|
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
I knew that we are an intolerant nation but today I got to know we are even worse than animals. I declined dozens of lucrative offers in the past just because I wanted to do something for my country and people. Perhaps I was wrong. Our people will never change. Perhaps it’s time for me to pack up my bags and leave this insane place.
It was long due and I felt totally worthless. Even it didn’t end as I expected it to be but at least I am happy that it’s over. I have surprised myself in last year or so. Whenever I had a similar situation earlier, I went down for weeks but lately when I get hurt for some reason, it’s just one bad day. Life has made me stronger and tougher somehow.
Big “NO”’s have always led me to greater decisions and redefining myself as I believe everything happens for a reason. I sincerely hope that this comes as a similar moment. I have never lived in yesterdays and am now a strong believer of moving on no matter how I am treated. As I left with heavy heart after the conversation, I wished the other side very best from the bottom of my heart. I tried to find peace in sleep. Couldn’t sleep. Then God came to my help. I thought about all those friends and family members who are concerned and decided I’ll start tomorrow with a smile. Over the last evening, I have realigned my brain, heart and soul. I have replanned matters and am now all set to take on this day as nothing happened. I am ready to rock the office team and a business development meeting today. :)
 As I start writing this while sipping hot tea, I have just entered inside my house experiencing the wonderful cool breeze outside. It might rain too if Lahorites get lucky enough. It’s been an exact week since the football world cup final and this post should have come at that moment. However I felt writing it now before going for a power nap. As soon as Iniesta scored in the extra time, I jumped off my table spilling tea into the keyboard of my laptop making it dysfunctional and making everything around caffeinated. I was still jumping around for no apparent reason with no one except my grandma at home. I felt happy doing crazy stuff. I was still cleaning up the mess that heavy rain started resulting into power shut down as well. I went onto the rooftop in my T-Shirt and Shorts to experience the first Monsoon of the season. In all these long years, I almost forgot how the rain felt. I went straight into the middle of the rooftop at around 3:30 and stood against the winds. It was a lovely rain accompanied by marvelous lightning and thunder. I kept bathing for around 40 minutes and yelling like a happy lion against the winds. I wanted to express myself out and the rain definitely provided me the chance. Even after the rain stopped, I kept watching the thunder and lightning till 6 in the morning. These were the best I have ever seen or perhaps I didn’t have a memorable rain earlier. I was alone. I didn’t need anybody to be with me in all my craziness, wildness and remembrance of recent years. I caught cold later yet I enjoyed every moment of it. It’s almost a year since I have shifted into my current office and life has been a roller coaster ride since then. I properly started my first venture from my pocket money and taking a loan of Rs. 30K from the dad, conducted interviews, hired people and did hell a lot of stuff which I couldn’t have done while being on a job. Fights with my co-founders at DesignMyWork & PrintMyWork, dusting of office furniture, cleaning the toilet, washing utensils, making tea and snacks for the employees and friends somewhat made me jack of all trades. Those around me never believed in me. I remember people feeding negative things about me to those who wanted to work for me. We wrapped up DMW on friendly terms in November 2009 for the reasons I mentioned in the post “DesignMyWork: My Stunt with the Graphics Design Industry in Pakistan”, and because one of our co-founders couldn’t differentiate between friendship and business. The entrepreneurship and risk taking should have been over for me but I stayed put and God took me to the right direction. What happened in last many months would require many lengthy posts which I might write at some other time but I am having amazing time at the moment. A lot has happened and is happening and we are MashAllah growing. I am at an ideal position with two amazing people around me. They are mentors, friends, well wishers, my current life makers and what not. They have faith in me and I have in them. Without taking their name, I would like to thank them for believing in me and trusting me. A bigger “Thank You” goes to Allah Almighty for guiding me to select my new partners amongst the lot that offered me to join their respective teams. A lot of things have changed in my life in last 1.5 years or so. I am currently cruising in the ocean of success and every few days we have some new achievement to talk about. In the last couple of months, I have also somewhat learnt the art to say “NO” though I don’t say that much often :) . I have definitely reduced my college lectures and other social meetups. This can be evident from the fact that I didn’t even go to collect three awards and souvenirs in last two months. We have been nominated for an upcoming International Award with sponsorship of company delegates for Travel, Tour and Accommodation but all of us are not going as we don’t want to waste our days while we can do few more amazing things in that time. My CTO keeps on convincing me that I should now start charging for everything I do whether it be a college guest lecture or a social initiative as both Dr. Laltein and the Guru think that I am really bad at monetizing stuff. “Aapne Thayka Uthaya Hoa Hai Poori Dunya Ka Gandhi Sb.” I do things from my heart while they do it from their brains and that makes us a wonderful combination. The yelling that night was my answer to the life and to those who termed me a failure. For those who were sure that I have ruined my career by not accepting the job offers of some really good multinationals. For those who mocked me. I am still standing in front of you happily whereas you are still trying to find happiness. Now I don’t need your certificate of achievement. If a Director or a VP of an MNC calls you and requests to join him for a dinner, it speaks for itself. You have been calling me “Senior” and you have made me one.
