Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish

Unfriend. Delete. Remove. Block.

It's easy. Most often it's necessary. It helps !

Try it :)

City#2 Clique

When you stay away from home - you're scared, worried and distressed. But if you have family to comfort you - all the worry goes away.

For my parents staying away from home - meant moving to another country. Boriya bistar bandkey. Their common concerns involved finding suitable accommodation, good school, make enough monies and have a relatively calm/normal social life. Luckily Mother of mine had her Maamujaan staying there.

One evening we were introduced to a group of people whom we never realized would become our family away from home.

We spoke the same language. We had a similar background. We had all left our "homes" in search of a different life.

My fondest memories of City#2 were about meeting almost every week for pot luck dinners, planned picnics, birthday parties, Diwali, Eid, New Year Eve parties, movies at Strand, meeting by chance in school.

The evenings would only begin by 9:00p.m and go on till 01:00am. The amount of food and Coca Cola is indescribable. We would play Bingo, 4 corners, passing the parcel, Queen of Sheeba and the list goes on. Tanzi being the youngest was always given a prize ! Number 11 was Sonali Bendre's legs !

Eventually - the group got larger. The youngsters grew up, got married ! Their spouses didn't know what hit them - with the uncles and auntys making them the butt of all jokes !

This family would go to any length to make sure that they were part of your happy event be it in the city or at Home. They came, they danced, they cried and they laughed !

Then came small small bacha party. Also, retirement struck - the group dwindled and people left. There was always a void that was impossible to fill. But thanks to Gtalk, Facebook and various online Amchi groups - we've stuck together.

When the hard realities of life struck - this family never left our side. They were there. They are here !

Today, everyone is bending backwards, standing on their heads to get prospective grooms to get married to a few of us. We find it amusing, overwhelming and heart warming.

For my parents - this was their Clique. It is their Clique. For so many reasons that are difficult to express in words - I'm glad my parents moved to City#2 and were welcomed into their homes and hearts !

Now, I say Thank You; For the wonderful memories of an unknown land and for being better than the best.

Wish list

Dear Karma,

I understand and have begun to accept the hard truth that you and I can probably never be on cordial terms. Which is fine by me. However, I'm beginning to worry. Just a little.
So, again I ask of you that...
next year -

• Get the Metro work in Namma Bengaluru up and ready. The roads, the traffic - making people mad. Tempers flying all around and people's stress levels soaring way too high ! Also, dust - lot's
  
• Give me strength to move from my seat and get myself a Driving License. Mother of mine and I can finally go on our much pushed away gastronomical journeys !
• No heart breaks for my ponjees and Me. Now, we're tired. Either it's someone worth it or nobody at all. No in-between(s).
• Good weather throughout the year.
• Lot's of holidays to far away exotic locations
• Monies so that I can head to Mumbai and Dilli - whenever !
• Please, please - growth/supply of cocoa beans in this world never decrease/end due to global warming or any other environmental factors.
• No funerals. I'm tired. Fed up.
• Healthy lives for those who believe in the gift of life. For those suffering - put a stop and help them move on.
• More poochie love !
• Big fat or simple happy - engagement(s) and wedding(s). But lot's of reasons to look pwetty, dance and cry big tears of joy.
• Children(s) get admission to good schools, colleges, universities and have the time of their lives.
• Pink must never go out of fashion. More shoe stores to open in my city.
  
• Good - jobs and pay packages - for all.
• Lot's of tip tip barsa paani moments; preferably in the company of awesome-ness.
• Never ending louve, support and madness from family and frandships !
  

I hope you get where I'm coming from, Karma.

On that note, thank you for the valuable lessons of 2010.

Complicated love and hugs,
Me

Dec '09 with The Clique

December happens to be my favorite month.
It's wintery and cold.
There are always weddings to attend. Time to dance, party and look pretty.
Out of town(ies) make it a point to come over and then all hell breaks lose !
Ponjees' burrday(s).
It's Christmas - so there's midnight mass, AuntyP's awesome pork curry/grilled lamb chops.
Of course, New Year's Eve when people get out of their minds and things can go - pretty - wild.

