Anecdote #17

After the completion of my first term examinations, I took up a new hobby. I participated in a Model United Nations Conference, abbreviation being MUN conducted by Modern School. I had participated in one before but was not very sure if it was for me. At Modern school the experience turned out to be very enriching as I was in the company of very knowledgeable people who were moreover more forthcoming than those I had encountered the previous time. The fun was accompanied with a lot of fatigue but somewhere I felt that I found something that stimulated me and was eager to participate in more of these conferences.
Fast forward to a month. My fourth MUN at Birla Vidya Niketan. I was not at all prepared and I started to panic. It was a double delegation so I called my co delegate that and said that I was not in the right frame of mind to go for this. When I was talking to him I realised that he was being very accommodating and understanding and it would be very selfish of me to not even try. I changed my mind and decided to go for it. The next day after the completion of the proceedings I had to accompany my grandmother to a wedding. I could back out to carry on with the research but I decided to be at her side.When I reached there I instantly knew that I was right . The warmth and love I received from the people there is indescribable. My grandmother was elated that I was right by her side and couldn't stop singing praises about me. The next day, I had to face the fire of the MUN. This day was the toughest of all. My partner and I had to work together to solve a perplexing crisis pertaining to narcotics with an interesting mix of bollywood, which added a touch of drama. It was basically a hypothetical situation where a bollywood actor had been caught with drugs and we had to analyse and examine that situation. That day we were proclaimed to have given the best speech and the following day we won an award.
This entire affair taught me two things, firstly that I should never give up because a little faith measures more in the face of surrender and secondly that we need to be more considerate. In this fast paced world where we face the paucity of time our world centres around us as individuals. That should not be be the case. We need to at the least try to put ourselves in the other person's shoes and then think. Our lives are greatly interlinked, more than we know and in this context this idea of me must change into we.

Anecdote #16

Examinations come with a lot of stress and at least once in our lifespan we experience the epitome of frustration and stress. I had a similar experience just before my History exam . A day before the exam at around 3 PM my nerves started to get to me. This was mainly because of the fact that we only had a day to prepare for this subject but the syllabus was pretty detailed. At that point in time I was not even through with half of the syllabus and the sympathetic activation began. I had to be consoled by my parents and thankfully my father took up the responsibility of preparing me for the next day. Interestingly we started with a bit of meditation in solitary confinement and went on with the syllabus. With his guidance I picked up speed and by 5:30 PM we only had two chapters to go.

In between the momentary panic attacks would come and go but it seemed as though my father had resolved to help me through this. At each stage he took care of me and dealt with me gently. My mother gave us space but she too contributed as an emotional anchor. Slowly I came back to my senses and felt normal again. I went to bed early and tried to forget about the result but focus on the action. The next morning all went well and after the completion of the exam I reflected on the previous day's events. I inferred that the timely completion of the syllabus and instillation of confidence was not just my own hard work but my father's as well. It was truly a blessing in disguise and it made me realise that it is not always that one can attempt everything on his own, we will always be dependent on our parents for somethings and there is no harm in that because that is when we realise their true worth.

Anecdote #15

The terminal examinations are just around the corner and we as students cannot help but feel anxious. The voluminous books await me and I try to excuse myself from them as long as I can. Alas the time has come for me to exhaust their knowledge but I each time I wonder whether my strategy to approach the exams is right or not. I try to stay up late but then I fail to function during the day.  So what should I do? My only advise would be to frame a schedule according to your own needs and to keep in made the response made by your mind and body. Try and experiment with different routines by waking up early or by simply not sleeping in too late. This doesn't mean that you should completely compromise on your sleep. Your body needs time to take on the coming day.  For that do what suits you. Do not try to copy and make someone else's your own.You'll make your own mistakes but you will surely learn.
At the same time you must not be rigid. Be open to advise from your peers and parents, they speak from experience and have the noblest interests at heart. Learn from them and surely you will find it easier to reach your goals. That is my humble advise fellow students and with that I conclude because I too am running after time.