Wait! Wait! Wait!!! Sorry Peepz! I am here. I am here to answer your queries and yes I apologize for the time off.
Ever since I won the Google & CIO Pakistan Blog Award in May 2010, there have been lots of queries that what’s going on and why the hell I am not blogging on my personal blog. I should at least show some “SHODISM” on the blog but why I am not doing so. Those who are in my FB list or following me on twitter knew that I have been micro-blogging as well as writing on other blogs. So why not here? Well it’s a weekend so let’s sit down, turn on your AC (if there’s no power shut down at your place), be patient and I’ll try to answer as much as I can. When I wrote my last post, I decided that I would write the next post after couple of months and those who are regularly following should know that I am blogging less here since some time due to professional commitments & busy day schedule. To be honest, I wasn’t writing here because I didn’t want to. A friend of mine advised me that I should only share exclusive news with my best friends and I have been giving his advice a shot. This experiment of sharing news with only close friends has been marvelous and I plan to continue it for a while. Meanwhile, let me broadcast now what’s been going on my side. May and Early June 2010 were pretty much down for me. Though there were good news but yet I was overburdened with negative stuff. I lost one of my great buddies and yet couldn’t do anything about it. The thing I liked the most about me at that moment was that though I wasn’t talking, I managed myself to the office at 9 a.m. the next day. Organized couple of events for few of my friends in last few months as well as helped P@SHA organize one at Royal Palm. With the help of IEEE Lahore GOLD Team, placed around 23 students/recent graduates in summer internship program so far and am somewhat content with our performance this year. Dad gifted me an iPed (http://roof.pk/bs) on Father’s Day and I loved sharing pictures with all my Facebook Friends. Even gave a test drive of it to few people at the P@SHA LaunchPad 2010.  So yes, before I close this post and move to another one let me get into some Shoda Mode. I won the Google & CIO Pakistan Blog Award in the “Gossip Blog” category and Yes I publicly admit that I am happy about that :) . Couldn’t attend the event due to some office commitments and would sometime soon collect my trophy from the organizers. A very special thank you to all lovely people out there who voted for me. The announcement slide and a congratulation note from Sidra Iqbal’s “Status Pro Inc" follows this text. 
Many of my friends messaged or called and asked how did my Valentine's day go. Though i normally tell them that i spent the day with my family or in some social work initiative. But since i was so pissed off at how the media campaigns were run this year and wrong messages were sent to the youth of our nation most of the time, this year the reply was a bit different and loserish. "Mera Din Aisa He Guzra Jaisa Aik Shareef Single Shakhs Ka Guzar Sakta Hai." 
