Face to Face

PROLOGUE
They put him in a 6 feet by 6 feet cell.It was good riddance they thought.He would now rot in there for all eternity.And they couldn't think of anyone who deserved it more.He was one of the worst criminals...and an even worse human being if that was possible.No one shed a drop when the judge announced the verdict of life sentence.No one deserved it more richly than him.

He sat in the court day after day and heard all the allegations they brought.He was an underworld gangster.He had killed hundreds of thousands of people.He had built an empire on all sorts of illegal businesses.Everyone testfied against him.All of his closest aides cut a deal with the police.They gave him up to save their asses.They hung him out in the open.

But he didnt speak a word.Didnt for even once open his mouth to refute any of the charges.His lawyers tried their hardest.But it really was an open and shut case.There never was a doubt from the beginning.

And thus they put him away.And everyone thought that was that.Justice was served.

1

It was a busy day in the News Kolkata office like usual.It was busier than usual.Because today was a huge day.News Kolkata has acquired the exclusive rights of an interview with former gangster and underworld don Viktor Fernandez.Six years ago Fernandez was convicted on 37 counts and sentenced to lifetime improsinment.And now News Kolkata had acquired the rights to an interview with the man who didn't defend himself during his trial.

The chief architect of this triumph was senior journalist Arjun Sengupta.Arjun has always had a great vision.He knew a great story when he saw it.And when he was covering Fernandez's trial six years earlier he thought what a great story it would be to bring out the personal life of the dreaded mafia.The man convicted of 77 known murders.And now after six years of fight he had been able to acquire the permissions from all concerned authorities for an interview with Viktor Fernandez.He had actually wanted the live interview to be telecast on News Kolkata's channel.But in the end he had to settle for an interview for the newspapers.Even that was quite an achievement Arjun thought as he boarded his car to set out for Alipore Jail.This was going to be his day,his moment.All great journalists have their defining stories...and this was gonna be his.

He had it all worked out.All the questions framed after much chopping and changing over six years.Yes he was going to be famous.As famous as he dreamt of being when he started this job.His rise in the profession has been meteoric.And this was going to seal that.

2
As he entered the cell Arjun felt kind of nervous.Seated in a chair was Viktor fernadez.His hands and feet were fettered,And there were 10 armed policeman standing around.What the hell,thought Arjun,he is a gangster not a fucking psycho.

'Gentlemen if you would be kind enough to step outside...then I can begin my interview...' said Arjun to the guards.

'Sir,we are here for your safety...he is one dangerous son of a bitch' said one of them.The others nodded in agreement.

'He is all tied up at the moment...stay outside fellas....I will give a shout if he tries anything..He isn't exactly Dr Hannibal Lecter is he' laughed Arjun.

'Who is this doctor?He is a gangster...Viktor Fernandez' declared one of the guards emphatically.

'It was a joke...never mind...just give me some privacy ok??I will be all right..'said Arjun.

The men hesitated for some time-then slowly filtered out.'Please close the door..I am not saying lock it..just pull it please' asked Arjun.

Finally everything was ready and he was sitting down in the most important assignment of his career.Face to face with one of the most dreaded criminals of the country,the Goanese Viktor Fernandez.

3
Viktor looked much thinner than when he was last seen during the trials.However aside from that and a patch of grey hairs on the sides of his face he looked no different.

Arjun spoke first-'I guess you are wondering who am I?Well I am a journalist....I believe your story need to be told to the world...During your trial you maintained silence...Now you should tell people your side-'

'Save the bullshit brother' cut him off Viktor....a faint smile on his face..'You dont give a shit about me pal...It's all about a story...you are gonna beat the shit out of your competition with this story...In my days,I had people in the press you know....I know all you fucking hypocrites down to your bone marrows'

The room was pin-drop silent for a couple of seconds.Then Arjun spoke again.

'Let's get down to the questions.Did you really do what you were accused of doing?' asked Arjun.

Viktor was looking at his feet.After a short pause he looked up at Arjun,a trace of the faintest smile his face-'Yes...and then some.'

'What led you into this...life of criminal activities??Some childhood trauma??Abusive parents??Bullied at school???WHAT???'Arjun was slowly getting into his stride.

