And my life goes on...

Rituals in a Sindhi Wedding.

2012-01-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Bloggies, we all know an Indian wedding is a big, fat and grand affair. There are certain ceremonies and rituals that are performed across all the castes in a Hindu Community. Today I wish to give you all an insight of what goes into a Sindhi wedding to make it a lavish and grand event.

This is the first time that I've been a part of a Sindhi wedding from start till the end. I came to know about many rituals, and their significance.

Here are certain important rituals that are performed in the homes of the bride and the groom. Give-and-take of gifts, prayers, etc, to show acceptance, wishing happiness and a bright future to the couple, and celebrate every moment of this joyful event with enthusiasm.

1. Janya.

Janya is a sacred thread ceremony, wherein the groom wears a yellow thread and guru mantra is whispered in his ear by the Mehraj (priest). This ceremony is supposed to be conducted in adolescence. If not, then it can be conducted a day or two before the wedding. Without performing this ritual a Sindhi wedding is considered to be incomplete.

2. Kachchi Misri.

Kachchi misri is an informal engagement between the bride and the groom. Both are given coconuts and misri and it signifies that they have been accepted as a part of each other's family. The two families exchange Shagun (Token gifts), which generally consists of 5 types of fruits, 5 coconuts. The bride's family gives 5 kilos of sweets, basket-full of fruits, kana prasad, and a small token of money.

Semolina sheera is prepared and later served to everyone as prasad. The groom's sister or mother covers the bride's head with a red dupatta (stole) and feeds her the sheera. After this all the relatives present feed sheera to the bride.

3. Pakki Misri.

This is the formal engagement ceremonies. The couple exchanges engagement rings in the presence of a priest. Ganesh Puja is performed followed by an Ardas. The groom's family gifts the bride with a basketful of fruits, new cloathes, jewelry, cosmetic, etc. These gifts signify that the bride has been accepted my the groom's family. The bride's family too gives 5 kilos of misri in a clay-pot. The groom's mother opens the clay-pot. Seven married women draw Swastik on the clay-pot with vermilion and pray Lord Ganesha to bless the couple.

The ritual of Varmala is performed where the bride and the groom exchange garlands. The groom's family then gives a verbal promise of marriage and feed misri to the bride's family, hence confirming the engagement.

4. Behrana.

It is a satsang held in the name of Sindhi God Jhulelal. This signifies the beginning of the ceremonies of the forthcoming wedding. This is usually organised a week before the wedding.

5. Dev bithana.

In this ritual, a chakki (stone grinder) is installed installed in the homes of bride and the groom. Family members apply vermilion to it. After this ceremony, the bride and groom are encouraged to stay at home. Ainars (marriage guards are appointed) which are generally their brother-in-law, and sister-in-law.

6. Lada.

It is also known as Sangeet Night when all the ladies of the bride's and the groom's family, and the ladies in the neighborhood gather at the bride's home for an evening of fun and merry-making. They sing traditional wedding songs, sindhi songs and dance at the beats of the dholak.

7. Tih

This ceremony is performed a day before the wedding. The bride's family sends a priest over to the groom's family with a small bag of rice, cardamom, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, 21 sweet nibatas or sugar candies and a skein of green silk yarn. The priest performs puja along with the groom, to pay obeisance to Lord Ganesha and all the nine planets.

8. Wanwas.

This ceremony is performed at the bride's and the groom's home separately, a day before the wedding. The priest ties an anklet around the right foot of the bride/groom. Seven married women pour oil in the center of the head of bride/groom. The are made to wear new new shoe on their right foot and try to break an earthen lamp with it, which when broken is considered as a good omen. The respective family tears off their clothes to ward off the evil.

9. Haldi

This ceremony is performed by both the families. The family pours oil, milk and turmeric mixture all over the bride/groom's body. This signifies the act of purification. After this ceremony the bride and the groom are supposed to stay at home until the wedding.

10. Mehendi.

The mehendi night is the occasion of merry-making where the ladies of the bride's family beautify the bride. Professional mehendi artists are called and intricate designs in henna are drawn on the hands and feet of the bride and other ladies.

11. Saagri.

The bride wears a silk saree and the marries sisters, cousins, children from the groom's family adorn the bride with jewelry made up of jasmine flowers. Similarly, the bride's family adorns the groom with garlands.

12. Ghaari Puja.

This ritual is actually a pretty long procedure and needs to be performed simultaneously at the bride's and the groom's home. The priest conducts a prayers using rice, wheat grains, betel nuts, turmeric and many other spices. The married women in the house grind the wheat as it signifies the home will always be prosperous.

13. Navgrahi Puja.

This ritual is conducted in the morning of the wedding day, first in the groom's house, then in the bride's house. This ritual refers to worshiping Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi. This is followed my Omkar puja and Kalash puja, and prayers are offered to the nine planets. Gods are welcomed into the home as guests and are offered food, water, milk and light.

14. Gaaro Dhaago.

A red thread id ties around the wrists of the groom, bride, their parents, and the other family members who would take part in the wedding ceremony later on.

15. Preparations of the groom.

A ribbon is tied to the groom's hair by the priest to protect him from the evil eye. The priest puts a red cloth around the groom's neck, with coconuts tied at both te ends of the cloth. Another white cloth containing rice, cardamom, and kharchi(lucky money) in a bundle at its end, too is put around his neck. A female member from the bride's family goes over to the groom's home and accompanies them to the wedding venue.

16. Baraat and Swaagat.

The groom rides on a horse, with he wears a sehra that is tied to his forehead. The groom's mother holds a lamp lit for Lord Jhulelal. The entire family and relatives set forth towards the wedding venue along with the band of musicians.

Swagat refers to welcoming the groom and his people. The bride's family welcomes the groom and his family by putting vermilion on their forehead and adorning them with garlands, showering flowers and sprinkling rose-water. The bride comes to receive the groom. The groom places his foot on the bride's foot to signify his dominating strength in their life-long relationship.

17. Paon Dhulai.

The bride and groom are seated with the screen between them so that they cannot see each other. The bride's brother then washes theie feet in a bronze thaali with raw milk. This is done because it is considered that due to all the prayers and ritual performed prior to the wedding day, the groom becomes and embodiment of Lord Vishnu on this wedding day.

18. The wedding ceremony.

The bride and the groom sit facing each other. The white cloth that was put around groom's neck is now put around bride's neck. This white cloth is now tied to the red cloth that is still around groom's neck. Their right hands are tied with a sacred thread. Th holy fire is ignited. The priest starts chanting holy verses, and prayers to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Laxmi and other 64 deities. Then the couple walks around the fire. Sindhi wedding has only four pheras. Kanyadaan is performed wherein the holy water flows from the hands of bride's parents to the hands of groom, signifying they are giving away their daughter to him. The groom applies vermilion on the bride's head and puts the Mangalsutra around her neck. Saptapadi is performed wherein the couple places their right foot on seven small heaps of rice. Then they bow to touch the feet of elders to seek their blessings.

Post Wedding rituals.

19. Vidai.

After the wedding, the bride's brother is entrusted to take care of the bride and the groom. The baraat leaves for groom's home. The women in the groom's home receive the bride.

20. Datar.

This ritual begins with washing the bride's feet by groom's parents at the threshold of her new home. The bride enters her new house, and sprinkles milk in every corner of the house. She then places a handful of salt into her husband's hand, that he passes back to her without spilling. This ritual is done three times and then the bride repeats it with all the family members.

21. Dev uthana.

This ritual performed a day after the wedding, involes removal of chakki, which was installed during Dev bithana prior to the wedding. The couple offers prayers to Lord Jhulelal, and are fed seven mouthfuls of rice, milk and sugar.

22. Reception.

The groom's family organizes a reception party. After a short visit by the bride's father to her in-laws' house, the couple, at an auspicious time fixed by the priest, pays a visit to bride's paternal home.

So this was what goes into the making of the Sindhi wedding! Hope the readers enjoyed it!

The To- Do list for the Bride.

2012-01-09T11:53:00.000-08:00

Come wedding and the home is full of hustle and bustle. Shopping, deciding upon a design of the invitation card, menu and venue, gifts for the guy's side, and the preparation of all the traditions and events to make it a perfect wedding. The big fat Indian wedding is full of Taam-Jhaam(Ado).
But amidst all this, we often overlook some important issues to be taken care of. I'm now talking about the bridal care, health and fitness.
For a bride to look beautiful, glowing and full of energy, it is necessary that it all comes from within, rather than all of it being superficial. Only then will her glory stun everybody.
So here I wish to share a To- Do list for a Bride, that will definitely prove useful and will take care of all her needs.
So, lets get started.

Days before the Big Day:

1. Diet.
The food we eat is an important factor in deciding our appearance to some extent. So, it actually works from inside our body. Hence, it is necessary to watch what and how much you eat. Good and nutritious food will keep your system clean and help to keep your skin glowing.

Start eating healthy. Include lots of fresh fruits, salads and green vegetables in your diet.

Avoid oily and heavy food, sugary drinks, chocolate.

Include dairy products like skimmed milk, yogurt, etc.

Reduce the intake of non-vegetarian food.

And the most important, eat your meals on time.

Drink lots of water, 5-6 liters a day. Don't increase your water intake all of a sudden. Go slow on it.

2. Health and fitness/ Exercise and workout.

If you're in a right shape, its really good. But still its necessary to do some light exercise after a nice warm up. Take a walk in the morning. Go cycling. It will help keep you active. Use a gym-ball or swim.

And if you think you're carrying a few extra pounds, you can always go hit the gym. Take advice from your trainer. Do tell him about your need to reduce yourself. Set a short term target that could be hit in a comfortable manner.

Get ample sleep to avoid dark circles around and bags under the eyes.

3. Grooming.

Its extremely important that a person maintains high standards of personal hygiene and follows some basic rules of grooming, here we are talking about the bride.

Start your beauty treatment sessions well in advance, like a month and a half before the Big day if you have that much time left. Choose your beautician with care.

Go in for a facial to help your skin get cleansed and all nice.

Also get the manicure and pedicure done so that your hands and feet look neat and clean.

You can always go for body massage at a spa. It will reduce fatigue, stress in the muscles, and give you a relaxed and rejuvenated body and skin.

Also, going for a hair spa will help in a great way. This treatment at periodic intervals would help condition the scalp and promote healthy growth of hair by providing the essential nourishment from essential herbal oils and steaming.

Get the threading and waxing done when the Big day is approaching. Let the growth reach till the max and get it done atleast 4-5 days before the wedding or a day before applying mehendi(henna) to your hands and feet. It will ensure that the tingling sensation of the skin is gone and also promises a clean look and feel for longer.

Choose a hair color wisely, if you're going to use any.

A good hairstyle is the one which suits you and enhances your appearance. Choose a hair-cut that would go well with your hair type, texture and the shape of you face, and the one you can carry well. Try it out well in advance to make sure it works out.

4. The attire and the accessories.

Get your wedding dress ready atleast a month before the wedding day. The wedding dress should be chosen with care, keeping in mind your body type, complexion, and the latest trends. For example, plazo style legengas look good on tall and slim girls. Whereas, narrow fish-cut style and straight-cut style lehengas suit the girls of average or short height as well as the taller ones.

The Plazo Style

The Fish-cut or Mermaid Style

Dark colors look good on a fair complexioned girls and lighter shades go well with dusky complexion.

Choose the jewelry that would complement the wedding dress, keeping in mind the colors, and the trends. Heavy jewelry would look good on a slim bride, the healthier ones can go with a little lighter pieces of jewelry. Choose a watch keeping in mind the similar points.

Choose a matching pair of bridal footwear with a suitable heels, that would ensure the much needed comfort.

You must check out the various jewelry stores in your city, and then finalize keeping in mind the trends, quality, reliability and price.

5. The Make-Up.

Go for branded cosmetics that will give you value for your money.

Choose the shades that go well with your complexion, type of cosmetic(creme based, powder based) skin type, and of course the color of your wedding dress.

Make-up is supposed to hide the blemishes and irregularities of the skin tone, and highlight the other positive features of a face.

The shades should do justice to your facial features. Keep the look simple and natural as far as possible.

Make sure to do a patch test of foundation cream and other make up stuff to ensure they don't give you an allergic reaction.

And now, as the countdown is coming to an end, its time for a complete rehearsal. Try out the entire thing, the wedding dress, the jewelry, the make up and the footwear well before time, so that if there is any shortcoming followed by the sudden change in the choice, there would be enough time to re-start and finish it up.

P.S.- All the pictures are assumed to be taken from public domains and no copyrighted pictures are used. If anyone finds it otherwise or I've not given credit to that person, kindly bring it to my notice. :)

Inter-caste Marriages- The great Indian disposition.

2011-12-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

Pre-script- I've penned down this post for sharing my views with you, as well as letting out my anger regarding the topic. Your views are most welcome! :)

As I had mentioned in one of my previous posts, that I will be writing a few pieces on 'wedding', and the various happening at my place, the emotional aspect, ideologies of the people regarding this sacred tie, here I'm to tell you about the hot debate going on between the two sets of people, regarding the inter-caste marriages.

http://superfabiobros.deviantart.com/

So let me start from my home itself!