It should have been a progressive week as planned but as Sir Aftab Alam says “Planned things mostly don’t end up as planned” so was this week for me. On Monday, I was informed that my driver’s mother has passed away and he would be on a week’s leave. The same afternoon I was informed by one of the employees that there are some personal issues, he needs some cash and leaving for his city. All I could say was “Fine”. Since the final exams were about to start so I anticipated that Salman & Shigrif won’t come to office either and I would be having a FREE week sleeping with all my enthusiasm to make a difference, on my bedside table. But the week had more to it. Few of my friends are getting hitched this week so I planned to buy Gifts & Wrapping Sheets for them but postponed the plan for the next day due to the unavailability of driver. Allah Mian wanted to save me from the Moon Market Blasts that occurred on the Monday Night at the same time I normally do my shopping. Perhaps this is the reason my driver went on a leave. The blasts were shocking and I didn’t feel like doing anything till Tuesday evening. Called up Sunny and he told me that we’ll be going for the PEC Registration tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. so get your documents ready.I went to the market for my photographs and prepared all documents overnight. Went to a two hour sleep around 9 in the morning on Wednesday. As soon as I woke up, I had few messages in my cell phone to tell me that some people don’t consider me as their friends so I shouldn’t comment on their fb posts. This obviously did hurt me a lot considering the times I have taken their side in last few years. All I could say to myself was “FINE”. What more bitchiness this week has for me? Bring It On. Called up Sunny to confirm the plan and he told me that Sabih didn’t get the attestations done so the plan has been postponed till tomorrow. I threw my cell away and tried to sleep in the GARAM GARAM RAZAI in frustration. But my nani amman can’t let me in peace of mind. She came that your cell is ringing time and again. How can it be ringing? It’s always on vibration. Checked it and it was the message of my CTO “Where are you?” He wanted me to come online asap. Nokri Kee Tay Nakhra Kee. Picked up my lazy ass and went to office. The CTO Sb. had an email in my inbox with many people in loop "Rafaeel, Here you go with your first project. Please design a technical scoping document and share with all. Deadline: Tomorrow EOB :-)" Thank you for mocking and making that smily at the end knowing that I don’t know a shit what you are talking about. Can you please tell me, “WTF is a Technical Scoping Document and what does EOB means?” Isn’t the client very clear in his email what they want from us? Anyways, I was just about to start that the Office Ke Safai wali maasi came with her dukhraas. I felt like sitting with her and sharing my dukhraas in return. I needed a strong dose of caffeine to concentrate so went onto making a cup of strong tea and I was welcomed back by my dad who wanted to get few of his documents typed, scanned and emailed. As soon as I got rid of them, my dad invited few of my uncles in my office who were insisting that I should go for Masters and I can’t study later. “Beta, Backup rakhte hein, Country Ke Halaat Ka Kaya Patta”. “Experience Lo Job Karke Aap.” “Mera Beta Yeh Karke Aaya Hai, Yeh Dekhain Inka Beta Masters in International Business Management Kar Raha Hai”. All I could do was to nod my head in accepting all facts & figures they were narrating. "Chalo Beta, Jao Baahir. Mein Aata Hoon Phir Kisse Din Aapko Guide Karne." After seeing them off, I felt like killing myself. Back to desk and the colleagues asks “How much progress have you made on the document?” I politely ask them “Can you please tell me what is a technical scoping document and send me the company document template?” If Arslan would have been online, I would have asked from him but he’s never online when you need him. Anyways, the CTO is good enough to send me the company document template and the sample document which had absolutely no relevance to the project. Somehow, I managed to write something in 2 hours, emailed and went to sleep once again at 9 in the morning. Dad sent back the driver at 10 after reaching office so I could go for my PEC Registration. As soon as the driver came, nani amman woke me up :S Can you just let me sleep? :( Nevertheless I woke up, took a bath and thought I should get my Office Phone repaired as well as get my driver’s license renewed before going to PEC Office. After a waiting time of 15 minute, the lady at WorldCall Service Care tells me that there are no batteries so the phone can’t be serviced. I told her that I have been visiting for the last one month or so. If they don’t have the required stuff, why are they publicizing it after every 10 minutes at all their cable channels. Frustrated, I leave for the Motor Licensing Authority Office in Liberty to get my Learner’s License renewed. The duty wardens are absent and would be coming in the evening and one of officers tells me that it would not be renewed from here, you would have to go to Katchehry and get some other chores done. Didn’t shaggy tell me that it would be renewed from where it was issued? I call up Shaggy and as usual he doesn’t pick up. Alhamdulillah PEC Registration goes smooth. I am coming back SARRA hoa and the CTO tells me that the document has some issues and I have given extra information and should minimize stuff. Straight into the office, modified and sent. At the same instance, IEEE GOLDies start asking me why i am not organizing GOLD events these days and why didn't i attend International GOLD events lately? I ignore the IM windows and get off to take the much needed sleep. Friday dawns with lots of messages from friends. “You are invited to my birthday party tomorrow. Be there at 5:00 p.m. sharp”. “You’ll have to be in my wedding Mr.CEO else I won’t forgive you for the rest of my life”. Best way to blackmail people. “You didn’t still confirm if you’ll be attending Kiss Away 09”. The country is burning and you are partying. Kiss My Ass 09 times i say. I leave my cell at home and leave for office. In the evening, Dad’s driver starts asking for 2 days leave as it’s his cousin’s wedding over the weekend. Dad is furious as he has to attend a Cardiology Conference and few dinners in next two days. He hushes up the driver as the other driver is also not available. Dad's driver is going back with sad face. I walk up to the dad and convince him to give him the leave. "We’ll pick and drop you. Let him go." I go to my elder brother and ask him to accompany me to my friend’s wedding tomorrow. He replies “Mein Apnay Doston Ke Shaadi Par Naheen Gaya Pichlay 3 din se, tumharay saath jaaon?” Anyways, I tell him the issue and convince him too. Today as I go to sleep on this Saturday Morning, there are birthdays of 7 friends and other 3 good friends are getting married with their weddings planned on different corners of the city. Happy Birthday to all my lovely friends and best of luck to those who are getting hitched today. I am not sure how this day will end up and if I’ll be able to make up to your event or not but you very well know I care for you and am happy for you. ZzzZZzzzz!!!
