BEYOND BORDERS AUG 17

BEYOND
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A CCCI FAMILY INITIATIVE
AUGUST| 2017
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CONTENTS
ARTICLES
Patron Council
J Rajmohan Pillai
Tim Eynon
Ingird Sciberas
Jenny Wang
Barbara Vadiveloo
Chief Editor & Publisher
Sujil Chandra Bose
Editorial Board
Ashok Thiruvengadam
Kris Iyer
Sowmya Ramkumar
Vigil Bose
Sub Editor
Pallavi Manoj
Photography
Enjo Mathew
Lal TD
Partners
M Business Center
LB Styling
Kolam Restaurant
Collins George
Activus Club
Readers Club
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Thought is above act
Amarnath Pallath
Her and I
Vaishali Thaker
Truth, forgiveness
Dr. J Rajmohan Pillai
The Beginning
Meenakshi Sai
It was I
Sujil Chandra Bose
Meet your best friend
Kris Iyer
Who once meant everything
Shreya Suresh
Friendship
Dr. Liza Raj
Till the end
Anashwara Binod
The Umbrella
Sunita Flevi Misquith
Birthday Gift
Gayathri R Nair
To my best friend
Dr. Ruchi Nasa
A beautiful mind
Sowmya Ramkumar
To my best friend
Dr. Ruchi Nasa
Sweet Musings
Sunita Flevi Misquith
Astrology Corner
Shubha Jain Zavaria
Paintings
Josh Kumar
Arjun Das
Photographs
Shaji S Panicker
Abhilash Chemmannur
Sujil Chandra Bose
AUGUST | 2017
BEYOND
BORDERS
A CCCI FAMILY INITIATIVE

E D I T O R ' S N O T E
The greatest gift of life is
friendship, and I have
received it.
Hubert H. Humphrey
I grew up like any normal son
watching, copying and
pretending what my father
did. He was my role model.
He was not only handsome
and well dressed, but also
quite a popular person in his
peer circle. I still live by the
address of being his son
more than my own personal
identity and I am very proud
of it.
He was a friends' man.
Someone who was always
surrounded by the best
people, regardless of their
wealth or social status. He
always spent quality time
with them and were one
among them even when he
walked up the ladder in life.
He always went back to them
friends as the same person
he was.
And this is exactly what I
would tried to be, because it
is because of my dear friends
that I am alive; that my life
continues to be meaningful.
I dedicate this issue to all
those friends who have stood
with their friends in both joy
and pain, success and defeat
and shared both good and
bad. With real friends, love is
unconditional and eternal
without any expectations.
ISSUE 10 | AUGUST 2017
BEYOND
BORDERS
They are the real heroes. My
heroes.
Sujil Chandra Bose

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LITERATURE | THOUGHTS
THOUGHT IS ABOVE ACT
AMARNATH PALLATH, CALICUT
Mid August in Kerala, it was drizzling. That morning, I enjoyed
the fruit bowl after tea.
My wife and I along with some college friends attended a
wedding reception of a friend and classmate’s granddaughter. I
clicked a picture of cooking, entering dining hall.
Later I thought about breakfast and lunch. At the gathering we
met old friends; friends in college in 1963-68. Thought on how
relationships and friendships endure.
An ingredient is tolerance.
“I do not mind differences, but I do mind hate” – that was Helen
Keller. Tolerance is actually not sacrificing your beliefs but
allowing others their opinion. As comrades and team mates we
may not agree with others, each has his own perspectives.
These perspectives are the sum and substance of a strategic
intent. A team of different minds produce the best outcome. My
breakfast of cut fruits on that rainy morning made me align and
think of the colour and variety of the fruits I had. Variety
satisfied my need. Need to adjust and tolerate with variety.
Second ingredient is forgiving.
Forgiveness is a final form of love and affection. Friend’s whom
we met for lunch had at college campus, fought. As we revisit
past nothing re-emerge. What comes out by forgiving is light
that carries us forward. And the luggage one carries within
heart gets vanished or reduced as we forgive.
Look at the cooking vessels in picture. A variety of spices
vegetables and meat was in heat-different as we human beings.
What matters is the taste and aroma that we enjoy. The heat of
arguments gets forgotten as we sit down and gather in
nostalgic surroundings.
Friendships need a mind that matters, adjusting between the
pure white and perfect black to move along a path of grey.

