Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Old is gold

We had our annual alumni meet this week. One of the most amazing feeling in this world is to meet someone you cherished being with after a long time...and i felt equally elated.

Although it has not been a very long time since we parted, but the outpour of emotions after our farewell party seriously said a whole lot about our 2 year stint together. Guess when you do a professional course you fight a whole lot during projects, but the bond that you share becomes strong as well.

So there were people who had taken off from their work months back because they wanted to be here. Some took great pains just to meet old friends and relive those beautiful moments. It's such a pleasure when you are studying - no pressure, no stress. Although we always feel stressed out when exams take a huge toll, but aren't they way better than meeting a deadline in office? You bet.

I don't know when I will meet these friends again. It is strange how we keep meeting new people everyday, sharing our lives with them and how our path changes. Some leave great impressions in our memory and we cherish them for a lifetime. Strange how when we are living those moments we feel we cant live without these people and yet as time passes, new people replace them. And then when we meet them, we desperately look for that bond. Sometimes its there. And sometimes, we just fail to imagine how the person has changed. Isn't it strange how we never think we have changed too?



Hmm...wish I could keep everyone I love close to me always, wish I could keep them the way they are!

Friday, December 7, 2007

Do you believe in signs?


I have spent the entire day in doing things that I was not suppose to do. How do I know I was not suppose to do? Well, I think I saw some signs!

First, I lost some money in online trading. Although the loss wasn't big, but a loss is a loss anyway! Then I was told that updating my phone's software will make it faster. I tried. But USB malfunctioned and now I'll have to give it to silly nokia care who will do I-donno-what with my darling phone.

Anyways, whenever I was about to do the two things that have taken a lot of my time,I went through a lot of inconvenience (I canceled my online orders 3-4 times before actually buying. And the software updater took 2 hours to load and had to be installed 4 times after it started working!And no, I'm not technologically challenged!) I don't know how, but since the last few days I have started seeing inconvenience as a sign not to do a certain thing. Last time thankfully my negative feelings were not met by unfortunate consequences, this time they have!

I wont call them extreme disasters, but it does raise a lot of confusion in my mind. All my life I have followed the maxim 'try try until you succeed'. I hardly ever give up till I accomplish my aim. So when such a situation occurs, should I try or should I give in to the negativity?

I'm not superstitious as well. I try to induce logic in everything I do. Yet I fail to understand these feelings. I believe in God's plan. I believe we are 'puppets', however silly that may sound!Probably thats the reason such questions arise.

Do you believe in signs? What do you do when you face some?

Till today, I try harder. Whatever will be, will be!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Loving life at Twenty Five!

Birthdays are suppose to be special. They always have been, they always will be. No matter how old we grow, no matter how similar they become, it's one day that says a whole lot.

So i completed 1/4th of a century yesterday. I said I'm 24 till I marry, but just for this post - I'm 25! Doesnt matter till I'm 30 I guess, they all sound the same!

I remember my birthdays as a kid. Distributing sweets, wearing the prettiest frock to school, birthday bumps...oh I have shameless pictures in birthday bumps...yep in a frock! Things have changed...sometimes I don't even wear my something new.

One thing that has remained the same is a cake. Yeah,whats a birthday without a cake! And the other thing that I like is the calls I receive. People I don't talk to for the whole year except for birthdays, call up to wish. And so I call a birthday special. For its these sweet people who make it special.

So what happened yesterday? I spoke to the 'boy' endlessly at night! Yeah, we live miles apart for now (sob, sob) ...and gtalk is all we have (apart from the webcam..lol!)... and yeah...the only special thing i received was a dozen roses and cake from him..more than me my family was happy..to have found a sweet guy!!hehe (they don't know how it has took me years to have taught him how to do all that...and someone wise told me yesterday that i'll have to do that all my life...so it will get on my nerves somedayyyy. Heres a filmy pic with the roses..don't u start judging me now :D)



And oh, I went to a function of a smallish institute where I was kinda a VIP guest!Thank God for relatives who run such places! So like with 5 others, I was called on the staged to say a few words to a crowd of 250...hahaha!Now that's an experience I will never forget.

Then I gulped down a Margarita, had some kebabs, saw Om Shanti Om with a dear friend and clapped like a moron on funny scenes!!! I just love doing that..wish i knew how to whistle too!!

And at night...i cut the cake..went to a dinner party...and just attended loads of phone calls from the sweetest people on earth. I even thought of a wishlist for my future b'days..and told the boy about it..a big part of the training! Check it out:

One of these years, I would like to get sloshed on my birthday. Absolutely drunk without knowing anything around me. Give me 2 years, I will do that!

One of these years, I would like to dance all night. Give me 3, will do that too!

One of these years, I would like to get a surprise party...aah...I dont know how many yrs I'll have to wait!!!

One of these years, I would like to spend in disney land...carefree on the rides...or scared!

One of these years, I would want to climb a mountain, or go to a land thats scary and adventurous

One of these years, I would like to give autographs on my birthday and be on TV for turning ...ummm 35?

Well, thats a whole lot to do and think on one b'day. Although I miss feeling special today. Never mind... I absolutely love my life!

Btw, this could be a tag...make a wishlist and jot down a few ways in which you would want to celebrate your b'day. I know some would say c'mon grow up...but what the heck...everyone feels a little special on their birthday...don't you? Now think of some innovative ideas that you'll do and then remember it for the rest of your life.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Coming out of the cocoon

How does it feel to come out of a cocoon?

Like a moth, you build a protective layer around something special. The layer apparently isn't strong enough and requires care that's hard at times. You nurture it, keep it safe and try shielding it from every rough stage. Sometimes you're not strong enough and your something special spills out. It's adventurous yet scary. It's fun yet requires all your energy to make sure it's safe.

That's how love is. At least in small towns in India. Boy meets girl, become friends, fall in love and wish to share a lifetime together. They keep their story a secret. No matter how committed they are, no matter how strong their bond is, for their own respective reasons they're always scared of the world not accepting their bond. And the journey isn't easy either. Keeping it under a hard shell requires patience, understanding and a whole lot of love. It's romantic as hell, its adventurous as nothing else in the world, but like everything else, it has a grey shade as well.

And how does it feel to come out in the open?

Well, at first when you speak about it, you're scared of the consequences. All the reasons why you hid it in the first place are tested. When the new born insect comes out of the cocoon, the mother is apprehensive. But it has to let the baby grow in natural circumstances. Lets face it - a cocoon does no good to something after a certain period of time. If it survives - you're lucky. If it doesn't - you fight for it. Sometimes the fight is unending...

And sometimes everyone accepts it. The feeling is brand new. It's like building a new story altogether - and a love story at that. The smiles don't stop. The heart feels lighter. Something that you built all by yourself and kept away from the world grows into something so beautiful - the feeling is unexplainable.

How do I know? Well, something very special just came out of its cocoon and soon the whole world will celebrate it!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

I'll be away from blogging for about 10 days now.. although thats nothing new..the addiction has gone!

And when I'm back...I just might write something totally opposite the last post!

Happy writing everyone :)

Friday, October 5, 2007

24 till i marry!

