October wish list: Wishing you divine guidance

I'm a full fortnight late on my wish list! Been absurdly busy the last few weeks and Golden Sparkles took a backseat. So here's a splash and dash wish list for October for you lovely readers!

Pic: Todd Hallock, imagekind.com

May you have warm words on a cold evening

A full moon on a dark night

And the road downhill all the way to your door

So long, farewell

Goodbyes and changes are inevitable - how much ever I prepare myself for them, they still catch me unawares. A friend from work leaves this weekend for an onsite assignment (In the world of Information Technology, onsite means going out of India for projects). This friend is a lunch and tea buddy. He's the one who brought together a bunch of like minded individuals, which then got added on to and eventually I had one of the nicest lunch gangs in a long time. The last few months have been so much more fun and bearable thanks to these people. We were quite a mad set of people - bottom line - we were hilarious! We've all bonded over time and found the comfort and solace in the friendships we've formed. You know when you've made friends for life - those kinds who you either keep in touch with or do not, and will always stay in mind and heart - I can safely say these people fit in that category.

Like with all people who come and go in our lives, people started moving on - one for Bangalore, one in preparation of her delivery (She'd due Oct 1st week! Yaay!!) and now another leaves for his onsite assignment in the USofA.

So as he said goodbye today, I could not help but feel a little sentimental. You're a nice person my friend and I will miss your enthusiasm, your smile, your intelligence and your presence. Meet again we shall, Disneyworld - 2012 right :-)) Till then, Bon Voyage and happiness and success following you and your lovely family - all the way.

Loss

This heart-wrenching post was put up on FB by someone I know. My condolences to you and your family. This is a beautifully penned poem on the loss of a loved one and I'm sure it would touch your heart like it did mine.

www.deviantart.com

You never said I'm leaving

You never said goodbye

You were gone before I knew it,

And only God knew why

A million times I needed you,

A million times I cried

If Love alone could have saved you,

You never would have died

In Life I loved you dearly

In death I love you still

In my heart you hold a place,

That no one could ever fill

It broke my heart to lose you,

But you didn't go alone

For part of me went with you,

The day God took you home

September Wish List: Wishing you inspiring dreams

September is such a birthday month! A lot of people I'm very close to and fond of have their birthdays this month, including my dear darling sister. This wish is list is dedicated to all ye birthday folks.

Pic: www.angelsmosthigh.com

May you always walk in sunshine

May you never want for more

May angels rest their wings right beside your door.

Keeping the faith with conscious wisdom

I've not been in the best of spirits off-late - So while the last few weeks have really taken a toll on me, work-wise and health-wise (I have injured my back real bad), I've had support come from so many sources. Family, friends and colleagues have been a great encouragement for me. Some tough decisions coming up for me and I need to keep the faith. A dear friend recently advised me to keep the faith with conscious wisdom - I agree.

And then the signs come from various sources. I loved this quote from Oprah.

“It’s not easy being grateful all the time. 

But it’s when you feel least thankful,

That you are most in need of what gratitude can give you."

Signs

On my way back home from an outing, an auto rickshaw in front of my car had this poster stuck on it. It was so heart-wrenching and moving at the same time. I wish that everyone in my country has a full roti to eat and the right to proper education. For those who do not understand Hindi, the poster says "I'll eat half a roti (bread), but I'll still go to school". Should the future not be a better place? Where kids can have a full stomach and also get the education they deserve? This is my fervent wish for this independence day...

Freedom

India celebrates 66 years of independence this year. The traffic signals have people selling flags, the office distributed flag brooches, the TV channels have gone berserk, especially reality shows doing Independence Day themed shows, the working class is excited about it being a long weekend, there is a general "Taranga" spirit everywhere. Societies, schools and colleges will hoist the flag, sing the national anthem and have meals together. Loud speakers will blaringly play loud patriotic music through the day, oh and just to mention, that'll happen around hospitals and old age homes as well. 

Someone asked me if I feel patriotic around Independence day - do I listen to songs of Independence and feel it in my heart? I have one response consistently - No. 

I do not have double standards. I do not display or portray what I'm not. 

