We used to frequent the Koti Market. I used to like it for its humdrum and colorful stone bangles and lot of wares that the vendors used to sell. One saturday evening, my mother, sister, cousin and I visited koti. I asked my mother to buy me something (at present, i do not quite remember what I asked her for). She categorically refused.
I was so angry that I unclutched my hand from her grasp and wandered off. The thought in my head was "Let me get lost and let her search for me. That should teach her a lesson for not buying that for me". And so thinking, I truly wandered off.
Half hour later, I could not spot my mom, sis or cousin. Panic started gripping me. I started crying. This burly 6 ft tall guy saw me and asked what happened. I told him that I was lost. He asked me for my whereabouts. I told him and he consoled saying he was off in the same direction and would drop me to my house. I did not want to trust this guy as he looked very mean. But I did not have a choice but to go with him as I had no money with me and no brains, anyways.
That man said "please wait here, I want to buy something and then we can be on our way. I will drop you home". I was truly scared by this time and was hoping to spot my family members. While he was buying something, my eyes desperately started searching for my family. Luckily, i saw my mom searching for me very frantically. I immediately shouted for her and ran to her.
The man came following me and asked "Are you sure this is your mom?". I said "yes and explained to my mother that this guy had offerred to drop me home". She mumbled her thanks and took me firmly by my hand and took me aside. She cried a lot that day - a mixture of anger, anguish and relief.
She went on to explain "V, do you really know whether that man would have dropped you home? What would have happened if he had sold you off to some lady who runs a brothel or made you beg alms? How sure are you that any man you meet and offers help is a good one? Your today's behaviour is just not acceptable. I hope you have learnt a lesson and will not repeat it".
I was truly humbled that day. At that instance, I realized what I a mess I had got myself into... and true to my promise, I never repeated it again.
Even today, I keep wondering what would have happened if I had not spotted my mother that day. Would that man have dropped me home? Or what would have become of me? Any news where they report missing girls or girls in brothel, girls begging alms, working as house maids... brings this incident to my mind and I feel goosebumps all over my body....
Monday, August 24, 2009
Me ghajini?
Here are few instances in the recent past when I had turned into Ghajini. May be I am suffering from Dual Personality Syndrome :p
1. I go into the kitchen, stand near the refridgerator and start wondering how I came here and for what
2. My son reminds me "Amma, you had promised to prepare paneer subji today". I am like "Did I? Was I daft to promise him something like this on a week day?" Why am I not remembering when I gave him this promise?
3. Husband "V, can you please give me my Form 16 from whereever you have kept it?". Me "You kept it in your file this time and I dont know where it is." Husband "I remember very well I gave it to you"... I start scratching my head "I do not remember where I kept it... Am I so forgetful?" (although later it turns out that sir had himself kept it in a so called safe place and forgot)
4. FIL says "V, while you are coming down, can you please bring me 1 soap and 1 oil can from the storage cupboard". I say very obediently "Yes, Appa, I will get it" and next 5 times I walk up and down, I don't remember to bring this
5. Team member during a 1-on-1 meeting "V, you had asked me to schedule this meeting"... I am flabbergasted "Me? I did? Do you know why? did I give any agenda item?"
6. One day, after coming home, I changed into my home wear. Next day morning, I could NOT remember for nuts where i kept my spectacles.... I searched and searched and searched...finally when I opend my handback to remove my office tag, found the spectacles in there.... Second time, I went and bought a new pair assuming that I had lost the first pair. After 1 whole year, I found them in the top shelf of my cupboard.
7. I had back to back meetings at office. I carry my cell phone in my hand along with my laptop and water bottle..... its quite a struggle. Last week, I could not find my cell phone in my hand while I very well remembered carrying it with me. I went into each meeting room to search for it and even went to the rest room to see if I had left it there... no luck... exhausted from all the running around, i came to my desk feeling really sad for having lost this one (a birthday gift from my hubby)... opened my handbag to keep my office tag.... and Lo behold.. there is my cell phone sitting safely... How did it get there?
8. Friday, I wanted a cup of tea very badly... Searched for my mug.. could not find it there... gave up hope of finding the same and did not have coffee... end of day, went to the rest room just before leaving office... found my mug sitting in the rest room mirror cabinet... must have left it there during one of my previous visits... how come I don't remember when?
