A message on Humanity

I was deeply moved by the following story and wanted to share this with all, like my friend who shared it with me. Act of love and humanity is in great demand these days. The human hearts are shrinking and alarms where this might lead our kids to. After reading this story, I was wondering whether I am teaching something essential to my kids. I teach them English, Maths and Science. I take them swimming, football and martial arts. I want them to dance, sing and play piano. But did I ever talk to them about compassion, humanity, love towards others, treating everyone alike, protecting the nature and supporting less privileged? I hardly does. This makes me guilty. I think I have been teaching them, knowingly or unknowingly, that the world is all about fighting and winning the race of survival. This story gave me a different perspective of how to make life beautiful, just by compassion and how a tiny loving act of ours, can make a huge impact on other's lives. It goes like this:

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realise true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?'

I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs, but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognising that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!'

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'.

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

தனிமை

ஊர் எல்லையின் ஒற்றை பனையாய்,
திசை மறந்த பாலைப் பயணியாய்,
கயிறருந்த காற்றாடியாய்,
சிறகிழந்த பறவையாய்,
மை கரைந்த பேனாவாய்,
தனிமைப் பிடியில் சிதைகிறேன்!

என்னுள்ளே பேசி,
என்னுள்ளே வெம்பி,
என்னுள்ளே மகிழ்ந்து,
என்னுள்ளே மடிந்து,
ஒரு கணம் சொர்கமும்,
மறு கணம் நரகமும்
விதித்த
கொடுங்கோலனடி நீ!

என்னை விட்டுச்சென்றாய்,
என் உயிரையும் ஏன் விட்டுச்சென்றாய்?
எறியும் கூட்டில்
சிக்கிய சிறு பறவையாய்,
காதலில் மூழ்கி
மீளாது மூர்ச்சையானேன்!
மதி இழந்து,
மனமிழந்து,
உணர்விழந்து,
உருகுளைந்து,
உயிர் மட்டும் காக்கிறேன்,
தனிமையின் துணையோடு!

கொன்று குவித்த
நினைவுகள் மீதேறி,
கீழே விழுந்து மடிகிறேன்,
தினம் தினம்!
பொம்மலாட்ட நாயகனாய் அன்று!
உடைந்த பொம்மைக்குவியலாய்  இன்று!

இருள்,
என் வாழ்வை மட்டுமல்ல,
என் ஆவியையும் சூழ்ந்தது!

படித்தேன் ...ரசித்தேன் ..பகிர்ந்தேன்

சிந்திக்க ஒரு கதை .....