Anecdote #14

A hot summer day, the sun waiting impatiently for the morning and blazing in all it's glory. I had planned on going for a heritage walk to Humayun's Tomb so my father and I got ready and landed up at 8:51 A.M. It was one of those days which are not exactly hot but seem very hot.Our guide had kept a roza which meant he could not eat or drink for the next few hours as it was the first day of Ramadan.I couldn't imagine how difficult it must have been to talk the whole time without a sip of water but little did I know that he would be so more immersed that he wouldn't feel the need for a sip and neither did we.
As we approached the Isa Khan Tomb Enclosure I could feel the excitement, I felt the walls and their texture left a tingling sensation on my fingers. These monuments leave you feeling in awe of them. Theses structures have found against the ravages of time and they carry an air of royalty and a sense of eeriness about them. I say that because of the graves that reside there. The bodies of those great rulers who are most respected in history. It's hard to believe that they are those, whose stories you heard and fought those great battles which we learn about. I would say it's incredible. To be there and absorb of all that, I was plenty interested and engrossed. With that attitude we moved ahead to Arab ki sarai, a place where the workers who built the tomb would stay but the structure was dilapidated. The Archaeological Survey of India was trying to recover it but it was not in a good state and the progress seemed pretty slow. I was disappointed until I got to know about The Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture is an international organization which is working on recovering this monument, they have done a great job of the buildings we saw and it feels so great that there is a strong will to preserve the immense culture that resides in our country. I was hugely impressed with their efforts and I was even more impressed when I saw Humayun's Tomb. It was a vision, as we climbed up to the tomb we could feel a welcoming breeze. I loved the view and I was not only enraptured by it's beauty but how well it was kept. The monument was spic and span, not a wrapper or any sort of inscription in sight. I was proud to be there and unhappy that we had com to the end of it. We climbed down and I looked at the sun, it was shining bright but our faces seemed brighter.

Anecdote #13

The month of June has commenced and here in Delhi, the temperature has scaled new record breaking heights. The vacations are on but students have been piled on with holiday homework. It's not as if I hate doing this but it is so voluminous that I seem to dread doing it. Somehow I have gotten going with it and apart from that I am trying to keep fit. The thing about exercising is pushing yourself  during each and every attempt to improve your fitness levels,which in a way is similar to different aspects of life.The question that how many are able to push themselves to do that little bit each time because at that moment amidst the fatigue you just feel like letting go. The urge to establish a new record seems to be left for an unidentified tomorrow. Things left for another never seem to be completed. The goals you wanted to achieve wither away like an unwatered plant, turning dull and dry. Without proper implementation of our goals we start living life without a purpose, there is an emptiness which is gifted by time, a fire without a flame. Today we must get up from this trance that a tomorrow always waits because are running out on today.
Cease the opportunity of today and embrace with passion because it will only be tomorrow that you realise the importance of today.  If you are able to achieve that then the satisfaction, confidence and peace you would feel is indescribable. Don't just go with the flow but be the flow so that at each moment you are in control. 

Anecdote #12

 Bombay ( I prefer it over Mumbai), the city of dreams,drama and drudgery. A city I longed to explore which echoed dreams and passions. I landed on a Sunday and braced myself for half a day of exploration. I was accompanying my father on a business trip  and it felt great in getting to learn about the culture of a new city. I had heard a lot about Bombay but I was determined to make an opinion of my own.  I couldn't recall much about Bombay as I had visited it previously as a toddler  but I had always preferred my hometown, New Delhi over it. As soon as we landed we left our bags at the hotel and headed to Indigo in Colaba for lunch. I enjoyed a generous portion of the cheese fondue whereas my father went for a filet mignon. I devoured the plate by dipping in the bread crumbs and swirling them in the cheese for a nice and heavy coating. It tasted delicious and satiated me completely. My growling stomach was at peace and I was ready to take on the rest of the day. The plan was to hit the museums which were a few streets ahead and then to shop. The first stop was a museum cum art gallery which my father accidentally thought to be the Jehangir art gallery. It had some splendid paintings of Shri Almekar but we sped through them and moved ahead. The next stop was the Prince of Wales Museum now known as the Chattrapati Shivaji Museum( what isn't referred to as his royal highness in Bombay? ). This one felt more engaging as I am a history buff and the displays of the stone age, Mesopotamian and Harrapan civilisation  drew my attention. The richness of our history enraptured me and I couldn't help but observe everything keenly. My favourite were the  pots  they had retrieved and the whole methodology and story behind this art. Each and every kind of pot served a purpose and the process they followed was so interesting to study,  the interesting combinations of soil with feldspar or limestone or even ash which kept these artefacts in reasonable shape even today. The exhibit energised my mental faculty and we reached the Jehangir Museum of art. The moment we entered in my father turned towards the hall on our left as if he was captivated by something. I ran after him and realised that I was indeed as captivated as he seemed to be. The artwork there was phenomenal but placed very modestly. A man right in the middle of the room who was chatting with a group of people who seemed to be completely mesmerised by him caught our attention and my father identified him to be the artist. He was simple man who did not receive as much recognition as he deserved.In this transitory world so much gets left behind, people don't end up with the greatest of things or even with that much they deserved. It left me with an ache in my heart and I wished well for him. I tried to look forward to our next stop but for the next few moments I could only think of how unjust life could be and of those who have the talent and passion but don't make it there.

