Chronicles of Rustique, the Yamaha Rx135

Prologue:

Let's face it, a casual glance at Rustique and anyone would be convinced that she's some mix-breed pariah who's spent more time in the gutter than breathing in the clean air. But then again, can't really fault them for being ignorant, can i?

The thing is Rustique and me go back a long way. In-fact, we go back to the time when she'd just been wheeled out of the showroom - by someone else!!!

Back in those days, i was a scrawny looking college kid who was only just becoming aware of a world beyond shorts, slippers and gully cricket. One evening, there was a buzz, rather a snarl in the air. Eyes and ears straining, i still couldn't tell where the symphony was coming from, but hear i could! When the fog finally cleared out, a matte green beauty was standing before me.

Today, when i think about that evening, i realize that the bike in question was totally butchered. But it did sow the seeds of an addiction that continues till date...

Dust Bowl Puppy

Dirty, unkempt and without pedigree! 

Hey, I’m referring to my canine friends out here, not some human animal that you might know. Even among the growing minority of dog owners/lovers out there, there are not that many who are clued in to the charms of the humble pariah. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking for any sympathy for them or even trying to convert you on the same. I still love the pedigreed ones, from labs to rotties, and everything in between. My only wish is for the world to open up to the charms of the pariah found in every other street.

I chanced upon this guy out here as he was being punished for some misdemeanor that his master had found him guilty of. Following the sound of his cries, I half expected to find some malnourished puppy down to his skin and bones. What I found instead was a handful of spunk! This guy was tethered to a chain, with his master going at him with a cane. But between all those painful cries I did get to hear some sharp barks and spotted a spring in his movements. Choosing not to interfere in the master’s teachings, I waited till the dust settled down.

What followed next were a few brief moments of pure, unadulterated joy.  The ‘dust-bowl puppy’ bared his soul through his expression filled eyes. When the time came for us to part, it was not with a heavy heart. This little guy had shown me, that life’s worth living, so long as you live it with a lil’ bit of spunk in the heart!

Dabba Diaries

Lucky are those who can eat just about anything, the ‘Jugheads’ of the world, so to speak. It had become a habit of sorts for someone who has spent a long time envying those who can gorge like there’s no tomorrow and put away the pounds like they never existed in the first place. The foodie within me has always been a sucker for aromas that come wafting along during the course of everyday life. 

At work however, things have been slightly different. The area may be dotted with plenty of lunch and snack options, so to speak. But, having sampled just about everything over the past few months, things had gotten rather tough. Serving a wide range of cuisines, a certain degree of jadedness had set in. The taste-buds had gone into hibernation of sorts and were refusing to come out and make things appetizing again. 

Running in reserve, things weren’t looking too good. The nearby Udipi, the speciality north-west frontier joint, the greasy Chinese place and the ubiquitous snack options, nothing registered anymore. Then, out of nowhere, the door opens with the familiar snapping sound, the reflection caught on the display screen, gets B to turn around. 

Standing there is Sandeep, a bloke who’s been out there in the sun, going from office to office, convincing people to try out his catering services.  A quick screening later, i decide to jump into the fray. Don’t really know if its desperation or simply the urge to try something new, but i decide to give it a whirl. 

Contact details exchanged, basic requirements discussed, S is off with a promise of a meal that’ll pacify those cruel hunger pangs. The next hour goes by like a hyper-slo motion film shoot. Dang! 

Then, it happens. The young lad walks in through the door, carrying a substantial packet in hand. Seeking me out, money changes hands and it is now time to verify S’ claims. Pre-inspections are encouraging. The containers are pried open and the sombre mood starts to peel away from the face. The food is hot, the chappatis are soft, quantity is substantial and everything has arrived neatly packed in sturdy containers rather than those cheap plastic bags. 

But the real test of a dabba lies in the approval from the taste buds. That’s when i decide to take the plunge. Immediately i’m met with the homely aroma of string beans cooked al-dente and spiced just right. Yumm! The next container surprises me with a potato-peas preparation that’s again not too greasy. The piece-de-resistance is the daal tadka. Slurp! It’s a feast! 

An hour later, the taste buds expressing their contentment and happiness, it is time to thank Sandeep. The call is made and what follows is a healthy discussion on tweaks to the meal, expansion plans and together with the promise of food standards that do not dip, a sweet reminder every week. 

Bon Appétit! 

P.S. 

Sandeep can be found at Oye Punjabee from noon to midnight, all week. 

Operating out of Plot No. 437, Adarsh Nagar, Opp. Tarapore Tower, New Link Road, Andheri West. Mumbai – 400102, he can also be reached at: 9867111636

Napa!m

gathering me courage
i set out to embrace calm
deluded into believing
it'd be nice an warm


but i was wrong
dark and cold
i found me spat out
with wounds tasting of napalm


comforted by the warm muzzle
nestled against my arm
i gathered me up and
began gliding down the streets of dawn

Manufacturing Defeckt

The other day, when I was sitting around, 
Wishing for more days, to finish the tasks at hand
I trooped up to God, asking him
To add a few hours to each day of mine

He turned me down, telling me to try harder next time
So back I went trying to find a way
But lost the plot and went up to say
I’d sue him for manufacturing defects,

He heard me out, amused to the core,
then with a chuckle and a smile
He quietly showed me my lines
And walked me to the door

Going out with a heavy heart
I was jolted back to the start,
when i read the fine print hidden deep within
that woke me up from my dream...

“Guarantee void if influenced by humans,
No user serviceable parts inside”

First Blood

Its taken a few misguided attempts and about half a dozen false-starts but i'm finally here.


Digital marketer by profession and a management grad by education, the journey has been a meandering one. As I trundle along through life's twists and turns, the stuff that's gonna appear in the days that follow are going to be every bit reflective of life as i see it.


If you like what you see and read out here, i'll be happy to have you along. If not, then too bad. You can move on.


- The Angry Saint.