RASHIDA

The Pedestal

2012-01-28T16:54:00.000+05:30

Inspiration... the beauty of it is that it can come from the most unexpected places. This post is about a certain thought that has been a recurring visitor to my mind. Something that leads me to get fired up enough to turn female Anna Hazare (sans the hunger and the ugliness).

Men have always put women up on a pedestal. We are the goddesses, the Devis, the lady-lucks, the one force that can bring back a dead husband from the clasps of Yama! While man think that this is an empowering factor, I am forced to see the clear and very clever manipulation behind these.

Don't get it? Let me explain. Women are put on a pedestal, said to be the strength and the personification of perfection. As such there is an underlying pressure on every woman to be perfect. By saying that we are the "bosses", the men slowly take us out of the driving seat and make us unconsciously dependent on them. Once the lady has gotten comfortable depending on those strong shoulders, the expectations start to increase. Women, being emotionally driven, try to deliver. Then, the orders begin. By now, we are just so used to it. That's it, they now have full control. More so, if we ever behave out of the "expected perfection", it is treated like a sin. So, we will practically KILL ourselves just to stick to a man's definition of PERFECTION!

Whoever said that women play mind games? Who said that we manipulate? I have seen men to be more manipulative and cruel. We may try to occasionally influence men through our soft touch and sweet voice. But, our emotional attachment and conscience will seldom let us cause any damage to them, just so that we benefit.

I am not saying men are bad. Oh NO! WE love you'll. We all complete each other, don't we? But please, if you have put us on the pedestal, don't expect us to just stay there forever. Let us be imperfect and let us live the way we WANT to!

PS: If you didn't get it, you're probably a guy! Chicas, if some of you didn't get it, wait it out, you will!

Mentality Retardation

2012-01-11T22:39:00.000+05:30

In a time when psychological situations (I choose not to call them problems) can be well understood and defined, I have come to find one particular condition quite common. In spite of the fact that technology is at its peak, nothing is impossible for mankind any more, the concept of Mentality Retardation is becoming glaringly common. It is not a condition a person is born with, it is not caused due to physical damage to the body.

What is Mentality Retardation?
Mentality Retardation can simply be explained as a condition that causes a person to think regressively all the time. They will always compare "what is" to "what was". They do not do this for feeling better about themselves (which could be popular belief). They do this to continue telling themselves that "the time is gone". They choose to believe that "what was" is the only way thing "should" be.

Types Of Mentality Retardation
Mentality Retardation, like any other retardation is three types.

1. Zero Mentality Retardation: This type is for those who choose to be in the time which they physically live in. For example, in the year 2012, their thoughts with regress back only till 2011. Beyond that will be considered as time gone by. They will look back at it as nostalgia, to learn from mistakes and for light conversations. This type is not unhealthy and commonly found.
Treatment
Not needed.

2. Mild Mentality Retardation: This type is for those who choose to regress back to a limited period of time, and for limited reasons. For example, in the year 2012, their thoughts will go back to any time that brings back good memories. These people prefer to live in past glories. Their development will stunt due to this, and depression and frustration can be caused as well.
Treatment
This type is a little unhealthy. But with regular motivation and counselling, it can be cured quite easily.

3. Major Mentality Retardation: This is a very dangerous type. It is quite common as well. In this type, the person chooses to regress back in any time that is opposing the current time in a specific field. For example, in 2012, in the case of pollution, they will regress back to 1987, in the case of corruption, they will regress back to 1947 etc. A person suffering from major mentality retardation doesn't necessarily regress back to their own memories, but to anything they may have read, heard about or seen in movies. They always believe that the other is better than what they have. This type can cause major mood swings, relationship problems, depression and a general inefficiency in endeavors. They will mostly choose to look the other way from happiness.
Treatment
Treating this kind of a mentality retardation can be quite difficult. The person has strong psychological defenses and denials. More so, the slightest argument in favor of the retardation, in any way will regress the treatment further. The only way to treat this condition is to take the person out of their comfort zone, expose them to a world that is either mild mentality retardation driven or zero mentality retardation driven and then have them interact with people in a fairly controlled environment.

