Time! Has a person been able to seize it or get ahead of it?! Well, time just surpasses like a flash sometimes and some other times it seems like decades to kill a few minutes.

Ummmm, now that I am sitting in my new office, Tavant Technologies, this is what I believe is accurate. To say a few words about the job itself, I MUST say I AM LUCKY! Yes! It is all that I sought after. Superior working environment, fine people around, superb workplace, even better project and of course a handsome pay. It has just been 2 days and today is my 3^rd day. Yet it seems as though I am associated with this place for eons! I have fallen in love with this place. But since it’s the early days, it takes a lot of comprehension before I get into the real job. As I am feeling very lethargic today and not being able to give attention to the document I was going through, I was finding it hard to keep myself stirring. So, I thought of doing something that I love to do the most, BLOGGING!! :) What better could be the subject other than my first wedding anniversary? So, here I go…

5^th February, last year was a BIG day for me! It is already over a year now. I remember I happily stepped into a new life with the most sensible human being I know, Deepak. I was thrilled. One year has gone by with all smiles, delight, love and more love and more love and more love

If I look back at it now, it seems to be just a few days ago that Deepu tied knots to me. But no, it’s really been a year! I was all the time making myself believe that our anniversary was in the offing but never did my mind accept the fact that it has been ONE YEAR already!!

I had plans. I thought of doing a ‘kalyanotsava’ in devagiri temple on that day and invite only the immediate family and friends. I had started making inquiries about the same too.

In the meantime, Deepu had some travel plans. He was going to Goa for a business. Nothing could have traumatized me more than this that my hubby is going to be away from me on our wedding anniversary :( He decided to take me along!! So, Go Goa for first wedding anniversary

We stayed in Panjim.

First day, was not so significant, because, I took lot of rest which I badly needed after a night long journey. Did a small shopping too. We just managed to go to one of the boat restaurants to have a drink. And also, visit Bogmalo beach in the late evening and spend the silent hours with each other, facing the waves, looking at the future…

Second day was a more hectic day for Deepu as he got busy with meetings and work while I had the pleasure of shopping for the second time in just two days

Third day, we went to one of the iron ore mines, ‘cottumbi’. It was unusual but a great experience all together. I got to meet his business mates. All were full of praises for my Deepu. I held my head high. I am so proud of him. Later in the evening, when Deepu was busy in a meeting in Taj, I roamed around the Squeram fort and the huge beach next to it… It was a jolly place. From there we went to baga beach and again spent our evening looking at the waves approaching us…

Fourth day was well planned. We hired an Avenger and started our expedition. We went around Panjim. Went to couple churches, took loads of photographs and had all the fun. When we went to calangutte beach, Deepu was in no temper to play in water. Waves being very rough, I was scared to get into the water alone. Luckily, we met a family there who had come with their 2 year old daughter. Deepu was baby sitting her while I went with the couple and felt the bumpy waves striking hard. It was marvelous!

Once we were back to hotel, we took bath and got ready for the dinner. We went to a restaurant near mynmar beach. It was a quiet place with delicious food, gorgeous ambience and live music.

One of the memorable moments of our anniversary in Goa is here:

We ordered for some drinks and starters. I wrote on the tissue paper there, ‘it’s our anniversary today. Please sing mere rang mein rangne wali from maine pyar kiya, RoopaDeepak’. Deepu wrote, ‘your voice is very amusing. Sing main shayar toh nahin from bobby. I want to dedicate it to my wife’. Waiter handed over our request to the singer.

Drinks came, starters came. We were enjoying the food. 5-6 songs were by now sung. The songs we asked for were not one of them. I rose from my seat and went straight to the soloist and inquired him about the songs we requested for. He said he did not have the tracks :( SAD :( REALLY SAD :( REALLY REALLY SAD :( He suggested that he would sing some other romantic song for us. But, I was reluctant.

 What could have been done?!! Huh?

Pyar tune kya kiya

Hain pyar tune kya kiya

Ek hi pal mein achanak

Di hain nayi duniya

Di hain nayi khushiyan

Meaning, the kind of love you have bestowed upon me has changed my world in no time and given me a new joy. This is always true as long as Deepu’s love for me is concerned. Every time I hear to this song, I think of my Deepu. He has really been such a loving partner that every word of this song is true about my feelings for him.