ஒரு குரு இருந்தார். முற்றும் துறந்தவர். எல்லாம் கற்றவர். அவரை ஒரு பிரசங்கம் செய்ய கூப்பிட்டிருந்தாங்க. பத்தாயிரம் பேர் வருவாங்கனு சொல்லியிருந்தாங்க. அவரை அழைச்சிட்டு வர ஒரு குதிரைக் காரன் போயிருந்தான். அன்னிக்குன்னு பார்த்து ஊரில் பயங்கர மழை. கூட்டம் கேன்சலாகி எல்லோரும் கலைஞ்சு போயிட்டாங்க.
குரு வந்தபோது அங்கே யாருமே இல்லை. பேசறதுக்காக நிறையத் தயார் பண்ணிட்டு வந்த குருவுக்கோ ஏமாற்றம். இருக்கிற ஒரு குதிரைக்காரனுக்காக மட்டும் பிரசங்கம் பண்ணவும் மனசில்லை.
‘என்னப்பா பண்ண லாம்?’ னு கேட்டார்.
‘அய்யா! நான் குதிரைக் காரன் 
எனக்கு ஒண்ணும் தெரியாதுங்க 
ஆனா ஒண்ணே ஒண்ணு தெரியுங்க.
நான் முப்பது குதிரை வளர்க்கிறேன்.
புல்லு வைக்கப் போறப்போ எல்லாக் குதிரையும் வெளியே போயி, அங்கே ஒரே ஒரு குதிரை மட்டும்தான் இருக்குதுனு வெச்சுக்கோங்க 
நான் அந்த ஒரு குதிரைக்குத் தேவையான புல்லை வெச்சிட்டுத்தாங்க திரும்புவேன்’ னான்.
பொளேர்னு அறைஞ்ச மாதிரி இருந்தது குருவுக்கு.
அந்தக் குதிரைக்காரனுக்கு ஒரு ‘சபாஷ்’ போட்டுட்டு,  அவனுக்கு மட்டும் தன் பிரசங்கத்தை ஆரம்பிச்சார். தத்துவம், மந்திரம், பாவம், புண்ணியம், சொர்க்கம், நரகம்னு சரமாரியா போட்டுத் தாக்கி பிரமாதப் படுத்திட்டார் குரு.
பிரசங்கம் முடிஞ்சுது.
‘எப்படிப்பா இருந்தது என் பேச்சு?’னு அவனைப் பார்த்து பெருமையா கேட்டார் குரு.
‘அய்யா… நான் குதிரைக்காரன்.
எனக்கு ஒண்ணும் தெரியாதுங்க.
ஆனா ஒண்ணே ஒண்ணு தெரியுங்க…
நான் புல்லு வைக்கப் போற இடத்தில் ஒரு குதிரைதான் இருந்துச்சுன்னா, நான் அதுக்கு மட்டும்தான் புல்லு வெப்பேன்.
முப்பது குதிரைக்கான புல்லையும் அந்த ஒரு குதிரைக்கே கொட்டிட்டு வர மாட்டேன்!’னான்
அவ்ளோதான் குரு தெறிச்சிட்டார்!
நீதி:
மத்தவங்களுக்கு என்ன தேவையோ, அல்லது எது சொன்னா புரியுமோ அதை மட்டும் சொல்லனும். புரியாத, தேவையில்லாத விஷயங்களை மெனக்கெட்டு சொல்றது நம்மை தான் முட்டாளாக்கும்.

Intimacy - Part 1

A universal language that is embraced and cherished by every life is LOVE. A soul will be lost without love. For some, time and fate pushes them high above, see them fall and laugh at their face. But for some, time and fate join their hands, take them to their destination with ease and pat on their shoulders. This story is one such picture perfect love life that anyone would want to live or associate with.

To add to the feel and emotion of the story, few lyrics from various songs composed by Maestro Ilayaraja have been added. This is a special tribute to the musician of all seasons, times and emotions. Not forgetting, a special thanks is always reserved for my friend Suresh, who is the reason behind this story.

Part 1

"Good Morning mam!", said all the students in chorus. A fresh start and first day of the academic year, for Higher Secondary School students. All looked very enthusiastic and eager, except Aarthi, who is new in the class. Aarthi looked like a typical South Indian girl, with long hair, wheatish complexion, average height, slim and ofcourse calm and serene face.

"What is your name?", asked her teacher.

"I am Aarthi", she replied.

"Come to the dias and introduce yourself"

"Yes Mam!"

Aarthi felt nervous but she went on to introduce herself.

"Hello everyone! I am Aarthi. I did my 10th at Akhilandeshwari Vidyashram, Trichy. My family recently moved to Chennai. My father is working as a Bank Manager and my mother is a housewife. I have one younger brother, doing 8th standard. I scored 83% in 10th CBSE exam. Thank you", she said and rushed to her seat on the first row. Her teacher praised her for her good score and continued with the subject.

Few girls spoke to her during break time and she felt comfortable with them. After a week's time, she got settled and earned a bunch of friends. But, she dare not to speak with or even look at any of the boys in her class.

New city, new people and new feel seemed to be another world for Aarthi. She missed her home town. The very thought of her hometown brought back the reminiscences of all the beautiful memories that she preserved all these days. Her world remained too small and simple. Her life till now was confined to a couple of streets in a devotional town of Trichy. Though she had heard a lot about other cities and places, never had she bothered about exploring them. She was happy to flutter around her hen's coop.

ival oru ilanguruvi

ezhundhu aadum malarkodi
idaiyil nadaiyil iraivan varaindha kolam
thavazhndhidum malaiyaruvi

parandhu paadum pasungkili
nitham.. nitham nitham.. nadai thathi thathi pazhagum!

