IMMOBILE HOURS

Chapter 1: The Unimaginable First

February 9, 2011

Morning 9.30 am
Location: Office
Moment: Offering prayer to Lord Ganesh

Day had begun on a regular course, like everyday life begins in an ad agency. The office was wearing an abandoned look. The most dedicated Client Servicing Executive had already switched on her PC and started keying in vital details about the day ahead. I was thrilled and I was in the brightest of mood to convey my aspirations, desires, dreams, imaginations and intent to my boss. I had wound up the previous day, feeling very content and satisfied. The excitement was spilling over to the next day that is today too. Being the most restless and the most eager person, I just wanted to liberate myself from a burden of confused & apprehensive thoughts. Speaking to my boss, I felt at peace. I was also in a mood to do lot of new things. After some while, I started working on the copy for a brand, which if had come to me three months back; I would have chickened out. But I am thankful to my colleagues and contemporaries, who have time and again made me believe that we should better avoid going back to that page in the dictionary, which displays the words – impossible and unimaginable. During lunch, I was back to the debate to prove that Bengalis and Keralites are two distinct communities. Practically both are the same and both states of West Bengal and Kerala are ruled by a Communist Government. I should be thankful to my colleague Raji for always being the unquestionably strongest contender, I ever had. Right from discussing eating habits to the art of paadchaari (art of farting), we yelled at each other, we abused each other and wrapped up the lunch by me taking the lead in describing how a fart can enjoy a roller coaster ride within the dhoti of a Bengali Gentleman (often addressed as Bhadralok). Post lunch, for the first time in so many months; the feeling of slipping into Nirvana was not that intense. Work continued, laughter continued and so did the euphoria to do what the heart willed to. A separate 30 minutes were spent singing songs at the chill zone of our office. I had already spoken to a production expert. The appointment was fixed, any time beyond 7 pm at the most prominent Famous Studios. Accompanied by my very understanding Art Director (Ulka), we drove to the studios. The person, we met had a magnetic personality. She spoke to the point and I could feel the positive vibes, she generated through her conversations. Stepping out of Famous Studios, I asked my creative buddy if she was interested in grabbing a quick munch or a packet of Lays. Both unanimously agreed upon two packets of Lays. A taxi driver immediately agreed to drop us at Curry Road and Sewri respectively. My conversations continued and I knew how difficult it is for an otherwise calm person like Ulka to tolerate my verbose self. As we crossed Arthur Road Jail and neared Chinchpokli station, I asked the driver to stop the taxi. Ulka assured, she can drop me near Curry Road station or at the most near Dadar and still can make it on time to board a Vashi bound local. But my restless self had to make a quick move. I jumped out of the taxi, crossed the road and headed towards a shortcut, which led straight to the bridge leading to Chinchpokli station. As a rule, I looked to my left and then to my right before crossing the road. I tucked my mobile phone in the front pocket of my newly purchased blue denim jeans. I had taken two progressive steps and to my right was a huge crowd also crossing along. Suddenly I heard people yelling towards me – LOOK OUT. Before I could turn to my right to discover, what that loud voice was all about, I felt an impact.

