Rupali Juneja writes Dil se...

All That Glitters is “AVON”

2011-09-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

How many of you have heard of AVON? I am sure most of you and some of you must have also used their products.

AVON had been into cosmetics for quite a while now and I believe they are doing pretty well in that region.

Recently a friend introduced me to the new section of AVON, which took me completely by its side. I wasn’t aware that AVON also caters to the jewelry needs. And I must say, it not only caters but also impresses you with their designs.

Their designs are so unique and fresh, that you would want more of it. Like I mentioned in one of my reviews earlier, I rarely indulge in brands but this brand has surely impressed me a lot. I do not like gold (for its yellow color) and now I do not like it for its price either J. Diamonds and Platinum are something that you like to keep in your locker and not use it on a day-to-day basis or for regular parties.

But AVON’s latest and not so latest collection is something one must definitely look forward to.

A friend of mine who works for AVON gifted me a ring (link to the ring picture - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=273842599312634&set=pu.156365314393697&type=1&theater). Believe me, I wore it soon after she gave me and I was not ready to put it away even when I slept. With the shine and the solitaire look that it gives, you can easily fool anyone (and it works J). The ring can be worn in 3 different ways (do check out the pic) and did I mention that this ring costs just Rs. 800/-?

Their pendant sets are great too, something you can match with your outfit. Do check their collection on their Facebook page - (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=251847794845448&set=pu.156365314393697&type=1&theater)

I would really suggest all my friends to have a look at their range, its worth giving a shot.

The Winning Sari

2011-08-23T01:44:00.000-07:00

I generally don’t opt for contests; for simple reasons like, I don’t trust my luck on free stuff and second I feel these contests are just marketing gimmicks and not meant for people like me.

I saw this contest from Kalazone (KZ) on facebook and just passed by it; I never thought of playing it seriously and winning it either. The KZ contest was on, for more than the usual time and I didn’t still think I should participate. However, the KZ media person approached me and told me that I was one of the active members on their page, so why don’t I play the contest. He also mentioned that the contest wasn’t going on that fast pace, as it should. I asked him if the free sari is true and I stand a chance to get it if I win, he assured it is. So I thought of trying it out (I don’t loose anything out) and if I win, I stand a chance to win a free Sari. That’s a good deal isn’t it? For a woman, a sari and that too free is always a good surprise. And I took his words more seriously than I would have ever taken my bosses at work :)

All I had to do was to ask 25 of my friends to go to KZ page and like it. It does sound simple here but trust me it took me a hell lot of time and friends to convince.

I was on a mission now. I started with this contest seriously on a Wednesday night. I asked all my family members to go and like the page with a promise that if I win, they can wear the sari too J. But that was just 6 “likes” on the page. So I went ahead and started requesting any and every person I found online on FB at that time. It started moving and I had about 16-17 people in the night itself.

My husband was supposed to be on a tour of 15 days from the next evening and he was sitting and watching me do all this; instead of spending time with him. He was quite amused at what I was doing asking even all guys to go and like the page. Honestly, I was amused too but I had a free Sari in mind, so I didn’t really care who I was asking.

I have a 4-month old baby to take care of, so I couldn’t stretch trying it more than that in the night. So I went off to sleep but still was wondering in my mind, do I still hold a chance to win?

Well, the following morning, I finished all the household chores, put my baby to sleep and went back on my mission. And I was just 8 “Likes” away and I had to do, I was not going to give up. Some friends helped me to the extent of making their wives my friend and then asking them to like it :)

And then here I was with 25 friends and the 25^th person was a guy too who first liked the page and then asked me what is it all about :). (Thank you all for your help)

I sent KZ the code and a got a prompt response with a “congratulation” message and not just get a free sari but to choose a free sari from their “Shweta Tiwari Collection” range. Now that’s what you call winning, you don’t get a free gift, you choose one for yourself.

I received the chosen gift (S3156 code, if anyone wants to check that one) in less than a week’s time. And when I wore it, the compliments that I received were so warm and heartfelt, that now I look forward for more of their contest. Honestly, I have also chosen the next sari in mind, if I win the contest ;)

The KZ sari’s are quite pretty and more than that they are very reasonable so much so that you can buy one for every occasion. But I wouldn’t suggest it for people who are into designer stuff.

I keep writing on the stuff that I like, that it sounds like an indirect marketing or publicity for them.

But trust me folks, I don’t get anything in return except the appreciations from people who like my findings. I write because I want to share my findings and want people to know what’s there in market to look for.

Happy finding, Ciao.

Creativity at its best

2011-07-30T01:58:00.000-07:00

Creativity at its best

I am totally amazed at the amount of stuff that’s available online and the way it has been creatively done and put forth.

I sometimes feel, we (as in customers) are not the bosses anymore; we are slaves (to the creativity).

I never noticed them earlier, probably due to lack of time but now when I sit and browse I see how things have changed over a period of time, how business (es) have taken shape, how an idea can generate money and how social networks can actually sell them. Or we can probably say creativity was always there but it never reached the masses. And I must say Facebook has played a very important role in this.