One year ago - I had a relatively similar December. However, for 4 days of that month, that year - I was transported to a different zone altogether. Suddenly, I was saying "hello" way too many times !
I met - what I call today - The Clique. A group of fun loving, smart, cute, friendly, awesome, happy, cheerful bunch of people ! It was sort of "a chance" meeting. Lemony suggested I should stick around in the city of dreams and meet her Tall Darling's frandships. I couldn't refuse - because I like saying "hello."

It was a crazy time from the word go. While I had no idea about K - we hit it off. My suggestion to cook butter chicken with whatever ingredients and utensils he had was met with extreme enthusiasm. My suggestion to make jell-o shots were also received with happy-ness and ofcourse a little apprehension. As I sat there - in came Gandalf with a smile to die for and an attitude to fall for. The tall consultant followed who had a counseling sessions with me followed by a conversation with another gult that K always enjoys narrating.
We head to the airport to receive Lemony, Sleepy and The Local Banker (TLB). From then on it was a sooper fun time that I'll never regret agreeing to be a part of.
With crates of Carlsberg, frozen strawberry jell-o shots, Blue liquids, jeera aloo, maggi with scrambled egg - the unknown became the known ! Visit to Chillis, Mondy's, HRC ! Carrying my heavy large suitcase around - Basillico and Theos.
The glowing talking ball - the passing it around - the staying up all night long youtubing - WVWT !
Strangers becoming Friends and not wanting me to leave for another day. Promises of more fun times - that have always been kept !
The downing of Tang with God knows what and why ? The auto ride to the airport without a ticket and of course Sleepy having to leave his mark roadside while Dada sings !
The next few weeks revolved around reminiscing happy times and commenting on pictures and always making sure that we sing/play Tip Tip Barsa Paani for times of immense joy.

Gtalk - Blogs - Trips to other parts of the country/world - Blackberry - Facebook - Phone Calls : Much Heart-ness !

Post this awesome winter - I'm glad and thankful that these strangers became friends. I'm glad I decided to say "hello."
This Clique of this particular winter - gets my vote for many categories.

Categorically Speaking

My three favorite categories of women that you invariably find in your social circle are -

The damsel in distress - who pretends to be "lost" all the time. Doesn't like doing anything by herself. Talks like a child and is always batting her eyelids. All she has to do squeal when an ant crosses her path and you'll come running to her side. One tear (fake or real) is all it takes for you to leave an important meeting. She will hold on to you. You feel needed, no; You feel wanted and in control ! Although, you're never in control. High maintenance - yes, lot's. Lovable - yes, lot's. Great practice for fatherhood.

The crazy friend - the girl who'll sit and talk to you about "anything" all day/night long. Drink lot's and lot's with you. She will help you scout. She's "awesome" and maybe you want her but you're scared - to ruin what already exists. Sometimes, maybe, it is possible - that - she intimidates you. She, on the other hand, may want to be picked but at the cost of ruining her "un-romantic" image ? Talks a lot no matter where and when. Is your mother's pick - most often. High maintenance - emotionally, yes. Lovable - lot's. You will probably get tired of this friend when she begins to steal your thunder.

Ferocious independent child - as much as she tells you that she doesn't need you, the truth is that she really does. She likes her space and enjoys the company of a select few. Snobbish at the sight of those she feels threatened by. Trying to draw boundaries sometimes with the risk of being extremely guarded and then inviting trouble. You like this child because she makes sure she's in control yet also makes you feel wanted - she craves some attention. High maintenance - yes. Lovable - lot's.

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Thank you HIMYM !

Mammama Heart-ness

I am the granddaughter of a woman made of steel, grit and lot's of iron !

A gold medalist in mathematics, growing up in Mylapore - (quintessential Brahmin locality in Chennai, India), working in a bank. Married her 3rd cousin who loves non-veg, entertaining, golf, yoga, music and his large family.

While being lost in a society she was never exposed to, she never forgot to keep her chin up and learn to merge - to become one of them. In that process not losing what she has always firmly believed in and all that she has grown up with.

Moving and relocating to northern parts of India did seem difficult initially but this gave her an opportunity to meet the Who's Who of the advertising, marketing, FMCG industries and feel important.

She would and still does enjoy cooking. Anything. Any number of people.

