Life on a Fast Lane

I really do not think that it has been 5 days since I last posted here. I really wonder where the time flies by. I am not able to read as much as I want to. I am not able to find time to get lost on the internet anymore. I am not finding time to do what I love best these days – pick up books and compare prices on different online book shopping sites. I am totally directionless. Where am I going? My husband gets totally pissed off whenever I ask him this question. He does not understand why I bother with “where I am going” and why can’t I simply go with the flow. But that is not really me. I like to plan things, and when I don’t get to do what I have planned, I get lost.

There’s so much work at office that there is no respite here and when I go back home, there’s a load of work waiting for me. I get free from all the work I do in office and at home, only after 10.30 or 11. Then I am so tired that I am not able to read more than a page, and I doze off! The next day is again choc-a-bloc!

Recently, I “celebrated” my birthday but really I have so much to do and life is running out. My husband thinks I plan way too much. But that’s how I am. And what’s wrong with being organized. I totally understand Monica’s fetish of cleanliness and organizing things. Cleaning is really therapeutic. I remember, in one of the episodes, it said Monica divides her towels into 20 categories! Obviously, that is way too much for even me.
But anyways! That reminds me I miss watching FRIENDS day in and day out!

A whole NEW beginning

I am planning a whole new Blog on which I will recommend books which you must have on your shelf. It is more for Book Stores rather than for individuals because there would be one book almost everyday, so quite difficult for an individual to stack 365 books in a year.
I mean, I do buy books at a high rate but I don’t think others do that too. Plus my experience have been that when you go around looking for interesting books, you get the same ones in all the book shops, then why should one person go to different book shops? Of course, now launching a Book is all together a different ball game. It is marketed aggressively. Suddenly you will find the writers all over the place. Obviously, readers are not fools; they know why certain author has become omnipresent suddenly. For example, suddenly I am finding Jhumpa Lahiri everywhere, in Femina, on News Channels, in Newspapers, etc,etc. Today itself I also found Chetan Bhagat in the newspaper. Actually, he is releasing his third book tomorrow (which has also given an interesting idea for a post).
I am also very kicked about this new Blog because I will try to cover different genres, when I’m recommending books. So I would start with books that I have already read.
I am a bookoholic. I go to any and every book shop I come across to check out books. Then I do a lot of research online and offline to zero down on a book. That done, I either add it to my wish list or just buy it.
I was just thinking if this could be a career option altogether someday - recommending books to the book shop and suggesting what to stock. Then I thought of this Blog. This will automatically increase my reading because I will read and recommend. So hope I do justice to my intent.
Visit my New Blog for more details, and by the way, if I forgot to mention, this Blog continues.

How Colors define & Influence You

I always thought, I’m more attuned towards Blue and Black in colors, but if you see my house, what comes across very strongly is Red and Yellow, and the family.

Red is supposed to denote Optimistic, dynamic, energizing, exciting, sexy, intense, stimulating, aggressive, powerful, energetic and dangerous. I really don’t know all that. It sounds psychological crap to me. To me Red is a rich colour. It immediately accentuates anything wherever you put it. You get a Red curtain, a red rug, a red sofa or even a red bean bag; it becomes an identity in itself.

Another site writes the following about color Red:
Red signifies the attributes of confidence and courage. It inspires boldness in thought and deed. A strong awareness of the physical body is indicated. There can sometimes be so much passion in its energy that when it is displayed it can be perceived as aggression. When the color presents itself in a seemingly coincidental context, it can be the equivalent of a stop sign from the universe. Because of its strong psychic saturation, it needs to be used carefully, especially in a domestic environment, and in combination with a balance of other colors. Also, too much red in the environment can cause feelings of anger, irritability, or impatience.
A simple spell for red: To inspire a sense of bravery, wear a red accessory. Even if the color is not immediately visible to anyone else (a piece of lingerie, a handkerchief, a piece of red construction paper folded in a purse or wallet), you will know that you have this splash of red and will feel more courageous as a result.

I also love Yellow. First reason is that it goes with almost all the colors. Yellow goes beautifully with Red, Orange, Green, Blue and white. We have all our bedroom furniture in Dark Brown, so a yellow curtain and a yellow bed sheet, suddenly creates vibrancy in the room.
I also love Yellow clothes. They look lovely.
Thankfully, Yellow denotes WISDOM • JOY • HAPPINESS • INTELLECTUAL ENERGY.
Like the energy of a bright sunny day, yellow brings clarity and awareness. The shade of yellow determines its effect:
Orange-yellow imparts a sense of establishment. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert which is why the high visibility of bright yellow, it is often used for hazard signs and some emergency vehicles.
For years, yellow ribbons were worn as a sign of hope as women waited from their men to come marching home from war. Today, they are still used to welcome home loved ones. Its use for hazard signs creates an association between yellow and danger, although not quite as dangerous as red.
Ah, the psychological crap!

Another color which has become my hot favourite, and I’m dying to use, is Fuchsia.

It is a lovely color whether on clothes or interiors. It enlivens a drab drawing room. I’m planning to bring elements of Fuchsia into my Living Room – in rugs, cushions and some subtle use in curtains.
Interestingly, I found following write-up on Fuchsia:
The color fuchsia can influence both physical and spiritual well-being. It is the flag for nonconformist, innovative, strong-willed, imaginative, artistic, and creative individuals. Depending on how it is received, it can be the color of radiant happiness. It has the qualities of red, plus empathy; it is a mixture of passion and compassion. The negative side of its color influence is that it can create a lazy, laid-back attitude that shuns challenges and responsibilities. For this reason, people who are chronically depressed or introverted should avoid this color. Magenta is ideal for rituals to secure ambitions and financial rewards.
A simple spell for fuchsia: To lift the vibe of your environment, put a sprig of the fuchsia plant into a bud vase. Keep it in the room where you spend a great deal of your time. An object of this color is favorable to use when attempting to make contact with the spirit world.

Different Strokes

My last post was on 19th Feb, so I should quickly round up on what I did all this while:

- IGNOU Creative Writing Classes started and ended. Attended only 2 classes out of 4. Yet to read all the materials which they have sent. We need to write a Project for this course, either a novella, 8-10 articles, 8-10 short stories or poems.
- Bought every possible “Creative Writing” or “Writing” book that I could locate in Crossword and Landmark and also bought one online. Needless to say, yet to read all of them!
- I wrote my first short story, not out of interest and because I had a story inside me, waiting to come out; but because in one of the classes, we were given a subject to write a short story, that too in only 20 minutes.
- My search for a GOOD creative writing course continues.
- One of my best friends came down from Mumbai on one of the weekends – had long chat, went for movie and book shopping. Glad to get back to girlie days.
- Discovered a terrific Book Sale, and ended up buying 6 books!!! Typical of me.
- Spent most of my free time, searching for random books and comparing prices on different Online Book Shopping sites. This is my current favourite pastime.
- Made Book Wish lists on a couple of sites.
- Saw “Race” with friend. Interesting movie but unpredictable in a bizarre way.
- Mum-Dad came for a few days. Just like old times. Bhaiya also joined, and all of us celebrated Holi together. Did not really play Holi.
- Everyone loved our new place, but of course it is rented and not bought. The rates have gone far beyond our budgets.
- Bought entire bedroom set for our Bedroom – Double Bed, 3 door wardrobe, side tables and a dressing table. All in Dark Brown color. Looks amazing. Also bought a slider bed for mum-dad’s room.
- Had also bought a book shelf last month for all my books. (I love it. I love opening it and standing in front of it, in awe. I really own some wonderful books.)
- Went to my home town for my brother’s Griha pravesh. Bhaiya, Gagan and I went together. It was fun! Our first train journey together, wherein he slept most of the time.
- It was exciting to show Gagan Jamshedpur. It was all about paani puris, litti, the first mall I ever saw “Kamani centre”, Bistupur, JSR heat, XLRI and small town appeal! The Damad impressed his in-laws with all the work. He did most of the work when my parents shifted. I’m proud of him!
- My best friend lit up to see my gifts for her – a nice photo frame with one cute pic of her daughter and one pic of both of us from my marriage; and another gift was a coffee mug with her daughter’s pic on it. I am really proud of myself for thinking of such wonderful gifts for her. I admit, the mug’s idea was Gagan’s actually.
- Celebrated the most wonderful birthday of all times. He gave me a beautiful and extremely functional purse, a book, a watch; and a coffee mug with my pic on it and a lovey-dovey message. As Monica says, “I know, I married him for a reason!” He also bought me a shirt and a kurta. And yeah, a quintessential Birthday Cake, with a cute Teddy bear candle!
- My in-laws arrived from Delhi on my Birthday, with some more gifts!
- Went for “U, Me and Hum” with Mum. Bonding time for saas and bahu!
- Some where in the middle, booked a sofa and just received it day before yesterday. It is awesome.
- My “doing-up-interiors” mission is on.
- It is really a task to fight every time somebody wants to hang a calendar like old times! Come on, it is so not stylish!
- That brings me to this day – its 11.40 am and I have not started any work so far. So adieu and will comeback shortly.

