Learning Tamil - Alphabets

I am writing this post for one of my special friend who wants to read tamil. So lot of things are very specific between us. By any chance, if you reached this page with the intention of learning tamil it might satisfy you only 50-60%. There are other very good blogs and websites to learn tamil.

Tamil alphabets

we have 247 letters in tamil. This is formed from 12 vowels and 18 consonants and 1 special letter.
12+18+(12*18)+1 = 247. Though 247 sounds complicated, you need to know only 30 letters. Once you are familiar with those 30 letters, it will be very easy to combine and form the rest of the letters.

for the first lesson we will see only vowels and one special letter.

Vowels:

Tamil Alphabet         sounds like                                  example
அ                                      a                                      'a'rrive, 'u'mbrella, 'a'nna
ஆ                                     aa (prolonged version)     'a'udi, sp'a', cl'a'ssic
இ                                     yi                                      'I'nessa, 'i't, 'i'nch
ஈ                                      yee(prolonged version)      S'ee', k'ey', J'e'sus
உ                                      u                                       'U'ganda, Suz'u'ki, S'u'perior
ஊ                                     uu(prolonged version)       S'u'per, C'oo'l, P'oo'l
எ                                       ae                                      'a'ny, 'e'ducation, 'e'specially
ஏ                                       yay(prolonged version)     'A'dam, 'a'ge, 'a'irport
ஐ                                       ai                                       'I', 'eye', b'ye'
ஒ                                       o                                        'o'ne, m'o'saic,
ஓ                                       oo(prolonged)                    'o'ver, b'o'red, p'o'st
ஔ                                    'au'                                      c'ow', k'au'sik, t'ow'n

Special letter:
ஃ                                        'ag'          This is not used much. In most cases it is used to soften the sound.

Exercise for you,
for each letter found one example word in english with that sound. Ofcourse different than the one I have already listed! :)

It's Complicated - Part 1

"Good Morning Rishi" -As I was disturbed by that sweet voice,I turned my head. Usha was standing there with her beautiful smile.  Her face was so bright and shining like a early morning sun. Stunned by her beauty, I was not able to move my eyes from her. 

She sat on her seat next to me and switched on her computer. After realizing that i am still staring at her, she signaled me to stop looking. At the same time her hands moved on to adjust her hair.

"Good morning Rishi" - She told me again. This time with little more stress on the name "Rishi"

I smiled and asked, "Have you started as well?"

Confused by our conversation, Mathan who is sitting next to both of us asked me "Hey, you did not tell me that you have changed your name"

"Hey, she is just blabbering. Don't pay too much of attention to that" - I, Surya Prakash alias Suri explained him.

Usha turned to Mathan and said, " I went to Suri's home yesterday. One of his relative was calling him Rishi. When I enquired, I came to know that some time back there was a TV show 'Deal or No Deal' in Sun Tv. That was hosted by Rishi who looks very similar to our Suri, so everyone in their family used to call him Rishi"

Mathan looked at me closely and turned to usha with a blank reaction in his face. It implied "I don't feel it that way"

Usha whispered to Mathan, " Even I don't feel it that way. But Suri doesn't like him. That is why I am calling him like that  to tease him"

Mathan, "Oh yeah, after looking at him closely, I feel the same way too!" - his voice was loud enough to irritate me.

He continued, "Mr. Rishi, tomorrow morning I have to run a meeting for two new joinees , but I made a commitment to my GF that I will take her to movie. I will come to office only in the afternoon. If you run the meeting on behalf of me , I will support the project on saturday instead of you. Deal or No deal? " - He showed his thumbs up and down in front of my face.

" What makes you think that I will help you, when you use that stupid monkey's name? " I told him with my irritated voice.

He smiled and told, " I heard that, there will be a beautiful girl attending tomorrow's meeting. I guess you are not lucky enough. Alright, I will check with …"

Before he completed the sentence " Deal" I told him.

"No Deal" - Usha punched on my arm playfully and answered Mathan.

She turned towards Mathan and told , " You go and enjoy your time with your lady love, but why are you making me to suffer on my love ?"

I will have to explain my relationship with Usha now. When I joined this company 2 years ago, I met usha and we became good friends. When they were looking for a groom to get her sister married, we introduced my brother to her sister. They both liked each other and with the parents acceptance they got married last year. We got promoted to relatives from friends.

