The Mystical Aura

Season!

2011-09-02T01:59:00.001+05:30

This happens once in every few years. I receive a similar type of news from 2 or more people who are not even remotely related to each other yet they are all close to me.

This time around it will go down in history!

Sob sob! :(

Dhisssssssh (sound of breaking heart!)

PS: Happy wala birthday dearest Ganpati Baapa! Tu bhi na ekdam funny hai!

People

2011-04-27T22:47:00.001+05:30

~
We often meet new people in our lives. At work place, at some classes, in a share rick or may be even randomly on the road! Have you lately connected with someone after several years? Are you getting to know a person who works with you or with whom you share a ride to and back home from work? Do you happen to exchange messages late until midnight and beyond when your eyes just refuse to transport you to the dream world?

People come into our lives. Some are here to stay while many leave us at some point. A forwarded message that i received via mail describes beautifully how we are attached to people and how we should know to let go of them.

With some you know its not meant to stay for long. So while you are with them cherish every moment. Enjoy. Be a part of the happenings. Let your hair down. Don't hold back. Dance away to glory!

For all those who are part of my life, and to those who are yet to come, a big thank you.

God bless us all :)

Peek -a- boo

2011-04-21T14:13:00.004+05:30

BLANK!

.
.
.

Will be back soon.

Exams get over on the 8th and i already have a list of things to do and places to go. As of now a weekend at Pilani, Rajasthan and couple of days in Ahemdabad, Gujarat are surely happening! :)

Will the day getting closer and closer the restlessness is creeping in. Well best of luck to me for the next couple of days. Keep visiting!

Simplifed

2011-03-23T11:31:00.006+05:30

**********************************************

In leaps and bounds you grow,
you grow to learn the truth,
the truth that shows you a new side,
a new side which widens your perspective for life.
For life teaches you to make mistakes,
make mistakes only to rise from them.

~

Me

2011-03-21T22:34:00.007+05:30

*****************************************************

Its just an illusion of you that makes me smile and i smile away.

:)

************************************************

The Quarter

2011-02-01T21:59:00.005+05:30

What kept me away from my blog for the past 4 months? Lets see, October was a crunch period when I was busy cramping for my CA Final exams. November was the exam month. So till the 22^nd only studies were on my mind. The remaining days of that month went in doing nothing, absolutely nothing.

Come December and my travel attack began. The first week I was at my uncles in Pune. The next week I went to Igatpuri for a 10 day Vippasana meditation course. And at the end of the month the gang of girls vacationed at Kerala. We welcomed 2011 in the most serene and innovative way. It was extremely self- satisfying for me to have successfully accomplished our first ever 10 day long trip to a place far far away from home.

The New Year has begun and with the first month bidding us adieu new memories have already taken shape. The experiences teach you a great deal. You know you have learned from them only when you are put in a similar situation again and you react in a positive manner. I found myself in one such situation and all I could do is thank my stars for it. It’s an unpredictable world out there. You never know what will strike you; hit you hard, right on your face. You just learn with every jolt. Get up on your feet and smile wide.

January too had many days which involved nothing but only lazing around, sleeping whole day long, and watching Bostan Legal day and night. I have lazed around enough. Enough to gain a few kilos! Now its time to fasten my seat belts and get into the third gear, to begin with, with my books.

It is just a matter of time told a reassuring voice on the afternoon of 21^st January, 2011 when the exam results were declared. I believe in what she said and more over I believe in myself. It indeed is just a matter of time.

January was a month of seeing off friends, promising to meet only when the year comes to an end, getting connected and reconnected with new and old friends.

February looks like a promising month. After a year long break from attending dance class and performing in public forums I have two events lined up one for feb and the other for march! Ofcourse you are invited for both!

Its never a wrong time to make resolutions and never too late to work upon those which you didn’t keep up with! It pricks more to read what you have written and realize that you haven’t been following it. So the best way is to blog about it. To begin with I want to

1) straighten my sleep clock,

2) get up not later than 6am,

3) practice yoga and meditation,

4) shed a few kilos,

5) not eat junk,

6) not sleep in the afternoon,

7) read a book other than the study material,

8) keep my room tidy always,

Will keep adding to the list as and when more things come up.

Till then have a fantastic February!

Momentary Lapse

2010-09-25T19:38:00.010+05:30

Sunk Cost. It is a concept in Costing where you treat certain costs that you have incurred on some previous occasion as sunk or irrelevant. Which means if you have to decide on doing (or not doing) something today, just ignore what money you spent in the past. Make your decision based on what money you will spend in the future. Sounds really simple. But when the left brain starts functioning its really difficult to rationalize.

How beautifully this concept of Costing teaches us to live in the present moment. Forget what has happened in the past and just live in the present. In life too it is equally difficult to apply this sutra. Only a conscious effort from within get us back to the present, in the moment.