'You know my background perfectly well.But still I will say this for the tape recorders.No...I did not have any troubles in my childhood...I did not face any abuse....I had a great family,the best education everything.'

'Wow...' said Arjun sarcastically 'You're really gonna get some sympathy you know that??Had everything...but no,it wasn't enough!!!NOT FOR YOU!!!You wanted more....no matter how many innocent lives you had to waste!!!'

'Innocent???Who is innocent???The people I killed were all drug dealers..or fucking pimps or rival gangsters....THE WORLD IS NO MORE POORER FOR THOSE BASTARDS!!!;' shouted Viktor.

'OH REALLY???REALLY MR FERNANDEZ???REALLY???AND WHAT ABOUT THOSE POOR BOYS...WHO FELL TO THE DRUGS....THE COCAINE,MORPHINE,HEROINE,THE FUCKING MARIJUANA THAT YOUR DRUG PEDDLERS SOLD TO THE KIDS???HOW ABOUT THEM MR SAINT?'Arjun screamed jumping on the balls of his feet.

'yeah I know.It's my fault.But what about the parents of those rich collge going brats???HUH???WHAT ABOUT THEIR INSTITUTIONS????DON'T THEY HAVE ANY DAMN RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANYTHING??'REMEMBER WE ONLY SELL THOSE BECAUSE PEOPLE BUY THOSE...IT'S CAUSE AND EFFECT...SUPPLY AND DEMAND MY FRIEND.'

'You have an answer for everything don't you??Nothing was your fault was it??you have NOT ONE morsel of remorse for your wrong doings!!!'declared Arjun emphatically.

'Do you have any regrets for your wrong doings??' demanded Viktor.

'Me?what have I done???When did I murder anyone???when did I kidnap people??'

'No you haven't murdered anyone.But you stick your goddamn mic in the face of the relatives of the victim.No you haven't kidnapped anyone.You have simply made them your news item.Isn't that correct??' Viktor was actually smiling.

'The duty of the media is to dig out the truth and report it to the people.That's what we do' said Arjun.

'No...that's not what you do...you show people things as YOU view them...NOT AS IT HAPPENED...YOU ARE AS GUILTY AS US.But you know what's the difference between you and me???You stand there smug in your imaginary world of importance.Not knowing that you are just a fucking medium.At least I was king for 15 minutes.I would rather be that and spend the rest of my life here in the jail than be like you.A SCHMUCK FOR A LIFETIME.'

'Why you two-bit punk-'Arjun lunged at Viktor.The guards burst in the room and dragged him out.

'What the fuck were you doing?Are you out of your mind?'asked the senior officer present.

'I was wrong about him.He really is Hannibal Lecter' replied Arjun breathing heavily.

'I dont know what the hell that means...but I know one thing-THIS INTERVIEW IS OVER.Get your ass out of here' replied the Inspector.

Epilogue
As Arjun drove back towards his office he reflected on the day.The day he thought would make his career had gone astray.He had come out empty-handed.He didn't have enough substance for a story.But that wasn't bothering him...what was bothering him was Viktor's words.Was it true??Was he really a schmuck for a lifetime??Was he??

A Kolkata Tale

Act 1
It was yet another Saraswati Puja.This day was always hard for him.Brought back a lot of painful memories.Since that year,every year he hopes the day would pass quickly and he would not notice it.But cruel as the days are they always took 24 hours to pass.Bringing back yet again those memories.They cut through his mind like broken shards of a mirror.
There wasn't any reason it would be any different this year.But what he hadn't anticipated was that this day could go worse.He was woken up by his phone vibrating loudly.He reached out from underneath his quilt and grabbed it-
'Yeah?'
'Wow up already you lazy bugger??I called you 5 times since the morning!!!'-said a voice he hadn't heard in 2 years.
'Aniket???" He asked his heart pounding.He was now wide awake.
'Oh so you remember??I feel really honoured man!!!You are such a big shot these days....I was afraid you wouldn't remember an old college friend' laughed Aniket from the other side.
'Wow!! I dont believe it dude...It's really you!!!!' he cried.
'Now now...don't wet yourself in excitement...so..you got any plans for today??' asked Aniket
'Well,I...' he was actually thinking of spending the day by himself...
'Ok Ok...I understand...I was thinking maybe we could go out...you know...go someplace...catch up on the old times...but if you are busy....' his voice trailed off.
'I dont believe you man...you call me up on the morning of a holiday to make plans....but hey,you know what...I am an impulsive guy...YOU'RE ON!!!!' .
'Now we're talking....meet you at Pacific Blue at 2 in the afternoon..cool?' asked Aniket.
'Cool....see you...bye for now'
'Yeah..bbye...'.