Caste-system has been a rigid aspect if the Indian society since ever. It has made our tradition unfair and prejudiced.
Our elders have an orthodox mindset and are skeptical about the survival of such weddings due to the cultural differences. And it brings disgrace to one's family, is what they say and believe. There is loss of reputation, and torture at the hands of the society.

On the other hand, we, the people of my generation, that is me and my cousins are totally in the favor of love marriages and inter-caste marriages.
Discrimination on the basis of caste and religion would pose a threat to social equality, peace and brotherhood. It hamper unity among the people of the nation.

The elders in my family are too much concerned about the talks of the people. 'What would people say?' is the big question that dominates their views and is the major reason behind their cynicism. They fail to see the love and dedication of the two people towards each other. I've been a part of many inter-caste weddings of my distant relatives. The atmosphere is weird. Everyone in the two families is wearing a fake smile. From the inside, everyone is sad, depressed, unhappy with this tie. Why do they have to react like this? I mean, it is something you cannot stop from happening. You cannot stop two people from loving each other. You cannot put an end to their desire to live their lives together. Then why not accept it, and be happy and celebrate?

Parents should be happy that their child has chosen a right person for himself/herself. Right person here implies the one who is ready to get committed wholeheartedly, and be loyal to the partner for the life-time.

This is not the story of my family alone, it is the story of the majority of people in the Indian society.
The question in my mind is, 'Why?' Why we are so much against such marriages? What is wrong in loving a person who doesn't belong to your community? Is he an alien from the Mars?
No! He is also a human being who is made of the same bone and flesh. Why can't we think above all this discrimination? Just because we are worried what people would say?

I say...whom would you put first? Your very own kids? Or the society that will come only to dine at the wedding, talk, comment, leave and forget? How far would you go to keep the people happy? We need to bring a change in this pattern. Parents must support their child when it comes to choosing a life-partner. Its the compatibility that counts. The girl/boy should be given a chance to introduce himself/herself to the other family and win respect and love, highlight the qualities, bond with the family members.

If parents support it, be proud of it, celebrate the wedding, be happy, only then you can convince the other people in the society that such marriages are not a taboo. Mouths would be sealed. By cribbing, crying and making sad faces in public will only invite more trouble and bitter words from the people.

I've seen many such incidences where parents emotionally blackmail their child and force them into a marriage with a person of their choice. Now tell me, who will assure that such a marriage works out fine? Aren't three lives and their future being put on stake?
Why would you want to push your child into the fire of guilt, sorrow, and restlessness?

I've read in newspapers, about the honor killings in such cases. How can parents get their child murdered just because they love someone from the other community? How gruesome is the act!

So think over it...Especially the Indian readers. What is the guarantee that your child would have a great life with the person just because he belongs to your community? Or is it better to let them tie a knot with someone they know, respect, and love?

Marriage is a sacred institution...Lets not malign it with our baseless arguments and inhuman approach.

Now playing- Kuchh to log kahenge....Logon ka kaam hai kehna....
Chhodo bekaar ki baaton me kahin beet na jaye rainaa....

Yes, I confess..

2011-12-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

Do I look like a liar? Would you hate me?

We all lie about one thing or another...we all fake about a few things. We are humans, and its a human tendency. So lets not shy away... I want to tell you few such things about myself.

Hope you enjoy reading my secrets..Well everyone does..Yet another human tendency you know.

I say I don't wanna marry!

Well, that is partly true. I won't marry so soon. Yes, but I do think about that person. Keep on wondering who is he and where he must be?

I study because I want to top the exams.

One big lie. I never studied to top the exams. Neither because I was scared of my parents. There was another reason altogether which drove me to study hard and crazy. To impress the guy in my class (who was a different one every year) on whom I had crush and steal all the attention leaving other girls of my class fuming at me.

I'm Miss Goody Good Good!

No, not at all. I can be really bad at times if I get angry. Once I was upset with my classmate as she didn't give me her notes so that I could complete my note-book, inspite of requesting so much.

We had a project wherein we have to sow some seeds of legumes and let them grow into saplings. I fed a glassful of Coca Cola to her saplings! Her project was destroyed! She got a zero and I didn't get caught.

I hate you!

When I say it to you that I hate you, actually means I had loved you madly at some point of time in the past.

I'm scared of this character called 'Mother -in- Law'

The truth is that I'm not. I just say it to show how allergic I'm to marriages. I mean she would be like my Momma no. Will love me like my Momma does, won't she?

I always say it one the face of the person whatever I feel.

That's a big lie. I can't speak sometimes. I bitch a lot to let out my frustration.

When I get late to office I tell my Boss the trains were too crowded, so I waited for the next one.

The truth, I woke up late. Thinking about distant future, tossing and turning in my bed and talking to myself in mind in the darkness of the night, it doesn't let me sleep.

I can't lie. I get caught.

Well I would call it 'Lie of the year'. I do lie. I'm a perfect liar. I just give an impression to the people and make them believe I can't lie. And when I actually lie, they can't make out.

So, this is all what I could think of... If I am able to recall anything more, I would love to share with you guys.

Wedding bells are ringing...

2011-12-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hello Buddies..I missed blogging. It has been really long that I wrote my previous post...So here I'm back to blogging!

Mazaak mazaak mein sab log aagaye! Chalo fir ab shuru kartein hain! :p

So talking about stuff related to wedding is on my mind now, as there is a wedding at my place. My next few posts will be about the things related to marriage, my state of mind, thought process and many complex stuff about the bond that I and the concept of marriage share...Its a love-hate relationship...And I'm still unclear which emotion is stronger.

My cousin who got engaged in May is set to get married in January next year. I was kind of shocked...I mean she is younger than me...I'm barely 22...So I kind of freaked out.

And what made me go mad at her and yell at her and taunt her endlessly was the fact that she quit her studies..She studied only till class 12. I was not trying to influence her or anything. Just out of sisterly love, that I wanted a better future for her. She has got a good guy, good in-laws, but creating an own identity working with dedication, and consistency gives a high, an awesome sense of satisfaction. And if you discharge your professional and personal responsibilities and maintaining the perfect balance, what else can be better?

I'm in Mumbai. There must be hustle and bustle at my cousin's place. Shopping, deciding upon design of the wedding cards, gifts for the groom's family, deciding upon the venue and the menu...must be fun..

The fragrance of henna will soon fill the home. Home would be dolled up with marigold and roses. Lights will brighten the atmosphere. Music will cheer up loved ones...Love is in the air...and so are the expectations of my relatives that I too get an interview call from a Momma of an eligible bachelor!

Hey Dude! Stay away!

I'm scared..to go to marriages...Fat aunties hover around my Momma & bombard her with questions like,

Where is your daughter?
What is her name?
How old is she?
What she does?
How much she earns?
There is a guy, you want to meet his family? From Mumbai...Business class...Guy is in America..28 years old...6 feet tall..

Oh My God! Why would I want to marry a Mumbai guy? I don't like this city.

I don't want to leave my family alone and go to USA thousands of miles away, I'm the elder child and want to look after my family..

Ya that's a different thing altogether that my family still looks after me, literally. *LOLZZ*

I don't want a guy this older..and I don't want a giraffe either..I'm 5 feet and 1/2 inch tall for God's sake...exactly that much!

My Momma dearest is the best...She answers each question so tactfully..She knows I don't want to marry so soon. And she supports my decision. She wants to see me doing something big. She is the one who taught me to dream...And my Daddy too supports her. They share similar views when it comes to me.

But Dad sometimes teases me saying he would marry me off after 3 years. I make a scornful face and threaten him that I will run away to Himalayas and become a Sanyasi! Well I am not sure if there are any sanyasis there in the Himalayas.

He laughs it off! *Sighs* No internet and mobile phone network there...Shucks, they know my weakness..

Now I'm really scared to go to my cousin's wedding and this is the only reason...I know Mom will shoo away everyone..But still...I don't like it...

Mom Dad will drag me to marriage. Its my cousin this time. Not some sister of my Aunt's daughter-in-law's uncle's brother-in-law..I hope you got it.. So I gotta go :( I am planning to dress up simple and look dumb. Thank god I have braces and specs already! *Grins*

Serendipity!

2011-12-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

Why this post is called 'Serendipity'? Its because I got lucky by accident to have a great evening...Read to know how? And why?

It was a Sunday again. I couldn't go home this weekend as I was working on Saturday till 9 pm in office.

Damn my employer...Yes, I mean it. I'm fed up with there policies and practices. Can't take this shit anymore.

So Sunday was much awaited. I could sleep for longer. I really needed a good sleep. My Mom would get shocked and shout the house down if she notices my dark circles. She will endlessly curse the modern technology that keeps her daughter awake till late night. Yes, computers and internet I meant to say.

I slept tension free. I had deactivated the alarm. No worries to get up and rush, it felt so good. I had a pretty slow and relaxing day. Things went on smoothly. I thought I was just another Sunday...What exciting could happen? Anyway I didn't have and strength and energy left to handle something like that...

I didn't eat my breakfast today...I mean who eats breakfast after waking up at 12 noon. I made tea for myself and my roomies. A lot can happen over a cup of coffee, or tea in our case. We turned on the TV. It was 'Kolaveri' again all over the music channels. We let it go on. So, we started with our favorite activity, that is bitching about our landlady!

Image courtesy: miguelofthedark.com

Ya, we are naughty girls, we are bitchy sometimes...But we have a valid reason. Our landlady gets bouts or something I guess. She pesters us on tiny things. Asks questions too personal. My roomie who has been staying here since a couple of years now tells us about her previous roomies and what this lady talked to them about. We were shocked to know! She asked the girls about their boyfreinds and their sex lives...telling them about her sexual fantasies...Phooooooo...I was about to vomit...I mean...she is a senior citizen! Its so gross..I know some of you may disagree with my views...But its still gross...atleast for me..

Unmarried...lives alone...we are there but still....we will go away someday like the other girls na...My roomie told us about the romantic affairs she had during her youth and how she separated from her family...and other such aspects of her lives...She had confined in my roomie...But such things are hot topic for discussions...Can't help..Human instincts you know...

Well..we had our lunch and everyone slept..I was busy massaging my thirsty scalp with coconut oil. My hair falling like autumn leaves...followed by a nice hair wash after an hour later...

Now what do I do sitting here alone. These girls will have their own plans as usual. I have nobody here in Mumbai. What a lousy Sunday again. I just hate it. I was thinking I would be staying in alone all day...like I always did..Atleast I won't have to bathe twice then. :p

Then in evening when everyone was up I came to know nobody had plans and were planning to go somewhere. I don't know why my mood was down and I didn't want to go...But after sometime I thought what will I do in this empty house till night? I imagined myself having fun with all 3 of them outside. I announced I too am coming! I managed to get ready in 5 minutes and off we went!

We went on the sea face, from where we got to see this beautiful view of Bandra-Worli Sea-link! It was so serene. We walked along the beach carrying our sandals in hand, our naked feet caressing the soft sand beneath. I felt nice as cool breeze was blowing from towards the sea. We walked a little further towards the sea and sat on the rocks. We went silent as we watched the sea, sky, and the Bandra-Worli Sea-link. We stared continuously at the waves...it felt strange looking at the waves, the way they came and went....the way it splashed itself on rocks. The sound it created. The sound of waves is such relaxing. Its like a divine music for a tired mind like mine. The sea-link looked so gorgeous, a masterpiece of hard work and patience. It looked magnificent. We could also see tiny cars speeding on the sea-link.

We could see from here, the Taj (Not the Taj Palace, this one is another hotel of the group), Leelavati Hospital, and many more famous buildings of significance. They appeared so tiny. We sat till the sun was about to set and the sky had turned orange. We sat there till it grew dark. We started growing hungry. We decided to have pizza for dinner. Only Smokin' Joe's was there on our way back home. No Pizza Hut or Dominoes. I had never been there to Smokin' Joe's. We thought of giving it a try... While we walked back our way, we discussed about innumerable happening and cool places to eat out in Mumbai that one must visit. We decided we would visit a couple of them atleast, in a month. That made us even more hungry, and our tummies to whine annoyingly!

Finally we reached the place and ordered some nice pizzas, garlic bread with cheese and coke! What could be better than this? I ate pizza long long ago, it has been ages! We just hoped it would be fine. Yes, it was good, nice piping hot and spicy! We just digged in! Yummyyyyy! We loved the way the cheese kissed our lips and cheeks too..It is so gratifying...As we got all what we had been longing for..Why bad things are so good????

"Food is the best thing man ever invented!", said my roomie... and we all agreed by nodding and saying 'mmm mmm' :p We continued wiping our nose and sipping coke more frequently as the food was so spicy!

Spicy chicken pizza for my roomies!

Veggie pizza for me!

Garlic bread with cheese

We chatted over the dinner about more famous places, did some more bitching. We wondered what our landlady will think when she returns home and finds none of us there. She would go nuts! She hates it when we girls get along well. Don't know why she is like this.