While not much research has been done on the subject, the cause for mentality retardation can be assumed to be a serious blow to the person's EQ (emotional quotient). Mild and major mentality retardation could be caused due to a person either having the need to regress in order to feel good (mild mentality retardation), or in order to scratch the itch about having something to complain and feel bad about (major mentality retardation).

Negative Mentality Retardation is also a type. This is the kind that has the person think and look ahead of their time. While most people "suffering" from this condition are seldom valued in their time, the contributions they make to humanity, make a big difference.

While much research has not been done on the subject, (I am fairly certain that I am the first to think about it, or at least the first to put it clearly in words), the research will continue.

Hopefully, we will all get to live in a world of negative and zero mentality retardation. Where people believe in moving ahead, only looking back at good memories momentarily!

2011-2012: The Start and The End

2011-12-31T17:48:00.000+05:30

Finally, the hyped-up 2012 is about to start. There is excitement, there is that little bit of fear that makes you feel ticklish in the stomach, and there is hope. Isn't it the perfect mixture for a full-on year?

2011 has taught me so much. Every year, I blog on new year's eve. It is like my finale to the year. It is my way of climaxing it, and leaving it on the most pleasant note known to me- the written word!

2011 Didn't start like that. I spent NYE 2011 in the hospital, taking care of the man I love! To be honest. At that moment, I knew, this was going to be a year of "never-befores"! While every year has its share of first times, this year, has been a whole different ball-game.

A lot has happened over the span of these 365 days. Even most has been what I have learnt, known and seen in the year. Most important of all, I learnt that I was giving myself far too less credit. I am so much more adjusting, understanding an flexible that I thought myself to be! I guess, getting married is the only way one learns that about themselves.

I saw that, while there is no place like home, one can have more homes than one. It is a amazing experience to know that you can belong to more places than one. For a person who craves that feeling of belongingness, along with a sense of detachment, this is a dream come true.

I learnt that acceptance is the first step to being accepted. Ok, I didn't learn it this year, I already knew it. But the practical application happened here for the first time. Also, I learnt that distances don't make the hearts grow fonder, they just make you more communicative of the fondness!!

I saw how nice, giving and awesome nature is to me. I while I have always loved nature with all my heart, the love has reached an all new level now. not because I want to plant trees or anything. But because nature and I have a special bond, one that no amount of blogposts of mine can explain!

I have seen that no matter how much you want to believe that "nothing will change" post marriage, things change. Not always for the best, but we have to make the best of all that comes our way. After all, we make our own destiny and design our own future.

I saw that I truly have a tendency to attract and befriend that oddest set of people. (No offence meant to any of my lovely friends! I am one of you.) But, I have also come to realize that it is because of THEM that I can be of so much help to the more "normal" people. Nothing surprises me, and no abnormality passes my scanner unnoticed. However, I need to shut up about it, because I have seen that people are not that accepting to my observations in the start!

My fondness of social life and socializing still exists, but its addictive nature seems to have subsided. I find it a little depressing, but it is floating my boat as of now. So, I shall not mess around with it!

Lastly, this is my first NYE post as a married woman, and not in Pune! The party is going to be different too. More about that next year, though!!!

Happy New Year everybody! Take care!

Before The Night Is Over

2011-12-29T14:00:00.000+05:30

There is this song, by Bryan Adams, "Before the night is over, we gonna get what we desire. Remember What I told ya, this could set our hearts on fire!" If you are a music lover like me, then you must be humming the song by now!

Now, think of the year. Think of it as one night! Before this night is over, have you gotten what you desire?

Thoughts, they flow like a happy, carefree river, don't they? Just give your mind five minutes of a break, and the onslaught of thoughts can weigh down your work, your logic, your faith and even your love, at times!

