10 Day YOU Challenge | 9 Loves

Day two of the YOU challenge brings me to my nine loves. There used to be a time when I used to be able to do things I love, but social commitments leave less room to be able to enjoy everything you love. So here goes...List of 9 things I have and will always continue to love :

1. Family: My family parents, siblings and in-laws have made me the person I am today. From all my happy moments to my most frightening times, they have been behind me all the time. I love them in spite of everything and most of all, I love the one person who has been a part of my life since last 3 years now. My Friend, My partner and my soul mate, My husband. I love you all a lot.

2. Dancing: Dance has always been something to take me to a different world and i know it sounds cliche, but dancing was something that used to make me a more confident person. I used to experience beauty when I used to dance. Music gives soul to my life. Foot tapping on the way to the gym, or on morning walks, I used to always have my hands swinging when I used to hear music on my ipod or radio.

3. Photography: This was a hobby I discovered when I created a new photoblog for myself. The travelling I used to do used to give me ample opportunities to explore and capture some of the unexplored sides of the city. Do check out some of the blogs on Memories are just a click away.

4. Movies / Plays: I am a complete movie buff. any kind of movie, any time, any place, no matter how tired I am, I can catch a show and still enjoy it. There used to be a time when I have seen every movie released in the theatre in every language I know, English, Hindi, Marathi...In every genre I know, Action, Fiction, Romance, Animation, etc.

5. Painting: I love to paint and draw freehand stuff. When time permits, I like to sit back with some paints and explore the different styles of painting and if possible go back to the techniques I learnt during my textile designing days. 

6. Long drives:... and I dont mean only in cars. Long drives could be any long destination drive in any mode of transport. Cars, Bikes, Rickshaws, and most used mode of transport lately...Bus. I like going around the city exploring the different sites of this fascinating place called Mumbai....Also giving me time to click some of the moments on the 3rd Love...Photography

7. Television: As a child and even now, T.V has been my way to escape from the reality called Life. I can sit and watch the Idiot box for hours together. This was one thing my dad always used to dislike and still tends to keep pointing it out to me, but I dont tend to listen anymore. :)

8. Samosa: I am not much of a junk food person, but Samosa is one thing I can trip upon any point of time. This love has come from the college canteen that used to serve this delicacy all day long and with lengthy hours of college with no option to bunk, samosas used to be the only break we used to get from the tedious routine.

9. Last but not the least... Singing. My mom used to say I had a good voice and she got me into the singing classes (which unfortunately don't fit in my schedule anymore). Singing for me, was always something I used to do for myself... No. I dont mean bathroom singing, but when I used to sit in my balcony listening to old songs on radio at night with noone but the company of moon and stars, I used to be able to forget any and every stress that I might be going through. *Sigh* those were the days.

So here are my nine loves. So long...See you again tomorrow, with my Eight Fears.

Adios, Ciao.

10 Day Challenge - 10 Secrets

Lately my blog might have looked like it was obsessed with mumbai city, but it just had run out of things to write posts on. So when I read Shirin's Blog recently, I knew that this was the best way to get the blog back to its rhythm and change its state of mind. I do remember doing this kind of a post in the past 10 things tag, so it will be difficult to find new things but I guess that's why its a challenge.So here goes...

I wonder if this topic really brings out the top 10 secrets of a person's life, or does it just mentions the 10 things that normally people wouldn't know about any general human being? Well, no one shares secrets..specially to strangers...So here goes my 10 "secrets" (aka things) that not many know

1. I am an absent-minded person. Unless the work, or date or appointment is important for me, chances are that I will probably end up not sticking to it. My long term memory is pathetic. Its like the girl in movie 50 First Dates, my memory tends to get refreshed every night as I sleep. It tends to discard the unwanted stuff and only register important data in my life. 

2. I am a person who plans everything. Many people who know me hate this habit of mine. I always HAVE to know in advance my coming week's plans...But with a lot of spontaneous friends, I tend to drive them up the wall trying to ensure that they are available to meet if I m PLANNING something.

3. 

   I love playing snooker. There was a time when there used to be lot of gaming zones that used to encourage this game, but the sport seems to be disappearing with time and its been forever since I played a game with someone. Looking forward to another game...hopefully soon.

4. I prefer being alone a lot, any time any place. I am not saying I am a loner, but if asked if I would prefer company or loneliness, I would definitely chose the later.

5. I love beaches. Don't give me that Oh-gawd-another-typical-girl-look. If I had to settle down somewhere I would always prefer some place near to a water body of any kind (..and i don't mean gutters of mumbai). Beaches, sea, ocean, lakes, anything that makes the soothing sound of the water.

