Tuesday, January 31, 2017

In Retrospect

January 31st can there be anything special about it?
Just another day
In the daily grind of a mundane life
The first month of the year comes to an end,
So what's new?
Unchanging monotony, slowly fading hopes, weakening resolves
Can there be anything special about Jan the 31st?
Just a turn in the page of a calendar
There can be nothing special about Jan the 31st.

January 31st..it can be so very special,
When the dawn of a fresh new year
has given new hopes, challenges and dreams.
Like any last day, with the bitter mingling with the sweet
We introspect the good that's done, the best that's to come and the bad that's taught new lessons
Jan the 31st it can be so special
as a page in the calendar turns,
With a few steps taken in a new direction,
Achievements in small measures,
What a gratifying day it can be,
The last day of the first month of the new year!

Day 31 of Blogathon 2017

Monday, January 30, 2017

Trivial Musings (with a dose of sarcasm)

Life's unfair when we are supposed to choose our career in our teens when sometimes we figure out what we are really good at finally in our 20s, 30s or maybe 40s.

Recently I saw a video about the world's toughest job being that of a farmer's. I'm sure it is but I think parenting would give it some tough competition. At least, the weather is sometimes predictable.

I read in the paper a few weeks back that it is possible to raise kids without yelling. Yes...probably when your kids are angels and life is one rosy picture for you. For those whose kids are not, like mine, this was my tribute.

What's with the post-baby bod? How do these ladies do it - some in weeks after delivery? It's been years and I have still clung to the fat around my stomach.

Seeing my tummy fat, I shake my head in disbelief, because all through my life till my marriage, I was told that I was so thin that I would disappear one day. Sorry I didn't.

So to those thin people (they do exist and they too experience body shaming), you will get payback time, when those who teased you then will now be looking out for gyms or stressing about diets. (This is before you get the aforementioned tummy fat. Once you cross that milestone, it's a level playing field.)

If you ever want to connect with another homemaker, start your conversation with the topic of maids, pepper it with the stress of having kids and end it with the eternal conundrum of in-laws. If they do not have a problem with any one of the three, they are living the good life that you imagine in your dreams.

Silence is golden. I truly agree with that. But what about all the junk that's floating in my head because of all the thoughts I cannot express out loud? Well, that comes out here. :)

I never knew writing a blog post every day was not only exhausting but also exhilarating at the same time. One more day to go. Phew!

Day 30 of Blogathon 2017





Sunday, January 29, 2017

Travel



Mani Ratnam, one of India's best filmmakers, is supposedly going to shoot abroad for his upcoming movie. This should not be an earth-shattering piece of news, but when you consider that it is only the third time that he has done so in his long illustrious career (once for the film Guru -Turkey and the second time  for Amrutha - Sri Lanka or could be vice versa), it is truly remarkable. Especially because his films are as much a visual treat as they are emotionally profound. His most beautiful songs shot in India are a testimony to the abundant beauties known and unknown in our country.

India is a country of 29 states and 7 union territories. It's a multicultural, multireligious and multilinguistic nation. But what amazes me most is the variety of options it offers to every kind of tourist. Spiritual, religious, eco, adventure, historic and even medical tourism are the different kinds of tourism thriving in India.

Travelling to new places is something I love. Out of the 29 states, I have been to one or two places in 12 states. These are Andhra Pradesh (where I have lived), Telangana (where I live now), Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Sikkim.

There is still so much to explore, even in the states that I have already visited. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and the Northeast states are some of the states that I plan to visit in the future.

It's not easy to take time out to travel, especially with kids. But if there's one resolution that I would like to try each year, it's to take a trip to a new place at least once a year.

Here are some pics from trips we made in the last few years


 Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 

Coorg, Karnataka

Dubare, Karnataka

Bylakuppe, Karnataka

Karamala, Orissa

Warangal, Telangana

Munnar, Kerala

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Ooty, Tamil Nadu




Day 29 of Blogathon 2017

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Data Privacy

January 28th is Data Privacy Day. You can check your privacy settings by going to Google homepage, if you have a Google account.

According to the Privacy Checkup page, you can 'Choose the privacy settings that are right for you. Review and adjust what data Google uses to personalize your experience, and update what information you share with friends or make public.'

I am not sure how much of a difference it makes but at least we can regulate how much of what we are doing on the net is seen.

Day 28 of Blogathon 2017

Friday, January 27, 2017

My Favourite TV Show

Do you like to watch sitcoms? I do. Short for situational comedy, sitcoms are a series of 20-30 minute episodes which focus on a particular set of characters. American sitcoms are very popular, with shows such as Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, How I Met your Mother, The Big Bang Theory enjoying immense popularity in India. I have watched all these shows and love the humour and distinctive style of each show. However, if there is one TV show that ranks high up on my list, it is the show about nothing, Seinfeld.

