Is it time yet?

Living a life chosen by myself. Each day, just as I had dreamt of. Sudden surprises were welcome, good and bad. None could dither my firm steps. My feet deeply rooted to my dream. My dream! Adapting, adopting changes all the way, never changing it completely. My dream, my pillar, the essence of my joy.

Then why did I lose it? Traded it for a new life. Wasn't I the one who conceived it? Nurtured it and watched it take form? Following it with a gladdened heart, with immeasurable love. All gone. My dream. The way I had it planned.

Yes, it was my plan, not His. Logic coerces me to question His plan for me. Would it do any good? Knowing my future? His plans are a mystery. I unravel it every day, every second. It's not the unknown that waits for me. Something that I can accept. Not a challenge. But I can cope with whatever is thrown ahead of me. I'll trust and try. I ask not for answers but for strength. I'll walk on and on.

Until today, I did what I loved. Now I'll learn to love what I do. In this lies true happiness and contentment. I'll fulfil my dream some other way. But not now. One day I'll ask Him "Is it time yet?" And he will reply, "Yes, my child. It is time."

15-word stories

Story 1:

He read her letter. He cried. She was moving in soon. His mother-in-law.

Story 2:

They missed the train. The honeymoon couple frowned. Next day they read of its accident.

Story 3:

She had no money. Her baby wailed. She smiled at it – her reason to live!

God's love does not change!

Things do change, people do…
It’s joy if the change’s for good.
But when I sought change,
My world was right where it stood!
And I’m met with cold ignorance,
A lesson learned, wisdom earned:
Lord, I must only live with your assurance.

Fundamental Wrongs

The right to equality binds us together,
yet fairness creams sell like hot cakes.
Having the freedom of speech, but we’d rather
talk obscene, with malice and harm nation’s stakes.

We can’t stand exploitation, criticise it,
but don’t we often witness child labour?
Humanity is lost when to riots religions submit,
And secularism is exalted for votes’ favour.

For our own culture we demand growth,
while insult and demean other ethnicities.
Can we sincerely stand before law, take an oath
and profess all our actions and iniquities?

The Constitution was made for us, by us,
includes both – duties and rights.
Yet, for every right we’re ready to make fuss,
but do we even keep our responsibilities within sights?

Let’s sow peace in every Indian soul

Let’s spread cleanliness beyond our homes

Let’s make preserving natural resources a prime goal

Lets’ promote integrity and unity

Let’s protect national heritage & monuments

Let’s lead a dignified life and allow others to do the same

Let’s take our nation to new heights

Let’s make India proud!

Chilly & the children

Oh, what a winter! Waking up for work every morning is a task, of course done out of compulsion. The chilled water brings back my senses and helps my eyes to finally open wide. Bathing in cold water is fun, but then my mother doesn’t like the idea. After a cup of hot tea and a quick breakfast, I put on a sweater and step into a foggy, cold atmosphere.

Walking with a scarf looped around the neck, already thinking about the time when I return back home in the evening, I see so many children standing with their mothers, waiting for their pick-up to drop them at school. Some as small as 3-4-year olds! All of them wearing their woollens, few still seem drowsy while most of them their chattering normal self.

I, a 26 year old, suddenly realised the contrast of my complaining about the stinging wind and my numb skin, and those cute little faces with scarves and mufflers around them. The warmth of their smiles echoed on my face. Though it didn’t lessen the chilly breeze but strengthened my mind. If these kids can brave the winter, why can’t I?

Have a cheery winter!

Kindness, I know you exist :)

Life is unpredictable. And so are humans. You meet different kinds of people; some treat you nicely, while some stab you in the back or punch you in your face.

Often I am surprised at things that happen. When I anticipate that everything will be fine, suddenly there’s a storm. And when am waiting for the worst to take place, there’s calm.

There was a time when I was expecting someone to understand my plight and help me with my problem, a few harsh words made me realise that fate necessarily won’t come to my aid. And once again, I was standing at the same crossroad, wondering what will happen now. I knew that things aren’t going to go my way. Yet I prayed, shunning such thoughts from my mind. Yes, my prayers were answered not just with humility but not a question was raised!

I have come to the conclusion that the world is filled with the kind and the unkind. But don’t let your experience make you believe that the other kind exists no more. People may hurt you and bring tears to your eyes. Beware of them. Ignore them, pray for them. Treat everyone as you would want to be treated. For you will come across some good souls and be blessed for even the little goodness you’ve shown.

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:10

An ode to my copy colleagues – Priyanka & Mansi

Too short deadlines, yet another brief.
To your woe, time is a thief!
Stealing away your forty winks,
Over a brand that stinks.

Briefs taken, work delegated,
Within hours the copy to be created.
You both always do your best,
Quite before the CS team’s request.

But there’s work for you not meant.
It’s to be done by Shruthi, who is absent.
Yet, you complete it all,
But never bother her with a call.