Since we are good friends, our parents like to see us as couples. When usha's parents approached my parents in this regard I came to know that Usha is madly in love with me. Though she is a very good friend of mine and very beautiful, I have never fancied her as my wife. Initially I didn't know what to answer. But later, I had to agree because of the pressure from my family. We are going to get married in 3 months.

Some times I feel guilty that I have never openly talked to usha about how I feel about her and what is in my mind. I am just waiting for the right opportunity to open my heart.

Next day afternoon,

While Mathan was entering into our cubicle " Mathan, when did you start wearing lipstick?" - Usha asked him. Mathan quickly moved his hand to wipe it off from his lips. 

Usha laughed and said , "Nothing is there, I just wanted to check if something happened while you were in movie theater. Now it is confirmed". Mathan just responded with a smile.

Even before switching on his monitor, he came to my desk and whispered, " I saw a very beautiful girl in the elevator. She was talking to our manager. He introduced me that she is the new joinee. 'Jenni'… what a sweet name! Have you seen her?  She is damn beautiful. Her ****Sensored**** are so *****Sensored*****, at least once in my life I want to *****Sensored****** or "

Before he completed the sentence, I stood up from my chair with anger and shouted, " Mathan, if you ever talk to me like this again, I will never talk to you again in my life" . I went out without even waiting for his response.

We have had similar conversations about other girls earlier, but I had never reacted like this.  Mathan was not able to understand, Why I was so angry when he talked about Jenni. As Usha wasn't sure what was happening, she turned to mathan to hear from him. He shrugged his shoulders and said "Nothing" with confusion all over his face!

- meet you with more complications in next episode!

Waiting for the Love - Part 6 (Final)

Next day 7 AM
Place : Avenham Park

Malini broke the silence and started the conversation. "Thyagu, When I first met you in ASDA, I never thought that you are going to create so much of impact in my life. To be frank my first impression about you was not that good"

"I am not surprised Malini. If I tell you my first impression about you, I am sure you will kill me" - I smiled.

"I want to know" - she was really curious to know

"I will write a story about that " - I was just joking at that time!.

"Hmm..anyhow, after that when we met at office my opinion about you has changed. Then when we met at this park, I had a good feeling about you.When you asked.... " while she was continuing,

I interrupted, "Malini, its quite natural. Not everyone's first meeting goes very smooth. So its okay,you don't have to explain all"

"Allow me to complete Thyagu " - Malini was little serious. I kept quite and started listening to her

She continued, "Then when you asked me out, I wasn't sure about your intention. that is why I didn't tell you I was engaged ".

She continued talking "Then at the dinner and the walk after that, I really started liking you. I never laughed like that in my life. I realized how honest and caring guy you are"

Now it stuck me. I know where this discussion is going towards. Is she going to throw some shocking news at the end by beginning with all the nicest things at first!!?

"Then near my door steps...you know, you are the first one to kiss me. I really loved it. I will never forget those 3 wonderful hours I spent with you yesterday. I will live my entire life with the memories of those 3 hours. But..." - She hesitated.

"But ??? " -Though I kind of guessed, I wanted to hear from her.

She looked away from me and said "Lets end everything between us".

Disturbed by her words "But, Why??? we have such a beautiful understanding and chemistry between us. Why do you want to break it away Malini?" I asked

"I don't think it is going to end happily Thyagu " - She continued to look away from me.

"I will talk to your dad, I have the hope that I can convince him " - I was trying to give her little confidence.

"No Thyagu, I know about my dad better than you. It will never happen " - wiping the tears off from her eyes, she replied.

"Also I will never be able to leave my family behind for you.I am sure I will let you down at the end"- she added.

I told, "Don't assume Malini. Why do you want to give it up even before the beginning? " I asked her

"It is for the sake of our better life. The more we are involved, more pain it will be. It is impossible for me to keep all the party happy. I would end up hurting either you or my parents very badly. So its better we stop it here with less damage" - She answered.

"It is possible. but only if you are with me. When you are with my side, I can do anything to make it happen. All I need is just one word from you..please say 'yes' Malini". I badly needed her to be with me.

She looked deeply into my eyes.I was really hoping she would say yes.

