Countdown to the D-Day - Part III

I was quite superstitious about my hair. I just had too many things running on my head from mid 2007. It turned out to be a nice fodder for my hair. I just liked it, long hair; I took a good care of it. It didn’t matter, I was working, because never I had doubts I would cut my hair, owing to some pressure at work or family. And people who mattered at work and at home, never pressurised me either. They knew I wouldn’t budge. Actually, in a way, it turned out better. I was able to do a lot of work which I enjoyed, meeting clients across Bangalore and Chennai. Ok, it was a coincidence that Dhoni too had long hair at that time. But who cares, he was successful and often few people referred me as Dhoni. Coming back, March first week 2008, I flew to Mumbai for the zonal qualifying. We had four zones of qualifying Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Top two teams are selected for the semi finals in Mumbai followed by finals very same day. After a nice lunch at Pradeep’s place, we go the auditorium. We didn’t qualify, it wasn’t about Formula 1 alone, it was about the entire Motorsports and that was something. We both were shocked, but to be honest, weren’t disappointed. There was a lot of quality in the teams. We felt out of place at some times when we watched the finals.
We asked if we could take part in the Chennai round with the quiz master Avinash Mudaliar. Since we had not qualified, we were allowed to take part.
Boy, the next two weeks was to determine our capabilities. Pradeep just called at odd hours and this time he was asking me to put fundas. Once, he even asked his girlfriend to speak to me about focussing on the task ahead and not waste time with girls and other stuff. He was funny, and I admire his unique ways of pushing his partner to achieve a common goal. He knew I had it in me.
We went to Chennai two weeks later, and guess what; it turned to be one of the toughest motorsports prelims we had ever encountered. We topped the prelims again. It was the final round of qualifying, so in a way, we weren’t dished out Formula1 etc, it was hardcore motorsports. All forms of Motorsports. We were introduced as one of the best Sports Quizzers by Avinash Mudaliar, quite sarcastic though. We had a point to prove. Till the last round, Man, we had lost it. There was no way unless for the miracles in the buzzer round, we could make it. We had to answer 3 questions correct and hope others answered it incorrect or not answer at all. This was to take the second spot.
First Question, we answer. Second Question, 5th Team (team which is in second answers), Third Question, the leading team answers. We still had a chance if we answered two correctly and hope the last one went unanswered.
4th Question, a toughie, we press the buzzer and answer. Hi-fi’s exchanged, c’mon we can do it. 5th Question, no clue, we press the buzzer, we worked out in short time and Pradeep answered Bughatti. Perfect. We were 2nd. The last question went unanswered, as we didn’t have to take a chance.
We got a round of appreciation for our late effort. In fact it was the final two rounds, we went overboard.
Ok, we made it. At least, the sarcasm we proved we were good enough for the finals. Now, we were among the Top 8 teams in India. After a month round of qualifying,

We felt Barcelona a bit closer. Yes, the winning team won an all expense trip to Spanish Grand Prix 2008. Pradeep from the beginning had one aim, Barcelona.
And in the end, it turned out; we did this quiz, travelling crazily one place after the other in search of this. This was what one calls, chasing one’s dreams.
That night, at Chennai Airport, I was reflecting on few things. I wondered, did my hair play any role, I know, I was being superstitious about it. But, I had a feeling, I had all the luck and I got everything I wanted, because I had long hair. I somehow didn’t like to be under this assumption. I saw Dhoni winning in Australia ODI series with his short hair. Sometimes, we need to break out of this shell to understand who we are. It’s good to be getting things done, not because of the hair, because of the capabilities. Next few days, I went about pondering, to have a hair cut or not. Fine, let me have it. And I felt a change, I was not the same guy, who went about being ruthless in his work, I felt, I was reborn and I knew I was transformed emotionally and now I was ready to look at life from a different perspective.