Coming back to where we started. Have YOU gotten what you desire before this night is over. Have you loved, lost, laughed, cried, danced, lied, said the hard truth, been confused and lost directions? Its unbelievable how little importance we give to these things. We are so stuck in the rut of things, that we tend to lose ourselves!

The year has been a whirlpool cum roller coaster. But, none of that talk now. The year shall be discussed in my new year post. As of now, we talk about the almost end of the year. What all is left? What had you planned? Who have you ignored? What work is pending? Make up for all of it. Laugh till it hurts and cry till the tears pull you into blissful sleep. Talk till you confuse your self where you started, and think about all the things that made you happy!

Let us not forget that the coming year MAY be our last! So, please don't make any resolutions, I won't. To hell with rules, eh? The world is ending anyways!

Oooh... lastly, do not drink and drive, use contraception and please, have fun! Cheers!

Solar-Powered Humans

2011-11-19T00:20:00.001+05:30

We humans are the first solar-powered creatures in the world. I can substantiate this fact.

Firstly, every human being can work best in the day time. In fact, those people who wake up early and start daily activities at sun-rise are considered and have been proven to be few of the most efficient and effective people.

Moreso, as the day progresses, our ability to do things peaks by afternoon. Afternoon is the peak time for sunlight as well. Post afternoon, slowly our energy and will to "work" declines. Come evening we feel the need to head back to our home (recharge units).

It is common procedure for most (rational) human beings to sleep at night. Come night time, we feel the day's fatigue and feel the need to sleep (battery low). By the time each person approaches their average bed time, their battery gets completely discharged and they fall asleep.

Another fact that can support my hypothesis is that even though we may work on days when there isn't any clear sunlight (like typical cloudy monsoon days), we are gloomy, dull and sleepy. More technically speaking, our battery doesn't get the required charging. As such, the machine works dizzily!

So there it is. We humans are the world's (and maybe the universe's) first Solar Powered Moving models. All other machines are inspired products!

Hail Science! Good night!

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Back After a Break

2011-10-02T23:21:00.000+05:30

Its been a while since I blogged last. By a while, I mean quite a long while. Nonetheless, I am back typing out my many thoughts in this editor and, honestly, it feels absolutely amazing.

These past few months have been amazing. I got married in an extravagance that I believed impossible for me. I always thought I would elope or have a simple chhota mota wedding ceremony. I never believed in big weddings, but them I don't think I ever believed in love either. Both found their way into my life very sneakily.

It was a long gorgeous wedding. One thing I learnt in my wedding was that not always do people remain "friends forever". A lot of people who claimed to be there for me forever, were a no-show on the most important day of my life. Anyways, it was their loss, because the food was amazing, I looked gorgeous, and to be honest, I don't think I missed their presence. I was just too busy being a happy radiating bride.

Post the wedding, Raj (my loving husband) and I left for a magical honeymoon in Thailand. The first thappa on my passport. We went off to Koh Samui and were treated like royalty, Can I be honest, the fact that there were no Indians in site was so refreshing. Not because Indians are not amazing, but because not seeing Indians really made me feel like I am away from the world I have known all my life.

More so, Thailand treated me to the best breakfast EVER!

My entire Family recently went to Karbala and Najaf. Both are places of great importance of any Shia Muslim in the world. First was Najaf, where we stayed for 3 days. Najaf is where Amir-ul-Mumeneen Ali Ibne AbiTaalib lies. His shrine is a place where I experience true peace of the mind. Second was Karbala. We stayed there for about 8 days. Karbala is the place where Hussain Ibne Ali and his family, who were killed in the War of Karbala now lie. The entire war has so much to teach, that if you truly understand the implications of the incident, no problem in life will seem big enough for you not to tackle with ease.

On return, we (Raj and I) launched our website www.thenewsjockey.com. It is a platform for youngsters to opine about news etc. Currently I am the only writer for the site, but here's hoping that there will be many more who think that their opinion matters!

So basically, life has seen a lot of twists and turns, in the direction of happiness! There is a lot more that I would want to write, but may be in my next post! Wow! I feel sooooo much lighter now ;)!!