And yet, I tell my husband "You are so forgetful that one day you will see me walking beside you and suddenly you will turn and ask me "Do we know each other?" phew....
1. I go into the kitchen, stand near the refridgerator and start wondering how I came here and for what
2. My son reminds me "Amma, you had promised to prepare paneer subji today". I am like "Did I? Was I daft to promise him something like this on a week day?" Why am I not remembering when I gave him this promise?
3. Husband "V, can you please give me my Form 16 from whereever you have kept it?". Me "You kept it in your file this time and I dont know where it is." Husband "I remember very well I gave it to you"... I start scratching my head "I do not remember where I kept it... Am I so forgetful?" (although later it turns out that sir had himself kept it in a so called safe place and forgot)
4. FIL says "V, while you are coming down, can you please bring me 1 soap and 1 oil can from the storage cupboard". I say very obediently "Yes, Appa, I will get it" and next 5 times I walk up and down, I don't remember to bring this
5. Team member during a 1-on-1 meeting "V, you had asked me to schedule this meeting"... I am flabbergasted "Me? I did? Do you know why? did I give any agenda item?"
6. One day, after coming home, I changed into my home wear. Next day morning, I could NOT remember for nuts where i kept my spectacles.... I searched and searched and searched...finally when I opend my handback to remove my office tag, found the spectacles in there.... Second time, I went and bought a new pair assuming that I had lost the first pair. After 1 whole year, I found them in the top shelf of my cupboard.
7. I had back to back meetings at office. I carry my cell phone in my hand along with my laptop and water bottle..... its quite a struggle. Last week, I could not find my cell phone in my hand while I very well remembered carrying it with me. I went into each meeting room to search for it and even went to the rest room to see if I had left it there... no luck... exhausted from all the running around, i came to my desk feeling really sad for having lost this one (a birthday gift from my hubby)... opened my handbag to keep my office tag.... and Lo behold.. there is my cell phone sitting safely... How did it get there?
8. Friday, I wanted a cup of tea very badly... Searched for my mug.. could not find it there... gave up hope of finding the same and did not have coffee... end of day, went to the rest room just before leaving office... found my mug sitting in the rest room mirror cabinet... must have left it there during one of my previous visits... how come I don't remember when?
And yet, I tell my husband "You are so forgetful that one day you will see me walking beside you and suddenly you will turn and ask me "Do we know each other?" phew....
Photography in the eye of the beholder
Offlate, my hubby seems to have taken a liking for photography. Any week end, you will see him holding a camera chugging inside the house looking for "inspirations" to shoot. I chose to ignore for several weeks.
Then one day, he came running and said "V, I have posted few of my photographs on the net. Why don't you take a look at them here and give me your feedback"
I did visit the URL quite reluctantly. But I was quite impressed with what I saw. So, just thought I should share it with you all...
Here are two samples:
Then one day, he came running and said "V, I have posted few of my photographs on the net. Why don't you take a look at them here and give me your feedback"
I did visit the URL quite reluctantly. But I was quite impressed with what I saw. So, just thought I should share it with you all...
Here are two samples:
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Designer Line :P
Seen outside a designer boutique near Commercial street:
"Tamanna is getting dressed and will open the door soon" :)
Drew a big smile on my face
Designer Line :P
Seen outside a designer boutique near Commercial street:
"Tamanna is getting dressed and will open the door soon" :)
Drew a big smile on my face
"Tamanna is getting dressed and will open the door soon" :)
Drew a big smile on my face
Hyderabad Blues - Part 1
Swaram must be wondering how am I qualified to talk about her adopted city :P
But yes, I have lived there 2 years of my life - time sufficient enough to build memories. I am going to share some of them here...
Whenever I hear Hyderabad, top things that come into my mind are Kamat hotel opposite to Birla Mandir, Khairatabad, Lakdi Ka Pul, Mother Teresa High School and St. Mary's School. My experiences map into only these places.
Let me start by telling you all that I was just 9 years old when my parents were transferred to Hyderabad. We were put in Mother Teresa High School. I do not really have many memories of my classmates or teachers from here. However 2 incidents are very raw in my head:
1. One of my classmates was Marium. She had very curly long hair. That particular day, she had not combed her hair well and it was all streaming over her face. I asked her casually - "why have you not combed your hair?" and in response (broken english), she responded "I had head bath today only ya". I was quick to catch that and called rest of the gang and announced "hey you know what... Marium had head bath today only after all these years...".