Named the greatest television program of all time in 2002 by TV Guide, the first episode of Seinfeld aired nearly 27 years ago in July 1989. Running for 9 successful years, Seinfeld gave birth to catchphrases such as 'yada yada', 'regifting', 'low talker', 'in the vault' and so many more.

I was introduced to this TV show in 2007 by my husband, who was a big fan of Jerry Seinfeld. Thankfully, the reruns of the show came every evening and I must have watched all the 9 seasons a lot of times. Not everyone can understand or appreciate the irreverent and unsentimental tone of the show, preferring the feel good nature of sitcoms such as Friends. But I loved it. It was comedic genius and I especially loved Elaine Benes, played terrifically by Julia Louis Dreyfus.

Most evenings (when I was in the US) all alone at home, Seinfeld gave me the best company I could ask for and it will always be my all time favourite TV show.

Day 27 of Blogathon 2017

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Republic Day


Today, the 26th of January, is the Republic Day of India. The first thing that comes to my mind on this day is the Parade, which my mother used to watch religiously every year and still does. Watching the parade made us feel immensely proud of our country's armed forces and amazed at the myriad hues of India's rich culture and heritage.

We do not need a reason to explain or a specific day to express our love for our motherland but watching the parade on Republic Day filled our hearts with patriotic fervour and national pride.

Nowdays I do not watch the parade. However, on this day, in our colony, the air reverberates with patriotic songs right from the morning. I have a great time listening to the songs playing from the stereo systems placed in key points all over the locality. Some of the songs are 'mere desh ki dharti', 'nanha munna rahi hoon', 'ae mere watan ke logon' and 'vandemataram'. Rahman's Vandemataram is often played on such occasions but I never hear the other patriotic song he has composed which is one of my favourites. It is 'Yeh jo desh hai tera' from the movie Swades. Listening to it, one cannot help but feel an immense love for our nation.






Wishing everyone a Happy Republic Day!

Day 26 of Blogathon 2017

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

25 Questions

Doing the Book Tag was so much fun. So I checked the Internet and came across this 25 Questions Tag, which asks pretty random and ahem, useless, stuff. Here goes -

Question 1: do you have any pets?

No. I don't like having pets.

Question 2: name three things that are physically close to you.

My phone, the sofa and the newspaper.

Question 3: what’s the weather like right now?

It's a mix of sunny and windy. Lovely January weather.

Question 4: do you drive? If so, have you crashed?

No, I don't.  But I had a near crash when I was learning how to drive. Now, you know why I don't.

Question 5: what time did you wake up this morning?

At 5:45 a.m.

Question 6: when was the last time you showered?

Today morning.

Question 7: what was the last movie that you saw?

Jyo atchuthananda at home and Dangal in the multiplex.

Question 8: what does your last text message say?

My last WhatsApp message was 'good night anna' to my brother who lives abroad.

Question 9: what is your ringtone?

Something called 'Over the Horizon' in my Samsung phone.

Question 10: have you ever been to a different country?

Yes. To the United States.

Question 11: do you like sushi?

Have never tasted it.

Question 12: where do you buy your groceries?

At the local supermarket. That's the only shopping I have not started doing online yet, thankfully.

Question 13: have you ever taken any medication to help you fall asleep faster?

No. Never.

Question 14: how many siblings do you have?

Two. A brother and a sister.

Question 15: do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?

Laptop.

Question 16: how old will you be turning on your next birthday?

36!!!

Question 17: do you wear contacts or glasses?

Both.

Question 18: do you colour your hair?

If henna is colour, then once in a blue moon.

Question 19: tell me something you are planning to do today.

I am planning to go to a family function and not getting excited by that prospect at all.

Question 20: when was the last time you cried?

3 days back. Sometimes, things get too much to handle.

Question 21: what is your perfect pizza topping?

Paneer or baby corn.

Question 22: which do you prefer, hamburger or cheeseburger?

Ham is not an option..so it would be a cheeseburger.

Question 23: have you ever had an all-nighter?

Yes, many times.

Question 24: what is your eye colour?

Black.

Question 25: can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coca-Cola?

I think Pepsi is sweeter.

There you go...my answers to the 25 Questions tag.

Tagging balcony sunrise and divya chatty. :)

Day 25 of Blogathon 2017

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Love

There comes a time in most people's lives when their lives change completely with the arrival of one person. A time when all their thoughts begin to center around this person. They begin to experience a hitherto unknown ecstasy with the mere presence of that person in their lives. Twenty-four hours of the day, whether they are awake and conscious or sleeping and dreaming, they only worry about that one person. Just looking at the person smile, all their worries seem to vanish in a trice. They become aware of a deep emotion which they realize is none other than Love.