Coming back to the dinner that night, I dint know what to do. I asked the soloist whether it’s okay if I sing a song myself. He was welcoming. I took the mike. What struck me was, all this while the crowd was busy with their food while they listened to the music. No one looked at the stage. But the moment there was a girl holding the mike, standing on the stage, everyone’s sight were paying attention to her.

I announced, ‘Good evening everyone. I am Roopa. The person sitting there in blue (pointing to Deepu) is my husband Deepak. It’s our anniversary today and I wanted to dedicate two songs for him, but I suppose the singer doesn’t have the tracks. So, I would like to sing a few lines myself for him’. Everyone applauded. I trembled. I looked at my Deepu. He was walking towards the stage with the camera. I sang, ‘pyar tune kya kiya…. Di hain nayi duniya’. He had taken a few snaps that one the family members of the family sitting next to our table came forward and sent Deepu on stage and took some more snaps for us. Everyone applauded again. This time with more cheer. Wishes started pouring from all corners of the place as we walked down of the stage.

Later, almost every song was dedicated to us by one or the other dining there.

I personally enjoyed the attention we were getting (although my Deepu is a little shy and stays away from being in limelight). We then, drove back to hotel in the cool breeze with lots of splendid memories.

As we returned to home the next day, I was looking into the snaps taken and when I saw the one taken on stage, I thought of our anniversary and smiled to myself. I heard my heart singing:

Pyar tune kya kiya

Hain pyar tune kya kiya

Ek hi pal mein achanak

Di hain nayi duniya

Di hain nayi khushiyan

Overall, a very blissful experience it was, would be an under statement.

There was work, work and work with a meeting as well. She was engaged the whole day. She had had a great lunch. She ate 3 scoops of ice-cream

She was occupied and had got new work scheduled. She had to start it. Yet, she was not contented. She had something missing. She was not feeling like seeing him or talking to him. It was not that. She dint know what exactly it was but, she was not feeling okay.

She had not slept properly the previous night and so, she had severe body pain and headache starting.

What was happening to her was something that was beyond her understanding!! She thought, ‘Am I frustrated?? I don’t know! But, whatever it is I need to sort it out. I really need to. But how? I don’t know! Again!! ‘.

She just wanted him by her side saying he dint mean anything he said, and it’s just that he loves her, he cares for her and he is concerned about her. And she was more than 100% sure it will never happen. Because, he hardly does bother about things like it. Maybe he finds it silly. Being so, she dint want to talk to him, be with him or see him anymore. But, how will she even avoid???!!

She mourned to herself, ‘Hey, am I thinking too much and unnecessarily? Maybe yes. Maybe I need some rest and sleep. I want my brain to be dead now; otherwise it’s going to burst. It’s just that I am finding it difficult to accept this distorted person as mine. I want him back as before which will never happen. Am I regretting of my marriage in anyway?! I don’t know that again!!’

‘Holy shit!! I think I am going mad at a small thing. It’s a small thing but, it has come from the most important and intimate person in my life. And that is making it unbearable. What do I do now?? I want to forget it, forget it all. But, the more I try, the more it crops up in my mind. I feel as if someone has taken my heart out. It’s such an agony and anguish!!’

She wanted to scream once on top of her voice and take out all the anger, pain, desperation and disgracefulness of her soul mate. She wished she could do it. She dint see or hear anything. The damn thing had so much taken over her mind. And she saw no escape. Her brain was bulging and her head was getting tighter with each clock tick!! Heights! No one should love a person so much and if anyone does, they should not get married!!!

She loved him more than anyone else on this earth. There were a couple of instances wherein she had hated him also (just for a moment). But, since last night she had hated him from the bottom of her heart. And the bitterness was still on… It had never happened like this before. She had never hated him this much anytime before.

It was just a feeling for the time being and she would be alright once things are set right between them. But, right then she was going through a living hell and she wished he knows about it when she equally knew he will NEVER know any of these…

She also thought, ‘does he really love me??!! Life can-not get so cruel with me. I can not be destined to be sad through out my life… Have I sinned?!’

‘Ohhhhh!! Its terribly getting deep rooted in my entire body. I can sense the feeling so intense and severe in every corner of it now. I am trembling!! I need a break. I really need a break from life!!’

Every problem has a solution!

Three days!! That’s what it took her to come out of the shock he gave her! She felt awful whenever she looked at him but, deep inside her, she also knew she loved him, loved him more than anyone else. And she could not imagine a life without him.