Recently, the fever of Go Green was catching up every Pakistani. The purpose was to bring in the spirit of national pride and to establish the unity, love and faith back in the younger generation of Pakistan. I uploaded my following greened picture in the personal info of a Pakistani Job Portal.
The reply that i got was [Click to see the Clearer Version] 
Text: Dear Rafaeel Chaudhry, We were unable to approve a picture you uploaded to [Jobsite] recently. The picture was either objectionable in content or not an accurate representation of you. Please click here to review the [Jobsite] Picture Policy. Please do not upload pictures containing pets, animals, nudity, portions of the body (hands, eyes etc.), sketches, scenery, objects, violence, inflammatory/offensive language or image, paintings/artwork, celebrities, cartoon characters or copyrighted images. [Jobsite] is striving to bridge the gap between professionals and employers. We are also trying to educate our job seekers regarding different industry ethics and bring them parallel to international standards. Therefore, we encourage you to upload your formal passport size photograph that depicts you as a professional job seeker. However uploading pictures on [Jobsite] is optional. To upload another picture, click here: Or copy and paste the following link into your browser: [Picture Updation Link] Best Regards, The [Jobsite] Team I thought that may be the Jobsite doesn't endorse the Go Green Campaign, so i updated the following picture and got the same message. 
The last try that i would now do is to get myself photographed in a studio in a formal wear to confirm if i am objectionable or not. Meanwhile i would like to know about your opinion. :)
 A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will." Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?" "All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say. The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put prayed to God who would surely know the answer. When God responded he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?" God said: "When I made the woman she had to be made special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children. I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining. I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly. I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly. And lastly, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers and only hers exclusively to use whenever she needs it. She needs no reason, no explanation, its hers." "You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."
A heartbroken guy got something to day dream about expecting that the answer might be "YES" this time over. It was infatuation, crush or whatever, I came home and messaged my best friends especially sahelis about her. As usual, no cheering response from their side. :(
As i have my own quotation, "If you like it, stalk it". Thus, I went to university the next day and scanned academic office's list to know which people appeared in that subject's retake. There were only 2 female students that appeared in the retake exam of that subject. Now the question was how to identify her. Days passed and I couldn't get to see her. Perhaps I was forgetting her existence because I didn't even remember her face by that time. Then one day, Basim and Zombie were as usual on their "POONDI" campaign and then I got to know that Basim's "Crush List" has a new addition. According to Zombie that lady didn't even have straight legs and she walked clumsily. Basim wanted a second opinion so suddenly one day he yelled "Roofi!!” I turned back and he gestured towards a group and his face expressions meant "That One". Man, I was like WTF! WTF! because the group of girls that he was talking about had my angel in it. Basim's one was technically way prettier for me :P . All my sahelis were also of the opinion that Basim's one was the best amongst them. Don't know what women see in other women :S. Since this great PS deserves the best and I have never been after the prettiest bunch on the planet earth anyways, I had to be honest with him. Thus like an Indian Film, 2 best male friends were stalking 2 good female friends. When I recapture all those moments, I see all those craziest things that i have done in my college life and still people call me a boring person. Why? Even if I am an introvert, any problems? I would also like to give few dear female friends some credit for confusing Basim's crush with mine and they know what they did :@ It went like that till SOFTEC 2007. At SOFTEC 2007, one of my female friends did a mistake after that I couldn't resist. Arafat, Sohail and Choi’s Project PC was the heaven where I talked to this angel for the first time. Since it was Haider and Asad’s last semester, we used to get together at their Project PCs in Lab 2 for all the important “SOFTEC” and “The Rising” talks. I remember how Ahmed Sajjad used to seek the attention of the whole lab by with his trademark laughter after seeing the SOFTEC 2007 Registration System made by Cyco. “Sir AJAX Ka Scene Hai!” Anyways, post SOFTEC 2007 I was working on something at Arafat’s Project PC. I moved from my seat to gossip with a friend who was sitting on a nearby PC. Suddenly, I noticed that one of the girls from this gang has taken seat of my PC and is about to restart the PC. In those days, it was really hard to find a PC in the lab. She and her other friends were standing nearby. Don’t know from where I got that courage. Rafaeel Akbar Chaudhry identifies the target, start moving towards