6. I am a day dreamer and by that I mean, I can doze off at any place, sitting, standing, or lying down. Any moving vehicle will instantly put me off to a deep slumber. I have many times ended up missing my bus stops and train stations due to this habit of mine, but with practice the disease is now in control.

7. I want to try backpacking someday. Just pick up my bag with bare necessities for survival, minimum amount of money, and start traveling on whatever mode of transport available...now that's a dream I want to be able to fulfill.

8. I know I have said this before, but it can never be said less... I love my sister. I know she knows it too, but at times I make her life miserable. There is also something that I wish I could tell her, but I see so much of my mother in her. She has a lot of qualities that my mom used to have and seeing her, I miss mom a lot. My sister has always looked out for me and I am lucky to have her.

9. Except samosas (they are my weakness), I prefer home food to any other place to eat. I would trade a plate of junk food to a plate of Dal, chawal, chapati and sabji any day.

10. Lastly, I am scared of heights. I don't mean paranoid, but there are times when I m climbing down and I tend to just stop for seconds with the fear that I might trip and fall down the flight of stairs. 

So these are my 10 things that not many people would know. hopefully I can continue my 10 day challenge without any delays or speed bumps.


Hope to see you tomorrow, Adios, Ciao,
Take care.

Mumbai Meri jaan

'Taxi Nau do Gyaarah'...That was the title of the news article I read recently in the newspaper, wherein they were talking about how the taxis across Mumbai city have reduced and how they used to be the look of Mumbai at one point of time. Being a suburban girl myself, I have hardly ever traveled in taxis except when we used to go towards the extreme end of south Mumbai during college days and could afford a lavish spending on the transport.

This city means different things to different people and being a Mumbaikar all my life, it means lot of things to me too. As i sit looking out my balcony towards a view that once used to be the horizon of vashi Creek, now is blocked by the upcoming complex (apparently an 'address' to peace...???), I ponder over the things that the city is just not complete without.

Mumbai Monsoon:  I absolutely love the rains of Mumbai. No matter where I am, I completely relate monsoon to mumbai. I know people complain about the dirt, the traffic and the muddy roads during this season, but rains have always been special for me and I have always imagined myself walking on beaches, or empty roads getting drenched in the rain, and probably having Tea from the local vendor or the ones who sell them on their bicycles. Mumbai is completely a different scenario during this season and I would be anytime willing to ignore all the other setbacks these 3 months bring for the city.

Vada Pav: I know even the mention of this delicious mumbai treat is supposed to be bad for me (me being on a diet and all...Lol) but vada pav is something that is easily available on almost any busy part of mumbai. An easy snack for any person who isn't weight conscious, or who prefers a nice meal at a mere Rs 10-15. This dish was initially started as the most cheapest form of a meal for low income group, but due to its taste, this dish became so popular that many sophisticated hotels also have started dishing out this wonderful dish, at extra cost of course. However, this dish has still retained its charm as an evergreen dish, and many people have it at breakfast, lunch or even dinner as well. Vada pav can be easily included as a part of my walk in the rain section mentioned above. Tastes heavenly with a cup of tea.. :) Yummy....!!!!

Local Transport: Trains, Buses, Taxis, Rickshaws and a new addition to these old modes of transport are the cool cabs and private call-a-cabs....all add up to the look of mumbai, and the traffic that has become the identity of mumbai. The life-lines of mumbai is the right word for these vehicles, since even one day of strike or petrol-diesel-CNG problem can bring the fast moving pace of mumbai to a halt.

South Mumbai: This is a part of mumbai that every tourist, or a person coming to mumbai from a small town would want to visit, for the simple reason that south mumbai is the hub for the financial buzz in mumbai. For me, it has been the most memorable place to visit, when I saw south mumbai from the eyes of someone else. But that's another story... :P Some Places that make this part of mumbai the most prime location for activities would be:

• Share Markets (Bombay Stock Exchange,Reserve Bank of India,main offices of Bank of India, State Bank of India, etc), 
• Jewellery Markets (Jhaveri Bazaar), 
• Government office in Mantralaya, 
• Cooperage Sports Ground, Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium,
• Starting points of the Railway lines of Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Churchgate), 
• Defence colony of military and navy personnels - Navy Nagar,
• Prince of Wales Museum, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalay.
• Nariman point & Marine Drive making the beautiful queen's necklace during the night time on the coastline of South Mumbai
• Dhobi Ghat, the famous open air Laundromat located at Mahalaxmi.
• The Mulji Jetha market in Mumbai is the largest textile market in Asia.

These places make south mumbai crucial for the financial, political, and commercial activities.