Sometimes, she also felt, she had not known him at all. And the feeling was sooooooooooo strong that whenever he looked at her, spoke to her or touched her, she felt as though an unknown person was doing all this to her and found it very hard to deal with. She wanted him out of her sight.

Things were getting stacked in her mind. She had to make a decision. She decided!! She decided to leave her job, go else where, get a descent job and stay there. She thought she will not tell anyone where she was. She could not think of anything else… She decided!!

And it all changed on a morning. She was in deep sleep when he woke her up. He was being quite normal to her as always. But the other day, he had spoken (and probably forgotten) something that he was not supposed to and that still hurt her. Hurt her very badly. She was in sleep, deep sleep. And it was that instant that she dint remember what he had told to her. Her body clung to him with half awaken eyes and mood and he was so receptive to her that the difference no longer existed and the distances were void between them!!! )

Later, when they spoke and discussed the matter, she knew how much he needs her in his life. She knew he does love her, he needs her.

Things were fine between them by then. But, she felt he doesn’t understand her yet and neither does she understand him. They still needed a lot of time to accomplish that; to become one. She was right now scared, a little tensed because, somewhere in a corner of her heart she still felt she was living with a stranger and that added to her discomfort. After marriage, she missed her home for the first time!

Above all, she loved him and would want to give him a chance. The next time if this happens, she knew what to do. So, there would be no confusion and she would go somewhere far far away from him, for sure!!! Yet, she hoped the need won’t arise!

She had somehow come over her anger and dismay towards him. But, still had a heavy heart. Dint know what was pending or what was bothering her. And that night, as she slept in his arms, she kept on talking about the same issue all over again. She said, ‘Mama was talking to me regarding the argument. She dint know what you had actually told. When I told her, she was hurt. She could not believe you made such an insane statement. She said she would not be partial just because you are her son and she claimed that you were wrong. You shouldn’t have uttered such words’. She also mentioned to him that she told mama that she had consoled and controlled herself only because of her parents. They would get badly hurt if they got to know of the unpleasant incident. So, she dint counter to it. She stayed tranquil. And that mama just nodded in response.

He was holding her tight in his arms against his chest. His heart was pounding loud. He said, ‘this is the 1st time; you should give it a prospect’. And it was that moment that her deepest frozen agony had started melting. She had to let it come out. She asked him whether he thinks he wronged her, he said yes! She asked him, whether he thinks he shouldn’t have told that to her, he said, yes! Tears had started to drop from the corner of her eyes by now. She continued… She asked him, why she is still staying with him after whatever he said to her. He tightened the hug and took a deep breath. And she broke down… She cried like a small child in his arms, her face buried in his chest hairs. She cried so much that it took minutes to calm her down later to get a peaceful sleep which she lacked for four successive nights.

The following days were blissful for both of them…  And they both lived happily ever after… J

Marriages are made in heaven, they say. With me it’s proven to be accurate. My marriage’s unquestionably made in heaven. And I always say and wonder if I knew I would marry Deepu, perhaps I would have got married ten years earlier!! He is such a loving person or is it that I love him so much?? Well, I don’t have an answer!

February 5^th 2009, was the day of wedding. No wonder I haven’t quite found time to write a blog since long…

I was on leave from 2^nd February’09 and was expected to be back on work by 23^rd February’09. 2^nd Feb was his threading ceremony. My parents had been to the gathering. I went to the parlor that day for a bridal make over!! I came back home and waited for my parents. I thought my in-laws might send some sweets for me. After all, it was a function at home and I had not been there because, I was told I was not suppose to be present there; don’t know for what reasons on earth. To my surprise, I saw that my parents dint get a single thing from there. They NEVER offered anything for me!! Strange! It doesn’t happen like that in my place. I felt they might have been really busy and hence, probably could not pay enough attention towards that. I ignored.

3^rd Feb, I got mehandi patterns drawn all over my hands and legs and the whole day went on with the damn thing.