I too have experienced it in my life - not once but twice - when my two sons came into my life and gave me the best identity of all - that of a mother.

Yes, a mother's love is peppered with responsibility, duty, affection, frustration, anger, expectations and disappointments, but I can never imagine living my life without it.

This one's for my sons.

Day 24 of Blogathon 2017

Monday, January 23, 2017

Book Tag Time

1. E-book or Physical book?
Definitely, a physical book.
2. Paperback or Hardback?
Paperback.
3. Online or In-Store Book Shopping?
It's been ages since I have stepped into a bookstore. So, it's online shopping and sometimes, shopping in book exhibitions.
4. Trilogies or Series?
The only trilogy I have ever read is The Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi. So, it would be series.
5. Heroes or Villains?
Heroines. Think Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Shirley, Heidi, Marian Halcombe, Hermoine Granger or Daenerys Targaryen.
6. A Book You Want Everyone To Read?
Hmm, maybe The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
7. Recommend an Underrated Author?
Have not heard of or read any underrated author.
8. The Last Book You Finished?
The Sixth Form at St Clare's by Enid Blyton. :)
9. Weirdest Thing You’ve Used as a Bookmark?
Probably my phone.
10. Used Books: Yes or No?
Rarely.
11. Top Three Favorite Genres?
Classics

Adventure/Mystery

Children's fiction
12. Borrow or Buy?
In the absence of a good lending library, always Buy.
On a side note, I think having a book lover for a spouse or family member makes gift giving so easy. One book as a gift and we are pleased as punch!
13. Character or Plot?
Character.
14. Long or Short Books?
Long...the longer, the better.
15. Name The First Three Books You Think Of
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Anne of Avonlea by L M Montgomery

Hound of the Baskervilles by A C Doyle
16. Books That Make You Laugh or Cry?
Laugh - Psmith in the City by P G Wodehouse
Cry - A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
17. Our World or Fictional Worlds?
Fictional worlds, preferably the world of Anne Shirley. :)
18. Audiobooks: Yes or No?
Not heard any.
19. Do You Ever Judge a Book by its Cover?
Not the cover but the blurb.
20. Book to Movie or Book to TV Adaptations?
Book to TV Adaptations, especially Agatha Christie's Poirot and Jeremy Brett in the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
21. A Movie or TV-Show You Preferred to its Book?
Probably, 3 Idiots compared to Five Point Someone
22. Series or Standalone’s?
Both. 
23. Book that you re-read?
All the classics, Harry Potter, Hercule Poirot, Enid Blyton's school series and Wodehouse.

Thank you, Balcony Sunrise, for tagging me. This was really fun.

Day 23 of Blogathon 2017

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Taylor Swift


Have nothing to write about today...so posting a video of one of the most popular artists in the world today - Taylor Swift's 22.

Day 22 of Blogathon 2017

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Run

Her t-shirt and track pants were completely soaked in sweat. Every part of her body was crying in pain. Her legs seemed to her to have become two pillars of lead. Each step that she took was marked with agony. She was no longer running. Not even jogging. It was just an excruciating walk - one step at a time.

It was not the physical pain that she was scared of. As several runners had told her in her practice runs, it was the mind which would play havoc. She realized that stark truth yet found it terribly hard to resist succumbing to it.

'They told me I couldn't complete the run. 21 kilometres. What was I thinking? I have not even done a 2k run before. How did I think it could be possible for me? My whole body is aching. I can't take another step. It's okay if I stop now. At least, I tried. I can't do it anymore. It would be so cool just to stop here and sit down and never get up again.'

She stopped in her tracks. Around her, she saw a couple of runners - some ahead of her, some behind - everyone battling their own demons in the last dangerous stretch of the half marathon.

Somehow, the sight of these runners gave her a strange feeling of strength and camaraderie. Each one ran for a different reason - fitness, health, passion, adventure, love. She had embarked on her maiden half marathon for a completely different reason - to reclaim her life.

'What? Why do you need to run? You are not fat.' 'Are you going to wake up so early to run outside? Who will take care of the house when you are gone?' 'Are you going to run in that dress? Can't you go walking like other ladies?' 'What will you get by running?'

She had no answers. All she knew was that she needed one chance to do something for herself, without thinking about her husband, her children or her in laws. One thing that she could call her own. Her friend had pushed her to join in a run one fine Sunday morning. After the run, she was exhilarated by the feeling of freedom - freedom from responsibilities, from expectations, from priorities, from deadlines and from the endless monologue in her own head.