this girl gang, reaches the target and says “Excuse Me!” She turns around in astonishment and fear. Her Fearful Questioning Eyes! OMG! After that all I could say was “This is my Project PC”. She didn’t utter a single word, their eyes talked in some alien language and all of them moved away. Does she has a tongue? I still don't know. All I can think after this was “You accompanying little chipmunks, take all the PCs of the lab but let me talk to her”. But it wasn’t my day. Finally in mid May, I said that to her anonymously in the creepiest way. Senior thus did the cheapest and most junior mistake on the planet earth. Perhaps not saying it altogether was a much better option. Why the hell I can't tell the actual feelings in person? Why can’t her girl gang let her stroll alone? I didn't get any response and now that I think I am mature enough, I know that even if would have been at her place I wouldn’t have replied. Interestingly, Basim’s crush transferred herself to another college after Spring 2007 semester. However, I would like to publically thank Mr. Qureshi for bearing my seniority issues and advising appropriately at times. Q. Why am I writing this anyways? A. For all those who kept asking me about my Valentine’s Day plans. As Basim says that girls look for their Prince Charming and they don’t get to see that in their daily life. So, in his opinion successful people in this domain are mostly jerks and liars and I should act like one to score a girl. ”Enjoy a Crispy Life Man” .But after all these random thoughts, I still think I am a one woman guy. I don’t want to play with anyone’s emotions and then break up on a pity reason. I want to be with the sole entity that my family approves of. Being a “chickless virgin” is better than having a one night stand. As for her, she is important for me especially her birthday :) but not important than my family. Perhaps that’s the most practical approach. Love is not about bringing that person in your life. For me, it’s more of seeing that person happy. I like (not love) her and would always pray that she gets the best in her whole life. Saood has already commented on the post’s first part that I should wait for the right time. Thus, I am waiting for the right time. It’s her or anyone else, time will tell. Concluding this long note, I would like to say that this may be the same old Valentine’s Day for me. But for the first time, I would like to dedicate it to my family and best friends, who have always been there for me through thick and thin. “I LOVE YOU ALL! MUAH MUAH! ” “Happy Valentine’s Day” :)
The clock of my notebook is telling me that its 5:12 A.M. and I should take a nap if I intend to attend the Friday Prayers and the Startup Insider Session today at LUMS. It has been a night full of questions and random thoughts. Questions and issues that are perhaps not so complex but they are critical ones for which my soul needs immediate solution.
Since yesterday, most of the stuff on the TV, Radio & Web has been "valentined up". I also saw the video of Fuzon's song "Khamaj" tonight and loved the "seniorism" shown by Shaan. So, the upcoming valentine day initiated this thought process. We the 3 Musketeers, Rafaeel, Basim and Salman were once like inseparable friends who lived by the motto "one for all, all for one" as Salman & Basim didn't have all these girls roaming around them like 2 years back. I clearly remember that it was 27th December 2006, when I entered the university campus to give my final exam of "Probability & Random Processes". I already wasn't feeling well in that winter morning and then suddenly I got the news that I have scored an "F" grade in Electronics-2 exam. I sat down on the university's pathway in disappointment. Now the question was that should I give the final paper with this state of mind? If I would have done that, I am sure there would have been another "F" on my transcript. The 2 musketeers jumped in to say that they are planning to skip the final as they couldn't prepare. Thus that day, I paved the way for my only retake exam in my whole undergraduate life. Unluckily for the first time, the retakes were intentionally delayed by the administration and thus were scheduled for mid February in between the Spring 2007 Semester. It was Monday, February 12, 2007 when I noticed this beauty for the first time. I entered the Seminar Hall at 4:50 p.m. and she was standing there in front of the front sofas with her friend, waiting to be seated for the retake of her final exam. Since I respect her privacy, I wouldn't mention the retake subject and the batch. Luckily, she was allotted seat right in front of me (at 45 degree angle). Though the allotted time for the paper was until 8:00 p.m., I did my max effort till 6:45 p.m. Salman and Basim were already out before 7:00 p.m. considering that only 3 of us were appearing for Prob & Random Processes’ retake ;) . During the whole examination period, this magnetic beauty didn't let me concentrate on the paper. I made myself sit there till 8:00 p.m. and finally handed over the paper to Mr. Aftab Khadim. When I came outside, Basim was already on his way home whereas Salman was standing on the highway cursing me that what the hell I was doing in the paper. As we were moving towards the university gate, I noticed a Black Corolla (not sure) right outside the gate and someone who apparently was father of some student standing at the gate. Then suddenly this angel appeared from the side, talked to that person and sat in the car. As the car was plying away, I was still wondering who this lovely angel was.
