Have you heard of senate committee meetings in the US? Most probably yes, because it is shown in many Hollywood movies. Do you know that such committees do exist in India and they are chaired by opposition parties to scrutinize the functioning of govt?

Well, I witnessed one such hearing today (that was the reason I had to come to work on Saturday). I was very eager to witness Ms. Jayapradha but she didn’t turn up (in fact out of 31 members only about 10 was present; 2 of AIADMK didn’t attend). The chairman and one another member was very vocal in scrutinizing the functioning; other members were mostly spectators. In fact one of the prominent member from Karnataka was present but sleeping through out the presentation (later I was told that for every meeting that they attend, they are paid good money!).

Preparations for this meeting was going on for more than a week. It is surprising that there are indeed control mechanisms in the government to monitor the regular functioning; it is just that these bureaucrats & politicians have found all the loop holes and innovative ways to be corrupt.

(Just before our hearing was another hearing on Ministry of Planning, of which a part of it I could overhear. They were intensively probing UID project).

It was over with a nice lunch. I had the opportunity to have lunch with the top politicians of the country. Of course I didn’t interact with them. But to be in the same lunch room itself is a big thing.

By luck or grace or hard work, I have always stood in front of the top of the top. In iGATE I used to be one of the very few who presented to CXOs constantly and challenge some of their ideas. Here I constantly meet the secy (administrative head of ministry), minister (head of ministry), DDG (incharge of national IT arm) and now not forgetting the Parlimentary Standing Committee. I have to stand only in front of the president & prime minister.

Life sometimes is un-believable.

It all started with a call to work on Saturday. It was a waste of full day and I was completely upset that I had to waste a full day of weekend. I thought it would be over with.

But in the late night Rani called and said that she was rushing to hospital as there was bleeding. There was whole lot of confusion, as it would be a pre-mature pregnancy. After that call, hours went with confusion, anxiety, lots of calls back & forth. There were discussions about incubator too.

Whole of  Sunday went with anxiety too. Today doc informed that things are under control. Rani is still in hospital, but she may be discharged tomorrow and asked to come back when there is labor pain.

Baby weighs 2.4 kgs; BP and all other essential parameters are perfectly normal.

As of now, the situation has improved. Still waiting anxiously though.

Blame it on anything. For the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking of my initial days in Belgium. I struggled without much friends and wondering why I was where I was. That was the case for a year until I got few friends.

Situation is not very different now. I don’t have anyone with whom I could go out for a drink (damn, there is no place to go for a drink). Having used to a free life, this feels like a prison – not going out; no friends; just work and home.

When is prison-break planned?

Just now Rani’s family came home (to Tuticorin) and she went to her home. Joy left to Bangalore too. I am in Tuticorin (along with parents). Never felt so lonely and not wanting to be. Surprising but true. I wish the next few months go fast.

I am at home relaxing. I am on a project to improve my writing & photography. I have started to write something of value (at least to myself). I will soon open it, that soon might be 5 months. Wait for it ;-). I’ve been working on my photography too. I’m learning a lot. Have a look at my photos at http://cephire.aminus3.com. You’ll see.

Ha the very thought of a break, especially from Delhi and work. I will be going home tomorrow and then be back after a week. I’ve not looked forward to break so much (at least after coming to India). I know this is just a break; but I keep feeling like how I felt on the last day of the college or on the last day at iGATE. Is it end of something and beginning of something wonderful? Probably.

When I was an employee, things were very simple – every month I got my salary; end of FY get Form 16; file it by July and forget everything else. Of course you never know why you were only getting half of your CTC – reasons given to you are, taxes, deductions, reduced bonus and so on.

Being a proprietor is not easy – you have to keep all the receipts, know your bank transactions line by line, and prepare balance sheets 🙁 Not a happy thought. But that is what I am doing now.

On Friday, Rani & parents left to Bangalore via Rajadhani Express. They reached today. As per all three of them, the food was fantastic, though there was too much of shake over the journey. After a day’s rest, they will again travel to Tuticorin.

Friday night & Yesterday I didn’t feel that lonely. I was busy with reading ‘On writing well’ by William Zinsser and sleeping. I did cook rice and spend the day without ever feeling that I had company for this long in this god-forsaken city.

Only today it started to settled in. Primarily because I’m hungry even after eating everything I could get my hands to. Then I realize I’ve grown to be used to Rani’s presence – teasing, talking, or getting pampered by her. I miss that.

Good news is it is all for good reason. So I’ll take it.