After two minutes of complete blackout, I gathered consciousness and saw a woman hurling abuse straight at me. I found my mobile ripped apart, lying unattended on my left. My left hand was below the front wheel of a Black Pulsar bike. My left leg had twisted completely and was beneath the rear wheel of the bike. My right arm was swollen and there was a bulge on the forearm. I requested the woman, who seemed to be newly wed to first calm down. I assembled my mobile phone and was helped to gather myself on my feet by a stranger wearing a white shirt over a black trouser. I saw the biker well-mounted on his 180 cc Jet Black Bajaj Pulsar. He looked at me with anger. The yelling woman, who supposedly was his wife, was now standing resting her hand over his shoulders. He was unlocking the helmet that had so far covered his face. Before he could react or respond; someone mounted a tight slap on his face. Once again, the woman started hurling abuse at me. I inched a bit closer to both the shocked biker and his over sensitive wife, folded my hands and begged for an apology. I requested every one around to pardon the biker and also begged for forgiveness, me being ignorant to their yell of warning. I was helped by the fellow bystander to cross the road. He asked me if everything was fine. He crosschecked with me, if my mobile was with me and was there any valuable thing that I think, I might have lost. I replied affirmatively that everything was fine. He helped me drag myself with an immensely painful left leg to the platform. He helped me settle down on an elevated and tiled sitting space and ran at a speed only Karl Lewis can manage. Within two minutes, he was back with a bottle of chilled mineral water and asked me to immediately consume it. Thereafter he asked as to where I am headed to and which train, I wish to board. I told him that the approaching train will help me reach my destination that I was headed to. He was keen to travel along. But I thanked him for what he had generously and selflessly done for me. Before I could turn back on boarding the train and ask for his contact details, he had miraculously disappeared in the emptiness of the railway platform. I called up my Art Director and told her what had happened. She had made up her mind to ask the taxi driver to take an about turn. But I stopped her from doing that. I managed entering deep in the railway compartment. My facial expression narrated the story that I had met up with a mishap of a fatal nature and therefore was allowed to occupy a seat by my fellow Gujarati travelers. One of them, even helped me stretch my leg and informed the onlookers that I had met with an accident and I be allowed to travel with my leg stretched wide to my destination. Ulka continued to be in constant coordination over the phone. Drop-by-drop, I had by now not only emptied the bottle of chilled mineral water but also started feeling sleepy and feverish. After one hour from the time, I met with the mishap and so much water going into my body, there was no way I could have not felt the need to take a leak. I looked around and realized the train had come to a standstill at the station, which is a huge junction. Since there were two more long distance trains, expected to cross tracks; I was sure my train would definitely get delayed. By now the pain in my leg had traveled from being intense to being intolerable. Still I stood, pulled down my bag from the rack above and alighted to take the three minute trail to the nearest unhygienic lavatory. After I relieved myself of the intense pressure felt in my gall bladder, I re-boarded the same train that I was traveling in and finally reached my home town. Alighting late at around 11 pm in the night, it was very difficult to walk. So I started limping and then dragged myself throughout the railway platform. No one came to my help and neither did I ask for help. Staking my life further, I chose to cross the railway tracks because taking the foot over bridge could have proved suicidal. I dragged my way to the nearest auto stand. A woman mercilessly watched my plight and disappeared in the rickshaw, I had hauled for. Luckily another one followed and was extremely concerned. He jumped out of the rickshaw, freed me of my backpack and asked me to put my hand over his shoulder. He gently helped me get into his spacious and clean rickshaw. He then requested me to guide him to my home. I had sent a sms to Ulka and also spoken to her over the phone that I was fine. The rickshaw came to a halt near my home. The rickshaw driver once again helped me climb the steps to my home. I pressed the door bell. My mom unbolted the door. I entered my drawing room and collapsed, shivering & yelling. Before she could inquire, I told her that I had met with an accident and was knocked down before I realized what had gone wrong. She undid my shoes. My left leg had swollen very badly. I called up my boss and explained to her that the unpredictable tomorrow holds a painful surprise for me. I couldn’t rest my feet on the ground. I limped, had my dinner and took three doses of painkillers. Mom massaged my leg, elevated it on three pillows and at around 12.30 am, in great pain I passed out. The stranger who helped me stand, I think was God’s messenger.

Spot of accident: Chinchpokli bridge near Chinchpokli station
Vehicle of devastation: 180 cc Black Bajaj Pulsar
Time: 8.24 pm
My facebook status read: It was closest than I had ever imagined. But the invisible presence of GOD came to my instant rescue & I defied it. The only hiccup-I AM IN DEEP PAIN.