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LITERATURE |THOUGHTS
HER AND I
VAISHALI THAKER
When the whole world walked out on me, she stood by silently! With No questions! No doubts! No
Judgments! Fortunate are those who have crossed paths with her even once, the ray of my
sunshine, the essence of my growth and inspiration for life.
There are times when one shuts the door, crawls into the shell and switches off all the lights! Not
out of weakness rather the trust in self starts losing its grip and everything you have known as a
reality, cease to exist. Those are the times one finds a new meaning to loneliness… But then there
was a knock! She somehow found the key to that door, standing tall seeing my fears in the face,
extending her hand! Full of light, she says ‘come lets go’.. that was just the start to where I was
meant to go with her.
When I met her first, she was just someone I knew who walked into my life but there was
something so authentic about her that every incident there after allowed me to find new meaning
to my own life. She wasn’t just someone who was there, she helped me grow and find my wings….
And I didn’t lose sight of her even for a moment because by then I knew she was divinity in the
form of a friend!
I learnt how liberating it was to be ME! from being what everyone expected of me to be. She
taught me the value of being me! I learnt how to free my mind from lifelong conditioning of the
‘good & bad’, she says ‘it all just is! There is no good or bad, it is what and how you chose to see’.
She showed me the beauty of being in love with the universe, how insignificant our small minds,
ego and desires are. The more real I became the more unreal everything else started seeming,
she taught me to be real!
15 years of age gap never appeared between us, we have been a mirror for each other to reflect
our thoughts when it all got a bit foggy! We share a space that one can only share with one’s own
self now that’s rare! The contagious laughter we create when our silly switch is on! (which is most
of the time) Once a year we travel together to a place none of us have been before, that’s the trip
I love to wait for. It is nothing less than a blessing for us to have found each other. A person who
not only adds value to your existence but partners with you in the madness of life, co-creates the
fun element in everything you do and is half as crazy as you! Someone I would like to hold on to
for life and wouldn’t trade for the world.
Happiness is not a destination, it’s a Journey! And to share this journey with a friend as crazy as
you, PRICELESS!
She said…
‘It will be ok’, take my light and move ahead,
Life is a butterfly and moments are thread
Laugh it all off, in the end all turn to ash,
Ego, hurt, and misery, gifts from the trash
Take a sip of wine, say cheers to life
slice the drama in half, and use the wisdom knife
She kept laughing and I kept giggling,
life went from serious to shimmering
Now you see it’s her and me,
The journey of life, is wise and free...

Painting by Josh Kumar

EXPERIENCE
TRUTH, FORGIVENESS &
RECONCILIATION
DR. J RAJMOHAN PILLAI
In Friendship:Truth and Reconciliation and Forgiveness is not just personally rewarding.
It's also a necessity.
All people become less than whole because of the life and circumstances they live in.. We
suffer years of cruelty and oppression, while it seems many privileged became more
uncaring, less compassionate, less humane, and therefore less human. Yet during these
years of suffering and inequality, each of us is still tied to that of all others, friend or
enemy. For our own dignity can only be measured in the way we treat others. This was
Gandhiji's extraordinary insight.
I saw the power of this idea when I was serving time with Dalai Lama in Darmashala. His
Holiness had established to move beyond the cycles of retribution and violence that had
plagued Tibet . There was a commission that granted perpetrators of crimes the
opportunity to appeal for forgiveness by giving a full and truthful account of their
actions and, if they so chose, an opportunity to ask for forgiveness—opportunities that
some took and others did not. The commission also gave victims of crimes a chance to
tell their stories, hear confessions, and thus unburden themselves from the pain and
suffering they had experienced.
For us to heal and become a more humane place, we had to embrace our enemies as well
as our friends. The same is true the world over. True enduring peace—between friends,
within a community, within a family—requires real reconciliation between former
enemies and even between loved ones who have struggled with one another.
How could anyone really think that true reconciliation could avoid a proper
confrontation? After a husband and wife or two friends have quarreled, if they merely
seek to gloss over their differences or metaphorically paper over the cracks, they must
not be surprised when they are soon at it again, perhaps more violently than before,
because they have tried to heal their ailment lightly.
True reconciliation is based on forgiveness, and forgiveness is based on true confession,
and confession is based on penitence, on contrition, on sorrow for what you have done.
We know that when a husband and wife have quarreled, one of them must be ready to
say the most difficult words in any language, “I’m sorry,” and the other must be ready to
forgive for there to be a future for their relationship. This is true between parents and
children, between siblings, between neighbors, and between friends. Equally, confession,
forgiveness, and reconciliation in the lives of nations are not just airy-fairy religious and
spiritual things, nebulous and unrealistic. They are the stuff of practical living..