I also read somewhere today that “One” is a dangerous number. What that means is “Well, nothing can hurt you MORE than relying on one of anything. For example one job, one income source, one customer etc.”

I cannot really comment on it right now to say if it’s actually true or not but here I would like to focus on the creativity aspect and introduce some of my findings and share it with you all.

There are lots of them but some which caught my attention on FB:

MAPLE: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MAPLE/119594614751732

Megha owns this and she does it as a hobby along with her full time bank job (so you see she doesn’t rely on just that ONE). She does amazing job with the craftwork that she has taken up and can customize it to any extent of satisfying all the customers. She can make invitation cards, personalized towels, albums, cushions, bed spreads etc.

The one thing out of all these that caught my attention was

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=203076763070183&set=pu.119594614751732&type=1&theater

I am so attached to all the clothes that my son wears that at no cost I want to part with them. So when I looked at the above link, I felt assured that I can store everything so artistically. You give her all your clothes and she will craft it and stick it creatively to a quilt and she calls it MEMORY QUILT. Interesting isn’t it? So simple yet so thoughtful.

I have never been into fashionism (I know no such word I just use it) but creativity catches my attention immediately. You will rarely see me dressed in any big brands or dwell into jewelry of any kind but Benaazir (refered as Ben by her known folks) caught me completely not just with her hand crafted unique jewellery but also with the photography.

https://www.facebook.com/MoodSwingsJewelrybyBenaazir

Trust me even if you are a guy and holds no interest in jewels, you will definitely get caught by the way lot of her jewels are presented. The profile picture of this page just took me completely. The panache and flair with which it is done is worth having a look at least once. And the best part is, what you will get here will be unique coz she rarely makes two pieces of same kind. After all no woman likes to be spotted sharing the same stuff with any other woman.

Another very interesting aspect, not really creativity but definitely a creative idea

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rentoys-Toy-Library-that-Provides-Branded-Toys-on-Rent-at-Your-Doorstep/310085618363

They rent branded toys. They started this when they found that every child gets bored playing with the same set of toys again and again. So is it worth spending so much on the toys, which the children are definitely going to outgrow faster than you think.

Sometimes its not just about the money you spend on toys, space is another constraint too, so the idea is definitely unique and thoughtful. Kudos to them.

Creativity comes with a risk but if you fear risk, you cannot be creative. And for us, creativity comes at a price with little or no bargain.

If you want to be creative, here is a quote from Dee Hock for you:-

“The problem is never how to get new, innovative thoughts into your mind, but how to get old ones out. Every mind is a building filled with archaic furniture. Clean out a corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it.”

Say Cheese…

2011-07-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Say ~~Cheese~~…

All of us would have observed that whenever a picture was being clicked, the photographer would always ask you to “Say Cheese”. I always wonder why? Coz if I was ever in the frame, I would say Cheese for the picture, but in my mind, I would be banging “Say No to Cheese Rupali, Say No, No no no no no”.

I knew, If I don’t say to Cheese now, then definitely the on lookers will be cheeseing AT me later(I know quite a cheesy statement ☺ but I mean will be mocking at me later ☺).

Hmm, I wonder what has cheese got to do with a smile!!! Anyone .. any guesses?

I did a bit of research on this and found that “By saying "cheese", most people form their mouths into what appears to be a smile-like shape. Additionally, the absurdity of saying "cheese" for no apparent reason can incite glee in some people.”

And trust me I am doing this right now in front of the mirror and wondering if it incites a glee in me. I tried using different terms to see if it brings a smile the photographer always looks for. So I found another term which is quite acceptable to me and that is “Say Wheeeeeeaaaaatttttt” (for some people even “Weed” or “treat” would work too ;)).

And to add to the above definition, it also says “As this practice became ingrained into modern western culture, it has taken on the simple role of a final warning before a photograph is taken.”

Now how many of you notice that it’s a FINAL WARNING before a photograph is taken. Dammm it.

Why is “Thin always in”? What’s wrong in being fat (I don’t like to use this word so I mostly ask people to call me healthy and not fat ☺)?

Like a true Indian Kareena Kapoor introduced “ZERO” yet again, yes she introduced “zero” figure. But wonder what goes wrong if you prefix that zero with a ‘3’ or ‘4’. After all, like appending any number to zero makes it much bigger and meaningful. Isn’t it? :)

To add to this, Pepsi introduced the new skinny can conflating them with woman’s body and reinforcing that the desirable female body is thin. Just so we don’t miss the point, the Pepsico press release refers to the can as “attractive” three times, twice with the phrase “slim, attractive.” Because ladies, never, ever forget: thin = beautiful. Always.
(Refer http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2011/02/09/thin-is-in-pepsis-new-skinny-can-to-debut-at-fashion-week/)

Does it matter? Thin or not thin, the ultimate result of this can would be the same. Isn’t it?

Anyways, so

Thin or not thin
Pepsi can for me goes to the bin

Fat or not fat
Who cares,…. Howzaaat !!! ☺

Cheese or Wheat
Go as you please ☺

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PS: If you all really believe in charity, please click on the Ads that are displayed on top and end of each article. Please click it once and that will help me raise some funds for charity.