இவள் ஒரு இளங்குருவி
எழுந்து ஆடும் மலர்க்கொடி
இடையில் நடையில் இறைவன் வரைந்த கோலம்
தவழ்ந்திடும் மலையருவி
பறந்து பாடும் பசுங்கிளி
நித்தம்.. நித்தம் நித்தம்.. நடை தத்தித் தத்திப் பழகும்!

Intimacy - Part 2

Aarthi felt distanced from her own terrain. But she was more matured to accept the change and looked ahead of her life. She wanted to get accustomed to the new dimensions that her life projected. She regretted for her unshaken belief that the city girls are very westernised and hard to mingle for someone typical like her. But her new friends, from this new city, were all adorable. They were all western, but in their thoughts. She liked their forward approach and 'out of usual' perspective of life.

Her friends helped her to erase off the rules and restrictions that she had defined to herself. They took her to movies, beach, shopping and what not. She loved looking at the city through their eyes. It looked much more beautiful and extravagant. She believed till now that the idea of an 'ideal' girl is all about spending all her time either studying, praying or doing households. But now she realised that there is a life beyond that and no idealistic definition are concluded and comprehended for that matter. She learnt to live her life for herself than for others. Definitely thanks to her friends for all that smash downs of unfathomable laws that Aarthi was clinging onto.

The term exams queued up and Aarthi prepared enthusiastically. She, along with her friends, stayed focussed and determined to get good score. They all worked hard and gave their exams well. The most awaited term holidays arrived and that was the first tick in the box, as they had a list of 'to-do' fun filled activities. It was 24*7 fun time, filled with laughter, teasing, chatting, gossiping and above all, being and staying together.

Paravaigal pol naam parandhidavendum

Panimalai Mel naam midhandhidavendum

Edho oru bothai

Manam kondaadutheyyyyy....

Pazhamudhir cholai enakkaagathaan

Padaithavan padaithaan adharkaagathaan!

பறவைகள் போல் நாம் பறந்திடவேண்டும்
பனிமலை மேல் நாம் மிதந்திடவேண்டும்,
ஏதோ ஒரு போதை
மனம் கொண்டாடுதே...
பழமுதிர்ச்சோலை எனக்காகத்தான்
படைத்தவன் படைத்தான்அதற்காகதான்!

Aarthi stopped missing her hometown and is more happier than ever. The heaviness that clutched her heart whenever she heard her hometown's name, is not happening anymore. She found a new Aarthi in herself and her parents loved their smiling, confident and admirable new girl. On top of it, she started to dig out and display her talents that were long buried within herself. She loves singing and even without any formal training and knowledge, she would sound like a pro. Her friends loved her singing and when they get together, it's a definite show of musical medley.

Oh butterfly...butterfly...
yen viriththaai siragai..va va (Oh butterfly)
arugil nee varuvaayo
unakkaaga thirandhen manadhin kadhavai

nerungumbodhu ahappadaamal parandhu pogiraai
nizhalaip pola thodarum yennai marandhu pogiraai
aahaa unakku yaarum thadaiyum ingu vidhippadhillaiye
aahaa yenakkum kooda adimaikkolam pidippadhillaiye
unai naan sandhiththen...unaiye sindhiththen
yenai nee inai serum
thirunaal varumo butterfly

ஒ பட்டர்பிளை ...பட்டர்பிளை ...
ஏன் விரித்தாய் சிறகை ..வா வா (ஒ பட்டர்பிளை )
அருகில் நீ வருவாயோ
உனக்காக திறந்தேன் மனதின் கதவை

நெருங்கும்போது அகப்படாமல் பறந்து போகிறாய்
நிழலைப் போல தொடரும் என்னை மறந்து போகிறாய்
ஆகா உனக்கு யாரும் தடையும் இங்கு விதிப்பதில்லையே
ஆகா எனக்கும் கூட அடிமைக்கோலம் பிடிப்பதில்லையே
உனை நான் சந்தித்தேன் ...உனையே சிந்தித்தேன்
எனை நீ இணை சேரும்
திருநாள் வருமோ பட்டர்பிளை