But lately Mumbai has been going through a lot of torment in the last decade with floods, bomb blasts, and terrorist activities on the rise. Even though for me the places and things that define the city are mentioned above, what makes the city what it is (in a good way or bad) are the people living in it...Mumbaikars, who are known for their never die spirit. However, with the recent events, I am forced to think whether its this Never say die spirit that is leading to the most deaths in the city. Is the reason behind repetitions of these activities the fact that we are not reacting and carrying on with our lives??? I sure hope not. Anyways, its a thought I can't seem to get out of my mind.

Anyhow.....I know I might have miss a lot of things, places and locations that might define mumbai for you, But I give you the chance to discover my city at your own leisure and then share with me your experience. Will wait for your comments..

Till then, adios...ciao.

Trip down memory Lane - Be the Change

Be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi

I had read this line somewhere a long time ago. Honestly? I am not much of a memory person... Ok I admit, I am bad at remembering references, but this line has stayed with me since a long time and that is the reason I chose to share it with you today.

They say school days are unforgettable for everyone and childhood never returns. But 3 years back that myth was proven wrong by my batch classmates who apparently got together via every medium possible, from long-lost hotmail, to most recent twitter and facebook. Somehow the idea of a reunion clicked in the minds of some of us and a series of emails were shot through to every known batch-mate who had access to internet. It was amazing to see how networks work, and one person can make a difference. 4^th May 2007 was decided as the date for the reunion with an approximate head count of 28 people expected to ‘rock the party’ as we called it. What we didn’t realize was that this reunion would end up getting us together for a cause that none of us anticipated.

Most of the people who turned up eventually for the event were US visiting batch-mates who promised to stay in touch, few were the shy ones who only came because of all the insisting we did, some only came to see what the whole big deal was and the remaining were me and my few other friends who stayed back to discuss what we can do as a group.

Me, Mrudula, Jatin, Nihar, Ashwin, were very keen on doing something for the community especially for the school who got us where we were today. The conversation led to the old days and what we as students would have enjoyed having in the school and how much we miss being associated with it. So we decided to visit the school and meet up with the teachers and principal just to re-live those days.

We reached the school one late afternoon, (of course that only happened after several calls to convince the principal the reason why we wanted permission to be in the premises) Old school playground that lay deserted, the classrooms which still bore our names carved on the desks, the staff rooms as always bubbling with conversations, library that hadn’t lost the fragrance of books and polish of the cabinets, reminded us of the Golden days. Apparently the guys even visited the boy’s washroom and re-lived some of their old times and came out with a weird code language that I and mrudula just couldn’t decipher.(it still remains a mystery to me and mrudula, :P but I guess some things are better that way). Meeting old teachers went quite well when we realized that they knew a lot of mischief we used to do around class with the impression that the teacher isn’t looking.

After a tour around the school, we met up with the principal who much to our surprise was very curious to know why we wanted to visit the school. We explained to her our attachment with the school and how we would like to keep our association in every way we can. We were given an idea of how children who cannot afford their education are dropping out of school and even though the school does everything to reduce the pressures for such families, there is little they can do since it’s a school with a board of trustees to reply to.

On our way out, we all had the same look and thought and we barely needed a second opinion on the same. We decided to utilize all the resources to reach out to all our reunion list of batch-mates and do something for the students who could not afford their education. The principal helped us out with the names of 10 unique cases where the child had the talent to learn, but parents were either single parent, or had genuine reasons for not being able to come up with the money. We came up with the money of approximately Rs. 30,000 that year. With the fees of 1500 for the year covered in the contribution, the remaining amount of 1500 was used to provide the remaining necessities to the child, notebooks, pencil box, crayons, pen sets, Tiffin boxes, school bag, etc.

We personally visited the school to give this contribution and the principal had made sure that we get the chance to meet every parent of the child we are contributing for. A mother suffering from cancer, a single mom taking care of 3 children whose father abandoned them, a sister taking care of her brother by doing part-time job while studying herself, and many more cases came to our attention.

It was an amazing feeling to reach out to such kind, and we have continued to do it since last 3 years. This year, we are starting our drive again for this cause and hoping to raise the bar a little higher. Its our school’s 50^th Anniversary and we intend to make sure its special in a lot more ways than just monetary contribution. Sports kits for the school, money for the annual function this year, a prize for the competitions held during the annual celebration and a special something is planned for the teachers in the school from our batch.

We are all doing our bit for the institution that made us the people we are today and we genuinely believe that if every little help counts when it comes to promoting education.

We, students of North Bombay Welfare Society high School, Ghatkopar, Mumbai are doing out bit…Are you?

A Reason to believe....

As children, I know we hear a lot of things that we believe or don't believe. I know its difficult to believe everything we hear even when we grow up but the reason for me to write this post today is because I have believed today 3 lines/phrases that I have heard very often, but never really got anything to authenticate. Of course, this are only few of the lines for me to mention here, but I hope at the end of this post, you might find your three lines too...