I’m here to stay. Taking inspiration from some lines I heard somewhere –
“I keep coming to this Blog, because most of my life is here”

I sign off, with these awesome lines from “The Notebook” inspired “U, Me aur Hum”:

I got a feeling incomplete in my heart,

Don’t wanna go it alone though we can never be apart,

We can never be apart,

U make me feel complete coz you are a piece of my heart

You are the one for me I knew it right from the start

Yeh, we can never be apart,

We can never be apart, we can never be apart.

Apne rang gawaen bin, mere rang mein ghul jao

Apne rang gawaen bin, mere rang mein ghul jao

Apni dhoop bujhaye bin, meri chhao mein aa jao

Oh chalo yoon kare,

Tum, tum bhi raho, main, main bhi rahoon

Hum, hum bhi rahein

Oh tum, tum bhi raho, main, main bhi rahoon

Hum, hum bhi rahein

Teeno mil ke saath chale

Saathi janam janam, u me aur hum.

U me aur hum, U me aur hum.

Apne rang gawaen bin, mere rang mein ghul jao

Apni dhoop bujhaye bin, meri chhao mein aa jao

Jaise baadal paani ka, yaarana hai

Jaise gul aur khushboo ka, dostana hai

Oh jaise baadal paani ka, yaarana hai

Jaise gul aur khushboo ka, dostana hai

Waise hee rahein hum tum

Waise hi jiyein hum tum

Tere mere haathon mein, koi bhi pinjara na ho

Ek duje par apna,

Haq toh ho kabza na, ho har haal mein,

Tum, tum tum bhi raho, main, main bhi rahoon

Hum, hum bhi rahein

When my heart goes on,

Misses a beat, I know its gotta be you girl,

You sweep me off my feet

Sweep me off my feet, oh you sweep me off my feet

And when the blood from my heart

Rushes into my brain, it sends a message to me

To say you are driving me insane,

You know you are driving me insane, driving me insane

Love gives your heart the power, to open up and flower

Calling it every hour, but its refrained, its refrained

Ek din toh who lamha, bhi aana hai

Dono me se ek ne, chale jaana hai

Ho! ek din toh who lamha, bhi aana hai

Dono me se ek ne, chale jaana hai

Baatein yeh sabhi hum tum, jaan lein abhi hum tum

Oh dono mil ke saath mein, aise jeena seekh lein

Taaki jo peeche rahein, usko na ho mushkilein

Oh chalo yoon jiye, agar main na rahoon

Ya tum na raho, hum, hum hee rahein

Jaise saaya saath chale, saath rahein hardum

U me aur hum, U me aur hum,

U me aur hum, U me aur hum,

U me aur hum, aur hum.

21 Reasons why Getting up Early is a Good Idea

Getting up Early is equal to More Hours per Day. If you understand this simple equation, you have got solution to all your time-related issues. But, if you still need a reason, here are 21 of them why you should get out of bed when your entire neighborhood is in deep slumber.

1. Gives you a Good Head start. Helps you organize your time better. Just watching the sunrise can make you feel great.


2. Morning Workouts are much more effective because you burn calories from fat already in your system. No chance of missing the workouts either, because of extended meetings, evening out with friends or visiting relatives.


3. Early morning power walks gear you well for the hustle & bustle of the day.


4. You can use the extra time to catch up with your mum and all the friends, who keep complaining about how you never call them up.


5. Incorporate Morning News in your day. Take time to read newspaper and keep yourself abreast with what’s happening around you.


6. Start Meditation. It relaxes your mind, sharpens brain and induces emotional balance.


7. Join a Sports activity. Go play tennis or badminton and get yourself new friends at the same time.


8. Beat the rush-hour traffic. Half the mornings are spoilt because you get caught up in the traffic on your way to office.


9. Spend more time with family. Catch up with what’s happening in their lives.


10. Cook something by yourself and feel healthier. So you don’t eat junk food in office and feel bad about it the whole day.


11. Enjoy the bliss of early morning quietness and feel the peace within.


12. Start a Journal. Write all your troubles and record all your beautiful memories. You would love reading it later.


13. Tired of everyone’s claim to your time? Reserve this time exclusively for you. Think about your long term Goals.


14. Eat your breakfast. The whole world knows it is the most important meal of the day.


15. Play with your dog. It’s a great stress-buster.


16. Work on yourself. Learn something new—a language, a dance form, a skill, anything you ever wanted to learn.


17. Attack your Inbox early and clear that backlog of mails. So when you reach office, you have fewer e-mails to get back to.


18. Reach office before everyone else and enjoy working in peace. You will also get so much done.


19. Utilise this extra time to brainstorm. Mind is more active and energized in this part of the day. You’ll be able to think more clearly.


20. Love reading but never get time? Well, do so now.


21. Go on a long drive. Feel that cool, early morning breeze on your face and hair.

It takes 21 days to form a habit. Try one thing a day and at the end of it you will gift yourself a good habit for life, and add so many hours of fun, enjoyment and healthy living!

What makes you Happy!

Yesterday we had a long chat on what we want to do in life. I am happy with the way my life has turned out. I’m happy with everything about it. Broadly. But what next? I can’t be just passing each day, without thinking about where I’m going? I am like that I need to have a feel about what next?

He, on the contrary, is not looking for any unknown territory. He’s happy with life’s little, unplanned, unexpected joys—a funfilled evening, an unexpected sale, some good time with friends; it could be anything. I think that’s good too!

He made me think what would make me really happy. Honestly, seeing my name in print, as in getting an article or may be a Book published, would be my ultimate dream for now. I have always had this dream. I remember when I was in Class 8th or 9th, I had sent a letter to a youth magazine called SUN (as “letter to the editor”) and it was published as the Best Letter. It was the most momentous occasion for me till that point of my life! Then when I moved to Chennai and Bangalore for few months, I used to write a lot and had my letter published in The Hindu, The Times of India, The Indian Express, India Today, Outlook and more recently Femina. All my letters have got published, which I have ever sent. So, after seeing so many of my Letters in print, now it does not give me a high any more. Now I’m looking for something more—my own article published. But what do I write about? I don’t have a story to tell. I like giving perspective to events or things. That’s what I do here.

I have applied for Diploma in Creative Writing from IGNOU. I’m yet to receive my Acknowledgement Card. I would really like to explore this avenue and know more about writing. I have been reading novels since I was in Class 6, but now when I read, I keenly observe the writer’s style of narration and writing.

Just yesterday we were discussing about our favourite subject in our entire education. There was this course in the last Trimester of my MBA called “Individual and Indian Society”. If I have ever enjoyed any subject thoroughly, this was it! Most of the time we had to watch documentaries and write our opinion on those; or interview a slum-dweller or read a book and review it. That’s so my kind of subject. Really!

So, the underlying point is what I’m looking for right now in my life is an opportunity to write—either to find one or create it!

Halla Bol: Review

After much reluctance (thanks to the bad reviews) I finally saw “Halla Bol” this Saturday. If I were to define this movie in one word, it would be “engaging”. I did not feel bored for one moment. It has pace, story and situational songs. It was supposed to be another Rang De Basanti, but I don’t know why it did not go well with the critics. I admit it is filmy in some sequences, but that’s what films are for and that’s what we expect them to be. We have to have our happy endings. Films are not supposed to change the system and correct all the wrongs; rather they are supposed to induce certain thoughts, which we never care about. Films are supposed to make us think for sometime. That’s what “Halla Bol” did. I totally loved it. In fact, I am quite surprised if critics can give thumbs up to Om Shanti Om then why such step-motherly treatment to Halla Bol? OSO had neither entertainment value like Main Hoon Na, nor it had an original story, so why? Ah, life was never supposed to be fair. Nevertheless, I give it at least 3.5 out of 5.

I think Ajay Devgan (as always) did justice to his role. Vidya Balan had nothing to do. Pankaj Kapoor shines even with a miniscule role. . He makes every role credible and memorable. Unfortunately, he remains to be one of the most under-rated actors in the industry.

The movie was certainly thought provoking. It was something which would raise several questions inside you and you would like to hold them for long, to find out the answers. Let us take an example, all of us have read about so many cases involving ministers or big personalities or filthy rich people. What happens to those cases? What happens to the witnesses? Why do you think the witnesses change their statements every day? It is the fear of losing everything that one has ever earned and cherished. We are conditioned to value what we have, to value materialistic things. May be the importance given to materials is over-rated but we are like that only, one cannot change overnight. I know it is easy to say hundred things, when you are watching things from a distance, but you lose your voice when you are confronted with life-threatening danger.