Bosses be Crazy!!

2011-05-13T22:18:00.001+05:30

A friend of mine was having the weekly "I hate my boss" vent when, to make her feel better, we mutually agreed that her boss surely has something up his rear! After all, there seems to be no other reason for a person to be so stuck up, and uncomfortable ALL THE TIME!!

And then a corporate plan came to my mind. Since 90% of bosses end up with discomfort enough to harass others, wouldn't it be only fare to relieve them of the said discomfort?

My suggestion, "bi-monthly colonoscopies for all bosses be made compulsory"! Let's face it, these guys (or ladies) are quite clogged up to think out of the box and give room. For best efficiency of the company, regular clog cleaning is absolutely required.

Come to think of it, these procedures will not only make the subordinates' life better (due to the absense of the proverbial shit), but it will also make the bosses feel lighter. There will be lesser toxins in thier system, which will make them less vicious to others and thier skin will glow, giving them an appearance based satisfaction and confidence to keep them in the best moods.

So there it is, my solution to corporate politics and stress: THE HIGHER THE POST, THE MORE THE REQUIREMENT FOR BI-MONTHLY COLONOSCOPIES!

You may find it shitty, but its just good business! This is where i sign off!

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Looking Back

2011-05-11T22:13:00.000+05:30

Most of my friends these days are only in touch with me via facebook. I guess it is because i am too busy to go out and spend time with them.

Truth be told, I don't think it is a lack of time that is holding me back. I have good reason to believe that it is because i am far more superior to most of them.

While i know that the last sentence may have offended a few, the fact still remains that I have moved on and they haven't. I don't think it is offensive, as it is thier choice to be where they are.

People often ask me where the difference lies. I have come to realise that I was never really like them. The chilling out and hanging out was just a front for my mind to study the nuances and behavioural patterns of my peers. When I realised that I have learned all that I felt the need to, I left the "class".

So many people that i hung out with followed the same reasoning as me. Hanging out was thier way to unwind in a social atmosphere that they felt no obligation to be perfect in. It is quite refreshing an experience for those who live thier lives as per judgments of others.

Many others, who lived away from thier family chose to spend so much time "hanging out" at the same place to have a feeling of belongingness and continuity in thier lives. They ended up doing more for thier "friends" than they could ever manage to do for thier families.

That made me think. Are we all just trying to find some substance in our many activities? Were those people i hung out with truly my friends? When does the "hanging out" phase end?

Different answers for different people. Yet the questions haunt my mind, when I look back! This is where i sign off! Peace out!

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Some Friendships are Weirdly Strong!

2011-04-19T22:42:00.001+05:30

I will put this is story form!

Not so long ago, in a normal urban city lived two girls. Both busy in thier lives, unaware of each other's existance. Tiara lived on her own and was bethroted to a man who did not deserve her loyalties and love. Raine lived a carefree, sometimes wild life. She lived with her parents, and hence a rebellious streak.

By some weird twist of fate, they met, spoke and got along famously in the first meeting itself! Tiara's independant nature made Raine's carefree streak tweak. And Raine's inadverdent wisdom made Tiara's maturity stir!

Nonethless, once thier reason to meet daily was gone, they both went back into thier demanding lifestyles. They did think about each other occassionally, but never attempted to connect.

A year later, they met again. They same circumstances, but very different experiences. Tiara was bethroted no more and Raine had given up most of her wild ways. This time they chose to keep in touch even after thier schedules changed.

Being of marriagable age, both ladies were on the lookout for a match worth committing to. Tiara met Aztec at her workplace. He was charming, suave and seemingly honest. He took a fancy to her and she gave him a chance to sweep her off her feet. Raine was introduced to Aztec by thier family match maker. He seemed well read, dressed well and could make captivating conversation. She found him intriguing. But her father reigned in the interest and advised her to reject him, she obliged.