At that point, it was fun. I never realized the amount of hurt I would have caused to her by making fun of her english. Marium, in case you get to see this post, I am terribly sorry. It was certainly not my intention to hurt you ... I just wanted to bring out the pun in your statement.
2. Sankranthi is one big and colorful festival in Hyderabad. What makes it so is the kite flying tradition that is associated with this festival. Since we were staying on the 2nd floor of a house, my sister and I were enthusiastic to fly a kite - a first in our life. so, off we went to buy a kite from lakdi ka pul market, which was walking distance from our house.
On the way back, a bunch of small (rowdy) boys snatched the kite from my hand. I was dumb stuck on how to react. Although I considered myself very bold (misconception, later I realized), I failed to react boldly at that instance. I saw a familiar face bicycling near by. It turned out to be Shabbir, my classmate. He asked me what happened and I told him about the incident. Immediately, off he went on his bicycle, fought with the guys and got my kite back. I was so happy and Shabbir was the knight in the shining armor for me. Shabbir, thank you very much for getting our kite back. I hope you will read this.
Sadly, end of that year, my father decided to change our school to St. Mary's and I never kept in touch with my Mother Teresa Gang. However, these 2 memories are very fresh in my mind as if they happened yesterday :D
But yes, I have lived there 2 years of my life - time sufficient enough to build memories. I am going to share some of them here...
Whenever I hear Hyderabad, top things that come into my mind are Kamat hotel opposite to Birla Mandir, Khairatabad, Lakdi Ka Pul, Mother Teresa High School and St. Mary's School. My experiences map into only these places.
Let me start by telling you all that I was just 9 years old when my parents were transferred to Hyderabad. We were put in Mother Teresa High School. I do not really have many memories of my classmates or teachers from here. However 2 incidents are very raw in my head:
1. One of my classmates was Marium. She had very curly long hair. That particular day, she had not combed her hair well and it was all streaming over her face. I asked her casually - "why have you not combed your hair?" and in response (broken english), she responded "I had head bath today only ya". I was quick to catch that and called rest of the gang and announced "hey you know what... Marium had head bath today only after all these years...".
At that point, it was fun. I never realized the amount of hurt I would have caused to her by making fun of her english. Marium, in case you get to see this post, I am terribly sorry. It was certainly not my intention to hurt you ... I just wanted to bring out the pun in your statement.
2. Sankranthi is one big and colorful festival in Hyderabad. What makes it so is the kite flying tradition that is associated with this festival. Since we were staying on the 2nd floor of a house, my sister and I were enthusiastic to fly a kite - a first in our life. so, off we went to buy a kite from lakdi ka pul market, which was walking distance from our house.
On the way back, a bunch of small (rowdy) boys snatched the kite from my hand. I was dumb stuck on how to react. Although I considered myself very bold (misconception, later I realized), I failed to react boldly at that instance. I saw a familiar face bicycling near by. It turned out to be Shabbir, my classmate. He asked me what happened and I told him about the incident. Immediately, off he went on his bicycle, fought with the guys and got my kite back. I was so happy and Shabbir was the knight in the shining armor for me. Shabbir, thank you very much for getting our kite back. I hope you will read this.
Sadly, end of that year, my father decided to change our school to St. Mary's and I never kept in touch with my Mother Teresa Gang. However, these 2 memories are very fresh in my mind as if they happened yesterday :D
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Officially CA
K, you have cleared one of the toughest exams - CA exams today. I want you to know how proud I am to have you as my brother. Hearty Congratulations and way to go...
So much for becoming a
So much for becoming a
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Reality Bites
Yesterday night, I called up Jo, who is currently in UK. It had been a while since we had talked and there was so much I wanted to share with her. Especially on the Gossip Front ;)
I had several guests at home. Despite this, I dialled her number and started talking to her. I told her how much I miss her companionship in the office and checked with her how she was faring in the new place.
After all initial pleasantaries, I started with a routine "Yen Gotha..." (you know what). Just then I realized that I was about to tell her about our office's "Gossip of the year". With this, the other realization that all my relatives had stopped talking and were listening to my conversation hit me hard. It was as if they knew instintively that I was talking something secretive.
