Tribute to my love

                                                        Tu-lips

Across the oceans and the distant lands,
far from me and my outstretched hands...

Rising above the horizon, is the Rainier,

dazzling in the daylight, in grandeur

Studded with cordons of picturesque tulips,

mesmeric as an aurora over the sailing ships...

Decorated in bonny black, red and white,

glowing with grace, in the bright light

Amidst rows of countless pearls...

With twin petals in gracious pink curls,

there stands a tulip, noble and angelic,

dancing to the tunes of a mystic music

Enchanting is the sight of that heavenly flower,

as in my mind, its cherubic movements appear...

Will live for the day to embrace its divinity,

as I conquer the distances with verve and audacity

                                         - Prashanth Mummidi

It can't get better than this

It was mission ‘herculean’ (not ‘impossible’ as nothing’s impossible) that I was staring at, as I set my foot onto the beautiful city of London. It was the mission of finding an accommodation given a basket-full of mutually exclusive requirements such as close-to-business school, close-to-transport links, two bed two bath, spacious and more importantly within the budget. Man! It was a tough ask. In fact, it was a mad ask.

Three cheers to my friend for allowing me to stay in his house during this operation. With stiff internal deadlines and with self imposed exigency, I set out on a treasure hunt-‘the famous house hunt’ in London, similar to what I did a couple of years ago when I had looked for a room in the big and complex city of Hyderabad. A lot of things were different this time around. If Hyderabad was big and complex, how about London? Perhaps, ‘a mountain and a mole hill’ is an apt comparison. However, the hunger, the energy and the desire to find my kinda flat were still the same.

I was joined by an eminent warrior in his own right, who was then my would-be flat mate (Of course we went on to be great flat mates and the rest is history now). I must say that I almost got married to the websites, gumtree.com and the journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk, which then seemed to me as the two all time greatest websites in the history of the internet :-p. Without those, life would have been unbelievably terrible. Every morning, I religiously explored various options on various sources and critically analyzed them, an analysis that even a business analyst at McKinsey would be jealous of. Shooting emails, calling the agents and then fixing the viewings-that’s the order of the morning.

In London, if you cannot plan, you don’t have the right to live, as simple as that. Every step, every move ought to be planned so as to be ‘on time’ for the flat-viewings (or even for anything). When I say ‘on time’ means not the Indian ‘on time’ but rather the British ‘on time’. Now, it is the big stage and moreover, I am a bit more mature (of course I am an MBA dude! :p). I was extremely circumspect to thwart all the fraudsters, impostors and the likes who tried to deceive me, thinking that this innocent Indian can be cracked easily. They just underestimated the Indians, who have seen it all and done it all.

Not a single street was spared, not a single letting agency’s door was left unknocked. It was a great experience, learning and assimilating everything that is ‘London’. I could sense that a Londoner is in the making. Talking to agents, negotiating, tube and bus rides, hunting for the cheapest food joints, knowing who’s who and where what is – the list is endless.

We have screened a number of flats, flats with different specs in different areas. However, there was something missing in them. Yes, the oomph factor was missing until one fine morning, when we decided to go and search for a flat in the district of Fulham and Chelsea. Have you guys heard of Chelsea? If you didn’t, here you go. If London is considered one of the richest cities and fashion capitals of the world (just forget those Mumbais and Delhis. They just aren’t in the list), then Chelsea is one of the, if not the richest area to live in London. Studded with celebrities, unbelievably rich people, world-class models (even your Katrinas and Aishwaryas don’t come to their feet), the Ferraris and the Lamborghinis flying around, for a guy like me to dream of living here is what? A Sin!

But I thought “Damn! I belong there. Here I come, Chelsea and Fulham”. Standing in the middle of Chelsea, near the famous Chelsea FC’s football Stadium, the Stamford Bridge, I looked at my friend and smiled. He asked me “why?” I replied “Dude, I am living my dream”. Then he said “Observe these chicks with those Old men”. As I observed, it was quite intriguing to note that these over six foot unimaginably beautiful damsels were all hooked up with the rich old ugly men. Well, it’s a classic example of money making many things. What a weird world this is.