I called up Sheraz Bhai and Jerry Bhai the other day in the evening.Both of them were unable to take my call.5 minutes with Irfan Bhai and Adil Bhai and a 20 minute chit chat with Salman has taken me one step forward.
Tuesday, January 6, 2008.What a productive day!
Things that people like me have learned over the years have been beautifully jotted down by Omer B. Washington
I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back. And it's not the end of the world. I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts. I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something. I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do. I've learned that it's not what happens to people, It's what they do about it. I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides. I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't. I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done When it needs to be done regardless of the consequences. I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it. I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I've learned that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have. I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief. I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean that they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do. I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions. I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life. I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help. I've learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains. I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon. I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe. I've learned to love and be loved. I've learned...
As far back as I can remember, I was afraid of cats. Those fluffy little things that millions adore. But I was terrified of them. Their presence caused me absolute terror.But God gave me these wonderful cats which came in my life four years back whom i have ignored throughout my college life, without even realizing how much caring they were. Fluffies, you might be mad at me for being such a bad and self-obsessed friend who has never been there for you.As you know, I was trapped somewhere and now i have set myself free.Today, i am there for my lovely dovely fluffy cats out there for all the talks and gossiping because you are the ones whom i eventually need in my life. Here's the modified version of Mr.Fluffy Cat's poem for my sweethearts.
Fluffy, the day you were on my life's board
From that moment on, you are the one I adore. 4 years of fond memories have passed, My love for you will always last. You are the best friend I have ever had, You are always there for me when I am sad. There is not much you ask in return, Yet, from you, so much I learn. You have taught me to laugh and smile, To be sensitive to your meows when you haven't seen me in a while. To realize that people like you too are family, But most of all, to love what surrounds me. I cannot imagine my life without you my friend, But to think you will always be with me, I can not pretend. We have an understanding between us that will never die, Even after you must say goodbye. You make my life so worthwhile, Through your purrs you make me smile. So let us give cheers, Baby, its been great to spend some beautiful and meaningful years. Love, Goofy!
  When kids from 2007 and 2008 batch come up to me and say "Rafaeel Bhai, i have been inspired by your personality and want you to guide me", the only thing that comes to my mind is "WTF? Are they fools giving me such an honor? How can a highly unstable person like me help them out?" Perhaps, its not their fault.I have always looked up to my seniors as well but the culture was somewhat different at that moment of time. We have been like obedient siblings to our seniors.There used to be conflicts and few disagreements with them at some moment of time but the most important and beautiful thing was that we never let the disrespect come in between that.Nowadays, the attitude is that you have been paid to help the juniors and they have the right to insult you in campus or other public forums .Anyways, lets not deviate from what i should be writing here actually. The person photographed above on the left hand side is also one of my mentors. I was a volunteer in IEEE WEEK 2004, when suddenly Waqas Bhai asked me that we need to do invitations for