Don’t ask my age. For when you’ll do, you’ll think:

Why isn’t she married yet? Is there something wrong? Did she have an affair and it didn’t work out and so she’s decided to remain single? Or, is it a health issue? Is she sane?

Duh! If you are a girl (I won’t speak for men!), and you have completed your studies (read graduation) you ought to be engaged. If for any matter, you’ve decided to study further, people think it’s because you don’t want to get married right now. To tell you the truth, it’s true a lot of times. But give us a break; we do have a career to build!

I love pandits of today. They understand our psychology and know we don’t want to marry early. Most girls I know have met pandits who tell their parents your daughter won’t get married before 27+. My friend’s parents were after her life to get her married till their pandit told them it would kill the mother if it’s before 28! Now who would like to take the chance??? (seriously, what kind of a pandit predicts that?) She’s happy that her parents are calm now. Although 28 seems a little too late and she’s worried about the frustration. So I suggested, that maybe, it’s the beginning of 28. That means she can get married after 2 years flat. And that too just the day after her birthday!

Come birthdays people ask your age. And if you’re single, they worry about your marriage more than your neighbor’s daughter’s mother-in-law. They give sleepless nights to your parents who were happy thinking their daughter is still a kid. Only those who have a daughter of ‘marriageable age’ are compassionate and say, “It’s best to leave it to God.” Thank you for you sympathy!!! (And by the way, why isn’t your daughter engaged yet?)

You know, sometimes the other person may not be thinking all this. But we just read it in their eyes and their tone seriously suggests how ‘worried’ they are! (Oh, whom are we kidding? We’ve been dreaming to get married since our first crush in grade 3. Subconsciously, we think about marriage almost all the time!)

Leave marriage, even the actors who are being launched seem older than us. Now look at Ranbir Kapoor. I wanna drool over him. But it makes me think he’s younger to me. Age no bar – agreed – but it does give me the creeps!

Even the ‘kids’ doing grad make me feel jealous. I may be much smarter in everyyyyy way (and I am confident I am. And not mature, I hate the word!), yet they make me feel like a behenji.

And it’s all till I get married. Once that is done, I’ll be an ‘aunty’ anyway (why do kids call a married woman aunty I never understood) and I’ll accept the fact that I can’t drool over younger men (openly that is!).

Today is one of my best friends birthday and I just spoke to her. We laughed our hearts out over pandits, desperation, career and boyfriends and decided that we will never reveal our true age till we get married. So, I am 24 till I marry. And that’s my humble suggestion to everyone here – just to make sure your birthday is a happy day and your parents sleep well at night!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Random Thought

When life gives you lemons, what do you give back? (pleeeease don't say make lemonade!)

Moreover, whom do you give back to?


Sigh...I wanna be 're-high' on life. Hmm, can you please pass me that Mojito?

Monday, September 24, 2007

Way to go India!


Rare moments need to be captured...and so I'll pen down this!

I was a huge cricket fan some years back. Remember the fervor that gripped India when the world cup was held here? Yeah, I was a part of it. I made posters at home, wore India's t-shirt(still do...lol!) and was always glued to the tv set when our matches were on.

And slowly the charm faded due to the disgraceful performances. After World cup 2007, I can't even remember when I saw a match.

But there's something about 20-20 that calls out for your attention. The pace, the pressure, the nerve wrenching phases...that's what a game is all about. Cricket is normally so slow that it's easy to get distracted when your team isn't doing well. With 20-20, you watch, you experience and you forget. Now I understand why faster games are more popular.

The matches against Pakistan, England, South Africa and Australia were all awesome.And the finale today...a roller coaster ride as always. I wonder what Paki did wrong to deserve this!And I seriously think what did we do right to beat every country thats worth its money!

So 20-20 for me is all about the fun. I don't think Dhoni really means it when he says 'I dont really care what happens in the end...' coz of course it matters. But I love the guy. He's sweet and positive. The way Sreesanth looks at the players; it makes you laugh out loud but then, other players do it too...way to go! I loved the dance by Bhajji...the bowl out by India was fun...Yuvi's sixes were a delight...and so was R.P Singh's bowling(he's from UP...cool!)

So I'm back...like a fair weather friend...I'm a cricket fan again! Way to go India...after all, we've won the first Gen Nextt cricket tournament. Don't count on it as such...come Saturday and we're meeting Australia. That will tell how big a fan I am...or the Indian population is!

You gave us some super cool moments and for that we grant you a celebrity status for 5 big days...And you're welcome!!!

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Live it up

Today is special. Today will never come back tomorrow, right?

And we spend it thinking about tomorrow or yesterday. We waste it by brooding over things we never had or things we can never have. We shed tears over those who would prefer not to be with us. We see our grass colorless in comparison to our friend/neighbor/just about everyone. We gossip and hurt ourselves in the process. We scream in anger then regret it but never apologize.

And we do a whole lot of things that we should not be doing. Everyone knows what's bad for them, still we indulge in all the unnecessary rancor. Sometimes we make conscious efforts to avoid all this for we know it's bad for us. But mostly, we end up being what we are - Humans. "I think and I act the way I do because I am just a human," defends We.

We are just humans. And the fact we can blog, make us among those who can read, write, make money and live life up to a certain level of luxury, make us privileged humans. We worry about our next promotion and thankfully not where our next meal will come from. There are several examples like this that we know. Still, we are just humans.

And not animals. We have a fairly easy life as compared to them, right? Oh yes, we know. But we are just humans.

Most of us can see, smell, taste, feel, walk, talk, type and live a 'normal' life. But we prefer to raise our blood pressure and mourn over trivial things that leave us paralyzed - in the heart and mind. Trivial it may not be, but we blow it further without concentrating more on the solution. That's in our blood, that's in our genes, that's in our category for we are just humans.

The WORST excuse ever. Stand up and get going. Challenges, heart breaks, diseases, failure...are a part of this beautiful carnival called LIFE. Today you maybe 25. Tomorrow you will be 26. The fun you can have at 25 can never be repeated at 26. Don't spend it just like that. Let your hair down, 'paint the town red', laugh-out-loud today, make someone feel special, sing loudly in the shower, give a compliment to a co-worker, call your mom, pull someone's leg, dance like no one is watching and run...run away from those who fret too much...run away from the present you.

For you never know, tomorrow maybe tougher. For you never know, next life you may not be 'just a human'.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Tagged!

Rajeev tagged me.Thank you so much...I had a writers bloc!

Here are the rules:
* Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of their middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
* When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts.
* At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.
* Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged.


Now for a middle name, I wish it was RUKH (you know, of the Shah Rukh Khan fame! okie I guess the not-so-funny mania continues even after the break up quiz.) Hmmm...I choose 'witch' ...adds to the insanity of my name...nisha witch punjabi...plus it goes with my teeth. Yeah I know, I've used my teeth far too many times now to let them just be!

As for the facts, lets see how they go:

W : (how i wish i could use witch again for my teeth...duh...cant think of anything!) Here's one...I wish for things a whole lot. And then i work for them. Yep, I'm the take action types...not relying in Tarot/destiny/janam patri/mistletoe (!!??*naughtyy*)

I: Impatient, Intolerable, Insane, Indirect, Innocent... I'm none of these. Infact, I'm Interesting(yea thats narcissist spelt with an i!) And to elaborate on that, you would have to meet me. (So, you'll never find out the truth...yippee!)