COIMBATORE TO LONDON
THE BEGINNING
MEENAKSHI SAI
Looking back I see myself sitting on the floor cross legged with a
massive world map in front of me ,trying to find a route that I fancied
from Coimbatore to London. One can get to London from India by
road in just 15 countries maybe , but I was itching to do more .
Eastern Europe always intrigued me. Would I travel to Serbia and
Macedonia, otherwise, if I don’t do it on this road trip. Minsk
(Belarus) was also somewhere I wanted to go. Countries got added
and taken off ! Finally after almost a month I had a route that I liked.
24 seemed like a nice number. And 70 days as well. 2470 had a nice
ring to it . Next came the stops that I would make ,appropriate cities
,doable distances ,etc etc . The China route will be taken care of by
the agent .No worries there. The capital cities of most countries was
the target and I worked towards getting the route together.
Who is going to go with me was the next big question. Family was
like are you mad? Why would you do something like this when there
are professional travel companies organizing such road trips . If you
fancy doing a road trip, why don’t you do it with them . Friends were
shocked and amused. No one took me seriously .I shared the route
and tentative budget with some friends who are avid travelers but
got very half hearted languid responses . Not their kinda travel, too
long , too expensive ,how do you sit in a car for 70 days, I would like
to go but I cant drive ,,blah blah.. None of my friends signed up.
I decided I needed women co travelers even if I didn’t know them.
500 Facebook and Whatsapp messages went out furiously in a day ,
over numerous cups of coffee and a rainy day in late July last
year.The response was tepid. I was thinking I ll have multitudinous
responses pouring in but hmmmm no….I started trolling people on
facebook ,travel blogs and other road trip fb pages. Priya Rajpal was
the first to show a keen interest .Eagerly I jumped into the next flight
to Mumbai the very next day to meet with her .Speaking on the
phone she seemed like this big person with a booming voice and I
was quite surprised when this small person with an effervescent
personality walked into my hotel room . Another old friend from
college who was wanting to go in this road trip was also there
,unfortunately she didn’t make it as well. Over drinks and dinner at
this very pleasant quaint place in Kala Ghoda ,it seemed like the
team was complete. Back home I threw myself into finding sponsors
,paper work and in a weeks time 2 of the team members dropped
out and I was again at 2.I was torn between finding a car and team
members all over again .No car and no team .The search was on
again. A common friend tagged Mookambika Rathinam on my Fb
post .Coming from a small town near my home town Coimbatore,
Pollachi and a quick talk with her lifted my spirits.Although she has
never traveled out of India before,she didn’t seem intimidated or
daunted.She only said she s in, inspite of the very little information I
had given her. She was in.
Having heard of the Hexa launch slated for early 2017,I again trolled
a friend who is closely associated with TATA Motors . An Indian
vehicle is what I wanted , although I got grave warnings and dour
scenarios painted to me about the reliability and soundness which
was imperative here. I was fixated on the Hexa . Infinite calls and a
great deal of cajoling I got a nod from Tata finally. Xpd 2470 began
taking shape and but the endeavor wasn’t easy .

NOTICE
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COVER PHOTOGRAPH
Sujil Chandra Bose
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CIS COMMUNIQUE
ACTIVUS MARCHES ON
ACTIVUS, a CCCI initiative and an integral vertical of
the movement seems to be attracting a large
community of enthusiasts who are signing up to be
part of the transformational program structured in a
club format.
The format is based on Theatre, Fun, Games and a lot
of activities that engage its members, transforming
them from shy individuals to highly confident people.
The impact is almost immediate as people who have
experienced it over the last two years vouch for its
authenticity.
Cities of Dubai, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin,
Calicut, Thrissur and Trivandrum are gearing up to set
up Chapters.
We are glad to announce the leadership in three cities
who are Rathish Aiyar (Chennai), Geeta Poduval
(Mumbai) and Maya Pradeep (Bangalore).
We welcome your
thoughts and comments
on the contents of
BEYOND BORDERS.
Write to the Editor @
bigpushconsulting@gmail.com
Activus will play host to INCEPTION, an event to
initiate the leadership of the respective clubs into
action on the 16th of September at Cochin.
A CCCI Official Release
International Secretariat

LITERATURE | POETRY
It was I.
SUJIL CHANDRA BOSE
I am the one
I created it
I did let the sparks fly
I allowed it to consume me
I only saw it fly
I didn't see it fly back to me
When it bit me
I did not feel it was me
I never let it go
Instead kept it close to me
Until it became heavy
That I wobbled when I walked
When they said I was wrong
I told me I wasn't,
And I knew I was
All along the way
I wanted it all to happen
The way I had wanted
Did I know it wouldn't
Or did I pretend I did not
I know now within me.
I created what flew around me
And now I must let them go
Or let it swallow me.