I have never been a 'mills and boons' girl, and I used to find the idea of a fantasy man bogus and very childish. I have been of a belief that a couple needs to work a lot on their relationship to make it work. So when I used to be told "There is a special someone for everyone" I used to laugh it off, just like Shahrukh in 'DTPH'. But I genuinely have seen and experienced that we might not find our perfect soul-mates, but whoever we find has a potential to be the man/woman of our dreams. God sure works in mysterious ways to give every person a chance that he/she needs. Its just upto us to not negate everything in him/her and give a chance for our love to unfold themselves.

You know how they say "Distance makes heart fonder" That has somehow been true for me in the past few weeks. I know how people say that they can't live without each other and cliches like that, but with everything I have felt, those lines don't feel like cliches anymore. In our lives, we take a lot of things and lot of people for granted. Of course we only realize their true worth once they have gone away from them. It could be someone as common as our maids, or someone as important as our parents, or even the most special person in our life. I don't mean to compare my parents or my love with maids, but I know every housewife will agree with me with regards to the importance of maids. Anyways, the point I am trying to make here is, whether its a newly married girl missing her parents, or a couple away from each other due to husband's relocation, everyone goes through a phase where they miss each other and realize how the other person used to make us feel. That distance only makes the heart grow more fond of him/her. It's a different issue that we don't let that distance come in between the relationship and work with each other. A small poem based on these feelings sent to me by someone special. :)

I spend my time thinking,
Wishing you were here.
I stop and look around,
Hoping you were near.

Just because You are not with Me,
Doesn't mean a thing.
It's knowing that You know,
That I'm Your everything.

So whenever You feel lonely,
Just look inside Your Heart.
And know without a doubt,
That in our " s p i r i t " We will never be apart...

"Everything happens for a reason". If only I have a rupee for every time someone has told me that. I know people might say how can tsunamis and earthquakes be a good thing? Well, in my defense, I am not talking about things that we don't have control on. But the attitude with which we accept these circumstances. I remember the time when I was down with heavy fever for 3 days and couldn't go to work. On the third day, I came to know that all the people in my office had been asked to stay back in the office for 3 days due to heavy flooding in the city. Yup, that was 26th July, the worst floods Mumbai had experienced.

There are lot of instances for me to share like these but the blog is just not enough. I guess what I am trying to say is that if we are patient and open-minded enough to wait for a while, every bad thing will unfold itself into a good thing and when THAT happens, will you be smart enough to accept it to yourself that I am glad that happened?

These are three lines that I have been able to experience that hold true to their meaning. What are the phrases of your life?


Think about it.

Until next time..Adios, Ciao.

Chai Garam...Chai Garam...

"Chai Garam, Chai Garam....!! I had heard these words several times during my recent travel in one of the long distance trains. If you are a tea person, that call would surely tempt you to respond with a "Oye bhaiya, Ek chai", but those words got me thinking about the national drink of our country (unofficially, of course)

Tea as a drink has now become almost synonym to the small 'tapri' (roadside stalls) in Mumbai. A small stall with the least investment, It's a very common sight to see vendors, workers, middle-class men, and nowadays call center crowd flocking around these tea stalls during their free time.They seem to be around every corner. From outside multinational company complex to railway and bus stations, from new construction sites to industrial areas, these stalls are making their mark everywhere.

Tapri chai is a fix most office-goers can't do without. This is a place where friends gather during the day in true convivial spirit to partake of this hearty brew and catch up on the local gossip. It’s usually served in small tea glasses, but you haven’t really enjoyed it until you pour it on an empty saucer and simply slurp.Tapri also gives solace to a lot of college going kids who find the tapri the most affordable place to pass time between classes (...or during class, hehe). The easiest way to recognize tapri is firstly by seeing a group of people around it, or by their kerosene operated stoves.

 The Mumbai tapri chai is also a relief to many of the mumbaikars who go on foot till Siddhivinayak (A famous temple in Mumbai) on Tuesday mornings. Tuesday mornings, this tea is the energy drink that drives these religious ones to their destination. Many generous stalls provide free cups of tea to these regular walkers at various stops on the way.

 Also, one of the oldest restaurants in Mumbai known for its tea is the 'Tea Centre' at Churchgate, Mumbai. Its not only known for its variety of tea, but more for its ambience. Even though its very different than the standard tapris in mumbai, the experience there, can transfer you from today to yester-years look, with small silver bells on the table to call out to the waiter, beautiful surroundings and old-style furniture. The Tea Centre was initially opened by the Tea Board of India to promote the drink.