Just a week before the finals, I had my hair cut. I feel, one of the bold moves I ever made considering the stake of the finals. I didn’t want this hair, I wanted to get out of this, it was sort of force that was holding me. I wanted to be liberated. Liberated I was after the haircut.
The finals were to be held at ITC Shearton, Mumbai. All expense paid by Times of India and BP (Bharat Petroleum). Flights, hotel stay, commuting etc

The Last Supper before the D-day

After watching Virender Sehwag getting to his second double hundred, I took the flight early morning to Mumbai. When I got out of the airport, I saw the score in my mobile phone. The message read “Sehwag out for 319 and Sachin for a duck”. We were taken to our hotel, Sea Princess right next to Hotel Taj Mahal. The view from the room was amazing, Gateway of India adjoining to the sea face. Few months later, when I visited the same place for my Visa, it was carnage after the bomb blasts.
After having a nice lunch, I relaxed for a while. Pradeep, who stays in Mumbai, met me at the venue. We all had to wear common T-shirts and the Quiz Master was Derek O Brien. It was a showcase event as many top management from BP, Times of India had come. Narain Karthikeyan was the special guest and he did his bit as a quiz master towards the end. We managed to qualify for the finals by winning the semi-finals round. The scene was set for a grand finale. After a stage of some entertainment from Mansi Scott, we began the finals.
The finals were more of a game show than a quiz final. You had lots of unusual rounds. Well, one team wasn’t performing and you had three teams going for the kill till the final round. We were one among them the three.
Final round, we did our bit, two questions to go, we had lost the race for top spot. The top two teams tied and we were third placed in the end. A college team from NIT Allahabad won the jackpot. Wait, a minute, Second prize gets an all expense trip to Bangkok. Third Prize, a lot of goodie bags, including Rs 6000 worth fuel, a small trophy, a chance to stand on the podium just like in Motorsports for prize distribution. Spray of champagne for winners and a group photo.
We knew we came close, and in hindsight, if it were to be out and out finals like it is usually conducted with scoring and other things, we would have won.
Nevertheless, it was some experience to be known as the third best team in Motorsports Quiz in India. It was nice chatting with Narain Karthikeyan after the event for few minutes.
A few days later, this event was featured in Bombay Times and we had our picture on it.
Looking back, it was March 29th last year, when we were verge on being Famous, turned out we were ‘Almost Famous’.

I was fortunate, my partner was Pradeep and I learnt quite a lot of things from him. Its no joke, he was like a mentor and I was happy to learn the tricks of the trade which he had been for such a long time and continues to do. He taught me to calm the nerves before a big event and we did pull each other legs during our so called ‘Indian Sports Quiz Trip’.
To our team names ‘W.G. DisGrace’ to Mon-key (Mann ki) Shakti Tann ki Shakti (keeping with the theme of Harbhajan – Symonds incident), we did come a long way. In India, New Year begins around last week of March. I can say, it was a new year for me on a personal front. That was it and it all ended in Mumbai. Quizzing terms, Yes. Personally, all the above experiences heralded the dawn of my new found life.
I had so much to tell that, I ended up writing a blog early April last year titled ‘Love story or is it my Story’. The ramifications were such that, it changed my life completely.
And April 6th it was, the D-day that soon turned out to be an important day of our lives. Looking back, I know the events that occurred in those three months last year made me to write a blog on my love life about a girl whom I never met, cut my hair and start a new life.
In the end, the superstitious would have won, had I not cut my hair, we could have won. Who knows?
I don’t regret it. I am here in Switzerland writing this, a day after seeing Kimi Raikonnen losing out in Malaysia this year, when compared to him winning on 6th of April at Bahrain last year. As the race culminated last year, I felt for the first time in a week’s time I was ‘Out of my Comfort Zone’. And that’s how it stands till date. A special friend did something 'Out of her Comfort Zone' and since then she has become really special in my life and so on we went about living the days of our lives.

In India, is Cricket the lone Survivor?

As an avid fan of cricket, sometimes I am happy with the situation India is, financially and hence are able to build an ever -evolving cricket team, that competes well abroad as well as at home. Apart from occasional debacles (like losing a series to home, or early exit at premier tournaments), our team has done well, this includes Women's cricket team as well.

Its a welcome note to have included women's cricket as a part of ICC and in India, BCCI finally managed to take it under its reins. Its something good for the game of cricket in the years to come. Now cricket has reached a stage, it has plans of being an Olympic Sport in 2020 or 2024. Its a great step. Trust me, an Olympic Sport always get recognised worldwide and it is one of the best ways to promote the game on global scale. Knowing IOC, its a challenge to change their Euro-centric views about cricket and its reception by other member nations.