Yenne Shastra & Chapra Pooje: 4^th Feb, I was woken up early in the morning by 4AM. I got fresh and was waiting for my appa. My relatives, photographer, my family, all were waiting. The function was supposed to begin at least by 7AM and there was no sign of my appa. Finally, he arrived at 8AM. I, appa, amma, and one of my cousins who was suppose to hold the kalasha in my wedding sat for the customs. It went on… They applied oil, kunkum, turmeric to us, and made us do so many more things. It was more like an act – we take rice, flour it, prepare sandige and give it to eat or something of the sort. I don’t remember it exactly now. After all that, we all took head bath and proceeded out for chapra pooje. While we were doing the pooje, honey bees came from nowhere. It is suppose to be a good signJ. And then, came a cow and a procession of god on account of madhva navami. It was all a good sign according to people around there. We finished the pooja, posed for the photos and went ahead to the marriage hall.

Devara Samaradhane & Bale thodiso shastra: It had got really late and the priests were waiting in extreme anxiety for us. Once we had arrived there, the rituals (homa, nandi) started all over again and got over by noon. Followed by hoovilya, and bale thodiso shastra. My aunt put the bangles to me. All had lunch. I was so damn worried and tensed that I could not even gulp some water, so, I skipped my lunch.

Varapooje: By evening 4PM, my brother and a few more went to Deepu’s house to invite them to the marriage hall (that’s a custom). My friend Deepthi had not arrived yet and people were hurrying me up to get ready. It was 4:30PM, that I was struggling with my silk saree in one of the rooms and my friend barged in. What a relief!!! By 5PM, Deepu’s family had arrived to the marriage hall. I was all ready by then and waiting. I remember playing zib zab zoo, Sunday Monday and many more such games with a small girl in the bridal room!! When I went out, the customs of giving me all auspicious things went on after which I had to change to the saree they gave. Later, some more rituals went on… And the varapooje was over.

I changed into my t-shirt and paijama and had an ultimate comfort after the whole day’s anguish in the silk sarees. I could not sleep that night. I knew the next day was a BIG day. I was ready for it, yet I could not close my eyes for a moment either. My parents and my doddamma also had not slept that night.

Dhaare: Next day as usual, we started getting ready by as early as 4AM. My beautician came and got me ready within no time. I started off with the gowri pooja and mummy tied the first taali to me. Photo session was also going on meanwhile.

And outside, Deepu and his family was also involved in some customs. Once it was all over, I was called out. Now, I don’t remember what all exactly we were told, and made to do. The only two things I remember very well are:

One, Ahem, when everyone was getting ready for kanya dhana, I had such a grave feeling in my heart. The sense of leaving my parents, family went so much deep in me that I could not help but cry. Cry and how???! My god, my whole body was trembling and there was no way I could control my tears although I tried a lot. People started coming to me and tried to console me. But no use. I remember, when my brother came to soothe me, I said to him, “All of them who are coming, are only cleaning my eyes, you at least clean my nose!!!” Finally, my best friend Deepthi managed to bring back the smile on my face and cheer me up.

Two, Deepu had promised to me that he would say ‘I love you’ in my ears for every knot he would tie and he forgot!! CRIME!!! Yes, he committed it. He broke his promise. I was looking at his face hoping to hear those three words from him as he tied the taali to me without even looking at my face. For me, he did not exist there at that moment. All he did was to sheepishly follow the priests’ words and that’s it. I doubt whether he was aware of my presence or what was going on around. He was so profoundly involved. I knew he had forgotten his words. I had to tell him. I did. He tried to poise it and so uttered the three magical words when he tied another taali during nagoli, but, the fact still remains that he broke his promise!! And that hurts whenever I look back at it.

Then, luncheon followed by so many more rituals and customs and reception, photos and exhaustion… All this to end the day, while I was still thinking of the next day morning. We had satyanarayana pooja planned. I and Deepu were supposed to be doing it. I was thinking of how to manage to get up early and how to tie the silk saree as a new life was waiting for me with all the pleasures, joy and happiness in its arms wide open to seize me in them…

2.       I am 18 and I would always be [Sshhh, this is for YOUR eyes only] (but people around me don’t even believe that I am 8). Giggle

3.       I am a software engineer, although I don’t see myself as one. I really don’t fit myself in that position (mind you, I am quite good at programming).

4.       I had a beautiful and the world’s best sister (she is no more). And I miss her.

5.       I am currently married and love the status. Oh yeah, life is still not complicated, no wonder I love my status.

6.       I love animals. I like to keep pets at home. Love cats the most.

7.       I am a typical Cancerian and am fickle minded.

8.       Sticky at times.

9.       I am a classical dancer.

10.    I have many friends.

11.    I love red, black, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, white, yellow, blue, pink, orange, errrr… I love colors. After all, what’s life without colors?