Second thing which struck me about the movie is how unjustified is to expect our public figures to behave righteously. Why do we expect actors to behave in a certain way? They are actors; they are not custodians of truth. Spare them please. It is easy to lose yourself in the crowd, to raise your voice as a crowd; but it is difficult to be in limelight continuously and be questioned for each and every act. It is plain unfair.

I liked the movie and I think Mr Santoshi did justice to the story. We have been OK with Santoshi’s earlier movies and Sunny Deol single-handed goon-bashing, so what’s wrong with the story getting filmy now? We still love our happy endings, otherwise what’s the point in watching a movie? The good guy should always win.

The Art of Reviewing

Well, as I have sufficiently claimed on my Blog that I’m a writer at heart. Of late, I’m trying to learn different kinds of Writing. To begin with, right now I’m on writing Reviews—Book Reviews. I have read a lot of Reviews and when I come across an interesting sounding book, I first search for Reviews.

Although I have yet to learn that art but in my opinion Book Reviews should be an individual’s perspective on the thoughts that a particular book evoked in the reader. It should be completely a reader’s perspective about how the book came across. I hate those people who go on and on about story of the book, come on, leave something for the reader. OK you might like to give a basic idea about the plot, but please do not tell the story.

Same goes for the films as well.

Taare Zameen Par - an experience beyond words

“Taare Zameen Par” was an interesting experience. I don’t know if I can review it impartially because I’m a big Aamir Khan fan. I mean I appreciate his dedication and commitment to film-making, as an actor and as a director. Now it has become cool to like Aamir Khan and his movies but I have always liked him. I loved his Dil Hai ke Manta Nahi, Akele Hum Akele Tum, Mann, Rangeela, Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke and of course Taare Zameen Par. But yeah, I hated Mela, Parampara, Fanaa, Mangal Pandey and a few others. There would be a handful of movies which I haven’t seen yet!

Even if you are not an Aamir fan, although chances are miniscule, you still can’t ignore the fact that his directorial venture is a very brave effort on his part. Had it been any other person, a movie about a dyslexic child, would have gone to the so-called “off-beat” or “multiplex” genre. But here it is, and taking everyone, even an out-and-out commercial flick like Welcome by surprise. Come on, you gotta give it to Aamir!

All of us had our special moments in the movie when we got emotional and nostalgic—sometimes we cried for the child and sometime for ourselves. When I look at kids around, I genuinely feel sorry for them. When we were kids, there was only school, home works and hours of outdoor games, fun and playing. But now, there is school, tuitions, tennis practice, dance & music classes, voluntary work for the under-privileged, athletics and obviously the home works. If there is any tiny-winy time for games, it’s only computer games or play station or net-surfing (yeah, it is the most loved sports of this century). In fact, parents start buying books for their kids even before they have celebrated their first birthday, so that their child does not lag behind in the competition. As if all your life, right from the time you are born, is devoted to make a perfect CV. I feel so scared sometimes, what is going to happen to our own kids, who are yet to born? What kind of world are we giving to them! Why such mindless competition! It is really very scary. And it’s not even parents’ fault, look at our education system. Sometimes I feel, if I could give a free and liberating atmosphere to my child, then that would be the biggest gift which one can ever give.

Talking about parenthood, I strongly believe that we take parenthood very lightly in India. Children are born just like that, without asking yourself whether you are ready for it, whether you are ready to nurture a life from the scratch! Why do we never ask such questions in life?

It is truly surprising that in a country which boasts of World’s second largest population, we are yet to learn to nourish one life which we get in our hands. I think, you should choose to be a parent, because you are ready for it and you want to be one; and not for any other reason. The interpretation of “Taare Zameen Par” is actually your own terrain; you translate it in your life, in your own special way; which depends on your own upbringing, your values and your understanding of issues.

Talking about myself, the song “Maa” was my most emotional moment in the movie. It was too endearing and sensitive. I salute Aamir for making such a wonderful movie, and for making a difference.

Lyrics of "Maa" from Taare Zameen Par

Main Kabhi Batlata NahinPar
Andhere Se Darta Hoon Main Maa
Yun To Main,Dikhlata Nahin
Teri Parwaah Karta Hoon Main
MaaTujhe Sab Hain Pata, Hain Na Maa
Tujhe Sab Hain Pata..Meri Maa

Bheed Mein Yun Na Chodo Mujhe
Ghar Laut Ke Bhi Aa Naa Paoon Maa
Bhej Na Itna Door Mujkko Tu
Yaad Bhi Tujhko Aa Naa Paoon Maa
Kya Itna Bura Hoon Main Maa
Kya Itna Bura Meri Maaaaaa

Jab Bhi Kabhi Papa Mujhe
Jo Zor Se Jhoola Jhulate Hain Maa
Meri Nazar Dhoondhe Tujhe
Sochu Yahi Tu Aa Ke Thaamegi Maa

Unse Main Yeh Kehta NahinPar
Main Seham Jaata Hoon Maa
Chehre Pe Aana Deta Nahin
Dil Hi Dil Mein Ghabraata Hoon Maa
Tujhe Sab Hai Pata Hai Naa Maa
Tujhe Sab Hai Pata Meri Maa

Main Kabhi Batlata Nahin
Par Andhere Se Darta Hoon Main Maa
Yun To Main,Dikhlata Nahin
Teri Parwaah Karta Hoon Main Maa
Tujhe Sab Hain Pata, Hain Na Maa
Tujhe Sab Hain Pata,,Meri Maa

Chick-lit

I have already proclaimed sufficiently and strongly that I just love buying books and yeah, reading them occasionally. But till now I had not ordered anything online. I would visit bookshops, look through books, read the back covers and mostly I felt that I just needed to own it. So that was my usual practice. But now, I have discovered the world of online book shopping. What I do is first find out the latest or famous books in the genre which I want to read or in case I have discovered a writer, then find out about all the books he / she has written; then I check about prices offered by various sites. I would say www.firstandsecond.com is good in that respect because they do not charge delivery charges, so you are sure of how much you are paying for that book. I have just bought two books from there—Love Story by Erich Segal (for Rs 125) and Entry from backside only by Binoo John (for Rs 95). Although one generally gets better deals off the shelf but the sites are really helpful when you are looking for a particular book, not available in your regular bookstore. Also, the online Bookstores have various versions of the same book in different prices so you can take your pick.

But, anyways, what I really wanted to talk about was getting introduced to an altogether new genre called “Chic-lit”. Actually, I have always read and liked chick-lit novels but never knew that this genre had a name. The Encyclopedia on thefreedictionary.com defines "Chick lit" as “a term used to denote genre fiction written for and marketed to young women, especially single, working women in their twenties and thirties. “ It was when I read “Shopaholic & Sister” and tried “Googling” for other books by Sophie Kinsella that I bumped onto this word. There are several sites devoted to chic-lit or literature for women. The last chick-lit I read and absolutely loved was I don’t know how she does it by Allison Pearson.

Orkut – the Social Networking Phenomena

You may hate it, you may love it, but you can not ignore it – I’m talking about Orkut. God, everyone’s on it. If you are looking for an old pal, a former neighbour, even a pen-pal—just about everyone is there. When I was first introduced to it, including my friends, we just lapped it up like anything. There were “Hi’s” and “Hello’s” to all the old and new friends, and then there was a lull for a considerable time, because you didn’t know what to do now. Besides, there was always the question of just how much information one should be posting on a Social Networking Site because there were several cases of misuse and abuse. But, most of us have just gone ahead and used this site to share our life with friends

After so many years of surfing internet, it still continues to amaze me. With a click of mouse, I am taken to a world of possibilities. Of course, now there is problem of too much information and one gets lost in that, but still you have an option. Coming back to Orkut, it has really become a rage. Of course, now there are other, more refined versions of Networking sites but still Orkut truly pioneered the trend.

Dedicated to the institution called Marriage

“To Be One With Each Other” by George Eliot

What greater thing is there for two human souls
than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen
each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow,
to share with each other in all gladness,
to be one with each other in the
silent unspoken memories?


“To My Dear and Loving Husband” by Anne Bradstreet

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can in no way repay;
The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.
Then while we live, in love lets so persevere,
That when we live no more, we may live ever.

From "Gift From The Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - in freedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners in the same pattern.

The only real security is not in owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it might be in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now. Relationships must be like islands, one must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits - islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and continually visited and abandoned by the tides.


From "The Irrational Season" by Madeleine L'Engle

But ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take…It is indeed a fearful gamble…Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that, together we become a new creature.

To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take…If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation…It takes a lifetime to learn another person…When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.

Ruth 1:16-17

But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.

"Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me."

All days are nights to see till I see thee,And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me. (Sonnet 43)

Daily ramblings

Today, we successfully completed a month of our marriage! it’s India, and here it’s perfectly normal to complete 25-30 years of marriage. In fact, we still believe in “together-for the next seven- lives”.