She knows her languages. She fought a life threatening disease and didn't succumb to it. For that, I'm thankful !

Losing her husband at a relatively young age didn't leave her stranded but made her stronger. With the children staying abroad, she managed to relocate permanently to a city she knew nothing about. She showed the world that all it takes is courage and sheer determination to deal and survive. Living alone for the longest time - got many of us worried, but she refused and still does - to ask for or accept help; unless absolutely necessary.

She looks after my finances. She takes care of my mother's needs. She will worry for you, your family, your entire clan. She's stubborn and sometimes indifferent. She'll remind you to book your tickets on time and never visit a restaurant if she's had a bad experience there. She has given me the strength and ability to not lose faith in myself despite all that I've gone through. She wishes to see me married, someday. I wish that for her, as well.

While we argue and it sometimes gets crazy with 3 hyper women living under one roof - there is a special bond that goes beyond blood and familial ties. There is an unsaid connection of respect, admiration, love that keeps us going. We watch t.v shows, gossip about sheer nonsense, play scrabble, make mithai, holiday and laugh together - all the time.

Today I salute the woman who has taught me to smile in the face of difficulties, take care of myself, looked after my craziest needs and managed to bear with my antics for over 2 years now.

It's all Relative

I now realize, after many years, that the definition of a relative is that of a person that you meet, greet and exchange small talk with during an important family occasion. It is only a handful of relatives that you actually intend on keeping in touch with and are able to reconnect with in a jiffy even eons after having met last.

Relatives do sometimes tend to get on your nerves, especially when you have to be on your best behaviour and answer all potentially embarrassing / uncomfortable questions diplomatically.

‘No Sir, just because I play bass in the college rock band doesn’t mean women flock to me and cling on to the point where I need to peel them off.’

‘Yeah, I DO realize my cousin is getting married as we speak and that she’s a year younger than I. This doesn’t automatically mean that I need to be next in line, maybe because I am happy at 26 and I’d like to do as little as possible to change it.’

‘Yes, an MBA is called a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management, its not like I’d be wanker enough to do a diploma AFTER I completed my engineering, you know.’

The worst ever statements are about setting one up for a future marriage, ‘laying the groundwork’, so to speak when one truthfully owns up to being single. Sometimes, it might be ok to lie to have a little less bio-gas sent your way regarding how I should go about shaping my life.

‘If I do wish to be setup, I’ll ask for it when I am good and ready, until which time, maybe you’d prefer it if I did my searching on my own?’

Love them or hate them, you’ve got some DNA in common. Some of my relatives, though, are among the most insane and awesome people I know. So I guess things balance each other out, at the end of the day, and all is at peace with the world.

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The writer is a fellow clan-mate and B-school graduate currently up North. Enjoys traveling - alone, music, happy hours and a wonderful conversationalist. His writes frequently on the Notes section of his FB page.

How to make the perfect Quarter ?

Take a pan and let it heat for a while

To this add a little olive oil

First carefully saute all your worries

Gently stir it and let them go golden brown

Add a few new experiences; Add a few new friends

Add a bright new job maybe and get rid of that frown

And as the seconds tick away

Dont despair, for each is a brand new day

The bright sunshine gives way to rain

And the clouds make way for the sun again

While your quarter's cooking, cook up a side dish

And while you are at it, why don't you think of a wish

For wishes you never know when they might come true

Hear the cooker whistling, why that's right on cue

Some words to add to the color

Some salt, pepper and rhyme for the flavor

Now take three months and bunch all these up

Finally add some memories, measured from a cup

Serve with a dash of warm laughter

If it gets too hot, please have some water

Happy Second Quarterversary!

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The writer is a fellow clan-mate who enjoys dancing, writing, traveling, eating and would someday like to move to the land of the Golden Gate. You can read his poetic antics at http://thewordsmyth.wordpress.com/

The anti-mush Brigade

When asked to write a guest piece for Kiki’s blog, it took me very little time to figure out what I needed to write about. Kiki’s writing always reminds me of Carrie Bradshaw with her take on love and friends. So I decided to take the plunge and write about it from my own perspective- love in a cynic’s life.