I, however have never been able to come to terms with the ability of certain people to spend more than 10/- for a cup of tea. So to find out what is the thrill all about, I decided to once find out how it felt and went to one of the coffee shops and ordered Masala Chai. Eventually I ended up spending Rs. 40/- for boiled water in a stylish cup, milk, sugar and tea bags given separately. But that of course is a different story. At the end of this little social experience, I had to go to the nearest tapri to enjoy the feeling of having a true masala chai.

Mumbai is known as the city of dreams, but the tapri's of mumbai are the alarm clocks that help people wake up to achieve those dreams.

Its just difficult to imagine a city without few of them around the neighbourhood. This article sure has given me a craving for a chai, Anyone care to join?

New Life, New Beginning, New Change

Was trying to find something to base life upon,

Something in the world around that went on & on,

Years went by & time faded away,

Good days were then filled with dismay.
A New day came, and then again, it went,
My ambition to become something more, grew more and got spent,
Around the corner, yet miles away,
The life I wanted then, got closer each day.
 

All I ever wanted was something to live for,
I didn't want to be this little person anymore.
I had been basing my life upon what others thought,
I wished I could go back and redo everything, give back every bad thought I bought.
I had fought to become who I was and what I wanted to be,
I had to remind myself that one day, I will be free.
Free from the rules I followed as a child,
When everything was a game and life was so mild.
 

Soon times had changed and I realized life was fair,
And somehow felt I found someone to care,
Someone to pay attention and know what is best for me,
and understood what I felt about how things should be.
I understand now, that I’m no more on my own,
And I know a lot of what I CAN do.... is yet to be known.

To the person who makes me a better person. :)

Short Series: From A to Z and back...Part Three

After a lot of pondering, A decides to give him a call..After all, What harm would it do. I mean, if its meant to be, it will be...right?

A dials the number ...Tring Tring...

Hello...!!

A: Hi.. May I speak to V?
(This was a bad idea...!!..Hang up...right now..)
V: Speaking, who is this?
A: Hi..I am not sure if you remember me, we spoke around a week back just once. A here...??
(please say yes...)
V: Oh yeah...hi...wassup..I was wondering why you didn't call back, I mean i would have, but you never gave me your number.
A: Oh, yeah. I just wasn't sure if it was appropriate..Anyways...Will give you my number by the end of this call. (its better to play safe..I mean lets see if I still enjoy talking to him)
V: That sounds fair..I mean I don't know if will still like talking to me the second time..right?
(shit he read my mind)
A: Ha ha, So, hows life in the last one week?
V: Life's good...Have been busy doing stuff...Wassup with you?

And the conversation goes on...A cant believe that it AGAIN went on for more than 30 mins.

V: Hey by the way...Which part of Bombay are you from?
A: What makes you think I am from Bombay? (assumption is the mother of all dot dot dot)
V: Well, I find it difficult to believe that someone would spend so much time and money on an STD call...Lol
A: Smart..I am from Vikroli.
V: Hey that's like 15 mins away from where I am..What a small world.
A: I guess the Internet is bringing people closer... (small world indeed)
V: yeah, so you think we can exchange numbers and maybe catch up sometime? I mean i m working on some new stuff lately..Maybe you wanna hear some of it.
A: Are you asking me out? (that was quick)
V: Haha, well...if that term makes you say Yes, then yeah... How about tomorrow?
A: Why don't I let you know by evening? (I don't wanna sound desperate now...do i?)
V: Take your time, but I got to get back to work. In case we don't talk again...It was nice knowing you.
A: Why do you think we wont talk again? (It cant be a brush off...specially since he has "asked me out")
V: Well, Just a thought.. :P
A: Don't worry, You are in for a surprise..
V: Talk to you soon?
A: yeah..by the way, my number is.... ********** (I hope i don't regret this)
V: Thanks :)
A: Sure.. See ya.

A hangs up...and goes into the balcony wondering what just happened and reminding herself...He is a stranger...Don't get carried away....Don't get carried away....DO NOT get carried away...Or was it too late?

Short Series: From A to Z and back...Part Two

For Part one....Click here ---> contd

....CRASSHHHH!!!
A is startled by the sudden crash and looks towards the window. It was the beautiful crystal vase that her mom's friend had gifted them on her parent's 25th Anniversary a couple of months back.

"Damn..not another stormy night", she said. But something about this night made her feel like Anything's possible. While A starts gathering the shattered pieces off the ground, Ding goes the msn messenger that A had forgotten to log off before she got to her reading.

