Another one bites the dust!!!!!!!!!

Another woman bites the dust! The assasination of Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan has again showed the stand of woman in Muslim dominated countries. Her lofty dreams of becoming a PM for the third time was nipped at the bud as death came exactly two weeks before Pakistan's January 8 parliamentary elections.

A brave woman even after the threatening attacks on her in October 18, 07 where at least 130 people were killed and hundreds were injured in Karachi by suicide bombers as Bhutto's motorcade passed, she stood valiantly for democracy. Even knowing that risks were imminent, she came out and sacrificed her life for democracy.

This tragedy could have been averted if proper security would have been given to her. It cannot be ruled out that since she was a former PM and didn't have much of a political clout now she was deprived of the much-needed security measures.She wanted to put an end to the divisions in pakistani society , including discrimination between man and woman. She even told CNN's Wolf Blitzer, in an interview that "They don't want democracy, they don't want me back, and they don't believe in women governing nations, so they will try to plot against me." Sadly she had fallen for the ploy.

Isalmic countries with Al Qaeda and Taliban in Afganistan is a bane in the name of democracy. Being a Muslim woman, staying in India, I have always enjoyed my freedom and am proud that my country provides me with that kind of a security. It's sad that women unlike me are suffering in countries, getting beaten up, no hospitals, proper food, can't go out and work to feed their children if their husbands die, remain uneducated. I would like to quote from Khaled Hosseini's "Thousand Splendid Suns' where he aptly quips about the rules enforced during the Taliban rule from 1996-2001 for women like women should stay inside their homes perpetually. If they go outside, they must be accompanied by a male relative. If they are caught wandering outside alone, they would be beaten and sent home. In no circumstance, they can show their face and should be covered with burqa when outside, again if not complying will be severely beaten. Cosmetics, charming clothes, jewellery are forbidden. Women can't speak unless spoken to, no eye contact with men. No laughing in public, no painting nails otherwise will lose a finger if caught. Girs are forbidden to attend schools. All schools for girls will be closed. Women are forbidden to work and if caught for adultery, will be stoned to death". Imagine forced into such coerced grim measures after holding high positions in the Government and going to schools and universities. How could a country progress if half of the population remains uneducated asks a character in the book.

Putting some sense in their heads pondering how much Benazirs would be sacrificed. We salute Benazir for her valour and fight for equality and democracy! May her soul rest in peace!

December Rain

December rains contradictory to G& R November rain is just not music to anybody's souls! Atleast not mine. Bangalore weather has become such a dampener! It was freezing cold yesterday, today its raining giving us the proverbial cherry on the icing!!! It's was more of facing the 'Day of Judgement' while coming out of the quilt and bathing with the cold water at 8 in the morning. Thanks to modern technology called the 'SOLAR HEATER' which oozes out icy water in the winters and boiling water in summers that blisters your skin. It can be an object of torture for DOOMS DAY!!!

Getting late for office, down for breakfast, sum South Indian counterpart of Dosa called 'dosai' was there. Grabbed the teapot, not even one drop of tea. How much I needed that cuppa of hot sweetened tea? All i get is 'TEA ILLA'! Told the cook to prepare some, now its 'MILK ILLA'! Damn had that 'dosai delicacy' which was like paper! Switched on the TV , as usual Channel 14 VH1! Woof!! Gosh where's VH1 gone? Searched all the channels but no VH1! Feeling terrible had to settle with ZOOM deprived of James Blunt replacing with Emraan Hasmi in 'Woh Ajnabi' ! 9.15 am cab comes in anoter 10 mins. Where's the tea, I shout at the cook? 'Preparin madame' comes the prompt reply. Well by that time, I 'll miss my cab. I rush out and its raining, thought of calling some friends.

To add more fat to the fuel, I called up my friend, she was still sleeping. I called another friend even she was snoozing enjoing the weather. Hopefully they won't sue me for disturbing them in their blissful siesta! Finally I managed to board the cab. Turn on my fm and take out a book to read. Today's pick is 'Shantaram' and ironicallly Radiocity was playing ' Mausam Mastana'! Contradictory to the 'Mausam mastana' the traffic was moving at a snail's pace! Finally got to office, checked my mails and got this strong itch to write about the events a few hours back.

Though the itch remains scratched. A long day is ahead of me, hopefully things turn out to be more blissful! As Shaggy the musician says " It's hope that keeps me on"! Same goes for me!!

My attempt at poetry:

The Death of An Angel

Once in a cold evening,
I was walking all alone.
Blinded by mist and the veil of fog,
I somehow perceived a small outstretched hand
and a full voice spoke crying for help at a distance.

I sat beside the frail stranger.
Who was a minor lass covered in tattered rags.

There were drops of perspiration,
like dewdrops on her small forehead
and her swollen body was burningwith fever like hot embers in a
freshly doused fire.

With a sweet smile on her bereft face.
She asked me for some water to drink.
I went to fetch a cup of life to quench
her insatiable thirst.

But by the time I reached her.
She was gone, dead and lifeless.

My eyes shimmered with tears.
To perceive an innocent child
Die in such agony.

But than I thought why was I mourning?
As she was only a stranger of sorts.
I consoled myself by saying that,
She was gone, gone for good.

As she now could curtail the
Afflications of her weary life.
I ran, ran away from the corpse.

Than I saw a star shining in the distant sky.
And I felt that it has winked at me.
Yes, the little angel has become a star.
Which would stay eternal forever!!!!