We need to all that we can, try to lend some help , not just material help but maybe only share our numbers for a heart to heart and to try and perceive the hardships one faces. To not just pity but empathize, to not just comment but form firm opinions and not write away diplomatically but power fully. Do what you can and do with your heart and maybe just maybe , you can make a difference.

Anecdote #11

It was the night of a lavish cocktail party with all that pizazz. After many failed attempts of applying make up, I opted to go natural but unfortunately reminisces of the excessive blush still loomed over my cheeks. There I was in a cherry red suit and churidar accompanying my father to a cocktail/ pre-wedding dinner party. It was nothing like I had ever seen, the banquet was enormous and decorated elegantly in white. I saw to my left, an array of little food stalls resembling a small food festival. The yellow light struck our shoes making us look fine and polished. It wasn't long before that I had tasted all the snacks. I met all my father's friends gladly but with a hint of consciousness, worrying that there might be bits of what I ate on my petite bugs bunny like teeth.  I kept looking around and observing the crowd, my father stood out amongst the crowd, waltzing through conversations. I couldn't help but feel in awe of him and wanted to stay in his company when I found myself stuck with an uninterested and disengaged fourteen year old and time slithered on.  The sole reason I wanted to stay to was to watch the much anticipated performances of a sufi singer and a punjabi rapper. In the next ten minutes the dance performances of the family members came on which were amusing to watch with an expected cheesy ending of the bride and groom to be waltzing.  Another half an hour lingered on and I sat still in a chair observing the extravagant clothing and updos of the women. I didn't want to interrupt my dad as it was his time  off but he came around after a while and so did the sufi singer! He was extraordinary and in his element. I had never seen a better live performance in my 16 year old life. The energy got back into me when all of a sudden my dad's friend who was our ride ( due to the troublesome odd even regime) wanted to leave. Apparently he was tone deaf and didn't enjoy the performance and moreover  his wife was leaving a string of missed calls which he was to afraid to take. We huddled outside and got in the car. On the way back my father had to talk to his friend's wife as he was chickening out. It was a funny sight if you ask me. As the car ride progressed I watched the passing scenery from the window, tube lights glistening in the dark with a mild breeze moving the leaves on the trees. I felt unexpectedly satisfied in that moment , enjoying the simplicity of the scenery. . It was a night with experiences of all sorts making it an overall enjoyable experience and one I will remember.

Anecdote #10

I will not be talking about any experiences time. This post or piece of writing is an ode to my mother.

The beauty of her face is now hidden behind lines and wrinkles but her aura exudes strength and courage. I see her everyday sitting right in front of me, sleeping next to me and always standing beside me. I wish and sincerely hope that she never has to face troubled times, that agony never penetrates her being. That is not in my hands and that is what irks me the most. You may say that none of this can be decided by me but my mother is my world and I cannot watch my world crumble.I want to have the power to do the best for her, to give her the joy and happiness that I die to see and shield her from the testing times. She has faced and dealt with each phase of her life so valiantly. She is my soldier. Her presence is enough to calm my nerves. This brave front of her's is commendable but I want my chirpy and lively mother back. Hasn't it been enough? When would a time come when the hardships would subside. I understand that life is incomplete without any tribulations but if they constantly trouble you then the soul gets scarred.