"It is not that easy Thyagu..Also why me? you deserve a better girl ".

"I don't need a better girl Malini. I just need YOU!.You are the best girl I could ever get " - I replied strongly.

She was crying but not answering anything. I just left her alone to cry. She needed it so badly.

After 5 minutes, she wiped off her tears. Looking away from me and said "I am leaving to India in 3 days, I am getting married next month. You better forget me and find a girl who will keep you happy"

"If you are leaving, just go and get married to Mr.R.... Why the hell are you worried about me??" - I screamed at her with a angry tone. I couldn't digest the fact that she is really leaving me.

she looked at me for less than split second. Stood up and ran towards her home with tears all over her face!. Not just our first meeting, even the last meeting wasn't graceful.I stood there looking at her without knowing what to do next!

Next day when I went to office, I just saw an empty chair in her work place. I tried calling her so many times, but not even once I get to hear the sweet voice of my Malini. My Malini??? It was very painful to even think that she will be someone else's in less than a month.

I never imagined that the same person would be able to show me both the extremes of Happiness and Pain. That too in just 3 days. Unbelievable!!

You may call it stupid, but I have a strong feeling that she is mine. We are meant to be together. One day she will realize it and will come back to me. With that hope I wait for her and i will be waiting! Isn't Love all about waiting??

-Waiting continues, But Story ends.

Waiting for the Love - Part 4.

saturday -  7:30 PM
Place - East Z East (Indian Restaurant)

While I was waiting for Malini, I was thinking about the incident happened in the morning.

"Okay, where shall we go? "- My heart beats became normal only after hearing her answer. But there was an unanswered question "Did she really wanted to go out with me?" or "Did she agree, because she did not want to hurt me again? "

Anyhow, I felt very happy, but at the same time I was little nervous too. Not sure, why am I thinking about impressing her. "Am I falling in love with her?" My mind immediately denied, "Nah, this is not love"

Let me tell you my view about Love. Love can be of only two types. "Love at First sight" - Any one who knows about our first meeting will easily strike off this option. second is "Knowing each other very well before falling " -We have just started our friendship, so it is too early to put it in this category as well.

I was so confused. "Whatever be the reason, I like this feeling. Let me just be in this moment and enjoy it"  finally I told myself to be little cool. 


I saw her entering into the restaurant. "Wow, you are looking so gorgeous Malini"

"Thanks " - She accepted my compliment with a little blushing. I was looking at her more closely.

She had her hair down. Her hair was just long enough to pass through her shoulders. Her eye brows were sharpened and her eye lids were colored with a light blue color. It made her beautiful eyes more visible and more attractive. Her cheek's were looking more red. She had a big ear ring which reminded me of spider's nest. Her lips were so red and shining so naturally without the help of any lipstick.

she was in a blue colored sleeveless dress. It was just long enough to cover her knees. She was wearing a thin silver colored necklace which had a strange shaped pendant at the end. Only half of it was visible as the rest was hiding inside her dress. When touring her body, my eyes spent extra 2 minutes at the place where the pendant is taking rest and went below.

I was getting attracted more and more to her. "Does she look beautiful because I started liking her or did I start realizing her real beauty only now?" Some questions are never answered!

"Sir, ready to order? " - attender's voice disturbed my thought and I came back to the reality.

"5 minutes please" - he moved towards the next table.

"Malini, what do you want to drink? Mock-tails are very good here. I like one of the drink with the mixture of Kiwi, lemon and Mint . It is so unique, do you want to try it? "

"Hey, I am so disappointed...I was hoping you would offer me some wine or beer." - Malini was answering with her playful voice.

"I lost all the respect I had for you Malini" - My serious voice should have troubled her. Her face was losing its brightness.

"I would have been happy if you had asked me scotch or some other hot drinks" - I continued with a smile on my face. Her beautiful smile was back on her face.

"Hey, but I was serious. I always wanted to taste these drinks at least once. But I never got a chance. I don't want much, just 2 drops..please..please" - Her expression reminded me of a kid who asks their parent for a piece of chocolate.

I smiled, "you have decided to drink.Then why just 2 drops like polio shot? enjoy it full"

"oh no, I am just curious to know its taste, I am a typical tamil girl who is against all these habits " - She refused politely.

