Your Friendly Philosopher & Guide

The person was the same, but he had changed ? changed for the better. He was far more open now. He looked very content and had transformed into a receptive and nice person. The incident hit me hard, and made me ponder on few important questions like - what changed with time? Was it him? Was it me? Was it my judgement? Or both had changed with time?

I had read in one of Osho?s books that life changes so fast that you couldn?t even step in the same river twice. Everything changes around us with time, the latest mobile you possess today would be an antique piece tomorrow, the 800 watts Sony Music System you got in 1999 would be outdated in 2004 and the girl?s beauty that made you go against your parents? wish would fade away one day. People change, their perception change, and life change?sometimes it is easy to accept it and sometimes it is not.

1995-1997

I had a friend, who was a millionaire from Madurai. His lifestyle was a bit different compared to ours. The maximum money we used to spend in a month living in a hostel was Rs 150, and that happened to be his minimal daily expense. We used to watch those x-rated movies sitting in a claustrophobic movie hall paying Rs 3, and he used to get a new babe every fortnight who charged Rs 2000 per night. That was when he gave me some good gyaan about how to select the best among prostitutes. He used to hate my beard, and my philosophies, and I had to change my room because our energy never matched.

2002

I had been to Shiv Shankar Baba?s ashram to take his blessings for my pilgrimage to Sabarimala. And I met this person there - after a gap of 5 years. The last place I could imagine meeting him was a Godman?s ashram. He had put on weight, and I sensed a change. I asked how come you are here? And he said, his life has changed. He has a silk emporium in Delhi, and he has become a devotee of Baba. What about the millions? He said her parents have closed all their business and now live in Baba?s ashram as devotees. And what about the women? He said no more booze, and no more women ? I need to live a clean life!

1995-1997

The telephonic conversation lasted at least for 45 mns, there was enough time to whisper sweet nothings, it was a pleasure to surprise the partner with a crackle (chocolate) and few greeting cards, matinee shows seemed more important than the journalism classes, and the note ?Memories that I will cherish forever? written on one of the pics taken together carried immense meaning.

2002

Yahoo Mail gives me an alert. The mail is from my ex-girl friend. The first mail, which I received as a reply to my mail sent after 5 years. The mail explains everything - she is married, she is carrying, and she thinks about me once in a while. Not to forget the important note left at the end?bygones are bygones!!!

People indeed change with time!