Alright back on to the track now. So, we stepped into a letting agency more in hope than in expectation and asked for a two bed two bath flat. The agent gave us a suspicious look and said “I don’t know what price you are up to, but there is a river-side flat available”. Our reply was “Bring it on”. We were taken to a gated community by the Thames river side. I must say, it was a mini paradise that looked terribly posh and scaringly beautiful. As we led towards our flat, everything seemed to come off a Midas touch. And boy, what a flat that was. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, by the riverside, it was a peach. Nothing in life comes to you without a price and this hasn’t come either. Tell you what; the price tag that was tied to this was a mammoth 1800 pounds a month (i.e. Rs 1.5 lakh a month rent). With that amount of solid money imagine what I would have done in India. Unbelievable! I am just leaving that to your wildest of dreams guys.

For some reason, perhaps for the first time in my life and even more so, the only time in my life, I gave a damn to this ugly concept of money and said, “I am gonna take it!” Mastercard says “There are some things money cannot buy, but everything else there is mastercard”. Now, I tweak it and say “There are many things money can buy and the rest is a just a joke” (Prash 3:16). At that very moment, I felt like a complete Londoner, a putney ranger belonging to the upper crest of those multi-millionaires. It was a happy stay hence and there wasn’t a soul that visited us left without appreciating the sublime aesthetic feel and look of our beloved flat. Relaxing on the balcony, overlooking the sunset on the river, waving to the cruises that went past, in the most coveted and rich sectors of London, I said to myself “It cannot get better than this”

Meeting the Icon

Whenever I go to Manchester, there is always some surprise wrapped up. Always!! Somehow I try to squeeze the juice from the little fruit I buy. I mean, the surprise and the excitement hence will be worth every quid I pay to get there. This time, it is beyond 'surprising'. As in the last couple of visits, I knew that at least something was coming. However, this time it is just a rabbit out of nowhere.

This Manchester visit is not because I got the pass to the heaven(I am talking about the United match tickets) nor that I wanted to shop at the United's store(I still haven't got the Rooney's jersey. shame on me!!!) but because that I have been starving of proper home food and vexed of heating up the frozen junk, which was cooked ages ago. I desperately wanted to get to Manchester to calm down my taste buds that are crying like kids. I wanted to eat my life out at my aunt's house.

My aunt, uncle, cousins and I went out for Christmas shopping, wandering every possible lane that existed in and around the Manchester City Center. I was told by some of the locals that if I am massively lucky, I might run into a second string player of these big clubs at a pub or places nearby. But never the super stars. Then, I felt, "It's Ok. I will take that. Even if he is a second string one".

As I walked along, It was going around my head. "Why cannot I find one?". After all, they are also humans who want to come out into this lovely world and breathe. I asked my aunt whether she has come across any of these big players during her 10year stay here. The answer was a firm NO. At this moment I seemed to give up.

It was my aunt's birthday and my uncle and I wanted to grab a last minute gift and a cake for her. Two days before Christmas and god!! these people go crazy on shopping as if the worlds gonna end in a couple of days and that they gonna live the rest of their lives with those what they buy now. Streets studded with cars and with people everywhere, we made our way into a huge shopping mall called the Trafford Center. We were almost on a run as we were getting late to the party that we planned before. Instinctively, I stopped at the sports world store as I saw United jersey hanging. I felt, at least now, I should buy my Rooney's jersey, if I get one. I could see the Ronaldo's and Tevez's jerseys hanging but not Rooney's.

My uncle and I looked around to find someone who could help me finding the right one. Finally, one guy, looked like an Indian, probably straight from the heaven, headed towards me and said "What do u want". I asked him for an United jersey of Rooney. He replied, "Sorry, All the jersey are sold out. This is Christmas!". Disappointed, I looked down and up at him and said that's ok. Then he whispered "Turn and look, who you have got". I didn't understand what he was saying. I said, "what?". Then he said, "Mate, you've got your player behind". Then, I turned back and with a far-sighted look was looking beyond. And, all of a sudden I looked at a guy at arms length away. Oh my god!! I was shocked to see the legendary Argentine, CARLOS TEVEZ.