The US of A

2011-07-08T01:13:00.000-07:00

The US of A

The year 2007 was the most awaited and scariest at the same time, both for the same reason, I was going to US for 2 years for some project and this was awaited since this would give me an experience to work directly with clients. And it was scary coz I was leaving my husband and going for that long a time!!!!

Anyways, this write up is not going to go on my emotional front of how I missed my hubby but this will explain my experience as an Indian (NRI – non reliable Indian) who goes to US J (and white castle too).

Pre-warning: All my friends and known people in US, there is absolutely “NO PUN INTENDED” and it is meant to be taken in good humor J

I landed in US and was received by a friend (Thanks a lot Praveen for picking me up and giving me all the comfort in a new place completely unknown to me). This was my first trip abroad (you know we Indians like to really impress others of our abroad tips) J. So there I was zooming on the roads of US (from Newark to Pennsylvania) in Praveen’s car. And was quite happy that life outside India is very clean.

I was little scared, rather anxious at the thought of having to adjust in a new country (completely unknown) all on my own; but was a bit relaxed at the thought having a big Indian community (from same company) being there to help (if needed).

All the known Indians were quite welcoming and warm people and they did really help me settle down pretty quick. I took an apartment of my own in 15 days and started staying alone. I was very sure that I do not want to share an apartment and would like to be on my own, even though I was quite bored initially.

I was walking past my apartment once, when I met a gentleman (angrez, as we all call) walk past by me and he smiled at me gently and wished me Good morning.

For hours I kept thinking if I have ever met this fellow before. Unable to recall, I narrated this incident to my friend at work. He told me that people here do greet even if they don’t know you. I was very surprised and it made me feel really “Welcome(d)” in the US of A. I had always heard that people outside are very cold and they really do not bother about others (will come back to this later).

I was greeted the same way by every one who passed by and whoever saw me at work or otherwise and I reciprocated. Now the surprising part here is that we INDIANS, never smiled at other unknown Indians (rather ignored them completely) but made sure to smile back to all other Videshi’s.

And we complain of racism!!!.

My team at work was a mixture of Russians and Indians but most of the Russians were US settled. During our conversation we would find them visiting various countries and places and just having fun by relaxing. Their definition of holiday or vacation was very different from ours.

They would take a week or 10 days off to some destination and would enjoy it at much leisure, relax and not just roam places. Whereas our definition of vacation would be choose a destination, take 2 days off, club it with weekend, look for all deals and coupons of that place and exhaust us completely by seeing each and every nook and corner of that destination. So the vacation was not again just a vacation, we had a task in hand – see every tourist spot in that city.

Again, I am not complaining, as I was one amongst them but am just trying to narrate my observations. J

There were couple of incidents that took place with the localities there and I just can’t forget. I would really want to bring it up here since most people here are under impression that the Americans live a very individual life and are not really bothered.

I remember my neighbor, in apartment I took in Morrisville, PA, was a black woman (am not being racist here). She lived with her family there. Every time I would pass by or she would cross me, she would greet me with such warmth and make me feel so comfortable with her around. She once told me she had tongue cancer and her tongue was going to be cut to save her. She was very worried and asked me to pray for her. I was very sad to hear about that and just prayed in my mind once for her.

Few days later she met me on the road outside our apartment. I asked how she was and if she had herself operated. She told me “Rupali, you have saved me.” I was wondering in my mind what did I do!! She told me “You prayed for me and doctors have told me that my tongue will not be cut as the medicines reacted very positively”

I cannot express in words how I felt. This lady who barely knew me, asked me to pray for her and she was not even sure if I did, was here thanking me for her life. I must have cried in my heart out of joy and was quite overwhelmed. I was so thankful to God that she is fine.

I had once gone to the supermarket. When I came out of the super market, it was drizzling and had already rained enough. As I was walking towards the parking lot, don’t know how, but I slipped and fell on the road and bruised my knee. An approaching car stopped and a gentleman (again an angrez) came out and asked me if I needed help. I was hurt but again felt great that someone cared to ask. I thanked him and told him am fine and managed to get back home just fine. He did not move till I crossed the road and reached the parking lot.

I am not sure, if anyone in India would ever stop his or her car to ask someone who would have hurt himself. We would rather feel that it could be some sort of trap.

People there wait till all women enter the elevator and then hop in themselves. They do not rush to get out or get in. They would stop the elevator if they see anyone coming.

We on the other hand are always in hurry, forget the chivalry, the thought is "I need to get in before the elevator is full". I don’t care if anyone is rushing towards the elevator; I need to rush to be in canteen or at my desk (as if either of them would run away if I don’t reach quickly).

Well all in all I loved that country and that place actually taught me a lot, in terms of infrastructure, cleanliness, friendliness and approachability and affordability.

USA is so much like Mumbai. That place has people from various countries’ settled there and it’s not all about just the Americans. The infrastructure and the law there is so strict that you cannot but follow them. Littering is a fine (I just love this), be it you or your pet. Every place is so approachable either by road or rail or air and a good living is so affordable. You don’t have to be filthy rich to enjoy the simple things in life or to buy some luxuries.