12.    I am the most pampered child at home and the same thing continues outside too. So, I like to call myself a pampered princess, because, that’s how I live!

13.    I cry when I am angry (usually I don’t cry easily). And the last thing I would do is to stop talking to the person whom I ma angry with (until my anger comes down), doesn’t matter for how long. There are instances when I have not talked to my close friends and family members for months together!!!!

14.    I am a good listener.

15.    Problems make my life adventurous.

16.    I believe in God.

17.    I hate it when people take me for granted. My body language, if not my words, would tell them I can be tough.

18.    I am egoistic but friendly. I don’t hold grudges.

19.    I love procrastinating. It’s an old habit.

20.    I am hyperactive at times and speak very fast when I explain stuff I am passionate about.

21.    I am very much in to art. Acting, dancing (also happens to be my zeal), singing, painting are my interests.

22.    I love to write. Dream to write a book of my own one day!!

23.    An optimist, I love life and like helping people solve their problems and very versatile.

24.    I love to use a lot of ‘I’ in sentences. I am a very proud person. I get proud for very simple reasons. Like, my existence makes me proud. It takes a lot to depress me.

25.  I get excited for small happiness.

26.  I loooooooooooooooove ICE-CREAMS!! And I loooooooooooooooooooove Deepak more than ICE-CREAMS!!!!!

Actually, I don’t get tired talking about myself. I rather love it. So, I never realized I have written 26 instead of 25

It was around 8:30PM or 9PM on a Tuesday (precisely, 16^th Dec’08 ) night. We were in Deepu’s house. We were all sitting in the living room and chatting while Deepu was browsing channels on TV. His phone rang. He answered the call. His mother was calling from Mysore. She said, “Mini has been admitted to the hospital”. I could see his forehead lines getting sharper. He still managed to be in command and spoke calm.

After hanging the call, he just prayed to god and turned back to me. He had just started to explain to me about the phone call, this time my phone rang. Mini had called me this time. When I heard her voice, I could sense the ting of worry, nervousness, fear, happiness, excitement- a mixture of emotions. I tried to console her, tried build her courage up and wished her all my luck. When the call was over, nervousness had crept over me too! For a moment, we all were numb and silent. None of us knew what to say to each other.

We had clearly informed over phone that for any concerns, they can always call us, no matter what time it is. As usual, I took a leave from there and went home. I told my parents about the matter too. Instantly, my amma and doddamma also prayed to god. My amma got tensed too. She asked me to keep my cell in the normal mode (Generally I switch to silent mode when I go to sleep). I did. That night everyone at home almost saw every hour of the clock. We were waiting for the news and there was none!

I drowsed into sleep in the early morning. And when I got up, the clock was showing 10AM. My mom curiously came to my bed and asked me whether I had any update. I checked my cell. I had no message, no call!!! The anxiety took over again. I immediately called Deepu and he said, “Mini had a baby girl in the morning at 9:15AM”. I was overwhelmed!! I congratulated him, couldn’t speak anything more. My family rejoiced with us too. All were happy. The anxiety no longer prevailed. And the life continued…

I spent the day thinking of the baby. When I spoke to my mother-in-law (of course, still would be), she just said, the baby was cute, fair and plump. That was not enough for me. I was eagerly waiting for an angel. And when she had come, I had no patience to wait any longer to see her.

I spoke to my sister-in-law (obviously, she is also still would be ), the next day, she also could not give me the right picture of the baby. The curiosity in me had by now grew up like a sky scrapper. All these days, whenever I spoke to Deepu, I spoke of the baby. He did not enjoy the news as much as I did, because, he was worried about his sister. He wanted to just see her once and feel that she is completely fine. Then shall he celebrate and welcome the new born.

So, we decided to go to Mysore on Saturday. Due to various reasons, it got postponed to Sunday. I could barely sleep on Saturday night. Sunday morning, by 9AM, I was at Deepu’s place and when we actually started to Mysore, it was 9:30AM and none of us knew what was waiting for us?!! We drove all the way talking everything under the sky but nothing about the baby or the mother.