MEET YOUR BEST FRIEND
PHILOSOPHY
By KRIS IYER, Dubai, UAE
Not a million man hours of research can explain the true meaning of friendship. The bond which might be
formed within seconds but may remain stranger and stronger than blood relations and other forms of social
bonding. We are fascinated by such stories of friendship beyond religion, beyond borders and beyond all
norms of the society. Friendship has been studied in academic fields such as communication, sociology, social
psychology, anthropology, and philosophy. There would be very few subjects studied over such a wide
spectrum of subjects.
We all claim to have friends... but are we friendly enough to be a friend? Who is our best friend and to whom
are we the best friend?
When was the last time you were down and low and the phone rang... and from the other side comes the
questions "Hello... How are you?"... The comforting voice of someone who knows you. Who cares for you...
Who can say... "Its okay... chill" and you start smiling again. That would be the voice of your friend, who felt
you were not ok. Those comforting words can move you and take you to a state of mind which can fight the
odds better. When was the last time, you made an effort and called your friend to find if he or she is alright.
That determines your nature.
The bond between humans and animals which inspired stories like Androcles and the Lion, the stories of
friendship between man and machine, the friendly bond between people working in the same field... all have
left us intriguing and in awe. Myths and legends are filled with many tales of true friendship. Friendship has
inspired many poets and writers to base their work on this unique bond. But there is another aspect to the
term "Best Friend"
In chapter 6 of Bhagavat Gita which deals in dhyana yoga the verse 5 says:
uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet
atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah
Which means: Only ones mind can deliver and uplift oneself and mind can be the reason for ones
degradation. The best friend to you are yourself and you can be the worst enemy as well.
In the New International Version of the Holy Bible, in Proverbs 18:24 the words on friendship points to a
similar thought: "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a
brother." Who else can be closer to you than your blood brother. So reform your friendship with yourself to
be better in life. You can be your best friend and when you see yourself in others and treat others in ways you
want them to treat you, we make a better place.
From the Hadiths there is a reference to a time when once Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked, "What
person can be the best friend?" "He who helps you remember Allah (SWT), and reminds you when you forget
Him," the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), counseled. Who can be your best friend then? It is you ... Be your best
friend, for who knows you better than yourself.

WHO ONCE MEANT
FEATURE
EVERYTHING TO ME
SHREYA SURESH
Some say friends are an integral part of your life, well I say, ‘without FRIENDS you can’t complete
your life. We don’t get the opportunity to choose our parents, the only people we are allowed to
choose is our friends. And by friends, I don’t mean the ones with whom you drink, party or smoke,
for those recreational activities, you will find millions of them out there, but with whom you bond
emotionally, with whom the strings of friendship are attached forever!’
Your bestfriend could be anyone, your parents, your siblings, your boyfriend or your husband. We
often assume that they have to be your age, your friend circle or of your nature. Remember, they
don’t come with any expectations or demands, but they are here to be you support system.
Nowadays, how many of you share everything with whomever you call your “BESTFRIEND”?
Often bestfriend is just a mere tag which is given to people so that they feel secured in their
respective lives. But how many share the same connection with them? Friends should be those,
whom you don’t have to forcefully start a conversation, rather it should eventually take you there.
Friends are those who fight with you crazily and make up to you realizing that they are nothing with
you. They play several roles in your life.
Sometimes, they act as your parents when they knock your brains and get you back on the track
when you attempt to do something stupid or silly. Sometimes, they act as you counselors, when you
are low or when you feel worthless, they are immediately right beside you cruising through your
depressed phase. These days we don’t find such people or should I say we don’t give them the
importance they deserve!
Sadly we assume we are too busy in life that we don’t have the time to catch up. How much time is it
going to take to send – “Hey! How are you? I hope you doing fine.”. Always we blame our work, our
schedule and take that as an excuse to procrastinate that one little message to your bestfriend and
when we look back, we are filled with emptiness and wonder where our friendship could have
completely changed the equation with our bestfriend.
So, stop blaming your work, your commitment or priority, it’s you and only you who could have
restored the magic in the relationship. Now you are left with only the strings of memories which are
cherished for the rest of your life.
Never be afraid of looking back and holding on to people who mean the world to you. They might
distant away but never vanish from your side, So never let go of such friends because, they are like
the finishing touch to your life, making every second worthwhile and magical!