Believe it or not, there was one place that made me feel like so at home (as in India), I did not miss India at all – Jersey City.

Its as good as little India. You will find that place flocked with Indians, Indian food, clothes, jewelry and you name it, its there. Yes even the filth J. That was the only place where I found people littering around and actually saw pile of dump.

It was also hilarious to know of a woman who ran a barbershop in her apartment in Jersey City and there used to be a queue outside her apartment till the end of staircase, just because she would chop their hair in 5$ J.

Since there was such a big queue always, she didn’t have the time to go down to throw away the collected pile. So she would just collect the stuff in a garbage bag and throw down the bag through her window and that would land straight in the garbage bin below her apartment J.

The US of A was a great experience and I learnt a lot from that city and am sure many other folks did too.

Unfortunately when we are back in our country, we initially laugh at certain things, crib at lot of things, hate our country for lot of things but eventually merge into the insane crowd and become one amongst them.

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Mumbai Meri Jaan..

2011-06-27T10:45:00.003-07:00

Mumbai Meri Jaan…

Ai dil hai mushkil jeena yahan..

Zara bach ke, Zara hat key eh hai “Bambai” meri jaan.

A very famous song from a very old hindi flick (C.I.D 1956) makes me wonder if its actually difficult or easy to live in Mumbai.

7 years back when I first landed in Mumbai from Pune for job, I was so very scared of this city. I come from a small town in Punjab and coming to live in a city like Mumbai made me go bonkers. I was wondering all the while if I would be able to adjust in this city, how would I pace myself with the fast world of Mumbai; if I would ever learn to travel in trains and buses (more than travel, will I ever get in?).

Having friends around always helps and since I had come through a batch in Pune who were here for the same company, job and city, it made things a lot easier.

This city has lot to offer for everyone. The people here are very simple and easy going and one word that really describes them well is “Bindaas” (carefree).

I remember my first train journey here in Mumbai and it was no less than a roller coaster ride J. I was told that when the train comes, just stand near its door, you wont have to worry about how you are going to get in with such a big mass of people trying to get inside. The pushes and hurry burry of people will automatically let you in. And believe me it worked J. The same thing was required to be done to get out of the train when your station comes. It was hilarious (for people like me because it was once a while thing but for people travelling on a daily basis, it becomes a tough routine). I travelled in a ladies compartment and I saw all kind of woman doing all sorts of things.

If you were travelling during the early morning hours, you would see flock of woman singing bhajan and starting their day with prayers and brotherhood. During the evening, you will see woman actually buying vegetables in the train itself and cutting them too. So that when they reach home, they can immediately start cooking for their family. Amazing, isn’t it?

There were women who were knitting, shopping (not just vegetables but all sort of clips, accessories, soap, etc). There were other set of woman who had nothing to do, so were quarrelling amongst them (that was probably the first time, I saw woman fighting so openly and even ready to throw each other out of train and that too on a simple thing like, who will sit next to the door). And then there were woman like me who were just sitting and observing them all and were amused at some and were frustrated at others.

That was just one side of Mumbai (which is an important part of course). The other side of Mumbai shows how immune the people of Mumbai have become to all sorts of disturbances that this city faces.

Be it some riots in Dadar, or a bomb blast in a train, or a terrorist attack in South Mumbai, a shootout in open market during daylight or even the floods, it doesn’t obstruct the people of Mumbai from their routine.

I wonder if it actually scares them or affects them in any way. A common man, who was back to work in no time after the blasts, was asked if these blasts scare him. He replied saying “I feed my family and me on daily wages that I earn” If I don’t go to work any day, my family sleeps without food that day, so irrespective of what has happened, I have to get back to work.

Well it is not just about the common man but its everyone from top to bottom who is seen to go around work soon after any of these things have happened. And not only will they be out on streets back to normalcy but you would also see people coming to help and feed the stayors.

I remember once I was travelling back from work with my husband in our car. The journey that usually takes 1.5 hours of travelling one side took us 4 hours to reach home. While we were on our way, I got a call from my brother-in-law asking if we were well, because the news channels were flashing the train blasts. It was then that we got to know that something has happened in Mumbai and that is the reason for this long journey back home.

Mumbai is a huge city and sometimes you don’t even get to know what happens in your neighborhood, forget about the other part of Mumbai. (A classic example, Mr. Dey (the journalist) was killed during daylight in front of a super market, which is like 10 mins walk from my house and we learnt about that on the news only late in the evening).

I had always heard that if you can manage to survive in Mumbai and New York, you could live in any part of the world with ease. And I am happy I have survived in Mumbai. I wont say survived but lived happily here for almost 8 years now. This city will never let you feel lonely or left out because this city never sleeps.

So like the hindi old flick song ends…” ai dil hai aasaan jeena yahaan

suno mister, suno bandhu, yeh hai bambai meri jaan “

:) :) :) :) :)

A Doctor's Plegde

2011-06-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

A Doctor’s pledge

Have you been to a doctor recently? What had been your experience?

I always wish and pray that no one has to ever visit a doctor and if at all they do, nobody faces a doctor who has forgotten their pledge. But I wonder how many doctors actually remember what they had promised when they wore that respectable white fleece.