Nevertheless, it’s difficult to imagine that I’m married now. And add to that, we are still in my old place and the location is same, so I did not have to re-locate. It’s great in several ways, so I’m not really complaining. In fact, even though my in-laws are here, it does not feel any different than having my own parents visiting. And my husband is also very, very irritating, like his old self. Just kidding!

There are few things which I want to do before turning 30. Marriage was one of those. So, who said plans don’t work. They do; at least you will always move forward with a definite plan. Without plan, you don’t know where you want to go and what you want to achieve; so how would you know whether you have been successful!

Yesterday, my brother told me that this year the top 3 resolutions of people generally are – time management, healthy lifestyle and knowing more about investments / financial planning. Well, read my last post, I’m on the right track already. And frankly, I love resolutions, I love making “to-do” lists and planning things. I hate being not in control of things. When I have everything written down, I’m at ease that at least I know what all I have to do. Now whether it gets done or not, is a completely different issue.

Right now, I’m in the process of organizing all our pictures and put in CDs, which I want to send to my family and all our relatives. So, that’s taking a lot of time. Our video would also be ready soon. I’m waiting for it. But, I prefer snaps more than videos. Pictures freeze your moments forever, which you keep coming back to and re-live those precious moments again and again. For example, marriage pictures. They are priceless. I keep looking at them every day. Actually, I think I looked good on my marriage (thank god!), because my resolution to lose some weight failed miserably! But anyways, I’m not fat, so it did not matter.

Soon we would start shopping for our new place. I’m just waiting for that because I love shopping and I love decking up my house, though both of us have very contradicting views on everything. But, you know, either it is my way or no way!

It is that time of the Year again

New Year is a time for New Resolutions. Yeah, I know we seldom keep our resolutions but that does not mean we give up. I think my Resolutions are going to be more or less same as the last year. As I said, 2007 is going to be a special year for me for the rest of my life.

I would really like to practice a spiritual relationship. My biggest problem is my expectations from others. In fact, a whole lot of heartaches would not happen if we stop expecting too much from others. It’s a fact that love / friendship / affection / concern for others eventually become something else. We start measuring how much we got for the love / affection we gave to others. Not done. If I love somebody, it’s me who cares for somebody, which should be independent of what the other person feels about me, right? But blame it on our up-bringing or the way we are conditioned, all relationships are evaluated on “give-and-take” basis.

I had been waiting to get married, to be able to think clearly what I want to do with my life. What next? Where do I want to be in next 3-4 years? This is the question which I keep asking myself. I remember, during our Advertising class, there was an exercise—imagine yourself on a magazine cover and then think about the caption written next to it. What would you like it to be? This is what you really want to achieve. And then plan your journey to reach that position. Amazing! Suddenly it becomes so easy and clear, isn’t it? Our problem in life is we keep fighting it out in the corporate world for better salary, for bigger Brand name; when what we actually want to do is Dance! So why not just Dance? Why do we complicate things? Besides, if you are really good in something, you would anyways make enough money. But nobody wants to take risk in life. So resolution number 2 is think about that Magazine Cover.

I have almost a library of books now and a whole lot of magazines. In fact, now a days, I am unable to find books in the Bookshop to buy, because I have got most of them. I mean, which I would like to read! I love my books. But yeah, this year, I am going to read them. I mean, I read them but not at the pace I would like to. I don’t know, it is just that I am too fond of them. And once you finish a book, it’s just gone. Ahhh…how do I explain? But anyways, let’s not be too emotional here and get on with some learning this year. Besides, my interests are not only in the content but also in the writing style since I am a budding writer.

I would like to make more time for family and create some of the best family memories for the rest of our lives. I have always felt that my mum and dad are world’s best, in every sense—the way they have brought me up, the way they are, the things that they have taught, etc—but after I got married I felt as if I’m losing a very essential part of my life. It suddenly felt too soon. The learning is not to wait too much for the right time, celebrate togetherness whenever you can. And yeah, click loads of pictures, all the time, everyday. These are memories which stay on forever with you, a proof of how you lived!


I would like to travel to all corners of India and then abroad! I have traveled to several places in India but I would like to explore the rest with more frequency. India is just amazingly beautiful. The most fascinating thing is the variety you find in India—from hills to seaside, from sand to backwaters, from tea plantations to wild life safari, whoa!


I would like to write more this year. I want to be a writer, and for a budding writer the most obvious thing to do is write, which I seldom do. I don’t have a story, I just like to analyze and narrate things. There is no tale, there are just instances of life! I plan to make it a career some day. Let’s see! I never planned to be where I am. I feel blessed that I got more than what I ever dreamt for. I narrated a beautiful story long time back. If I need to put it in one line—in the end, everything falls into place. You may not realize that when it happens but they are all there to complete your story.


I would like to invest more wisely this year. I have just started investing but I don’t know much. I think I’m intelligent enough to understand the market and basics of investment, so why not use it? If so many people can do it, why can’t I?


I would like to buy and create the most beautiful home for my family. I’m a creative at heart, I just know when things match and don’t match together. I always know what I want for my home and how to make even the worst corners of any house, beautiful and appealing. So, this year I’m going to put all my instincts into good use. I believe, a home should be a cozy and comfortable place, where one would love to come back to everyday.

This year, I want to give my best to my job, do some really good work. I want to feel proud of my work. I believe when you do something, you should leave your mark on that. I just know one thing, if you really want to do something, it is always possible!


I am going to learn something new this year, may be driving a car, anything! But chances are that’s what I would do. Driving really liberates you. It makes you feel powerful and free. It’s exhilarating and incomparably joyous. And add to that the happiness of doing something new!

And, yeah, losing weight and exercising is my everyday agenda (read resolution), so this year I’m going to be thinner and more healthy. Anyways, I’m not fat but I want to tone up and feel better about myself. I acquired several healthy habits last year, but this year what I really want to accomplish is getting up early, before the rest of the world does, to enjoy solitude and tranquility; to enjoy my own time and feel good.

So, with that I’m all set for the Year 2008. Wishing all my family and friends a more healthy, a more joyous and a better Year. May everyone be happy and content. Contentment is very important, otherwise there is never enough. If you know how to be content with what you have, you have known the essence of life!

Cheers!

This and That!

I saw Jab We Met recently and I loved it. I have never seen Kareena do such a fabulous job ever before in any other movie. She even looked good. Shahid was OK but Kareena was the star of the movie; really lived her part! The song “Ye Ishq haaye, baithe bithaaye, jannat dikhaaye” is playing continuously in my head since I have seen the movie. The song is super-awesome.

Well, another year on a close. So like all Publications and all Channels, I want to think about the year gone by. It has been a good year for me. I got Married this year, so it is going to be special for the rest of my life! I had a great time at work. Actually, in retrospect, I can’t see anything going wrong, but next year I want my brother to get married and settle down. He is the greatest brother in the whole world. Really! If somebody would challenge that they have a better brother, I can take it. Because, I’m convinced, that’s not true. I will recount a moment during my marriage, when I felt tremendously proud of him. It was my “jayamala”, as usual people had lifted Gagan up (ahhh…….don’t they have any creativity!) and I was supposed to put the garland. I thought; let’s see how long you people can stay that way. But there comes my 6 feet tall brother, who lifts me up and there I put the garland easily, yeah, on air. But I still get very emotional about that moment. I wish somebody had clicked it from a distance to get the full view of the moment. It was too good.

Well, I am so glad that I have an elder brother. I would not have liked it any other way; and I would not like to change anything even if I get a chance!

Actually, I am in the middle of our annual event, which is called “Lightshow”, which is a multi-city event where we showcase our latest products to our customers. It is a huge event for us. I am just back from the morning sessions and will go back for the evening sessions in a few hours. This is the 2nd Lightshow of the Season, and the 1st one for me!

When I think about my job, I feel good that I’m doing what I like doing. Of course, there’s so much one can do, there’s absolutely no limit but in a limited time you have to give your best. I think I learned a lot here. But there’s still so much to learn! Frankly speaking, I have to learn so much more about our range of products—what we are doing and why we are doing!

Sometimes I think what is “enough”? Is there anything called “enough”? Do we ever feel that we have “enough”? Because no matter how much more you earn, your needs increase accordingly, and then that’s not enough any more. There’s always run for more and more. There’s never enough!

Coming back to movies, I am watching “Vivaah” since last 2 days. Actually, I try and watch it whenever I get time, so I’m watching it in bits and pieces. I know it is not the right way to watch a movie but it does not really matter in “Vivaah” . It is the same old sugar-sweet kind of movie from Rajshree productions, the same old “Prem-story”! I have seen half the movie, and for some strange reason, Amrita Rao has not spoken even one sentence properly. The “good-girl” she is! But she is really pretty. I totally like her. Well, the songs are nice and hummable. But when will Rajshree stop making marriage movies!