I ordered a glass of Australian red wine. She just had a sip and refused to drink further. I completed the rest of her drink. I never thought a wine could taste so sweet even though it actually meant to give sour taste!!!

Then we ordered some of her favorite food and started talking about family, friends, likes, dislikes and so on. We both realized we have lot of things in common. A good chemistry was being building between us. she was laughing all the time. There were even tears on her eyes. After wiping them off, she continued laughing.I realized that I am falling for her gradually!

It is strange that in few seconds, we had spent two hours!!! When you are with the right person time just runs so fast.

we had to pause our discussion as her phone was ringing from her handbag. She took out the phone and looked at the display. Smile on her face disappeared. She just put it in silent without declining the call and placed the phone in her bag again. She turned towards me to continue the discussion, the phone rang again!

"No problem for me, you attend the call" - I told her.

"Its okay, I am in a good mood now. I don't want to cry" - She put the phone on silent once again and kept it in her bag.

Confused by her answer, " Who was calling you" - I was curious to know.

she was thinking for a while whether to tell me or not. She turned her face away from me. Looking at the wall, she said "Its my Fiancee"

I was so shocked and disappointed. I couldn't believe my ears

"Whaaatttt " - I am still not out of shock. Words were struggling to come out of my mouth. Still facing to the wall, she raised her hand towards me.

I saw a beautiful golden ring shining with the letter "R" in her finger.


-Waiting continues

Waiting for the Love - Part 5

I really did not know how to react. All my attempts to hide the disappointment were failing miserably. We paid the bill and left the restaurant. There was an unusual status of silent and both of us had nothing to talk.

There was a big battle going on between my conscious and me.
Me : Malini should have told me that she is engaged when I asked her out.Things would have been much simpler!

My Conscious :Do not blame her, you didn't ask her out like a Man! You just offered a friendly invite and she accepted it because she did not want to hurt you again!

Me : Then why did she dress up like going for a date?

My Conscious : Don't try to take everything on your advantage. Guys like you, wont care about dressing and how do you look.But girls are naturally obsessed with dressing and want to show them more beautiful. Even if she had gone out with her grand father, she would have dressed up like that only

Me : When was the last time you supported any guy? Honestly I don't remember. As always you support a girl only!

My Conscious : Lets settle our fight outside later! Don't be selfish and think just about you.She might have her own reason.

I felt that is right. "Congrats Malini "- I told her with a fake smile on my face.

"You should say congrats only for the happy things.I was not at all ready for this and this engagement was forced on me" - She answered with a dull tone

She continued, "He is my close relative. He doesn't have any job and irresponsible person. I Hate him. One of the elder guy in the family said, if he gets married, he will become responsible. But not even on my dream I had imagined that they will get him married to me" - Her voice was really low. I was really wondering, if these things still happen in India. I heard this kind of stories only in the last century.


"But How did your parents agree??" - I asked.

"It is a long story. My dad believes the horoscope so blindly. Some Astrologer said, if I don't get married in 6 months, I will never get married. Also he has predicted that If my life has to be happy, I should get married to someone who depends on me for his life. At that time, this proposal had come and my dad decided that he is the guy for me. Unfortunately in my house once my dad decides, we can't go against him". I was so shocked with her response.  I really couldn't believe that her dad is so stupid to put her life in danger, just because of some stupid 9 boxes called Horoscope!

she continued, "When you saw me in ASDA for the first time, I was fighting with my mom. My dad pulled the phone from her and said, if you agree for the marriage come back home, else I will think that my daughter is dead. That is the reason I was so upset and crying" - She couldn't control her tears now.

From her modern outfit and the way she was talking to me, I never imagined that she is from such an orthodox family. I was even more surprised that she is so conservative to not to fight against her dad for her life.

I went closer to her. Took her face in my hand and wiped off the tears from her face. "Don't worry Malini, some miracle will happen and things will change.I am sure you will get a wonderful life. You surely deserve the best one" - I really meant it.

She was waiting for the right shoulder to cry and she found it in me. She leaned towards me and rested her head on my shoulder. I put my one arm around her and I took her hands with my other hand. I looked into her eyes. She slipped her fingers through mine and held my hand tightly to acknowledge that she loves it. Her closeness made my heart to feel warmer. First touch is always special!