Tiara kept meeting Aztec and kept getting engulfed in his spirit. Months later, Aztec and Tiara had a serious relationship going. On the threshold on being bethroted to each other, they waited for the perfect time. Meanwhile, Aztec maintained casual contact with Raine. Not being one to sever ties, she often interacted with him virtually.

One day, Aztec asked Raine the reason for her rejection, she simply said "it didn't click for me". He prodded her further, but that's all she divulged. Finally, he asked her for another chance. She didn't answer right away. She consulted her parents, discussed the consquences and finally decided to grant him a second chance.

Raine and Aztec met over lunch, and then dinner another day. Raine found that his charm was overpowering. She told Tiara about this. Tiara asked Raine to follow her sensibilities. Raine went with logic, and decided to reject Aztec again! She never mentioned it, or even thought about it again!

A few months later, Raine met Tiara over high tea. Raine was bethroted and to be married soon. She but teased Tiara to find a loving man, or take a lover atleast. Tiara spilled the beans about Aztec, about how he betrayed her when he went to meet Raine and how he almost lied about it.

Raine was infuriated by the heinous act of Aztec's. She questioned Tiara "why did you not tell me this sooner, my dear?" Tiara replied very simply, "you spoke of him fondly, if anything were to happed, I would never dream to stand in the way!" That is when the two girls realized, they cared more about the pain that the other went through, than the betrayal they had to face themselves.

The two girls spent the rest of the evening belittling Aztec in conversation, but either vowed to never contact him in any way again!

True friendships are not made my glamour and charm. They are built on reality and surreality and last forever!

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Love... at Last!

2011-04-16T15:02:00.001+05:30

Is love really what its meant to be anymore? Speaking from a neutral point of view, barring a few exceptions, love seems to have become a game. A race of sorts, isn't it?

Being an Agony Babe, I have recieved a lot of letters and questions from lost youngsters, confused adults and concerned parents. Drawing a conclusion is only easy in this case. Let's face it, people have lost the genuineness that they need.

Why is it that a girl has to be the "fairest of them all" and a guy has be the "most charming in all the land"? Why can't people appreciate the finer things about the person?

Why is it that the color of the eyes matters more than thier honesty? Why does the clearness of the face matter more than the joy reflected when seeing a loved one? Why do manicured hands matter more than a determined mind? Suddenly, why has superficial attraction overridden a genuine bond?

A lot of people say that true love doesn't exist. I would blatantly disagree. Love exists, its just our courage to fall in love that has become rare to find.

Love comes with a lot of challanges. Quit seeking cheap thrills, seek the ultimate adventure! Take a chance, fall in love!

Lots of funda, right?? Well, think it through! This is where i sign off!

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Writer's Block... Again!

2011-04-15T22:16:00.001+05:30

So it has been a while since my last blog post. Not that nothing special has taken place. In fact life has been quite the whirlwind. You see, i am currently battling a nasty bout of writer's block.

A curious case this one. This time round the writer's block has come quite slyly. I somehow, can't find the time, nor the motivation to pen down words. If that wasn't enough, there are ideas racing in my mind, to be written about.

Nonetheless, even while i type this post, i can't find it in my keyboard to share those ideas. Why must that be? Surely there must be a reason! One that i can't seem to fathom as of now.

So on that note i end this post with a hope to have a more productive one in the coming days. Till then, this is where i sign off! Take care!

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The Journey of Life

2011-01-17T21:26:00.000+05:30

"Life is just a journey sans a destination. The most one can do is to follow the journey while taking the best route possible."

Yogily Me!!

2010-10-25T13:30:00.000+05:30

After several attempts at meditation and relaxation, Manish Pole (of Total Yoga) finally convinced me to join the Total Yoga group class that happens in my office. Today was my first class and my-oh-my was it killer or what?

Quite literally, for the first 50 minutes, I was seriously of the opinion that I am going to disintegrate. Well, the asanas are not tough to look at, they are not tough to do either. The challenge is in holding the position. Trust me, 30 seconds had me breathing heavy and wishing for time to pass faster.