There are many things I have learnt about love and relationships in the last few months, most of which were completely unexpected. People always tell you that finding the one person for you is all hogwash and a little while back, I would also have been the one who was most vehement about the fact that there was no such thing as a perfect guy. But now I will admit, there are guys who come pretty darn close to what you want. And I found him. He was mature, he could talk for hours about Arundhati Roy, he was incredibly intelligent and knew all the obscure English words which made my geeky self go weak in the knees.

My biggest lesson or revelation from this relationship so far has been how capable I am of romance. I have been aware of my cynicism with the world around me for quite a few years now and was fairly certain I had no space or time for romance or love in the traditional sense. I have now been educated in the art of romance and been part of way too many ‘Aww’ moments than I would like to admit on a public forum.

I believe that the girls of our generation are faced with a very unique problem indeed. We have been taught to have a certain disdain for romance in our lives. The girls of today are wary of clichés and more than once have told our friends ‘Oh my god, will you look at that? He is crowding her space with all these flowers and gifts’. Yet, I believe that all of us secretly yearn for a little bit of romance in our lives.

I have heard that romance is a kind of excitement that in people in love experience. In our lives filled with the quest for practicality have we lost track of romance? Are we all closet romantics who hide behind the veneer of realists?

For every girl who says ‘Are you serious? How clichéd is that? How could she possibly be with someone as mushy and wimpy? Is there one deep within her who says Aww. He cares enough to do something like that for her; I wish someone would do that for me’

Here’s to all the romance-averse, closet romantics of my generation, let’s choose to give romance a little space in our lives.

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The writer is a soon to-be B-school graduate who loves Rasam, LOTR, The Beatles, FB gossip and her latest inked art. You can catch her at http://archaicallyspeaking.blogspot.com/

I have

In the last one year or so I've learned a lot. So much, that sometimes (like always) I wonder why I didn't learn it all before !
I've learned to deal and cry for myself while smiling and laughing at my own stupidity - in believing in immortality.
I've learned to let go of people who claim to be yours but just aren't.
I've sorted my own issues with Karma and now we're in a "positively" complicated relationship.
I've understood the importance of cooking and writing as cathartic processes that help me remain sane.
I've let cravings come and go and not cribbed about them.
I've understood the importance of people in my life whom I never thought would ever be important enough.
I've learned to ignore and show the hand because the face ain't listening.
I've learned to be selfish and enjoy that as well.
I've become much much much less hyper while meeting new people and stopped scaring them away.
I've learned to forgive but I'm working on forgetting.
I've realized the importance of healthy food and good music in my life.

In the last one year I've grown up so much that sometimes I cry at how proud I am - of - Me !

Etiquette in Grief

It's always nice to have a support system and lot's of people helping around when one is grieving.

BUT,

there are always a few do's and don'ts. Etiquette to be followed when you're around people experiencing a loss. There are things that should just not be allowed and also people, if you may !

• I fail to understand - why crying is necessary. If someone doesn't want to, then they don't want to. Crying is a way of letting go and is not a sign of weakness. So, let them be.
• Not beating their chest, not banging their head, not wearing dull clothes and not eating food - are NOT signs of any kind of "strength" People are trying to be normal and taking each moment as it comes. So don't tell someone "Wow, I admire how strong you are !"
• Don't assume that you know "how well I have taken the bad news" - You weren't around to know what it is like. You have no idea how many tummy flips and crazy migraines the person went through. So assumptions - no !
• If you have witnessed the death scene - then - unless asked - please don't describe the scene to the absent grieving members. Let family or close friends take on that task.
• There is no "right" or "wrong" age to die. Just because a dog is 14 years old or a man is 85 doesn't give you the authority to decide that "it's okay for death to have come knocking"
• Just because the man of the house has left behind a family - "marriage" is not the next best option for any of the children. They have a life to lead. Study, earn money and deal !
• You may have never had pets or interacted with any. So don't disregard someone's grief over their lost pet. He/she was a member of the family - not for you but for them, yes.
• Don't pretend to care when you don't.
• Do your best to stay around but not step on toes and intrude.
• Do not post your condolence messages on social networking sites for the whole world to see. Especially, not on people's statuses. If you can and want to - drop by, call or send a sms. If you can't do any of these - then just smile when you see the person, next.
• Don't be afraid to talk normally about the happenings in your life and laugh or sing. But, pick on cues and non-verbals of the grieving person before going 'over-board.'
• Don't tell someone "I can see you have gone through a lot" - unless you really 'know' - because let's face it, you don't - one can "only imagine."
• If you can't say something appropriate, then keep shut. Don't say anything at all. Trust me, they'll be grateful.
• Give people space. Give them time. If you can't - then you're free to walk away. I'm sure they wouldn't mind.