Chapter 2: The Painful Second Day

February 10, 2011

It was Prashant’s birthday. Sleeping on my bed and in pain, I dialed his number to wish him. Being my Chaddi Buddy, from my voice he instantly concluded that something was not right at all. He was right. I told him how last night had been so very difficult. My little brother and sisters took me to the nursing home, got my left leg bandaged. The initial X-Rays posed no threat. But the doctor thrashed my hopes of making it to office in next two days by declaring, I had suffered a fracture and I cannot at all travel for next one month. Thanks to the two young doctors who attended to me carefully. Late in the evening, the orthopedic surgeon gave his final verdict – It is a hairline fracture and I am not allowing you to travel for next one month. He then advised me to meet him next on Monday for a brand new plaster to be done. Nikita and Ashina came to know of it and didn’t for a second leave my phone calls or sms unattended. Ulka was still concerned because she was the first one to know of the mishap I had met up with. My strongest buddy Amit Sonar just made me laugh & laugh. And so did Kalpesh. Then there was my friend Nikita Narang from office, who said, “Kaisa hai tu mere dost”. Rutu and Shruti told me that the lunch hour was extremely silent. Raji asked me to recover soon. While reconstructing the entire episode of the fateful yesterday evening, I felt more agitated. I was nowhere at fault. I was just crossing the road. It was the biker who had to impress his wife that he was a cool biker and left me victimized. Why did I at all leave him? Why did I apologize to him? Why did I stop a bystander from slapping him? Why did I not allow my helper to not take note of the number plate? Whatever damage was to be done had been done. Thank you to everybody who called up today to once again make me feel that I am a tolerable person, who can be a friend, a colleague, a partner and of help. Love you all.

Chapter 3: The Hopeful Third Day

February 11, 2011

It was my first official day of being rendered immobile. But I had made up my mind to continue being in high spirits. I was already working to deliver and meet the deadline for an amazing range of summer skin care products. My friend Paulami came along with her son to pay me a visit. Calls, smses, emails and sos continued to make me believe that there was so much care, concern and love around. Everyone made it a point to convey their concern for me. It is friendship and love that matters the most. Mounted on my computer chair and my left leg elevated on a set of four cushions, I kept working and stayed online to see to it that my absence from office didn’t at all bring activities to a standstill. Apprehensions did keep me bothered. But my boss made it a point that I keep them at bay because I had to continue being positive and my will power had to remain strong. My colleagues and friends made it a point to even crack jokes over phone calls to simply keep me laughing. A big thank you to Rutu, Gayatri, Ganesh and everybody for that once conference call made to me that got me instantly connected to my most loving office. Rutu continued teasing me that this entire mishap would have never taken place, if I had not been at fault. Yes, I know she just wanted me to take this comment sportingly. And I did so. And therefore, I continued smiling. Prashant and Swati came along visiting and along with mother took good care of me.

Loads of love, 100 gms of life and fistful of luck to all who have helped me stay inspired, motivated and restless... craving for more out of life

Chapter 4: The Inspiring Saturday

February 12, 2011

Daleep finds a special mention today for having called me and once again made me feel that my pen still is mightier enough to churn out some great creative work. And a warm gratitude to Shruti, my day beginner in office who never fails to greet me a hearty good morning once I am finished with my prayers to Lord Ganesh. Fourth day of being immobile and I have not felt short of excitement. Keeping me in high spirits are smses from friends, colleagues, old clients and definitely facebook. Had facebook hadn’t been around; these immobile hours would have become extremely intolerable. Nikita made it a point to be in touch and Ashina definitely never forgot that I am in pain. And how do I not mention my creative partner Ulka, who just made it sure that I don’t forget that she had repeatedly advised me not to jump out of the taxi to rush for the train, which I finally boarded on the fateful evening of February 9, 2011. Paulami and Sneha paid me a visit. In fact, Sneha made it a point to get coconut water. She knows that sometimes the hottest of tempers can be calmed down by the sprinkle of coconut water. Thank you Sneha.