She had practised hard for three months and now, she realized she couldn't give up. 'This is for me.' It had been ages since she had spoken those words, without a tinge of guilt, even to herself. She summoned the last ounce of strength and will that remained in her and took one more step towards the finish line.

Day 21 of Blogathon 2017

Friday, January 20, 2017

My Favourite Short Story

Short stories are not my favourite form of fiction. However, when I was in school, there was one short story I read which remains fresh in my mind even after so many years (pun unintended). That story is After Twenty Years by O Henry. Known for his surprise endings, O Henry weaves a tale of friendship, duty and heartbreak.
If you haven't read it, you can read it here.

Day 20 of Blogathon 2017

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Intro to Introverts

You know you are an introvert when -

In school you are reluctant to raise your hand even when you know the answer

When you are younger, you beat it to your room as soon as guests come to your house

You smile courteously, talk in monosyllabes and nod your head when forced to interact with said guests

You can count the number of close friends you have on one hand

You will find every excuse to skip a party, get-together or function, especially when invited by acquaintances

If all excuses fail, you will make it a point to reach the venue of a function early so that you are spared the horror of making a late entry and finding all eyes on you

You immediately seek your pals or cronies or buddies in a party and stay miles away from the stage

You will spend the best part of a party avoiding others and can only manage a weak smile when some acquaintance or relative spies you lurking in the back rows

You get mortified when everyone in a  party breaks into a dance and expects you to join them

You learn unique ways of escaping situations where you are expected to lead

You are ready to work in the background rather than being in the limelight

You get acutely embarrassed even by the slightest gaffe or faux pas you make

You can write better than you can speak

You can never talk nineteen to the dozen with anyone, except maybe your closest friends or family

You are a confident person but are just not interested in showing it to everyone

You love reading books because there can be no better sign that you are not interested in having a conversation

You love your 'me' time and solitude is one of your greatest companions

You learn to behave like a mild extrovert as you grow up and

You smile when people don't believe when you say that you are an introvert

Day 19 of Blogathon 2017






Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Nostalgia - Part 2

If you have read my previous posts about my personal life, you would have observed that I'm a sucker for nostalgia. This post is again dedicated to music from the 90s. This time, it is Canadian singer-songwriter, Bryan Adams, whose songs were a part of my growing-up years. Though my favourites include 'Summer of '69', 'Everything I do', 'Cloud Number Nine' and 'Have You Ever Really', today I am going to post his song, '18 'til I die', the lyrics of which are apt for any day - so why not today?


Day 18 of Blogathon 2017

Home

 Weather
         17° F 
         (- 8° Centigrade) 
         Possibility of snow

Swathi looked at the computer monitor and muttered under her breath, 'This annoying Manchester weather!' She knit her brows and twisted her mouth, in indecision. She picked up her phone and made a quick call. At the end of it, she let out a sigh of relief. 'Thank God, no need to get out of my pajamas and no need to go out in this horrid weather.'

An hour later, Swathi still in her comfortable nightwear sat down with her laptop next to the wide window in her living room. It was a single bedroom apartment and Swathi loved the warmth and privacy it afforded her. With a piping hot cup of coffee, she spent the better half of her morning immersed in her work.

Swathi looked at the time. 'Time to cook myself something.' She paused to look outside. Tiny snowflakes were slowly making their way to the ground beneath her apartment. The roads interweaving the apartment blocks were bare, with neither a human nor a bird in sight. Everywhere, it seemed, silence reigned supreme. Swathi put her hand on her palm and closed her eyes. 

It was mid morning. The sun was burning hot when she stepped out of her threshold. As she walked out of her beautiful two-storied home, that was conspicuous in the small village dotted with tiny houses and huts, Swathi was greeted by two men going on a bullock cart. She smiled at them and got on her bicycle. She rode through the cramped by lanes of the neighbourhood and before long, she was in a muddy road that led away from her village towards the farmlands of her father.

Swathi breathed in the fresh air and felt rejuvenated, especially after staying for the last nine months in the confined spaces of her city hostel. She knew that her father would be in the mango grove at this time of the year. She cycled through the multitude of mango trees laden with the season's choicest fruit. She spotted her father talking with his workers. She got down the cycle and was about to walk towards him when one of the oldest farmhands in her father's employ greeted her with gusto. 'Amma, college ninchi vachava? Aagu,' he said and picked out a luscious mango from the bunch lying at his feet. 'Thanks, Ratnalu,' replied Swathi in English, taking it and getting a grin in return.

'Swathi!', her father called. She went to her father. For half an hour, father and daughter were engaged in deep conversation. 'Neeku yela anipiste ala, talli,' her father had said. Both of them went home on the cycle; Swathi enjoying the tangy taste of the mango in her hand.

