horizontaly parked in diagonal world

 In the summer of 1998, just after our intermediate exams, seven of us — wide-eyed, full of dreams, and hungry for adventure — set off on what was supposed to be a simple exam trip from Patna to Allahabad . It was supposed to be about engineering entrance tests, staying focused, and chasing our career dreams. But honestly? It turned into one of the most unforgettable trips of our lives . 🚆 The Train Ride That Had It All We boarded the train with exam stress in one hand and wild energy in the other. The squad: Dharmbir Singh , Shah Ali Adnan , Shwetank Chandra , Anubhav Jha , Tashfeen Khan , and me — all of us just 15–16 years old, with a head full of hope and hearts full of mischief. Squad goals, 1998 edition – on the way to Allahabad with big dreams and bigger jokes . A couple of beers may or may not have made their way into our hands (you know how "cool" we felt back then). Somewhere near Buxar, our laughter got a bit too loud — and boom, enter the RPF . That moment when...

Introduction At first glance, a Jain monk walking barefoot with a bowl in hand and a fitness enthusiast lifting weights in an air-conditioned gym might seem like they live on different planets. One avoids worldly pleasures; the other embraces body sculpting and physical prowess. But beneath the surface, both lifestyles are built on intent, control, and self-mastery . This surprising overlap offers a refreshing perspective on what it really means to live with purpose. 1. Discipline is Everything Gym-goer : Wakes up early, follows a strict workout routine, resists junk food, tracks progress, and avoids distractions. Jain : Follows vratas (vows), wakes up before sunrise, fasts regularly, meditates, and practices absolute discipline in action and thought. 🧠 Both understand that growth — physical or spiritual — demands routine and repetition. 2. Control Over Desires Gym-goer : Controls cravings to reach fitness goals — skipping dessert, saying no to weekend binges, etc....

 It’s been 20 years, but I still remember every rep from that first day at the gym. Not because I was excited… But because it hurt — in ways I didn't even know were possible. I walked in unsure, already a bit apprehensive about the whole “gym life.” I wasn’t confident, wasn’t fit, and honestly wasn’t sure if this was something I was built for. But I showed up. My trainer didn’t believe in “easing into it.” No gentle welcome, no warm-up stretches, no prep talk. Just a cold, printed body chart that looked innocent… until it started hurting. The lineup: Chin-ups – 10×4 Shoulder Dumbbell Press – 10×4 Lat Pulldown (Multigym) – 10×4 Indian Dips – 10×4 Bench Press (Machine) – 10×4 Dips – 10×4 Dumbell Biceps – 10×4 Bicep Curls – 10×4 That’s 32 sets of pain. By the time I was halfway through, my arms felt like lead. My chest burned, my shoulders were trembling, and every drop of sweat felt like it was carrying away my will to continue. There were no break...