"So???." - she asked me

"what ??" - girl's "so" has too many open questions. I didn't know which one to answer.

"Do you have a girl friend?" - she asked me

"I had, but not any more. She left me and married some other guy " - I answered honestly.

"I'm sorry. She should be unlucky and stupid " -Not sure if she was trying to be nice or really meant it.

"Nothing like that Malini. She is leading a happy and better life now than being with me before. Also I am not that nice as you are imagining, I had done lot of stupid things too"

"I am not sure if you are nice guy or not, but you are so unique Thyagu. Your wife will be so lucky!" - Her voice changed a bit when she was saying the last sentence.

I took a deep breath , " Why don't you want to be that lucky girl Malini??" without hiding my feelings, I asked her.

She didn't expect this from me. She took her away from my hand and said, " its not that easy Thyagu. More over I am in a very happy mood now, lets not spoil it by talking about this"

I thought, "may be she is right. This is not a good time to talk about it". We had reached her house by then

"Alright Malini, sleep well. Good night" - I offered her a good night hug.

"Thanks for the wonderful evening Thyagu. I will never forget this evening in my life" - she hugged me back.

Not sure If she has initiated it or its me.I don't want to break my head to find it out either. But the next moment our lips were locked!! 


That moment, oh my god, I can't explain that feeling. Even if the world ends in the next second, I would be happy to die. Because I felt like I have lived my entire life in that few seconds. Only a loved one's kiss can bring you that much of a satisfaction.

Disturbed by the elevator's door opening sound she moved away from me. when I was trying to say some thing, she interrupted me "Not now Thyagu, lets talk tomorrow.Please allow me to end my day only with these sweet memories"

"see you tomorrow Malini" - I left her home with so much of happiness.


-Waiting continues

Waiting for the Love - Part 3

Saturday morning

I woke up from my bed and looked at my clock. It displayed 6:30 AM. I was so surprised that I woke up so early in the morning.Generally, I sleep at least till 11 AM on weekends.I went back to the bed and tried to sleep again, but I couldn't. After trying for a while I gave up and decided to go for jogging.

I went to "Avenham park", which is about 2 minutes away from my home. Though I am a regular there, this is the first time I am going there in the early morning time. It's a beautiful park with a river on the side.It was such a beautiful sight to see early morning sun's reflection on the river. Energised by the beauty of the park, I started jogging while listening to Rihanna's "Hate that I love you".

Within few minutes, I had to slow down as I saw a big dog running towards me. There is no prize for guessing that I am scared of dogs! I tried to keep my face as bold as I can. But it wasn't good enough for that smart dog. Realizing that I am scared, it started approaching me even more faster.I stopped running and went behind a tree to hide myself.

The dog was getting ready to launch its jump to scare me further and I heard that whistle sound. Hearing that, dog made a hard stop without any further movement. Thank god, the owner signaled the dog at the very last moment. With a smile on his face he said "Don't worry mate, my dog will kiss only young girls". I smiled back and came out of my hiding place.

"Are you so scared of Dogs??" - Malini was standing there laughing at me. I never expected her there that too in this embarrassing situation!.

"Not exactly. That dog and I are close friends. So we were just playing hide and seek" -I was trying to hide the embarrassment.

"Oh yeah! sure, I would definitely buy that answer. " - her voice was so sarcastic. We both laughed and started walking together.

Malini asked me, "So, do you come here everyday".

"Yeah, but I generally come in the evening" - I replied

"Oh, that is the reason I had not seen you before here. What made you to come in the morning today?"  - she asked.

"I saw a dream that I meet my princess here today, but i did not remember the exact time. So I thought better I start from the early morning" - I couldn't believe that I was trying to flirt with her. Her cheeks became little red. Not sure if it was my illusion or she actually blushed.

"ha ha ha..good luck thyagu " she told me with a cute smile on her face.

Then we started talking about some general topics like "how beautiful this park is" , "how different this culture is" and etc. She never forgot to look at me whenever a beautiful girl passed us.The naughty look on her face woud tell me "Look at her, may be she is the one". 


Another 20 minutes passed by. I was beginning to like her. I told myself, "Not just her voice, she is also very sweet".