We walked our way back and had coffee in yet another restaurant. Would you believe it? We had coffee standing outside the restaurant whit enjoying the cool breeze..as the restaurant was full and many people were waiting outside too. It felt nice..we all did it for the first time...

We soon reached home to find aunty hadn't come yet. We had some more fun teasing each other! We laughed so loud...I had a nice time. It was a beautiful day, that is otherwise boring and hectic, tiresome, full of frustration.

This is what we call serendipity. When one moment you are clueless about something and the other moment you find good times awaiting you...And happiness waiting for you to embraces it...

God always has little surprises for us....atleast for someone like me...who gets a very little time, and few occassions to go out with friends....who eats alone everyday...So it actually is a big thing for me now a days...And I'm enjoying it...

Yes, I had to bathe twice....Now you know what investigation aunty must have done when she returned?

Of love and lies...- Part 2

2011-12-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

For Sahil, the day seemed to pass too slow...He couldn't sleep well that night. He was restless. This was unusual. How restless can a guy become after seeing a girl? Strange...but true. Finally it was dawn. He woke up earlier than usual, got ready and zoomed off on his bike to college. He was there much before-time.

He parked his bike and walked towards the Commerce and Management College in the campus. He had some friends from his Junior College who were now studying Business Management. But meeting old pals was juat an excuse. The only reason Sahil went there was that girl he saw outside the class the other day.

He wished to see her. To know something about her, atleast the name. He was there to solve the mystery that what was pulling him towards her? Was it love?

Image Courtesy: Gotit.com

Sahil met his friends after a long time. They were happy to see him. They insisted on going to canteen for a cup of coffee. So off they went to the college canteen. It was a lively place full of young girls and boys, laughing and chatting away, enjoying the food, sharing happy moments...perhaps creating memories that they will look back at after a few years...

They choose a corner table that could accommodate the 7 friends. They ordered coffee and some snacks. Sahil looked uninterested as his mind was still somewhere else...

He looked around at the crowd. Someone again caught his eye. Someone again caged his mind. Someone again numbed his senses making him so vulnerable, unable to think straight.

Soon she left from the canteen too...leaving Sahil on his own again. Sahil too went back to his class after having a good time with his old buddies.

Lectures began. He tried to concentrate. But his mind drifted away somewhere else...

After the lectures he roamed alone for sometime in the college, visited college canteen, with a hope to catch her glimpse. He visited his friends frequently just to see her there. He felt uneasy and painful whenever she suddenly disappeared from his sight.

Image Courtesy: Deviantart.com

Days passed, weeks passed, Sahil went to the college, he attended the lectures but his eyes were glued outside. He grew restless day by day. He did nothing, till one day when like other days the hopes of sighting her around were almost diminished. How can he not get over her? How can he not get over this feeling?

Is it true love? And not just infatuation?

He couldn't take it anymore....He was in love...indeed!

He finally decided to quit B.Sc and take a transfer to BBM (Bachelor of Business Management)!

'Was it a joke?', Sahil's parents asked him. He somehow convinced them that he was no more interested in Science and wanted to change the stream. They agreed after all the convincing part. Sahil managed to get an internal transfer from B.Sc to BBM. He was happy...for now he could always have her in front of his eyes.

They were now in the same classroom. Sahil tried his best to concentrate on lectures as he didn't want to let his parents down. He still had that sense of responsibility in himself.

She was there, he saw her and his heart skipped a beat, he was palpitating, and he was still

looking at her, just imagining how beautiful some one can be, though she was sitting far away, and there was no sound he could hear, he just kept on looking at her, for him it was looking at an angel. He noticed the way she talked, he noticed the way she was enlightening the class, he noticed each and every action she did, the time was slipping like fine sand slips from the palms. He was trying his best to capture her in his memories.

As the lectures ended Sahil rushed out seeking her, and there she was standing with other girls, the centre of attraction, the apple of everyone's eye He stopped, and stood nearby with his friends, with his eyes still glued on her. Until now there was no such idea in his mind that she should be in his life. He imagined, is this real or just a fantastic dream he was having. But soon she started moving towards the street, and he could no do anything but to watch her go away again. She took a cab and went away, taking away all the happiness he had all this time looking at her.

But this time he had her, in his memories, the sweet memories. He rushed home and went to sleep with a stupid idea of having her in his dreams! How stupid is that? But actually when he felt asleep, he entered a world of imaginations, he saw her in his dreams, very closely, till he was woken up. Now his life was taking a sharp turn, from absolute emptiness to a world full of happiness!

Of love and lies...- Part 1

2011-11-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

This is a story of a girl and about her roller coaster ride in the world of fantasies, love, dreams, and lies and betrayals...or betrayals, lies, dreams, love and fantasies should we say, aptly defining her life in that unusual chronology...

She was sitting at the corner of her bed in her room and looking out of the window at the tall trees and the orange evening sky. Dusk was setting in. Cool breeze was caressing her beautiful tresses as she lost herself in the old memories...sweet memories... She never thought her life would change so much and so drastically from good to bad and back to good...All because of one guy...

Let me tell you something about him...

One fine day....
A day like other days, when the hopes of new and good things happening were just negligible, a day Sahil thought was just a filler like rest of his life, it started so ordinarily that he didn't even remember what he did when he woke up.

It was a cheerful morning. It was mid-August when the senior college sessions had just begun. As scheduled Sahil was there at the lecture hall in the college at 8 am. He was a first year B.Sc student. He was blank, nothing to win nothing to lose. He was just being himself, just one thing he had in his mind- to attend the lecture. The zoology professor came in the class just in time. The lecture started and he was very much engrossed in it. By doing so, he was just filling up the void in his life, but still keeping a hope that he would learn something useful.

After a while when the professor started going to the complex levels of the topics and he was not understanding the things that were being explained, he hit his saturation point and lost the interest. He started looking around... He turned back to look at his classmates, he looked out of the window, there was nothing special just like the things always are..

After two more minutes, a noice from the corridor outside his class grabbed Sahil's attention. He looked outside across the glass door. It was a group of girls from the management wing flocking the place, for the reason unknown to him. And then his eyes were stuck on a shine. It was some one stranger to him, but way different than others, someone special. The sun rays gave a glow to her face, golden glow. Her hair shining in the rays coming in the open corridor facing the college ground. It shined like copper gold filaments.. And a big smile, which defined serenity and innocence. He didn't have any idea, who else was there in that group, just because his eyes never moved off from her.

The lecture was over and Sahil was pulled back to his life. He realized that he skipped a fairly big chunk of what was taught. But things had changed a lot in his life in just that one and a half hour. His heart gave him a strange feeling, more than happiness, and emotion that can't be expressed, its like the heart is giggling and tickling you from the inside trying its best to bring out a smile on your face. He jumped onto his bike and left for his friends' meeting point. That day while driving back, he was smiling, some kind of contented feeling in his heart and mind. He was happy, unreasonably...

Sahil's heart kept on tickling him. He was kind of lost in daydreams. But it was not something a friend would notice because he looked silent and lost., as he had always appeared to be. He returned home and did the normal routine stuff. He laid down on the bed, and the girl was still there, in his mind and heart, the cheerful, bubbly,cute girl..

He was now badly waiting for the next day at college.

Image courtesy- DeviantArt.com

Its a Happy Happy Day!

2011-11-23T12:09:00.000-08:00

Its a long post....But a true story...Penned down dil se...

Courtesy- Google Images

This is about last Saturday. I had finally stepped out of my home after a week long illness. So Dad suggested I must go out for a while.

It was something hard to think of. I mean... I was still feeling a bit weak and dizzy. But how long could I stay in bed? For how long I won't step out. I didn't have a company... I was alone...My Mom & Dad were busy with their routine. Sisi was busy due to her ongoing exams..

Gosh! I miss that exam fever..Running all the time..Coming from school, grabbing a quick meal and off to coaching classes! I remember myself going through this phase. It was all so exciting. Life was beautiful. Growing up is the worst thing that had ever happened to me. Life has changed a lot. I sat back and wondered...

Hercules MTB is replaced by TVS Scooty.
Sharing a plate of samosa with friends was a bliss. Eating out alone sucks.
Pocket money felt to be more satisfying than salary credits.

Jeans and tees are now the part of lost glory...Formal trousers and shirts are in.

No funky sport shoes and cute colorful pairs anklet socks...they are just lying in the wardrobe as souvenirs from the Golden Past...No time or occasion to put it on..Now formal shoes are always stuck to my poor feet..

College katta has now been replaced by Conference room.

No funky-chunky jewelry, only light jewelry that goes well with the attire.

Going to college, meeting friends, bunking lectures and going for a movie...its the thing of the past..

I feel lonely sometimes. Friends too are busy like I'm. They too might be missing all this. But life has to go on...hoping that little moments of joy, like school re-unions, would come soon...

No No....I'm not sad...not at all...this was going to happen someday anyway...happens to everyone...no?

I just felt like penning down my feelings....Hence this post...

So...coming back to the story...Sisi was busy, friends are out of town for further education or job...

I decided to go alone. I'm used to it now. I don't feel awkward eating alone in a restaurant anymore. I planned to go to the Mc Donalds! My favourite hang out place! And its like 11-12 Km away from my home...At college Road, one of the posh localies in my city.

That reminded me, I had to collect my certificate from the institute from where I completed my PGD. It has been so long since the course ended and I got placed, yet I haven't collected my certificate. Mom Dad constantly scold me for being such a lazy bum! :D

Great! I will go to the insti and get to see what's up there! I called up our center head to inform her that I was coming. She confirmed.

I put on my casual dress after such a long time. The touch and feel of jeans was so soothing. I tied back my hair in a high pony-tail, it looked pretty...lustrous and voluminous. I had shampooed after a week! :p

I then used a kohl pencil to give my eyes a little sharpness, a little bit of a pink lip gloss for the fresh look!

But hey...I wear specs..no one would ever notice those beautifully crafted eyes neatly lined with kohl..

I put on my Sisi's shiny black high-heeled sandals... pick up my favorite black leather hand-bag. I looked at myself into the mirror. I was happy to see myself dressed up like this after such a long time..almost an year..

My Sisi loved it too... She insisted I put on some matching jewelry..It complemented pretty well..

Off I went! I took a bus for College Road. It was a 40 minutes ride. I took a window seat. Time went by so quickly as I looked out of at the city, its roads, the people, the trees, everything...reminded me of my college days again...Bus was and is the only means affordable and reliable for such long distance intercity journeys.

I finally reached my destination. I was standing outside my Insti with a smile on my face...Happy to be there.

I went in. Met the center head. Met my juniors. They too got placed in the Bank and would join in December. They inquired about my job and how it was like. Everyone was happy and excited. After a few minutes of chat, my certificate arrived... I had 83% after averaging the marks of the course, the internship and the performance evaluation. I was happy. I am one of the toppers.

I left from the Insti and headed towards Mc Donalds to have my favorite Mc Veggie. I don't know why, but I never get bored of this place. Its cool and happening. Loud music. Cheerful faces of the student community, that's why they named it College Road.

And as luck would have it... guess what happened next? I saw guys riding on a bike...then yet yet another guy...And a girl riding pillion...and then yet another girl on her scooty! Oh my Gosh!

This was my 'old friends from school' gang! They were all in the city after their exams! I was so glad to see them! An hour ago I was missing my schoolies and here they were!

We greeted each other with 'Kaha hai yaar tu?' and 'Bhool gaye kya hume? Na call na sms and nothing on FB?'

We went in, got a table and ordered our meal..I digged into my Cheesy Mc Veggie! Mmmm Yummy! I'm lovin' it! It was all the same...music, fun, happy people, yummy food..

We sat there chatting away for next couple of hours...Telling each other about the current ongoing activities and future plans. Promising each other to stay in touch and poke each other frequently on FB! Hehehehe...Couldn't believe I can still talk silly.

We discussed about the reunion party. I would be either in Dec or in Jan. The venue, the menu..The cake and the theme..the invitees and the fun...dresses and dance..and all the childish innocent fun one can think of..

Soon it was time to go..We said goodbyes and promised to meet again soon.

I headed home with a big grin on my face and happiness in my mind. I told everyone at home whom all I met and how exited I was about the reunion party...I felt so much better now...

Lessons learned:

Don't waste time waiting for things to change and make you happy. Be bold and stand up. Treat yourself and be happy!
Small things hide big happy moments within itself...Go reveal!
Friends can make you happy anytime...no matter how sad and lonely you feel.
Where there is a will, there is a way. You will definitely get what you long for. Like I got! My friends' company...
You shouldn't eat french fries when you just got well after food poisoning. Its heavy and can give you stomach ache :p

Chalo I got another important task to accomplish now...Hunting for a nice dress for the reunion party, and matching sandals....and jewelry....and a new hand-bag...and..mmm...what else??? Will see if I get some other good stuff at the store!

All in all, it was fun...Indeed a happy happy day!