Immediately i told Jo "hey, guess we have some company. So, hang on there... I will get into the room and we can continue talking". I said this and walked into the bed room. Settled on my bed, sitting cross legged. I continued where I had left.
As I was talking to her I sensed that to me, Jo was very much in the room and sitting right in front of me - eyes wide, listening to every word I was uttering. She was staring at my face in rapt attention, which pleased me a lot.
Just then, few of my relatives came in and asked me if they could sit on the bed. Without even waiting for my reaction, they made themselves comfortable on my bed. I was furious and extremely annoyed that this nosey bunch was not letting me talk to Jo. I opened my mouth to say something nasty... that was when I heard a weird sound "ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ, ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ".
I turned from my pillow to realize that it was my cell phone alarm, which was giving me the wake up call. And the above mentioned episode was actually a dream :D
I instantly felt a tinge of sadness at having lost that proximity with Jo. This song came to my mind at that very moment summarizing my feelings perfectly:
Jeevan Ke Safar Main Raahi
Milte hain bichad jaane ko
Aur De jaate hain yaaden
Tanhaai main tadpane ko!!!
I had several guests at home. Despite this, I dialled her number and started talking to her. I told her how much I miss her companionship in the office and checked with her how she was faring in the new place.
After all initial pleasantaries, I started with a routine "Yen Gotha..." (you know what). Just then I realized that I was about to tell her about our office's "Gossip of the year". With this, the other realization that all my relatives had stopped talking and were listening to my conversation hit me hard. It was as if they knew instintively that I was talking something secretive.
Immediately i told Jo "hey, guess we have some company. So, hang on there... I will get into the room and we can continue talking". I said this and walked into the bed room. Settled on my bed, sitting cross legged. I continued where I had left.
As I was talking to her I sensed that to me, Jo was very much in the room and sitting right in front of me - eyes wide, listening to every word I was uttering. She was staring at my face in rapt attention, which pleased me a lot.
Just then, few of my relatives came in and asked me if they could sit on the bed. Without even waiting for my reaction, they made themselves comfortable on my bed. I was furious and extremely annoyed that this nosey bunch was not letting me talk to Jo. I opened my mouth to say something nasty... that was when I heard a weird sound "ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ, ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ".
I turned from my pillow to realize that it was my cell phone alarm, which was giving me the wake up call. And the above mentioned episode was actually a dream :D
I instantly felt a tinge of sadness at having lost that proximity with Jo. This song came to my mind at that very moment summarizing my feelings perfectly:
Jeevan Ke Safar Main Raahi
Milte hain bichad jaane ko
Aur De jaate hain yaaden
Tanhaai main tadpane ko!!!
Eating Joints - I recommend
This is my tribute to all foodies in Bangalore. List of cost effective food joints I recommend:
1. SLV (right in front of BMS College of Enginneering) - Yum Idly and chutney and coffee
2. Ibrahim Sahib Street (behind commercial street) - Awesome Ghee Masala Dosa and Chinese Noodles
3. Gullus Chat (Serpentine Road, behind sheshadripuram College) - Exceptional Chaats
4. Mast Kalander (MS Ramaiah Hospital Main Road and near Koramangala Indoor stadium) - North Indian Thalis and Paranthas
5. Lalithas Paratha - Commercial street - mouthwatering paranthas
6. CTR - 7th cross malleshwaram (diagonally opp malleswaram club) - benne masala dosa
7. Brahmin's cafe bar (Chamarajpet) - jasmine idlies, butter and lip smacking chutney + coffee
8. Fresh Salads (vyalikaval) - fresh and variety of salads
1. SLV (right in front of BMS College of Enginneering) - Yum Idly and chutney and coffee
2. Ibrahim Sahib Street (behind commercial street) - Awesome Ghee Masala Dosa and Chinese Noodles
3. Gullus Chat (Serpentine Road, behind sheshadripuram College) - Exceptional Chaats
4. Mast Kalander (MS Ramaiah Hospital Main Road and near Koramangala Indoor stadium) - North Indian Thalis and Paranthas
5. Lalithas Paratha - Commercial street - mouthwatering paranthas
6. CTR - 7th cross malleshwaram (diagonally opp malleswaram club) - benne masala dosa
7. Brahmin's cafe bar (Chamarajpet) - jasmine idlies, butter and lip smacking chutney + coffee
8. Fresh Salads (vyalikaval) - fresh and variety of salads
The Big Foodie
Talk about Ani and a whole world of Food and restaurants open up. Ani was (I hope still is) a very big foodie. It was through him that we came to know many of the otherwise little known eating-joints in Bangalore.