In India, we have IPL and ICL entangled in legal battles. Its sad, but this also brings to an important point. Cant we ensure, other games like hockey, football, basketball etc be promoted in franchise model. I know, boxing is being under consideration and the two bronze medals at Beijing, is a positive result and will see more people support Boxing in the coming years.

In India, Economy and social life are often associated with the way Indiviual Sports have shaped up. At present we have to admit, we dont have a culture for Hockey or football. People play cricket instead. Its not lack of players who are willing to play Hockey, its the case of people who opt cricket. Same is with football or other Sports in India. The surroundings and social structure have played a big role. And this has an impact on economics of Sports. We are a nation of billion people, few people can give us hope but cannot change the current situation.

Few years back, PHL (Premier Hockey League) kicked off in a grand fashion and this was even before the idea of IPL (Indian Premier League) or ICL (Indian Cricket League) got materialised.
It ran for three years before it lost its charm. Why? A lot of reasons. I am not going into that aspect.
Now, instead of spending millions of dollars on ex-cricketers, current cricketers, future stars, the ever continuing legal battles with BCCI, why dont Zee Sports (idea behind ICL) look to terminate the idea about making money through cricket. It was a great idea, but sadly we have a powerhouse in BCCI. Why fight?

If Zee Sport's aim is to create athletes in the form of cricketers, why dont they focus on athletes who are non-cricketers, who needs media attention, who needs funding where in they feel good and perform. Why dont they create an even playing ground for other sports?

If I were to be Subhash Chandra, I would utilise this opportunity to look at hockey, football and other Sports and create a social culture in which other athletes can become champions and help Public accepting other sports by creating a scenario where games can stand on its own merit not just for sympathy reasons.

Its a win-win situation in the long term. India as a Sports Nation can benefit, corporates can look for alternatives, if they find cricket to be an expensive way of advertising. And finally, Zee can win so-called 'personal battle' with BCCI. Leave cricket to BCCI, they are doing good job of it. Concentrate on other sports.

Reality is, I am not Subhash Chandra and I am just expressing my thoughts as an extension of various discussions on the state of Olympic Sports in India with other students from different parts of the world in the Olympic Capital.

Alone in the Ring

Last few months have been quite an experience both academically and on personal front. Things which were available at ease have ceased to exist.In turn, I am learning many new things which will be beneficial as I move ahead. To be honest, technology has ensured we keep in touch with people all across the world. Its easy, yet, we rely on the fact that we are just one touch away from getting connected. So, Honey, Why not later? Whatever.....

Just a small info, I am currently doing my post graduation studies at AISTS (http://www.aists.org/). The subject is Sports Technology and Administration. Yes, its an interesting course for people who love sports and also for people who want to make a career in sports.

The interesting part of this course is that, it is recognised and co-founded by International Olympic Commitee (http://www.olympic.org/). AISTS is situated inside the campus of EPFL at Lausanne, which is also known as the 'Olympic Capital'. The course involves, Sports Managment and Economics, Sports Law, Sports Technology, Sports Medicine and Sociology of Sports. It involves other topics like Extended learning, Transdisciplinary and projects like Team project, Personal project and finally an Internship.

I love Sports, so in a way, it reached a stage as to why not study something about Sports? I do agree, for every decision we have to evaluate our options. I havent taken this course because its cool to study sports. I have a history and it hurts.

I am no good sportsman, I am not worth even being one, because i didnt possess the most vital elements required to be an athlete. That is 'Will and a Purpose'. Years have past. Yes, I was good at playing, but it was just leisure. I never gave myself a chance and in short I wasnt bold enough to take. Thats the truth.

Truth bites, it sure does. How long can I survive, without having to breathe about Sports? Mom was right, she did her best, but I didnt have the will and didnt have the guts to accept it and make a career in Sports.

My Dad was good at basketball and table tennis. Mom did her bit at badminton. What did I do? Sports Quizzing, well thats not great. Its Nothing. This is the ghost, that haunts me and it always did. Its sick, earlier, I didnt even try and just found excuses in order to cover my face. Well, now, it aint no more.

I had a chance to learn that, there isnt always gonna be a second opportunity in life. And all these last few years went in wondering, "What's next best to being an athlete?"