I just didn't know what to do. Damn!! I was not prepared for it. Tevez in front of me. Am I dreaming?? Nope, not certainly. The dream of meeting a sports star as big as Tevez is real now. Then, the sales guy winked at me and said "Try and get a snap with him. But, he might not allow". The first thing that struck my mind is the camera. And before I asked my uncle for the camera, Tevez disappeared. I ran to the other side of the store to catch him. I found him alone, perhaps with another guy(not a united player) looking for some sports jackets. I quickly went near him.

Now, lemme describe him. This is reality and not what we watch on the idiot box. He is quite fair like a European, must be a couple of inches shorter than me, he was wearing a white V-neck top, cargoes and of course sport shoes. With his skull cap on, he looked like a fool :-). I could see the famous scar of his on his neck too. Then, I said "Hi. Tevez". He looked at me in a shock, dropping his jaw. He looked as if he were surprised that I spotted him. And, then I asked for a pic. He immediately said "NO" and murmured something. I know that his English is poor but didn't expect that he is that stupid at English.

I said to myself, "Look!! If you cannot take a snap with him now, it will be the biggest opportunity lost in your whole life". I know that it is now or never. I was determined to somehow persuade him and get the job done. I followed him again just like a guy following his angry love. I then said "Tevez, I am your fan and I am from India". He looked at me like a kid listening to a story, dropping his jaw. Then, I said, "just one snap". He said "OK". Immediately I posed with him and thanks to my uncle who is running behind me with the camera on. Gotcha!!!

There are millions of football fans across nations and continents. Millions and millions of people adoring Tevez. But how many would actually get a chance to stand next to him and speak to him. I have seen him play hundreds of times on the television, read extensively about him and when I actually meet him, feeling is different. He is just a normal human being as we are. It is fascinating that a guy with such a presence and following acts quite normally.

I must thank the sales guy without who I wouldn't have met this star and I wouldn't be writing this post. It's all destiny. Isn't it? Then, we quickly moved away as we were getting late for the party. I asked the sale guy whether these players visit this store often. He said that they dont and he himself was seeing him for the first time. With head held high, heart filled with joy, I hurried towards the car. At the party, I was just narrating this wonderful experience to all my relatives. After the party, my aunt said that it was a special day for her as she received a wonderful birthday card from my uncle, the kids said that it was their special day as they had some good food. However, I felt within, "It might be a special to you guys, it is also a special day for me. But the intensity of the world 'special' is of some other level beyond your imagination".

Great Gifts from a Great Friend- My Friendship day

Overwhelmed, ecstatic and exuberant I was after an array of wonderful gifts was showered on to me by my best friend, setting up a eventful friendship day. Wonder who my best friend is? who else, I-me-myself.

Of course true, I am my best friend, a friend who would never depart, who would be there unconditionally in successes and failures, joys and sorrows, so on and so forth. I often find a "Today's fortune" on orkut saying " The one who falls in love with himself will have no competitors". That's pretty true. Being single, has been a hallmark of my life. I learned to be alone, I loved to be alone and in the process I made myself my best friend.

The best thing for you to be your best friend is that you can always rely upon, trust one-self, feel confident in your self. In this world of parasites and utility friends, the only unselfishly loving and caring buddy is one-self. Perhaps my "never trouble others" or "never intrude into others' space" attitude keeps me away from the shackles of friendship.(I too had my share of bitter experiences with some of my so-called friends, where I learned a plenty). So, here go my words again "Nothing is better than nonsense".