I give up...

2011-11-19T03:06:00.000-08:00

Meoowwwww!!!

Hello my dear buddies! I am back yet again… Yes I know it was yet another ten days long or more type of break…I had got food poisoning.

I fell sick yet again…Terribly sick…It was Friday morning, last week. I felt so numb due to fever. I had cramps in my tummy…Something was churning inside me, giving me intense pain, my legs couldn’t support me. I was alone. I mustered up all my courage and got myself some breakfast and medicines. Booked a ticket online and somehow managed to drag myself home.

Jeeezzzz.......This time I thought I won’t make it out of the hospital alive….

I don’t know what’s happening, why it’s happening, what it means….but I’m just not right like I used to be.

I don’t understand why things are meant to be like this? I never wanted things to be like this. My roomies ask me every day when I’m back from work, that why am I so frustrated?

I just shrug and say I’m just tired. No one has ever asked me that before, why I was frustrated, because I never was.

I’m not in my happy-as-always mode. I’m not at peace. I’ve become cranky, anxious, restless, no hunger, no thirst, no nothing. And I’m not keeping well at all….I am falling sick every fortnight.

This is how I define my current situation. No…Its not homesickness either, I’ve learned to cope up with it. I’ve been living out here since almost a year now. And I’m perfectly fine with my roomies.

But I have changed, for both good and the bad. And I don’t like the latter part of it. I want to undo the negative changes that took place throughout over the span of this last one year.

May be it’s this city….The people….and the biggest reason...My Job Profile.

I’ve been doing what I don’t like since such a long time. I had made wrong choices, some mistakes…and I’m taking a U- turn to correct them. It would be like a time travel for me. I’m going back to pick things up from where I left them from two years ago.

I know it’s not going to be so easy. But I’ve become strong enough. A little more effort, an extra brain-racking and things would be alright. and like I wanted it to be...

Don’t panic…It’s not like I’m going back to my estranged ex and all that kind of stuff…I’m talking about just my career and you know.Mmm…I’m talking about getting back to my old college student life. I'm planning to pursue MBA!

Yes, I’m quitting my job. The job which I wanted so desperately.I’m giving it up…

Its okay to give up sometimes, isn't it?

How does that sound to you???

Prabhodini Ekadashi Special- Potato and lotus stem sabzi in samo rice stew and Samo rice koki!

2011-11-07T01:14:00.000-08:00

Hello my dear Bloggies!!! Yesterday it was Prabhodini Ekadashi and it was a festive atmosphere at home again! Prabhodini Ekadashi is linked with Lord Vithoba- a form of Lord Vishnu. A fast is observed on this day and the ritual marriage of Tulsi plant is performed with Lord Vishnu, on the next day of the Prabhodini Ekadashi.
Like every year my Mom, Aunts, Cousins fasted on this auspicious day. I couldn't observe fast as I come home for weekends to eat, eat and only eat! I would have observed the fast. But, yesterday morning I didn't know about ekadashi and ended up eating Diwali snacks with my morning tea! :D

But I was totally a part of the prayers and enjoyed all the food that everyone was enjoying. Fruits, milk, and foodstuff without cereals to be specific.
Dinner was a special treat. Every Sindhi household has this special dish cooked for this day! Its the sabzi of Potatoes and lotus stem in samo rice stew and Samo seed koki!

I relished it a lot. It was so yummy even if it didn't contain any garlic or onions or spices. So I'm sharing the recipe so that all of our Bloggy friends enjoy this special dish!!!

1. Potato and lotus stem in samo rice stew.

Preparation time: 10 minutes.
Cooking time: 20 minutes.
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Potatoes- 2 large, diced
Lotus stem- 250 grams
Green chilies- 2 nos., finely chopped
Red chili powder- 3 tsp
Salt- To taste
Oil- 5 tbsp
Ghee- 1 tsp
Water- 700 ml
Samo rice(Bhagar) flour- 3 tbsp mixed with sufficient water to make paste.

Method:

1. Clean lotus stem, cut diagonal slices of it, boil it for 4 whistles in a pressure cooker with a little salt and 1 tsp of ghee. keep aside when done.

2. Heat oil in a cooker, add green chilies and red chili powder and stirring, ensuring it doesn't burn.
3. Add potatoes and lotus stem, salt and mix well so that the spices coat it. Fry it like this for a couple of minutes.

4. Add water and let it come to boil. Now put on the lid and let it cook for 2 whistles.
5. When the pressure is released stir in samo rice flour paste, and boil it for 5-7 minutes till the stew thickens a little.

Samo rice flour mixed in some water.

6. Serve hot with Samo rice kokis!

Samo rice flour koki

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:

Samo rice(Bhagar) flour- 400 grams
Boiled potatoes- 2 large
Salt- To taste
Green chilies- 4 nos., finely chopped
Water- To kneed the dough
Ghee- 1 tbsp + some more to fry

Method:

1. Mash the boiled potatoes properly, add samo rice flour, salt, green chilies, 1 tbsp ghee and mix it with hands.

2. Now add water little by little to make a soft dough. You may need around 1 cup of water, but you may adjust it as per the consistency of the dough.

3. Now let the dough stand for 5 minutes. Divide it into 8 equal portions.

4. Apply some ghee on your palms, and take a portion of dough and flatten it by tapping it between both hands to make it like a roti.

5. Now heat a tawa, and roast the koki on it till it turns golden and crip on both the sides applying a little ghee.

6. Remove it in a plate and serve hot with the Potato and lotus stem sabzi.

Enjoy!!!

Chocolate cake with Hot chocolate syrup!

2011-11-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Its a weekend I'm back home having loads of fun. November has just set in and its freezing over here.

I was craving to eat something hot....and sweet...and yummy...So decided to make some really delicious chocolate cake.

But that's just sweet, where is the hot????

So we, that is me, my sisi and my cousin just invented a new recipe of chocolate cake dipped in hot chocolate syrup!!! Sounds yummy!!! Isn't it?

That's why I decided to share the recipe with you. So here it goes!!!

Chocolate cake with Hot chocolate syrup!!!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

For Cake

Maida (Refined flour)- 100 grams

Caster sugar- 100 grams

Cocoa powder- 2 tbsp

Baking powder- 1 tsp

Baking soda- ½ tsp

Milk- 150 ml

Oil- 125 ml

Vanilla essence- 5 ml

Hershey’s chocolate syrup- 50 ml

Sugar syrup- 50 ml

Cherries- For decoration

For hot chocolate syrup

Dark compound- 70 grams

Milk compound- 70 grams

Milk- 50 ml

For greasing

Butter

Maida

Method:

Grease the baking dish with butter and sprinkle some maida. Keep it aside. (I used a bowl since I didn't have a baking tray. You can use a round tray)
Sieve the maida, baking powder, caster sugar and cocoa powder one by one in a bowl and mix well.

3. Now add oil little by little and mix constantly in one direction.

4. Pour in milk little by little and mix well to avoid lumps.

5. Add vanilla essence.

6. In the end, add baking soda and mix vigorously and pour in the greased baking tray immediately.

7. Now place the bowl in microwave oven and bake it for 5 minutes on High. And let it stand for another 5 minutes.

8. Till the time start preparing hot chocolate syrup. Take the dark compound and milk compound in a vessel and add milk to it.

9. Boil sufficient water in another vessel. Place the compound and milk mixture over it stirring constantly till the chocolate melts. We need to keep the syrup hot till the cake is done.

10. Now remove the cake from the oven and let it cool down.

11. Invert it on a plate, cut it into two pieces, slicing it horizontally from the middle.

12. Now spread some Hershey’s chocolate syrup and sugar syrup on one layer.

13. Place another layer over it and pour hot chocolate syrup on the cake till it gets completely covered in it.

14. Decorate with cherries and serve with your favorite drink!!! Tastes best with Tang!!! Enjoy!!!

Change is the only constant...

2011-11-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear Blogggies!!!
I'm writing this because I want to talk to you guys... Tell you how good my day was... I'm too excited about the current happenings in my life..Especially at the workplace and not to forgot the upcoming Monday being off : D

Once Akbar said to Birbal, "Give me one such sentence that when a happy person reads it, he feels unhappy! And when an unhappy person reads it, he feels happy"

Birbal replied, "This time will soon fade away....."

Ye waqt guzar jaaega....

To make it simple, that changes in circumstances are constant... Bad times won't last long...We must not lose hopes and have a positive attitude towards life. Good thoughts attract good events to occur, which will lead to fulfillment of your wishes and give you happiness.

Today I had my half-yearly feedback from my Reporting Authority (R.A.) and the Boss. When my R.A. told me to not to go on a tea break and stay back for a while as he and Ma'am (The Boss) would be calling me in the conference room and give me their half-yearly feedback on my performance, I froze to death, literally!

My jaw dropped, my mouth open and I was like "What?, Now? Nooo, Plz noo"

I could say this to him as I have a good rapport with him and I feel free to talk like a child sometimes in front my my entire team.. (I'm the youngest in my office, as far as I know, I'm the youngest on the floor where 100 something people work)
He assured me it won't be so bad...

My reaction was not a result of low performance at workplace or something like that. But because I'm a newbie, this being my first job its my first half-yearly review and feedback. Also because some team- members had a negative image of my attitude towards work, which was actually a result of a couple of colleagues who played politics.

I was soon called in the conference room. It was freezing in there. The AC runs at as low temperatures as 14 degrees Celsius! I was trying not to shiver, or it may give an impression that I am scared. My Boss and RA sat there next to each other. The two people whom I see everyday, smile and greet, sit next to, telling them whatever they asked about my family and experience being away from home, suddenly seemed to be different... I was not comfortable at this moment....

They offered me a seat...
I settled down on a chair that was set across the table clutching my small turkish kerchief in my fist. I sniffed a couple of times because of my cold.
My Boss began explaining me about the review and asked me how was my experience in the last ten months.
I calmly replied telling them about what all processes I learnt, how my RA contributed to my learning process by focusing on me as a new in industry and pushing me to learn more and more about the entire mechanism.

She seemed happy with the completion of a couple of projects that had been assigned to me. But she had a complaint that I didn't flash the results on daily basis through mails.
Ya, that was my bad. I did it every alternate day when I had substantial things to flash.

And as I mentioned earlier about some team- members having a negative image of my attitude towards work, I got yet another negative feedback.

That was enough to provoke me. I think I'm doing pretty well when you consider the fact, that I always wanted to work in the branch of the Bank, yet I'm forced to work here in International Operations.

This time I just couldn't do away with what I always did, listening quietly, wondering if I'm really so wrong, realizing that I'm not wrong, and regretting I didn't open my mouth to defend myself.

Then what? I explained my Boss the real situation. I took names of those people who try to hinder into my work and performance. I repeated what they said, word to word, which was the reason behind my negative image being formed and hence the this negative feedback. I also told that I had discussed this issue with my RA, who was now sitting silent as he had nothing to say when my Boss questioned him. I actually felt bad for him. I wish he had taken necessary action earlier itself.

But I had to take a stand for myself. How long could I bear with it?
So it was all sorted out and I came out from the conference room with a big grin on my face. I was happy.

I felt lighter. My RA immediately assigned me a new task, the process of which I had noted down in my notepad during my internship seven months back, but never got a chance to actually do that transaction. I was happy, for learning a new thing.

So....I have changed...I've become strong, bold, and I can speak up for myself...
I got a lot to learn yet... The Art of Persuasion...
That's because I would be working in a branch one day....very soon....

And one more good news! As until now we were working full day on alternate Saturdays and half day on the other alternate ones, so now we will be working alternate Saturdays full day and we would now be getting alternate Saturdays OFF!!! YAYYYY!!!
Isn't that great? Isn't that a good change???

P.S.- I miss Shagun!
P.P.S.- I changed the layout of my blog, to suit today's topic! Do tell me how did you feel about the new look of my blog! :D

Life is short....Don't waste it in hating anyone....
Spread the word of love and joy...

Shagun, My Sweeheart...

2011-11-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

I have always had this fascination for babies.. I love them....their innocence...their tiny cute hands..their beautiful eyes...the sweet face like God...
I have always loved babies ....holding them in my arms...pacifying them when they cry, making them laugh, and watching them grow from babies to toddlers and so on...
I don't know why, but kids don't stay in my arms for long..sometimes they start crying, may be because they are too small to understand that they are actually in safe hands no matter how hard I try making them realize that....But no, they only want to be in their Mommy Dearest's arms...
I don't even mind if babies pee or poop or vomit on me...I feel myself sooo lucky :D

The first baby I handled successfully for a long time was my little sister, Tillu. I was seven years old when she had come to our family as a little bundle of joy... I will share more memories of our childhood with you in the upcoming posts...

So, I actually wanted to tell you all about the bond that Shagun shares with our family. The little angel with an innocent face, bright eyes, curly hair, super-chubby cheeks is the baby who lives next door.
I also call her 'Shaggy', 'Shaggu', 'Golu-Molu'... And have lots of pics of her to share with you..

When the angel had just arrived!