------------------

sempoove poove un megam naan vandhaal oru vazhiyundo
saaindhaadum sangil thuli pattalum muththagidum mottunde
padai kondu nadakkum manmadha silaiyo...oh...
mannavan viralgal pallavan uliyo....oh...
imaigalum udhadugal aagumo...

vetkaththin vidumurai aayulin varai dhaano

செம்பூவே பூவே உன் மேகம் நான் வந்தால் ஒரு வழியுண்டோ ...
சாய்ந்தாடும் சங்கில் துளி பட்டாலும் முத்தாகிடும் மொட்டுண்டே ...
படை கொண்டு நடக்கும் மன்மத சிலையோ ...ஒ ...
மன்னவன் விரல்கள் பல்லவன் உளியோ ....ஒ ...
இமைகளும் உதடுகள் ஆகுமோ ...
வெட்கத்தின் விடுமுறை ஆயுளின் வரை தானோ

-------------------

Vaan maegam pooppoovaaith thoovum
dhaegam ennavaagum inbamaaga noagum

vaanilae vaanilae neerin thoaranangalo
en manam pongudhae enna kaaranangalo
avan vizhi asaindhadhil ival manam asaindhadho
thalirkaram pidikkaiyil malarkkodi silirththadho
saalai engum ingae sangeedha
maedaiyaanadho vaadai paadudho
thooral poadudho thoagai aadudho
boomiyengum kaviyarangam saaral paadum jaladharangam

வான் மேகம் பூப்பூவாய்த் தூவும்
தேகம் என்னவாகும் இன்பமாக நோகும்

வானிலே வானிலே நீரின் தோரணங்களோ
என் மனம் பொங்குதே என்ன காரணங்களோ
அவன் விழி அசைந்ததில் இவள் மனம் அசைந்ததோ
தளிர்கரம் பிடிக்கையில் மலர்க்கொடி சிலிர்த்ததோ
சாலை எங்கும் இங்கே சங்கீத
மேடையானதோ வாடை பாடுதோ
தூரல் போடுதோ தோகை ஆடுதோ
பூமியெங்கும் கவியரங்கம் சாரல் பாடும் ஜலதரங்கம்

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en iniya pon nilaavae pon nilavil en kanaavae

panneeraith thoovum mazhai jillenra kaatrin alai
saerndhaadum innaeramae
en nenjil ennennavoa ennangal aadum nilai
ennaasai unnoaramae
venneela vaanil adhil ennenna maegam
oorgoalam poagum adhil undaagum raagam
puriyaadho en ennamae
anbae...

என் இனிய பொன் நிலாவே பொன்நிலவில் என் கனாவே

பன்னீரைத் தூவும் மழை ஜில்லென்ற காற்றின் அலை
சேர்ந்தாடும் இந்நேரமே
என் நெஞ்சில் என்னென்னவோ எண்ணங்கள் ஆடும் நிலை
என் ஆசை உன்னோரமே
வெண்நீல வானில் அதில் என்னென்ன மேகம்
ஊர்கோளம் போகும் அதில் உண்டாகும் ராகம்
புரியாதோ என் எண்ணமே
அன்பே.....

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indhu oru ponmaalaip pozhudhu
vaanamagal naanugiraal vaeru udai poonugiraal

vaanam enakkoru bhodhi maram

naalum enakkadhu saedhi tharum
oru naal ulagam needhi perum

thirunaal nigazhum thaedhi varum
kaelvigalaal vaelvigalai naan seyvaen

இ்து ஒரு பொன்மாலைப் பொழுது
வானமகள் நாணுகிறாள் வேறு உடை பூணுகிறாள்

வானம் எனக்கொரு போதி மரம்

நாளும் எனக்கது சேதி தரும்
ஒரு நாள் உலகம் நீதி பெறும்

திருநாள் நிகழும் தேதி வரும்
கேள்விகளால் வேள்விகளை நான் செய்வேன்

------------------------

Ilaiya nila pozhigirathe
Idhayam varai nanaigirathe
Ula pogum megam kana kaanuthe
Vizhaa kaanuthe vaaname

