you are Muslim.”

He started pouring further wisdom after realizing that he had made a confusing statement, “if one lives in peace, promotes peace, does not harm anyone and keep the purest thinking, he is a MUSLIM. There's no need to read books or go through any religious ceremony, by following these few rules you are Muslim. The people who are involved in bomb blasts, killing etc. are not Muslim at all, since Islam does not allow such practices.” I appreciated his thinking about Islam and was amazed by the way he was explaining flyspecks of the religion.

As we drove ahead, we crossed the bridge, where I could see three young shepherds heading their flocks.

It was evening, as I rightly guessed, Sultan asked for another break for completing Magrib. Since it was a deserted area, he planned to perform the prayer at the roadside. And my impatient heart made my steps towards one of the building in a complete deserted area. As I moved along, I found something mysterious about the old building which was shining in the last red rays of sunset. Something was pulling me towards the building. I walked fast, faster and then I spotted someone moving towards the same building with a bag on his back. He was walking faster and didn’t hear when I greeted him from behind saying ‘As-Salamu-Alaykum’.

It was almost dark and I was right in front of that building. By this time, that man was swallowed by the dark and I decided to enter the building. As I entered, someone pulled me from behind and screamed, “Are you mad Hemant? I understand your curiosity as this is a new place, but don’t you dare roam around in my absence going forward.” It was Sultan. Suddenly, the soft voice had became harsh. None of us spoke for two minutes and Sultan broke the ice while asking me to see something while he switched on his mobile torch, “It’s illusion. See there’s nothing behind this wall. It looks like a building from a distance but there is actually a deep valley across the wall. I want to have some water now”.

Gush! if I would have taken two more steps, It might have been the last day of my life. I understood Sultan’s frustration, apologized, and thanked him for saving my life. Before I could ask about that mysterious man, Sultan added, “This place is known for paranormal activities. Some people say that many rebels were thrown into this valley during British rule. Forget whatever you have seen and let’s go home.”

As we drove along, I saw Sultan greeting everyone on the way. On asking him, he explained that this is the tradition in Oman to greet everyone you see when you come to a new village/place even if you don't know one.

The Dawn...I still await.

Motherless I was,
Had never seen my father;
Illegitimate, I was called,
A life, no one seems to bother;

Toys, Housey, Cartoon were aliens to me,
my childhood would wander for a meal;
Hatred was the only emotion,
Adulthood triggered sex, crimes, fearlessness & money;

The first murder, made me feel guilty,
Second was relatively easy;
Killed twenty three people on a row,
Blood, in my thoughts, in my dreams, on my hands,
I felt as if I was on a path to set myself free;

Guilt died, Ego was born,
Loved when people begged;
My favorite music, when people mourn,
The top criminal, an award I truly pegged;

I silently observe,
The death of my soul;
The dawn,
I still await.

Image from - http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

The song of Misfortune!!

Photo curtsy - all-news-updates.blogspot.com

Long ago, in the pursuit of a peaceful life,

My children marooned me; it was end of my pride;

I always dreamed the end of this strife,

Attempt to peace, always followed by a lack of strides.

Isolated streets, with the smell of Gunpowder,

Feeling of disdain, whom do I blame!

Gone are the days, I was the reason of being prouder,

Promises from both the sides, proven lame.

Enough of bloodshed, shells and metals,

I am still known as heaven on earth;

Sound of guns defeating the sound of fallen petals,

My life is still driven on thy mercy, ohh Urth!!!

In the lap of river Jhelum, mellifluous & swish,

End of Discord, is all that I wish.

PS: This is an English sonnet with the rhyming scheme of abab cdcd efef gg (Also known as Shakespearean Sonnet). This is a song dedicated to people in Kashmir. 
Urth - Goddess of fate in Greek Mythology

ये दुनिया आज भी अच्छे लोगो से चलती है...

हर ज्योति अन्धकार को निगलती है,

हर श्वास मृत्यु पर भारी पड़ती है.

एक अच्छाई सौ बुराइयों से लडती है,

ये दुनिया आज भी अच्छे लोगो से चलती है...

Stress!!!! Try this.....

Going through stress is quite difficult. Stress also invokes anger, and we end up getting angry on people unnecessarily. Everyone has his own way to deal with it, and here are few ways which always work for me. 

No no no…….I am not going to suggest meditation. 

I am also not going to suggest you Yoga or Power Yoga.

No Aerobic sessions.
No boozing (famous among today's generation)

Below is my way!!!!

Whenever it seemed that the world

is sitting on your shoulder,

The time has come

to play your favorite number.

Enjoy your solitude by going for a walk,

On your way, call an old friend

and have a light talk.

Sit below the old banyan tree

and feel your breathing,

The best medicine for Stress

is having an ice cream.

Open the old album

And watch yourself  teen,

Forget your tummy for sometime

Remember the days when

people used to call you thin and lean.

Take a blank sheet and

try drawing your old college dean.

Keep doing all this,

Until you find yourself giggling

with the face like Mr. Bean.

Nothing remains permanent,

this rule applies to stress as well

It's all about how long you take

to ring the happiness bell!!!

With love,

Hemant

बरखा का इंतज़ार!!!!

प्यासी है धरती, प्यासे हैं खेत...

बूढी अम्मा है मरती, और व्याकुल है सेठ,

आषाढ़ गया, भाद्रपद आने को है

इक बूँद न बरसी, सावन जाने को है,

इस बार तो मेढंक भी राह देखता रह गया

गली का चिंटू अपनी कागज़ क़ि नाव ताकता रह गया,

किसान को चिंता है, क़ि खाना कहाँ से खायेगे

गुप्ताजी परेशान हैं, क़ि रेनकोट न बिक पायेगें ,

बब्ली दरवाजे पर बंटी की राह देखती खड़ी

सबको इंतज़ार है न जाने कब आएगी सावन क़ि झड़ी!!!