Act 2

He was standing inside one of the Pacific Blue bathrooms-trying to figure out how things got like him this afternoon.When he left his house today he had thought that this would be a quiet afternoon with his best friend in college..catching up on the old times.Maybe it would take his mind off the depressing memories associated with the day.But things haven't gone to his expectations and now he was stuck in this bathroom.

At exactly five minutes to 2 he had parked his car in the parking lot of Pacific Blue.When he entered,he saw Aniket was already there.He had thought that the place would be quite full with today being a festival but it wasnt.As he sat down he noticed Aniket looked the same as he looked in college.Aniket was a stud in those days.A handsome guy who used to make girls go weak in their knees.

'Let's order first shall we?' asked Aniket as he motioned a waiter to their table.

'Yeah ok,,,' he replied.

'I will have a Chicken Enchilada Casserole' said Aniket.

'Same for me too'

'So big guy,how is life?'asked Aniket.Aniket had this habit of calling him big guy because of his larger than normal stature.

'LIfe is fine...although pretty boring at the moment...how about you?'

'Hey...couldn't be better man.....I got a promotion at job....and there's this girl...man,is she is a kisser or what?'

'Still think you are a casanova eh??Give it up dude...the girls only feel pity on you...'

'Yeah well...jealous people tend to demean other's credentials...Hey Kabir!!!' Aniket suddenly shouted.

He turned his head towards where Aniket shouted and saw a suave-looking guy in tux and a girl beside him.His heart nearly stopped the next second as he realized it was Raya..Aniket didn't seem to be perturbed.He then realized Aniket didn't know Raya.He had heard about her but didn't know her.

The guy Kabir and Raya reached their table.Aniket began the introudctions-'Kabir this is Amit.Amit this is my colleague Kabir and his girlfriend Raya.'

Kabir smiled and extended his hand.Amit shook it.'Nice to meet you.'

Everyone smiled awkwardly for a moment.then Kabir spok-'Well...I guess we will be seeing you then...'

'Yeah...well...bye...'smiled Aniket.

As they moved away Amit and Aniket sat down.The waiter came and kept placed their food on the table.They started eating.But Amit was hardly in a mental state to eat.He never knew chicken enchilada casserole could feel so tasteless.He had then excused himself and came to the restroom.As he stood before the mirror all the memories came flooding back.

Act 3

Well, since my baby left me,
I found a new place to dwell.
It's down at the end of lonely street
at Heartbreak Hotel.

You make me so lonely baby,
I get so lonely,
I get so lonely I could die.

-Elvis Presley 'Heartbreak Hotel'



Amit and Raya has were first introduced by a common friend in their last year of high school.A month after that Amit had proposed and Raya said yes to him.After that their two-year long relationship saw some up and downs but it was in their second year in college on Saraswati Puja day that things finally broke down.

On that day Amit and Raya were supposed to go on an outing.But the previous day,the couple has had a huge fight and they weren't on speaking terms that day.Amit was pretty angry and had gone out with a group of friends.He had decided to let things cool down a little before talking to Raya again.

But fate had other plans for him.As he and his friends were sitting down for lunch in a South Kolkata restaraunt,one of his friends said-'Isn't that Raya?'

Amit quickly looked up and saw Raya sitting at a table some way in front with a boy whom Amit didn't know laughing and joking.

The blood rushed to Amit's head.He went to there table and shouted at her calling her a lot of foul names before storming out of there.He swore never to see her again.

But love is a very unpredictable emotion.When Raya called him in the evening he couldn't help receive the call.

'Congratulations' said Raya in an icy voice. 'I was having a huge guilt feeling for leaving you.But today you proved how right I am.'

'YOU FUCKING BITCH!!!'screamed Amit 'I LOVED YOU...AND YOU CHEATED ME YOU BLOODY --'

Raya cut him off-'And I loved you but you aren't worth it.You don't have any respect for anyone.You don't know how to behave with ladies.It's over.Goodbye'

And with that Raya cut the line.Amit sat there motionless for quite some time.