I have been on a shopping spree lately. shedding thousands each day on shopping(I blame it on my trip to UK :-)). Wandering all around Hyderabad for the best possible clothes, accessories and foot-wear. Some of them were good(small percentage), some of them were o.k. However, most of them were, diplomatically, not so good. I always love to shop for myself, alone. It gives me a lot of freedom, time and flexibility to explore. I don't have to entertain the person who accompanies me, more importantly, I will be free from certain thoughts such as "Am I pushing him too much?", " Is he getting bored?", "Is it time for him to leave" etc (mind you, I never ever shopped with a female in my life. I wonder how that experience would be).

Generally, people take along someone to check for the fit of the dress piece. I wonder why they need someone when they got trail rooms in every tom, dick and harry store. The mirror says it all. isn't it? Alright, for today, I had a list of items on my agenda: A watch, a pair of goggles and a jeans. I already had, as I always do, a pretty good idea on what kinda style I need to buy. However, never ever, the exact thing that I look for turns up. Either the size is not available, the color is out of stock, or some thing or the other comes up.

With not much hope, I went out with my best buddy(i.e alone) for shopping. As I already visited and turned Hyderabad Central upside down, I decide to go to Shopper's Stop and Lifestyle for a change. What a decision. No no, my best friend had taken me there. It was drizzling and I had a pleasant drive in my car to Shoppers Stop as there wasn't much traffic around. I just went there with an intent of a window shopping. No hopes what so ever. As I know (from my experience) that what I want would never be there.

A hospitable sales guy wished me and asked me what I needed. I just explained him my kinda watch. And goodness gracious me. He took out a piece exactly what I dreamed off literally. An impeccably crafted square shaped watch with silver dial and official-semi formal black strap. No fuss at all. The one I wanted. Quickly said "yes" to it. I knew, I cannot ask for a better one. Job done at Shoppers Stop.

For the past few months, I was searching for one damn jeans. I got into literally every store I came across and returned with empty hands(or buying something else in disgust:-)). I gave up hope on this. I returned from Shoppers Stop and was heading towards Lifestyle. Why I stopped, how I stopped, I don't know but I stopped. It was drizzling. On any other day I wouldn't have done so. I stopped at a Live-in store, which was quite small and none inside. Only the manager, chatting with his son, was there. I thought, come on buddy, this is not the place and just for courtesy sake I explained him the jeans I wanted. We both searched for a bit and I finally got the color, I checked with him the specifications: Low-rise, regular fit, boot-cut. Perfect!! And I prayed god before going into the trail room that this should fit me. I closed the door and wore the jeans. I looked into the mirror with my mouth agape. I couldn't belive it. Gottcha!!! I quickly came out and said "perfect".

I stepped into my car and looked at me in the mirror and said to myself with a smile ,"you must have stepped on something before you started buddy". I sensed something happening today. Is it a friendship day bonanza from god? Well, why dont I try my luck with my goggles? I said to myself. I parked my car deep inside the parking lot of Lifestyle mall as it was crowded. I said to myself, huh, for a 10min window shopping it took 15 mins to park a car. I didn't straight away jump off to the eye gear section. I browsed through various brands and grabbed a woolen knit, skin-tight black V-neck full sleeved tee. That looked amazing on me with a perfect body fit. Boy!! this is my day.

Finally, the icing on the cake. I have been looking for an Aviator model sunglasses for a long time. I just asked the sales guy at Poloroid for one. He searched and said that this is a very fast moving model and it was out of stock. As I was already on a roll and was satisfied with the three gifts, I just said "it's ok". Then, he hinted me to have a look at the Fastrack stall. There he came up with one, Which is a black shade with glossy rim. I am not a fan of glossy rims and more over, I wanted a brown one as I already have a black one. While I was about to leave, he came-up with a Classic Aviator, brown tapered with fine rim, the exact thing that lured me over the months. I cannot believe it. It was like a dream. I had put on the goggles and man!! I looked like a model. I knew, it was perfect. However, in all excitement, I asked the guy whether it is fitting me. He said "Sir, your face is perfect for a Classic Aviator, and the brown shade on you is just superb, Trust me".
I loved to hear those words. I said "I trust you".