T: (gawd...i could use a teeth joke here too!) I love to tease my friends! I can rip them apart at any place...my fav being in front of their moms! And then I love it when their mom takes their case at home...what happens next is they trying the same at my place...and well...they hardly succeed. Yep, I'm lucky to have 'innocent' friends and not 'witchy' like me!

C: I'm cute! (yeah thats narcissist spelt with a C!) well, I've been hearing this ever since I was a kid. C'mon people, I'm 24, its gotto change to sexy now.

H: (I wish i could say I'm hot!!!!!!!!!!!) Honesty is the best policy...i follow that. Frankly, I have to. My face says it if I'm lying. My friends tell me secrets of other friends asking me to keep them. No, I don't spill them in front of others, but when the other friend asks me if I know, I can't lie! This being a small example is one of many cases were I have been forced to be honest!

You know, I hate tags. They make me feel my life is DULL!
I hate them again 'coz somehow I don't get any comments on my tags.Maybe becoz of the my-life-is- dull-crib!
I hate them more because I don't want to burden anyone with 'You are Tagged!'
I hate them all the more 'coz no one, absolutely no one on my blogroll has a name starting with W-I-T-C-H!!!

I tag wonderful, interesting, tooo sweet, cute and huggable people! So, you know, if you are one of these, you'll take this tag...and u will enjoy! A few middle names that I can suggest are: Devil, fatty, bubbly, clever, disgusting, sloshed...

Friday, August 17, 2007

I'm Blessed


I'm all smiles and life's a bliss
After long, I can feel the calmness
A lot of satisfaction, a whole lot of love
God just handed me, one of his turtle dove...

I realize the price that I have to pay for this
I realize the things that I had to miss
Is it enough? No, I'd say
I would give anything, for such a peaceful day

They would call it a lull before the storm
It could be a devil, in another form
Do I care? No, I'd say
I would postpone the thought, for a rainy day

Oh, they call me blessed - a lucky one
Will this last in the long run?
Yes it will, I would say
For when things change, I'll ask God for an action replay!

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Chak de India!

Just when I thought Bollywood directors had lost it, they hit back. Chak de India is a must watch for every Indian. Not only because its patriotic, gripping, entertaining and inspiring, but also because its revolutionary in many ways!

From the moment I grabbed my seat till the screen was jet black and they wanted us out, I was zapped! Kabir Khan is coach India...and he does a splendid job. Shahrukh's acting is remarkable in this movie. His dialogues have finesse that not many movies have.


A bunch of girls whom you never knew take your heart away. The tom boy from Haryana is an absolute entertainer. The damsel from Chandigarh speaks with her eyes! Punjabi girl shows way to every Indian girl - of how to fight your own battles. And the most experienced player of the team - Bindya has a role in the movie whom you hate initially but ultimately fall in love with!

The movie inspires patriotism when you watch your flag rise high, it weaves the path for Indian woman to come out of her cocoon(if she still haven't), it shows everything is possible if you have the talent, and it touches male chauvinism from time to time and subtly every girl defends herself from it. My favorite scene in the movie is when these girls fight guys teasing them. Thrill to watch!

The movie could have easily become boring with all the hockey matches. But full points to the script, they never let it lose. They could have easily shown a lot of unrealistic scenes, but they did not. And that makes the movie special.

I generally don't do such a lot of tareef! So get your ticket and be ready to cheer for team India. Anyway, we get rare moments like this these days!

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Friends Forever

Friendship day...reminds me of unnecessary expenditure on bands that we never wore for more than a day and Joey & Chandler's ultimate women repel'lor' - a gold band! And man, until a few years back...it use to be like an occasion...parties, cakes, cards...cute kiddie fun! Although most of my friends are out, its one of those few days, that I really like to celebrate. When it comes to friends, any amount of celebration is less I guess.

I've fought with my friends..physically...i know all guys would love to see girls just tearing each other apart.Unfortunately, we do it indoors! I've hated my friends..yeah when someone has a better bf...you feel happy, alright...but somewhere its all about ...oh i wish i had someone like him! I've been jealous like crazy...good marks, good clothes, better city, freedom...whatever...if you say you've never been jealous of a friend coz thats not true friendship..I declare you a liar!

And I've laughed with my friends. Over jokes no one would ever understand. Over stories and future plans no one would ever care to even listen. Over past, over other friends, over movies, and yeah FRIENDS the series! I've cried for lost love, for trouble with closed ones, for just any reason a girl would need to cry...like you need one!!

So what will i do tomorrow? Call up all my friends and say in an embarrassing tone 'happy friendship's day'! For me, its like saying, that I love them. Saying these 3 words to anyone other than a boyfriend(oh, i detest that word!) is hard for me. Why? Maybe because I express little. Thats sad actually. I wish I could say everything that I felt for everyone important in my life. Thats why i like internet...somehow it has made me open up. Its easier to say what you feel when you write it. So here it goes, to all my friends...

To saKshi...20 years and still rock solid..an absolute selfless friend..thats what u've taught me. And now that you are married, I wish you shared more!!!!!!!

To shAkti...I learnt sharing from you. From tiffin, secrets to crushes...So the little bit that I share(Oh, I'm very possessive about my stuff!) is to this cutie!

To prAchi...tears, laughter, anger, hatred, jealousy, love...we've been through it all. I really cant imagine what I would have done without you . NOR CAN YOU IMAGINE what you would have done without me...yeah i know!!

To yoSha...To stick for your friends, that's what you taught me. And how to be absolutely possessive for love ;)

To rucHika...your aims inspire me to use my talent. And sometimes it annoys me how you're always in your own sweet world...perhaps it comes with the talent thing! It's all that make u so adorable in the end.

To suMit...words fall short when I have to say something for you. Can't imagine how life would be if you weren't there. Yeah, I know, you say the same :)..and yeah its different than prachi's!

To nOOrien...I never imagined I could be best friends with you! Absolutely different from how 'my friend' would be...but while i got to know you...things changed. You've been the only one(apart from one more!) whose been able to let me be me...and I love you for that.

To nikHil...i absolutely hate you! How can you love all of us so much and how can you be there for everyone all the time...I'm still learning that from you...I know I would never succeed for you are absolutely the best friend anyone can ever have

To priYanka...one of my newest best friend yet it feels we've been together since ages...i cant learn to be emotionally strong from you...but i've learned how to watch from a distance...and come running if someone needs you. I love the fun times i've shared with u...and yeah...we'll plan everything together, right? And i think this is an appropriate time for me to ask u for a testimonial!haha

So these are my friends forever, love for a lifetime and rescuers in trouble! I will love them - make them like me anyway, hate them for useless reasons - wont tolerate any hatred, make them angry- get very angry, make them jealous - be jealous, will laugh - and crack them up with my fatal humor, cry with them...but never make them sad 'cause they mean the world to me...