Varum vazhiyil pani mazhaiyil
Paruva nila dhinam nanaiyum
Mugileduthu mugam thudaithu
Vidiyum varai nadai pazhagu
Vaana veedhiyil mega oorvalam
Kaanum podhile aaruthal tharum
Paruva magal vizhigalile kanavu varum

இளைய நிலா பொழிகிறதே
இதயம் வரை நனைகிறதே
உலாப் போகும் மேகம் கனாக் காணுமே
விழாக் காணுமே வானமே

வரும் வழியில் பனி மழையில்
பருவ நிலா தினம் நனையும்
முகிலெடுத்து முகம் துடைத்து
விடியும் வரை நடை பழகும்
வானவீதியில் மேக ஊர்வலம்
காணும் போதிலே ஆறுதல் தரும்
பருவ மகள் விழிகளிலே கனவு வரும் 

Intimacy - Part 3

The term holidays came to an end and the school reopened. It's a nervous and anxious day for all. The class is expected to be filled with extreme emotions of happiness and sorrow. The term results are going to be out. The class teacher brought with her a big bundle of answer sheets. She started giving out the sheets and the class remained so silent than ever. There was one more reason behind this tide of nervousness. The class was already divided into four groups called Team Air, Team Water, Team Earth and Team Fire. The groups and its members were retained from High School, except that the leader of Team Earth is Aarthi. Besides, her team consisted of all her dearest buddies.

The students were grouped and points were awarded for their every achievement. Be it academics, sports or extracurricular activity, students were encouraged to participate and points were awarded to their respective group. The team that secured the maximum number of points at the end of each year wins the prize of the year. This is purely done to create a healthy competition among students and to bring out the hidden talents. And it actually worked.

At the end of the day, the marks of all members from each group were averaged and points were awarded. This time Team Earth is leading as Aarthi and her friends scored well in the exam. All time toppers, Team Fire faced a setback. Aarthi, leader of Team Earth was called to the dias and everyone applauded. She was very happy and that could be seen clearly on her face, but she noticed that Rakesh kept staring at her with an outraging anger and did not bother to move a muscle. She felt a little uncomfortable, but still maintained her poise.

Rakesh is the leader of Team Fire. He never faced a setback in the past three years and was very boastful about it. He is the tallest one in the class, closer to six feet. His looks will draw anyone to certify him the sweetest person. There will be touch of neatness in his dressing and one can hardly find his shoes without shine. He smelled fresh always and his hair would seem like it wouldn't grow beyond its predefined shape and size.

The very feeling of losing, made Rakesh frustrated. He is not good at hiding his emotions and he never wanted to hide them either. Soon after a while, Aarthi saw him laughing and cracking jokes with his friends. But when he saw Aarthi passing by him, his laughter vanished instantly and pique spread all over his face. His mercurial temperament puzzled Aarthi.

"Dude are you OK? Why do you lose temper man? It's all in the game", said his friend.

"I wouldn't have lost anything if you have scored better marks or at least passed in the four subjects out of five", replied Rakesh sarcastically and shut his friend's mouth instantly.

He has higher degree of sarcasm, but still everyone loved him for he was an honest guy and a friend in need.

After few weeks, the school was gearing up for sports meet and this time Rakesh was determined to pull more points to his team. He is an all rounder. He is a Jack of all trades. He and his team participated in all activities and bagged many prizes with ease. And Rakesh inturn pocketed many points for his Team and is in lead now. Since then Rakesh gave a mocking smile to Aarthi and teased her, whenever possible.

Podhuvaaga En Manasu Thangam
Oru Pottiyinnu Vandhu Vittaa Singam
Unmaiye Solven, Nalladhe Seiven

Vetri Mel Vetri Varum

பொதுவாக என் மனசு தங்கம்
ஒரு போட்டியின்னு வந்து விட்டா சிங்கம்
உண்மையே சொல்வேன், நல்லதே செய்வேன்
வெற்றி மேல் வெற்றி வரும்

Intimacy - Part 4

Aarthi did not like Rakesh's attitude and felt annoyed by him. She thought, soon his attitude will get refreshed and he might take things sportively. But, he did not seem to change a bit. So her feud with Rakesh was getting intense and rivalry grew.