Swathi opened her eyes. It had been a long journey, literally and figuratively. She had studied in a Telugu medium school. With her father's encouragement, she had finished her BTech degree, far away from her village. It was not what she had wanted. She had wanted to study in the nearby degree college and get married to someone from their neighbouring village. But her father had insisted that she would shine in Engineering, which she did.

Swathi's application for MS was accepted by quite a few colleges and a few months later, she had flown alone to the US, much to the amazement of her neighbours and family members. She had successfully completed her MS and had landed a good job after tinkering with several short term projects. 

In the beginning Swathi had missed her village. She had missed her parents. Gradually however she became accustomed to her busy life and she rarely thought about home. But today, as  she wistfully looked out of the window and watched the snow falling thick and fast, she wished she was once again in the hot sun, riding the cycle through her father's mango grove. 

Monday, January 16, 2017

Sweet Sixteen

Sixteen is an age so sweet
You are no longer a child
Nor an adult

Your dreams are young
Your freedom is newfound
Your friends are many
Your worries are few

Life's an adventure
Life's an unused book
Life has lots in store for you
And you hope it's all good

Forever is oft used 
Friends are always the best
Troubles seem bigger than they are
And goodbyes are the worst

Promises are sacred
Beliefs are strong
Ambitions are limitless
You are unstoppable 

But so is Time.  
Soon you are no longer sixteen 
And Life's ready to teach you some lessons

If you are sixteen today,

Savour this time.
I am glad I did!

Day 16 of Blogathon 2017

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Lost Glory

The sun was high up in the sky when Ravi walked into the house with purpose and determination. Today, he would convince his grandfather to listen to him, he thought. As he entered the house, Ravi became conscious of a pervasive sense of something lacking. He knew it was the absence of that thing that gave him security and pride - money. 'There's no dearth of possessions though,' he thought with a smirk, looking at the walls and cupboards filled with mementos and trophies of his grandfather. 

'Thatha, what are you doing? Again polishing that same old thing?' His grandfather, bent with old age and ill health looked at him. 

It was a small room with the bare minimum necessities. However, on a table at the end of the room, there was a beautiful veena, shiny and gleaming. His grandfather paused in his work and said, 'It is not a thing. This is a divine instrument.' 

'I know. I know, thatha. The Maharajah's grandson gave this as a gift to you when he visited our house ages ago. I know the story. But what use is it now? Neither your arms have the strength to hold it nor your fingers to play on it. What use is this relic? No one in this house can play it.' 'That's because no one wanted to learn.' 

'Look thatha. Stop being so selfish. You have had your 15 minutes of fame. The Maharajah's grandson came to our house. He gave you this gift. Everyone applauded you and praised you. But what's the use? What have you given your son and his family? A pile of crappy memorabilia and a legacy of hollow adulation and goodwill. Look around...Look at the house. Those mementos are not going to feed us. People's respect will not translate into free food. This veena which you treat like a treasure is really a treasure, which you keep away from us for your selfish pride. Do you know how much this veena will fetch if I sold it at tomorrow's auction? Lakhs of rupees! Enough to feed us and run this house for a long time. But, no, you have to hold on to it for your foolish reasons.' 

'Have I not given all my savings to your father to open his shop? Is it my fault that instead of learning music, he showed interest in starting a business, which never took off? The hollow goodwill that you speak of....hasn't it helped us in times of need? This is the one thing I treasure the most. You can sell all the other mementos if you want.'

'And what will I get for them? A pittance. The only thing of value left in this house is this veena.'

The old man sat down with a sigh, burdened as much by old age as by years of ingratitude. He looked at the veena lovingly. 'I wish you could know the true value of the veena. Never mind. Take it.'

Ravi cautiously spoke, 'OK thatha. Thank you.' He could not believe his luck. He had not thought it would be so easy. He gently lifted the veena and carried it out of the room. The old man looked at the vacant space and thought, 'Glory. Respect. Honour. Family. Nothing is of value in a place where its value is not known.'

An elated Ravi walked out of the house, as the sun began its descent into oblivion.


Day 15 of Blogathon 2017

Saturday, January 14, 2017

Kites


Makar Sankranthi is being celebrated today, the 14th of January. Today the skies in my city are dotted with innumerable colourful kites. Kite flying is a passionate sport played from terraces all over the city. But, because I am more bookish than sporty, the word 'kite' brings to mind a book that greatly moved me - The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 
Set in Afghanistan and the United States, the book explores themes of friendship, familial relations, guilt and redemption. The multigenerational novel (one of my favourite kinds) portrays Afghanistan, before and after it was ravaged by war, and makes it relatable and human to strangers' eyes. A great novel, it's a must read for fiction lovers.