Post-Marriage

As Monica famously said, immediately after her marriage to Chandler, in Season 7 -- “I will never be a bride again”! But here there is no regret! What is more wonderful than finding your Mr. Right and then being able to marry him? What is more fabulous than living your dreams?

I really think I got more than I expected. I got married in Noida. Imagine being brave enough to do that, despite knowing about “Dilli ki Sardi”! Besides, I thought probably half my relatives would drop out because of the far flung location. Add to that the trouble of arranging everything in an unknown place, that too in the height of Marriage season, and in a place where marriages are ostentatious and lavish!

But, well, God was on my side. Delhi temperature had not dropped by then (it touched it’s all time low, after we had all safely left the place). Almost all my close relatives made it; including my childhood friend (I never expected she would be able to attend my marriage). To top it all, my in-laws took all the pains of arranging everything. Everything was in Delhi-style, to our delight. We also relished the occasion thoroughly, because none of us had ever seen any such marriage before. Hmmm…it was grand. I loved it. Everyone where full of praises for my in-laws. Full marks to them. In fact, with so much of make up, it was even hard to recognize me!

It has yet to sink down that I am married now. Nothing has really changed, except that now I get up and make breakfast! We are still the same, may be fight a little more, which will be a lot clearer when my in-laws will return to Delhi and we will be able to fight full on. Sometimes when we fight (and I fight even on slightest of reason), I become very philosophical and think if it is a big enough reason to be filled with so much of anger on such petty issues, not even worth discussing here. That is the reason why I am quick to say Sorry also. But nevertheless, I am the one who fights more, and I have no issues accepting that. I know I am very impulsive. I am working on that. Actually, I need to get back to reading “When we are so much in Love, then why aren’t we Happy!”

Earlier all my plans used to be based around marriage! It is too soon to think in terms of long term objectives right now, but what I really want to do immediately is settle down things quickly and think about what I want to do next. Frankly and ideally speaking, I would like to have more time for myself, for family and for life. I don’t know what am I doing working like this or living like this! I wonder about that quite frequently. What is the larger picture? Where am I heading? A bigger house, a better salary, a more luxurious holiday? But is that life? I mean, I have no issues with people who live for that, but my concern is whether I want to live for those? I have yet to find out. I want to be in a job which is creatively more fulfilling, may not be more rewarding financially but there should be an inner sense of achievement and pride.

Coming back to marriage, I think marriage should bring stability in life. It means to have a companion to share your worries, discuss your problems, enjoy your happiness together and talk………yeah…talk a lot because when you talk you open a door to your inner self.

If we are so much in Love, then why aren't we Happy?

Although right now I’m completely off books, the last book which I was reading was “If we are so much in Love, Why aren’t we Happy?”. The first thing you would think, or everybody would think when they find me reading this book is -- am I not happy? I am Happy, very Happy. I have every reason to be happy, but when sometimes silly things lead to heated arguments, when stupid questions lead to bigger questions, when something unwarranted slips out of your mind and you regret never to have said that, when you say so many things without thinking; you realize are we giving too much importance to smaller and unimportant things?

I picked up this book because I genuinely wanted to know, where are we wrong? Why we end up arguing without wanting to do so? I have read a couple of pages and one thing which has come out very strongly is, we are wrong when we start expecting others to change. The first thing which we should accept is nobody and nothing is going to change, if we are looking at change, we should step towards changing ourselves. It also says that loving somebody should be spiritual and not transactional. When we say – “I love you”, it actually means I love you irrespective of what you do, but what we actually end up doing is that “I love you and you should also love me”. The book tells you to let the other person be himself and do what he/she wants to do. It tells you to take this experiment and not try to change the other person but bring that change in yourself. Do not love other person expecting that he should do what you like him to do. Yeah, it is very easy in theory and equally difficult in practice, because we are so used to it.

Even before reading this book, I used to think why we start imposing “Dos” and “Don’ts” to other people? Letting other people be themselves is the greatest form of love. Do you understand what you are giving him by doing that? You are giving him the freedom to enjoy life as he wants to. And why not? Love should be liberating!

The book says it is difficult to do that in the beginning but once you get used to it, it gives an unmatched joy to you as well. The fact that you are a source of unconditional love to somebody is in itself very blissful and beautiful.

It is not our fault. The problem is we have always been conditioned to consider everything as transactional, and we have never known any other way. Look at us, even when we pray we silently tell God, please give me a job and I’ll give you 100 coconuts! And we assume this is the right way! It is just one way; there could be other ways as well. Needless to say, we are transactional in all our relationships.

The book also says that it is not necessary that both people needs to do certain things to make a relationship work. This experiment requires only one person to start loving the other person spiritually. If both people are doing that, it is an ideal situation but even one person can bring a lot of change in a relationship.

I would love to try that and I think it would be the greatest gift to anybody that one can give, that you love him unconditionally.

Marriage

I read these beautiful lines somewhere. In my opinion, nothing describes the essence of Marriage more beautifully.

She is Language, He is Thought.
He is Reason, She is Sense.
She is Will, He is Wish.
He is Song, She is Note.
She is Motion, He is Wind.
He is Battle, She is Might.
She is Beauty, He is Strength.
He is Lamp, She is Light.
She is Body, He is Soul.
He is Day, She is Night.

(translated from Vishnu Purana)

At the Crossroads

I never really knew that so many people enjoy my Blog. That gives me a high. Really! If I have ever wanted to do something, I have wanted to write well, and to be appreciated for that is the icing on the cake.

Well, now that the cat is already out, one of the most special moments of my life is about to come – I’m getting married! It has still not gotten inside. I haven’t really thought about it, in the hustle and bustle of preparations.

I just wonder what life will be after marriage! No matter how much I try to think that nothing would change really but it is slowly seeping in that there would be a sea of change. Imagine not being able to run to your mum for everything you need to know, right from a recipe to worldly sophistication. Imagine not being able to call up your dad to ask favours, right from organizing your financial commitments to his advice on everything. Imagine not being able to run to your brother for every small or big problem, right from a railway reservation not confirmed to investments not done. Imagine being separated from your entire life and whatever you have nurtured till now. Imagine not being able to have any claim on what you have treasured for your entire life.

I never thought this is going to be so difficult. I am out of home since last 8 years. I never thought it would hurt so much to leave this time. I have never cried while leaving home, but this time it is going to be really bad. I hate the ambiguity of this situation. It is a momentous occasion that I’m marrying the person I want to marry but it is going to be immensely painful to leave the people I was born to.

Although I avoid thinking too much, try to be busy in the work that has to be done; but in those odd moments when it crosses my mind—even for a wink of a moment—I feel that heaviness in my heart. I think about mum, the hundreds of arguments, childish temperaments, odd comments; I regret them all. For I am what I am because of her. I have always done what I wanted to do, I have been extremely stubborn. But if I am educated, if I am qualified enough to be able to stand tall, feel proud about myself; it is only because of her. In fact, so many times I feel I behave like my mum. All my life I have never really listened to her, but being her daughter, I have imbibed so many of her habits and mannerisms. And today, I have no words to thank her for bringing me up the way she has. I am indebted for life.

Although I think I’m closer to mum, all girls are, but dad has always pampered me to the hilt. Right from the time when as a 5-year old and I declined to leave a toy store, since a telephone had caught my fancy. I realize how embarrassing it must have been for him, but he bought me that. It was an expensive toy at that time, still he gave me the joy of owning it. I still smile when I think about his advice on all my journeys alone. He would never fail to say all those words again and again, never forgetting a thing – “Do not get out of train. Do not take your hands out of the window. Do not leave your seat. Do not eat anything which your co-passengers will offer, no matter how friendly they seem. Go safely and eat well. Do you need money?”

What makes my dad special? The fact that he thinks the world is a good place and everyone is a good human being. Do good and you will get only good. And the fact that he has been a great dad. Right now, I can recall another embarrassing situation from my childhood. We had been to a sports store to buy shoes for my brother and much to my parents’ dismay; I had just acquired a fancy towards skating. And I decided that I am not leaving the store without getting a pair of skates. I feel foolish today and sad, how much I was pampered. A child is a child. It would fancy a thing this day and tomorrow it would be gone. Despite knowing this, my dad gave me everything I fancied. Even on this day, my parents have given in to my wish. I have absolutely no word to say Thank you, I would never have, there can never be a word to thank your parents. Isn’t it?