Flexibility is good, I have been through flexibility training back in my martial arts days. However, the training never got me dripping with sweat. More so, I just realized today that I have been doing the Surya Namaskar wrong all through my life!!

Here is an image of the 11 steps, so that you (my readers) can also get the right Surya Namaskar steps.

A lot of people think that the Surya Namaskar and the Aum chanting is religion specific. You are wrong! A-u-m chanting is to project the energy and breathe correctly. It has nothing to do with Hinduism. My teacher happens to be a Christian, and I am a Muslim, makes no diff to us. The Surya Namaskar is a salutation to the sun, as it is the source of energy. Other than that, it is the craziest set of stretches in the world. If you have not done it already, seriously, you are losing out on a really awesome after-effect.

Lastly, I am doing Yoga in order to lose weight. As such, I am not really indulging in knowing it's secrets beyond my requirement. However, if you are doing yoga to learn the art and science, I strongly suggest that you go to a teacher who is clear about their knowledge, else you may be highly mis-guided.

So anyways, I have started working towards regaining my fitness, let's see how fast I see favorable results!!

Wish me luck!!

To Express!!

2010-10-21T10:32:00.002+05:30

This poem was a brainwave this morning at 12.15 am. its a little depressive, but quite deep in my opinion!!

To Express

No matter what I do,

I just don't seem to get through to you.

You seem to have blocked me out,

criticizing and constantly venting out.

I am a person too, you know?

I have feelings and emotions,

and no where to go.

I wish you could see,

the pain that I have kept inside of me.

The pain i failed to display,

and of smiles and strength, made play.

For you I chose the path of silence,

for you were the one, who once about it,

gave me guidance.

I love you, still more than ever,

for you attempting to be stronger than ever.

But, no matter how much I try,

or how many tears I may cry,

not matter what I do,

I just don't seem to get through to you!

Critique and suggestions are welcome. Questions about inspiration, are not!

A quote for the soul in dilemma!

2010-10-02T11:18:00.001+05:30

There are many times when we think of quitting the situation we are in. Here is a motivational quote for a trying time like that!

The best way to win a battle is to stay on the field and fight it. Running only proves the defeat that was never yours!!

~ Rashida Khilawala

Quote-ing again!

2010-09-29T22:13:00.002+05:30

My latest Quote that I came up with while writing my column!

"Commitment is not a piece of paper, but a state of mind!" ~ Rashida Khilawala

Mai Na Kehti Thi!?!?!

2010-08-20T10:58:00.003+05:30

Ever since I started dreaming of a prince charming, I had a set picture in my mind.

>He has to be hot like Hugh Jackman
>He has to be courteous, romantic and old school like Leopold
>He has to be manly and awesome like Wolverine
>He has to be crazy and impromptu, yet smart like Jack Sparrow
>He has to get me the way Cyclops gets Jean Gray
>He has to be able to dance like MJ, Elvis and Shahid Kapoor, put together!
>He has to have awesome hair like Shaan
>He should be perfect, like my DAD

Wow... one would think I am too demanding. But, I always said that if I am made the way I am, there will be a man who will have all these qualities!

Who knew I'd get it all!!!!

‘Mother I will make you cry today’

2010-07-05T15:28:00.001+05:30

This is something I read today on Kafila.org

‘Mother I will make you cry today’

(On June 30th 2010, Asif Rather age nine ran out of his home in Baramulla in Kashmir to look for his older brother. As he left, he told his mother ‘I am going to make you cry today’. Minutes later he fell victim to shooting by the forces. At the time he was 150 meters from his house. – The Indian Express)

He stood at the sunlit door
A nine-year old with tousled hair
Asif Rather, student of class four,
Baramulla, 55 kms from Srinagar

‘Where is Touqeer?’
He sought his older brother.
‘Nowhere! You come back now
Here’s tea and last night’s bread
My baby, let me comb your hair’