He introduced us to the numerous "messes" run by individuals in and around NR Colony, Basavanagudi - simple yet delicious home cooked food - they could make simple yellow dal taste yummy yum.
Midnight Food Gaadis at KR Puram - My God... I did not know they existed!!! Dosas, Chinese Noodles were top favorites...
And who can forget VV Puram Food Street? On my first visit, I was like a girl given a room full of toys.
Which shop to visit first and what dosa to have and in what combination? Who will have what different item so I could get to taste each piece.
"Hey you take this and I will take that.. so we can share...okay?" - the discussions, negotiations were endless... ;)
Come to think of it... in the name of joint studies.. all we did in those days, was joint hogging :P
Thanks to all the cramming and walking, I seldom gained pounds.. else, by now, I would have to walk with the help of an earth mover :P
He introduced us to the numerous "messes" run by individuals in and around NR Colony, Basavanagudi - simple yet delicious home cooked food - they could make simple yellow dal taste yummy yum.
Midnight Food Gaadis at KR Puram - My God... I did not know they existed!!! Dosas, Chinese Noodles were top favorites...
And who can forget VV Puram Food Street? On my first visit, I was like a girl given a room full of toys.
Which shop to visit first and what dosa to have and in what combination? Who will have what different item so I could get to taste each piece.
"Hey you take this and I will take that.. so we can share...okay?" - the discussions, negotiations were endless... ;)
Come to think of it... in the name of joint studies.. all we did in those days, was joint hogging :P
Thanks to all the cramming and walking, I seldom gained pounds.. else, by now, I would have to walk with the help of an earth mover :P
Monday, August 10, 2009
Suspended for Ragging
Yesterday I was reading a news article about 12 college students being suspended for having invited juniors to one of their houses for a get-together. A case of ragging had been filed against them although all were denying the charges.
Reading this news item time travelled my mind, in a roller coaster ride, back to 1997. I was in my 2nd Year MCA when one fine morning, on the notice board there was a note from the administrative committee "MCA 2nd year students suspended from classes for 2 weeks on account of ragging charges".
We (class of 60) read, re-read this message to our utter anger, disbelief. There was chaos and mayhem everywhere with half of us shouting for justice and talking out how unjust this decision was. For, we truly did not know what had happened and why we were being suspended.
What happened in the next 2 weeks changed our destiny and relationship. Ani became the unelected leader (without opposition, though) and voice of the entire class. He took charge of the situation, met up with seniors to decide future course. He even made sure entire class was united in this effort.
And after series of discussions with the management committee and seniors and students who stayed in the college hostel, the whole story was out. Apparently couple of guys who stayed in the hostel were involved in the ragging incident, which had occured in the hostel premises. However, despite several tries, the college mgmt failed to identify these individuals. Hence, they had decided to debar the entire class... Phew !!!
Ani, thanks to your leadership, this story was found and the suspension was revoked within 1 week. We all became good friends... And this did change V's course of life .... 3-4 years down the lane, she married Ani :D
All in all, this incident did have a Happy Ending :D
Reading this news item time travelled my mind, in a roller coaster ride, back to 1997. I was in my 2nd Year MCA when one fine morning, on the notice board there was a note from the administrative committee "MCA 2nd year students suspended from classes for 2 weeks on account of ragging charges".
We (class of 60) read, re-read this message to our utter anger, disbelief. There was chaos and mayhem everywhere with half of us shouting for justice and talking out how unjust this decision was. For, we truly did not know what had happened and why we were being suspended.
What happened in the next 2 weeks changed our destiny and relationship. Ani became the unelected leader (without opposition, though) and voice of the entire class. He took charge of the situation, met up with seniors to decide future course. He even made sure entire class was united in this effort.
And after series of discussions with the management committee and seniors and students who stayed in the college hostel, the whole story was out. Apparently couple of guys who stayed in the hostel were involved in the ragging incident, which had occured in the hostel premises. However, despite several tries, the college mgmt failed to identify these individuals. Hence, they had decided to debar the entire class... Phew !!!