Image result for kite runner




Day 14 of Blogathon 2017

Friday, January 13, 2017

Hyderabad Holiday

When I was 13 years old, my sister and I travelled together to Hyderabad for a fortnight. We had an uncle and two aunts there. I still remember that trip vividly for many reasons - my cousins took us around to all the touristy places (Golconda, Salarjung Museum, Badi Chowdi and so on), I read some good books, did some great shopping, ate some awesome food and we played games like Dumb charades. 

In the same trip, one aunt exhorted us to stop watching movies. We solemnly promised because we were too scared to argue, but inwardly mortified to forgo our deep attachment to movies. The very next day we were invited for lunch by one of my father's close friends. At their home, to our surprise, they asked us if we wanted to watch the movie, Darr on VCR. We couldn't say 'no' because they were the hosts and we were too scared to be rude. On the one hand, we were excited to watch the movie (we were SRK fans then) but on the other, we were so terrified that we had broken our promise in one day. Now when my sister and I think of that episode, we laugh and also feel sorry for our younger selves for going through that absolutely unnecessary moral crisis.

During the course of the trip, my cousin brother asked us if we liked Hyderabad or Vizag (our hometown) more. Both of us were and are absolute Vizagites. So we told him that we love Vizag more than any place and that we could not dream of living in another place. Then, he said, 'What if you get married to someone from Hyd?' 'That's impossible,' we said. 
What a prophetic question that was! Nearly two decades later, both my sister and I now call Hyderabad home.

We may not have become true blue Hyderabadis but both of us cannot dream of living in another place now. (Still I love you, Vizag.)

Day 13 of Blogathon 2017

Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Magic of Midnight

'How many times have I told you not to enter my room without my permission?' shouted Vivek. Kavita said, 'I forgot something in your room.' 'There you go again. How many times have I told you not to bring or keep your things here?' 'Sorry, Anna.' 'Okay, search for it and go fast.' Kavita looked here and there while Vivek went back to writing his notes. 'Looks like it is not there,' said Kavita as she left the room.

Vivek looked at his watch. He decided to close his books and sleep early. 'I can complete it tomorrow morning if I wake up early.' He looked for his alarm clock but couldn't find it anywhere. 'Amma, did you take my alarm clock?' 'No, I haven't. It must be there in your room somewhere.' ' No, Amma. I'm sure Kavita must have taken it. Kavita! Kavita! Did you take my clock?' Kavita came running from her room. 'No, Anna. Why would I take it?' 'Kavita, if this is some kind of trick, I am telling you, I will complain to Appa.' But Kavita promised him that it was not with her. Finally, Vivek asked his mother to wake him up early the next day. 

'Who is calling me? What is that sound? Oh, it's the alarm. My alarm!' Vivek woke up with a start. He rubbed his eyes. Yes, that was his alarm. It was not in its usual place. 'Where is it? Oh, this is really annoying. I'm sure everyone's going to wake up and scold me.' He got up quickly from his bed and realized that it was still pretty dark. He rushed to his study table and switched on the light. He looked at his wristwatch. It was 12 o'clock.

Vivek hurried out of his room. His face broke into a grin as he saw the clock ringing incessantly, seated next to a scrumptious cake and a small pile of gifts. 'Happy Birthday!' exclaimed his Appa, Amma and Kavita. 

'Thank you,' said a beaming Vivek. His Appa said, 'First, shut down that clock!' Kavita laughed and stopped the alarm. Her mother said, 'Well, we should all thank Kavita for planning this special surprise for her brother.' 'Happy birthday, Anna! And sorry for stealing your alarm clock.' Vivek gave her a big hug and said, 'Thanks, Kavita. You are the sweetest sister ever. I am sorry too for constantly being annoyed with you.' 'So does that mean I can enter your room whenever I please?' 'Are you kidding? Never!' The four of them burst into laughter as they shared some cake, some happy memories and some worries about how to wake up early the next day.

(Inspired partly by "The Sin" - Diary of an Undergrad)

Day 12 of Blogathon 2017

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Actions Speak Louder than Words

To the mother who screams, 
'Why do you always inform me about something important at the eleventh hour?'
But who will go on to complete your project, sitting up with you late in the night.

To the mother who screams,
'Why do you make your uniform so dirty?'
But who will wash it with her own hands and make it spotless.

To the mother who screams,
'Why do you keep losing your things?'
But who will not rest until she finds whatever you have lost.

To the mother who screams,
'Look how messy your room is!'
But who will make it impeccably clean by the time you come home.

To the mother who screams,
'I'm tired of cooking different dishes for everyone.'
But who will never forget to cook your favourite curry whenever she cooks a curry you don't eat.