And when we reached there!!!!!!!!!!! There was the biggest BONANZA!!! I saw the baby and my eyes sparkled with happiness! I could not wait for a second more to take her in my arms. I lifted her and observed her carefully. She was very blissful. Round face, chubby cheeks, fair complexion, jet black eyes, fairly long limbs, as tender as…. What??? There is no match to it. The baby was soooooooooooooooooo cute. Her ears, feet, fingers, skin, hairs everything spoke of beauty at its extreme. I could not stop looking at her.  I touched her all over. She was soft. I kissed her forehead. She looked at me with half opened eyes and my happiness hit the peak!

The angel

Every aspect of her was a wonder for us. The way she was sleeping silent, the way she stretched her body when she got up, the way she moved her eyes around, the way she cried, the way she gulped the polio drops, the way she made faces at us… Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!!! There are many. All her actions were special in all ways. She took us through a different world in just the few hours we spent there.

Later, with profuse unwillingness, we had to come back. All the while we drove back we could not help but talk about the baby, her tenderness, her beauty, her activities… She had managed to put us all into a fantasy world where everything seemed gorgeous. There was no room for anything unpleasant there.

With still one week to go for her to come here, I am now jotting the things to be shopped for her, and (of course, with more pleasure, dreams and aspirations) the life continues… Actually, and the life begins…

Sometimes in life, we all come across situations which would force us to think so much about the nominal incident also that our brain will be almost dead at the end of it!!

I am not able to figure out as to what to call it! Coincidence? Neh. Errrrrrrr ummmmmmmmmmmm, Illusion, well, nope. Then what else?? I will use that as the title for this post once I decide about it.

Well, coming to what led me to so much bewilderment today; here is a very small incident that happened to me lately.

Since my school days, I had a very good friend by name Suma. She had a sister by name Shubha, who also was my close friend. We three were thick close!! Soon after I got into Engineering, I lost contact with both of them. We never fought, we dint have any problems with each other either, yet, we stopped talking. We also dint exchange smiles if at all we crossed by. There was no hate-redness. Yet, there was a sort of uneasiness.

It was years, that I not even had thought of them. And these days, I am seeing Shubha very frequently!!

It started off from mid October. On a weekend after Diwali, I was walking down from Gandhi Bazaar along with Deepthi (one of my old friends) and I saw a lady in her yellow salwar sitting on a bike giving me an annoyed look (well, I am not sure whether it was anger, but, I felt so). It took me some time to recognize her. She was Shubha!!

Then, 2nd November, Sunday. I was again walking in front of UD, Gandhi Bazaar, this time with Deepak and I saw her along with Vinay (her then boy friend and present husband) and her kid. Vinay has changed a lot. He has a put on a lot of weight and looks like an uncle, I felt. He was carrying the baby. This time, although she looked at me, it was a relaxed look. It meant nothing (again I am not sure of this too, I just felt so). I wanted to have a look at the baby too, but, did not have so much time.

And yesterday, again, I was going with appa, near my atte’s house in Thyagarajanagar and I saw her along with her mom. She was carrying her baby too. I saw her and I got stunned!! She looked at me as if she is looking at a stranger!!

All the above three incidents put together would have hardly lasted for 5 minutes!!

I started wondering why is it that I am seeing her so frequently now-a-days!!? I know this has no meaning. Yet, I don’t know why, I started thinking so much regarding this. But, it was really shocking for me that unexpectedly she comes across and not just once!!! Although I dint want to convey anything out of it, my mind was all the time busy looking for an answer for ‘why did she pop up all of a sudden and why does she cross me every time?’.

I had still not found the million dollar answer and today morning, as usual, while my appa was dropping me to office, I was sitting back and watching around. I saw a lady in her red salwar, holding a kid’s hand. The kid was dressed up in a school uniform. The lady was holding a bag in her other hand. She had a blunt cut and wore a BIG stud in her nose. I dint know why my eyes stopped at her and she also looked at me constantly. I found her very familiar!!! And I had already crossed 2-3km from there when I realized that the lady was Divya, my school mate. A common friend of me and Deepthi (Deepthi also happen to be my school mate)!!!!!!!!!!!

Some sort of chemical reaction started in my brain now. I know things like this happen in everybody’s life. There will be millions of such incidents happening with many more millions of people in day to day life. In fact, things like this have happened to me also quite a few times in my past.

But, this time it’s different. It’s different because, it made me think about it seriously. It has put me to a state of numbness! It has become significant in spite of its insignificance!! Why?? Well, I have no answer for this.