Ani, thanks to your leadership, this story was found and the suspension was revoked within 1 week. We all became good friends... And this did change V's course of life .... 3-4 years down the lane, she married Ani :D
All in all, this incident did have a Happy Ending :D
Friday, August 7, 2009
Music and Me
People love to ask embarassing questions whenever possible and that too in public. And one of my FIL's friend's wife belongs to this category.
We met the old folks this week end. For the nth time, Va aunty asks me "You also have learnt sangeeta (music), right?". (Me and singing.... If I were Tansen, it would rain frogs ... uh... !!!)
I immediately said "Aunty, I do not know Sa of Sangeeta".
She was looking at me in disbelief and yet continued "You must be joking".
I said in a voice that reflected my feelings (gritting my teeth, angry and flustered) "No, I am not joking. I really do not know Sa of Sangeeta".
Indu Aunty must have sensed my discomfort. Immediately she said to Va Aunty "Avalu chennagi oodhi olle kelasadalli iddalle.. Namma tarah odade manenalli koothilla bidri.. Tumba intelligent avalu" (Roughly translates to "She has studied well and is a working woman. Not a house wife like us. She is very intelligent")
I looked at Indu aunty with tremendous gratitude for saving me from Va Aunty... Phew...
Truly, I do never know how to handle situations like this... Any Tips?
We met the old folks this week end. For the nth time, Va aunty asks me "You also have learnt sangeeta (music), right?". (Me and singing.... If I were Tansen, it would rain frogs ... uh... !!!)
I immediately said "Aunty, I do not know Sa of Sangeeta".
She was looking at me in disbelief and yet continued "You must be joking".
I said in a voice that reflected my feelings (gritting my teeth, angry and flustered) "No, I am not joking. I really do not know Sa of Sangeeta".
Indu Aunty must have sensed my discomfort. Immediately she said to Va Aunty "Avalu chennagi oodhi olle kelasadalli iddalle.. Namma tarah odade manenalli koothilla bidri.. Tumba intelligent avalu" (Roughly translates to "She has studied well and is a working woman. Not a house wife like us. She is very intelligent")
I looked at Indu aunty with tremendous gratitude for saving me from Va Aunty... Phew...
Truly, I do never know how to handle situations like this... Any Tips?
Rain and Songs
I have always hated getting drenched in rain. I loath the sensation of wet clothes clinging to my body not to mention the cold, cough and fever bouts common during this season.
But as I grew up, I realized rains had a positive dimension to them.
I could sit on the window ledge and watch the rain fall, I could make paper boats and set them sail in the running water, I could have hot pipping chai with onion pakodas... with a mushy-mushy nicholas sparks to read. I could afford to be lazy doing no work all day and blame it on rains. Not to mention experiencing the odd pull at my heart while listening to good old hindi songs. And this would be the icing on the cake.
I am a BIG fan of old hindi songs, especially songs that start with barsat, saawan, barish, rim jhim.... top of the list are:
Rim Jhim gire saawan, sulag sulag jaaye man, bheege aaj iss mausam main, lagi kaisi yeh agan... Who can really answer that?
Or
Rim Jhim ke geet sawan gaaye, haaye, bheegi bheegi raaton main... ke hoton pe baat dil ki aaye, haaye, bheegi bheegi raaton main
Or
Barsaat main, (tak dhina dhin), Barsaat main, hum se mile tum sajan tum se mile hum... Barsaat main (tak dhina dhin)
The lyrics of these songs are so delicately interwoven that the listener can actually see them blend into the rain. So silky and anonymous are these lyrics - one can never make out whether the song is being sung by humans or by Gods... Not to undermine the meaning associated with each word ... So intricate and unimaginable... It always exports me to a different realm all together... Such is my involvement in these songs...
Now, I have stopped cribbing about rains. I start digging into my songs collection and begin to clear the dust off them - in parallel, I also clear the cobwebs from my mind ...
But as I grew up, I realized rains had a positive dimension to them.
I could sit on the window ledge and watch the rain fall, I could make paper boats and set them sail in the running water, I could have hot pipping chai with onion pakodas... with a mushy-mushy nicholas sparks to read. I could afford to be lazy doing no work all day and blame it on rains. Not to mention experiencing the odd pull at my heart while listening to good old hindi songs. And this would be the icing on the cake.