She was 7 months old when Shagun's family, i.e., she, and her Mom & Dad moved into the adjacent flat.

Shaggy with her Grandma..

When I first saw her, she was so tiny and chubby. It was instant love!

She was a silent baby, who rarely cried, always smiled. Once her mom left her with us for an hour, so she could set her house right. Then gradually an hour turned into hours in the coming weeks. I realized Shaggy liked being with us. She loved to be with me, sleeping in my arms while resting her head on my shoulder. Playing with me. Eating tiny crushed grains of plain rice. She gave me intense pleasure. I loved her so much, and I still do.

Miss Grumpy Swami! ;p

Soon she was the part of our family. She loved sitting and bouncing on my Dad's lap, clinging to my Mom's dress urging her to pick her up in her arms, tearing pages from my books, putting everything she laid her hands on in her mouth and we preventing her to do that... Evening used to be fun. She has turned from a quiet baby into a mischievous toddler.
Her laughter makes flowers bloom in my heart, the touch of her tiny hands on my face soothes me...

Kya attitude hai!

Shaggy started getting teeth when she was nine months old. She might be having a really bad itch, because of which she used to chew on whatever she found, tomato, raw potato, carrot, notebook, and even the mouse pad!

Baby ke paas 6 daant hain...
Tumhare pass kya hai?
HAIIIN?

Two months later she had started walking! But she often felt shaky and felt down like a Thuddd! It was the beginning yet... Soon she perfected walking in one month and could walk by herself.
Oh God! She is such a Toofaan Mail now. Keeps on running helter-skelter and bumping into objects, and making us run after her. Ufff! It felt like I ran a Marathon!

Isn't it Whacky??!!

And I was surprised to see her join hands and bow her head in front of God, and say Jai-Jai! And then she would take some vermilion on her fingers and put it on our forehead! Now how divine is that!

Shaggu is an inquisitive baby. She pick up things, turns them right round, upside down, inside out and if she can't open anything, she would simply come to anyone of us and give that thing in our hand and say 'Kholo' (Open it up)

Shagun doing Jai-Jai!

Shaggy turned one year old on 2nd December last year.It was a moment of joy!

Shagun with her Dad & Mom on her first birthday..

I miss her....staying away for a couple of weeks me gives me such a stabbing pain. :(
Thanks to cell phones! I can atleast hear her talk in the gibberish way. She has picked on many a words....Paapa, Mamma, Aunty, Uncle, Didi, Tillu, Apple, Aloo, Totti (that's for Roti), Maandu (that's for my name, Manju) Its so good to hear her call my name in her sweet voice... It makes me cry out of joy!

Shaggu: "Ain't I a cool baby? Yo!

Now that I'm away from home, it makes her really happy seeing me on weekends. Once she happened to be sitting on the couch in my home when I had arrived. She let out a happy shriek when she saw me. She crawled down the couch and came running at the door. I threw away my back-pack and picked her up in my arm...Oh...It felt like I was holding all the happiness of the world in my arms. I hugged her tightly and kissed her plump cheeks. She too put her tiny arms around my neck and hugged me tight. She was then patting the back of my shoulder...and bouncing with joy! She licked my cheek when I indicated her to kiss me....Oh! That was the best kiss ever....!!!

She then pointed towards my portrait that hung on the wall of the drawing room and pointed back to me and said 'Maandu Didi'! Awwwwwwww...that was the first time she called my name! Thanks to my Mom, for training her.

Shagun's Maandu Didi.

All my tiredness because of the journey back home faded away... I played and danced on the latest Bollywood numbers with my little angel till the night...

Shaggu's patent dance, Balle Balle!!!

Feeding her khichdi & mashed potato with my hands was feeling so good... She sat on my lap, having tiny morsels of her favorite food and sips of water with my hand and making happy faces telling me how much she is enjoying the meal.... It was sheer pleasure...
After dinner, my darling wanted to sleep... So I gave her back to her Mom and kissed my baby goodbye and promised her to meet in the morning...

Its a beautiful feeling seeing a child grow...knowing that s/he loves you so much... and you just long to be with each other all the time... Our bond we share with Shagun is deeper than the blood ties...its beyond comprehension how I feel having her in my life...

As I had mentioned in my previous post that I would be going home on the coming Saturday, I would be meeting Shaggy and have same old fun with her! Yay Yay!
I feel so empty when I'm not with her.. My home feels so hollow when she doesn't visit..
She fills my home with happiness, with her love, and her playful shrieks, & chummoo (kisses)....
We are so happy to have her with us....
May God bless Shagun with all the happiness and virtues...

P.S.- Shagun once called me 'Daadi' (Grandma). That was when her Dad & Mom told her to do so!
I call them 'Uncle' & 'Aunty' inspite of they being elder to me by just 8 & 5 years respectively.
So they justified it that Shaggy is flat 20 years younger to me! So, I must be called Daadi, and not Didi!
What a revenge! :p

Monday Special!

2011-10-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hi there my dear Bloggies!
I went through a lot of blogs and I found that many of the bloggies had something special to talk about on a particular day of the week. I liked the concept very much. So, I thought why not I also try out something like that.
I love listening to music, and decided that let Mondays be the 'Music Special'!...

Monday Special!

And I would really love it if these posts would be interactive. So do share what you like, or what you don't, who's your favourite, we will definitely feature it here on the subsequent Monday..

So shall we start with my first Monday...?

Music in my soul...

I love Linkin Park, Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Akcent, FloRida, Kesha, Pink Floyed...the list is endless... But the most favourite band of mine is and always will be 'BLUE'.
Yes, you read it right...The boy band from U.K...Duncan James, Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan and Antony Costa. I still listen to their numbers which are 6-7 years old...

Ever since this band split in 2004, because all of them went on to pursue solo careers, it lost its identity...the solos were not so popular in India though..this is what I came to know when I play their songs and my cousins and frraands asking me, 'Which song?', 'Which album?', 'Who's this guy?'

BLUE- The Band!
You rock guys!
Mwaaaaah!

I feel too bad...I have song tracks of all the solo albums of these guys...and I loved 'Future Past' the most, Duncan's solo album.. So today I wish to share 'Save this Moment for Me'.
Its a super-romantic and a really beautiful song, with heart-touching lyrics, reflecting a guy's deep love for his girl....and how he hopes to be with her....atleast in the memories...and the promise to be there for her forever...

Duncan...My heart-throb ever since I saw him..
He still is and will continue to be my heart-throb forever...

The initial part of this song is too lovely...just a piano and Duncan's serene voice...
I get tears in my eyes *sniff* and goosebumps too baba *sniff*...Sorry, excuse me plz...*sniff sniff sniff*
Ka Karen Bhaiyya...Hum na...tanik emo-son-al kism ka praani hoon.... :p
Here it goes...Hope you guys will like it too...

Save this moment for me.....

I don't know what it is about you

But you're always on my mind

I don't know if you feel the same way I do

'Coz we're running out of time

I just need you to know

There's a memory I hold

And I wanted to share it with you...

So won't you.... Save this moment for me

Close your eyes and you'll feel

That I'm right here beside you

And I'm holding your hand

So... let this moment be ours

Even though we're apart

Understand that I still love you

We're living separate lives

But right now its our time.... Save this moment for me

I just want you to trust me

And I want you to care ..ohhh

If its too late for us now

Keep this moment be shared

I just want you to know

If you're ever alone

Call my name and I'll always be there

So won't you.... Save this moment for me

Close your eyes and you'll feel

That I am right here beside you

And I'm holding your hand

So... let this moment be ours

Even though we're apart

Understand that I still love you

We're living separate life

But right now its our time.... Save this moment for me

If I could go back in time

There will be no doubt in your mind

Of how much I love you........

Save this moment for me

Close your eyes and you'll feel

That I am right here beside you

And I'm holding your hand

So... let this moment be ours

Even though we're apart

Understand that I still love you

We're living separate life

But right now its our time.... Save this moment for me...

Happy Diwali !!! Waiting for a lot more fun though...

2011-10-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear Bloggies! I'm back with loads of stuff to tell you about!
I've had a week-long break from work, and this city...Had a great time at home!
Its strange how my fever vanishes when I go back home, and it surfaces again when I'm back in Mumbai..May be that's because the climate here doesn't suit me and also the intense pangs of homesickness..

So..it was time for celebration...Festivity in the air! It was a time for some hustle and bustle in the kitchen with mom making all those yummy sweets and savories for Diwali, the festival of lights, joy, hope, and a new beginning...
I had great time helping her in the kitchen...and tasting all the stuff...tasting to make out if everything is good was just an excuse...I love sweets and my Mom doesn't allow me eating much of it...She thinks I've become plump already.. :(

Courtesy: Google.com(Images)

It was a great feeling to be there after such a long time...Decorating the home with lights, oil lamps and marigold flowers.. The scented atmosphere was so rejuvenating..

Courtesy: Google.com(Images)

The prayers in evening and morning made me feel so calm and at peace..I enjoyed lighting up oil lamps and drawing rangoli with my sister...

Courtesy: Google.com(Images)

We had a pooja on Dhanteras...praying for perpetual prosperity..Laxmi poojan was great, lively and I was so much into it...

Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth & Prosperity.

Exchanging sweets and chocolates with relatives, neighbors, and friends was as usual, an act to show love and happiness for each other...Wishing each other a prosperous and happy future...

I love this festival because it brings all of us together, have a great time, forget all our worries, and just chill!

But time has wings, it flew away so fast, I didn't realize the week was approaching its end, I had already postponed coming back once...but this time had to leave...

How I never wanted to return...

It was the night of 27th October...I was done with packing all my stuff in my back-pack..
I went to bed but couldn't sleep as I was anxious and tensed...and ended up with tossing and twisting in bed until midnight..Finally I went to sleep at around 3am I guess... I had this terrible nightmare that I've been fired from my job! Because I fall sick too often and take atleast two sick leaves a month...

I was trying to explain my problem to my Boss in my dream...It was then my alarm in my cell went off waking me up and that put a full stop to my roller-coaster ride... I barely slept for 75 minutes..

I talk a lot with myself in my mind, especially when I'm in depression or panic mode!
And I was like.. 'Oh God! Why why why? Why me? I don't want to go' and I was kicking and punching my into the mattress..I felt depressed...Tears rolled down my cheeks...I was praying to God for some disaster...if not a miracle..that would not let me return to Mumbai...
May there be a heavy downpour and all the routes towards Mumbai be flooded...
Let there be an political unrest in Singapore and the government collapses and there be Presidential elections again...We will get an off!
I knew the possibilities of these events occurring were as good as nil...

It was 4.20 am...But hey...wait a minute! Its the alarm in my cell, right? Not the one in dad's cell... It was a moment of joy!
Dad's phone didn't blare...I thought he forgot to set the alarm! And again, I was like 'Yes yes yes yes! Yahoooooo! Yaaba Daaba Doooo!' I won't have to go today either!
I began to think, how I'll wake up at 10am and get ready, go to my cousin's place... We had plans since a month but haven't been able to execute it... She will teach me her recipe of egg-less chocolate cake, and I will make hot chocolate for all of us, we six cousins... And then we will all go lakeside in evening, have corn roasted on coals and rubbed with lemon, red chili and salt...
I sighed, thanked God....

But right after 10 minutes I heard something...and all my Yessing, Yahooing and Yaaba Daada Dooooing went down the drain... I heard dad's cell ringing like a monster roaring and trying to scare me... and I was again in depression mode... Dad called my name from his room, told me too wake up else I will miss the train.. I heard mom say, in her deep slumber, 'Did you iron your dress?' Oh gaaawd, she is so meticulous about everything even when in deep sleep!

Gaaawd! What a fool I'm? Thinking my Dad would have forgotten that it was my time to go resume my job...
Why did I just talk to myself for these ten minutes... Instead I should have sneaked into Dad's room and diffused the alram-bomb...

So I got ready, and said bye to mom and dear sisi and they kissed me on my forehead and cheeks respectively...and told me to take care of myself...and also telling me to come back after 2 weeks...I left for the station with the box full of sweets for my colleagues at office and my dear roomies...I boarded the train and waved Bye-Bye to Dad...I enjoyed a sweet slumber during my 4 hour journey..reached office at 10 with a sick look on my face, disgusted in my mind about my life like this...

I entered, and sat at my workstation, cribbing and complaining in my mind... After all the whining I felt much better.. I looked around, my office looked pretty, it was dolled up with decorations, fresh marigold flowers, oil lamps, and light...It reminded me of the time back home...

There were decorated pots on everyone's workstation.. There had been several competitions last week, pot painting, rangoli and mehendi competitions, when I was on leave...

I managed to click some decent pictures of my office from a cell phone camera...

Lively...isn't it?
Hope that you too had a blast this diwali with your loved ones!
So I'm just waiting for 5th November...I will be going back home again and also at my cousins' place to have loads of fun with them all! We got an off on 7th November!
Yay!!!

Tired soul!

2011-10-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hello My Dear Bloggies!!!

I haven't been able to write for a while now....