FRIENDSHIP
| SHORT STORY
LITERATURE
By Dr. Liza Raj, Kochi.
Friends at forty? Meera mused one late evening over her cup of tea. By this time, usually
we become comfortable in our local scenario and make friends with the local grocer, or
chemist, lady at the salon, the class teacher, and tennis coach. But, life has its own take on
the events that unfold.
Meera had a fairy tale story to boast off, till one day her husband died and all hell broke
loose. She was not tuned to making decisions in life and yet now she had to decide
everything on her own and be the champion for her kids. She returns to her town of
childhood, yet all seemed so strange and so does the nature of the known people.
Friendless and socially outcast she was putting the pieces of her life together when the
only solace she would find was her virtual online friends. It brought her some sanity.
She got into touch with an associate director Raghavan. She was thrilled that in her
darkest hour somebody actually had time and the willingness to listen. Soon the friendship
grew untainted and meaningful enough to want to meet each other. Raghavan was
surprised when one day Meera announced that she had applied for the auditions of his
next movie project. Unknown to Meera, and the innocent soul that she was, she had faith
that Raghavan would be as thrilled to have her by her side and she on the contrary would
learn about movie making which had always been her passion.
The dream soon crumbled when she realized that Raghavan was everybody’s friend and
unknown to her she was being underplayed at the sets. The dialogues meant for her were
given off conveniently to other ladies in the set. The insecurity within her and the burning
rage when she came to know about Raghavan’s roving eye consumed her. Every day new
people would come on the sets to enact their part. The very glamorous Neena with the
right contacts in the movie world made her appearance and all the other wannabes began
reporting trouble.
All the babble is common under the circumstances but Meera was in a daze and did not
care much really. Her concept of friendship collapsed. She was called to give a shot with
another actor but Meera was clearly depressed. She had no makeup on and no smile
either. The dashing handsome Ranvir sensed the situation and took the situation under
control.
Neena came to know the games Raghav was playing with all the girls on the set and the
effect on Meera, and she cautioned her. With the strong support of Neena and Ranvir,
Meera regained her lost smile and faith in friendship. The movie was released and all went
their way, but these three remained together. They were to do many projects later.
Together they gave friendship a new meaning.

TILL THE
END
LITERATURE | POETRY
ANASHWARA BINOD, DUBAI
You always took care of me.
But I was never your family.
You corrected me
But you weren't my teacher
And when I cry,
You never comforted me,
Instead you scolded me
For not being bold
You have shown me the side of the world,
I have never seen
Told me what is correct and
Told me what is not.
And even today, thou you are miles away.
I still know you care
Cause you are my best friend
And that's till the end.

BEYOND
BORDERS
A CCCI FAMILY INITIATIVE

BEYOND
BORDERS
A CCCI FAMILY INITIATIVE

L I T E R A T U R E | P O E T R Y
THE UMBRELLA
S U N I T A F L E V Y M I S Q U I T H
Leaning shoulders,
Trust defined,
Hearts that embraced
Shrugged in the showers;
An umbrella that caressed,
In the warmth of your company,
As we accompanied,
Through tears and laughter
The joy of kissing rain.
Sometimes overturned
Showers tickling my feet
I knew the upheavels
Of life could bring,
But I stood under the shadow of your wings
Sometimes rain sometimes the blazing sun
When the chills of life took me by
Reclined to the warmth of her heart,
Sometimes the splitters splatter,
With the rains that clatter
I flinched her cloak,
On the marshy platter,
I made a way through the jitter jatter,
Of a friend who held me by,
Sometimes chirping in the drizzling rain,
She sang s song tryst and love,
In the solace of her heart.
Sometimes a downpour,
The lightning striking by,
The earth though wet,
You left me dry,
A fried shielding me through the tripping rain.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