I am a BIG fan of old hindi songs, especially songs that start with barsat, saawan, barish, rim jhim.... top of the list are:
Rim Jhim gire saawan, sulag sulag jaaye man, bheege aaj iss mausam main, lagi kaisi yeh agan... Who can really answer that?
Or
Rim Jhim ke geet sawan gaaye, haaye, bheegi bheegi raaton main... ke hoton pe baat dil ki aaye, haaye, bheegi bheegi raaton main
Or
Barsaat main, (tak dhina dhin), Barsaat main, hum se mile tum sajan tum se mile hum... Barsaat main (tak dhina dhin)
The lyrics of these songs are so delicately interwoven that the listener can actually see them blend into the rain. So silky and anonymous are these lyrics - one can never make out whether the song is being sung by humans or by Gods... Not to undermine the meaning associated with each word ... So intricate and unimaginable... It always exports me to a different realm all together... Such is my involvement in these songs...
Now, I have stopped cribbing about rains. I start digging into my songs collection and begin to clear the dust off them - in parallel, I also clear the cobwebs from my mind ...
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Books I recommend
Here is a list of books I recommend book lovers to read. I have truly enjoyed reading each one of them and learnt several valuable lessons.
1. The monk who sold his ferrari - Robin Sharma
2. Death by meetings - a leadership fable - Patrick Lencioni
3. The Palace of Illusions - Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (the author of Mistress of Spices)
4. The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks (I adore this book and gift it to whoever is very close to me)
5. Notes to Myself - Huge Prather
6. Love Story - Eric Segal
1. The monk who sold his ferrari - Robin Sharma
2. Death by meetings - a leadership fable - Patrick Lencioni
3. The Palace of Illusions - Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (the author of Mistress of Spices)
4. The Notebook - Nicholas Sparks (I adore this book and gift it to whoever is very close to me)
5. Notes to Myself - Huge Prather
6. Love Story - Eric Segal
A to Z
ABCDEFG HIJKLMNOP LMNOPQRST UVWXYZ
XYZ sugar on the bread, If you don't like it better go to bed
Next day Morning, visit this blog
I will teach you ABC :)
1. A – Available/Single?
Neither. I am MMOTK (Married and Mother of Two Kids)
2. B – Best friend?
Had 1 until she betrayed me. All I am left is a deep scar that refuses to heal.
3. C – Cake or Pie?
Cake ofcourse - Chocolate flavor anytime :P
Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice cream is my fav combo
4. D – Drink of choice?
Water
5. E – Essential item you use every day?
My Brain - Not that there is anything inside. But I feel lost without it
6. F – Favourite colour?
Satrangi
7. G – Gummy Bears Or Worms?
Me no comprehendo
8. H – Hometown?
Nammooru Bengluru... Nimmuru Yavooru?
9. I – Indulgence?
Italian Food - Ravioli - with cheese and spinach filling --- slurpy slurpy yum yum
10. J – January or February?
February - My birthday Month
11. K – Kids & their names?
Aakash and Aditi
12. L – Life is incomplete without?
You unraveling her mysteries and learning a lesson or 2 in the process
13. M – Marriage date?
25 Feb
14. N – Number of siblings?
1- Younger Brother; 1- Younger Sister
15. O – Oranges or Apples?
Oranges - anytime - surprisingly, I hate sour curd, tamarind, sour mangoes.... but i love oranges.. ... I am such a bundle of contradictions
16. P – Phobias/Fears?
Staying all alone at home - especially night....Scared of G H O S T S :)
17. Q – Quote for today?
Gravity is farce - Earth SUCKS :P
18. R – Reason to smile?
Blogs - makes me happy and connected with so many other girls out there. Opens up a whole new world
19. S – Season?
Summer - love the floral fragrance in the air... especially Jasmines...
20. T – Tag three People?
Lostworld said "Let there be a tag" and so there is this tag.
I am a mere mortal :D
21. U – Unknown fact about me?
I am afraid of failure
22. V – Vegetable you don't like?
Ladies Finger, Knol Knol
23. W – Worst habit?
Thinking
24. X – X-rays you've had?
Several to name - chest, tooth (during extraction), knee, lower back
25. Y – Your favourite food
Groundnut Chikkis, Lonavala Almond Chikkis
26. Z – Zodiac sign?
Acquarius 100%
XYZ sugar on the bread, If you don't like it better go to bed
Next day Morning, visit this blog
I will teach you ABC :)
1. A – Available/Single?
Neither. I am MMOTK (Married and Mother of Two Kids)
2. B – Best friend?
Had 1 until she betrayed me. All I am left is a deep scar that refuses to heal.