Partly because I'm lazy and its keeping my mind away from thinking....

And I'm working on weekends too, full day, ten hours... L

Plus I'm not keeping well. I got a soar throat, fever and cold..... L L L

What can be worse?

I feel drained out & stressed...and in this situation I can't come up with anything useful and nice for you guys to read...

So, I will take a break for a couple of days or may be a little more than that....

Diwali is about to come! Time for celebration!

Yay!!!:D

Got a lot to do...No shopping done yet! :O

Will go home for 5 days! Maring Dandi to office for 2 days!!!

And will be back with loads of happy things to tell you about, most probably Diwali celebrations!

I'll be online and read your posts though...

Have a happy time everyone!

P.S. - Maring Daandi, means bunking!

That's Marathi + English!

Dummy's guide to making Poha.

2011-10-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

Lousy Sunday...Happening Breakfast!

Ask me what I want to have for breakfast and I'll say Poha!

I love having poha a lot. Its healthy, filling, delicious and easy to make!

So I decided to post a simple recipe of Poha for those who wish to relish it but aren't much into cooking.

Hope you try it out and would like it....

So without much ado, lets start making it... J

Poha.

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 10 minutes.

Cooking time: 15 mins.

Ingedients:

Poha (Rice Flakes)- 150 grams/ 2 cups.

Onion- 1 large, finely chopped.

Potato- 1 medium sized, diced into small cubes.

Tomato- 1 medium sized, finely chopped.

Green chilies- 5 nos., slit.

Curry leaves- 8-10 leaves.

Cilantro- For garnish, finely chopped.

Turmeric- 1/3 tsp.

Red chili powder- 1/3 tsp

Salt- To taste

Lemon juice- 2 tsp

Sugar- 1/3 tsp

Mustard seeds- 1/3 tsp

Cumin seeds (Jeera)- 1/3 tsp

Oil- 4 tbsp

Method:

Take poha in a colander and wash it well a couple of time. Let the water drain.

2. Heat oil in a skillet. Add mustard seeds and cumin and let it splutter.

3. Now add potatoes and fry it till they start turning golden.

4. Add curry leaves and green chilies, fry it well so that it releases its strong flavor.

5. Then add onions and fry it till they turn golden.

6. Now add turmeric, red chili powder, stir till the raw smell disappears, taking care not to burn the spices.

7. Add tomatoes and salt, and cook till tomatoes are done.

8. Now add poha and mix well so that the spices cover it evenly.

9. Add lemon juice and sugar and mix well.

Put a lid and let it cook on a low flame for 5 minutes.

10. Then add cilantro and mix again.

11. Serve hot. You can enjoy it with Sindhi Papad too! TADAAAA!

Height of idleness!

2011-10-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

Today day was as usual, nothing special...

Just that we had nil volumes and so no work in office...only a few teeny-weeny routine tasks...

Blame the Eurozone crisis. International markets are constantly going down, and people aren't investing much.

I felt so bored and sleepy... But I couldn't even put my head down on my workstation between my arms and take a nap :( as my boss and her boss were taking rounds again and again.... Managers you know.... : x

So I went to the washroom again and again each hour to splash my face with cold water, so the sleepy birds flying above my head would disappear...

I thought I can atleast chat on SMS with my cousin Menka, whom I lovingly call Mendo.

We talked about so many things.

Right from 'What time you woke up?' to 'How is everyone at home?'

'Did you read my blog' to 'What is in breakfast?'

'What is in lunch?' to 'What dress for Diwali?'

'When will you come home, we will have a party?' and finally 'What is it in office, no work huh?'

We talked about other funny stuff and were smiling and sometimes even laughing to ourselves, my colleagues looking at me and wondering what is wrong with me.

Then it was her time for saying prayers. I teased her saying, 'Good good, go pray with all your heart... Tell God to give me an American gora!':D

She was soon back and we were again discussing recipes of Khichdi!

We SMSed each other from morning till evening! We exchanged 230 SMSes each! And we are still talking! Don't believe me? Check out the pics.

I finished my routine tasks that are supposed to be completed by 6.30 PM at the latest, at 12 noon itself!

Went through the mailer of daily news, and read Daily Dose on Marketing, Finance and Strategic Planning.

Read the news about the interview of Ms. Chanda Kochhar by the Fortune Magazine, she being on no. 5 among the most powerful women in the world.

Indeed inspiring. She is indeed the Iron Women of Banking. She has a charm. Hard working, smart, a women of vision and a few words, who believes in execution of plans. I just love her, and the way she transformed ICICI Bank into India's no. 1 private sector bank, in the span of just 3 years since she bacame as the CEO. She is fantastic.

So, next I went out for lunch. Just slowed down. Took time, an hour actually. Ate peacefully. Took a round in the corridor of my office building, talking on phone with Mom, Dad and Tillu. Then called up my cousin. Chit-chatted for half an hour, telling her how lousy my day was. Came back in.

So, all in all I was actually doing nothing productive...

But I felt close to my people back home. Cell phones are indeed a boon!

Thanks to service provider for all those affordable SMS packs!

So just came home in the evening at usual time. We can't leave early saying we have no work to do!

My roomies were there. Thank God! I had someone to talk to, face to face. I asked my roomies if they would like to have tea and both shouted from the room in unison, 'Adrak waali'!

Hahahaha...Adrak waali chai...everyone's favorite! So I quickly made ginger tea for the 3 of us.

We were talking and laughing about the incidents of this morning. How one roomie accidentally bumped into another and a jar full of milk got spilled! We run like cats and dogs in morning and keep on bumping into each other! :D

And how I was trying to hang my roomie's jeans on a door when I was also on a call, trying so desperately that I didn't realize when I caught the door and swinging with it as it moved front and backwards. I was totally engrossed talking to my friend and phone tugged between my shoulder and ear, with both the hands clutching the door and jeans My roomies were laughing incessantly and then I realised what I was doing. :D

Multi-tasking you know!

So it was all good. I wanted to slow down a bit for a while..do nothing... so it was today....

Thank you God for a wonderful day, in a different way!

Tangy Paneer- Onion- Capsicum stir-fry.(I know...Its a long name) :p

2011-10-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends,
I wish to share with you the recipe of the Onion & Capsicum Sabji which I mentioned in my previous post. Just that I’m adding an extra ingredient here, which is everyone's favourite, Paneer! (Cottage cheese)
It’s an extremely simple and quick recipe, yet really yummy! I hope you would try it out and like it.

Here it goes…

Tangy Paneer- Onion- Capsicum stir-fry.

Serves- 2
Preparation time: 10 minutes.
Cooking time: 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

Paneer/ Cottage cheese- 100 grams.
Onions- 2 medium sized, sliced.
Capsicum- 2 medium sized, cut into half from centre and then sliced.
Tomato- 1 large, sliced vertically.
Green chillies: 4 nos., slit.
Ginger- ½ inch, crushed finely.
Garlic- 4 flakes finely crushed, 4 flakes finely chopped.
Red chilli powder- ¼ tsp.
Turmeric- 1/8 tsp (Very little).
Everest meat masala- ½ tsp.
Salt- To taste.
Lemon juice- 2 tsp.
Sugar- 1/3 tsp.
Refined oil- 4 tbsp.

Method:

Heat oil in a skillet on a high flame. Add onions and fry it till it turns pink.

Add chopped garlic and fry for two minutes; let it turn a bit golden.

Now add crushed ginger and garlic and fry till its raw smell disappears, being careful not to burn it. Adjust the flame to medium.

Add capsicum and green chillies and fry it well for a few minutes. Not to overcook. Color should stay green.

Add all the dry spices and toss it.

Add tomatoes and paneer cubes, and salt on high flame. Let tomatoes cook till its raw smell disappears and the flavors get absorbed into the paneer. Keep tossing.

Add lemon juice and sugar for the tang, mix well so the flavour gets even throughout.

Serve hot with rotis.

Tip: Use Amul Malai Paneer for best results. Take it out of the freezer, let it come down to room temperature, soak it in hot water for 5 minutes and then use it.

You can also use mushrooms and baby-corn, giving them same treatment as mentioned above.

Enjoy!

P.S.- I will put pictures of it very soon when I make it again. :)

Please suggest a proper name for this recipe.

A day little different than usual!

2011-10-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today's day was like any other day... Just that it rained heavily in the evening, almost after a fortnight. I left from office thinking I'll be home in a hour and watch KBC. Just when I stepped out of my office I saw my entire team at the door waiting. That's when I realized its raining Cats and Dogs! The plan of being there in time to watch KBC was washed off by the rain :(
Mumbai rains suck!
Very few people had an umbrella, rest were hoping for the shower to stop for sometime. I'm pretty sure they must be completely drenched while on their journey back home, because its still raining non stop! Poor fellows...
Why don't people get their umbrellas? The rainy season here isn't over yet.
So, I felt lucky that I carried one. I folded the bottoms of my trousers so it won't get dirty, opened my umbrella and started walking towards the station. But what was that? It started pouring even more and winds blowing strong enough to make it difficult for me to hold my umbrella in place. Streets had so many potholes, and due to so much of water it was difficult to walk fast. The roads seemed to be turned into a river. I was feeling so dizzy looking at the water current. Folding the bottom of my trousers did no good. The water at some places was knee-deep. Thanks to our government who let the potholes stay just like that! Lousy People! Ya, I know I use 'Lousy' a lot...
I somehow managed to reach the station after a 25 minutes of walk through the troubled waters. Literally!
The local trains were running late. I got into the train which arrived 20 minutes late. I was totally drenched, from neck to toe! I somehow managed to keep my head dry! The worst, my bag-pack and its contents had a bath too. The train took double time than the usual to cover the stretch. I wasn't comfortable at all standing amidst ladies who were drenched too.. Actually I can't stand wet clothes. It gives me a really bad itch! I was itching my right foot with the left one and vice-versa. My hands were busy texting on my cell, so as to divert my attention from that terrible discomfort.
When I reached my destination, I had to walk home from station again now. Same scene. Knee-deep water, mucky and dirty, reckless drivers who don't care to slow down a bit and drive by so fast that the water splashed on me! Too bad! I mumbled some curses out of anger. 'May the rain water enter the silencer of his car, and it will break down and he has to stay there in the middle of the rainy mayhem all night!'
Just then I remembered I'm out of onions. So I managed to buy a half kg of onions. I was looking so dumb with that angry look on my face, completely soaked in mucky water, prodding throughout my way, mumbling curses with a polybag of onions in my hand! Rolled up trousers made me look funnier. A guy gave me second look! He smiled (not to me but himself, I was so irritated. I gave him my typical raised eyebrow look (the picture of which I have put in my previous post) and I turned my face away.

Reached home too tired, had a cup of tea as usual. In spite of being tired I cooked today, as I was expecting the restaurant in our vicinity won't give home delivery of food today. I cooked a proper meal after so many days. I made my favorite onion and capsicum subzi, spicy and tangy. I clicked a picture. I like cooking and I felt good cooking after so many days.

Ya, I know it doesn't look very fancy, but it tasted really nice. So after all this felt satisfied that I took trouble to buy some onions in the middle of heavy downpour. I felt close to the Old Me today.
I've been so busy these days that I couldn't even care to feed myself with good home-cooked food.
I don't know what inspired me all of a sudden to cook dinner. But it was worthwhile...Otherwise how would I've had this story to tell you?

10 things you shouldn't do when interacting with me.

2011-10-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of ten things you shouldn't do and say to me, as it provokes me to turn into an active volcano, and throw up some hot lava.

But later I feel guilty too, for my rude behavior....So, don't do it.

1. First and foremost, don't talk to me just after I wake up. I can't think straight and I get easily irritated. I get annoyed and may answer back like a Lioness whose tail has been stepped upon! And I may pour down the hot soup of my frustration from my previous day. Trust me, you won't want it. So, don't do it and spare me the guilt thereafter.

2. Don't touch my stuff. Especially don't move it from the place where I keep it. Placement of every item has a purpose, and is for my convenience alone.

3. Don't make tea for me in the morning. I can't risk it. What if its not made right? My entire day would be ruined! So spare me the headache which I get if I don't get a good cup of tea in morning.

4. Don't ask me if I have a boyfriend. It feels as if you're checking out your prospects and I may end up breaking my friendship with you.

5. Don't comment on my appetite.

6. Don't ask me the price of my stuff or how much I spend on what.

7. Don't tell me to make my bed right. I won't do it unless I feel like, and that is when I have nothing else to do.

8. Don't tell me not to keep my bag on the workstation. Else pay me 'Drycleaning Allowance'!

9. Don't ask me about my braces. I'm tired of telling everyone that its one more year for my treatment to get completed.

10. Don't complement on my hair saying they are so beautiful. It makes me cry. I had thicker and longer hair 5-6 yrs back, which I lost due to my foolishness, running after a fashionable haircut!

P.S.- Yes, that's me in the scary picture above.

Kaun Banega Crorepati!

2011-10-09T04:11:00.000-07:00

It’s a Sunday…and its really lousy… I woke up at 1 pm! And had a nice and hot cup of tea.