Happppppppyyyyyyyyyyyy friendshipppp dayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Love, unconditionally

"So, what are you thinking? You've not spoken for like 10 minutes. What makes you yak in class so much?"
"Nothing. Just...ummm...well...I have to say it. And ...err..I love you." Aryan's hands were actually shaking.
Neeru looked at Aryan as if she wanted to say something. Instead, she just picked up her purse and drove away in her car.
Aryan was shocked, to say the least. After 10 days of struggle he had managed to ask her out. It was different that he could only manage to take her as far as the canteen! After 1 month, he had said what he was dying to confess. And she left without saying anything at all? Did he say it too soon? He couldn't believe his luck.

He didn't hear from her for many days. She wasn't attending the routine lectures as well. He was missing her presence on the last bench. It had only been a month that they had started sitting together in the maths class. Neeru hated the last bench. But the ever growing population in class had forced her to come and sit next to Aryan that afternoon, and things were never the same after that. He remembered how troubled she was the first day, how he reserved a seat for her the next day and how they became instant friends. There was something about her. So mature, so fun to be with, so pretty...Aryan just loved everything about her.

"What's wrong with Neeru?" Aryan clutched Jaya's hand. "She's not answering my phone calls, not attending classes. is everything alright?"
"She doesn't want to see you," Jaya answered trying to avoid eye contact.
"But why? I guess you know everything. If she is not interested, she can tell me. I don't want to lose her friendship like this. Please Jaya, help me out on this. Ask her to talk to me. Pleaseee"
"Stop being kiddish. Neeru's not your type..."
"What do you mean she's not my type. I like her, I like her a lot. Did she say something to you."
"Aryan, you know nothing about her. Please forget everything. It's not going to work out."
"Is it about her leg?"

Jaya could not believe this. She didn't say a word and left.
"He knows Neeru. He knows everything about you."
"And still. He doesn't know what he is getting into. What, is he trying to make fun of me like he does every time? I can't take this Jaya."
"Why are you doing this. I know you like him too. If he has no problem, then why are you being such a Goddess. We all need someone to be with..."
"Oh, shut up. I'm not being a Goddess Jaya. Its just...Its just that when he'll know the actual picture, he may not be able to live with it. And wont that be more painful than this?"
"But.."
"No ifs and buts, you know how I have planned my life. I don't want to burden someone with the pain I go through. I like him, but that doesn't give me the right to spoil his life. Its just not happening," she said the last few words rather softly and banged the door behind her.

Jaya wanted to help. She wanted things to work out between Aryan and Neeru. She had not seen Neeru as happy as she was in the last one month since that fatal night.

Last 10 years had been testing for Neeru. She was 11 when she lost her leg in an accident. For a year she was on bed fighting with a spinal fracture. Then she got an artificial leg. Life at school was difficult for kids didn't understand. As a teenager she was sympathized with and she hated that. She had quite a few friends and because of her carefree attitude, she didn't let the accident change her life. She was excellent with numbers and had planned to finish her M.A and then go for a PhD in New York where her uncle lived. Getting a job of a lecturer would be easy then. love and marriage were two things she never thought about. Or rather, she avoided thinking about for she knew it wasn't going to happen. All well thought of, this was nothing close to what she had expected in life.

Aryan was surprised to see her in the class on Monday. "Hi! Can we be friends?" Aryan couldn't control his enthusiasm after class.
"I have to go home." Neeru just didn't want to respond.
"But you have to talk to me before that. I tried calling you up a million times. If you didn't like what I said, it doesn't mean that you have to start avoiding me? This is insane Neeru. Please, grow up."
"Oh, you grow up. Listen, these classes are extremely important to me. And I don't want you interfering. Just...please..."
Aryan grabbed her. And made her walk with him to the bench. He made her sit, took her palm in his, sat on his knees and said, "Neeru, I know why you don't want to see me. Don't hate Jaya, but she told me everything. Not because she sympathizes. But because I had to know how you felt. I love you, and i want to spend the rest of my life being with you. You know why? Because I love the little girl in you who comes and sits next to me even when her favorite seat is vacant. Because I love the way you get Jaya's favorite dish for tiffin even when you hate it. Because I love your strength, your courage and your honesty. Because I love the fact that are shit scared of driving a car but you still won't hire a driver. Because, you are the only woman I know who can get 13*17 in a fraction of a second..."

Neeru smiled. Her tears were uncontrollable now. "And what about the leg. How would you feel when I wont be able to do a million things anyone else could do?"
"If you loved me, and I was in the same situation, would your love change?"
"Yes, it would have..." mumbled Neeru.
"Then we think differently. Who knows, the day I get married, my wife meets with an accident and she can never walk again? Will I leave her? Leave that, if you can drive a car, if you can do a PhD and become a lecturer, what makes you think you cant do other things?"
"But right now you have a choice to meet a perfect person..."
"For me, you are perfect. And I will love you in sickness and in health, no matter how filmy that sounds. And if you love me too Neeru, please trust me. I cant promise you to be a perfect husband, but I will give it my best shot..."
"What makes you think you won't?" smiled Neeru.
Aryan smiled too and he lightly kissed her hand. "Our kids would be beauty with brains, aah I love that!"
"Depends. What if they get all your genes?"


Did they live happily ever after? I bet, they did...


**Not all stories are like that - short and simple. Not all have a happy ending. Every Neeru doesn't meet an Aryan. Not all Neeru's need an Aryan. Yet, unconditional love is the most beautiful thing on earth. Its a rare blessing. This is for ALL the people who love unconditionally. This is specially for you**

Monday, July 30, 2007

We think, therefore we are... women!

Now this one's not being written in a very good mood. Why? U ask. Well, i have no idea!So thats that, do females, and i say this for most of us, need a reason to worry/think?

We tend to make everything a big deal at times. Why, I have no clue. Somethings deserve our thoughts, but then we tend to indulge in a lot of unnecessary crap as well.

Lets say there is a party next week. So what to wear? Now next week is like 7 days later...but we need to THINK now! That will decide how many parlor visits we need to make before the D day, when do we have to shampoo our hair, how we'll reach the venue, how will we talk to our boyfriend on phone that night so we have to make up one night before, and the resttt!

This party is a HUGE affair, so it becomes a BIG issue . Lets just excuse it. How about what movie to watch tomorrow? Now the woman is thinking. Last comedy was awful. Action? What, thats not our genre. Romance...i need to buy tissues. Whom to go with? Well, if I ask X, I will have to take Y along. I don't like Y. If I go with A, B will not like it. If I take B, A's a prob. The Woman goes with A, has completely 'thought' of the reasons she would give B, even has a plan ready if she bumps into B's neighbor's daughter's friend...

Now movies are entertainment. Lets just sleep. This too gets undue importance sometimes! If she sleeps at 12 today, her cycle will break. You know, routine. Yesterday she slept at 2 and woke up at 10, and I know u know the rest! If she sleeps at the usual 2, how will she able to start a new routine of waking up early? And if she sleeps at 1, she would be thinking of all the BIG things in the world and end up sleeping at 2 'thinking' why she didn't actually sleep at 2. She could have blogged u know!