3. C – Cake or Pie?
Cake ofcourse - Chocolate flavor anytime :P
Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice cream is my fav combo
4. D – Drink of choice?
Water
5. E – Essential item you use every day?
My Brain - Not that there is anything inside. But I feel lost without it
6. F – Favourite colour?
Satrangi
7. G – Gummy Bears Or Worms?
Me no comprehendo
8. H – Hometown?
Nammooru Bengluru... Nimmuru Yavooru?
9. I – Indulgence?
Italian Food - Ravioli - with cheese and spinach filling --- slurpy slurpy yum yum
10. J – January or February?
February - My birthday Month
11. K – Kids & their names?
Aakash and Aditi
12. L – Life is incomplete without?
You unraveling her mysteries and learning a lesson or 2 in the process
13. M – Marriage date?
25 Feb
14. N – Number of siblings?
1- Younger Brother; 1- Younger Sister
15. O – Oranges or Apples?
Oranges - anytime - surprisingly, I hate sour curd, tamarind, sour mangoes.... but i love oranges.. ... I am such a bundle of contradictions
16. P – Phobias/Fears?
Staying all alone at home - especially night....Scared of G H O S T S :)
17. Q – Quote for today?
Gravity is farce - Earth SUCKS :P
18. R – Reason to smile?
Blogs - makes me happy and connected with so many other girls out there. Opens up a whole new world
19. S – Season?
Summer - love the floral fragrance in the air... especially Jasmines...
20. T – Tag three People?
Lostworld said "Let there be a tag" and so there is this tag.
I am a mere mortal :D
21. U – Unknown fact about me?
I am afraid of failure
22. V – Vegetable you don't like?
Ladies Finger, Knol Knol
23. W – Worst habit?
Thinking
24. X – X-rays you've had?
Several to name - chest, tooth (during extraction), knee, lower back
25. Y – Your favourite food
Groundnut Chikkis, Lonavala Almond Chikkis
26. Z – Zodiac sign?
Acquarius 100%
Monday, August 3, 2009
To Care or Not, is the question?
I have 15 odd earthern pots in which I have planted various plants - flowers as well as vegetables. One of the pots has karela (Bitter Gourd) plant, which has turned yellow towards the root. One look at it and anyone will easily conclude that its "about to die".
Three days ago, when I was watering the plants, my hubby came over and said casually "Hey, I think you should stop watering the karela plant. It is anyway about to die". He made this comment and walked inside without waiting for my response.
While I shook my head and continued with my activity (Ofcourse, I watered the Karela Plant), I could easily draw a parallel between this plant and my FIL. I wanted to ask my husband "Should we stop giving food and water to your father? Anyway we know he is going to die".
And ofcourse, I could not bring myself to ask him this question till today. But his statement keeps haunting me each time I water the plants. I am unable to meet Karela in the eyes.
Three days ago, when I was watering the plants, my hubby came over and said casually "Hey, I think you should stop watering the karela plant. It is anyway about to die". He made this comment and walked inside without waiting for my response.
While I shook my head and continued with my activity (Ofcourse, I watered the Karela Plant), I could easily draw a parallel between this plant and my FIL. I wanted to ask my husband "Should we stop giving food and water to your father? Anyway we know he is going to die".
And ofcourse, I could not bring myself to ask him this question till today. But his statement keeps haunting me each time I water the plants. I am unable to meet Karela in the eyes.
109 BRATs
This brother and sister jodi is a dangerous combo - sister imitates everything the brother does... Right from "Appa, go out", "Shut up", to "Inu Pelima (Vinu Perima), vaanaa (Venda)" :P
This saturday, we had loads of fun seeing my son teach Taekwondo to his sister. It was so hilarious to see her imitiating each and every step with a "Khya Khya Khya" sound that one is supposed to make with every Taekwondo move :D
This saturday, we had loads of fun seeing my son teach Taekwondo to his sister. It was so hilarious to see her imitiating each and every step with a "Khya Khya Khya" sound that one is supposed to make with every Taekwondo move :D
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