My Brother! My Bhaiya! I don’t know if God can ever make anybody as good again. He is a big brother in every sense. We have several funny and memorable instances from childhood, which I would treasure for the rest of my life. He was a brat in school. I was the coy one. After school, he would run away to play cricket or football, and give me his school bag to carry home (poor me!). I remember hundreds of those afternoons, when I was forced to bowl to him (he was a budding Sachin at that time) and tasting the horror of his culinary skills when mum used to be out. I remember hundreds of stories that he would tell me to fool me. But they all seem unimportant, insignificant and immaterial in front of the unquestioned and unconditional love and dependability he has given me in all these years. I cannot think of one word which will define what he means to me. A mentor, a friend, an idol, a parent, a confidante, a supporter, a guide—he has been all these to me and much, much more. I am an embodiment of his confidence. He has always been an inspiration and constant source of motivation for me. I just have to listen to him for a while to get back and get going. His energy is infectious. He is a person who can claim a room; he makes an impression wherever he goes. In fact, it seems so strange but I have picked up so many of his habits, may be because I always looked up to him while growing up. He used to have this habit of carrying several books with him whether he reads them or not. Same with me. My logic is what if I wanted to read this book and not that. So I eventually end up carrying 6-7 books on a week’s trip. He has this habit of buying a lot of books. He has subscribed to several magazines, which he keeps piling and saving to read one day! Well, you have got to come to my place to see that your self. I have only books and magazines in every corner of my house and I am never ready to part with any of them. The thing is I feel I should know about SEZ, Economic policies, what happened to P-Notes, latest trends in Fashion, Make up, politics, India’s relations with Pakistan, Russia, China and blah, blah, blah. Well, some day I would read them all. So they are all piling up. My so-called bed-side table for skimming at night; has already become a mountain of magazines. I have subscribed to, god only knows, how many magazines. In fact, now when I go to bookshop, I feel I have more books than they have! Phew! But I appreciate the fact that I have imbibed the habit of reading from my Brother, and writing has come naturally to me through my mum.

For him it is difficult to believe that his little sister has grown up and for me it is going to be very, very tough to leave the family, which has been a constant source of unconditional love. Can you believe it; I almost cried writing all these. I know it is going to be very, very difficult! I don’t know how every one does it?

I don't know how she does it by Allison Pearson

I just finished reading I don’t know how she does it by Allison Pearson. When I bought it on a heavy discount (although I still cannot believe that it was originally for 1000 bucks), I did not expect it to be a great read. I got it from Landmark. I wasn’t even looking for it. But when I started reading this amazing book, there was no looking back. I would wait for opportunities to read it. It’s a fat book, so I took 4 days to finish it, but it was truly a remarkable journey!

Reading “I don’t know how she does it” was like going through a myriad of emotions. It would make you burst into laughter at some point, it tugs at your heart and leaves you feeling warm, on several other occasions. It is a story so common to all women, no matter if she is in India or Germany or Britain or South Africa. She has to be a working woman, not even a mother, to empathise.

Well, the book is about a working mother. She is not just another working woman, rather she has a very important position in her company and she is also a high flier. She has international clients to cater to and takes care of other people’s finances. She works for the love of it. We all know how a job gives you a high anytime. A homemaker might suffer from self doubt at some point of time, about her abilities but a working woman always knows that she isn’t getting paid for nothing!

It’s the usual story of this working mother running against time to match steps with the role of a mother and expectations from all the responsibilities she handles at her workplace. To add to her woes, she is a constant target of all those stay-at-home mums for not being a good mother! Well, obviously, if you look at it, it is but natural to be jealous of a working mother because she is seemingly enjoying best of the both worlds. But, even without being a mum, I can feel her pain. There are so many like her around us.

When I finished this book, and even when I was reading it, I wondered what I would do when I became a mother. I really cannot say anything for sure. You never know! But ideally, I would like to stay at home for my baby. I would like to see the joy of listening to her first words, seeing her walk for the first time, be there when she is hurt or when she needs me. Why do we want to be mothers? Just to have children? Because that’s what everyone does? Or because motherhood really is a joyous experience. Being scarily responsible for somebody so tiny and trusting! If life is not about being there for her on those occasions, then I don’t know what really life is!

I know it is difficult when you are used to the idea of Double Income, when you are used to splurging at the whims and fancies, when you are accustomed to your monthly salary; it is really difficult to let it all go. We all think we would manage. We would maintain a fine balance between home and family. We all know that is a myth. Don’t we all associate home with mother? Aren’t we too used to it!

While I was reading the Shopaholic series, I thought this is how I wanted to write. But after reading I don’t know how she does it, I feel, well, I guess this one is so much more better. So much more humorous, so much more lively, so much more real!

Go Book shopping in Pune!

For a Book lover, who is obsessed with books (yeah, they are different things), it is important to know the best Book shops in town and when they hold their Sale. So one can plan the purchase. Therefore, for the benefit of all book lovers in Pune, today I would share information on where to shop for books in Pune. Trust me I have been to almost all of them and I always keep looking for Sale and good bargains.

Check out my list. I am sure it will benefit you.

Crosswords: They have their Annual Book Sale somewhere in August – September every year.

- ICC Trade Towers, Senapati Bapat Road (one of the biggest and best in Pune; they also have a BRIO outlet inside the Store, so that you can have good coffee while you read)

- Sohrab Hall, Junction of RBM-Cannaught Road, Behind Pune Railway Station (last time I went there, there was a CCD outlet inside the store. Because you never know what could happen over coffee!)

- Renaissance, J.M.Road, Near McDonalds (you can also check out bargains outside this Crossword)

- E-Square, University Road (It is inside the multiplex, so that you can browse through some good books while you wait for your show)

- City Pride, Kothrud ( almost all the major multiplexes in Pune have Crossword inside, so as to give you value for your time)

- Supreme Centre, Near Ozone, Aundh (It is that tunnel kind of store—unidirectional, but houses a lot of books. So when you are shopping for groceries next door in Ozone, pick some books and magazines for weekends)

- Premiere Plaza, Next to McDonalds, Chinchwad (I think this is the only Crossword store in Pune, where I have not been. It has opened recently for the book lovers in Pimpri-Chinchwad)

- Gold Adlabs, Kalyaninagar (another one in one of the biggest Multiplexes in Pune. Good Movies. Good Books. Good Shopping at Lifestyle next door! What else can you ask for?

Landmark: Address: (Next to Dorabjee's), Opposite Magnum Mall, Moledina Road, Camp.
I personally think Landmark is amazing. It is exhaustive and thorough. You have books for every topic. For example, in Crossword you have general section of Fiction or Indian Fiction. Landmark has sections called Humour also. It is much easier to locate a book. Usually, Landmark runs a Book Sale in the month of September – October. Actually, they are running one right now, which is on till 2nd October ‘07. They keep their Sale low key, for whatever reasons. Also, for those who think it is Expensive to buy books from shops, there’s a book stall right outside the Landmark, where you get loads of books in bargain prices.

The Word Book shop: Address: Boottee Street, Camp Pune, Tel.: 2631214 / 2633118.
I have heard that this book shop had catered to the Pune Book lovers, much before the Crosswords and Landmark came into picture. It always stocked the best books of the season. It has a loyal set of customers. The owners give their personal attention to the shop and are willing to source the books, if it is not available already. It carries 10% discount throughout the year.

Book World: Address: Basement, Sagar Arcade, Fergusson College Road.
It is a small Book Corner, not really a shop experience here. Books are stacked from floor to roof. But they have huge collection. You can go there only if you know it is there. But it is worth visiting, as I have always found any book on any topic here. It is almost inconspicuous in its presence. You might also get some second hand books in this place, if you want to save some money. There is also a book corner, right outside its entrance, where you can get some bargain buys. Supposedly, Book World also holds an Annual Sale, promising 10-15% Discounts; but I don’t know when they do that. Need to keep a close watch there!

Hong Kong Lane: Address: Near Garware Bridge, Opp. Chitale Bandhu, Deccan Gymkhana.
If you want to buy or sell second hand books, then you have to check out Hong Kong lane. It has a small corner, where several popular books are piled up. Those who do not know what to do with the books you have already read but do not really want to keep; then look no further. Come to Hong Kong lane, sell your old books and get yourself new ones.

Danai Bookshop: Address: Taj Blue Diamond, Bund Garden Road. Tel.: 2625555.
It is a small Book shop in one of the city’s 5-star hotels. Mostly, it attracts the Blue Diamond crowd and people from Koregaon Park or Osho Ashram—mostly the foreigners. It is done up in classic White, which gives it an aura of its own. It is a small place for just picking up something off the shelf. Don’t expect to find any particular book here. But yes, they do have lots of international magazines, quite aptly; considering that they get a lot of crowd for those.

Popular Bookshop: Address: Deccan Gymkhana, Tel.: 25678327.
It is a small bookshop on the intersection signal, which joins JM Road, FC Road and Bhandarkar Road. If you have seen Chitale Bandhu of Deccan, just keep walking towards FC Road, on your left handside is Popular Bookshop. It also stocks popular Hindi and Marathi books. This air-conditioned bookshop enjoys a loyal clientele over the years and even 3rd and 4th generation customers visit the shop often. The Shop supposedly runs a Sale during Diwali every year, and they also have Bargain Counters where books are sold at half the price. So check out this cozy, little Book Shop in Diwali. I know I am going to.