Outside, the sounds Allah o Akbar
Chanting at once, one thousand strong

‘Mother, I’ll get him back’
‘No child, Touqeer is big, he’s with friends
My youngest, you’re too small
See here is cream skimmed off the milk
Now come, you make me angry’

The little form at the sunlit door
Ran out, unheeding
The face appeared, smiling at the window pane
‘Mother, you cant be angry; I’ll make you cry today’
And he was gone

Outside the milling crowds of tall and lanky youth
And one lost boy in a forest of long legs
And long sticks cut from poplar trees
Some hands clutch roadside stones
‘Touqeer!’ he called out
Was that his blue shirt?
But there were hundreds in blue
He felt the tears well up
Quick jammed with grimy fists.

He stood confused, afraid, ashamed
‘I should have had the milk and last night’s bread
So hungry and so far from Ma..
But Touqeer, where’s he?’

And then it burst
The tear gas shell tore his tender flesh
‘Allah’ he cried his small hand warding off
the evil that drew blood.

The crowd stood still
A dozen hands reached out
To hold the falling body
His bullet broken neck
Gently rested on still hands
Of weeping boys
The tousled head of hair
Blood drenched, hung in strands
On a shining forehead

And twisted in the sinews of my mind
Are seven words
(Seven lines of Quran’s first Surah)
‘Mother I will make you cry today’
How many mothers of my Kashmir
The place where I was born
Will cry today?
Will cry tomorrow?

(Dr. Syeda Hameed is a writer and Member, Planning Commission of India.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!

2010-06-26T12:01:00.001+05:30

Its been exactly 4 months and 14 days since the last time I spoke to my dad in person. Today is his birthday, and somehow the emotions are on an all time high.

I am just glad that I had a chance to tell my daddy just how important he is to me before he left me for good. Yes dad, I miss you a lot. It is unbelievable that life is still going on without having you around!! You are my King and will always be. I guess no man, can be just as amazing and perfect as you. You are an awesome Dad and no one can match up to that.

You have taught me a lot. Yes, I now know how alike you and I really are. From this day forward, I promise to try and follow your footsteps and lessons as much as possible. This is my promise to you on your birthday!!

Love you dad, you will always be with me, I know that!! Happy Birthday once again!! Hope you're having a rocking party up there!!

Can You Hear Me?

2010-06-22T11:27:00.003+05:30

For a very long time, I have believed in Karma. It has been an association I have built since I didn't even know that it was called "Karma". However, they say that in the pond of Karma, one has to keep contributing, without that want to get beck. My question is, if it works that way, what is the sense in putting in?

We all know the basic principle of Karma, what goes around comes around. So clearly, no one is doing good selflessly. I believe selflessness is the single most selfish act that a human and indulge in. We all know that if you do good, good comes right back to you. So then, where is the selflessness?

Anyways, be it to get back good in return or not, I have done only good to all I know. Done my bit to help out my peers, been honest, respected people sans prejudice. So where is my Karma? I am not saying that my faith in the concept is wavering. Oh no it isn't. But my patience for it surely is.

I may seem a little intolerant to my readers as of now, but lets analyse this, shall we? I am not saying that the good has never come my way. Oh no, mashallah, I have lead a good life so far. But some how, that strike of good luck, that gets people from A to C, takes me till B only. So when does that boost up?

Too many questions. An endless wait for the answers!! In the mean while, I live my life! Ciao!!

Grrrrr!!

2010-06-21T11:11:00.001+05:30

To all my friends,

If you'll think that it is compulsory for me to consider your every whim, my command!! News Flash!! We are friends and the act works both ways! You want me to hand you a tissue when you cry? Then get ready to shut up when i need u to!!!

My life does not revolve around you'll all the time, you know! I may be conscious about your needs most of the times. But there are times when i need you to either shut up or say something that does not include the many problems that you are facing. I don't mind being your agony aunt!! But I am not bound by a contract to be that all the time!!