Unknowingly, unwontedly, I am still thinking of these incidents and trying to make some sense out of it…

Deep inside my heart, I am feeling the incidents mean something. It is giving me a message.

My brain does not agree to it and yet strangely, it is still thinking of these incidents and trying to make some sense out of it…

Appreciation is required in both professional and personal life. It comes in various forms. It could be verbal, or conveyed with some action or with some reward or a gift. There are just too many ways to put across appreciation.

When it comes to relationships, it is not easy! We often hear people say, ‘Even if I say thank you, it doesn’t seem to matter’. Why is it so??? Appreciating someone who is your life partner is a very sensitive concern (Especially, if you are a guy).

Flattering does not work always. And not all beautiful girls are brainless!! Here are a few ways (NOTE: They are just my personal opinion) those are quite natural and express your appreciation to your girl and I am sure, she would fall head over heal

Well, the best way to TELL her is to simply talk to her everyday. Simplest!!! Talk to her either every morning or every night before you go to bed. Tell her that you couldn’t imagine your life with out her. That will make her feel really special. I think that actions speak louder than words. So, kiss her goodbye and hello every day

Sometimes, giving gifts is also essential. In most cases, flowers and a nice card (make sure you draft your feelings for her in the card) will do the trick followed by a romantic candle light dinner (would be even special if you plan it as a surprise). And of course, lots of hugs and kisses

Or even better, get a pet!! Yes, if she loves animals, you can get her a pet and they last way longer than some flowers or get her a nice plant at least.

Write her a letter (For those who can, write about her in your blogs or poems!!) when you are at work and give it to her when you meet her. Girls generally treasure these kinds of memories, nicely tied with ribbon. They love it.

If you are a husband, find something that is important to her. Get up earlier to her on weekends and make coffee, feed the pets and let your wife sleep a little. (She will be ready to jump your bones when you clean the kitchen, if you could do that too). These little things mean so much to her and it says you love her and you care for her and you are concerned about her and that you understand.

Hello All,

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge… At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance Jawaharlal Nehru Claiming Independence from British Midnight of August 14, 1947.

Today, is Independence Day! The last time I spoke or rather gave a speech on this day was way back in my school . At that tender age, I did not realize what I was saying, for me standing on the podium and addressing a huge crowd was so exciting that I did it with pleasure.

But today, when I stand here as a matured girl, a responsible citizen of this nation, I feel proud to be an INDIAN. At this age, wherein we have already read the history of Indian Independence for long eons, there is no point talking about the past. So, my intention of this talk would be to rouse you to think of present and future with Independence as perspective. Yet, since our fighters have had a great deal giving us this opportunity of celebrating this day, I would first of all like to salute them all and express my heartfelt gratitude to all those great souls!

To name a few legendaries, Mahatma Gandhi, one of my ideals, of course, he has most fans following after “Munna Bhai MBBS” and “Lage Raho Munna Bhai”, Bhagat Singh, the well known trio – BAL PAL LAL, Jawaharlal Nehru, Chandrashekar Azad and many more.

When Independence Day is in the offing, one sees a sudden burst of saffron, green and white, the Indian tri-color. The media goes to town with a variety of contests, promotions and programmes related to Indian independence. Television channels show patriotic movies and relentlessly play patriotic songs from old and new Hindi movies. Billboards on roadsides for different brands pay their tribute to the nation. Everyone seems to have something going for them. Shops and petty tradesmen sell a range of Independence Day merchandise such as flags, stickers, tee-shirts and greeting cards. Street urchins hawk paper and plastic flags and tri-colored balloons to motorists at traffic signals.

But, after a day or two, you and I will find the tri-colored flags on the streets, in gutter!! What a shame? I had initiated one such group in my colony wherein after every national festival we go on roads as scavengers and collect all the unattended flags lying orphaned. Being in a busy world now, if each one of us can take the pain of picking one flag up and giving awareness to people regarding the importance of it, I think we have given a tribute to the nation and our national leaders, to whom we owe our lives.

Unfortunately, for most of us today, Independence Day is a holiday, or probably a long weekend!! We don’t realize the significance of it, because we haven’t witnessed that struggle, we haven’t faced those tribulations. Being educated, we first need to value our freedom. I would want to emphasize here on “Responsible Freedom”. Yes, you heard it right, “RESPONSIBLE FREEDOM”. Most of the times, we forget that freedom does come with conditions. Freedom does not mean you have the right to wantonly exercise your liberties. Freedom comes with responsibilities. We should know how to use it wisely.