After that day 5 years had gone but the cupid did not visit Amit again.He felt he still hadn't let go of Raya.And today's chance encounter only accentuated this feeling..

Act 4

After 20 minutes he returned to his seat.

'Hey.you could have told me about your stomach infection.We could have ordered Crocin instead.' quipped Aniket.

'Maybe we could live without the wisecracks??and Crocin isn't for stomach problems you ignorant oaf' said Amit.

'Of course you would know a lot about that wouldn't you?' laughed Aniket.

'Let's get out of here' said Amit.

They left the restaraunt 5 minutes later.The encounter with Raya left him shook.But he trusted Aniket's quips and poor jokes to cheer him up.Maybe they could go to his home and chill over a pack of beers.What a depressing life it would be without friends.he thought.Maybe he should try socialising a little more instead of going into the shell.

The story might appear stupid to you.It may appear pointless to you.But this story does not try to tell an universal story for all ages.This is just another Kolkata tale.Nothing more.Nothing less.

Still...We Are Friends

I might appear to you quite rude
Actually I am obsessed with solitude
People are complicated sensitive beings
If I talk,I might end up hurtin' feelings
And I can do without your tears
Making you cry-my biggest fear
You're not to blame-It's my fault
I am just an imbecile dimwitted dolt
That's why I stay away from you all
Dont respond to any of your calls
Make some excuse,get out of town
Am really tired of playing the clown


See I possess this 'Holier than thou' attitude
That justifiably pisses off all the other dudes
They make me out to be a villain
All bragging and talking,no feelings
I admit to all that.but please spare a minute
Lemme tell you my side of the story-what's in it.
See I am just a weary guy cynical of the world
Seen so much,I hardly feel twenty years old
But I dont want to keep wallowing in self -pity
After a time,I can tell you-this stuff ain't pretty
So what I do is keep trying to mask this all up.
Maybe be the centre of the storm in a tea-cup
That way I can come out,all my guns blazing
No tiredness,nothing-just acting plain crazy
But Nuff' said!!!II am tired of talking
The walls of nonchalance are cracking
Next time I see you maybe I will smile
Make small talk,like normal guys-keep a low proflie.
Maybe we will sit down have coffee and chat
You can tell me,how I have gotten grumpy and fat
And I will tell all the stupid poor jokes I know
Then talk about this and that,just go with the flow.


We laugh together,we cry together
Sometimes we fight,but we love each other.
That's why they say friends are forever.

Yep...I love you all...

2009:A mini recap from a narrow perspective

Only a few days to go for this year to end.As 2009 enters it's last lap,let's do a recap of 2009-you know-how the year went and all that...I won't be covering all the events-Just those which appealed to me.

1.The King is Dead-An era in the history of world music ended this year as Michael Jackson,the enfant terible of world music passed away.Jackson left behind his fans,a music collection containing immortal classics and of course-The Moon Walk.His last days on earth were sad and lonely-hope he found peace at last.R.I.P Michael!!!

2.Nobel Man-The new American president Barack Obama won a Nobel Prize for peace.Whether it is deserved or undeserved is arguable.But it did provide Bloggers and the common man with a lot of wisecracks.The author feels that giving Obama the nobel for peace is taking it a little bit too far.

3.The fall and fall of Communism in Bengal-After ruling the state for more than 30 years,Communism seems to be on the wane as the Left Front lost in election after election this year.Besides elections they also lost important and veteran leaders which did not help their cause either.Whether they manage to remain in the government,time will tell.

4.A world of Recession-This year the world was hit by an economic recession which took it's toll on the entire world.People lost jobs everywhere,but mainly the capitalist countries took the biggest blow.Besides the engineering students.

5.KKR=Khan's Knight Riders-The second edition of the IPL took place in South Africa and the Knight Riders one of the most high-profile teams ended last due to some juvenile ego problems among the team's top brass.But they did knock out Rajasthan Royals.Damn,that felt good.

6.In a new Avatar-James Cameron challenged the way movies were made and came up with Avatar,an incredible visual experience.Adding Avatar to an already impressive resume containing The Terminator movies and The Titanic Cameron assured his status as one of the greats.