I live my independence everyday - the life that my parents have let me live, the values that I have been brought up with, to feel a sense of belonging, every single day of my life. And that sense of belonging could be in any part of the world that I'm in. 

For me independence is having the people of my country live the same kind of life - devoid of corruption, devoid of class and community divide, tax money being used for progress of the country. Whilst my company posts % of food wastage in the cafeteria daily, people in the country are dying of hunger. Children are not getting an education, women are being abused, men are wasting away their lives on tobacco and desi daaru. The country's major income is agriculture and we're still a long way off from having the best-in-class systems. The cities are bursting at their seams. Infrastructure simply cannot match demanding needs. The education system is a joke. The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer.

Why am I painting such a dismal image of a country I love? Does "not" stating the truth make one more patriotic? Do I really have the right to point a finger at the authorities for a messed up government? Did I not play a role in choosing that government with my vote as well? What freedom are we talking about? What am I doing to bring about a change? And then, I look at Anna Hazare and I feel a glimmer of hope, of faith...

Like every year, this year too shall be no different for me - I look at Independence day as simply a holiday well deserved. In my heart, every day is Independence day - I will do my bit for my country - my way. 

Breathe your independence - every second, every minute of your life. I wish you all a happy long weekend.

Smiles that take you Miles

A smile, will take you many a mile

And when you're low, think a while,

All it takes is a smile,

To get back that twinkle in your eye :-)

There are some days, when I wake up thinking, however my day will be and whatever comes my way, I'll smile through it. And on those days, I make sure I smile as much as I can. So today turned out to be one of them smiley days. And everything just felt right! 

A bunch of people caught on to that enthusiasm (which was super cool), I got out of a few tricky situations, I held my guard in a tough spot and all went well, just because I decided to smile through my day. 

What a wonderful feeling - Try it, it works :-))

August wish list - Wishing you Strength of Character

The 8th month of 2011 is here already!! It amazes me how time flies - Feels like yesterday when the new year came in and now we're quickly and swiftly approaching the end as well. Monsoon does this to me I think - it makes me very reflective of the year gone by thus far and weigh how much I've achieved of what I wanted this year. The winds of change have been blowing for a while for me - its been a gentle wind for the most, but has been a little stormy off late. Bring it on, I say! 

For this month, I wish for you strength of character - our character is after all what defines us :-)) 

May your neighbors respect you

Trouble neglect you

The angels protect you

And heaven accept you

Happy kick - Visitors of the prettiest kind

A few days back, these gorgeous 2 visited me - I was getting ready for work and I hear a pecking at my window - I jumped in surprise and I was pleasantly surprised to see these 2 trying to get my attention! I walked slowly and opened the window and they didn't fly away - I quickly whisked out my camera and the clicks made them move away  but they stayed. The posed for me at the grill and that's when I captured this lovely shot. I got them some food but they just looked me - spread their wings and flew off. They circled my window for a while but didn't come back. They were so pretty and I thought they'd just come to say "Hi! Take a few pics of us will ya?" :-))

A few years back, a similar incident happened. I stay at a place where there used to be a lot of parrots. It used to be a delight to wake up to the sounds of parrots screeching. One such morning, I walked into my room that they're being particularly very noisy! And i saw a baby parrot at my window ledge. He was super cute. I reached out to him - he didn't fly away. I played with him for a while and when he started nipping at my finger I realized he was really hungry. He seemed quite familiar with a human so I assumed he was being fed regularly by one and he'd by mistake come to my window that day. I was eating then and I suppose he wanted that as well.

I rushed to the kitchen and mum was making 'Paratha's' - she made a tiny one for the parrot as well. So mum, dad and I went into my room and I fed him. It was so cute watching him wipe out a full Paratha. We then got him a guava but by then the older parrots realized that there is food and came in flocks. The poor baby parrot was outnumbered by the biggies and we had to shut our window. He flew off after a while. He didn't come back again, but he left a very nice memory in our minds.

The parrot population dwindled over the years - people captured them and sold them in cages. GRRRRRRR. I'd missed seeing them the last 2 years but this year they seem to be a making a come back. So I do have these special mornings when a few visitors stop by and say hello and I love to greet them with a 'Welcome back my friends' :-))

Mumbai meri jaan - Marking 5 years of the blasts, Jul 13, 2011

You were wounded today my love,

Damaged and broken in parts.