What ever I touched today turned to gold. I just hit the bull's eye not just once but four times in a matter of 3 hours. I bought myself these four special gifts, gifts that are special as they are from my special friend. As I myself know what gifts I want, gifting myself is just perfect on a friendship day. I returned home, bought myself a Fivestar fruit and nut and celebrated my friendship day with delight, satisfaction, glee and in disbelief too with my best buddy, me.

Sometimes for fun I write some crap

Oh god, it's that July again. Perhaps a mere coincidence, it's this time of the year, I really go down tumbling to bed for whatever reasons. Last year, I was hit by a wave of high fever and I was reduced to bed for nearly two weeks. Out of T.V, out of internet and, more importantly, out of happenings, really made me go nuts.

Surprisingly, during this July, I was again put to bed (This time it's not a natural calamity but a man made mistake :-)) as I, myself, opted for an eye surgery. I was asked to stay away from the T.V and the internet and of course, was advised to close my eyes as much as possible and SLEEP(one of my favorite activities). However, I felt that this is the most cruel punishment ever. Asking a person to sleep too much is just a mental torture. Believe me! You may reckon and even be surprised, but you would know how hard it is to lay on bed with eyes closed when you really want to come out into the world.

The caption of a popular beverage, " The world is waiting, where are you" struck my mind, though nothing is really waiting for me. I get all sorts of emotionally weak thoughts and fears and I succumb to them to death during this ugly idle period. Perhaps, the old adage, "Idle man's mind is a devil's workshop" , holds good here. Though I feel great and on top of the world with " I'm single and I'm loving it" attitude, at this point of time, I feel lonely and feel that there isn't really anyone who would really care for me "genuinely" and "unconditionally".

I wanted to test it practically, taking some real-time data to find out that is there anyone really concerned about me. So, I picked up my mobile and perused through the received numbers list. To my surprise, over 70% of the calls were from my credit card sales buddies, who are really concerned about my investments, credits, savings, loans, health insurance(wow they are concerned about my family too). With a pun intended, they are the true friends.

Ironically, we generally tend to take people, who really care about, for granted and ignore them while we long and beg for someone else to care for. Typically, I tend to ignore those bank calls by saying "I am busy" or "not interested". It's Harsh. Isn't it? As I write this, a practical joke flashed in my mind all of a sudden. It was during my engineering, a period during which cell phones were new and talking to a girl over the phone for us was an eight wonder. One of my class mates was known to possess posh northie gals' numbers. Knowing this, another guy bribed him, begged him and somehow managed to get a number. With hell a lot of excitement he went home to call her up and the next day told that she was saying the same thing again and again and that he was pissed off. We were bewildered. The real joke is here, the other guy had given him the hutch customer care number and the voice is a pre-recorded female speech. Poor fellow he didn't even know that such a service ever existed.

Back from the joke, the other calls were from my clients. Are you wondering who these clients are? These are people who find me on orkut or some pagalguy forums and even people I know at TCS ,or at my college etc. They generally call me to seek help on GMAT, Management programmes, U.K MBA etc. (Lately, I have become one big consultant and about to start a consultancy too (just joking)). They quite politely and sweetly start with this "Hi, Prashant. How are you?". All they would expect is a very mundane "I am fine.How about you?". There is no real intent in knowing how you really are. In fact, they would be taken aback and become speechless if I say anything other than that mundane reply. Because they are not expecting it and they are not prepared for it.

I had such strange experience when I was interviewed by Dr. Chris Storey, Director of the full time MBA at CASS business school. I typically started off with "Hi Chris. How are you doing?". He replied "Hi Prashant. I am not doing well, had head ache all morning as I screened many applications and my kid is not well too." Wow, what a surprise that was. I never expected that answer. However, I somehow managed to get through. Perhaps, it was intentional from Chris to test my ability to manage during uncertainty.