I cannot change a person's destiny nor can I change the course of their journey but I can pray for their good. I do not feel it to be right to disclose my mother' story. I would only encourage  people to give unconditional love and respect to those who help them survive in this world which has a dark side to it. Not all are faced with it. There are some who later can never fully recover. I am proud to say that my mother is a fighter. She has taught me to never quit and to wish well for everybody. I am blessed to have her.
Sometimes I wonder whether darkness welcomes light, if the dark night sky prepares itself to allow the stars to shine. I would then say to my star, shine bright.

Anecdote #9

The ninth post. It feels like an accomplishment. I feel that eventually I can proclaim the title of a blogger. I had an eventful day starting with a workout which left me feeling vitalised and I was ready to roll. My friend and I had made plans to go out for lunch and so we hit the road. The place we decided to lunch  is called 'Social' in Hauz Khas. I was very keen on visiting the place as a movie was shot there as well. It was a typical summer lunch with a couple of cool drinks and light food. The view from our seat was picturesque which was hardly expected due to the shady entrance. Our conversations were delightful, just letting all our feelings pour out and recounting past experiences. The food was on point,  satiating our appetite. The waiter was a sweet guy who was obsessed about cleanliness. He came every other second to clean up the mess we had made. His obsession  was something we couldn't help laughing over. It was as though he would just appear out of nowhere and when we actually needed him, he vanished. Sweet guy. In no time our bellies were full.My friend went to visit the washroom as we were about to leave and I got a chance to chat with the hostess and she explained the process of the shooting of the movie, 'Tamasha.' I was so interested that I went around and saw the exact places where the movie was shot She went on enthusiastically keeping me immersed in the conversation. I will not be able to forget that lady easily with her eyelids painted black and her lips a bright shade of pink.It was not just her appearance but the kindness she spoke with. It felt like a privilege to talk to her and know her. I left with a smile hoping to come again.  Later we just casually walked around observing the people around us. We took shelter in a park at the end of the road and talked about the kind of people we saw.
We were all smiles and were observing at the people around us. It feels so overwhelming to be surrounded with people who's energies are at different wavelengths. The whole experience of it was quite amusing. Our eyes danced along the scenery and we laughed like children. The memories I captured are stored in my heart. It was a lovely day which brought in a load of different experiences.

Anecdote #8

The latest is that I have been turned into a gym addict.Maybe it is too soon to say that but my father introduced me to gymming only yesterday and I have to say the whole experience is incredible. Breaking into  sweat, pushing yourself to do more and feeling fit.This in itself is empowering. I also swam which is an integral part of my summer. My father put me in the pool when I was just a year old and I have been swimming ever since. The water is magical and cools me down. It has a tranquillising effect. It leaves a sensation which I can recollect each time I close my eyes. The blue tiles of the pool reflect the light lazily in the summer. Sometimes on my belly as I stand still in the  water or at the bottom of the pool where I try to capture the light by reaching for it with my hand and swimming towards it.
After the refreshing swim, I rested for a few minutes. Right next to me was a family of three , a mother and her two children. She went to get something and asked her children to stay put. The sister made sure her little brother was comfortable. She went and got him a fresh towel, changed the old one and pushed his chair in the right place. She really cared for him and she went out of the way to help him.It is through actions that we are able to see and feel love. What I saw today was heartwarming. A smile sprang up on my face.  I felt the warmth inside of me. An act of goodness and kindness can really make your day.
There was another spectacle at the pool.A middle-aged woman was hanging out with a fairly younger guy. I had spotted them chatting casually with one other when I had arrived and that's probably what it was. A casual fling. They were happy with each other and in all probability it was quite momentary.From what I could see it was not love by any chance but only attraction. Attraction in itself is quite powerful, the occasional elevating heartbeat and flirting which makes it all the more addictive. Well then again how should I know, I am only a teenager aren't I? But I do know this that momentary happiness leads to a lot of bitterness when love is lost. It is the bittersweet truth and it all depends on you. Who knows how the flavours might come out for you.

Anecdote #7

These days as my holidays are on I truthfully do just about nothing. I watched the World T20 match last night but went  to bed when I knew we were going to lose. What do people do when they have a lot of time on their hands, you might say they get busy and start doing some kind of work but those who are like me value and practice the art of doing nothing. I sit and think. I look out of the window and cannot help but feel pensive. I can almost feel myself drift into another space.