International Book Service: Address: S No 759/5, Deccan Gymkhana.Tel: 25677405.
It is one of the favorites with Puneites, who love its old world charm. It stocks books on all topics but you would not find the luxury of lounging here. It recently completed 70 years and enjoys the attention of a set of loyal customers. Only problem is that it is closed in afternoons and on Sundays. Well, I am yet to check out this book shop but I think it is going to be worth visiting. So, here I come!

Books I want to Read

I am grateful that finally I am catching up on my reading. I recently finished “For Matrimonial Purposes” by Kavita Daswani. It was the story of a girl who wants to get married. She is a typical girl, in many a sense, but she is not your common type, in many ways as well. She wants to get married to a decent Indian guy chosen by her parents, alright; but she wants to really like him (although may not really love him). It is important for her to get married to the right guy—right for her. In this pursuit, she looks at every Indian, marriageable guy, as her prospective groom and when it does not turn out to be the way she thought, she is left heart broken. Yes, with every guy! Well, if you look around isn’t this the case with modern, educated Indian guy or girl. It is not always that you fell in love with somebody and proceed towards marriage. Many times we do not come across any such person in our entire 25 to 30 years of lives! Quite possible!

The story is not hilarious; it is real. It is a story which you see everywhere. So, I kind of liked it. Thank God, the girl found a guy in the end and they lived happily ever after, whatever!

Right now, I am reading “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” by Mohsin Hamid. This book is very different in its narration. The narrator is talking to an American tourist and doing that, he is taking the reader through his experiences. The story is set against the 9/11 attacks and how it changed the lives of Muslims around the world, more so of those in America. I have read more than half of the novel, and I really want to read the author’s first book also called “Moth Smoke”. It is supposedly an acclaimed book and has won several Awards. I get a little scared to read an Award winning book. Most of the times, I do not understand it. Take the example of “Life of Pi”. I tried really hard but I could not finish it.

Well, anyways, I have tried to put together a list of books which I would like to read in near future:

Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid
Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (His “Kite Runner” was fabulous)
Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn (Haven’t read a good Thriller since ages)
Straight from the Gut by Jack Welch
Mahatma vs. Gandhi by Dinkar Joshi (which is supposed to be the basis for the movie “Gandhi, My father)
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris
A Crowded Marriage by Catherine Alliott
Bride at Ten, Mother at Fifteen by Sethu Ramaswamy
Can you Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella

Why we love India

I am not a religious person but I do connect with God. So I tend to believe that I am a spiritual person. During these festivities of Ganesh Utsav, I really did not participate in any of the celebrations. But this Monday, when I saw the Visarjan ceremony, I had a weird feeling, a sense of loss. I did not celebrate, but I would miss all the celebrations which were happening all around.

I often wonder why we love India! I mean look at the roads, look at the education system, look at the competition for few seats, look at the politicizing of each and every issue, look at the frame to frame copy of foreign movies, look at the social and economic gap, look at the disturbance on Border areas (and not only Kashmir), look at disturbing instances of violence in the name of caste and religion, look at career opportunities (or the lack of it), look at increasing crime, look at eve-teasing; Why do we love India? Then I thought, may be this is it. May be because we have so many gods, castes , religion and festivals. May be because we know how to celebrate together. May be we know how really one should celebrate. It just gets on you. Even if you ignore it, can you really stay away from it? If you are a Bengali in Maharashtra or a Keralite in Kolkata—you would still celebrate Durga Puja!

Add to that the recent victory of India in Twenty20 World Cup. I still believe that nothing bonds us better than Cricket! We still have different festivals but Cricket is undoubtedly the common thread that joins us all together. Look at me, I am not really a Cricket person but this game is so infectitious that you cannot ignore it for long, and definitely not an India-Pakistan match for sure. So, there I was watching the Grand Finale of Twenty20 World Cup. Well, I am sure all of you must have heard the bang of the chocolate bombs after we won the match, no matter which part of the country you were in!

On a special journey called Life

I just realized how under-traveled I am! I have not even seen India completely, forget about abroad. My first real tour was when I was in class sixth; we went to Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Lucknow, Delhi, Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi. I was quite young then but I remember everything clearly. Undoubtedly, I loved Shimla, the best. I just love mountains. I remember there were so many monkeys when we were going up to see this temple called Jhakhu Mandir in Shimla. It is supposed to be the highest peek there, and the view was lovely from the top. I remember the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, I remember that wonderful park at Pinjaur, I remember the person sitting outside the Qutub Minar with a huge snake, I remember the bada and chhota Imambada of Lucknow, I remember the Mall road of Shimla, I remember Columbus of Appu Ghar; yet I feel every city has so much to see that covering so many cities in 15 days is the same as not seeing them at all. I had been on this tour with my parents, my grand-parents and my brother. Our second tour was down South. We saw Chennai, Mysore, Bangalore, Tirupati, Ooty and Coonnoor. I just loved Ooty and Coonnoor too much. They were heavenly. It is something to do with Hill stations. It was lovely. I went with my parents to all these wonderful places. I remember the Tea and Coffee gardens of Ooty, the zero-visibility foggy roads of Coonnoor, the unpolluted Tirupati, the amazing Mysore palace and a bit of Bangalore. I discovered Bangalore more when I stayed there for sometime. Well, to think of it, I have not been that unlucky after all. I have had the privilege of staying in three Metros – Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai. Can you beat this? Well, to go slightly off-track, city exposure did wonders for my self-confidence. I used to be over-awed by city life. I always had this feeling how would I adjust? In fact, it all started with moving out of home for my Graduation. I had the first brush with freedom and independent life. It was my first journey out of home alone. Those three years prepared me for life ahead. Of course, there was much more to come. Post graduation, I moved to Chennai to stay with my brother. Those 6 months were amazing. Nobody really likes Chennai. I mean people from other parts of India. They would prefer other places to Chennai, any given day. I liked Chennai. It was kind of conservative yet a metro. It is much cheaper than any other Metro and if you love South Indian food, you don’t need to look beyond! My next destination was Bangalore. I did not really see the entire Bangalore but the fact that I used to move around alone, taught me several things. Bangalore, for me, is all about Udupi restaurants, cyber cafes and several hopes and dreams. I was preparing for CAT at that time. I really learnt using internet in this place. In fact, I stayed all alone in Bangalore for 15 days. It was scary initially. What if I needed something in the middle of the night? I knew nobody there, absolutely nobody! It was from Bangalore that I did my first long distance train journey alone. I learnt all the now-seeming simple things like doing reservations in train or making a demand draft. Yeah! Joining IMDR in Pune really made me a metropolitan at heart. I used to be overwhelmed by even Pune earlier. But now it seems like a second home. It’s nice and relaxed. I think life is nowhere even close to what it is here. Chilled Out! Its here that I had the real campus life experience—my first late nights, first instance of being on my own, my first Scooty, this Blog, my first visit to a real disc, my first Film Festival and many more firsts. I loved every bit of it. When college days came to an end and I landed in dream job in Mumbai, I could not have asked for more. But, well, I never really liked Mumbai. I don’t know why. Today I regret only one thing. I did not SEE Mumbai properly. It is an amazing city, whatever I might say. There is always one thing or the other happening (and I am not talking about Bomb blasts and Flood). I did not see Prithvi Theatres, I could not check out the Strand Book Sale, I missed out on “Class of 84”, I could not go to King’s Circle for Books, I did not see Colaba flea market and so many things. But I chose to move out, so I am not really complaining. But yeah, it all boils down to What next? The latest trip was to, well, Life’s finest Abode! Yes, the Aamby valley. It was a heavenly experience. The peace, the tranquility, the unabused atmosphere, everything about Aamby valley is such that you would want to get in a cozy cottage and spend some days of sanctity, away from the hustle and bustle of crowd. Well, I was sure lucky to be there. Everything said and done, I still think I am highly under-traveled. I want to travel more, see all the beautiful and amazing places—in India and then abroad. That’s what life is all about. Isn’t it? After all, life is a journey in itself.

I'll be there for you!!!

Well, as Joey says –How you doin’? I don’t know whether how many of you have been fan of this show but if you have seen it, the chances are you have fallen for it. My own friends would vouch for the fact that I have become obsessed with FRIENDS!

I discovered F*R*I*E*N*D*S quite recently. By the time I saw the first episode of FRIENDS, the curtain had already drawn on the Grand Finale of the Tenth Season; and the lovable cast had moved on with their lives.