Alright back again, so overall, after this swot analysis, there is only one caller, who unconditionally, affectionately, truly and genuinely called me day and again. Who else it can be. It is my mom. That's why they say, as god cannot be everywhere to take care of everyone, and thus, he created mother, my world. Apart from mom, there is nobody really. Yes of course people do call me, scrap me and mail me, however, they do it when they need something and my name flashes in their minds once they are in need of some information, or some monetary help or whatever. I find a lot of females falling into this category. Previously, I felt good that at least I am remembered in need. However, deep down it has been gripping me when I learned that I am confined to this mere role and none is really taking me to the next level of the relationship-A friend (here friend is defined a bit tightly, it is not just a person who you know).

You might question me "Prashant, do you care for others? If so, they would do surely reciprocate". I have an answer for this too. As I know, the importance of this, I regularly go through my contacts list, browse through it and call people alphabetically, just to know their well being and whereabouts. I may not be really interested but the fact that my show of concern can lift the other guy's spirits is what I look out for. I do the same on orkut as well. I just want to make sure that there is no mistake from my end.

So I asked myself. Am I missing something in life? The answer is unarguably "Yes" to me. I really wonder how so much is said about, written about friendship. The poems, the songs, the quotes and the stories. It must have existed surely, but where? I haven't experienced it yet. Mind you, all this while I am talking about friendship but not love. I am miles away from it and it out of my sight and reach and I threw it long ago out of my basket.

P.S: I wrote the above blog with ideas that flew around my mind when I was physically and mentally inactive. So, please don't take it seriously huh, as this is some crap :-)

Parting with a long time companion

Writing this article is making me feel seriously nostalgic. As time passes by, lot change, people depart and, of course, memories fade. This long time confidant has been with me, through my thick and thin, successes and failures (I guess I had lot many failures) and for a staggering 17 years. Day-in and day-out, I just couldn't do away with.

We shared the bed, whether it's exams or movies, long drives or sports, I was with. My best moments on T.V and on my p.c were shared. In sum, I looked at this beautiful world only through its eyes. So now guess who? This dude is none other than my glasses.

I still remember that day, when I was in my 4th class, I cringed back when I saw my classmate wearing glasses. Then, the very next day, I was incumbent with the task of wearing glasses for the rest of my life. What misery. I hated them to the core, I found them not as a fascination but as an obstruction, and the additional overhead of maintenance gripped me. For heavens sake, I didn't want to look like a nerd.

I shunned them from day one and to entice me, my parents put in extreme efforts. The next few paras are entirely dedicated to the efforts that my parents had put in. For nominal eye check-ups, I was taken to Madras (now Chennai) all the way from Kakinada and I was thoroughly checked by one of the best ophthalmologists in the country. My first pair of glasses were bought in Lawrence and Mayo, Chennai (I haven't had a clue of the brand then) and they were over 2000 bucks. (Mind you I was talking about a period that was 17 years ago). They bought another pair of specs that was opthalmic coated, which would reflect a blue light. This specs are my all time favorite and my friends used to love them and play with them

It took only a few months to destroy one specs and the other was a story. During my lunch-break, we all used to play in the play ground and I used to put my glasses inside my pockets. However, one fine day, I wore a sweater and I put them inside it. After the break we rushed to our class rooms and in the process, I dropped them somewhere in the vast play ground. As, I reached my class room, to my utter disgust, I found them lost somewhere. Then, my friends were disappointed and they searched the entire ground, as I gave up thinking about my new specs and some days off without study.

Nearly after four months, one of my friends found those specs in the ground, specs that weathered the sun and the storm. The frame was faded though the glass was great. And, I used them again.

That was the beginning of my huge collection of glasses. I tried photo-sun, carbon frame, half-frame, gold frame, oval, square, plastic ones, metal ones, what not, expensive brands, cheaper brands, a number that is uncountable and unthinkable, my specs arsenal grew and grew. I chewed the legs, bent the rims, threw them off, stepped on them, dropped them hundreds of times, slept with them and slept on them. But, I couldn't do away with them.

After some time, I tried my luck with the contacts during my intermediate. With cylindrical power, contacts didn't fit the bill. I felt irritated, scared and abhorred those lens and switched back to my dear glasses. Innumerable times, I used to repent while searching for them when they are badly needed after I threw them somewhere in disgust. Half the time I spent each day searching for them. They used to creep in, somehow, underneath me while I was asleep and to my horror, I used to wake up with a broken frame or popped out glass or a bent rim.