V says: Hey Happy Friendship's Day to you too.
Happy Friendship's day says: (Damn, shud've changed that friendship day status a week back)Hi...Thank you, May I know who this is?
V says: Yes, I THINK you added me a week back from datingtoday.com's dating profile. I might have emailed in response to your profile.
Happy Friendship's Day says: (Oh..its one of them) Oh, Ok..Yes. I am sorry, but a week has impacted my memory. Do you mind if we start over again. But just need a few minutes before I get back to you.
V says: That's fine. I might not be available since I got some stuff to complete. Maybe another mins here. Maybe we can talk on the phone if you want later.
Happy Friendship's Days says: (hmm....someone's quick) hmm..well I dont trust people off net so soon. Lets see. Talk to you later. Brb.
V says: sure.

A gets back to clearing the mess and mopping the floor up. After about 6 mins, she get back to the comp.


Happy Friendship's Days says: (yikes...is he gone?) hey...u there?
V says: which version of msn msnger are you using? because last I checked, if the person shows online, he/she is still ONLINE. Haha. Just kidding...
Happy Friendship's Day says: (oo...someone with a sense of humour...thats refreshing) Haha, yeah, sorry. I have some people here who always show online but never talk. I thought you might be like them.
V says: Ohk...Nice save. :P

The conversation goes on for about 30 mins, where they discuss music, likes, dislikes, politics, etc. A had never felt the same way before. She was talking to a stranger, and actually LIKING it.
V says: Its been really nice talking to you. But i got to get back to work. Have some music compositions to complete before tomorrow morning.
Happy Friendship's Day says: (ooo...music composer, interesting) Oh, no issues. Will keep in touch. Hope to see you on msn soon.
V says: Actually I hardly check my msn. Mind if we talk on the phone. 25707841 is my number. Do call if you wanna talk later. Bye...Adios...
Happy Friendship's Day says: (there we go again with the number...lol) Ok good night.

Should A call him ?? Is it safe to trust a stranger off the net ?? that too from a dating site ?? But she really thinks he is genuine....Maybe he should give him a chance. Afterall... what can one phone call lead to??

Why don't you help her decide....any suggestions??

Back from the dead...umm....I think...

If you are reading this, thanks for remembering me. I know its been a while since I made an appearance and people have been asking me reasons for my disappearance. There were many times when I decided to write something, or times when I was on the way to some place and I thought,"Hey, that is something I could write about". But whenever I came back home and actually sat to type it down, I simply ran out of things I could write on that topic.

I don't know what led to this, but I guess this is what they call a 'Writer's Block'. However in my case, its just a BLOCK.

I write here today, to just keep this blog alive. Frankly, I have been very regular on my photo blog "Memories are just a click away". One of the reasons for that was that it didn't require any writing or any topics (most of the times).

I am going through a lot of changes in my life right now, and for once I thought I would write about it, but changed my mind, thinking that "hmmph ....no one wants to read about my life." So I gave up.

Right now, I am looking for an inspiration, a thought, a reason to write. I hope to find it soon. Till then, please be patient with me.

Hope to see u soon.

Adios. Ciao

Yeh dosti hum nahi todenge...

Its 10 mins past 9:00 and my phone rings on its usual ring tone...Jaane kyon...Dill chahta...Tu hai to...."hello...?" The familiar voice on the other end sounds somewhat like a charcoal operated train...on speed breakers..."Haha..hey babes...hahaha...Shut up yaar, I am calling her...Hi...wassup..??" and I know, this is one time, when none of my excuses are ever gonna help me. That's Bhavika and Anu, two of my best friends recently...Calling me down for the thrice-in-a-week session of Talk-listen-talk-comment-talk-listen...with all the talking mostly done by just one person. ;)

I try every excuse (which sound genuine for that moment...to ME) in my book. Unfortunately, none of them work, and I end up changing into my gym workout clothes and shoes and reaching down. After a 15 minute wait, and several Phone calls, Anu turns up...looking all charged up to enjoy the these-days-rare "trio-session". Bhavika, is still out of sight and after 30 minutes and several phone calls and 'I am in the lift' excuses, we see her in a distance.

The session starts with me and Anu cribbing about how she makes us wait EVERY TIME and how she needs to be more 'available' and then "Arrey...sorry yaar..Actually na..Blah blah blah." The blahs are not an indication of her excuses...but honestly, she narrates her whole trip of where she has been ...with who...what she did...what was funny....etc etc etc. And by the end of the story, we both (anu and me) end up forgetting the reason why we were angry...Or EVEN the fact that we WERE angry with her.

The session goes on for more than 90 minutes and we are back to feeling the way we have always felt in each other's company. Our group of 3 has had the most absurd, serious, hilarious, and eye-opening conversations we ever cud have with anyone else.