Very recently an article in paper caught my attention and it was really really disheartening to see that the “Doctor’s business” is the most rewarding these days. Yes, I have purposefully used the word “business”, because its no more considered a duty to mankind, it’s a way of making money.

The article mentioned that, the delivery (normal or c-section) is no more a profitable business as compared to the heart surgeries, hence many hospitals have either shut down their delivery section or have reduced it to minimal beds and have increased their heart surgery wards and OT’s. They make upto 20 lakhs or more (sometimes) for a single surgery. I hope the poor class (lower class) is listening to this. You are not supposed to get any heart problems.

Even with a little blockage in your heart arteries, they scare you and ask you to get the surgery done even when it can be accomplished with a simple stent. Unimaginable!! I wonder if their conscience ever reminds them of humanity.

The personal experience that I had and thought I would never share with anyone and had told my husband too to never bring that discussion ever again in front of me, I am unable to hold it to myself now. Not because I suffered the pain, but simply because I want to caution everyone else.

While I was in the hospital with my day old son, rejoicing the happiness that he has brought in my life, enjoying him moving his legs and arms while he was awake (for a very short time though), the child doc came for regular visit.

She checked him thoroughly and also checked his limbs to check for any dysfunctions. She told me that one of his legs were very flexible and could bend upwards much more than required. I could not understand if it was actually an issue but got terribly scared within. She said she would send an ortho to check and see if he recommends anything. All other docs in the hospital who came to visit also told the same and had filled my mind with worries already.

I waited for the ortho the next day. He came and saw my son and recommended that plaster like thing (which can be removed during bath) should be put on him for over a month and that we should visit him on regular basis to check the status (he charged me double the fees that he charges in his clinic, simply because he had to come all the way to this hospital). He suggested us some guy who would come and take the measurement of the leg and make a plaster. Surprisingly, he did not write it anywhere, what the issue was and what is recommended and we fools did not think of it at all. The guy was called and the plaster delivered the next day.

The site of that plaster had already brought tears to my eyes because the little one, who most people were scared to even hold in their arms because he looked so fragile would now be wearing that plaster. We brought our little one home (my mom’s place) where the house was decorated for the welcome and everyone was ready with a puja thali and video recording. The warm welcome had temporarily erased the plaster thoughts of my mind.

After we settled down, we all recalled the plaster. None of us wanted to put it but since we thought it might give him issues later, we should make ourselves strong and do it now. I asked Vassy (my husband) to put that up. While he was putting it up on my little one, I was trying to hold my tears but just couldn’t and burst out crying badly. My sisters and mom couldn’t see me either and my husband held me tight to comfort me.

Every day when we would put that up, I would cry. The 4th day, I could not bear seeing my son struggling to hold it and trying to lift his leg every now and then. I asked my dad to find another known doc for second opinion. We then recalled of a doctor who was also a friend and has sifted to Chandigarh as well. He was a child specialist and could give us an honest opinion.

We called him and then my parents and Vassy took our son to the doc’s house (I couldn’t leave the house due the stiches which were still healing).

The doc examined him thoroughly and called me. He said tell me what you feel is the problem. I narrated him the whole story of what docs had told us in hospital. He said I have examined your son and he is absolutely normal and does not have any issues with his legs or any other part of his body. You do not need to worry or take any stress, because if you take any stress, it will then affect your child.

That doctor had become a “God” for me that day. I was crying again and this time it was the tears of joy and not fear. I felt then that some DOCTORS still exist and not everyone has turned a businessman

Deep within my heart (forgive me, as I would sound rude) but nothing good came out of me for the ortho who suggested the plaster so that he could make few bucks.

My nephews (who are like little kids for me) are in their teens now, were equally furious at the ortho.

I couldn’t forget that ortho for days together and would always badmouth him for what he did. (I believe even today I haven’t forgiven him at all and probably will never do)

However, I wish that some things wouldn’t have changed; some professions still would have remained for mankind. Let the doctors charge what they have to but do not misguide us who are completely unaware of the complex internal system that we have.

Welcome to Motherhood

2011-06-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Motherhood

I had always heard that a “Mother is born when the child is..” but experienced it for the first and probably only time when my son “Aadit” was born on the 29^th of March 2011.

I don’t know how and why but I was always a bit of “nastik” not that I didn’t believe in GOD but was not all that into it. I always felt all these prayers n worshipping’s were just for the heck of it, for people to feel the comfort that someone will take care of them when they are unable to take care of things around.

It was in august 2010 when I was asked to go for a brief period to US through my company and I so didn’t want to go. After having spent 2 years already without my hubby dear in US, I knew how it was to stay without him. And at no cost I wanted to experience it ever again. But since going to US for work was important so I couldn’t say no without any real reasons. I was all set; my tickets were booked, all other arrangements were done and still deep within me I was praying hard “God - please do something, I don’t want to go”.

Did I mention that I had been trying to conceive for the last 6 months and was under medication to set my hormones right.

I don’t know when did my hormones start to behave normally and to my surprise, I was pregnant and I actually found out 5 days before my travel date. I never imagined that God really answers your prayer and he actually exists but this time he did.