And thats a woman's brain for you. Thinking brain. Sometimes its irritating for us too. We do realize that thinking is injurious to health. Thats why men, they-are-so-smart-men, don't think at all! And we hate them for that. Guess that's why we take their responsibilities too and think twice as much!

We think about the big, the small, and the minuscule. Its not our fault. Just like crying isn't. And well, there's a big post on crying coming up soon. Its my favorite hobby. Oh, no wait, its thinking. Umm..will have to think on this one!

*the post has been written in an extremely light hearted manner..and should be taken in the same spirit!!*

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Do looks matter?

I've been thinking day in and day out, how to change my blog's appearance. Asked only one person, and she's a sweetheart - Sneha and then took up the task myself!

And now I realize, how easy it is. Although I have a lot to learn, but I'm getting blog savvy!Whatever that means!

Are looks that important? Why do we run for templates so much? I found out there are websites and websites teaching this, hosting pics, and what not. I, myself did a whole lot of things to understand the concept. I guess it's because right now I'm in the 'addicted-to-blogging' phase. And as soon as it's gone, I'll switch back to Minima! But again, does template matter? Isn't the content more important? Won't you read my posts if I stuck to Minima...

And while I write this, I think of thousands of remedies to look good. I think of fair and lovely. I think of those ads that ask for 'beautiful, fair...girl for a guy'. I think of those 'uptann' massages that baby girls get to become fair. I think of that fat girl in school who had no freinds...

A blog is the heart and soul of a person. What he thinks, what he feels and believes in. And appearances deceive what really lies inside. And thats exactly what happens in real life too. Pretty face can be heartless. Not-so-pretty - can be a gem inside. Although I cant generalize this at all.

My earlier template was a little on the kiddish side. That's what I am in real life. But I thought what I was writing was not going with the background. So, well, should I change the way I appear as well.

And what about the title. Teeth that sparkle makes no sense for a 'serious blogger'. So, should I change my title too? (Wont get into what's in a name philosophy!)

Oh, It confuses me to no extent! There are lots of thoughts, but no conclusion. And it basically boils down to 'how you present yourself' funda. Well, doesn't happen that way, does it?

Friday, July 20, 2007

Faith

She was imagining herself. With vermilion on her forehead,bangles on her hands, new found love around her and a whole new sweet family to live with. She clutched onto the small Ganesha sculpture that was her guiding light since she was 4 and prayed for all to go well.

Naina was a God loving and an extremely religious girl. Visiting a temple every day was like breathing to her, a necessity. In sunrise, in flowers, in stars, in her fiance's eyes, in her parents love...she felt blessed by the force above.

"We have to distribute just two invitations. Still, the drive from Mumbai will take some time. We will be back around midnight. So take care Naina." said her mother while leaving for Pune.
" Get some chocolate fudge for me if you take the Lonavla route!"
"Right, and what about the skincare regime. You're forgetting something dear, your wedding is in a week!"
"Oh! Ma, thats my last wish..."
"Shhh, never say that. Take care of the house."
"Alright, I'll just light a lamp for your safe journey. Enjoy!"
"You just need a reason!" smiled her mom and left.

Yes, her faith was funny sometimes. For a 20 year old, coming from a family who wasn't so religious, it was strange. But she never questioned it. She just had faith. And the fact that life was going smooth further strengthened that her faith was right.

"So you like the fudge hmm? Want to go to Lonavla for our honeymoon?" Siddhant was romancing on phone at 1 in the night.
"You think I'll let you get away with such a cheap trip. Plan something quick to Singapore, else, I'll call off the wedding!"
"C'mon, don't say things like that."
"Funny. Mom also said something...uh...by the way, it's 1 and they are not back. Let me check."

When the phone was not answered, Naina panicked. Where were ma and pa? She called up her uncle but there was no response.

Half an hour later, she received a phone call from a stranger saying that her parents had met with an accident and that she should reach the Highway Hospital immediately.
With her heart beating fast, she clutched the Ganesha and picked her uncle on the way.

Screams, tears, and her whole world was torn apart. Her Ma and Pa lay dead in the hospital. The Ganesha fell on the floor and was shattered into pieces.

Naina got married a month later. A small ceremony and a gloomy atmosphere marked the day. There were tears of pain and no smiles of joy.

She never recovered from the tragedy. She became cynical. Everyday temple visits? She could not even bear to see the sight of a God's sculpture anymore. For her, her beliefs died with her parents.

More than that, she lost faith in everything. Her relationship with Siddhant, her daughter Tanya, her mundane life, everything suffered. If there was something that was keeping her alive was the store, where she worked as a floor manager.

"What's that? A Jesus statue? Why is it on my floor?"
"But mam, we are showcasing our new range here," trembled a salesgirl.
"Why will people buy them? For some blind faith they have?"
"Some people are strong believers mam, you should not be so rigid."
"Oh, don't teach me. Display this on the first floor. As long is its away from my sight, its okay."

"Daddy, why does mum hate God? Miss told us today we should all love God," Tanya questioned Siddhant one evening.
"Sweetheart, when we love something a lot, we start expecting. And when we don't receive what we expect, things change. You are too small to understand."
"But I will tell mum to pray. Can I pray?"
Siddhant stroked her hair and nodded. He had had a tough life. He had to understand all eccentricities of Naina. He was a doting husband and a firm believer in God himself. And he knew somewhere, that one day, everything will be alright.

Naina was working late that Saturday evening. It was rather very hot. She could not eat anything as well for all the restaurants were on the 7th floor and that was closed due to reconstruction. Apparently, there was a lot of load on the mall, and it needed repair.
Suddenly, she heard a loud noise. Something terrible was happening above her. As she ran towards the staircase from her basement department, something hit her and she felt unconscious on the floor.

The whole mall had fallen apart. 5 years after the construction, the building collapsed because the builders had overlooked certain necessary requirements. Hundreds died that fateful day.

When the injured were being rescued, Naina was no where in sight. And the rescue operations reaching the basement seemed way too far. Siddhant and Tanya's life was shattered. Tanya started visiting the church. And she pulled Siddhant along.

People were being evacuated even after 7 days. After that all lost hope. But under all brick and mortar, Naina was breathing. Without food and water, she was desperately trying to stay alive. The smoke had not choked her. But the fear of death was terrifying.

16 days after the collapse, a miracle happened. Naina was rescued under unimaginable circumstances.

A week later, when she really recovered from the injuries, she heard how Tanya had prayed.

Siddhant held a Ganesha in his hand. That day, she got her parents back. And her faith too.



notes:
1. The mall incident is a real one. It happened in South Korea. visit:
blogs.nationalgeographic.com/channel/blog/2005/09/explorer_collapse.html
(its one link, could not fit the frame)
2. however, the story is fictitious.


Of Sweet People

I was reading testimonials. Of good people and of not so good people (according to my opinion of them! I judge sometimes...!) And i came to the following conclusion:

We've heard a million times and we say a million times that all of us have positives and negatives. But do we really believe in that when we hate someone?

So when you read a testimonial what do you see? The sweetest person on earth is the person you are reading about. And that happens on all profile pages. Conclusion: everyone on earth is sweet...and nice...and cute...*read a testimonial, any for that matter, for more adjectives*

There's a quote by Mother Teresa that says 'if you judge people, you have no time to love them'. So true, but so difficult to follow! Next time you're angry at someone, and really can't understand why on earth such people survive, read his testimonial.