Involve in Sports?
I loved my previous job, but you see, I cant be a human while I carry a ghost around me. I dont know where my future lies, but onething is sure, I never thought I would be here, this time last year. Infact I didnt even think about this course till June the 6th. One particular incident changed my mind. People may call it 'coincidence'. I know it isnt. I applied for a reason to this University within 5 days of deadline and the application reached on the day of the deadline. Anticipation of being with someone will always make you feel better and with this hope, I went ahead. Luck had it, I got the admission. Are you listening someone?

But guess what, I am alone, should I say, 'Alone in the Ring'. Surely, I have no regrets whatsoever. This is how my life was designed and it was all fabricated by my choices. Now, I dont want to be an athlete, but giving myself a shot at being a 'Sports lover' and doing something in Sports Industry would be a nice redemption.

'Alone in the Ring' makes me introspect, sometimes gives confidence and sometimes pulls me down. There are special people in my life whom I look upto, share my feelings and they are very much there. But most times, when I see or hear from them about their lives, perspectives and state of mind, I find it better at those times to just stick to my motions and move on. Everytime is the not the right time to share.

A Writer's Mis(s)-Inspiration

I do have belief in the concept of “Change”. Having perception oriented world around you, it’s always hard to come to conclusion whether things are for better or worse. In any case, experience is attached irrespective of the state of mind we are.

I had an opportunity to meet a person while I was flying from New Delhi to Bangalore. He had everything going for him, in terms of career, a decent family and steady romantic relationship. He told, it wasn’t steady with respect to his girl friend, and it took them 3 years and two break ups to get to this steady state.

One of the things I got to know was his talent for writing essays on philosophy, cars, music and especially about relationship. He doesn’t have a blog to address them, but maintains a note book to pen his thoughts.

He showed me the book and it was empty for last few months. He says he has become too lazy to write these days. Fair enough, responsibilities on the career front were stopping him to an extent. But, at the same time, he was frustrated about the fact that he wasn’t able to write.

He was kind enough to let me read few articles. According to me, the best ones were scattered here and there. Some of them showed his unintentional writing, I mean, writing just for the sake of it, not having a soul.

I pointed this to him and he did agree.

Now the next question…. “Sir, what has been the greatest source of motivation or say inspiration to write such things?”

“Pain….. It’s something which is very much required to bring out the best at least for me. When I look back, I feel my creativity was at its best when I had a hard time with either my family or with my girl friend. I wanted some amount of stir inside me to bring out the feelings, and to be honest, my best writings were when I had something inside, some uneasiness. When I wasn’t with my girl friend, I thought that period to be a great motivating factor because I really loved her and I wasn’t able to convey and convince how much I missed her. All this energy was put on my writings and friends said it was well written, that included my girl friend too”.

Aren’t you being harsh on your girl friend by concluding like this? I asked
“Initially, I did not think this to be the reason. But, if you look back, my best writings came when there wasn’t any clarity in our relationship. Now it’s clear much clear than what it was. You know, I don’t mind this writing. I don’t want to hurt my girl friend by telling what I feel and the reason for my inability to write anymore the way I used to.”

At this point of time, I wasn’t convinced with his argument. It was a sign of him losing his touch since he feels he doesn’t have anything to say to her about how much he cared and loved. I was wondering how his girl friend would react if she finds out about this.

Usually I don’t interfere in people’s way of working or living. But at that time, I felt I had something to say. Also, he did ask my opinion. I chose not to be a diplomat.
“The path of self discovery is very interesting. Now when we decide that this is the person, we are stopping our discovery channel and instead switch to exploring the person on a regular basis. This can be a judgmental call and one has to back oneself and be convinced. It depends what you expect from a partner. If it doesn’t match in the first step, is there any point of exploring. When you say, you are very peace with yourself after getting back with your girlfriend, then it s a positive sign. Life isn’t all about writing masterpieces. If the distance away from your girl friend was your main source of inspiration then think about the kind of inspiration she can be, now that she is even closer. I am sure she doesn’t want you to be upset because of her. I understand we do have our own ways of getting inspired but to me, it isn’t the right way to judge or conclude. If I were in your position, I would have expressed my feelings to the concerned and would find newer ways of looking at things.
In a way, this gives a chance for you to write about things in a different way rather than looking at the same monotonous way. Its time you accepted the reality and allow the change to interact with your writing and analytical skills. Its time for a change the way you looked at things. You asked for my opinion and I have given mine”

He was surprised and looked at me in a suspicious way and asked me “Have you ever gone through something like this?”