I found that I was pregnant while my hubby was out of India for a week. With the “positive” report in my hand I didn’t know how to react, who to share my news with and how to celebrate my happiness.

How I wished my hubby was here with me. Well, I had prayed hard for me not going to US (not my hubby) and that had been answered. So this made me happy, actually much more than happy J.

Days and months passed by, with all the ups and downs of pregnancy that once faces and here I was in the 9^th month, trying hard to hold my emotions and anxiousness and nervousness and all other feelings, and all at the same time.

I so wanted to deliver and see our by-product in my arms but I was waiting and this wait didn’t seem to end.

My sister had come over to our mum’s place (that’s where I was) during her kid’s holidays and was with me to give me all the comfort but she was so looking forward for her nephew/niece to be born and would always tell me, please have the baby while am here else I wont be able to spend time with my little one.

It was March end and I was so frustrated and tired that I don’t know why or how, I again looked back at dear God. I just told my sis to make some offerings for God and I would like to go to temple on Tuesday early morning and pray to God. Little did I know that God would again listen to my prayers and actually revert.

The Monday night (or Tuesday early morning around 4 AM), I had started getting pains (THE Pains) and I was so restless the whole of that night. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to wake up people and tell them that “hey baby is on the way” or are these false pains. So I kept quite and tried to bear the pain.

I got up quite early around 6 in the morning and went out and sat in open and fresh air trying to speculate if the day has come. I still wasn’t sure if I should tell my mom, coz if these are not the real pains, she would get anxious and worried. I kept quite and later woke my sis up and told her, I guess the day has come and told her to make the offerings.

I went to take bath and later helped my sis with the preparation. Both my hubby and me then went to temple and I was all this while telling him, the day has come. He was not ready to believe as the date the doctors were expecting was still about a week later.

I had asked my Dad to leave the car, as I wanted to go to doc for a checkup. Later we left for doc at about 11 AM with my hubby and mom.

Little did anyone expect that I would be admitted there and then and it actually happened. My mom looked so tensed at the thought of C-section that I would be undergoing. My husband was still under the shock and he didn’t realize it till much later. He went to bring my Dad from court to hospital and Mom sat and prayed the whole time. I would say she was more anxious than I was J I was holding my calm till I could.

Thanks to all my friends and sisters who had told me set of things that would happen before I would be operated. It actually helps you to be mentally prepared and don’t (over) react to what’s happening.

Well at about 2 PM, I was taken to the OT. Wooh… trust me I was not just cold feet; I was just cold all over. Dunno if it was that one gown making me cold, the experience that I was going to have or the AC in OT or that one small OT table to lie on.

I was asked to lie on that small operation table (cant explain what it look likes) but once you lie down and open and rest your each arm side ways, it looks like Jesus lying with his arms open. I was given the anesthesia to numb my lower body. The doc told me , this would numb my lower body so that I don’t experience anything that they would be doing but it wont put me to sleep immediately. This will also ensure that my baby doesn’t go off to sleep with me J

I was covered in all green sheet pieces and a sheet was also hanging right in front of my face so that I don’t scream at the sight of what these people do to my lower body. I was still feeling cold and very nervous. I was getting little drowsy now but I was trying hard not to fall off to sleep because I didn’t want to sleep without knowing that I have brought a life in this world. The doc came and they were chitchatting over my body discussing someone. It all seemed as though they were sitting for a cup of coffee with friends.

In less than 10 minutes, I heard a crying noise. I barely could open my eyes but the moment I heard a cry, a tear tickled down my eye and I just turned left and asked the lady standing there, is that a boy or girl. She said wait till doctor brings the baby back. Not sure if the doc brought the baby back immediately or he took a while but he was holding my baby trying to show me how he looks. I don’t remember seeing my baby there but all I got to know was, it was a baby boy. Now that I was sure all was well, I went off to sleep, I was given stiches and then was brought to the allocated room.

I must have slept for couple of hours and even after I woke up, I was still under the drugs influence but could hear my sisters, parents, brother-in-law, nephews, and niece all happy around. What a great feeling to have all your loved ones around and all happy J.

I was told that my baby was brought out where my mom, dad and husband were waiting. The baby was handed over to my husband. He was scared to hold him but he held him close to his heart and that’s when a father was born too. He couldn’t speak a single word but he was smiling and that’s what I saw him do the whole day “Smile”.

The 4^th day when I was getting discharged, I was handed a pampers pack of diapers and it said “Welcome to Motherhood” J and I knew I had entered the reign the moment I heard the first cry of my baby in the OT.

Them...

2011-06-09T23:41:00.000-07:00

I was born among them
I played, ate and stayed with them

The days rolled by and nights passed by

I grew older and had things to share
And I always knew to go to who, when and where

I was wrong many a times
But was not scared as they were mine

I knew my problems would be solved
As in my matters they were always involved

They are like a helping hand to me
I love them more them my life, you see

Now I really miss them as they are with their Misters
And yes, "They" are none other than my two SISTERS

PS: this was written in class 10th or 11th for my Dear Sisters Shilpa and Vishali :)

I Really Miss my Roommate..