y
Photography
Chemmannur, Australia
Abhilash
abilash.c@gmail.com

L I T E R A T U R E | S H O R T S T O R Y
BIRTHDAY GIFT
G A Y A T H R I R N A I R , D U B A I
It's was on the eve of my 19th birthday that dad brought him home in a cardboard box.
He was dark thin and ugly and very much not what i had expected. I had demanded for a chubby
handsome Labrador as a gift for my birthday. Dad who knew nothing about dogs or pups excitedly
said, hey! see what i have brought??
It was a Doberman, he said.
I knew someone had fooled him. It was nothing but a stray dog. Dad put him on my lap. It was so ugly
that I put him down immediately. I started hating him from that very moment. I wanted to name my
new little friend Toby, and dad had started calling this the ugly little thing by the same name.
Days passed and everytime he came to me wagging his tail and licking my toes with love, I shooed
him away. I was so embarrassed to say he was my Puppy. I started ignoring him and called him Stinky
instead of Toby.
One day when I stood there talking with my neighbor near the boundary wall, Toby alias Stinky came
from behind and started pulling my Dupatta. Irritated I started yelling at him and even took a stick
and started beating him. He barked violently and before I could do something he jumped. I could see
a little tail hanging outside his mouth in blood. It was a baby snake that was crawling towards me on
the boundary wall. Before I could do anything he fell to the floor. His tired eyes were stuck on me, as if
a pat on his head could give him relief from the pain I had hated him from the day he came home. I
ran my fingers over his head, little did I know i was so safe with him around.
Inspite of my hatred he loved me unconditionally. He lay there gazing at me. Within a few minutes his
body lay there still. He made me realize that true friendship was beyond looks and was
unconditional.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

L I T E R A T U R E | S H O R T S T O R Y
TO MY BEST
FRIEND
D R . R U C H I N A S A
I met her in the college hostel. My first day after admission to the medical college, my parents dropped me to
the hostel with my bedding and luggage. They were to travel back the same day.
Long corridors, and rooms like matchboxes facing each other. That was the only room with light on. All other
rooms were locked, as it was a long weekend, and girls who lived in nearby towns could afford to go home.
That was when I saw her. A thin girl with a big smile.Her eyes had that sparkle which one could not ignore. Our
wavelengths matched instantaneously. She showed me the hostel and told me the etiquette code for the
junior most batch.
From day one, We both bonded like sisters. We knew what other meant without even having to say it. I didn't
know at that time, what was it that clicked, but I knew if I need someone, to speak my heart out, it was she and
vice versa. Whether it was stress like exams, or a discussion regarding our boyfriends, we both had no secrets.
Whether we like it or not, but somehow the place of birth and the regional boundaries become so important to
us that wherever we go we are identified by that. So was I. A North Indian girl studying in a college in
Maharashtra. That became my Identity.
Colleges are the niche where such petty regionalism instead of being shoved away, is propagated. So, we were
time and again ridiculed about our choice of friends, by people on either side.
Yet, this Maharashtrian girl and me, a North Indian girl survived all the regional boundaries and our friendship
has survived till date.
We may not be able to meet as much as we want now, being miles apart. Infact after we completed college, we
have met less than 10 times in 13 years. Yet, we are still the best friends. Our kids, our husbands know this and
at times tease us.
Even today, if I write a sad quote, she will message me if everything is ok with me. We may not talk now on a
daily basis, sometimes we talk once in months, but whenever we need each other, we are just a phone call
away.
Friendship has different meanings to different people. Each stage of life, friends have a different purpose. In
childhood, friend is one with whom we share our lunch and the one who plays with us. As teenagers, friends
are those who share the study notes, with whom we hang out and who know our secret crush and still keep it
secret. In college, they help us survive heartbreaks and exams. After marriage, they give us a shoulder to cry on
each time we have a showdown with parents, in laws or spouse.
I have been lucky that I have had such a friend. As I finish this and share it with you all readers, she will know
and smile after reading this.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