I was made to shut within no time. But I did reply, “It doesn’t matter whether I went through this all. I can say, at least I wouldn’t blame anyone but me. I have decided for the little skills I have, it’s me and my own responsibility to find constant inspirations to keep it going. Its tough at times, but beauty of nature and life is such that, it will give a lot of sources, it’s only up to us to choose them” I hope this answers your question.

Didn’t realize, Bangalore was such a short journey. He was in a hurry, we exchanged numbers and that was it. And before saying goodbye, he said, he will look into what ever I had said.

In the end, it didn’t matter, whether it was because of me he got back to his writing ways, I hope he feels great about writing again without having to blame someone else.

If world is so flat, So do tyres at times!!!

Few weeks back, on a Saturday morning, I saw my car tyre being flat. I was in a hurry. Thanks to my neighbour, I went in a two wheeler, got a puncture fixing boy. He didn’t have the tools to attend my problem; instead he replaced the flat tyre with a stepney, the only one present. He took the flat tyre with him and said he will get it fixed.

Ten days went by; I hadn’t been to the shop to pick it up. Busy…. I really do not know what busy means these days. I know it is different for different people. Clearly, if I look back, I should have picked it up. I was lazy…. Let’s face it.

“My uncle was undergoing an operation at St.Johns hospital. My mom wanted to see how he was doing. That evening I came home early so that we could go. It was 730 pm and we were on our way to the hospital, suddenly there was a feeling of imbalance which I sensed. I thought the roads were bumpy, but it wasn’t and I stopped the car on the side.

The rear left tyre was flat. I was livid for a moment, say few seconds. Reality does bite hard. It bites me soon enough at times to calm me down quickly.

Luckily, few meters ahead, I saw a puncture shop. Since, there was no stepney, the tyre had to be fixed and it was courtesy of a long nail, the tyre was punctured. Two tiny holes were enough to get the tyre flat. He fixed it.”

We could manage to meet our uncle, although he wasn’t in a position to recognize us.
Such situations cannot be explained …. It has to be experienced … one can just empathize.

On our way back, it was 1030 in the night. I could sense a similar vibration and to my guess it was right, a flat tyre. Again!!!

I expected front left tyre but to my surprise it was the same tyre that got its attention few hours back. Turn left, it was a puncture shop.

He had some latest mechanical tools that could fix this problem in very less time.

I realized, how lucky I was. “Tomorrow is a big day, I have to drive long distance, what if something happens and I am stuck in middle of now where with no stepney”, wondered I.

Karma surely ensured I wasn’t punished for my laziness. I learnt an important lesson, not to ignore certain things that seem so unimportant from outside.

The previous guy failed to sense there was another tiny hole, tiniest of holes.

The tyre was fixed by the new guy. Off we went.

The next day, I wasn’t left with much option. I had to rush to my customer early. I was cautious about my driving. Two days later, I got my stepney back. It was a relief.

Lessons come through actions; they are learnt more through our own mistakes than wisdom.

I do not know, how well I would have learnt from this, but I thought this was something which I could share.

"Out of my Instinct Zone"

Few things in life must not be changed, yes I indeed agree with it, unless the replacements are worth for a change.

An instinct each one possesses is a unique strength that demarcates individuals, their decision-making abilities and choice making.

To me personally, I have always trusted my instincts to take control over most situations. It’s not a maxim that I have set; in my brain. It’s a routine or one can say a mundane activity that controls most (99%) of the decisions wherein I do not have to think so much. It’s more in-built.

While on work or doing something different, requires fair amount of new ideas, Can I rely upon my instincts? Well, this question was asked and I did find a solution that seems apt so far.

When one makes decisions we back our experience, expertise and other’s experience. We look into prevailing situations and then end up taking a decision. Before executing, sometimes, I have encountered two possibilities.

One that is defined by logic; wherein one can come to some conclusion with the events that have taken place. This seems to be the best possible solution because it can be backed by certain data or events that have occurred previously. It doesn’t leave much scope for ifs, but’s and eliminates most of the uncertainties.

On the other hand, I have this personality called ‘Mr. Instinct’ who has this sense for the changes that are likely to happen in the future. The logic is very ill logical in this case and it simply doesn’t have a set pattern to explain the unfolding of the events.