Then just sat down using Facebook. Then just switched on the TV when having my lunch. Oh! It’s all so boring. No good movie, no good serial being aired. TV too seems to be lousy on Sunday. I browsed through a variety of channels, jumping from one to another. Then I finally stopped on Sony, to watch one of my favorite shows Kaun Banega Crorepati.

A lady named Amita Singh from Gwalior is on the hotseat. She is into Administrative services. She has come with her daughter, who is a dentist. She is a lady from a normal middle-class Indian family, who has come to the sets of KBC with lots of dreams like everyone does. She has just won a whooping amount of INR 50,000,00!

KBC is more than just a game show. It is a show where the citizens of India get a chance to utilize their capabilities and knowledge and earn prize money. And to make it bigger, we have India’s most famous, most lovable and the most handsome, Mr. Amitabh Bacchan to host this show, Panch koti maha mani Kaun Banega Crorepati! People get a double treat here, the fortune and a chance to meet its host Big B. They praise him so much, and tell how they are feeling being with him, singing songs, narrating incidents, telling about the hardships of their life, and also have good time talking about funny things about themselves. Big B has a great sense of humour, contestants and the audience burst into laughter.

It is commendable how Big B talks wise, lightens up the atmosphere and brings a big grin on everyone’s face. He also passes a message for the benefit of the society at large.

I love this show, because not only it has Mr. Amitabh Bacchan, but also because it makes so many people happy. The people who have knowledge, who are intellectually capable enough, who have many dreams, but Lady Luck hasn’t favoured them yet. This show is indeed a kind gesture, an initiative to give such people a chance to win a fortune so that they can fulfil their dreams. I know how it feels when you want something very essential and you can’t afford to have it. How it feels when you can’t give a good education to your child. How it feels when you don’t have your own property to call it your home. I’m indeed very happy that we have people in our country who have taken initiative to bring up such a game show, and help the not so very prosperous people realise their dreams. It makes me very happy seeing people winning huge amounts and going home with a big smile on their face.

May God bless such thoughtful and kind hearted people. Live long KBC!

My Dream Car… Cadillac Cien!

2011-10-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

The 2002 Cadillac Cien is a concept car manufactured by Cadillac, and it marks the 100th anniversary of Cardillac. Cien was first displayed at the Detroit Auto Show in the year 2002. Concept cars never go into production directly; in modern times all would have to undergo many changes before the design is finalized for the sake of practicality, safety and cost.

The cars in these segments if produced, are extremely expensive and the smartest and fastest machines ever… Cien being on of it.. Let me tell you more about it…

These are the important specifications:

It had a Mid engine type of configuration.

An engine with direct injection technology that allows six or less cylinders to function at the time when there is comparatively less load. It a powerful 7.5 L V12 Northstar XV 12 engine.

It has a transmission of 6 speed and it is a
semi- automatic version.

It delivers a power as high as 750 Bhp

It has a torque of 450 lb-ft!

The Cadillac Cien can be seen in movies like ‘The Island’, ‘Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition. Also we can see this wonder car in the racing game ‘Gran Turismo 4’.

I know you guys will feel that it is a bit unusual that a girl is in love with machines and has a dream of owning a car like Cadillac Cien. But that’s the truth. I am in love with one of the fastest and the most popular concept cars. I like its looks, it symbolizes power and energy. It’s so inspirational. When I see a car like this which is so powerful, charged and delivers high performance, I get mesmerized for a time being. It gives me a boost, a charge, to assimilate such qualities within myself and reflect back the same. It makes me say…'Wow, I wished I owned it!'

By the time such cars are actually produced and we can own a car like this, we can enjoy riding it in Gran Turismo 4! :)

Happy Driving! :)

The Samosa tale.

2011-10-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Samosa is a famous Indian snack delicacy, which was accidentally invented many years ago in a village called as Sukrut, in Uttar Pradesh. This was when a mother wanted her kids to eat their meal. Kids were so picky that she tried innovating the food. She wrapped the potato sabzi in chapati and made a funny looking toy like wrap and the kids just loved it. Since then it became familiar to the people in the neighborhood. It gradually gained popularity throughout the country and evolved itself into what it is now.

Made out of spicy potato preparation wrapped in crispy layer of pastry, shaped into a 3 dimensional cone-like format and deep fried, samosa is the most famous and admired Indian snack, which is had with a chatni or sauce made out of green chilies, tamarind and lots of cilantro.

Americans have burgers, Italians have pizzas, Mexico has nachos, China has noodles, Japan has sushi, Denmark had pastries and India has samosas! The country where people from so many different cultures thrive amidst all the difference of traditions, values, festivals, food habits, but when it comes to snacking its Samosas for eveyrone!

This info was for those who aren’t familiar with this ‘wonder’.

Let me tell you something more about my bonding with Samosas.

I love and have been relishing Samosas ever since the days I used to call it ‘Tamota’.

I don’t remember when I took the first bite of it, but I do remember the last time. It was today in the evening while I was returning from office. I grabbed a quick meal of a Samosa chaat. Oh! It was so satiating and filling. It’s great to have something like this after a hectic day.

Eat is from the top of the cone or turn it upside down and start from the crunchy and crusty collar, it taste equally wonderful either way.

Now a days samosas can be had in a variety of ways. It can be had as a chaat, i.e., with curd and sweet and sour chutnies, or you can sandwich it between the bread of pav with cheese. You can have it with sambhaar, or the one filled with paneer, minced meat, or the sweet versions filled with thickened condensed milk and nuts and even chocolate!

You can find a samosas being relished in a variety of ways and almost on every occasion. Be it a birthday party, or a wedding, you will always find it on the menu as a snack. When a prospective groom’s family visits a girl’s family to meet them, there also you will find samosas accompanied by tea and sweets! And as they show it in movies, the boy takes a bite and asks, ‘these samosas are so delicious, where did you get them from?’ And the girl’s mother replies, ‘These are home-made, my daughter made them. She cooks wonderful food’. Then the boy looks at the girl and smiles, and the girl blushes and looks away from him. Isn’t that romantic and funny? Yes it is!

In my caste too, there are various ceremonies for every occasion. Even for the occasion of someone’s sad demise! On the third day, there are special prayers held so that the departed soul rests in peace. On this day, prashaad is prepared for the guests. It is properly packed in boxes and it comprises of kana prashaad, it’s a sweet preparation made of samolina, boiled chickpea cooked dry in spices, and what else? The samosa!

This kind of prashaad is also made during the other kind of special prayers before a wedding ceremony.

As a kid, I enjoyed being a part of lots of weddings. My paternal uncles’ and aunts’ wedding and maternal uncles’ and aunts’ wedding. And my cousins and I enjoyed samosas and other snacks with so many cups of espresso coffees dusted with lots of drinking chocolate.

But you don’t call only this snack as a samosa. There is a more to it.

In my office, my colleagues don’t wear tie unless a DGM or SGM pays a visit. At last moment, they take out a carton full of ties kept in one of the cupboard that is actually meant for keeping documents and struggle to find the one which will match their respective shirt’s color.

They put their tie on in so much of hurry that the knot doesn’t turn out to be perfect. And that’s when they say to each other, ‘Tera samosa theek kar be’! Which means your samosa is doesn’t look good, make it right. Yes, they refer to the triangular knot of the tie as Samosa! It sounds really funny looking at them doing and saying all this. :-D

My mom sometimes calls me Samosa. That’s when she feels I’ve put on weight she tells me to stop gorging on samosas and vadapavs, and tells me that I have become Samosa, which implies I’ve become fat. But what can I do? I can’t help it. I just love enjoying this snack after a long day at work or when I was in college, this was the only thing easily available. So now it has become a part of me.

Hope there are many others like me who too are in love with Samosas. And for those who haven’t yet tried it, go dig in.

But we must also remember that it is a snack and a snack cannot be a substitute for a meal. So it’s ok sometimes if you have samosas or any snack of your choice. But we must have a balanced diet and don’t make snacking a habit. Everything is good in moderation. So eat, enjoy and live a healthy life.

Take care… J

His innocent eyes...

2011-10-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

What do you think about the child in this picture? Who is he? What he does? What does the innocence in his eyes say?

He has put colorful dots on his face and also drew a moustache on his face with the black paint, to give himself a funny look and attract everyone’s attraction. But he hasn’t done all this for any fancy dress competition in school… Because he doesn’t go to school…

Yes, you read it just right… He doesn’t to school. This kid has such a funny get up in order to earn his living. He travels in trains plying between Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Pune, with a lady, who is supposedly his mother. She beats a small drum like thing called the damru for some music to make an opening of the show. The child performs various activities in order to please the passengers. He dances at the beats of damru with one hand one his head and another on the side his thin waist. He sings the sizzling numbers from Bollywood, and says some funny jingles.

He then rolls over on his hands along the aisle from one end to the other and back again. Then he passes his delicate and flexible body through a ring which might be measuring barely 9 inches in diameter! After performing his tactics repeatedly in front of all the passengers, he goes around through each one of them… with a mucky bowl in his tiny hand, so that people put some money in it…

What an irony! This is our ‘Young India’! Where kids don’t go to school, they can’t read or write. They are pushed into all these odd jobs at such a young age.

Instead of singing rhymes and reciting poems these kids have Bollywood songs on their lips. Instead of books they carry a bowl to beg. Instead of eating nutritious food at the age of physical development, they feed themselves on leftovers they manage to get from somewhere. They are not kids with robust health, they are malnourished.

They don’t have ambitions of becoming doctors or engineers; their only aim is not to sleep on an empty stomach at night. And what are we doing? We just care to entertain ourselves during the cumbersome journey. When this kid was performing in the train, passengers were looking at his acts with awe. They were talking among each other gesturing towards the kid. They also threw in a few coins in his bowl at the end of the act. But they fail to see the plight in his innocent eyes.

They think they are doing charity and helping the kid. But in fact they are encouraging beggary thus strengthening the roots of such evils.

And our Government…what is it doing? Apart from making fake promises and then turning their back on the people of the country?

Can we know where all the money that is allotted on paper, mind it, I said on paper, for the upliftment and the education of the downtrodden? Where are schools for these kids built? Are the located in remote locations where these kids can’t reach? Or they simply don’t exist? And if at all they exist, we don’t have well trained teachers. And that’s because teachers are not well paid, so they too don’t care to continue. Certain government schools have an arrangement of ‘mid-day meals’ in order to attract more and more students to school and also to retain the existing count of students. But what good it does? The quality of the meal is so pathetic. There are no standards of hygiene. Children fall prey to food poisoning. It’s not a school, its inviting one’s own death.

Through telling you about the small kid, and bringing the reality to your notice, I’m trying to appeal to you not to do anything that aggravates the condition of these innocent kids. Don’t encourage beggary, let us do something to educate a child…. And make India a better place to dream of a good life… I’ll too soon do something for a child, when I stand firmly on my own feet…that’s my promise….

You too make a promise to give a well deserved better life to an under-priviledged child…

My roomie Lily...

2011-09-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

THANKS LILY....THIS ONE IS FOR YOU... :-)
So getting back to the people I came across in this new place. There are two categories.
Number One- The people I ran away from, that I had mentioned earlier.
Number Two- The people I became friends with, about whom I will tell now.
A few days before I left the old place in March, a new girl moved into my room. At that point of time my mind had already drowned in the ocean of negativity. I got an impression that all the girls are bad. So I decided that I won't initiate any conversation with this new girl. I had just returned from my office that evening, and I saw her sitting on her bed talking to someone on a call. She had her shoes on, which was enough to upset me a bit, as I had mopped the floor that morning.
I interrupted her for a minute and requested her to remove her shoes and keep it where I kept mine after she was done with the conversation. She nodded and said okay and got back to talking on her cell.
I got fresh and continued with my daily activities, like making tea and relaxing for a while and then cooking dinner and chatting away with my family on phone. Till then she was sitting with the other two crackpots and chit-chatting. She seemed to be getting along well with them. I was worried about having a potential crackpot in my room!

After an hour or so she came in and started unpacking her things. I asked her name, just out of courtesy. She said her name was Lily. She asked mine. Then we inquired about each other's job. She said she was in Mumbai for an internship which would last for two months. She said she was a second year MBA student.
I don't know how, but we started talking. I asked her about her family and her college. She told me a lot about it. I came to know her real name was Lalita. And I too told her a lot about myself. Soon she was sitting next to me and showing me pictures of her home, college, family and friends on her laptop. And that night we chatted away till 4 a.m. in the morning. OMG!!! I couldn't believe it! I got through her. Soon, I realized that she wasn't bad at all. In fact, she was awesome!
After a couple of days, we became good friends. We used to talk and laugh a lot together. It was actually a bliss having Lily with me, because my mind was already messed up big time and stressed out after coming to Mumbai. Things were now getting better.
One day, I insisted Lily to come with me to my home for a weekend. And she was more than happy. So on a Saturday we left for my home after office. We had fun during the journey. When we reached home, we freshened up and had lunch. Mmmmmm, there is no match for home-cooked food. We ate till our heart's content. I had an appointment with my dentist that evening. Dad planned we all will go out for dinner too. Till the time I introduced Lily to my neighbors and my friends. We played with the baby Shagun who lives next door. She is my sweetheart. We clicked pictures too.