I could go on and on...Somehow, I feel - it will not be worth it. Let's hope this is a small beginning for how we should conduct ourselves when in such situations.

As they rest peacefully....

We say a little prayer

We hope that they're happy

They will be waiting

at the check-out counter

Till then...

We wait here,

tears and memories as company

As they rest peacefully....

To ?

Dear(est) You,

I will want to run away and hide - Don't let me. Pull me back into your arms and tell me that "we'll figure it out."

Sometimes, I'll want all the attention to myself - Smile and leave me be - because drama is what I'm good at.

When I want to cry - help me - with tissues, dark chocolate, Grey's and your shoulders.

I don't have baggage - and there's no other way of convincing you about it.

My ponjees and I go long back - so sometimes, there'll be excess giggling and long distance phone calls - be happy, that I have an amazing support system.

Cravings are not just incessant desires but a need that drives me up the wall - so be a doll and help me satisfy them !

I will love and treasure your family as mine - but interference will not be met with a pleasant smile.

Flowers are nice - no matter when, no matter why.

Let me sleep a little longer on Sundays and we'll have an amazing greasy brunch together.

Don't worry I won't make you carry all my shopping bags but you can be generous enough and lend me a credit card.

If I die before you - then don't weep in a corner but always be happy that we are together - and do not even think about bringing another to my house.

But, if you die before me - I'll be mad at the world, for a bit and then I'll sit by myself eating your favorite ice-cream, watching your favorite videos and thanking my stars that you put up with me.

And most importantly - Be the "best friend" I've never had.

xoxo

Me

P.S - Remember, I'm always right because I'm awesome.

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Because - we're waiting. Come and find us.

Growing pangs !

The most baffling question of all time - Why did we grow up ?

What happened to the carefree life of being a toddler. Daddy and Mummy picking scooping us into their strong and protective arms, putting us to sleep, giving in to our every whim and fancy.

Eventually going to school and studying nothing but the basics of a language. Playing all the time in the sand, water, at home, in the play-pens. Birthday parties were about colored juices in even more colorful paper cups, fairy tale characters - chocolate cakes, return gifts and tiaras.

There was no worry about clothes matching shoes, hair being untidy, and most importantly the "looks" members of the opposite sex gave !

Suddenly and believe me - very suddenly you're neither small enough to play with your baby sister and her friends or big enough to sit the aunties and uncles while they munch on kebabs. You're not old enough to watch Bold and the Beautiful but you have to be responsible for your own clothes strewn on the bed, getting "good" marks and looking after the small children that visit your house.

Thereafter - it's nothing but a roller coaster ride. The best one you will ever remember and most often cherish !

Making friends has never been easy for most. But relationships at that age hold a different position throughout your life. You learn how to ignore, love, dislike, care, treasure, hold and promise.

Again, Suddenly - you're an expert on how to impress members of the opposite sex, SMS in two seconds, control your emotions, travel alone.

You learn to survive in "the big bad world." You lie to save your face. You cry to release discomfort. You laugh at complete random intervals. You run away from confrontations.

You, have finally grown up.

You stay out late and enjoy the stars. Clothes and shoes hold a different significance in your life. The advancement in technology amazes you. Colorful "juices" help you forget and let go !

Suddenly sleep and "healthy" food is your priority. You're careful with the money that comes in. Birthdays are less hectic and more silent.

Over the years losing family and friends teaches you to be strong and tall.

Driving Mummy around to complete house chores is actually fun for you.

Of course, Suddenly, people are asking you about "career" paths ! There's more to come with - "marriage" plans. You're scared, worried and overwhelmed at the same time.

Growing up - True Story !

Distances

I grew up in different parts of the country but majority of my life was spent away from it. I made frandships with many. But each city had one particular "star" that stole my heart and since then we've been through it all.