By now, I have seen almost all the Seasons, laughed at Chandler’s one-liners, smiled at Ross’ sweetness, empathized with Monica’s idiosyncrasies, stumped by Phoebe’s matter-of-factness and bowled over by the sheer charm of Rachel and Joey. Basically, they are all cute and independently very good. In fact, I loved them so much that I tried looking for bits and pieces beyond the episodes—how this sitcom was put together, how the cast stuck to each other through anonymity to fame, how they created a history of sorts by striking deals as a group; moving from 30,000 $ per episode to 2.5 million $ per episode for each of them. Everything about FRIENDS is now a case study in itself. It is said that after the phenomenal and unexpected success of FRIENDS, many such sitcoms sprung up; but what works for one may not work for others. Look at our own “Ram Gopal Verma ki Sholay / Aag”.

I just bought this Coffee table book on Friends titled “Friends 'Til the End: The Official Celebration of All Ten Years” by David Wild. Yeah, I bought a coffee table book! So what? Haven’t I already established that I am obsessed with all kinds of books! And come on, it was only for 399 bucks. I think it was a great deal. After all, FRIENDS TV show is one among the Hall of Fame now, and one should know about the making of such all time great comedy. It has so many pictures of the moments from all the Seasons and some behind the camera moments that I could not stop myself from having it. I still cannot stop wondering what really does it take to create a genius like that. Of course, the fact that it was taken off air when it was still popular, is part of the reason why we still drool over it. Just look at our band of K-serials and how they keep on having generation leaps and disturbing twists and turns to the original story. Can you imagine, what this lovely Sitcom would have become, had they given in to the popularity of the show? There is definitely a learning from here. Even when something is working, you should know when to stop. Nothing is sacrosanct. If you do not bow out, you would be kicked out. It takes a lot of wisdom to identify the right moment and a lot of heart to take that decision.

I remember, even when I had not heard about Friends, I had known Jennifer Aniston as a Hollywood actress and had vaguely heard about Courtney Cox. But I had no clue about the rest of the cast. Look at me now, I eat and drink Friends now. If I am home, I would either be reading the Friends book or you would catch me watching one of the Seasons. In the FRIENDS book, they talk about when they realize that FRIENDS had become a phenomenon. Look at me, I come from a small place in Jharkhand; and I totally freak out on FRIENDS. Do I need to say any more what popularity this lovable sitcom has achieved?

Introspective wanderings

I am a writer at heart at least that is what I like to believe. I like to believe that before you become a good writer, you need to become a voracious reader.
How many times it has happened to you that you have read a book and marveled at the knowledge of the writer? How many times you have read a novel and it has touched you deep inside and left you wondering how it is possible to define an emotion so beautifully? And how many times you have been filled with awe by the sheer genius of an author in describing a moment? Well, since I am an aspiring writer, these days I also look at what is the style of a narration and how has the story been told. In fact, I also know what kind of books I want to write. I have found a writer of my own taste. I have devoured four of her books and only two other are yet to be read. I am just dying to lay my hands on them. The stories are engrossing and deliciously funny. There are at least hundred instances when you empathise with the character, frankly speaking, most of the girls would feel one with the character. Well, all of us are born Shopaholics, aren’t we! Well, if you have ever read any of the books in Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, you would know what I am talking about. I love her style and would like to write like her. Of course, I would like to be known for my own style but you know it always help to define your objective.

Today I was into my one of those introspective modes. I was thanking God for a decent Appraisal, and then suddenly I realized that there are actually so many things which I should be thankful about. Look around and you would find most of the people unhappy about one thing or the other. Some of them have been unfortunate in marriage. Some have been unlucky in their careers. Some are cribbing about the tons of responsibilities thrown on them at a young age. Some have lost the purpose of living. And of course, there are millions of people suffering in poverty and destitute. When you look at all these, you suddenly realize what a blessing your own life is! And here, you were cribbing about how much more your salary should have been, how much better life partner you could have chosen, how your friends are settled in U.S and how better others’ lives are! Frankly, there is no end to it. You would always find something to cry about. Nobody is supposed to be perfect; nobody is supposed to have a flawless life. I strongly believe all of us have our share of happiness and sorrows. You cannot just compare your house with the Bungalow your friend has, because you never know he must be struggling to make his two ends meet after paying loads of EMIs for that lovely bungalow. So why not be thankful about all the good things in life. Come on, all of us have something to be happy about. So keep smiling and feel blessed.

The Way Forward

Sometimes I feel totally hopeless. Where do I go from here? What next? I have a nice job for sure but I do not see a career here. May be 2 years at the most, then what next? I never planned my career. Yeah, I had a vague idea that I want to be in a creative field. I did Advertising for a year then moved on to this job. Here I do communication for my product & Company. Of course, Wipro has an entirely separate Corporate Communication group, but if we need to do any communication at our level, I do it or coordinate for it. It is a great learning experience. Right now, I am so excited about the response on my Direct Mailer, which we did for our new catalog. We have already got 10% response and its increasing day by day. Then we have gone online with the same Concept and the opportunities on web are overwhelming. There is so much one can do and we are slowly modifying our website to meet our needs. I am also setting up an Outbound Call Centre for my company, which would be followed by an Inbound Toll Free Number. I have absolutely no experience in Telecalling initiative but even nobody else has in my company, so I am learning as I do it.
My funda about a job is simple. There should be enough Learning and Excitement that you want to come back to work everyday. When that does not happen, you need to find out the reasons why it is not working out. And if the case is completely hopeless, you need to let it go. Till the time I have opportunities to learn and do something exciting, I am all for it, otherwise it is time to move on!
I always dreamt of becoming a writer. I still do. But along with writing, I have noticed an inherent knack of Editing in myself. I cannot help edit or correct whatever I read. It just comes naturally to me. I do not have to try hard. May be editing would be “The” Career for me. Who knows!

My Idiosyncrasies

I have obsession for books and bookstores. You can catch me buying books everywhere, in Crossword, in roadside stalls, on Platform pushcarts, even Online. In fact, it does not just end there, I feel editing comes naturally to me. I cannot help editing, punctuating and finding mistakes in anything I read. I am also an avid fan of all those glossy and expensive magazines where all the stuff is obnoxiously over-priced. But still I think glossy magazines perhaps originated because of people like me; you can catch me reading a Filmfare or a Femina all the time. I think getting up late on a Sunday is a waste of time. You should enjoy each and every moment of your holiday. Why waste it sleeping? My friends cannot figure out why I buy books at a rate greater than I read them. That one even I have not figured out yet. I hate it if my things are unorganized or dirty. You can find me dusting my place even at midnight, depends upon my mood. Colleagues say the term “retail therapy” was coined after me. I would drink tea without sugar but Garlic Bread without Cheese is just not for me. People call it Idiosyncrasies. But hey, I don’t have anything much if I do not have my little idiosyncrasies.

Treat yourself to some Bheja Fry

If you have not already seen Bheja Fry, then you must. I am sure only recommendation would not be enough so let me fight my case with 10 reasons why you must watch this obscure movie with a bunch of TV and theatre actors:

Watch it for its non-Govinda style, non-Johny Lever style, non-Great Laughter Challenge style comedy; in short, its refreshing comedy; something which none of us have seen on Indian diaspora for a long time.

Watch it for its simplicity, almost like a Play. The story hardly goes beyond one room but you never seem to notice this. We really do not feel great about seeing heavily paid actors dancing on the streets of London and beautiful locales of Switzerland and New Zealand like teeny-boppers.

Watch it for its unconventional and interesting storyline. The story just revolves around an evening but I have yet to come across a person who thought it was mundane.

Watch it to prove a point that a good movie need not have an ostentatious budget. Last heard, this movie has been made on a tight budget of 50-55 lakhs, it still stands much ahead of those over-budget and overrated movies by Johars and Chopras, who give least thought to the freshness of concept and make us fool by showing same stories with same star cast and even same locations but, mind you, with a different and more elaborate name.

Watch it for its casting, especially Vinay Pathak. He is really good, guys! I am sure all of us have noticed him in Khosla ka Ghosla as well. Even Milind Soman looks like having a blast, and of course, you cannot miss Ranvir Shorey.

Watch it for its well-defined characters, and the thought gone behind characterization of each and every person in the movie. You cannot miss the detailing in the characterization of the lead characters, unlike our so-called “big” movies where even shoes in one scene does not match in the consecutive scenes (and I am not even talking about songs!)

Watch it for the length of this movie. It is a story well said in 1 hour and 35 minutes. Quite short for Indian standards, so you could catch it even on a weekday.

Watch it because I am sure you would like to keep it for your home library.

Watch it with your family because it is a comedy but surprisingly it is not vulgar. They really make very few movies these days where you could have fun with your entire family without any embarrassment.

And finally, watch it for the effort in giving something different to the intelligent audience (read us)


Disclaimer: I am not even remotely related to the producer, director or the actors of this film. But I would hate it if this movie flops, as several good movies do. It really deserves to be a super hit.