7.It's Real,Barca!!!-The Spanish football lovers had a wonderful time last year.One of their major clubs Real Madrid assembled a dream team which took the fans down the memory lane to the original Galacticos.While another of their big two-Barcelona won 6 trophies in one year.On a high,Espana!!!

8.It's in the blood?-Ranbir Kapoor became the latest superstar of Bollywood.Nowadays,all the lead stars of Bollywood barring a couple like Shah Rukh and John Abraham has had someone in the business before them.It's like a family business now.Maybe they should name them Familywood!!

9.The New Elvis?-Rapper Eminem broke his four year hiatus and returned to mainstream music with his latest album Relapse,adding fuel to the already raging debate if he is the Elvis Presley of rap.The author feels that Eminem has done enough to deserve this comparison.

10.And as for me-As far as I am concerned,I did Ok i guess.Could have done better,but hey!!I am not complaining.Have a Happy New Year everyone!!!

Special Mention:
Patrick Swazye,the American actor,passed away.
Robert Enke,the German goalkeeper,passed away.
Paul Samuelson,American Economist and nobel laureate.

Slumdog Millionaire won 8 oscars reducing the Academy Awards to a mockery.

These Days and I-Act 3

Part 1

Dealing with your personal demons-
Have never been so difficult
Never been more easier.
Angry guy wannabe,everything's gone crazy
Backstreet Boys let it be-
fags like you shouldn't try this-
stick to songs about hugs and a kiss
No one will notice something's amiss
For God's sake!!that's what you call lyrics?
They don't hit me like a ton of bricks
Even Dylan's Christmas songs pack more force
But that doesn't bother all these media whores
Dunno what's up with me why so much anger
Dont remember since when I became a hate-monger
Infantile rhymes and juvenile rage
Write themselves and fly off the page

Part 2

Meanwhile pirates of Piratebay
Marooned as lawsuits skyrocket
Nineteen percent and rising inflation
Burns a hole in every pocket

All in all,these days and I
Everything's not all well
Maybe some day they'll ban this blog
Maybe I'll go to Jail

TIll then I will keep ranting
Setting aside all fear
For now though it's goodbye fellas
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Alphabet soup

This post is intended to be my worst post ever.I am hoping your criticisms will make me give up writing for good.

A-Alphabet soup
B-Baghdad in a coup
C-Catalans in a mess
D-De Caprio craze
E-Empathize with me
F-Foreigners-soon-to-be
G-Gestapo on my back
H-Hiroshima got whacked
I-Indo-China ties
J-Jurassic Park fries
K-Katrina sizzles
L-Luca Toni fizzles
M-Messidona soars
N-Nightwing bores
O-Osama bites
P-Pentagon fights
Q-QT’s fiction
R-Real addiction
S-Superman flies
T-Trouble in paradise
U-Universal blues
V-Victorian hues
W-Washington might
X-Xenon burns bright
Y-Youngistan hurts
Z-Zero hour starts

This City

If Monty Brogan from 25th hour would have lived in kolkata this is what he would have said-