It's not about the distances. It's about knowing that despite everything at some point in life and somewhere along it's journey - You'll meet. You'll talk. You'll catch up.

I hadn't seen my oldest friend for over 3 years till a spontaneous visit to city#2. Nothing had changed in all those years. Really ! Nothing.

I hadn't seen my mental friend for over 9 years till another spontaneous visit to the capital. A lot had changed in terms of growing up and getting bigger. But really, nothing had changed.

I hadn't seen my sooper smart tooth doctor in over 3 years. Spontaneous visit again and it was like we had never separated.

Friends getting engaged and married. Big, big moments. Sooper awesome modes of transportation make it easy for you to be part of those !

Buying BBs and skyping. FB and otherwise have revolutionized "distances make the heart grow fonder."

I want these distances to never ruin what I share with my pinkster ponjees.

It's about being secure and having faith in the strength of your relationship. You don't have to talk everyday. You don't have to meet constantly either. You just know ! A phone call after 5 years can still be the same as it was when you were in school together. You only get closer and adore more. Many missings happen and you laugh over it.

Book tickets. Just go ! Make that effort and see the wonders it can do for you.

True Story !

I have a jar full of love and respect. A lot of care and many many memories.

"It's always a beautiful day to be friends." There's no doubt about that !

he's just not that into you - I

Hello !

Time and again, women have been wondering why they don't get picked from a crowd to be a lawfully wedded wife of a handsome young man; to walk alongside a very cute tall boy as his chirpy girlfriend; blah; blah; blah !

They are told lies. The are sometimes misled. They are very often misguided.

By whom ?

Their own kind !

On a very special day a year ago, my group of frandships gave me a small pink book. I haven't had the "courage" and most importantly the need to open it - as yet ! Finally I did. Besides the pink-ness making me happy - the words of wisdom that flow from this tiny collection of wholesome truths (by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo) - make me happier !

As Kiki, I have decided to share a few sections of this "gift" with You !

Because you're worth it !

# If a (sane) guy really likes you, there ain't nothing that's going to get in his way. And if he's not sane, why would you want him ?

#We're taught in life, we should try to look on the bright side, to be optimistic. Not in this case. In this case, look on the dark side. Assume rejection first. Assume you're the rule, not the exception. It's intoxicatingly liberating.

# If a dude isn't calling you when he says he will, or making sure you know that he's dating you, then you already have your answer. Stop making excuses for him; his actions are screaming the truth: He's just not that into you.

# One hundred percent of men polled said they've never been too busy to call a woman they were really into. As one fine man said, "A man has got to have his priorities."

# It doesn't count unless he says it when he's sober. An "I Love You" (or any semblance thereof) while under the influence of anything stronger than grape juice won't hold up in court or in life.

# "Doesn't want to get married" and "Doesn't want to get married to me" are very different things. Be sure about which category he falls under.

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All that has been written here - is not directed at a boy/man/boys/men. It is a well constructed and thoughtfully written piece of art by 2 famous writers about how women should avoid heartbreaks and try to not get themselves into a mess. Your comments, therefore, should be directed at the matter ONLY.

Colours

The maroon sofa was torn. A little.
He sat on it - thinking and wondering if he did the right thing by showing her the door. His green mobile kept ringing and ringing. And ringing. He didn't answer it !
With a blueberry cheesecake sitting in the fridge and a grilled chicken sandwich waiting in the microwave, he sat.
His purple shoes set aside. Waiting to be cleaned.

The blue sky gave way to the yellow-ness.

Finally it was over. The red, red louve. It was over.

Charmed !

Break !

That's what I wanted. That's what Sleepy was on. K said "chalo, come off !"

Refusal to such a tempting offer almost seemed impossible. Then, Queen Mother suggested a trip to her place of childhood. Refusal to that also, seemed impossible. But the prospect of heavy rains, no sleep, HRC and the company of mad hatters - lured me to book my tickets onward to the city of dreams.

While sitting at the airport, I had my first tryst with stardom. Hardly a star, but well ! Famous - relatively speaking. Nonetheless.