And for that, Orkut should be made mandatory for the 6 billion plus population of earth!

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Living life to the Fullest

The phone was ringing incessantly. Weird. Mom never calls at this hour. My heart skipped a beat, something was wrong. And I suddenly realized Aman was in the hospital. Was he alright? I just had to know. Without answering the phone call, I grabbed my car keys and rushed to the hospital.

"Stop puling my hair, I'll call mom and she will give you a piece of her mind," I was screaming. "Ha, you are a weak, silly girl who cant do without her mum," said Aman, laughing like Pran in silly old movies!

I smiled remembering how naughty he was when we were kids. Come what may, he would never let me stay in peace. I owe all my tolerance to him! But now, I owe him a lot of other things. I owe him how to live even while you are dying. I owe him the ability to smile during all adversities. I owe him the valuable lesson of loving unconditionally...

That Friday we were gathered around the neem tree in the park. Arun, Smita, Paras, Aman and me. A naughty boy from the neighboring colony hit Aman with a stone and he started to bleed profusely. All of us, a bunch of 10 year olds, started screaming and with all our strength, we took Aman to the nearest doc in the colony. Arun called Aman's mom and our job was done.

A week passed and Aman didn't come for the evening games. When I told my mom, she told me he was not well. "What happened to him? Is the wound too deep?" I asked mum. But she did not reply.

2 years passed in a jiffy and we nearly forgot that Aman was a part of our gang.
"What's muscular dystrophy?" Arun asked Smita as if she knew EVERYTHING in the world.
"I have no idea. But yes, i heard on TV that people die because of this disease." So she did know a bit.
"That means Aman is dying?" questioned Arun. "I heard mom telling dadi yesterday that Aman is suffering with this."
All of us became worried and decided to visit Aman.

What we saw was beyond our wildest imagination. Aman was on the bed, all weak and lanky. He was overjoyed to see us. "Hi! Where have you all been? I sent a few messages but I didn't get any response."
"Umm...we thought your mom had stopped you from coming outside because of the accident. And you live a little far from us, so we could never meet you. How are you?" asked Paras.
"I am absolutely fine. Do you think something is wrong with me?"
None of us uttered a word. Aman continued, just like a father explains his children, "Well, I don't know if you all know, but I've been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. It's a disease where the muscles progressively weaken. In some cases its not as bad. But I'm God's special child. I have a strong case!"

I had never seen a 12 year old talk like that. Was he kidding us? He was suffereing with a disease that, according to our understanding, was deadly. Was he not afraid? I was.

That night I could not sleep. I asked mom "Is it true that Aman is dying?"
"No darling, but he is weak. Very weak. If it continues it might become serious. Or he just might hit back."
But what if he didn't?

"Hey Aman, hows life?" I went to his place the next day. "Oh, its tough, but nevermind, don't have a choice. By the way, I need a favor."
"Sure, anytime. What is it?"
"I have your gifts, your pictures...whenever you pass by my house, I can't help but think how much I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?"
And the earth beneath my feet moved !!!! I blushed and laughed and thought wow, it happens only to beautiful girls!
"I'm serious. Listen, I don't have a long life. I can't waste it. I need to work fast. If I make my first girlfriend at 12, I just might make my 5th by the time I'm 21. Thats when i want to get married. At 22, I'll have my kid, get a divorce and marry my wife to a handsome guy before dying. So tell me, what do you have to say?"

Here I was having my first proposal, thinking I was cute, but this guy, he was sooooo selfish! I just made girlie faces and told him I had some homework to do! A week later we all visited him again. He looked weaker to me. "Nisha, you didn't accept my proposal, so for the time being its Smita. You can be next!" Aman exclaimed.

That was Aman. At 12, he spoke like a 30 year old. Planned, organized, knew exactly what he wanted and fighting with death.

8 years have passed. And I have seen the worst. First Aman had to leave school because he could not take the stress. Then, his movements became weaker and weaker because the progression had taken over him. And now, he had to use a wheelchair. Doctors had said it just might be the last few months.

"Why are some diseases beyond any cure?" I asked Aman the other day. He use to console all of us as if he was okay and he just had to make sure we were too.
"Thats because some people take their life for granted. And we, God's special messengers, are here to tell them, live your life to the fullest."
"How can you be so positive?"
"I have two choices. I can be sad that I'm unable to do anything. Or I can be happy, enjoy with you; my sweetheart and be happy. I've chosen to be happy 'cause that way, I can see everyone around me smile too."
"Is it easy?"
For the first time in 10 years, I saw tears in his eyes. "Now, that it's soon going to be over, I'm scared. My mum wont be able to get over it ever. And my girlfriend will cry too. Worst part, I wont be around to hug them."
I hugged him and told him that I wont cry. I told him that I loved him. I told him that I'll take care of his mom like her bahu...and he smiled.

Today when he took his last breath, it was time I kept my promise. It was time to take up some responsibilities that were never mine. But I took them without a hitch. Because Aman was my inspiration in everything I did. He taught me life's greatest lesson...To live life to the fullest...


A note on Muscular Dystrophy:

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that gradually weakens the body's muscles. It's caused by incorrect or missing genetic information that prevents the body from making the proteins it needs to build and maintain healthy muscles.A child who is diagnosed with MD gradually loses the ability to do things like walk, sit upright, breathe easily, and move the arms and hands. This increasing weakness can lead to other health problems and even an early death.

There are several major forms of muscular dystrophy, which can affect a child's muscles in different levels of severity. In some cases, MD starts causing muscle problems in infancy, while in others, symptoms don't appear until adulthood.There is no cure for MD, but researchers are quickly learning more about how to prevent and treat the condition. Doctors are also working on improving muscle and joint function, and slowing muscle deterioration so that kids, teens, and adults with MD can live as actively and independently as possible.

Friday, July 13, 2007

The Zahir



Finally...Paulo Coelho mania is over! thank god...I was slowly on my path to spirituality...at 24...that would mean...cant even begin to explain what!

The Zahir - according to the author - is a state of madness that might come with love of someone or something. Here, the author was 'in love' with his wife,Esther, who left him because she thought that something was missing in their life.

According to them, they were happily married, had everything they wanted from trips to luxury to even love...still she left him without him knowing. The author spends two years in her search...in between he's in love with a woman named Marie. But he has to find his Zahir...for he is occupied by her thoughts day and night.

All this sounds like a ridiculous idea to me. If you had everything, but felt something was missing why didn't the wife try to talk it over. Lets assume that Esther wanted the husband to realize his madness for her.But why the hell he had other women in his life whom, according to him, he loved too!

Most chapters are on Mikhail(a friend of the wife whom the author suspects to be the cause for Esther leaving) and his sessions where people tell their stories in open to strangers, have fun and thus relieve themselves.

Sharing pain is good, but i feel sharing what you feel with your close ones builds stronger bonds and might even solve all misunderstandings which might be the cause for pain! And well, the whole concept of love in The Zahir is beyond me.