Chapter 5: The Extremely Happening Sunday

February 13, 2011

Sunday is my most favorite day of the week. It couldn’t have been so animating, had it not been the experience of watching four movies back to back. Yes, I was definitely missing a friend who was caught up with work. Neither could I get angry for that friend being unable to get in touch with me nor could I bang the baton of claims that how the friend could forget me so soon. Anyways I found true solace in watching Uttarayan, a beautiful Marathi movie on ETV Marathi that dealt with love. Shivaji Satam emoted and acted well while Nina Kulkarni simply left me surprise. Ageing Viju Khote still managed to charm. Uttara Baokar continues to be the powerhouse of talent. I deliberately don’t want to describe the story out here because it is an amazing adaptation from the book Durgi. At the same time on Star Pravah, the Marathi movie Haapus was in full bloom. Once again Shivaji Satam was at his creative best. The veteran Sulbha Deshpande easily played the most loving grandmother. Makarand Anaspure finally has shed his shoddy image of being a buffoon. Evening got much better when Sumbaran another gem of a Marathi movie was relayed on ETV Marathi. I loved it to the core. Once again Makarand Anaspure was weaving magic. Siddharth Jadhav was thrilling in a cameo. The concept of the movie was extremely touching. The Patil of a village, his wife, his ancestral home, his children, his illicit relationship, the Dhangar community, everything was too touching. I wrapped up the day with a dose of laughter unlimited when Johny Lever screamed Bhoooooola in Golmal 3. Chota Mama and family came visiting and my childhood friend Prashant delivered some more books for me to enjoy reading. Abhay too didn’t miss coming home. He is my best train buddy.

Chapter 6: Valentines Day

February 14, 2011

Entire world had drowned itself in celebrating Valentines Day. My friend Nikita kept wishing me the same. But I was in a melancholic mood. Not for being companion less. But for falling short of inspiration and motivation. Strangely both Nikita and Ashina like the great friends they are pulled me out of an otherwise frustrating mood that I was caught in. Even though my mind was caught fiercely in a battle between the odds and the evens, my friends helped me deal with it even more strongly. The concern that had started developing fast was over the evening. I just did not want to experience it. But sometimes, we have to go against our wishes. And therefore I sat there at the nursing home. The doctor gently invited me in and in 15 minute, he had made me feel great. He bid a good bye saying, “Get ready to walk the talk buddy”. I was thrilled and I was overjoyed. But at the same time, I had to be extra cautious. I was being given a heavy dose of medicines to kill the pain I was still experiencing. But the feeling of being able to stand straight on my feet, made me feel like the fighter who chose to flex his muscles only to win the first round in the boxing ring. Also a million thanks to my creative partner and the midnight call made by two of my colleagues – Baba and Babu (Ganesh & Rohit). It was extremely sweet of both for having considered me of an opinion. I felt extremely honored. The entire campaign reminded me of the select words, my father once proudly pronounced with extreme precision.

Chapter 7: Keep Walking

February 15, 2011

Under the influence of heavy medication and prolonged sleeping hours stretching from a drowsy 12.30 am to an almost incredible 10.30 am in the morning. Thanks to the phone call made by one of my lovely office colleagues Manisha, I did wake up. Or I would have ended up being lazy, extremely unenergetic and in no mood to work. In her voice, I sensed concern and in her speech I sensed care. It was good to stand firmly on my feet with the support of a stick. I took the centre stage to brush my teeth by not sitting on the chair by standing near the basin. My sister was surprised but still happy that her Dada was back on his feet. Thereafter I switched on my laptop. One of my yet another favorite colleague had already kept me updated about a wonderful brief. Then called up Lydia, whom I meet and greet every morning in the office. I thanked her for calling me because even within the confines of my drawing room, she made me experience the ambience of my otherwise energetic office. Some friends called up. And I stayed online. But I also was in the dire need of catching up with some sleep. I think the medicines given to me last evening really made it difficult to keep my eyes open. Still I made it a point to finish writing for my office team. My singing buddy Kalpesh called up and then called up my creative partner Ulka. At the end of the day both made me smile. The copy that I had created for the concepts they had developed complemented each other so well. I went to sleep peacefully. But I was missing another dear friend of mine who was extremely busy with a conference and even if she wanted to couldn’t call me up. I signed off, expecting to hear from her tomorrow and sent a sms to my comrade Rohit Mukherjee who grew a year younger this midnight. I hope he never fails to charm his many admirers. Happy Birthday Rohit. Oh yes! I continued fighting with Raji online and that one phone call from Yadav was enough for me to continue being in high spirits.