These days, seems like she’s fine,
May be about her health she won’t whine.
She does come late every day,
She know it’s not okay.
She’ll try again to come on time.
(Am sure you’re tired of this rhyme.)

I thank you both – Priyanka & Mansi – from the bottom of my heart,
For being such wonderful colleagues and bearing with me!

Freedom is calling. Will you answer?

We, the entire nation, celebrate this day as our Independence Day, together. Yet there are some conspirators, who sow evils like discrimination, regionalism, corruption, etc. in the society, for their own political or personal gains. The sad part of the story is that it's people among proud Indians who believe these schemers, respect them, follow them and support them. If each one of us thinks independently, without being under the influence of any make-believe speeches, we will truly be free – free from being manipulated, cheated or betrayed. Respect & believe the truth. Free yourselves. Happy Independence Day!

If you wait for tomorrow, it'll never come!

Decide today. Get rid of the evil for the sake of a better life. And at least you'll stop being a slave.

Hmm... next question please!

This is not something that I’m just making up. These questions are thrown right in your face and you are left wondering eh… what? The world is filled with enough wise people and twice their number- are a bit of less sensible people like me who have to put up with the big brained scholars. Never mind. Let me put forth these intelligent queries that atleast gets me thinking about some serious issues they bring to my notice rather than thinking over some trivial matters which are merely just important in my life.

Situation: You’ve had a hair cut. The length has been reduced drastically, lets say from waist length to boy cut.
Question: Had a hair cut?
Answer: No, its winter and I’m shedding! / Oh God! My hair has shrunk!!!

Situation: You are just leaving from home and meet someone at your doorstep.
Question: Are you going somewhere out?
Answer: Is this the way out? Eureka I’ve finally found the right door for exit in this
maze I’ve been living for years!

Situation: You get a call from some unknown person (an obvious: wrong number) on your cell phone.
Question: Which place does this number belong to?
Answer: Well, right now I’m standing on ‘planet earth’. So I assume this number belongs to the same place.

Situation: You are sitting and reading a book or a newspaper.
Question: What are you doing?
Answer: I am right now trying to save the world from my anti-social intents by burying myself into these manuscript that I can’t read.

Situation: You trip and fall down or bang into something and pretty obvious, you hurt yourself.
Question: Did that hurt?
Answer: Not at all. I’ve heard Judas Priest’s ‘Painkiller’ a hundred times and since then nothing hurts me. I suggest that you must try the same therapy.

I know these are just rhetoric questions or may be just some common questions. But they are done to death. You come across them time and again and they don’t deserve to be answered at all. But then you just have to live with them for they'll meet you time and again.

Crazy little thing called Love...

They were the most lovable couple. Hand in hand is how you would find them all the while. Well, they did live together all their lives.
Crazy little thing called Love...

She liked him. He did not. She wanted him. He did not. He was getting married to someone else. She committed suicide.
Crazy little thing called Love...

He saw her for the first time, he fell in love. He asked her out. After a few dates they got married. And after a few years, they filed for a divorce.
Crazy little thing called Love...

She never saw him, neither did he. They never spoke. They agreed to get married because their parents wanted them to. Today, they can't live without each other.
Crazy little thing called Love...

He always wanted her to hug him tightly. He didn't like if anybody else even touched her. But as he grew older he understood that no one would snatch his mother away from him.
Crazy little thing called Love...

Crazy little thing called Love...
Crazy little thing called Love...
Crazy little thing called Love...

Top 5 things about the IPL 2009

1. The Vodafone ‘Zoozoo’ ads.
2. The Passion Pro ad. (I like the track, 'Kuch bole bin, kahe sune...')
3. Everyone shouting out loud when the trumpet is played.
4. Kings XI Punjab not making it to the semis.
5. And finally, it’s over!

Back again

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. My schedule since the day I’ve joined my job is the main reason for my absence on the blog scene. Try as hard I may, I find it difficult to spare even a few minutes just for the sake of one post at least one month.

Determination can bring down mountains and create regular blogs. Laziness can help put off a thing for a day… or months… or even make a blog defunct. I’ll not let that happen to my blog. I will try to post minimum one per month. And if I’m not too lazy, it may rain posts on this blog. (Dream on, girl :P)

Wish me luck.

Think Green...

Jukebox.

I was walking along the road the other day when a car went past me. The speakers blasted some familiar music. Then I realised it was some track from the Backstreet Boys. Two young guys in a car on the streets of Bombay listening to Backstreet Boys in the year 2008! I wanted to roll on the floor laughing but then for some reason (doing so on the streets would give them a reason to laugh at me too) I just giggled and walked away. I recall another similar situation which happened just a couple of days back [please, girls (and boys?) from the Enrique fan club, do not send me any hate mails]. I was in the train standing at the footboard waiting to get off at the next station, when some girls got in at Kurla and stood behind me. One of them put on the speakers on the cellphone and played some Enrique numbers. I so much wanted to jump off the train! But an accommodating (as well as sane) person that I am, I refrained from doing so.