If this is one side of the problem, the other is a bit more social and even emotional. As I grew, I limited the usage of my glasses to reading, watching T.V and working on my comp. I restricted them to my pockets. I moved around without a clear vision and saw the world through a mist. In the process, I missed out on recognizing people a bit far off and more importantly, their smiles at me. I felt that I was missing something seriously.

Now at 25, I felt that it's the time to bade a happy goodbye to my buddy. I got my sight corrected with a laser eye surgery known as LASIK. I felt sorry for my mate, but cannot help, I finally got rid of them and I feel proud that I am looking at this beautiful world with my own eyes and will never let those smiles at me go in vain.

All Hail The New Champion

All of a sudden it flashed in my mind. How come I still didn't write on this arguably the best Wimbledon final in the history of Tennis? So, I am now poised to explode with my heart stopping emotions, views and reviews on Wimbledon final 08. Before jumping into detail, I desperately want to state my stance i.e " I want to see somebody (damn anybody) beating Federer".

All Fedex fans out there, you must be wondering why? This instinct has been deeply rooted for a reason. I cannot take anything against my all time Tennis hero, Pete 'The Great' Sampras. I still remember the game, where that Swiss teen defeated and dethroned the Champion, as somber Pete Sampras lingered at his changeover chair, engulfed by cheers that weren't for him. I just couldn't take that sight. I had cursed Federer then and it continued. Had that match not happened, I would have been a huge fan of Federer. However, unfortunately it happened and the rest is history.

With my knees down and arms together I admit that Federer is one of the most, if not the most, talented players I have seen. He is a classic and he is poetry in motion. A great human on and off the court. In terms of quality, I tip him over Sampras even. However, unfortunately, Mr. Roger, I didn't happen and I don't support you.

So, what next? I was looking for someone all these years to be my role model, a favorite to cheer for and most importantly, a man who would dethrone the Emperor. There were quite a few pretenders who passed by, the Roddicks, the Safins, the Djokovics and even the Tsongas. But, Fedex was matchless. His quality is way beyond their reach. However, after nearly 5 years of reign, there emerged a warrior, the Spanish Armada, Rafael Nadal. I was following him for quite sometime now. I was convinced that this lad has quality, consistency and prowess, but was still unsure whether he is the answer for Federer.

Forget about clay, Nadal is unsurmountable. Fedex's only chance to win the French is when Nadal gets injured. But, I am looking at the grass. The 7 titles that my Pete holds are at threat. I want someone to stop Roger's run. Last year's final was a cracker. So close but yet so far. But, Nadal showed this world what is he made of. And, that final gave me hope. I knew that the days of Fedex's reign were numbered.

Federer looked out of touch this year following his loss to Djokovic and ofcourse the truly one-sided Ronald Garos Final. However, when it comes to Wimbledon, his den, he is a different player who is untouchable. He has that destructive weapon, the Serve. I keep saying, if you have the serve, you are almost there. That's the reason why Ivanisevic went on the win the title though he is a mediocre game player.

I watched some of the matches of this year Wimbledon. I found new players coming in, some showed glimpses of quality, some tight matches but none really a threat to Federer. However, I watched Nadal's games and found that he is just as sublime as Federer. So, there is only one man in Federer's way now. I want them to meet. I looked at the draw at the Nadal's end. For a moment, I analyzed the players in Nadal's way. A bit worried that would any of these players pose a serious challenge. However, I felt that it is silly to worry. If Nadal struggles against anyone, then he cannot beat Federer and of course, doesn't deserve to beat him.

Both reached final with great form under their belt. Both of them were poised and determined. The 'dream' final is on. Where the number one takes on number two (mind you, I dint state who is number one and number two). There was a Asian Cup final at the same time. India taking on Srilanka. Heck, who cares about that?