Chapter 8: A Friend Comes Back & So Does Inspiration

February 16, 2011

It is difficult to fathom the fact that one week is over. I could have not even thought of it, if Mom would have not suddenly got emotional. It was a holiday on account of Id. Maximum bed rest was the agenda for the day. But I chose to do maximum reading of unattended Sunday papers and freshly arrived subscription issue of OPEN. By afternoon, I had convinced Mom to sacrifice her afternoon siesta to join me in watching Danny Boyle directed 127 HOURS. Watching the central protagonist self-axe his hand; we both were shocked. Mom and I repeatedly thought how the actual person on whose life the movie is based might have dealt with the situation of being stuck between the situation of death and trying to stay alive. The movie ended. I switched off my laptop. Mom lay by my side. After ten minutes, she turned towards me with tears in her eyes. She said, she had never felt so weak and defeated. She said she always thought she was at her courageous best. But the sudden demise of my father followed by another crisis and my present mishap made her feel defeated. I assured her not to worry at all. I am very well aware of the inhibitions and insecurities she is dealing with in the unknown corners of her heart and mind. She reminded me, “Son, it is one week when you arrived in pain just for me. You dragged yourself home so that I am not left feeling worried. I can tolerate everything that comes over me. But seeing you in pain hurts me deeply. I sometimes will to ask God as to why He makes it a point to make me see so much pain and why takes my son through experiences, he definitely doesn’t deserve?” I consoled her by saying that might be this is God’s own way of testing my endurance. My best friend called up too. I was really thrilled to learn that she has not only followed her dream but she is close to achieving a lot more. Nikita has made me realize that friendship is a special relationship, which should be treasured till the time we breathe our last. And if I don’t mention Ashina, I think the entire circle of a beautiful friendship shall remain incomplete.

8.24 pm - LAST WEEK - FEBRUARY 9, 2011 - SOUTH MUMBAI - I WAS LEFT IMMOBILE. ONE ENTIRE WEEK IS GONE AND AM YET TO RECOVER FROM THE UNIMAGINABLE IMPACT OF WHAT THEY CALL 'AN UNTOWARD MISHAP OF THOUGHTS, IDEALS AND PERSPECTIVES'. ONE ENTIRE WEEK AND I STILL REMEMBER EACH & EVERY THING OF WHAT MIGHT HAVE GONE WRONG.

But I am absolutely fine. I am accomplishing all my work commitments, meeting new challenges and waiting for more work & more excitement to come my way. This is the power, this is the strength and this is the courage, I have earned and inherited from my Daredevil Dad and Loving Mother… Just waiting for a new tomorrow  I am also happy to know about my creative partner’s first ever meeting that she will be attending to present our idea to the client. Life can’t get better than this. I also made a new friend today. She is young and is a pursuer of her own dreams. May God bless Titash.


My facebook updates:

It was closest than I had ever imagined. But the invisible presence of GOD came to my instant rescue & I defied it. The only hiccup-I AM IN DEEP PAIN.

If I CAN, I WILL... If I WILL, only then I CAN (a philosophy, i discovered in the last 24 hours about myself)

Immobility is a curse... Thankfully the mind continues to be in constant motion :)

Loads of love, 100 gms of life and fistful of luck to all who have helped me stay inspired, motivated and restless... craving for more out of life

Confined & under control of unforeseen circumstances.

Friends and family always dilute the feeling of negativity that is sometimes felt within... I must say, I am very very lucky at this moment for being blessed with positive feelings :)