In case you think that I have changed, and "ATTITUDE" has become a part of me! Think again! i have always tolerated your tantrums. Heard you out when you needed to vent and cracked stupid jokes when you needed a mood change. So now its time for you'll to know that there are time when i need the same from you. I am not asking to be the prime importance in your life (like most of you'll have expected from me). All I am saying is that when i am busy, I am not doing TP, I have a life and priorities! So just get that and deal with it!!

I needed to get this message across to all my friends who expect me to chat with them all the time when they are online, and expect me to remember dates and events, and handle their mood swings. You'll are still very dear to me! So just shut up when I ask you to, and chill!! I will be back to my "normal" self soon!!!

All the best for life!

Cheers!!

Me Time!!

2010-06-19T18:16:00.000+05:30

It has been a long time since I have written about something that is truly haunting my mind.

It Just occurred to me a couple of days back, that two years back, a friend suggested blogging to me as a means to de-clutter my mind. Being a person who thinks a lot, and is still one the verge of being a scatter brain, I found that this process really helped me out a lot. Slowly and steadily I realized that I have a knack for writing. Then came along buzzle and it just polished up the writer I had in me.

Today, I am more cluttered than I have ever been. The irony of the situation is that I don't even know the real reason for it. Sometimes I blame it on the change of circumstances. Losing dad has changed my life, in a way that it can never come back to normal. Not having dad to look at when there is something that only he and I will find logical, can be upsetting. Why don't I just get used to it already?

Other times I blame it on Murphy. I'm telling you. When Murphy came up with the law "If something can go wrong, it will", he was thinking of me the whole time. Honestly, it is not something to be proud of. Actually it is something to be really mad about. Why is it, that a month after my bike gets services and ready to roll that someone has to come around and steal the kick?Once that is settled, why then should I be paranoid all the time? It is silly, it is so funny, that its brinking on fiction now!

I need a break, I guess. Not from work, not from friends, not from family. I need a break from me. I need to spend some time in intellectual vacuum. I really think that will need to some self realization and a feeling of cal and tolerance that I have found missing since the past 4 months.

How do I achieve this vacuum? Intensive work out! Yes, run for longer than you think you can, and dance like you are made out of rubber. I have learnt, in the earlier years of my life, that when I push my body beyond its limits during work out, is when i get them most calm feeling ever. High time I get back to that!

I miss you dad! More each day. I will not make that a reason for life pulling me down. I am going to win this battle. Now more than ever, because now I know you watch over me all the time!

Fan Reviewer Me!!

2010-06-15T15:28:00.001+05:30

Ok, so my first ever fan review was written for a book that I really enjoyed reading. I wrote it for The Tossed Salad (click it to know more and read the full review).

Here is what the review goes like.

...Rashida's Verdict: An amazing, 'feel good', straight-out-of-Page-3 kind of book, and yet feels like a slice of your own life. Something any modern day Indian girl can relate to.

Rashida's Rating: 4.5/5

All in all, Radhika Kanetkar and her world filled with sexy Sameer, sensual Sushmita and the vivacious Veronica Kutty are fun to be a part of. If you are anything like me in the reading arena, you will be lost in Rad Kat’s world, only to be brought back to reality when you shut the book!...

Well, there may be many people who disagree with me. But, for reviews, I believe, to each his own. So check out the book yourself and decide!! Cya people!!!

The Insider

2010-06-05T14:43:00.000+05:30

News Flash!!

The Insider Magazine, Sri Lanka, happens to love my writing. Here is the link to the article they published in thier magazine. Turns out they got a massive response for the article!

http://theinsider.lk/content/women/relationships.php?artID=378

Hope you enjoy it!!

Agony Babe ->1

2010-06-04T15:34:00.001+05:30

Say hello to the newest Agony Babe on the block- ME!! check out my first agony aunt column entry for Entertainment Unlimited! You'll can ask me your questions, the identities will (obviously) be kept anonymous!

Check out the other articles in the issue at http://rkhilawala.blogspot.com/2010/06/entertainment-unlimited.html.. you can see the online version of the paper at www.entertainmentunlimited.in.