I know, I might be sounding a hypocrite. I too listened to BSB when in school. But that was in 1995 I suppose. Now my taste in music is completely different. Everyone evolves and so does their taste and preferences. (Well, this is just my assumption and I do not have any facts or figures to show it as a proven fact.) However, there may be some exceptions and I prefer to ignore those.

I mentioned that I am accommodating, but that does not mean my patience can be taken for granted. I will appreciate the amount of labour put into making some music which I don't listen to, but that doesn't imply that I listen to it. It would be unfair or rather violate my rights :P

I do not even listen to music 4x7, let alone 24x7, but it depends on my mood and my memory (strange, but true. Many a times I forget to put on the music. Silly na?) that I occasionally play my set of songs which mainly comprise of the following:

Aerosmith
Bon Jovi (by this I meant Bon Jovi before 'Its my Life' :|)
The Beatles
Deep Purple
Pink Floyd
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Queen

Bonus tracks: Hollow Years (Dream Theatre), Enjoy the Silence (Lacuna Coil), That Thing You Do (The Wonders)

Well, pretty short list. Apart from these, I've heard to different bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Doors, Guns n Roses, Megadeth, Metallica, etc. and found them good but for no apparent reason these don't make it to my list. Actually my sister is into Rock and Metal a lot so I get to hear these bands and many more.

There are likely to be changes in my list anytime, anyday. But the only genres that don't find place are Hip-hop, rap, RnB and the kind. I am not sure if Jazz comes into this 'not likely' list or not.

Though music isn't life for me, it is strange to imagine life without it. Though we don't have background music in our lives (glad that our lives aren't a scene from a movie!) a song or a tune always keeps playing in our thoughts/ mind (if its in your ears and you aren't wearing any ear phones, you need to see an Otologist) until the day the music dies...

(ABBA- Thank you for the music)

So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me.

Where the hell was I?

Hmmm... one whole month (i.e June) I thought of taking a self imposed hiatus. So I went on a guilt trip.

This was my first sole excursion and I forgot to carry a map with me. And predictably I lost my way. I did not know where I was heading to nor my way back home. I sat there looking for someone to guide me and take me to my safe haven, my home.

Somebody saw my plight and assured me that I will be taken to a safe place. He dropped me at the 'Lost and Found' department in the city of dreams. I stayed there waiting (not for a knight in a shining armor) and trying to chalk a way out of my misery... and it seemed to be an eternity.

Well, then heaven knows what happened later? I am as clueless as you are!

P.S. Its too complicated for any sane soul to understand the gist of the matter this partly lunatic dame is blurting out :| May be I'll regain my senses soon and get back to writing some better nonsensical posts.

Strange encounters of the same kind- Part III

This happened when I was a kid and had not begun my schooling.

I had been to Chowpatty beach along with my family and some guests. It was evening and the whole place was lit up. There were balloon sellers, some peddlars selling some toys. I was so excited that I couldn't help smiling. But the best was still unseen.

In those days we did not have Animal Planet on TV and I used to like monkeys. So the sight of a monkey on the beach was so very delightful to me that I began jumping and clapping shouting 'monkey monkey...'

What do you expect then? If anyone calls out your name and behave like your own kind, you do respond. And so did the monkey!

It came close to me, caught hold of the hem of my frock and began tugging at it. I screamed. This was not what I had thought of. I began crying out loud with the monkey still by my side. I don't remember what happened next. I guess the owner of the monkey came and took it away.

Since that day I stopped monkeying around :|

A cut above the rest.

Yesterday I bumped into my college friend, whom I never met after the TY exams. Strangely, her first reaction was, 'Hey, your hair have grown pretty long. You look different.' Coincidently, this was the same comment I received some 15 days back from another friend who studied till class 12th with me. She had not recognised me in first place.

It is not that I am obsessed with how I put up my hair or leave them open. But it does matter to others, I assume. I always liked them short. I still remember I used to pester my dad every now and then by seeking 'permission' to cut my hair short. But he never would budge. However, once finally after succumbing to my constant bugging, he gave me a green signal. I did not wanted to let go the opportunity before he could change his mind again. I had my exam the next day in the afternoon, but I still went to get a hair cut. And everyone's jaw dropped when they saw the cut. Boy cut! They exclaimed. Even my teachers were shocked and asked me why did I do so. But it didn't matter to me.

On two occasions, I was even mistaken for a boy (that was during schooldays). And I took those as compliments ;) In college too, when I had a mushroom cut (my favourite) I was always met with the question, 'Why Shruthi why?'

And I ask people 'Why?' Why are they so concerned what others do with their own hair? Some Bollywood director commented, "Women must wear their hair long. It is like a jewelery that adorns them." This is one of the lamest comment I've ever heard. Some like it long, some like it short. What bothers him? He can ask his woman to be Rapunzel if he wishes to.

P.S : Ah, this post is a case of 'Much ado about nothing'. I ended up writing this stupid post just because I am in two minds 'to snip or not to snip' :|