To the mother who screams,
'When will I get a break?'
But who will think only about you when she does get a break.

This one's for her.

Day 11 of Blogathon 2017

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

The Tenth Anniversary Conundrum


Starring

The Well-intentioned Interfering Mother
The Indifferent 'Leave me alone' Father
The Indignant Independent Wife
The 'Stuck between rock and a hard place' Husband

Scene 1

Wife: I have made the perfect plan for our tenth anniversary. Let's go to Goa. Remember, it was the first place we went for a holiday after our wedding?
Husband: Okay, cool. Check the availability of flights and hotels and I will book them.

Scene 2

Mother: I have made the perfect plan for Rohan's tenth anniversary. I'm planning to organize a grand party for them and invite everyone.
Father: Huh! Whose anniversary? 

Scene 3

Mother: Rohan, I have decided that we should throw a grand party for your tenth anniversary. We will call all our near and dear ones.
Rohan: But Mom, Reema has already planned for a trip.
Mother: Hmm, I have been planning for this for so long. When you decided to marry Reema, we did not object to your choice or to your decision to perform the marriage according to their family's wishes. For once, I am asking you something. But, leave it. I will drop my plans.
Rohan: Mom, why are you digging up all that now? Okay, I will talk to Reema.

Scene 4

Rohan:  Mom called. She wants to organize a grand celebration for our whole family on our anniversary.
Reema: You told her, right, that we have already made our plans.
Rohan: Yes. But can we consider that idea too?
Reema: Rohan, I have already checked the flights and hotels. We will do your mom's plan some other time.

Scene 5

Mother: I am sure Reema will manipulate and convince Rohan. This happens every time.
Father: Huh, what? 
Mother: You just read your paper. Who listens to me anyway?

Scene 6

Rohan: Mom, all our tickets and hotels have been booked. I can't cancel them now.
Mother: I understand, Rohan. You children have your own plans. How can I impose on your wishes? All I wanted was that our family would bless you on that day.Anyway, I have got used to disappointments.
Rohan: Mom, why do you do this? Okay, I will try to talk to Reema again.

Scene 7

Rohan: Reema, shall we postpone the trip and do it for your birthday instead? 
Reema: What? Why should we postpone the trip? Oh, I get it. It's your mom's wish, right? Whose anniversary is it? Ours or theirs? Can't I have the freedom to at least plan our anniversary according to my wishes? This happens every time. Your mom always emotionally manipulates you and you nod your head and agree to everything she says.
Rohan: Okay, okay. I will tell her that it is not possible.


Scene 8

Rohan: Mom, can we do this celebration some other time? Maybe we can do it on your birthday.
Mother: Rohan, it's okay. I have other work to do. I will talk to you later.

Scene 9

Rohan: Dad, Mom is angry with me because I am going to Goa with Reema and the kids. Reema is angry with me because she thinks I am only agreeing with her half-heartedly. What should I do?
Father: You listen to me.

Scene 10

Guest: Congrats, bro! Happy anniversary. Great party! Aunty has made a lot of effort. Hey, I thought you were going to Goa. What happened?
Rohan: Thanks, man! Yes, we were in Goa for the past four days. We celebrated the morning of our anniversary there, had our anniversary lunch, took a flight and reached home just a few hours ago.
Guest: Wow! You really know how to satisfy everyone.
Rohan: Ten years, man...took me ten years. (winks at his dad)

Day 10 of Blogathon 2017

Monday, January 9, 2017

Nineties Nostalgia

Among the many definitions of a 90s kid, the one that I thought was appropriate was this -
"A group of human beings that have spent some part of their childhood in the 1990s, regardless of whether they were born in the 80s or late 90s."

There is a lot of nostalgia attached to the 90s ( when life was much simpler and technology was just taking off) as can be evidenced by certain videos that have been circulating in social media - a prime example being 'Things today's kids won't know or things only 90s kids would remember'.

For me, a very important part of my memories of the 90s is a phenomenon called Indipop. Indipop was a rage, thanks to the then-newly launched channels, Channel V and MTV India. Indipop encompassed Indian pop music, remixes of old film songs, rock bands and also the occasional group of singers from Pakistan. Here are 9 Indipop songs that were immensely popular and the ones I remember the most -

1. Made in India by Alisha Chinai -
2. Pari hoon main by Sunita Rao -


3. Dooba dooba by Mohit Chauhan -



4. Tanha Dil by Shaan -



5. O Sanam by Lucky Ali -


6. Sanidhapa by Colonial Cousins -


7. Purani Jeans by Ali Haider -


8. Sayonee by Junoon -


9. Breathless by Shankar Mahadevan -





There were so many others - Asha Bhonsle, Sonu Nigam, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Baba Sehgal, Bally Sagoo, Falguni Pathak, Pankaj Udhas - who were also part of the Indipop scene. Whenever I hear or remember any of these songs, it makes me nostalgic and thankful for having these memories of music.

