From Hazare to Tendulkar, passion flows uninterrupted

Life has this strange habit of playing funny and not-so funny pranks all the time. Perhaps that is what makes it interesting. It's been more than five months now and the wait for Sachin Tendulkar's hundredth hundred is still on.

India's dismal show in England and Anna Hazare's march against corruption took everyone's interest away from the last Test. It was more of a face saving chance for the team and India squandered it. But from the moment Sachin came out to bat in the second innings, focus shifted from the Ramlila Maidan, where Hazare is fasting, to The Oval where the England team was feasting. On the last day of the Test, everyone was interested in knowing if Sachin can cross the hurdle.

He was close but missed it by a whisker. Ever since he stepped out to bat at the Lord's, everyone, provided he/she isn't an England supporter, couldn't help but wish for the milestone.

It gets funnier with the media. I just hope my editor isn't reading this (see another futile wish!) while I am giving you guys the "inside story". I have all the respect for my fraternity because each one of us really works hard to give you maximum information in the quickest possible time (job safe!). We prepare for every event, whether they happen or not.

But you know what? Sometimes certain things make you superstitious. Take for e.g: Here's Sachin, batting in his 40s, and we start preparing for his hundredth ton. We take out his past records, old photo features, write stories, run forums, plan special shows and what not. And just when we are done with all the preparations and wait for "The Moment", CRASH!! He's Out! And then you think has it happened before? With Sachin? Yes, too many times!

Now, another innings of same preparations and anxiety awaits. I am getting superstitious about this whole 'preparation thing'. Next time, perhaps, we should wait till he actually gets there. But I doubt if my editor will be a game for it! Oops! I guess that's one word even Sachin must be muttering under his breath. But I know the exact headline that the channels, newspapers and websites will be playing up before the first ODI against England - Will Sachin finally get his 100th 100? Come on, give me (and him) a break! Seriously!