2011-06-09T23:37:00.000-07:00

My Roommate, My friend
Its the friendship which never ends

I was like a mother to her and she like a son
This was the relationship which was understood by none.

I was the one who always disturbed her, when she slept
And she was always there to console me, when I wept

We beat, ate and stayed together
Each day fond memories we would gather.

She waited for me and I waited for her
And we would never enter the room without each other.

Now we are apart I know,
But we still communicate through the window.

Dear Roommate, I promise, you wait and see
That I will be always there whenever you need

Rooms can apart but my disturbing you will again start..

Our communication process continues
And Dear Roommate I really miss you...

PS: Written in class 12th for Abha Kakkar :)))

Moon behind the clouds...

2011-06-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

Last night the Moon was out after many days
I saw it, Chanda too saw it but with a purdah on her face

She is still the victim of our old customs and logic-less believes
The Adams of today have all rights But what about Eve

She did not go to school, not even out of her house
She stayed behind the four walls just like a scared mouse

Who says women of today have all rights
That's wrong, coz for their freedom, they still have to fight

Woman are supposed to back home by Seven
But nobody questions a Man, even if comes at Eleven

Sometimes they cant go out coz of the eve teasers and such devils
Even a political leader can't solve this problem, even if he says he will

70% of our people are still behind the dark clouds of customs and believes
When will this cloud scatter, free us and leave

This question bothers me throughout the day
Nights pass by thinking about them and finding ways

In the end I wish all of us the best
And Let it be us again and not GOD who will do the rest.

PS:Again written during school days :)

The Star I saw Last Night..

2011-06-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

It was a summer night
And I was gazing at the sky
When I saw the star
twinkling in the night

I was all alone is what I thought
I was wrong, the star told me so
It showed me the right way to live
Never expect to get something but give

The star too was alone - Yes I saw
It never told me about that though

But the star did tell the secret of its happiness
- love everyone

There are people who have everyone
And there are people without anyone

The twinkling star really makes me feel glad
Though my fate at time make me go mad

But I have to live - happily or sad
Our life has two colors - white and black

The Star I saw last night told me that

-------
Written when I was in class 12th :)

Bhaiya..

2011-06-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

I feel so happy when he is around
He makes me feel as though am the most charming doll he has ever found

I was small when he was found
He got married to my elder sister and love was profound

I did not call him "Jiju" but "Bhaiya"
The immense love and affection of a Brother usne diya :)

He is so caring, loving, affectionate and adorable
He is the only person of his type
Whenever I need him, he is always by my side

I no more long for a brother as I have him now
For me, he is the best person all around

PS: written in class 9th :) for my brother in law :)

Hinduism

2007-04-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

Once an Englishmen asked Santa Singh if there were any great persons born in this village. Santa singh very innocently replied.. “No.. only small babies” J

Well yeah we all are born as small babies with no understanding of how cruel or great the world would be. Surprisingly all of us who are born with no background as such belong to the Hindu Cast (by default). And point to be noted “My lord” we all still believe in Cast and Creed.
Dammm what a terrific scientific age we are living in!!

Though I hate slotting myself into casts, but yes I am a Hindu too. And I have seen worst things happen on the name of religion and casts.

I do not want to make this as a very boring article telling you what should have been done but yes I would like to highlight few issues which definitely exists in this democratic country in the scientific age.

I hate visiting temples for a simple reason that I don’t believe in idol worship. But I had to visit few temples sometimes to be with my husband or sometimes to satisfy certain traditions.

And what a sight!! Temples are no more JUST a place to worship. It’s a great hangout place especially when you are hanging in the line waiting to get inside the temple. We have kids who needs to pee and what better place then just make them sit alongside the line and Ofcourse the kids along with the parents and relatives would definitely feel hungry while standing for hours in the queue. So why not carry snacks along and eat and just litter around. After all now that you are already here in the temple to wash away all your sins. Why not litter around and then apologize to bhagwaan je?. And then what other work does the temple sweepers have if they can’t even clean the dirty surroundings.

Ahh time to chew gutka and common he can’t swallow that so he gotta spit. Did he spit on me? Ofcourse not, he did that just on the compound wall next to the queue. Thank got there was a wall or else m sure I would have my feet even dirtier.

Oh yes are you a Muslim or a Christian or a Surd. If you are one, then please keep away. This temple is meant only for Hindus. So better watch out ok!! Our God is very particular about the rituals. If you are a non-hindu, you may not really know what all to offer in the puja thali and to the purohits. You may be clean at heart but that doesn’t fill the tummy of our purohits. So got that J

Journey to Office

2007-04-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ufffff...Oh No.. Gosh...well thats how I started my journey in a local bus. Not That I wanted to..But was left with no choice

My company was far from where I stay and this was the only cheapest and conveneint mode of travel is what I thought.

The first day in my new office. I was so happy that I am here but the journey to office costed me nothing but a deep thought of 3 hours everyday along with the usual 30 bucks that I pay to go from home to office and back.

People would come in or rather push themselves in so that they can get a little space to keep one of their feet in and travel throughtout their journey with a hope of getting a place to sit.