When we reached the park's exit, I took out my mobile and asked her,"Are you in facebook?"
I sent her a friend's request and she took out her mobile and accepted my request. yay! we are officially friends now :)

She looked totally different from her profile picture. "Who is this girl in the picture, is it your sister? " - I was making fun of her profile picture.

"Hey, stop making fun.I lost weight after coming here" -she was little shy when saying that.

I asked her, "oh yeah. You know what is the benefit of this onsite travel? "

"what?" - she asked me.

I told, "We guys learn to cook and you girls learn to workout, which we never do in India " .

she smiled and responded "Hell No!, Workout and Me? Impossible combination. It is just that I am missing our food. By eating these Pizza's and burger's my taste buds are already dead. If I continue eating this, I too will be dead very soon"

I was wondering "how only girls can show too many expressions before completing just one sentence". But I really liked her cute expressions that was changing every second.

She continued, "Do you know any good indian restaurant here? I am really starving for our food "

"Yeah, there is one close to the city center. It is very good. May be I can take you there, How about dinner tonight? "- I asked her just casually

She looked at me with a confused reaction on her face.She was trying to say something, but decided not to say.Then only I realized, may be I didn't think about its consequence before asking. I wasn't sure if she thought that I asked her out for a date or just a casual invite.

She was still thinking. Her silence made me more nervous. My heart was beating so fast that I could hear the beats. After a long silence She opened her mouth and told ...


-Waiting continues.

Waiting for the Love - Part 2

Friday 9:30 AM

I was at my office looking into the monitor and working on an issue .The same sweet voice got my attention.

"Dont worry Vikas, we will finish it in time" - I saw her talking to my manager.

So she is my co worker, that is why I had the feel that I have seen her before. "but its been quite some time I am working in this location, why the hell I didn't remember that she is from my office?" - I was wondering. Then I looked around

In that corner, look at "Komal" a typical punjabi girl, shining like a star and lightens the complete office.

Next to her, looking at the monitor while playing with her hair every second "Lydia" is attracting every one with her cute expression. 


Oh Look at that Irish Sex bomb "kyna". She comes to office every day in a party wear and makes every guy's heartbeat to pause for a second whenever she walks across them. 


And As usual, British beauty "Flora" is missing in her desk and roaming here and there and makes every guy's eyes to follow her...

"When I am surrounded with so many beautiful flowers, no wonder that my brain failed to process a little leaf". I got convinced why I couldn't remember her.

While coming back she must have seen me too, she stood for a split second and went without saying anything. After that I was so busy. Did not have any time to think about her. Later, I saw her again on the corridor while on my way to restroom.

"Hello, I want to talk to you for a minute" - she was asking me little hesitantly.

"Oh, I am going on some emergency work, will be back in two minutes" - I replied as if I am going for a rocket launch where I can't even miss out a fraction of second!

"its okay, I will wait for you" - she moved towards the sitting area in the reception.

I was so proud for making her wait for me itself.I was punching my hands in the air and saying "yes I did it" as if I have won a battle. I became silent and remembered the purpose of my visit only when the people in the rest room gave me a strange look.

after that I went to the reception to meet her, she stood up and moved towards me.

"Hi, I am Malini" she offered me a hand shake.

"Thyagu" - I reciprocated with a smile on my face.

"I am sorry about the  other day, I was in a very bad mood and I did not know that you also work in the same office.I am terribly sorry" - I could feel that her sorry is so real.

"Its okay, I forgot that yesterday itself" - I lied,to make her feel comfortable.

"Thanks" -She was little relieved now.

On the way back to our seats, I was asking her casually  "Have you made plans for the weekend?"

"No, I am not in a good mood to go out, so planning to chill at home only" - She responded. I am not an idiot to ask her again what is wrong with her mood and get insulted, so I kept quite.

"So what are your plans?" - she asked me this time

"I am one of the main pillar of our company, If I go out, then our company will collapse" - I was smiling and told her.

She looked at me and Smiled. Wow! Her smile is so beautiful.She really has a cute smile.

"first time" - I told her.She gave a puzzling look as she didn't understand.

"This is the first time, I see you Smiling "- I explained.  She gave her cute smile as a response to that as well and went back to her seat.

I was saying to myself,  "you know what, actually she is not that bad. May be with little bit of extra care, she would look really very beautiful"


- Waiting continues.