Bhavika: She is the talker in the group...There is no topic in the world that she CANNOT talk about. She can make a story, even at the mention of a small fly sitting on the road.."arrey that reminds me, You know what happened?" and there she goes...with another exciting road trip of hers... Bhavika is one person, who has always been the positive breath of fresh air in the group. With her around, I find it most difficult to keep a straight face..or a negative thought in my mind. :) Do read her blog, to read her first amazing attempt at story writing, and you will know what I am talking about. Please help me encourage her at blogging regularly, by commenting on her blog.

Anu: She is the listener of our group. I wouldn't call her an introvert, but with Bhavika around, even she rarely gets a chance to talk... An ambitious, free-spirited girl, with opinions about everything, and suggestions for every healthy food under the sun..She is my inspiration when I get bored of eating the same kind of diet every week. She probably doesn't know, but I sometimes call her during the time she is having her lunch/dinner, just to find out what new experiment she has done with her diet today. I am proud to say that out of all 3, she is the only one who was determined enough to stick to her schedule and achieve her targets. Keep up the good work darling..We both admire you for that.

Our group is unique, because each of us complete each other...and compliment each other. Bhavika talks, Anu listens, and I write blogs on them. Hahaha, I love you both gals..

I am sure we all have such buddies in our lives...Ever tried to share your friendship with the world?...or at least with me?? Go ahead...comment and tell me a bit about them.

10 Stages - The journey from love to love

I saw this movie "He just doesnt feel that way about you" when it had initially released, but somehow there is no sign of it on google.com or youtube.com. I had liked the movie and today I probably understand one of the levels of relationship that it dealt with....Falling for someone who you know will never be yours. I am saying "falling" for someone, because initially, I am not sure if people call it Love..... There are lot of words in the vocabulary that define the initial stages of "Feelings"....Infatuation, emotional incline, crush, passion, fascination, admiration, attachment, puppy love, etc, but LOVE is definitely not one of them.

The heartbreak.... the contemplation.... the agony... and yet the fact that my heart skips a beat everytime I see his number flashing on my phone, or his message blinking on my google talk. I see him online and wonder why isnt he messaging me? Was it something I said? Was it something I did wrong? Did I say too much last night? All kinds of thoughts cross my mind...and as I sit and go through every detail that led me to this situation, I break the phases down to its TOP 10......I call it...The journey from love to love...

• First Stage: Attraction: The first time you see that person..on first day of college, on the street, in your sister's friend circle, or maybe in a coffee shop...You remember every detail of that person, clothes he/she was wearing, perfume, the way he walked, the first words he spoke..his first sms, his first IM...his first email...etc. The first time that person comes near you or sees you on webcam, your heart rate increases; temperature rises, palms get sweaty; stomach flutters; throat tightens and 1001 emotions that run in your mind and heart that you cant even define.

Emotionally, you start knowing each other, hobbies, ideologies, career, education, or some other common grounds. You start asking questions to get to know the other person even better...

• Second Stage: Romance: You start accepting the person as they are. You start doing small things for each other for selfish or selfless motives. Giving gifts, writing poems, PDAs, and taking her for dinner, inviting him over for lunch, etc. Eventually, the selfish motives of the Romance die out and the selfless motives turn into 'passion'

• Third Stage: Passion: This stage mostly evolves when the romance (emotional relationship) is replaced by or taken over by Passion (physical relationship). Verbal and physical flirting, teasing, Obvious PDAs, etc. Even though this stage is the most fun amongst all the journey, this becomes the deciding point of the relationship. From here, either the couple can reach a dead end in the feelings or become a stronger bond.

• Fourth Stage: Intimacy: This word has often been associated with physical closeness, however its mostly deals with comfort that the couple share. The difference between Attraction and Intimacy is the inquisitiveness and appreciation. The couple share their thoughts, their feelings, their dreams and everything that is the Base of their relationship. In true intimacy, there is nothing that you cannot tell this person (though we often hesitate because of our own unfounded fears).

• Fifth Stage: The Realization - You start noticing that things have been a bit rocky between you and your partner, well ROCKY may be an understatement! TREMULOUS, ROLLER COASTER RIDE FROM HELL is much more like it. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating...But, you've come to realize that things aren't going to work out, unless you enjoy getting the "silent treatment". Somehow, the sparks that were flying at the beginning of the relationship have now turned into an uncontrollable forest fire. Ultimately, you need to muster up the courage and face the fact that things aren't AREN'T WORKING

• Sixth Stage: The ACTUAL Realization: - Okay, so you had the biggest fight ever and vow never to see him/her again. So, what happens now when you realize you can never call them again for a quick cup of coffee... or, at all? What if you start to miss them? What if they DON'T miss you? You might start to think maybe it wasn't a good idea to break up after all. And then you have an epiphany. OF COURSE it was a good idea -- the relationship wasn't working out. Don't call them, remember you broke up for a reason. Just because you miss them doesn't mean it'll be great when you see them again. You just keep reminding yourself why you broke up in the first place and DON'T CALL THEM!