I just finished off my pending jobs to get ready for the final. I was bit late though. When I switched on my TV, Nadal already broke Fedex serve in the first set. I felt happy and continued watching. Nadal took the first set without much resistance. Then, I thought, "Do I see a Federer fight back now?". I knew that he wouldn't give away easily. As I thought it happened. Federer broke Nadal early in the second. Game on. However, amazingly this lad came back strong and clinched the second too. With two sets down, I thought it will be a mountain to climb for Federer. Moreover, he wasn't in this situation before. I doubted how Federer would respond to this. Now, I was relaxed and went out for dinner as there was a short rain break.

In the third, things have changed, both played equally well, matching game to game, point to point, stroke to stroke. An array of winners that you don't often see. If one comes up with an amazing point, the other answers it with another fabulous one. Third set, thus eventually ended up in the tie-breaker. It was 50-50. Federer was serving well and took the early lead. I knew this set would go to Federer. And, it did. Now, I felt Nadal should wrap it up in the fourth else Fedex would grow in confidence and he would be unstoppable if it goes to the decider.

Nadal started well. So did Federer. It was his vicious serve that was coming in handy. Nadal looked vulnerable at times with his weak serve. However, his game is a touch more in quality that Fedex's and thus he survived. In open play, the chances of winning the point for both players were 67-33 to Nadal. Nadal threatened to break Roger's serve. However, time and again Fedex came up with a moment of magic and survived. Similar to the third, the fourth too went to a tie-breaker. I felt that this should be the decider. Nadal, if he were to win the title, he should do it now, in the fourth. If it goes to the fifth, Federer will be unsurmountable.

Nadal took the lead. Fingers crossed. Now, this tie-breaker holds a special place in the history books. To me, two of the greatest points in the history of the Wimbledon final are played. One a stunner forehand pass from Nadal. At this moment, I felt, one got to produce such moments to beat Roger and so, he would win. Finally, Nadal got the championship point on his own serve. Both players under huge pressure. God alone knows what emotions must be going on within them. Nadal severed in and approached the net. Then, the maestro, delivers a backhand pass winner that a Champion alone can, and Roger alone can. It was sheer audacity on the Championship point. He had to go for the winner. And the Champion gets the winner. Fourth set Federer. The momentum certainly swung Fedex's way. I felt, it would be a repeat of last year's final.

Federer game can be summarized by some moments of magic and some moments of madness. He can alone produce both the extremities in his pursuit to finish the point quickly. In contrast, Nadal is more consistent, has more perseverance and makes very few unforced errors. Mind you, I am only talking relatively, comparing two players with outstanding quality. The Tennis played so far is just different quality and no other player or match would even come a mile closer. I felt that the center court was in a different planet all together.

Fedex has a mighty advantage serving first in the fifth set. Thank god, no more tie-breakers. Two sets all, two game all and deuce. What a time for a rain break. I switched off my desktop and opened my laptop and connected the cable hoping for a change of fortune. The game restarted after the rain break. It's getting late. Already 4 hours of Tennis excluding the rain delays. Each player tried hard to hold on and they did. Some amazing points played. It was at 7-7 Finally Nadal broke Fedex's serve. And, he should serve out for the match, the Championship. Through those tense moments and amidst quality Nadal finally defeated the defending Champion and fell to the ground in disbelief, conquering the throne.

A sight that I haven't seen before, a refreshing sign to the world of Tennis, it heralded the emergence of a new Hero, and the beginning of a rivalry on grass. Nadal climbed on to the box and was greeted by this family. He even walked on the commentary box's roof to meet the Prince and Princess of Spain. When he lifted the trophy it was darkness and the photographers shot pics using flash lights. All in all, I felt that I have witnessed one of the best. if not the best, Wimbledon final. A match that was matchless and a match that had a two deserved winners, who are so different in style, physique, game and demeanor but yet two great champions.

P.S: India lost the Asia cup final, which was played parallel to this game, to Srilanka again. Looked silly to give away wickets cheaply to a youngster. But, heck, who cares? :-)