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.