We reached my dentist's clinic in the evening. Lily looked around and I told her many a things about my treatment and all. My turn came soon. We both went in. Lily put of the flash of her cell phone's camera and silently took pictures when my dental check up was going on. I noticed her dare-devilry from the corner of my eye. I was about to burst into laughter but somehow controlled myself, thinking that my dentist won't like all this non-sense (Non-sense for him, fun for us).

So after my appointment was over, we stepped out and laughed incessantly. We were waiting for my dad to come. By the time we went in the chocolate shop and had a pastry and a chocolate. We clicked pictures there too. Eating less and laughing more. It was like hysteria.

Soon Dad came and off we went for dinner. We had Chinese food, that's our all time favorite. Oh God! We were so stuffed!
Then we went home and had tea and Lily told more about herself to my Mom and Dad. I was too tired. I went to bed. I woke up at 12 in the afternoon next day. Lily and my younger sister, whom we lovingly call Tillu were chatting till 5 in the morning and still sleeping.
Lol! they were looking so cute!
Mom, Dad and Tillu just loved Lily! Tillu especially... as she really had nice time chatting away with her all night long. Soon it was time to go back to Mumbai and resume with our work.
So did we... We came back with one of the sweetest memories...
We still had great time in Mumbai....till she finished with her internship and went back to Kolkata. But we are still in touch, in spite of all the distances and being busy with our lives...
Not only she made my days better, but also changed my perception about people in a big way...
When I recall the day I first met her and when I was thinking I won't talk, I can't believe that person has become a great friend now!
She taught me a lot through her experiences...I learnt how the world works. She made me capable and mentally strong enough to accept the fact that there exists a mix of good and bad people in the world. But you just can't run away from the people you don't like. You have to deal with them, and in such a manner that I works in your favor. She made me realize I too can do this, making best out of worst.

Lessons learnt:

Not all people are bad.
We should never let negativity get the better of us.
Life is unpredictable. You never know, what will be the next great thing in store for you...

Till then, enjoy your life, love your friends, cherish your memories....

May God bless us all!

Humanity binds us all together...

2011-09-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasant Saturday evening of 17th September...I was really excited as I was going home for the weekend. I left from office at 5.30 pm to catch a train scheduled after an hour. I happily trotted towards the station, and bought a pack of chips and cookies each for the three and half hours journey. Oh!! I was starving as I had to skip my lunch in order to compensate for the time as I had to leave early from office.
I was worried if I would get a seat, since I didn't have reservation as it was a last minute plan. Its really troublesome and tiring to stand throughout journey, and I kept my fingers crossed. So at 6.30 pm I boarded the train.
This world is full of weird kind of people. There were a couple of ladies who had two reservations and yet occupied three seats. There were many people like them. So many people were standing. They requested them repeatedly to shift a bit and let one person sit...but no..they were so adamant.
But as I said, there exists an equally kind and empathetic variety of people. They showed us where the empty seats were in another bogie. And yippie!!! I got one and it saved all the trouble that would have been caused to me standing all the way amidst the maddening crowd and their chatter.
After 45 minutes at next station there was a rush again. And that station too is so much crowded. Local trains come, people rush in and out of it. They push each other like animals...its like a mad bull fight.
While all this was happening out there, I was sitting comfortably on my window seat and munching on cookies and reading Mumbai Mirror. A lady dressed in a simple yet beautiful satin red and white salwaar-kameez came in and occupied the seat right opposite to that of mine.
She looked a bit upset. As if she was going to burst into tears. And she did. She called up someone, may be her family back home. She spoke in Sindhi, very softly. I could hear just a few words. She was talking about some kind of wound, fracture, something something...pain, fall..something something.
I then gave it a thought for a second and looked down at her. Her dress near the knee was soiled and it had stains of blood too. It was simple to guess that she was injured. When she hung up, I asked her what was wrong and why was she sobbing. She told me that she fell down on the platform when she was dashed by the crowd when the local train arrived. She showed me her left foot. OMG! It was swollen. It reminded me of my Mom who too slipped while walking and got such swollen foot. It was a fracture! It was 20 months back.
This lady was in great pain. Many passengers noticed her agony. Fortunately there was a doctor on the adjacent berth. She came in to relieve her a bit. She requested people to give some hard and flat object like cardboard. She applied an ointment on the foot and tied it with a scarf to a piece of cardboard that a passenger had offered. And the other two passengers vacated the entire berth so that she could keep her leg straight. The doc gave her a pain-killer. Another lady offered her a cup of coffee. She now looked relieved. She dozed off for next two and half hours, till we reached Nasik. The doc helped her to alight. Her husband had come to receive her. She thanked the doc and all the passengers for being so kind to her.
Its good to see good people in our otherwise selfish world.
This incident assures me that humanity still exists on this planet. Otherwise, who would have helped that injured lady?
And how would I've got a seat?
Its 'Humanity' that binds us all.... atleast in bad times....

The people around me....

2011-09-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

This is about the people whom I met after I came to Mumbai. I was always in touch with my family and friends back home through phone. But I was still alone in one sense. I didn't have anyone to tell me how to recognize people, who is how? Or how to tackle a troublesome bunch people? What to say at times? Or break the ice and mix up with them?
This was because till then I was always in my cocoon. I barely interacted with people other than my parents, relatives and some close friends. I wasn't interested in other people's life, their thoughts, their intentions. So I never knew the importance of being worldly-wise.
I never knew this world has so many good and kind people. Neither that I knew that there were a variety of people equally shrewd and cunning. Its when I left my home that I realized this fact about people, and also my fault of living in my dreamy world all the time.
In Mumbai I had to live as a paying guest. That meant sharing a room with a girl or two, sharing my personal space, respecting each other's differences, and watching what I spoke.
Let me tell you something about my two room mates. They were like 'Sugar coated chilies'.
I spoke frankly and freely to them right from day one. I didn't think about how they were and is it OK to be so open. I had just assumed that they must be good, like my friends back home. They came to know I'm a simple and naive person who couldn't understand the deeper meaning of the things said. But I soon understood what they were. I'm a rebel. And so I could no longer tolerate them being bad to me unnecessarily. It resulted in Cold war kind of atmosphere. And that led to quarrels. And more quarrels. The atmosphere was always tensed up. I never even looked at them, or said anything. It was just that they taunted me endlessly on my weaknesses and provoked me to say something which ultimately led to wars between me and them.
I wanted peace after a hectic day at work. I couldn't bear all that anymore and so after a month I left the place.
My fault in this case was that I didn't watch my mouth. I couldn't just be frank with my room-mates. Because they were after all strangers to me. Revealing anything that would help them take advantage of me could have been bad enough.
Its from this experience that I learnt a lesson. That at first I should be conservative yet kind enough in my behavior. I must gauge a person's mind. If good enough then be friends...and if otherwise then maintain a safe distance and just be neutral.

My experiences in Mumbai...

2011-09-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

It has been seven and half months in Mumbai but I still don't seem to fall in love with this place. I still love to be in my hometown. Though Nasik is a small place, its comparatively quiet there. Streets, buses, other public places aren't so crowded over there. It cleaner. Not much hustle and bustle.
But Mumbai is entirely a different case. I feel so lost and lonely here.
Everyday is the same.
Getting up early, rushing to get ready, shoving the breakfast down my throat, and running to catch local train.
People are too busy to talk to you and be friends.
The other face of Mumbai is the one with glamour and style. As we all know, it is the financial capital of India.
The Bollywood is here in Mumbai. Mumbai continues to nurture talents and gives a big break and success to the deserving ones. There is a huge fashion industry here. Many a beautiful shopping spots to visit. Many a places for entertainment like clubs, theaters, malls and lots more. It has the famous place Juhu Chowpatty, the oldest beach and fun-filled place to go on a weekend... the posh South Mumbai is a must visit.. Fortunately I've been to South Mumbai atleast..
There are boutiques of famous designers... You can also come across many TV stars and "Who's Who" at such glam places... I hope to visit these places if ever I get time from work....
I once met Amitabh Bachchan. He had come for an interview at the studio of Network 18 right next to my office. I struggled for an hour managed to be in the front row. We were 300 people standing in the hot sun outside the vanity van. And my struggle paid off well. When he had stepped out he was amazed to see us all shout his name and clapping.
He is a very polite person. He joined his hands to say 'Namaste' and shook hands with as many people as he could... which included me too...
Ohhhhhh.................I was mesmerized.....I had never imagined I could see him right in front of me...
The only sweet memory I got from Mumbai...
Hoping to go back home soon... or atleast another place quieter than Mumbai...

I turned 22 today!

2011-09-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends....
I turned 22 today...can't believe I've reached this point of time in my life. I'm no more a kid, I've got responsibilities, people count on me...Life has changed for better.
But I'm also feeling incomplete today. I've always been with my Mom, Dad and my sister Tillu on this day every year.
But now I'm away from home this year.
I never threw parties on my birthday. It has always been a private affair. Just me and my family, cousins, and a couple of close friends...
Now here I'm, alone....
Longing to be at home....I miss dining out with my family, cutting the cake, shopping a week before... I miss that excitement.. My birthday used to be like Diwali for me..
But its OK.. These days too won't last for long.. : )
Wishing myself a very Happy Birthday..
And I dedicate this day to my parents to give me this wonderful life, making it worthwhile, and loving me throughout unconditionally...
Thank you Mamma, thank you Pappa... : )

I did this out of Love...

2011-09-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Its 3am...and I can't get sleep, though I'm really tired and I got to go to office tomorrow morning..
So I just opened my laptop and decided to write something...
It has been seven months now that I am staying away from home. I do go home on weekends but still this homesickness gets better of me every time I think about my family. The one and half days at home pass away so quickly. And the five days of week don't seem to end...
Tomorrow is Saturday. May be I'll go home after I leave from my office. There is a strange excitement and an adrenaline rush when I leave from office to catch the train. As if I am going back to my parents after so many years.

Yes, I have a job...Its good that parents and siblings are proud of me working with a reputed bank and that too in a big city like Mumbai.. But I still miss them... I feel like quitting this job.. But I can't, unless I find another one in my hometown.
Sometimes I cry when I miss my family.. curse myself for making this choice...
Sometimes I hate myself for dreaming big things... because it keeps me away from my family..
Sometimes I curse Money.. I feel its evil..

But every story has two sides. And this is the right side.
I have many dreams.. which are not only for myself.. but for my family.. so if I stay away from them for a while I'm doing it for them. And ultimately will give me happiness.

My Dad & Mom, who have been supporting me constantly, loving me unconditionally, are worried about my career and future as my laziness gives them a reason to get worried.. :p

All these things have been going on in my mind ever since I came here. I thought about the good and the bad side and I realized that the pros outweigh the cons. After coming here I learnt a lot many things.
I lived with so many different girls, made adjustments, got adapted to the culture here, learned about people.
It actually made me flexible... and I survived. I overcame the phobia of travelling in local trains too...
All I could say is that all this became possible because I had dreams...
And Mom Dad taught me to dream....So I did it....I did it all out of Love for my family...

What is my life all about???

2011-09-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

So lets begin... Let me tell you something about my life. This is a story of where I've been and how I got to where I'm.
Ever since my childhood I'm extremely close to my Mom and Dad. They meant and still mean the world to me. As a kid I never felt any need to peep into the outside world for anything. As I was growing up looking upto them I came to know what it meant. What love is...what care means... What aspirations mean to us...
They wanted me to be a successful person. Successful here doesn't mean only earning a lot of money and becoming rich. But it means that we bring out the best person in ourselves. We have a good heart and a kind soul. Great thoughts and simplicity. Empathy.. Passion for hard work. Loving what we do or should I say doing what we love and be the best one in it. And finding happiness in our lives.
After sometime...to be specific...after I finished my school and I stepped into a new world! The college life gave me a glimpse of the outer world. As a shy and timid girl at school it was quite amazing and baffling at the same time to see how the world works.
This set in motion the transformation of me. I tried to interact with many people. Different people from different parts of the country. It was a slow process but an enjoyable one. It made me confident that I can be a part of a huge group. But only one thing was a hurdle. As I mentioned earlier, I was not very close to people other than those in my family. I didn't have this ability to make out what people actually think. What are there intentions and what they wanted from someone.
Till then I could only see a part of the people which they wanted me to see. Gradually I came to know that how the world is. And I came to realize that its not that rosy as I thought it would be!!!
I'm not saying all people are bad. I want to say that during this phase of my life I took a dive into the ocean of people's mind and came to know what lies inside. Even a sweet looking person can be the most cunning one and an arrogant or grim looking person can have a kind heart filled with love. We just cannot make out how a person is, from his face. So its rightly said 'Don't judge a book by its cover'!!