I am a journalist by training, and a grammar Nazi of sorts. Even under the most stressful deadlines, I have never once plagiarized another person's work. I take pride in my work, and put time into it. Growing up, I harbored intentions of being an author, but never did pursue that path. Well, journalism is close enough. I cover crime, and other gory incidents that result in death. I also write features from time to time. In my free time, I post on my blog and write poetry. Most importantly, I have never stopped reading. Here is an excerpt from a feature I have written for a local (Singapore) newspaper.
“I got all my priorities wrong,” says prolific criminal lawyer Subhas Anandan, now 66 and looking gaunt, at his Leonie Hill home.
“I spent too much time in my life chasing after fame and recognition,” he told My Paper, his piercing gaze trained somewhere in the distance.
And as regrets go, he has one that goes decades back – the excessive drinks, the cigarettes, and all the stress that resulted in his dire state of health.
A few months ago, Mr Subhas found out that he was suffering from kidney failure. He has had heart failure from 2008.
“It was drastic, sudden. If I was going at 120 miles/h, I am at 0 now. But I am starting again,” said the man who has always had a thing for fast cars.
He now goes for dialysis thrice a week. It leaves him tired and, from a robust 81kg, his weight has fallen to 64kg. “I have to wear all sorts of belts to keep my pants up,” he said.