In your body, seeped the blood of the injured

And the dead.

What happened to you,

Sent shock waves through the world.

And my heart sank

For I knew they'd hurt you again.

You'll bounce back

Like you always do.

Everyone will call it - Resilience of the Indians

The spirit of you.

But deep down inside you,

Somethings changed forever

We'll all move on tomorrow

And you, my love, will bear it like you always do.

Music for the soul

Yesterday I spent a lovely Saturday noon shopping with my sister - We did the usual when we drive together - Put on some music and sang our loudest to the music - Those are some of my best times with my sister. I owe her my love and passion for music - growing up she was so instrumental in introducing me to great music. So now when I joke about retro 80's music being "Music from her time", I think that's also music from "my" time. 

107.1 FM has the best English music played on Radio - I think now they're the only ones who air English music as well. Last night while driving home, they were playing the Moody Blues. I've always loved "Nights in White Satin" by then. And I don't know how I missed this lovely number - its called "Haunted". It is so beautiful. Justin Hayward - song writer, guitarist, singer in the band has a truly haunting voice. This song takes me back in time and makes me pensive. Its been on loop since today. Listen Here

I hope you love it just as much as I do. Happy listening :-)

Moody Blues - Haunted

I really miss you when the nights are long

                                                   And only silence is heard in this world of song

But life goes on

And forever more

I'll be haunted by your love

I see you walking through the gates of home

And then I wake up to find I'm still all alone

I should have known

But forever more

I'll be haunted by your love

Lonely is the river as it tumbles to the ocean

Searching for our future

We can't find our way back home

My only comfort is the love we shared

And as I walk through this world

With sadness everywhere

I've had my share

And forever more

I'll be haunted by your love

And forever more

I'll be haunted by your love

Standing in the doorway

As the sunrise greets the morning

Searching for our future

We can't find our way back home

I really miss you when the nights are long

And only silence is heard in this world of song

But life goes on

And forever more

I'll be haunted by your love

Haunted by your love

Don't Quit - Author unknown

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, 

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, 

When the funds are low and the debts are high, 

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, 

When care is pressing you down a bit, 

Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns, 

As every one of us sometimes learns, 

And many a failure turns about, 

When he might have won had he stuck it out; 

Don't give up though the pace seems slow-- 

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than, 

It seems to a faint and faltering man, 

Often the struggler has given up, 

When he might have captured the victor's cup, 

And he learned too late when the night slipped down, 

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out-- 

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, 

And you never can tell how close you are, 

It may be near when it seems so far, 

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-- 

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

July wish list! Wishing you Wisdom

May you have the hind sight to know where you've been,

the foresight to know where you are going

and the insight to know when you're going too far

When Love and Hate collide

A conversation with a dear friend triggered off writing this post. I was asked if I could ever hate someone I loved. The answer came from me without a pause. You cant hate someone you truly loved. How much ever you try, it just does not happen. Does that mean something is wrong with you? Not one bit - Hate is way too extreme an emotion. And when you love with all your heart and soul, there is simply no room for hatred.

So people who meant a lot to you don't talk to you, dear friends move to different countries, you nurse a broken heart for a long time, your long distance relationship collapses like a pack of cards, your lover does not feel the same way about you anymore, your best friend is now someone else s best friend, your soul-mate, soul sister, soul brother has not called you in years - you just fell apart with each other. Sound familiar? We've all been through one of these situations. If you feel hatred for someone for any one or more of these situations, know that you've then not loved the person a 100%. There is simply no room for it :-) 

Love is a strong emotion as well - few are lucky to experience unconditional love. The purest form being the love your mum has for you. You could be a rascal of a child, however you can still crawl back into mummy's arms and feel loved. You're forgiven-just like that. You may not need to dig too deep or look too far to remember moments when you've experienced love in purity. Hatred just does not feature in the scheme of things. No you're not being noble and self sacrificing because you don't hate - you're acknowledging yourself for being able to look beyond the fact that someone is no longer a part of your life in the present and may not even be in the future, but in the past this person made you feel super special with his or her love for you. Remember that feeling, breathe that feeling in, revel in it once in a while.  Sadness may take over when your heart yearns for that feeling again, and a tear of longing may roll down your cheek, but rest assured you'll smile thinking that you are incapable of feeling hatred for that person for the love was just so beautiful.