These thoughts are valuable to me, it is in these moments that I find solutions. It is hard to always wear a smile,even if you do it seems pretentious. You cannot help but feel unhappy sometimes. You are drowned in your sorrow, engulfing you into a pit filled with darkness. Stop going through your mistakes because there is  no hiding from the fact that you will be making more. The emotions you have caged for so long need to exit your being. 

We don't run this world, we are a part of it. Learn to live in it gracefully. Forgive yourself, be supportive of another, express your concerns but don't be discouraging.Pray for those in pain and for those who lost happiness. Respect the people who found happiness in the darkest of times. Be grateful for all the love and light and most of all learn to let go. Let go of those memories which haunt you, the love that you lost and know that whatever happened was to mould you into a better person. People like different things and you are not here to please anyone. All of us play by our own rules and I do believe that somewhere inside of us we know what we must and need to do.It is not that we don't know we are taking the wrong step, our conscience pricks at us the each time we dwindle. Be true to your self, that's the best gift you will ever give to yourself. Your soul is the most precious thing you have. Let it heal and learn to care for it.

Anecdote #6

If you remember, I talked about how unproductive my life has been these days.Well today I did some cooking and baking. Lately my mother has been obsessing over the importance of learning to cook and I had nothing on my hands so I decided to bake. The whole process of baking is very exact. It is like walking over mines, everything has to be in the right proportion otherwise it will fall apart. This is a fundamental rule of life as well. A perfect mix and balance of emotions and self control will make everything easier.The noise in our mind needs to be silenced. Do you ever feel the anticipation while going through photo albums,trying to recollect the past. The past shapes our present but our future relies on what we do now.
I look back a lot. I have a habit of wanting to relive the past and somehow I find that very unhealthy. One of the reasons I started this blog was to concentrate on the present. I feel this urgency while I type on my keypad to do something, to meet my expectations and achieve my goals. It has been much harder than I thought it to be. It feels like impossible to come out in the and talk about one's feelings. Through this platform I have been able to express a lot which has helped get rid of a lot negativity. I don't know what took me so long to step up  and take another step. Keep your expectations realistic or else you will not be able to fulfil those aspirations which  you initially were capable of achieving. Be who you are and embrace your true self, you will inevitably get tired from running from yourself. Stop and cater do your soul's needs. Whenever you feel like you've lost the plot. Take some time off and if you can't afford to do that then use whatever time you have left on your hands to hear your inner voice by relaxing and praying. Believe me that is equivalent to chicken soup for your soul.

Anecdote #5

Another day has come and gone, another story has ended. If we try to capture our everyday life we can weave such a beautiful story. I watch my grandparents and their friendly spats, when my Dada craves for another scoop of ice cream and my Dadi turns him down. The way he tries to woo and please her, it is all so amusing. We often look up to other people's lives and deem them to be perfect and we aspire  to be like that but there is nothing like a picture perfect life. If we learn to live and accept the hardships we face in life and by some way learn to stay positive then by all means I think that is perfection.
Today I did a lot of cleaning. Clearing out all my old books and clothes, which in a way cleared my mind of all the clutter. While I was clearing out my school stuff, I thought of a friend of mine and decided to catch up with her in the evening. I felt the heaviness escape from my mind and I felt lighter. It feels great to just let go and talk about one's feelings, if you ask me it is therapeutic. Suppressed emotions can make you feel burdened and out of place.You feel like a lost piece of a puzzle, waiting to be put back into place. A phrase from the book,'Three Men in a Boat,' epitomises this which says,'Throw the lumber over man!' Enjoy the beauty that resides all around you which is in nature and the people in your life.
Learn to pick up the best of things from people. The flaws they have may overpower the goodness in them. If we only look at the bad then we won't have anybody to be with. Appreciate even their smallest act of goodness because in the darkest of times, the good we see and feel ignites the spark of hope. Remember the present is supreme , the past and future came after it. Try to look for joy and warmth in all this noise and clutter. Take a moment to identify your passion and give it time, it will surely lead you to the path of realisation as it will help you get in touch with your soul. Turn away from the negativity and embrace the positive aspects of you your life.