Day 9 of Blogathon 2017

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Sweet Vindication


"There goes the giraffe. Have you seen the eighth wonder of the world? Look, there she is. Hey, how's the air up there?"
Namrata's eyes stung with hot tears. She walked fast, past the gang of friends who seemed to have so much fun teasing her. They were her classmates but not her friends. She had only a few friends in the new school that she had joined after her father had been transferred to this city. In her old school in the city where she had grown up, she had never experienced bullying of this nature nor had she felt any different from the rest of her 'normal-sized' classmates.
However, ever since she had joined this school, Namrata suddenly realized that she was taller, way taller than her peers. It had started off as mild teasing - "Are you sure you are in Class 6?" "Hehe, maybe she has flunked the class several times." "Please don't hurt us, giant." Initially, Namrata had laughed along with them. Gradually, the tone changed from mirth to mockery. It was aided by the fact that she was really a gentle giant, as cliched as it sounded. Namrata began to ignore these derisive comments but it was not easy to be immune to the continual banter on her height. 
Her mother asked her if she wanted her to talk about it to her teacher. "No, Mom. I don't want to make this into a big issue. Leave it. Let them talk. After all, they are saying the truth. Wish I were shorter like everyone else. Mom, I really hate this school.""Namrata, you have to learn to stand up to such bullies. Your height is just an excuse for those bullies. How do you know that they would not tease you if you were shorter? I know it is difficult for you to understand now but there will always be people in life who will make fun of you, point out your so-called faults or ridicule you for your appearance. There will come a time when all these voices will die or recede into the background and will matter no more to you, when you realize that what they were mocking you for would actually turn out to be your strength."
Many years later, Namrata's phone rang one fine morning. Her manager picked it up, spoke for a few minutes and turned to Namrata. She said, "It's the Principal of your school. They want you to be the Chief Guest for the Sports Day. What shall I say?" "Block the day. I love that school and what it has taught me," said Namrata, with a smile, as she picked up the tennis racket and walked to the practice court.

Day 8 of Blogathon 2017

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Just a Kid

Jimmy was ecstatic. He was positively thrilled. In fact, he was in seventh heaven. 
In his hands was a deliciously enticing cone of chocolate ice-cream. A reward from his tuition teacher for topping his class. Jimmy did not pause to think, like a self-aware adult would, if he was more happy about being the first in class or was more joyous for getting this ice-cream. 
Jimmy did not wait to open the wrapper until he reached home, like a careful adult would. His teacher had told him that it wouldn't melt before he reached home. But Jimmy was a kid. Which kid waits when there is an ice-cream in his hands? 
Jimmy licked the chilled cone of ice-cream and felt his tongue tingle. He did not yet know that the warm, fuzzy feeling inside was that of sheer, pure happiness, because he was not a discerning adult. 
As he closed his eyes and enjoyed his treat, something happened. A stray rock, a sudden jerk, a stunned boy. The ice-cream. ..the glorious ice-cream....lay flat on the dirty road. 
Jimmy bawled and bawled all the way home, because he was not yet an adult who guarded his emotions. His mom heard him out, comforted him and assured him that she would get one for him. He believed her because unlike a cynical adult, he was a kid. Jimmy was sad that day but the next day, after school, Jimmy was ecstatic. He was positively thrilled. In fact, he was again in seventh heaven. This time though, he was careful and sat down in one place to devour his ice-cream.
Jimmy had learnt the first step in becoming an adult.

Day 7 of Blogathon 2017

Friday, January 6, 2017

Lost Treasure

There are very few things that I am possessive about – the foremost among them is my collection of books. Over the course of years, I have lost some of my precious books to termites (!), to borrowers who do not know that they are supposed to return my books or when I was moving to another place. Among those books I have lost is a book that was one of my favourites – Six Cousins at Mistletoe Farm by Enid Blyton.
A gift from my sister on one of my birthdays (more than 15 years ago), the book is, as the name suggests, about six cousins – three of them who live at Mistletoe Farm and three cousins from the city who are compelled to stay at the farm when their townhouse is burnt down. There are so many reasons I love this book – Enid Blyton is an author I love, the theme of cousins is close to my heart and the feel-good nature of such books is always heartwarming.

It’s really a pity I lost it and I hope to buy it again, because books of my childhood and teenage are such nostalgic reads that they make me feel young and hopeful again.





Day 6 of Blogathon 2017