This monsoon, I wish for you moments filled with love. 

Moments with your dear ones filled with joy and happiness. 

And if ever you feel lonely know that you're capable of being loved. 

And that you're capable of sharing that love too. 

And when all else seems lost and anger and hatred threaten to take over, 

You step back and fill yourself with the belief that 

Love and only love will help you sail through your moment of doubt.

Yippeee for a great weekend!

Not to sound like a whine pot, but I've been unwell for almost an entire week - I came down with a massive flu and bad throat last Saturday - I've been bed bound for 4 days after. And as suddenly as it came, so suddenly it left. And left me weak and exhausted and drained of all my energy.

I've spent this weekend recuperating as well and I must admit - I feel much better. Largely contributed by my friends and ever so loving family.

The good wishes have poured in from everywhere and I've felt happily spoilt.

Such a lovely Sunday I've had with relatives coming over and spending the entire day with us - it was warm and cozy and we had some great meals, shared many a laugh and swapped so many stories - I did doze off in the noon but I had a great Sunday nonetheless :-))

Hope you had a rocking weekend and find yourself in a "Not so Blue monday" - I know I wont

Sniff sniff sniff sniff sniff

Sounds like a doggy right? That's exactly what I did when my Dee came back from a recent Singapore trip with a bunch of perfumes for me. It was one of my greatest joys - at 1.30 AM opening up new perfume bottles and devouring the lovely fragrances. I'm a self-confessed perfume addict. Been one for years now. I'm always on the look out for nice smelling things - soaps, perfumes, lotions, name 'em! I've always wanted to do a review and what better place than to do it on my blog! 

I've off late gotten into the breezy, oceany kind of fragrances. I've always liked the sweet, strong scents - Read: D&G No. 3 - a gift from my best friend's brother and a brilliant perfume - perfect for a date ;-), there's also Escada - Desire Me - again, the name suggests it but I also find it a great wear for work. In Bombay climate conditions, you need something thats strong while you travel, and which eventually settles to a milder scent when indoors. You don't want the person sitting next to you to choke because you smell like a walking Bath and Body works store!

I save my D&G # 3 for a sunny day if you know what I mean :-) Another scent I like to save for a sunny day is my trusted, faithful Burberry Brit. I love it! Its strong, though subtle after an hour or so.

Back to my breezy scents - I've always been faithful to Davidoff Cool water for women. And then Davidoff launched the Summer Dive!! Oooo-la-laaaa! Its divine. Its like being on a beach. 3 of my latest acquisitions (Courtesy sister and Singapore) are the breezy, light, beachy ones - summer fragrances that will make you swoon. They're perfect for work as well - light and always with that wiff of awesomeness surrounding you. So there's Issey Miyake's summer scent and I also got D&G Light blue. Light Blue took its time to grow on me, but now I love it. 

Its a simple looking bottle, but its a dream. I think water lily when I wear it. Of the other possessions I have, Tommy girl is a little off the mark (strange coz I loved it at one point in time). Burberry beat is good if you're out in the sun a lot. Hugo Boss Intense Red is great for a night of dancing. So is the Marks and Spencers True Red. They belong to a very similar family. Ralph Lauren's Romance and Marks and Spencers Infusion make for good work out scents or they're great for a brunch. Rather feminine and sweet though! 

I'd also highly recommend the mists from Body shop - my all time favorites being Musk and Oceanus. Bath and Body works have good fragrances as well - I recommend them for a day of trekking. They're a little too stuffy for my liking in a closed environment. I smell like a garden. Though you could get some super cool deals on them in sales in the US.

So there you have it - my run down on perfumes/scents. If you're in India, I suggest buying your scents from shoppers stop. At least you're guaranteed of buying something original. Its very heavy on the pocket though sadly. If you have friends or family in Singapore, NOTHING LIKE IT!!! The scents there are almost 40-50% cheaper! I'm NOT kidding! If you want to take a chance at buying the duty free imported goods, Alfa is the place to head to or even the Jolly emporium in Ghatkopar!! I bought Cool water, Lacoste and Burberry Brit from them and they were awesome. Oh Lacoste's Touch of Pink! Its lovely too - a little girly as the name suggests, so its more of a brunch or afternoon shopping kind of scent. 