Anecdote #4

Today I did a lot of thinking and nothing else. I happened to realise something. Fear is a form of inhibition. At least for people like me. I am at my best when I feel confident. I feel that I can be an achiever when I am free of fear and anxiety. It just consumes you and leaves you feeling so frustrated and out of control. In fact, it leads to all sorts of mental and emotional violence.There is one quote I truly connect with which says that the other side of fear is freedom.
The other thing I thought about was people. There are different kinds of people we come cross. There are some people who we may admire and this admiration may sometimes lead to ignoring their faults. We start liking some people so much that we conveniently abstain from accepting their negative traits. Later when their actions hurt us it hits us badly that this was partly our own fault. I think, over everybody else we must listen to ourselves. We talk about ethics and morality but so very often we forget that the basis of all this, is being true to ourselves. Nobody can be a better judge, we just need to find ourselves in the midst of all this confusion. Invest in only those relationships where people value you otherwise don't waste your energy and love on people who don't look back. That will help you grow as a person.
There are so many times that  teenagers or for that matter even grown ups fall for the wrong person. We fall deeper and deeper into a pit of sadness and emptiness. It feels as though the other person can control us somehow with all their games and manipulation. Be strong. Fall down only to lift yourself. It is never true that you won't be able to find someone. Maybe you won't have that strong connection again but it is better to have a friend in your partner, who perceives how you feel and knows what you stand for.
Then there are those who never fail to irritate you with their banter and demanding tone. These people are those who like to be right always and you can literally never prove them to be wrong. I have only one thing to suggest. Stay away. Maintain some sort of distance from these people because they can bring out the worst in you. They are extremely intrusive and nosy as well which honestly sometimes makes me want to break their face but I try to keep it cool. Be nice to them but don't get too close my friend, trust me you will lash out badly one day.
Overall it was a lot of thinking and I realised must try and do some work or get involved with some activity because the only kind of work I am doing is mental. I want to be good and hope to spread the message of goodness. Think about how you can bring a smile to other people's faces and that will genuinely bring you happiness, pure childlike happiness.

Anecdote #3

I had the day to myself today. I woke up at 9 but lazed around in bed upto 10:30 AM. My mother gave me breakfast and she gave me a glass of milk which is left untouched by my bedside until now. I was having a blissful time in front of the television when the electricity went away.The help at our home has also been away so there was nobody in the house except my mom and I. We chatted for a while and I couldn't help but feel nostalgic. Delving back into the pleasant memories of the past can bring so much joy. The times my mom and I used to spend together back in grade 8, talking about general stuff. Things were much simpler back then. I think we have a habit of complicating our lives by taking certain decisions whose impact is felt until much later. We have such great expectations of ourselves that we forget to make most of what we have at present. It doesn't take much to be happy, it only requires your firm decision and consent to only look and enjoy the positive aspects of your life and take the rest as it comes.Keep your doors open to people who you enjoy being with and trust me nothing will make you happier.

In no time I was hungry and hogged down the leftover Chinese food from the previous night. I was so full that going up to my room felt like a task. I rested for a while and helped my mother water the plants. This in itself is a very refreshing activity, watching the leaves getting clean, the purity in the smell of wet soil and some of the water splashing on your legs leaving a tingling sensation. Being together with my mother and spending quality time has in a way made this weekend very enjoyable. In the evening when we went to buy groceries ,on the way back we had lic lollies. My mind immediately rushed back, first back to grade 7 when I used to survive the summer only by eating these and then I was taken back to the time when I was extremely young. Every morning my mother and I used to drive up to the local market where she used to buy groceries and I used to be treated to a lic lolly.These memories dawn upon you like realisation, helping you dwell over a lot of decisions you have taken and the way you stood up to situations.

Today was a walk down memory lane, it was simple yet memorable. It is only when we appreciate the simplicity of our lives that we will be able to rise above ourselves.