Aarthi decided not to bother about all that happened and that's happening, but to concentrate on her studies. She learnt to ignore or at least bother less about Rakesh.

It was almost the end of the academic year, and the arrangements for 'School Annual Day' was being sorted out by staffs and students. Aarthi and her friends were curious about dance and dramatics. Aarthi's friends recommended her to give a solo performance and suggested her to sing a song. The organiser of the event was pleased by her talent and she was listed for a performance on the day.

The day arrived and Aarthi and her friends were so ready to reach out and perform. Aarthi's friends performed a classical-western fusion dance and received a great applause. Now it's Aarthi's show time. She was absolutely nervous but she was conscious not to mess up. She got onto the stage and started singing.

Janani janani jagam

And the mic stopped working. She stopped singing and stood in panic. A technician came up to the stage and tried fixing and testing it. As she was waiting there, she noticed that Rakesh and his gang were laughing so loudly from behind the audience. She felt ashamed and wanted to cry. But without much delay, the mic got fixed and she continued singing. But, she couldn't put her heart and soul into it.

Janani Janani Jagam Nee Agam Nee
Jagath Kaarani Nee Paripoorani Nee

Oru Maan Mazhuvum Siru Koon Piraiyum
Sadai Vaar Kuzhalum Pidai Vaaganamum
Konda Naayaganin Kulir Daegathilae
Nindra Naayagiyae Ida Baagaththilae
Jagan Mohini Nee Simma Vaahini Nee

ஜனனி ஜனனி ஜகம் நீ அகம் நீ
ஜகத் காரணி நீ பரிபூரணி நீீ

ஒரு மான் மருவும் சிறு கூன் பிறையும்
சடை வார் குழலும் பிடை வாகனமும்
கொண்ட நாயகனின் குளிர் தேகத்திலே
நின்ற நாயகியே இட பாகத்திலே
ஜகன் மோஹினி நீ சிம்ம வாஹினி நீ

Next day, Aarthi did not wanted to go to school. She knew that she is going to be the laughing stock and the very thought made her furious. Though her friends convinced her, she couldn't feel any better.

As she entered the class, she noticed Rakesh and gang standing at a corner and started singing in chorus, 'Janani Janani, mic testing 123'. They kept doing it whenever it was possible to and started making annoying comments too. This really got Aarthi on her nerves and she made a complaint about Rakesh and his gang, to the Vice Principal. VP called for Rakesh and his team to his room and bombarded them. As a compliment, they received a tight slap too. Rakesh felt embarrassed. Though he had got into a lot of troubles, no one had ever complained about him. He felt humiliated and undignified.

That evening, Rakesh and gang was waiting at the end of the school road for Aarthi. She and her friends understood this and they knew the problem is getting serious. The girls wanted to avoid them and move off in a sprint. But the guys surrounded them and clearly their target was Aarthi.

"Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you complain about us? Are you trying to show off and secure sympathy? No one had ever been this bad and you are crossing your limits way too much. I am letting you off, just for the reason that you are a girl. You don't deserve to be a girl either. You are so pathetic. We all were having a good time in our school and you messed up everything", shouted Rakesh angrily. Before he could continue, Aarthi's friends interrupted him and put an end to this show on the street. Aarthi's head hung low all the way to home and tears kept rolling down silently. 

Intimacy - Part 5

Silence engulfed Aarthi on the following days and she spoke lesser, with her friends too. She ignored looking at Rakesh. And it was obvious to everyone that, she was deeply hurt.

The academic year came to an end and Aarthi couldn't be more pleased. She went back to her native town and spent one long month. She visited her friends, relatives and spent her time the way she wanted to and stopped iterating the bitter memories on her head. She was happy for the time off from few embarrassing faces.

As she got set to leave her hometown, the feeling of ignominy entangled her. Still she felt much better compared to how she was a month ago. She kept telling to herself that it's a matter of one more year, to be with this class and after that she will fly far away from few people whom she never wanted to see again.