You've got to be careful with usage - some clothes cannot handle the perfume on it directly - you spray and it leaves a mark. I've done it before and it breaks your heart to ruin a top you really love. So be careful. A tip I read somewhere  recently is to spray scents directly on your pulse points. Your blood is warm and that part of your skin has the veins exposed directly. They tend to give off the wiff better. If you're spraying them on your underarms, do so over some talcum powder to prevent pigmenting your skin.

Perfumes are a matter of choice - what smells great on your best friend, may smell out right weird on you! So how do you choose? Simple - walk in to a store - spray yourself liberally with a tester and walk out!!! See how you like it after 4 hours - voila! You have your answer ;-) Some people are natural at choosing their scents, I took a while to get it right (per my standards i.e :-)) ). Perfumes are worth the investment. They're my happy kick :-))

Ze munsooooon iz ere

Whats with the title of this post? Ah, just like that :P Caught your attention didn't it :-))

What seemed like a pre-monsoon shower a few days back gave way to the full fledged arrival of the rain showers. And shower it has! Its poured and poured and poured. While indoors, its a visual treat, while outdoors and if traveling by public transport, its horrendous.

I was driving in this storm on Saturday and I actually though I may need to pull over - I could hardly see a thing! It was beautiful though, I must admit however. I went through this phase while driving where I almost felt like I was not driving. I had very low visibility and I could not see beyond the car in front of me. It was all so surreal and dreamy that I almost felt like there was someone else driving for me. Its the weirdest, scariest and most incredible feeling I've had while driving! I missed my turn to get home the right way, I couldn't see where I was going.

Along the way, the thunder storm cleared. It left behind flooded roads; I saw a street that was flooded with knee high water! I've had to maneuver through roads dug up for construction (the life long story in Mumbai city!), roads with massive pot holes (correction - there was no road almost - the road was in the craters) and I'm talking about a busy road here! I took the twice the time to come home - it was worth every minute of it! I came back with a treat for the family - piping hot croissants and a dark chocolate pastry. And to top it all, pakodas and a masala tea! Oh yeah and an enviable view from my room ;-))

So I can crib and complain about the mess my city can be in with the monsoon having just started, the potential of a leaky room (The water proofing sucks!), earthworms in my bathroom (I see atleast 2 everyday) and spoiling my precious gorgeous new sandals (yeah, yeah, I was foolish enough to wear em). BUT I still think the rains are magical and heavenly and lovely...Ze munsssooooooooooon izz 'ere and zis girl izzz lurving it!

Lovely view from my home

Mad about the movies Part II

After a long, hard, struggling week at work, I had a fantastico weekend. I did not let the rain deter my plans of having fun on my weekend. So I decided to disconnect from work and live it up! Much deserved.

So Sunday took me to doing what I love doing - losing myself in a movie (or two). I'd already watched Kungfu Panda 2 with a dear friend last week. However, I'd loved it so much I had to watch it again and that too in IMAX 3D.

SO I excitedly drove through the pouring rain and got to the theater just in time! My friend had already got our tickets and I excitedly got into the movie hall. Now watching a movie in the IMAX dome theater is a different experience all together. The last film I watched there was Charlie and the Chocolate factory (Yummylicious Johnny Depp :D ). The seating arrangements are such that if you're one who has vertigo, it could actually be scary. We were given these huge 3D glasses (I have to digress here and say that I'm very averse to using these glasses that are worn by thousands before me - they're usually smudged and give me a headache!). Well these were good, thank goodness! 

The theater was quite packed for rainy Sunday noon, but we were lucky to get good seats. Big Cinemas has a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. See here. I cry every time I watch it, its so beautiful. 