Anecdote #2

It was the day of the festival of colours better known as 'Holi.' I had plans with a friend cum neighbour. I was expected at 10:00 AM but I turned up a little late. In my defence it was a little early. The morning started with a hearty breakfast of aloo paranthas. I reached Dadi's place and enjoyed some time with them. It was 10:30 and I thought I should get going but her entire family was there. I was a bit reluctant and found solace in promising myself to wait for just another five minutes. This went on till eleven 'o' clock.
When we reach adolescence we often feel that our horizons have expanded. It is at this age we feel a new sense of freedom. At the same moment the child in us is also quite persistent. We realise this when we feel shy or when we have strong opinions about certain issues but know that if we voice them our morality would be questioned by the society.
At that moment I was feeling under confident and embarrassed as I looked quite comical with oil rubbed in every possible corner of my body by my beloved mother. Another reason was that I have always been a shy person and facing other people has always made me uncomfortable. After giving myself a pep talk I propped myself up and headed over to her house. There were a few pleasantries and of course the grand photo session for which my father rushed out, clicked away and  circulated the pictures to every possible person in the family.
We headed over to the rain dance where all the uncles and aunties were boisterously showing their moves. I tried to take some inspiration from them but sadly I wasn't as good. They were in another league with their gyrations. Later, my friend had plans of meeting up with her classmates at her friend's place and convinced  me to come over. We needed to be dropped over but quite ironically her parents were not be found. Still drenched , thanks to the rain dance we went all over the colony looking for them. There we were, my friend, perturbed and annoyed with her parents , her brother and cousin who were not robbed of the holi spirit, my friend's friend(this description is slightly longer than I expected) who was fervently participating in the search and there I was covering myself with a towel and finding this search quite amusing. I had a lot of fun watching all kinds of people hanging around. Everybody had their own way of celebrating, some were dancing,  others were chatting and just generally keeping it cool. I guess these mixed energies seeped into me and in no time I was in high spirits. We couldn't find my friend's parents but nonetheless I enjoyed myself immensely. After all happiness cannot be measured, it is only these moments that we remember for a lifetime.

Anecdote #1

I would like to start by stating this very well known proverb that an idle mind is a devil's workshop. It yearns to work and think so that it can explore and fathom the depths of creativity. I will be penning or in this case typing my amusing life experiences. I feel that writing relieves stress and a lot of negativity which persists in the human mind, so here i am to relieve my stress in hopes that I can relieve some of yours too! Here we go with the first post.

I started the day by waking up at 8:30 AM which is not bad timing for me. I got ready by 10 and you must be wondering what took so long and the answer to that is, honestly I don't know how it takes so long. I have a general theory about time. Time flies. It is like the ocean, sometimes the waves are so harsh that they drain out all the hope you have and sometimes it is so smooth that you feel nothing but pure bliss and tranquility.
I had plans with my paternal grandmother , who I  most lovingly call 'Dadi,' to go to the mall. The previous day ,we had a conversation on spending quality time together, I called dibs on going somewhere like a garden so that I could focus on writing peacefully but I  could hear the reluctance in her voice. We decided to go to the mall. So by 12:15 PM Dadi and I were in the car ready to explore the mall. Well not really, I just wanted to pick some stuff, have lunch and leave. That was the plan.
Before I could walk into the store I liked, Dadi wanted to check out some bags at this cool store which ideally, in my opinion is for youngsters. I do appreciate her enthusiasm but at the same time I find it extremely funny. I can just feel the laughter which is about erupt from my belly. The salespeople try to catch my eye but the fact is that their customer is the swanky old lady with the boy cut and leather purse. To my utter surprise Dadi ji didn't like anything and we got to shop for me.  We finished in about an hour and by that time my shoe started biting me. So there I was half limping and with half of my foot out of the shoe trying to look for pots for my Dadi. She is a nature lover and when I was a kid she would help me climb trees. A few days back one of her acquaintances identified me as, 'The Kid Who Used To Climb Trees,' which was a little unpleasant as I was walking on the road and somewhere out of the blue this is what I get in exchange of a pleasant greeting.
We reached back home by 3 ( which a total guess because again , I lost track of time) and I resorted to watching television when in the evening I couldn't help but think about something.
I have always wanted to write something and put it out there for people to read and share but somehow I never did it. Today was the day I took the plunge and perhaps it was a decision I would have never taken without the support of my parents. My mother who spent all of today's evening giving me inputs and ideas and my father who gave me all the inputs relating to the technological aspects over the phone.  Here it is my friends, my first post and I better hope it is not the last.