Underdog

There is something about an underdog story that is so intriguing. There is something which makes us sit up and watch it with all the more curiosity. To see what the end will be like.

We have come here to witness its struggle in finding it's bearings while pitted against all odds life has to offer.  When every body has walked out, we wait there at the end of corridor, praying out of desperation for "one last time".  We wait for it to rise like a proverbial phoenix, mustering all it's courage to stand up, to face it all over again.

We hope against hope...don't we ? We always should ! Realism reminds us about what a great challenge our life is. Optimism helps us ignore pain while marching us forward through all those challenges.

The beauty of underdogs is their undying self belief. Most often they win....sometimes they don't. But that does not stop us from falling in love with them. Their stories make them all the more endearing. It ain't always about winning and losing. It's about longing the distance.

Irrespective of a result, we can't help but salute 'The Fight'. Those who make it to the very end of any challenge life has to throw at them, have already won. A character of steel and a rock solid determination maketh a man.

If must go down you... then do so ONLY after giving it your everything. At least you won't die guilty. If must go down you anyhow, take it down with you !

And since fighters do not resign or surrender to their fate, success will follow them, sooner or later. It was left with no other choice to start with.

Three months from now, I will be on my first trip to home in just about five and a half years. Life has changed...I have changed. You have changed too ! Haven't you ?

But what will not have changed may be is people's perception that I am Americanized. May be, okay ? Just may be. The cliche question will sooner or later pop up: which place do you like most, son ? And what shall I choose ? Shall I choose the one which gave birth to me ? Or the one which gave me an identity ? Shall I choose the one which taught me morals, ethics and the value of human relationships and emotions ? Or shall I choose the one which is teaching me the practicalities of life...to weather storm after storms and some tricks in this struggle for survival.

A mere piece of paper cannot change the inner me. I am still the same. I am who I was. Only that I have started on the process to self realization. Living itself has been a blessing. And to live in two different cultures, a privilege. No matter where I am, or what I become tomorrow, the inner me will not change.

I may be on  voyage all my life...but my birth place is my true identity.