We reached. There was the lime juice to welcome us and a very happy K ! It started the moment we entered the space. Then on, there was no stopping us.

HRC was a crazy evening. While, making new frandships and trying to understand how tiny our feet were, a lot was going through my mind. It wasn't the effect of the kamakazee served in a wine glass or the awesome brownie fudge sundae. It was the city itself.

The thing about the "air" that engulfs the city is that it's fast paced and melancholic at the same time. It's sooperly welcome while getting you all sad and lonesome as well. While, there's no time to sleep or pace yourself, you just know that it has worked it's charm on you when you don't think twice about booking tickets to pay a visit to Neo-Xanadu.

The ride back in the taxi set my mind in motion. Full-to 5th gear. I was over-whelmed. The number of thoughts running through my head - crazy ! While singing (silently, in my mind) - I thought to myself "I wish I could be like this forever."

Having not to worry about the next day's official emails and calls. No in-laws to fret over me. No bills to pay for a while. No crying child to put to sleep. This is it. The rains, terrible roads. The stars, late night food vendors. The you-tubing and "contemplating."

The overwhelming thoughts got to me. With tears that refused to stop flowing, my Ponjee and I discussed that there will be better times. We weren't sad. We were just - carried away. We also would have liked to be carried away, in any case !

A walk with K made me realize that the charm had worked. It's part of my system now. I will want to pay a visit again and again. This time hoping that Abhay Deol makes an appearance. Till then, I'll be sooperly thrilled with dancing to "our funny songs", eating one meal a day and getting completely drenched. Old or new - I have a family, now ! And, I'm honored, to say the least !

Unlimited !

Lot's of unlimited food makes most of us happy children. I believe that a la carte menus are as much fun as buffets. The latter tends to give one a variety of choices of cuisines to pick from thus not leaving the decision of how much food from which section of the menu, to order, for a big table !

My tryst with buffets began in Dubai at a place that never changed it's menu for the next 10 years that I lived in The Emirates. Moving here got me to enjoy and love a special buffet The Girls and I would go to on Sundays. The menu there too - almost sort of never changed. But we never complained because - thanks to my wonderful interpersonal skills, we always managed to get a table even in a completely full house !

I do not mind the concept of a sit - down buffet as well. Infact the afternoon laziness gets to us so much, that sitting down and being served "all that you can eat" is a wonderful and very pleasing thought ! One such place in Bengaluru - is pretty and calming. It has a variety of cuisines to choose from and they are kind to you on your birthday. There are other places that have re-fills of unlimited soft drinks/iced teas as well as bottomless chips ! Now, that is something we haven't been able to resist in sooo many years !

The unlimited grilled starters, the over flowing chocolate fountain, the never ending array of biryanis. Buffets make us happy children. Value for monies. Skip dinners. Have a nice long nap and you're set for another 2 weeks !

Fiction - I

The fish bowl broke. Shattered on the ground. There was water all around.
The green turned to red and eventually there was nothing but black. Soon, the smile returned. Maybe because it's exactly what she always wanted.
That infinite space. The ability to do nothing but just stare. At what, you may wonder ? Most often, she didn't have an answer as well !
Slowly, the balcony became her home. It was the one place she was not answerable to anybody. It was also the one place where she could dream without boundaries. As she sat there holding her hot cup of strong coffee - she stopped "thinking." She just stared !

Day turned to night and there were no stars. But the moon was bright. It seemed happy and that annoyed her ! She wanted to destroy it all. There was nothing to be all shiny about ! Or was there.
The door bell rang - she ran. Left her comfort zone. Came face to face with the one person she didn't want to see at that moment. Her heart raced. Her shoulders dropped.
She gave in. That was it. There probably was no looking back anymore !

The glass disappeared. The stars came out. The balcony was converted into a store area. It was all alright. Eventually. Just alright !

Pah !

Spicy Masala Peanuts worries.
Green eyed Monster encourages yet says no.
The new found dancing love(r) has hardly slept and worries.
Firnagi encourages and laughs yet worries too.
Broke laughs but silence says it all.
Sheldon's oldest fan worries and oxytocin sharing is a natural process.
The knowing it all and incarnation is always - just !


In your face - Karma. I know "we're on a break" but you still louve me and there's a special place always !