Somtimes I was lucky enough to get a place to sit, and that was the time when my mind would start wandering while looking at the kind of people I met in bus.

I woud sit and think how would it be for those 2 school going boys who find place for themselves by tearing the crowd and then wnating to get down at their stop. Born with a golden spoon in my mouth, I could never imagine that their could be kids who had to struggle right from their childhood. For me life was like a peice of cake until I experienced the bitter truth of LIFE.

For all those women..who would cook breakfast and lunch for their children and husband, send them to school/office and then themselves get ready and get into the crowded bus to reach office in time and to add to their terror, you would find some rowdies in the bus who are their to create nuisance, who wud trouble them and make their journey even the more worst.

People who dont wnat to miss their bus so they would push ppl to get in and on top of it our very dear condutor..wud keep screaming..e chala..sarka pudhe sarka..

as if trying to say there is so much place in front so go ahead n stand comfortably.

I never knew there could be sooooo many kind of people I would meet in that small box where so many lives cross each other with thousands of thoughts in their mind. Each and every soul u meet has their own bundles of sorrows and joys..

Some get in the bus coz they wanna go and bless the newly wed, and some to congratulate their dear ones who are blessed with a new life and some who are grieving and wnating to cry out aloud coz they had just been departed from their close ones. And some who have had a fight early in the morning with their spouse or bai or boss. All their expression come out here in this laal dabba on people who they ahve never met and probably woudl never meet again.

They would take out their frustration either by puching them, screaming at them for pushing them or in whatever ways that come to their mind.

I still remember when I was standing for quite a long time waiting to get a place to sit, I saw one gentleman enter the bus with a strong personality..who was proud of something which none of us understood..

He asked me If I would like to sit..When said yes, he asked one of the guys sleeping on the first to get up.. I was zapped..that he wud wake up that guy so that I cud sit.

I remembered Nana patkar in one of his violent acts. I got scared and sat quitely. This guy then started narrating stories when he was in jail.he did this..he went to jail coz he supported one lady for so n so thing..I was overhearing all this and got all the more scared. I just kept quite and sat there like a dumb. He then got down at a stop aftercreating more such nuisance. I wanted to get up and offer the seat back to that guy but then again kept quiet, out of some fear, feeling bad that the guy is now standing even though he had a place to sit.

I reached my destination and felt good that atleast today's journey ended...

Well that was just one day's journey,...thsi journey never seem to end. I was realising that LIFE in reality is not a bed of roses but it has thorns for everyone. To reach those roses, you have to cross all barriers and YOU HAVE TO, no choice for anyone.

I just remember another incident which just happened today, I think that would be one thing I would never forget. I got a place to sit quite early today. I placed my ear plugs and started enjoying the music. I saw a lady (lets name her Zubeida) who came n stood right in front of my seat, where another old lady was sitting (lets name her Lalita), with her back towards me. Zubeida was nicely drapped in a black sari. The moment I saw one lady getting up to leave behind my seat, I patted Zubeida to go n occpy the seat behind mine.

Zubeida turned and said "No My stop is near". I looked at her and to my surprise , this nicely dressed standing calmly not disturbing or pushing or hurting anyone..was nether a SHE nor a HE. I identified her coz she had lil beard grown up. Well but she appeared so beautiful to me and I found her all the more prettier coz she refused to take that seat even though her stop was quite far from there. She was fearing that If she goes n sit, people might feel uncomfortable and might brush her aisde, on which she wud feel even more bad. I saw Lalita, who was sitting on the seat front, already getting uncomfortable coz the person standing next to her was "a mistake of GOD or another wonder of GOD or just another beautiful person GOD created(which definately is not what Lalita thought). But considering herslef the most God fearing person..she constantly was moving her fingers on the Mala and saying some prayer in her mind.

Then we reached near Bhandup and I saw Zubeida, whose eyes were wondering on her frinds who were begging outside, must be thinking that on getting donw I too would have to start the same old story of begging.

How I felt that time That I could do soemthing for them. How I felt my journey to office would end once and for all. How I wished that I was back in my childhood where I didnt fear anything. How I wished everybody could feel the way I felt about these people. How I wished things were organised and disciplined in our country too.

But not sure how I could help them, how I could make things better, how I could explain what I feel to others,I too became a part of the crowd, who wanna be the first one to get into the bus so that I could get a seat to sit and not bother about persons who would stand for hours till their stop comes. I feel like I am lost in this crowd like most of us, who cannot or dont want to do anything and just be a part of the maddening crowd.

Funny Quotes Enjoy!!!

2007-01-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

Whatever the question is, Liquor is the answer

Your village called.. they want their idiot back

Marriage Has cured my fear of being alone

There are two times when a man doesn't understand a woman - before marriage and after marriage"

Marriage is a romance in which the hero dies in the first chapter.

Marriage is give and take. You'd better give it to her or she'll take it anyway.

All men should freely use those seven words which have the power to make any marriage run smoothly: You know dear, you may be right

Quote for the day

2007-01-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

Do Not go where the path may lead...go instead where there is no path and leave a trail behind .......