L I T E R A T U R E | S H O R T S T O R Y
A BEAUTIFUL
MIND
S O W M Y A R A M K U M A R , A H M E D A B A D
She was mildly surprised by the setting of the coffee shop, a rustic British colonial era set up amidst the
every busy Mumbai or should we say extended Mumbai. Maya was new to the city and belonged to the
south of India. A classy Malayali lass confused about what to be excited about her swanky job or this city
that never ceases to amaze a soul. She found a shared accommodation quite soon that was a mere two
station ride from her office in Belapur! Her work kept her busy for most of the hours she was awake.
Akash was known to resolve even the seemingly difficult issues and was the star of the team. Genetically
gifted with great looks would seem like a mere understatement if you meet him, green tinted soft eyes,
constantly smiling lips combined with a leader like stance was impossible to resist. The initial six months
flew by as Maya was engrossed in learning work and was hands full to gobble up even cutting her break
times. Once she could handle her tasks with ease did the long lunch breaks with the group and Akash
spared Maya lavish glances stolen and more than necessary. Maya brushed it all aside asserting them to
be extended pondering as she was a practical person and knew he had many contenders.
Mumbai monsoons soon painted the city in a million colours and romance too. Akash dropped her most
of the days and the conversations were always about his curiosity about finding even the minutest details
about Maya. She was getting addicted to his attention an ounce a day and soon they were savouring
coffee at that Colonial coffee shop she liked. She would not have noticed that server but for the way he
stared at Akash every time he served them. Akash responded even before she could think that he was
John and was a little unbalanced in mind and even confirmed it for her with the manager. Maya was too
engrossed in Akash that she brushed aside the server’s attitude. He was just rude not menacing she
concluded.
Work pressure was building and weekends were being made wild to compensate the stress. Maya was
loosening up with every Gin and Tonic that made way warming her senses. Akash was after all
encouraging her to be more urban each day! She seldom realised when Akash drove past her home and
helped her out of the car at an unknown place. Even at this inebriated stated those words seemed like nail
scratching against iron “See, Nothing is unconquerable for Akash, she is all mine willingly!” , Akash sneered
at his friends standing outside that apartment. Maya’s self-respect had survived the drinks and she
started resisting, triggering the animal within Akash.
Just as he was dragging her inside did that guy jumped at Akash and gave a few shattering blows. Once
Maya was sober she let out a mild scream on seeing John, the waiter from the café seated beside her.
After a hot coffee she bridged his broken verses which translated to Akash being a serial offender and
many of his traps were laid at that coffee shop. He was just smart enough roam scot free! When she
finally asked why John helped her he just said “You’re my friend!”
John was seated at the window seat merrily clapping away as that flight landed into Cochin Airport. After
all his buddy Maya was getting hitched and he was the best man at the wedding!
N O M A D I C | 2 4

L I T E R A T U R E | S H O R T S T O R Y
SWEET MUSINGS
S U N I T A F L E V Y M I S Q U I T H
New beginnings, new era, my heart resounded with joy of my wedding bells until I only found conflict in
personalities, character and deviation in my entire world making me revolve around 360 degrees in my
practical being as I had just moved to Peru after my new knots that were tied.
I seeped into a cocoon of loneliness and my heart lay glum wandering in search of someone who could get
parallel with my thinking and understanding.
I missed home eluded feeling homesick and missing all my sweet angels.
I made some raw connections on the internet and I happened to meet a good listener to take me of the
captivity of my heart that I felt trapped in
“Move with the flow and pray for the right decisions”. “One day at a time” “Keep your calm” such connotations
popped up through her messages as she tried to calm the erupting volcano of emotions that was battling
inside of me, But she had no voice with an irritable cough sulking her throat in conjugation with her sweet
named ‘Melody’. She kept inspiring me with her words of wisdom that sparkled light stealing the dusk of my
life.
One afternoon we decided to meet at the Buenavista Café the first sight drew me that she was an affable and
humble soul spurting her 50’s yet vibrant with a lot mischief that arrayed on her face. We sipped in some
coffee winking at each other. She whispered through silent expressions. I was glad that she could whisper
while I gathered on my eye for detail not missing on the conversation.
Minor acquaintances had blossomed into a lovely friendship. We moved through workshops; sailing clubs,
indulged into the realm of creativity, took long walks tickling our feet on the seashore as the breeze caressing
me alluring me in the warmth of her friendship.
It all shaped up to finding a beautiful me as in the meantime I stood up with resilience to move with flow but to
be rock on the principles never to be tethered and be dauntless in patience and that made my union meet.
New beginnings… new dawn life…. never the same again ….. A friend treasured deep within my heart.
N O M A D I C | 2 4