बच्चे, बूढ़े, अधेढ़ और जवान

ये सावन क़ि बरखा है भारत क़ि जान,

ये देश है ऐसा, जहाँ अभी भी मुफ्त मिलता है पानी

तुम रूठी तो जीवन थम जायेगा,

अब तो आ जाओ ऐ बरखा रानी!!!!!

image courtesy - hindu.com 

Beauty is more than Flesh...

सुन्दरता जो आखों से है 

सुन्दरता जो होठों  से है 

सुन्दर  है  कोई  चेहरे  से

किसी  के  गाल  गुलाबी  सुन्दर  

कोई  सुन्दर  बाल बनाता 

कोई कानों  में झुमके लगाता 

कोई  कंगन   से, कोई  पायल  से 

कोई  बिंदी  से हुआ  घायल  है 

ऐ  मूरख  तू आखें  खोल 

ना आखों  से, ना बालों  से 

ना कंगन  से, ना पायल  से 

ना चेहरे  से, ना गालों   से 

सुन्दर  है  जो कोई  मन  से 

वो असल भाव सुन्दर   है  

New Humming ~ I will be fine!!!!!

Sometimes, I may be angry

there may be times, I am annoyed

baby, trust me, it's just a phase

it will go by!!!!

Sometimes, I may not talk to you

there may be times, i say good bye

believe me i love u more than me

I will be back!!!!!!!!

Strange questions come to mind

Answers are difficult to find

baby you don't leave me

I will be blind!!!!

I will be blind!!!!

Few conclusions confined

I feel I should resign

I think I shall go back

and be refined!!!!!

and be refined!!!!!

Sometimes, I may be bad

there may be times, I lack fads

baby you don't be sad

I will be fine!!!

I will be fine!!!

And here we go with the song ~ 

   Sometimes - Second version by hemantarora   I will be fine!!!! by hemantarora

song curtsy - joshidaniel.com 

Tales from Oman

 The Sultanate of Oman, popularly known as Oman, can be termed as the most peaceful country of Asia Continent. While visiting the interior towns, I observed that Air Condition is the compulsory utility installed in every household; everyone cannot afford the same in India. This make me think that Oman has the perfect (least) difference between poor and rich.  Sultanate of Oman is a perfect example of absolute monarchy, wherein The Sultan of Oman exercises ultimate authority but its parliament has some legislative and oversight powers. I was fortunate enough to get a chance discussing politics, policy making, government and other topics with an intellectual friend. 

Oman is a rich country with Per Capita Income of $14,100, that's the reason it makes a favorite destination of people looking for employment from countries like India, Pakistan, Philippians and Sri Lanka.  

Here I go with my hands on experience which you can keep in mind while visiting Oman:

1. DO NOT exchange currency in India, you would have to pay almost 20% extra exchange rate along with tax. I exchanged Omanis Riyals for Rs.171+tax in India; however the same Riyal costed me Rs.135 in Oman without and tax.

2. Use Buses, though Bus service is not very frequent, but taxi will empty your pocket soon. 

3. DO NOT hunt for wine shops as there is none, Alcohol is available only in few hotels. Better you live on mock tails.

4. Do go for Scuba Diving, it's available in Muscat and the good news is that it's affordable.

5. While talking to local citizen, even if he’s your friend, never raise your voice. Omanis are very kind and they make a great host if you be friendly to them. 

6. Do not stare any woman; you may find yourself into trouble.

7. Do not forget to take a leaf of local rules and regulation from the airport. You are expected to follow those during your visit.  

8. Make a good friend, your trip will be awesome; since a local citizen can actually tell you which place to visit and which not. I did the same :)

9. Have a budget for shopping as well. You will find lots of things cheaper than India, due to lesser tax. 

My short and crisp trip was an official assignment, wherein I had to train one of the Government Organization employees on IT Service Management Concepts. While in the class, I observed that Omanis are not only Royal but also humble enough to respect each other. I found it to be the best place to observe Muslim Culture and Islam practices. Omanis pray five times in a day and they literally follow this rigorous schedule. In Oman I found the true meaning of this quote - "Religion is the root cause of most of the problems in the world, and strangely it's a solution too". As people are very religious, the crime rate in Oman is close to zero. People do not even lock their shops while going for Namaz during day time. 

My friend Sultan, who took me around the city, told me the actual meaning of Islam as a religion. He quoted that if one lives in peace, promotes peace, does not harm anyone and keep the purest thinking, is MUSLIM. There's no need to read books or go through any religious ceremony, by following these few rules you are Muslim. I appreciated his thought process about Islam and was amazed by the way he was explaining flyspecks of the religion. He also mentioned that the people who were involved in bomb blasts, killing etc. are not Muslim at all, since Islam does not accept such practices. Apart from this Sultan also spoke about the old relationship between India and Oman. He quoted that both the countries suffered from the rule of British, and British partitioned both the countries before leaving for their Homes. 

While coming back I had to wait at the airport, where I spotted a woman with cowboy hat and black boots. She was sitting in the smoking zone and observing people so keenly that it made me observe her eyes for more than 15 minutes. The way she was observing the people and small things around her, it seemed as if she was an author. I had no courage to ask her name but she could not stop me to narrate a poem on her. And here is something I wrote ~

With a cowboy hat

Cigarette in one hand,

Black long boot

you look like tomato fruit,

looking here and there

nobody dares

to ask your name,

hey hey hey

where are you going

let me follow you,

I am confused

what shall I do,

pushing all the strength

from whole body

to mouth,

here I came

with a short poem

it will sound a little lame

What's your name!!!

With Love,

Hemant