The movie in itself is a wonder to watch! A brilliantly made film, with mind blowing animation, a great story line and an adorable sqishy squashy cuddly Panda with a happy-tappy ending! What more can one ask for! The visuals are breathtaking and that massive IMAX screen makes the experience unique. I loved every minute of it. My friend was so amused when I told her to pay attention to how each time the Panda - Po did something that involved movement of his tummy, there was this funny "Boiiiiiinggggg" sound. We came out of the movie enthralled by the animation and wondered why we didn't do something fancy like that for a living! We're both I.T professionals and we do the same boring hum-drum things everyday! I think I may just dream of working with Diney-Pixar someday!! Hee-haa!

The highlight of the day was watching movies back to back - another dear friend joined us for the next movie and we had time to kill before it started. We got tickets for X-men - First Class and plonked ourselves in these cute moon chairs while we caught up over cups of tea and fried food ;-)) Ah, nothing beats girly chats and gup-shup!!

X-men was another fantastic movie! Me and my friend Nefi are true X-men fans and it was thrilling to watch the story unfold. We initiated Urmi into becoming an X-men fan as well.

I headed home; my head spinning with 2 fantastic movies, wondering why Bollywood isn't even 0.1% there yet. What a perfect Sunday - catching up with my friends, driving through the rain, watching 2 brilliant films. I sure have every reason to say I had a very happy weekend!

Wishing you happy Discoveries

Its June and the wish calendar wishes you happy Discoveries! Its the onset of the monsoon season. New season, new tidings - do something that you've not done before - push yourself into trying something new - believe in yourself and soar! Shop, sing, get drenched in the rain, take a holiday, relax and take it easy...And most of all - be happy in all you do!

May you find happiness in the most unlikely places

May you find satisfaction in whatever you do

May you find friends where others can find none

And may every moment be filled with something new.

Splishy Splashy Sploshy

June 2, day before yesterday - It was a beautiful evening. I've had the rare good luck to be at out of office the last few weeks and hence enjoy many a sunset. I've always been a sunset kind of person and I was at my window (lucky to have a fabulous view too!) checking out the clouds gather. Dad happened to come by and we were chatting by the window and contemplating if it'll drizzle.

I casually told him that we could expect the pre-monsoon thunder and lightning which I love. 10 mins later, it started drizzling. We were so excited that we ran up to the terrace and in a matter of minutes the skies opened!!! Big pellets of water hit us - there was a wonderful cool breeze and there was lightning and thunder all around us - it was like being in a storm! We spent half an hour up on the terrace - Dad and I, laughing like kids and getting soaked in the first rain of the season. It was so much fun!!! My happy splishy splashy moment with Pa :))

A miraculous Lost and Found story

I joined my sister, her husband and brother-in-law for a mid week movie. I was looking forward to watching Hangover-II. I've had a crazy last few weeks and it made for a much needed break. Taking my sister's advice, I took an auto instead of the car. Made sense - parking is a pain around the Diamond Garden area these days. I was running on close time lines, so when I got closer to the theater, I hopped out at the signal. 

I made it on time for the movie - 30 mins into the film, my phone rings. I saw an unknown number. I usually miss calls while watching movies - I prefer stashing away my phone in my bag and not get disturbed while I lose myself in a film. I'd jammed my phone in my jeans pocket and even though I'd ignore an unknown number usually, on a whim I answered it. Someone very softly asked if I knew Tejal madam. So obviously, stranger had my name right. He talked slowly and I kind of got a little clippy and short with my tone, which is when he asked if I knew Tejal madam and that he wanted to return her purse!!!

Boom!!! I was carrying my beloved, much used and should be thrown away ASAP sling bag that well, does not have a zip or button to close the top! I know...bad move to carry bags like that when you travel by public transport. I started digging around in the bag while the guy on the phone asked me where I am and I did realize then that my wallet was missing! I asked the person where he is and that I'd come get it, but he insisted on my telling him where I was so he could return it to me. I was stunned - this guy was being very nice. I ran out of the theater, my sister running after me. 

In the next 45 minutes (I missed half the movie, but it don't matter), I waited calmly and patiently for this gentleman to return my wallet. My sister in the meanwhile helped call the banks and cancel my cards. Thank God for mobile internet - I changed my net banking passwords. I knew my cards were not used - Thank God for mobile alerts! And when Mr. Satpal returned my wallet to me, I thought Thank God for nice people like him (and my sis - she was really sweet)! 