Kolkatta Street by Arjun Das, Jharkand
Arjun Das is a self taught artist who from his childhood has
been inspired by the rustic beauty of rural Jamshedpur
(Jharkhand). He has dedicated himself to the Creation of Indian
and Realistic,
He is a rising artist with an absolute zeal for redefining the
culture of artisanship. Since the time Arjun took up the Art, he
has been creating a myriad of exquisite paintings.
The artist’s dynamic thought process is reflected through his
abstract Rainy day, ‘Radha Krishna, Lord Buddha, Varanasi
(Banaras) and realistic and beautiful texture using painting.
arjundas2009@gmail.com

LIFESTYLE |ASTROLOGY
SEPTEMBER FOR YOU.
SHUBHA JAIN JAVARIA
An ace & inherited Vedic Astrology practitioner, Shubha Javaria has been into the art
of forecasting the future for the last 16 years for Individuals, Corporates & Financial
markets. She is well known for guiding the people in practical spin and believes in
empowering an individual by assessing future trends based on their Horoscope &
zodiac reading, so that one can have maximum benefit & strategies accordingly. She
has extended her guidance to many politicians, celebrities, entrepreneurs &
corporates.
astroshubha11@gmail.com
ARIES: Your judgment will be very good and you will stride in your career.Financially this month is going to be fantastic
you will have an increase in Income and will get rid of unnecessary expenses. Love will be the significant factor and it will
chase you. This month will bring stability and mental peace. Health will be wonderful.
TAURUS: You can use this period to enhance the personal image and fulfill special desires. Planets foretell harmonious
relationship with parents. The month Belongs to Creativity and Children. Planetary influences are highly beneficial for
these two activities.Avoid taking any risky decisions related to Investments. Financially second half will be the better
time period. The transition of Jupiter brings some worries related to health
GEMINI: This is a perfect time for finding a time for a pleasure trip. You can try to expand your social network which will
help in getting things done easily. It’s time for you to work hard and can enroll for new courses. Financially it’s a smooth
month. Planetary position indicates that your health is much better compared to the previous month.
CANCER: You can spend your energies on improving your emotional quotient which in turn will help your professional
prospects in the future. You have to exercise your social skills to attain your objectives in life. Domestic concerns will be
on your agenda. Shifting of residence, real estate investments are all on the cards
LEO: Your diligence will get recognized and will be rewarded with promotions and enhancement of finances. You need to
control your emotions at the workplace. You should allow love to develop gradually if you want a romantic alliance to
survive. At the initiative of the month, you may be into conflict with your love mates. Your health will be fabulous
VIRGO: You should employ your free time to formulate your goals and to revise your business strategies taking into
account the various flaws in your earlier plans. There could change in place of living. You have to switch over from
autonomy and assertiveness to be adjustable and flexible. Your career horoscope suggests changes in your career path.
LIBRA: A lot of changes from the personal and professional aspects. Focus may shift from charity and spiritual work to
personal development and growth. You will have the encouragement of your love partner in your fiscal ventures. You
will be benefited by social networks. Your energy can be diverted towards achieving your professional and financial
goals.
SCORPIO: Spirituality will be prominent during this month for the Scorpio personality. You will be deeply involved with
spiritual guides, teachings, mystic visions and experiences.You will be engaged in charitable events and humanitarian
deeds. Professionally you will have decent growth. Married scorpions and people in serious relationships will have a
harmonious period this month. You need to bear some unplanned expenses this month, overall health will be good
SAGITTARIUS: Planetary positions show that there could be an increase in income flow. You will be inclined towards
spiritual activity. Social work and humanitarian efforts will undergo major alterations. Dealings in property and business
will be beneficial. Improvement of finances of the family and your spouse will contribute to the general prosperity.
CAPRICORN: This month you have a slow yield to personal initiative but strong actions will help you attain your goals in
life.This may involve the change in the job description in your present job or a shift to another organization. You will
accomplish your business objectives as per your desires. Capricornians are passion and sensuality will be very powerful
AQUARIUS: Personal enterprise and self-will are important and you are not dependent on others. There is no need to
adapt to other. Horoscope predicts that monetarily this happens to be a highly prosperous month. You can expect the
unexpected flow of money from unknown sources. You will have abundant opportunities to form love partnerships.
PISCES: onserve your energy by working on essential things and postponing the less important matters.
There will be a drastic change in your financial plans. All investments require more investigation and more focus on
career is required. Planetary influences will force you to seek the assistance of others to achieve your goals.

Celebrate Friendship
It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be
stupid with them. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

JULY | 2017
BEYOND
BORDERS
A CCCI FAMILY INITIATIVE