To each his own. And Paulo has his own thoughts. So I'll give him his due credit for some amazing work elsewhere. But lets just hope love remains love and all the unconventional blabber about this emotion stays away from earth!

whY

Why can't we sleep when we are most tired
Why can't we rebel when required
Why can't we hug when we love so much
Why can't we dream with a tender touch

Why are we lonely when sad
Why cant we hit back when things go bad
Why do we love what we cant get
Why do we remember what others forget

Why do we live when we have to die
Why does love make us cry
Why doesn't the phone ring when we want it to
Why do we love all things new

Why cant we answer when we know everything
Why are we quiet when the heart wants to sing
Why do we sleep when we have miles to cover
Why always becomes never...

Every why has a because
Then why ask with such a pause
When mind wanders in an unknown space
Let nature guide and we follow the pace

Harry Potter and The order of the Phoenix


Well, I'm no ardent fan of Mr.Potter! But i love to have fun...and so early morning(10:40 a.m.!!!!) me and my friend headed for first day first show of the new Harry flick!

To say I was disappointed would be too harsh. Lets just say it wasn't up to the expectations. You wait and wait for something thrilling to happen, as in all Potter movies, and when something happens, 10 minutes and the movie is over.

Harry is accused of lying by saying that Voldemot is back. Nobody believes him and so he forms his own army against him. Some(5 maybe!) fun moments, some(umm..1..cant even call that a fight though) fighting scenes in the last 10 mins, Harry is proved right and THE END!

I missed laughing, I missed being captured by fights, I missed the fun matches, I missed Dumbledore and Hagrid and I hated the fact that Potter loses his Godfather in this one. Also, Potter kisses Cho...just for a few whistles by some sick audience(lol! well, where i live, it happens!)...and thats all...no emotions anywhere at all.

The people who have read the book(I haven't) say that a lot of things were missing. Guess that happens with all books that turn into movies 'coz there is little time.

The silver lining - Prof Pinky...oops...Umbridge was a lottt of fun to watch, and so were the Weasely twins. I've always loved Hermione's assertiveness and she did justice this time as well. Rest, well, I know all Harry fans would watch this one, but Im sure they'll think how much better it could have been.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

A Walk on the Clouds

Round and round you go
Up to a mountain top
Leaving streams behind
To a place, one of its kind...

What you find is something rare
More than a holiday, more than a break
A sense of calmness, a sense of peace
A piece of nature, that's what you seize

When a thousand reflections hit the lake
When clouds cover the ground beneath you
When a cool breeze pushes you around
And a drizzling rain makes trickling sound

The experience doesn't come everyday
Making merry with friends and family
A peg of vodka, a sip of tea
Mountains can be an awesome place to party!


(a small and somewhat poetic account of a holiday!)

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Understanding God


I'm not a very religious person. Nor am I forced to be one. And so, visiting a place of worship has never been a routine task.

But temples actually calm me down. They have this tranquility about them that's rare. I don't believe that God actually lives there or even God is in an idol thats kept. But I do believe that faith in every form helps and can be miraculous.

Everyone has their own idea about God. Some meditate, some see him in the idols they worship, some in their parents...a million other probably. I think I'm too young to know all the forms God exists for mankind.

For me, God exists in our soul. Or, our soul is our God. When we pray and wish for something, we pray to ourselves. And if we actually believe in God (read ourselves), the wish is granted.

Ever read the saying, God helps those who helps themselves? If we work towards what we wish for and work hard enough, the immense faith and trust reciprocates and we call it a miracle. Impossible is made possible not because there is a higher force looking after us, but because the force within is strong enough to face any adversity.

So who created the world? Where does this force come from? God resides in the soul. But who created the soul?

Some questions remain unanswered. Growing up may change beliefs and might answer my questions. I'm not rigid, anyway!

God what's happening to me. Becoming too philosophical, eh? God help me! :)

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Life's Little Lessons


I remember I was in class VII, sitting alone on the last seat 'coz one of my friends had left for another school and the other was monitoring the class! Yeah she was a favorite with teachers! And suddenly i scribbled a poem called I Love, I Love...in love with birds, sweets and my school. 11 years and love has a changed meaning altogether! Well, that was my first poem.

Anyways, that time i thought I'd be a teacher. I guess every girl dreams of being one sometime or the other. While I was doing my graduation with absolutely no future plans, I was forced into an MBA coaching institute (thats because my friends were going, how could i miss the fun!). With no idea whatsoever, 2 years later I was doing MBA(all my friends who did join the coaching were not!), ready to rule the corporate world! Ah yes, between my grad and MBA i had a short stint of six months with Times of India as a freelancer. And I still wanted to do MBA! People told me why not Journalism, and i never even gave it a thought. And writer, I understood only one way of writing, and that was being a fiction writer. Height of ignorance!

While doing MBA I was the student co-ordinator of our newsletter and wrote for my college at times. I was pathetic at finance but good at marketing 'coz i could think creatively. Still, I wanted to get into finance!

I did extremely well and got a job in a bank with an awesome pay scale. But, circumstances and a few realizations made me never join that organization.

And here I am, writing a blog. Planning to start afresh and learn how to write. Write to use my talent and God's gift. I don't regret any decision that i made, if I made any that is. But strange isn't it, if I realised it 11 years back, i could have been someone else.

Hmmm....

Friday, June 22, 2007

Disconnected!


Now this is the usual man says woman says stuff...with a twist!

on phone - 22nd June, 2007
Man: (after talking for 1 hour or rather listening!) Ok sweetheart, I'll get back to work.
Woman: Huh! You never have time for me. We just spoke only for an hour. BYE

on phone - 15th May, 2007
W: (same - an hour) Ok honey, I have some work.
M: Ok sweety, Bye.
W: Huh! You never stop me. You've had enough, havent you? BYE

on phone - 17th April, 2007
M: (been an hour) Hmm and what else?
W: How come its been an hour and you have'nt hung up?
M: Oh, I'm free so no problems.
W: Do you think I'm your timepass. Whenever you are free you'll talk otherwise you'll hang up? BYE

on Phone - 14th Jan, 2007
W: yawnnnn...I'm feeling sleepy.
M: Then sleep no, sweety.
W: That's what you want. Me to stop blabbering. BYE

on phone - 5th Dec, 2006
M: yawnnn...I'm feeling sleepy.
W: You think I'm boring don't you?...BYE

Women, they always have the last word.
Men, call up again, the ring goes alll the way, she doesnt pick up. Second,,,third....depends on the ego of the lady...picks up...n Men, for no fault of their's coochie coo...reassure...apologize...
I'm so glad I'm a woman!!

Monday, June 18, 2007

5 ways to Inspire!

What do you do when your friend is sad? Cry along? Or be the friend in need? Well, with a lot of stress all around us, its tough to be a 'source of inspiration'! But if you try hard enough you really can and it does give a wholeee lot of satisfaction. Thats my mantra in life - inspire and feel inspired!

So what do i do when i see a friend feeling low? I'm that rude bud who doesn't console! I scold, I reason out and try to show the positive. How? Well, here's my 5 ways guide:

1. Show that it could have been worse. People like it when they see that their situation is atleast better than their distant cousin! Sadist? We all are.