Mr Satpal's brother found my wallet in the auto. He, being an alcoholic, took away all the cash and left everything else as is. He went home and handed over the wallet to Mr Satpal who then browsed through the wallet for a number. I luckily had a card with a number on it and thats how he located me!! He then said something really surprising!!! He asked me for my account number so that he could transfer the money his brother took from my wallet back in my account the next morning! My jaw dropped! He requested me to check my wallet and see if everything else is intact. I told him that I'm OK with the money being taken and that I'm glad he got my wallet back. What a kind man! I told him I'd have liked to give him something as a token of my appreciation, but he just shook his head and said that its he who owes me money. He smiled and left.

And this is Bombay for you - through all the madness and the cheats and chors, there are also the conscientious, kind hearted, people-caring junta in this city. Its quite rare to get back something that you lose in this city - be it your heart or material things :-) This is my little miracle story of finding my material thing back. Thank you Mr. Satpal - you did a good deed sir - A very good deed. 

Wishing you Amazing Journeys

Its May and the summer holidays are here! So while you'll are away on your little vacations, may the journey of your souls be filled with awakening and joy!

May God shield you on every step

May He aid you on every path

And may He hold you safe on every slope

On every hill and on every plain

On earth and on sea until you are home again

Witness to insane Road Rage

Today started like any other day. While I was maneuvering through traffic at IIT-Powai, Mumbai, I got stuck behind a long line of cars. I snaked my way around the cars stuck in the fast lane and then witnessed the most unbelievable sight - a biker with his lady companion jumped off their bike. The biker made his way to the car and then started hitting the windshield and the drivers side window with that helmet!!

I could not see any noticeable or visible damage to either the bike or the car and I could not for the life of me understand what was going on. The driver of the car, a relatively new Hyundai i10 snaked his way into my lane and then cut further left to avoid the insane assault on his vehicle. Then got royally stuck in the usual IIT Mumbai traffic. The next thing I see is the biker hop onto his bike, swerve in front of the car, get off and start his insane banging on the windshield. The driver then made his biggest mistake I think. He rolled down his window completely and the next thing he knew, he was being punched repeatedly in the face. It was a horrible sight to witness. The driver looked like a decent guy who was frightened out of his wits! The biker tried to smash his helmet into the driver's face and the driver had the sense to shield his face from the hammering. So the biker continued to punch the poor guy in his face. The look on his face was pure murder. He looked like he was out of his mind. 

I found myself helpless at being a witness. I needed to move off as the signal had turned green and I was holding up traffic. I could not believe the extent of rage the biker had in him. What have we come to in this city? Is there so much latent anger in us now that vents out like this? Was this anger just road rage or was it fueled by the frustrations this man has in his life? What do you do when you are witness to insanity like this? I understand verbal altercations are inevitable, but what warrants such an act of violence? And where is the law in all of this? Mumbai is a frustrating place to drive in, but is it also a frustrating place to live in? I do not want to delve into what are the possibilities for the thoughts behind the bikers action, for I saw no thought. 

I only saw a man who was no longer human - I saw a wild raw animal pulverizing his prey. I felt helpless.

The power of friendship

I spent a weekend away catching up with my gang from the USofA. It was a reunion in Pune, my dearest roommate flew in from Kolkatta and me and another friend headed to Pune from Mumbai. Pune is where our couple friends stay now. 1 was missing - presumably enjoying another onsite stint. We were meeting as a group after almost 3 and a half years. 

I've spent 2 absolutely amazing days reliving the memories of the past, reveling in the warmth and affection of my dear friends, laughing till my stomach hurt, plotted and planned and conspired while playing UNO, took countless auto rides, pigged on fabulous food, prayed at a lovely jain temple, made some (pretty awesome) chai, lay down chatting into the night and sleeping only when we couldn't keep our eyes open anymore, was treated like a princess by our fabulous hosts and felt bad when I had to step into that bus and head back to Mumbai. 

I've spent 2 days not thinking of the future and where and when we'll have these moments again, though I know I've created some very special and beautiful memories for the future. Once again, I feel blessed to be surrounded by amazing people - who in their simplicity, genuineness, affection and warmth, have shown me the true power of friendship.