• Seventh Stage: The Crappy Part: - Once you realize that your life will be different, this is what I call the crap-pi-phany. You go through the phase of listening to songs that remind you of them, cry into a pillow that still smells like them, read you old text msges/chat histories, call him/her up and hang up...go through the road that you used to meet on hoping that he/she might be do the same... and agonize about what's going to happen next. Your life may seem over...

• Eight Stage: The Rage: - That bitch/bastard! I treated them like gold! This is the most critical stage - Bitterness. You list all their annoying traits that you once thought was actually cute. Who actually uses the word "poopy/bubblegum"? At this point instead of wasting your day in front of the comp reading old chats, you get out of bed and dress to impress. Now that you look good and feel good you can actually say and believe, "if they don't want me, that's their problem, not mine." Over time you start missing them less and love yourself more. You keep yourself busy with new hobbies, school, work and friends. You stop feeling sorry for yourself and realise that there is a whole world out there waiting for you with plenty of new and exciting people to meet.

• Ninth Stage: FREEDOM: -You haven't thought about your ex in days, (well it's a start) and BAM, there they are strolling down the street with someone else..... and your stomach doesn't lurch neither does your face doesn't turn bright red. When you say hi , your ex looks more uncomfortable than you. Once the encounter is over, you stroll away proud and tall and don't think about the encounter for more then 10 minutes ever again. (PS. Have they put on weight?). You smile, because now you know you are finally free and ready to open up and love again.

• Tenth Stage: The Crush: - Over time you'll begin to realize that your ex isn't the only one in the world. Wow! There's some damn fine peeps in this city. The point is, once you're able to open yourself up again, other people will want to get to know you. Even if you're not ready to start an intense relationship with somebody else, get out there and start having fun again...and then... there is that LOOK again...

But no matter who we are with, where we are, and how we end up living our life, We still get that look on our face when we pass across the corridor where you first saw them, or the website that you visit where you met him in virtual world...That indeed was your true love...that you lost...somewhere in the journey.

Until Next time....

Adios ....Ciao.

Hand that rocks the cradle...

Hand that Rocks the Cradle, rules the World.

- William Ross Wallace

How many of us believe that there are 2 kind of women....House-wives or working women?

Well, I have come to realise that being a mother is a full time job, and is no less painful than our so-called corporate life.

"Mother's Day" I have never been very crazy about the concept of Mother's Day. Those who have read my blog on Valentine's Day, would know my opinion about using these so-called Days to express feelings.

But yesterday changed my whole opinion about this Day.

Lately, due to a busy days and various activities taking priority in my schedule, I haven't been able to dedicate much time to my mom and dad. Even yesterday, I had plans for the evening to attend a "Salsa Night" arranged from Anand Majumdar's dance classes..@ Rio Lounge, 7 Bungalows, Versova. I was sleeping half the day due to a tiring day and a late night on Saturday.

Thankfully, my sister keeps track of these days and reminds me to order appropriate bouquets for these occasions, which I had done the previous day. My mother was pleasantly surprised since she hadn't expected it.

The day was spent in playing host by my mom to the guests who had come over on Saturday. They left early in the evening, giving me and my mom some time to have a nice mother-daughter time alone. Singing is one of the common interests that we share..and I know that she loves to hear me sing and sing along as well. I sang 'In Dino' for her, and after I was done, she hugged me tight, with an immense sense of pride and happiness.

(Thats the song I sang for her...)

That moment I realised how much I had missed talking to her, and how long its been since I have told her how much I love her. My mom is always waiting for me to take out time out of my life to spend time with her, without making me even realising it. I realised that the real reason for having Days to celebrate relationships is not to commercialise relations, but to bring people closer when we get caught up in our every day lives. Thank you mom..for a wonderful time. I love you. This poem is dedicated to you...Happy Mother's Day.!!

Mom, you're a wonderful mother,

So gentle, yet so strong.

The many ways you show you care

Always make me feel I belong.

You're patient when I'm foolish;

You give guidance when I ask;

It seems you can do most anything;

You're the master of every task.

You're a dependable source of comfort;

You're my cushion when I fall.

You help in times of trouble;

You support me whenever I call.

I love you more than I can express;

You have my total respect.

If I had my choice of mothers,

You'd be the one I'd select!

So for those who don't have enough time in their race to success to tell your mother that you love her.... trust me, All that work isn't worth it.

Think about it..!!!