SOFTEC and you are in my team.I was reluctant to join as by that time i had made up my mind to work for IEEE and had no idea what SOFTEC was all about.Sohail Athar (Batch 2003) told me more about the scale of SOFTEC and i thought of giving "SOFTECing" a try. I think it was late September 2004 when Waqas Bhai took me into the SOFTEC office for the first time.Those days it used be in the "A" (Now called 'M') Block, infront of Academic Office.This room is currently the "Accounts Office" of the university. It was there when i first saw this bulky dude giving instructions of setting up the office table, computers and other office equipment in place.By that time, i didn't know that he was the President of the society.Anyways, Waqas Bhai asked me to help Aemad in clearing up the mess and getting things right in the premises.That's how i started out my SOFTEC journey. I spent like 9-10 fruitful months with this gang.But being the president of the society, Umair Bhai had been a true inspiration. After a discussion session with Nauman Bhai in Spring 2005, i planned that i'll go for SOFTEC as per the 'A' plan.I always had been following Umair Bhai and others to learn out maximum before they eventually leave the campus, after their graduation. Though me and Umair Bhai have so many similarities but i wouldn't discuss them all because some people would raise objection of a long blog post :) . Quoting few, turning from smart dudes to fat asses during our stay in FAST-NU, being cry babies, volunteer to AVP to President, once in a blue moon asthma, deviation from technical undergraduate degree and various other things make us men from the same pathway. The biggest similarity which has made me write this post is something that i don't want to share at this moment of time but that is surely something exciting which i would share with Umair Bhai personally some time. Coming back, Umair Bhai forgot about SOFTEC last year and he didn't even realize that one of his kids is striving hard out there struggling to pull of an event under crucial circumstances. However, i think this is somewhat personal and i think one is not bound to be there for you as he/she has other tasks in life other than helping out people at FAST. After graudation, Umair Bhai opened up a company called "Gambittech". I planned the next day that i'll be going the same way.However, few months later Umair Bhai abandoned the project and moved to Mantaq Systems. Currently, i plan to do a startup right after my graduation.There are dozens of people out there who are saying "You'll fail like Umair Moheet! because when you graduate , you think you are ready to take on the world but in reality you even lack basic work ethics. See the example of Sharjeel, Adil and Yaser.They have worked for 2-3 years before starting their own successful venture." But, "What Roofi is a Roofi who can listen to anybody" ;). I am not afraid of falling down because i know i would atleast learn out of it as in the case of my past bad experiences. "Please, don't stop me! I want to play this game! Let me follow the footsteps of Umair Moheet Khan! May be there is a light in this tunnel this time over."
Concept of Self Respect *. Nigah-e-faqr main shaan-e-sikandari kya hai? Khiraaj ki jo gada ho, wo qaiseri kya hai? Falaq nay ki hai ata un ko khaajgi kay jinhain Khabar nahin rawish-e-banda parwari kya hai? Kissey nahin hai tamanna-e-sarwari lekin Khudi ki mout ho jis main, wo sarwari kya hai? Buton say tujh ko umeedain, Khuda say no meedi Mujhey bata tou sahi aur kaafri kya hai?
(Meanings: Nigah-e-Faqr main shan-e-sikandari kya hai = What is the worth of kingdom in eyes of a saint?; Khiraj ki jo gada ho, wo qeseri kya hai = Such a rule in which ruler is always worried about keeping it secure, is worthless; Falaq = Nature; Khaajgi = Ruling class; Khabar nahin = Ignored; rawish-e-banda parwari = Sense of serving humanity; tamanna-e-sarwari = Desires to rule; Khudi ki mout ho jis main wo sarwari kya hai = Such rule is insulting to gain which, self respect is required to be sacrificed; Buton = Idols (referring to fellow human beings here); umeedain = Expectations; no meedi = Disappointment; Kaafri = Non Muslim who donot believe in Oneness of God)
*. Aey Tair-e-Lahooti, uss rizq say mout achi Jis rizq say aati ho, parwaz main kotahi Aain-e-jawanmardi, haq goi-o-bay baaqi Allah kay sheron ko, aati nahin rubaahi