First day and last year at school. This year is so precious for every single student as it paves way to their dreams and in designing their future. The students had continuous assessments and were getting tuned to perform well in the main exam. They were all restricted from participating in sport or cultural activities. So there was lesser tension about points for the team. The score of individual's mattered much for all and no more fight for the team existed.

Aarthi and her friends indulged in fewer fun activities and spent more time in preparing themselves for various exams to get into a better University. Aarthi aspired to be a Software Engineer. She would be the first woman to get professionally qualified, in her family and the very thought made her proud. So she wanted to do her best and get good score.

The season of exams arrived finally. And exam fever was in the air. Sufficient hard work would never feel sufficient. The school organised a farewell treat for the students. As always, it was an emotional day for all the staff and students of the class. Every teacher spoke few words about the class and conveyed their wishes for the exam. Finally, their class teacher spoke.

"Good evening all. Farewells are the most toughest gesture in everyone's life. Every year, when every batch of students leave our school, it brings a lot of happiness to see them successful, but also it gives a tint of fear, as to how they will face the real world and its challenges. And I am sinking in the same feeling and the thought that my tiny birds are going to fly off the cage, to explore the world, is a little less than a dreadful nightmare. But that's how life goes. You have already started running your life race and years will roll over before you even realise. It is common to lose contact with each other and even the names and faces would go forgotten. But you children, please keep in touch with each other, get together when possible and never lose your friendship. Going forward, you will earn lot of friends. But the friendship earned at this age has higher level of innocence and truthfulness mixed in it. I know God has his bestest plans for each one of you and I will definitely remember you all in my prayers everyday. God bless you all!", she said, with her voice choking at the end.

Everyone were in tears and that's how farewell parties are meant to be. Everyone wants to grow up quickly and move onto next stage, just to regret later that they have not lived their previous phase to the fullest. Farewells are the saddest reminders to tell us that we have moved on and there is no coming back.

The following song is a work of the legend, K.V.Mahadevan. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a song similar to this, to suit the context. I hope Raja Sir won't mind!

Pasumai niraintha ninaivugale
Paadith thirintha paravaigale
Pazhagik kazhitha thozhargale
Paranthu selgindrom

Pasumai niraintha  ....

Kurangugal pole marangalin mele thaavith thirinthome
Kuyilgalaip pole iravum pagalum koovith thirinthome
Varavillaamal selavugal seithu magizhnthirunthome
Vaazhkaith thunbam arinthidaamal vaazhnthu vandhome
Naame vaazhnthu vanthome

Pasumai niraintha ....

Entha ooril entha naattil endru kaanbomo
Entha azhagai entha vizhiyil kondu selvomo
Intha naalai vantha naalil maranthu povomo
Illam kandu palli kondu mayangi nirpomo
Endrum mayangi nirpomo

Pasumai niraintha ....

பசுமை நிறைந்த நினைவுகளே
பாடித்திரிந்த பறவைகளே
பழகிக் கழித்த தோழர்களே
பறந்து செல்கின்றோம்

பசுமை நிறைந்த ....

குரங்குகள் போலே மரங்களின் மேலே தாவித்திரிந்தோமே
குயில்களைப் போலே இரவும் பகலும் கூவித் திரிந்தோமே
வரவில்லாமல் செலவுகள் செய்து மகிழ்ந்திருந்தோமே
வாழ்க்கைத் துன்பம் அறிந்திடாமல் வாழ்ந்து வந்தோமே
நாமே வாழ்ந்து வந்தோமே

பசுமை நிறைந்த ....

எந்த ஊரில் எந்த நாட்டில் என்று காண்போமோ
எந்த அழகை எந்த விழியில் கொண்டு செல்வோமோ
இந்த நாளை வந்த நாளில் மறந்து போவோமோ
இல்லம் கண்டு பள்ளி கொண்டு மயங்கி நிற்போமோ
என்றும் மயங்கி நிற்போமோ

பசுமை நிறைந்த நினைவுகளே ....