2. Tell your personal experience and how you came out of it. Be short and snappy or else it feels like bragging. If you dont have any experience to share, be imaginative and come out with one!

3. Be confident and a little loud when you talk. You want your pal to listen to you, right? Use phrases - get up and get going sweetheart!

4. Gift him/her a book. No, not 5 ways to get inspired types! A story, a real life one maybe, as i said before, people like it when their situation is better. And this way they learn a thing or two how to get out of the worse. Chicken Soup series, Paulo Coelho(my fav), and a book by the name of The Power of the Subconcious mind are awesome.

5. Be frank, but don't be too harsh. After all, life sucks at times. Tell him that you're there, tell him this too shall pass, and yeah, show that there is a funny side to all of it. There always is. Trust me.

If all this doesn't work, clearly you suck at inspiring!Get some books, surf the net, and learn. It goes a long way.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom - The movie!


If you like songs with abstract lyrics, if you like a movie without a script,if you like romance without emotions,if you want to watch Amitabh Bachchan - the legendary actor of bollywood - to just boogie for one song and laugh in the end for a stupid reason, then please go and watch this movie!

This movie also seems to be a reply to Ash by Abhishek 'coz he gets to kiss both the actresses! Girl meets boy, boy meets girl. They lie to each other and then try to undo it because they fall in love! Now there seems to be no real reason for the 'love' as well. But then thats justified in the end by a monologue that this generation doesn't believe in mushy love stories and is unconventional. Are we?

Two things that are good about the movie are - the beats that the songs have(spoilt due to the pathetic lyrics) and Abhishek Bachchan's cute and natural acting. He's an absolute darling in the film. Watch Jhoom Barabar Jhoom for him if you want to, otherwise the movie really sucks.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Like the Flowing River


As I read Paulo's books my regard for this writer increases manifold. Maybe i never read the way I do now, but this man is truly worth all the adulation he gets.

Like the flowing river is as sweet and simple as it can get. Any person on this earth can write such a book. It has reflections from the writer's mundane activities and thoughts that arise from each.

But what makes him Paulo Coelho is the way he describes smallest of incidents and provokes thoughts that never occur to us when we experience what he does. A simple outing with his wife, meeting strangers on the beach, understanding different ways to romance, marveling at the thoughts of spiritual gurus, and just learning from short experiences in life.

Very simple yet profound, this book is extremely calming. It inspires you to be happy and just let things be. It also inspires you to take pleasure in simple things in life 'coz they are what makes life acually what it is.

Just in case, you want to read him everyday, heres his link:
http://paulocoelhoblog.com/

www.bindaasdaily.com


So you think you know all the chic hangouts around you, all the fashion stores and nearly all the hot spots? Check out www.bindaasdaily.com, and your style-guru-crown might just fall off!

No offense to your credentials, but here is one website that watches all the latest trends around and updates you even before the morning newspaper! Be it a happening, foodie's paradise, an uber-cool hangout, a classy attire store, an entertaining movie, an engrossing book, a rejuvenating spa, u name it and its there...fresh and hip!

You might think I'm exaggerating. Don't trust me! Sign up for their newsletter if you're from Bombay, Delhi or Dubai. If not, watch out for their edition of your city coming up soon. And if you still think you're THE style guru, then hurry up, they just might need new employees! :)

Friday, May 25, 2007

Toothache!

Big teeth and small teeth. Yellow teeth and white teeth(and golden silver too!). Straight teeth and crooked teeth. Which one is yours??

Well, i am obsessed with my teeth!!

Now lets check out some teethy stories! For one, my denture is the type you wont find everywhere. Then why am i obssesed with it? Simple, they look different! When i was a kid, i was toooo scared to wear braces. When i was a teenager, for some silly reason my mom was petrified. And then when i was 20, well only behenjis wear braces when they r 20...or so I thought.(later whn one of my friends wore them while i was doing MBA, I thought she was brave, and well, they looked good on her. Plus i'm sure, she had no BF...if u know what I mean!)

Getting back to MY teeth. I have heard many comments. a friend of mine once commented that i might have been a witch in my previous life and so the teeth!some have hated them(to hell with them!). And well, most people find them toooo cute(nice, sweet, lovable people!).

The toughest part comes when I'm being clicked. Its mostly on the photographer's taste(people next to me cant see the teeth, so I'm saved of the comments.) One would say, show your teeth, they look nice. Some would ask me to give a simple smile(to save the friend next to me of a pic thats come out well, but spoilt due to my teeth.) And some would be so shocked to see the denture and how i show it off that they wont be able to comment!

And so the saga continues. Of good teeth and bad. Sometimes I wonder how would it look if I had nice, straight shiny teeth. Oops I forgot to mention their color...I'll save you some boredome! Yeah, when I am 70, and I have no teeth, I will get a fiiting that is as good as yours, and then I'll know what I missed by not wearing braces all my life. Till then... I'll say cheese with a crooked smile!!

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Veronika Decides to Die


Everyday our inbox is filled with forwards. Some asking us to ‘fwd’ a chain mail to save someone’s life, some with jokes, some with pretty pictures and some with beautiful thoughts. We read them and move on with life. How many times we would have read the line ‘we should all live like it was our last day on earth’? If not more, then at least 10 times.

And how many of us actually follow that? If I were to make a normal distribution curve, then most of us lie in the center, where we keep thinking and living in either our past or our future. The present normally is for the mad, who do no planning!

Veronika Decides to Die – a fabulous book by Paulo Coelho – gives a very important message through a very interesting story.

Veronika, the protagonist, is a beautiful girl with everything in her life. But suddenly she wants to take sleeping pills and commit suicide. She does that. But as fate had it, she survives and is taken to a mental asylum. There the doctors tell her that she has only a week left. During this week she will be given injections to ‘save’ her. But she would survive only a week. the hospital teaches her life’s most important lessons of living a life without guilt, doing what your heart desires, of living for others…

In this week she desires nothing but to follow her heart as she has nothing to lose. In the end we see that she survives a day more than a week. and her lover calls it a miracle. No one knows how long will Veronika survive, but the most important thing is that she will live each day as if it was a miracle and will follow her heart.

If only all of us could do that!

This book is a must read for anyone who has ever thought of committing a suicide, for anyone who thinks life is worthless, and for those who worry more and live less. That makes it the entire population of earth, doesn’t it?

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

My first...

I don't intend to write something that will ...well...create some interest even in one person. Yet i want to write something that will remain here forever and be remembered. My first blog!

First is always special. First birthday, first words, first school, first friend, first crush, first love, first kiss...the list is endless. And here I am writing my first blog. Will this also be in one of my 'firsts'? Are blogs that special? I will have to wait and watch!

I read this long time ago in one of the Reader's Digest issue...the time it used to be really interesting...that live your life so that you don't have to hide your diary. And I always wondered, can anyone really live like that? Better still, don't write a diary! And so, the idea of writing a blog still makes me think twice.

Before i get lost in words and thought, I should stop typing. And yes, I must have some guidelines before i really write a blog. 'Cause I really don't want to hide this!