What is this responsible freedom now?? You are free to smoke, but not in my face. You are free to eat, but not from my plate. You are free to be happy, but not at my expense. You are free to fight for your rights, but not snatching mine. You have to know what you can and cannot do with freedom.

Country was moved by the recent bomb blasts that happened here in the city and Ahmadabad. We belong to a different society or class from where we hardly find time to spend thinking on these issues. We are rather busy impressing our PM, pretending to work till late night, hang out in weekends, make more money and fly abroad. That’s all we can think. All these times, we forget, it is WE who constitute the nation. I am not asking you stop living. But, in your lifetime dedicate a small fraction for some good cause.

I would like to conclude my talk here hoping that all of you will at least get influenced by one of the minute and yet giant points that I mentioned here today. Let the world see the transformation in terms of patriotism in young Indians. I proudly want to dedicate these words to all Indians, my friends, colleagues and last but never the least to Abhinav Bindra, who won gold for India in shooting, 10m Air rifle. Three cheers to all of us. Hip Hip Hurray!!!

Jai Hind.

Thanks one and all.

Today when I am writing this, I am actually sitting in a lab in Bosch and it is just the 3rd day of my job here!!! And, I am typing this in a word document hoping to transfer the same to my blog…

Having just 3yr of work experience, I have seen a lot in professional life (and personal!!??). I started my career in a very small place. We were just a bunch of 10-15 working in the company (including my BOSS – I call him “SIR” with all love and respect). He will be remembered by everyone who meets him for whatever he is (not to mention for all good reasons). Such a person he is. I have always admired his knowledge, patience and teaching skills. He is the only person whom I call teacher (after my school). It was more than just a wonderful experience to work with a gem like him. All went well, except for this fact that I dint have a career growth (in terms of money)!! My destiny just took me to a better place when I was in a crisis and it was too mesmerizing to deny!

I was suddenly into a new company, a big one, of course. BIG in terms of name, and money to a certain extent. I was given a cabin of my own! Phone, internet, what not?? But, work wise, I never was satisfied. I, basically being a very friendly, fun loving person made some good friends there. We literally rocked the place!! Enjoyed all the time with them. Did not last there for long… I could not find peace there. Wanted a break. So, left that job too!

Small company is far better than BIG ones, I thought now. I had work satisfaction and a good number of friends in my 1st company, but, no money. And sadly, money is one of the factors with which a person’s success is measured. BIG companies offer BIG money, but, job satisfaction?? I was not sure. Maybe, not all companies are same. This was my thought process when I sat jobless at home for 15 days. Fortunately (!!?), there was something that came up my way which I felt was the break that I was looking for. I got a chance to train the freshers on C, C++, Unix who were recruited into some BIG company . I felt like I was back to college. Had a great time with all my trainees. I loved them all and they loved me equally. Never realized how time just flew away… And all my trainees had to move on with their work (Although we are still in touch). I was left with no work again!! I had to go to office, and spend time doing nothing! Back to square one. Meanwhile, certain problems arouse there with the HR people and others too. And most importantly, that place also reminded me of one “person” who became a very important part of my life and went away… I knew him hardly for a few months… But, time really does not matter (looking at all the pain and joyous moment that I have had) when it comes to having feelings for someone. Ohh!! Let me not make it personal (although that influenced me too). The place started looking like hell to me. I started feeling suffocating there. I put down my papers again (without a job in hand)!! I was serving my notice period and meanwhile, I got a job!

Company was again BIG! I had to work at the client’s place which was quite exciting for me. Work was neither very interesting nor bad. I somehow started liking it. Friends!? Worth mentioning, that friendship just happened. Amazingly, we were all like minded people put together in one place. Time again went on partying, having blasts, making merry. Money came into picture again… This time, it was not for me, but, for my family that I was fighting and there was no room to compromise. There was no hike given because the market is low and I gave up the job!

I am here now getting more money than before. The place, work, food, everything is too good out here, except for the team . The team is utter boring and conservative. But, I still have to hang on, because, I have a lot to learn here… And of course, the biggest of all reasons, I have good money.

Don’t know what’s hidden in my future. But, after 3 years of work experience (also), I still am struggling hard to find the right place to work!! Wonder does it really exist??