Most of my struggles in life were to convince my mind, which takes sound decisions based on facts. Where as instincts, which creates its own route map, tries to convince me to take a decision based on his ill defined logic. But it works trust me.

Dare I say, very rarely I have gone against my instincts. I am indeed fortunate to have a mind and an instinct and their theories to agree to disagree. They agree on most terms and other times, one eventually compromises saying I had made a wrong decision and ends up supporting the other decision.

For the first time, in my life, I have taken a decision that is in direct conflict with my instincts. Now, instincts aren’t behaving the same way. It is indicating the past events and the present situations to keep me reminded about my decision.

If I am unsure, I let time do the talking. I wanted time for making an important decision in my life. I know it could have been a straightforward decision for the state of mind I was.

Finally after weeks on self – assessment, I came to conclusion. I am not backing my instincts.

I am backing my beliefs and my theory towards life. These are logical.

Wait a minute – “you just can’t take decisions without convincing me, hey look, I understand I have difference in views but convince me first and then go ahead with your decision” – Instinct in a repulsive mood.

This made me think a bit more…. C’mon after all someone’s asking me something and I should give. If instinct is asking me to think over again, then I must.

After few days, Fine, Mr. Instinct, I am again going against you. I know it hurts or say it will hurt me in the future for having gone against you or for having expressed my inability to convince you, but I am sure you will be there to support me in other things apart from this. This will be a nice change for both of us.

What made me go against my instincts??

I always believed, in order to attain a greater sense of achievement in life, its not what you conquer, its not what you did, its how you did.

I have few beliefs, which I have acquired as a result of living this life, watching, traveling, reading and by having conversations.

“One must always give another chance, I know it might not work out, but I am not going to lose anything because the equilibrium of karma puts it this way, when you are gaining something, you are bound to lose. Unless we do not experience we cannot say what we gained or lost, we can just have an idea, although one cannot fathom it.” – First reason


“I always told my friends if you want something in life, go ask for it. You will at least get clarity in terms of response you get. So, if you want something from someone, go ask for it. At times, life is too short to play mind and understanding games, one need to express to get what they want.” – Second Reason

Now, someone close (is it?? Asked instinct) to you comes all of a sudden and asks for something… What do you do???

This time I didn’t rely upon my instincts for memories I had. Instead I have taken this as a challenge to convince my instincts that let time heal this… I know time alone cannot heal; it’s my ability to ward off negative energies from my instincts and also the concerned person and situations. If all are in same plane or at least align in one particular direction, then future seems bright or else, I need to answer this question from a book I read….

On the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is considered to be highest peak in Africa, there is a carcass of a jackal on the dry snow layers at the peak. Now the question is, why would a jackal go to such an area in the first place, what made it to go such a distance?
Did it know it wouldn’t be getting any food or shelter over there? Why did it go??


I know the answer as to why it went there. Sometimes, we do sense the scent wrong. It seems foolishness for a jackal to go that far. But it just followed the scent and in the end it turned out to be the wrong scent. It followed its instincts and it failed…. Or I would like to put it this way; this so called ‘failure’ became a great example for my life.

I know Ernst Hemingway mentioned the puzzle…. But the solution to it is entirely mine or should I say interpretation based on my experience. The difference between a man and an animal is that man is capable of establishing priorities.

I might change this in the future… because I really don’t know whether I would also end up following the wrong scent of life… I really haven’t followed jackal’s life to come to a proper conclusion.
At present I can say…. I have challenged my norms and for at least one issue I am out of my instinct zone…. It’s a battle nevertheless to prove my decision right to my instincts.

Ultimately, this isn’t any wish. Being with a person I like is a goal…. a long term. This isn’t like any other unformed wish like “I want to make money, I want to win or I want to find true love”. These wishes aren’t goals as per my definition. I want to enjoy the intermediate steps associated with the goals. Analyze them, correct whenever necessary and keep moving on.

At last, this is the hardest part….. Having gone out of my instincts, I have to ensure I retain the confidence and be able to stick to whatever I have decided upon.

Edison remarked “Success is defined as 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration”.

Well, I am all ready for 99% perspiration…. Unless and until I get 1 % inspiration from time to time….

From who?

It’s a million dollar question…..