(Meanings: Tair-e-Lahooti = Simile, addressing to Muslim youth; Rizq = food/income; Kotahi = Laziness, denotatively and connotatively referring to slavery here; Aain-e-Jawanmardi = Conditions to live with dignity; Haq goi = Honesty; Bay Baaqi = Bravery; Rubaahi = cunningness, hypocrisy)
*. Hai Fikr mujhey misra-e-saani ki zyada Allah karey tujh ko ata Fuqr ki talwaar Jo haath main ye talwaar bhi aa jayey tou Momin Ya Khalid-e-Janbaaz hai, Ya Haider-e-Karrar
(Meanings: misra-e-saani = proceeding verse; Fuqr ki talwar = Strong Faith; Khalid-e-Janbaaz = Khalid Bin Waleed (May Allah be pleased with him); Haider-e-Karrar= Ali Ibn-e-Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him))
*. Wo kal kay gham-o-aish per kuch Haq nahin rakhta Jo aaj khud afroz-o-jigar soz nahin hai Wo qaum nahin laiq-e-hangama-e-farda Jis qaum ki taqdeer main imroz nahin hai
(Meanings: gham-o-aish = thick n' thin; khud afroz-o-jigar soz = A person with motivation and determination; Laiq-e-hangama-e-farda = worthy to survive anymore; imroz = Present)
*. Paani paani ho Tu jhuka jab ghair key aagey, na tann tera na mann Apney mann main dub kay pa ja suragh-e-zindagi Tu agar mera nahi banta, na ban, apna tou bann
(Meanings: paani paani ho
*. Ho terey bayaban ki hawa tujh ko gawara Iss dasht say behter hai na Dilli na Bukhara Jis simt main chahey, sift-e-sal-e-rawan chal Wadi ye hamari hai, wo sehra bhi hamara Ghairat hai Pehnati hai derwaish ko taj-e-sir-e-dara Afraad kay haathon main hai akwaam ki taqdeer Her fard hai millat kau muqaddar ka sitara Deen haath say dey ker agar azad ho millat Hai aisi tijarat main Musalaman ka khasara (Dr. Iqbal is addressing British here) (Meanings: Bayaban = referring to Britain here; gawara = acceptable; dasht = Desert denotatively (India connotatively); Simt = Direction; sift-e-sal-e-rawan = Continuous flow; Wadi = Valley; Sehra = Desert; Ghairat = Self Respect; Jahan-e-tag-o-dou = World of struggle; Derwesh = begger here; Taj-e-sir-e-dara= Royal crown; Afraad = People; Akwaam = Nations; Fard = Individual; Millat = Nation; Muqaddar = destiny; Deen = Islam; Tijarat = Deal/Trade agreement; Khasara = Loss)
*. Kabhi aey, Naujawan Muslim! taddabur bhi kiya tu ney? Wo kya gardon tha tu jis ka hai ik toota hua Tujhey uss qaum nay pala hai aaghosh-e-mohabbat main Kuchal dala tha jis nay paon main taaj-e-sir-e-dara (Meanings: Taddabur = To think; Gardon = Sky (Simile, group of Prophet (PBUH) and his companions here); Qaum = Nation (Muslims here); Aaghosh-e-Mohabbat = Caring protection; Kuchal = Trample; Taj-e-sir-e-dara = Royal crown) *. Hawa-e-byaban say hoti hai kaari Jawanmard ki zarbat-e-ghaaziyanan Paltna, jhapatna, jhapat kay palatna Lahu garm rakhney ka hai ik bahana Parindon ki duniya ka derwesh hon main Kay shaheen banata nahin aashiyana (Meanings: Hawa-e-byaban = Deserts (referring to challenging tasks here); Kaari = Influential; Jawanmard = Brave man; Zarbat-e-Ghaziana = Daring strike; Lahu = Blood; Bahana = Excuse; Derwesh = Saint; Shaheen = Falcon (Muslim youth here); Aashiyana = Permanent residence) *. Utha mat khana-e-shesha-e-farang kay ihsaan Sifaal-e-Hind say meena-o-jaam paida ker Hazar chasshmey teri sang-e-rah say phootey Khudi main doob kay zarb-e-kaleem paida ker
(Meanings: Khana-e-sheesha-e-farang = Referring to British here; Sifaal-e-Hind = Referring to former united
*. Nahin tera nash-e-mann kasr-e-sultani kay gumband per Tu Shaheen hai basera ker paharon ki chatanon per
(Meanings: nash-e-mann = home; kasr-e-sultani = denotatively, it stands for royal palace but here, it means ease and laziness; Basera = Shelter; Chatanon = Rocks)
*. Aghyaar kay ufkaar-o-takhayyul ki gadai Kya tujh ko nahin apni khudi tak bhi rasai? (Meanings: Aghyaar = Referring to British; Ufkaar = Policies; Takhayyul = Theories; Gadai= to beg; rasai = access) *. Khudi ko ker buland itna kay her taqdeer say pehley Khuda bandey say khud poochey bata teri raza kya hai
*. Ghulami main na kaam aati hain shamsheerain, na tadbeerain Jo ho shok-e-yaqeen paida tou cut jaati hain zanjeerain Koi andaza ker sakta hai iss kay zor-e-bazu ka? Nigha-e-mard-e-momin say badal jati hain taqdeerain
(Meanings: Ghulami = Slavery; Shamsheerain = Swords; Tadbeerain = Plannings; Shok-e-yaqeen = Sense of self respect; Zanjeerain = restraints; Andaza= Guess; Zor-e-Bazu= Strength; Nigah-e-Mard-e-Momin = Glare of a Muslim (connotatively referring to strength of a strong faith Muslim); Taqdeerain = Destiny) |
ROOFacebook Feed |