"Fuck me..fuck this city-Fuck the biharis with their auto-rickshaws and three generations coming to our city in hordes and crowding it up,crossing streets like dickheads and when they get hit it’s the drivers fault.Fuck the Punjabis driving taxis and behaving oh so amiably with their parathas and chicken and beer watching sunny deol movies….GET SOME TASTE FOR GOD’S SAKE!!Fuck the South Indians with their curd rice and their goddamn tounge-twister of a language and idolizing Rajnikant...just acknowledge that hindi is the national language and Rajnikant is an old fat bum will ya????Fuck the Marwaris with their cashboxes and crores In banks and yet cringing when their employees demand a raise!!!Fuck their employees who go on strike at the drop of a hat claiming equality!!!Fuck the political parties who back them for cheap political mileage!!!!Fuck the Coffee House crowd with their intellectual discussions and big talks yet never doing except expressing sarcastically how everything is wrong with the city!!!Get a fucking job!!!Fuck the SC-ST crowd enjoying all the priveleges despite having all the advantages in life…You were oppressed 300 years ago!!!Move the fuck on!!!Fuck the Shopping mall hero-heroines with all their cooing and accented English!!! Get a hotel room…no one wants to see a porn movie!!!Fuck all the bangla bands guyw with long hair,a stubble and t-shirts with motherfucking jim morrison and bangla songs on their lips...GROW THE FUCK UP!!!Beatles never had to dress like this to sell their songs!!!Fuck the homosexuals now coming out of the closet since 377 is legal…Go open a gay bar and stop stalking normal people son of a bitches!!!Fuck the frustrated heterosexuals harassing our girlfriends and best friends….go die bastards!!!Fuck the Sector 5 people-self-proclaimed yuppies of Kolkata-Hrithik Roshan Saif Ali Khan wannabe motherfuckers!!!Fuck Tollywood and Prasenjit for destroying the name and reputation of our film industry!!!Go and die bitches!!!Fuck thepolitical parties and their battles…you guys are completely destroying our state…GO THE FUCK AWAY!!Fuck the village boys coming to Kolkata and booing every time a guy speaks to a girl…narrow mentality backward motherfuckers!!!Fuck the 9-5 employees satisfied with their fucked up lives and not prepared to do anything about it!!Fuck the high-society crowd spending 350 rupees on a single ticket for a bollywood movie…hello!!!We are going through recession remember!!!Fuck the pseudo football-maniacs shouting brazil argentina man u arsenal chelsea when they dont even know the name of the players....Fuck the CESC ….we have to spend hours without power because you sonofaguns cant do a fucking thing!!!Fuck the corrupt cops filing today’s complaint tomorrow and letting crime rates go up in the city…Fuck everyone from the posh Park Street Folks to the upstart Jodh pur park people!!From the intellectual nandan crowd to the uneducated bihari brotherhood…FUCK EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING!!!

No Nightwing-Fuck you!!!

These days and I-Part II

All characters in the following post are purely fictional.Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental.


Everywhere I look,the times are bad
Killing policemen is the new fad
In the neighbouring states,it was the new style-
Now in our backyard they open their file
And they say they fight for the greater good
Think themselves the modern robin hoods.
Well hurrah for robin you must be so proud
Stop killing innocents for crying out loud
And then there are so many other things on my mind
A moment of peace is so hard to find
Some dickheads at college are always on my back
They are always so ready to launch an attack
No matter how I try to ignore these punks
They are always all over me,acting like drunks
They tastelessly attack my school and my ways
This Is their idea of how best to spend days
I am tired of everyone trying to play judge
It’s as if all of these people hold a grudge
Against me,wonder how I became so hated
Maybe that’s destiny,maybe it was fated
I know I am not perfect,I doubt anyone is
But that’s no reason for you to say as you please
Great Expectations or Harsh times who can say?
So y’all can go to hell and have a nice day.

Tears

They brought him home-
He looked like he was born in Rome;
His mother’s eyes filled with pride,
And tears too-a rare sight,
As she held her new-born boy.
His father beamed at his bundle of joy-
His voice felt choked,he said nothing
But his heart-oh,it wanted to sing
It was the happiest day of his life
He thanked God,and smiled at his wife
Their dreams had all come true at last
The tears were now a thing of the past


He came home
He now looked like the Prince of Rome
His ma’s features shone,as she saw her first-born
Her eyes showed her pride for the prodigal son.
His father smiled at how their son
Looked so handsome in his uniform.
His friends were stunned,one and all-
To see no tears at his funeral.

These days and I

You wanna grow up sometime
You have to let it go
Leave the world of Dylan behind
Wild west,time does flow
Live in your times
Sing your songs
Don’t bother if it rhymes
Don’t bother if it’s wrong
Just try to put up a show


You wanna win someone over
You have to give something dear
Have to fight and bleed and fall
And have to lose your fear
Show some guts
Ask her out
No ifs and buts
Damn all doubts
Just try not to be a queer


Hey people.wanna hear a story?
It’s about alice and the hatter
He served her tea and cut her head
And then he put it on a platter
That’s how it happened
And not as they say
Everything’s not fine
Hide and pray
And hope you don’t meet Dr.Hannibal Lecter.


Gone are the days of jack and jill
Now is the time for a Righteous Kill
Can’t think straight would mean you are gay
Holla man you just made my day
Look into my eyes
What do you see?
Hate or love?
Or sympathy?
Nope it’s just indifference all the way.