Everyday is different. Somedays are exceptionally beautiful while the others suck big time. I think its this act of balancing that highlights the importance of each day you live. In many ways it keeps you grounded.

When you face a terrible day, learn and let it go. Don't carry it forward the next day. You will only saddle yourself with the load from the past. Its very difficult to not refer back or sit and ponder over the past but to move ahead you have to place that barricade.

Keep reminding yourself that every day is a new day, every moment has to be lived to its fullest essence and every breath adds to make your life as beautiful as it is now. So acknowledge it. Respect it. Cherish it.

Love.

PS: I had a terrible day doing costing and the act of getting over it is on.

The Kodak Moments!

2010-09-18T17:12:00.009+05:30

Archives! Revisit the days which are dated forever.
Random pictures that were clicked by me over the years featuring the best of my friends. Presenting my best, candid, unedited (but none censored) pictures of me and my friends.

1) The PCC nights! I know what you guys are thinking. Don't worry thats just Iced tea to keep me company.

2) Me, on one of the good hair days :P and long study nights.

3) Chocolicious Abha!

4) Beauty Queen, Ms Moon, scrubbing her face with tea leaves :P

5) The absolutely crazy trio. Abha, Me, Choti. I guess we were in yogi's car!

6) A very very eventful day. (I trust abha's memory. she won't remember) ;)

7) Me and Pooja. I know P that this is not your best pic, not even close to it but its still special to me! :)

8) Me and Sid. In TYBCOM. When was that? :P

9) The talk, dark and 'handsome' footballer of our group. ( I know somebody is coughing) :P

10) Me and Romil on the last day of college.

11) The gang at Vichoo's during PCC days

12) The troublemakers!

13) The school ke baacha log!

14) At Costa Coffee after watching the best movie ever. China something staring Deepika Padukone and Akky.

15) Manan- Mera number kab aayega???!!! :P

Krishnaya Thubyam Namaha

2010-09-03T22:41:00.003+05:30

Krishnam vande parmanandam vande
Krishnam vande parmanandam vande
Murali dhara krishna tulsi dhara
Murali dhara krishna tulsi dhara
Mann mohana anand vandana
Mann mohana anand vandana
Hey giridhari van maali
Hey giridhari van maali
Yamuna teera bihari hari
Yamuna teera bihari hari
Krishnam vande parmanandam vande
Krishnam vande parmanandam vande

Its a magical bhajan. Just hear it once and you will agree with me too. Makes you want to sway, dance and sing along with it.

I am shamelessly copy pasting a mail i received on Janmashtami.

Once Queen Kunti, mother of the Pandavas, told Krishna, "I wish I had more troubles. You were always with me when I had troubles. Nothing can equal the joy of your company. I can trade all the pleasures of the world for a moment of your Presence."

Krishna gave her more knowledge of the Being: "I am in you as you. There is not a place in this world where I am not. People think of me as a physical body and they do not really know my nature. Body is made up of these eight aspects: earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect and ego. I am the ninth -- beyond all this. I am all-pervading. Though I am in the body, I am not the body. Though I am working through the mind, I am not the mind. I am much more than what you perceive. I am present in your heart as you and anytime you need me, I am there. You can always count on me".

Saints fell in love with Krishna. The dispassionate would be drawn to him. Krishna means that which is attractive. The very core of your Being is such, the bliss and joy of the Self is like that. It just draws everything. The symbolism in Krishna's birth is beautiful. Devaki as the body and Vasudev as prana or breath came together to bring forth Krishna.

Krishna is always depicted as the Blue God. It means that the body is so transparent, almost as if it was not there. Whatever is infinity is represented by blue. The sky is blue, and so is the ocean. Krishna says in the Gita: "People do not know my true nature. Nobody knows." In all his life only three people knew his true form -- Yashoda, Arjuna and his childhood friend Uddhava. Krishna says: "People think of me as a physical embodiment, as a body. I am not the body; I am the Consciousness which is present in everything, everywhere... I am the sweetness in sugar, the light in the moon, the heat in the sun". He expresses himself as 'all-permeating'.

Krishna always stands with one foot firmly on the ground, the other foot crossed over, as though it is touching, but not really touching. It is elsewhere. That is called the 'tribhangy' pose, implying perfect balance.

Krishna was makhan chor, stealer of butter. Butter is from milk. Milk is fermented to get curd and the curd is churned to get butter. Life is a process of churning. Your mind is being churned by so many things, events, happenings, and instances.

Finally what comes up is butter which is the saintliness in you. And Krishna steals the butter, the saintliness. It means he loves this mind which is like butter, which is not hard. This means infinity is coming towards you, loves you so much that it steals you at any cost. He seeks you out, wherever you are.

Janmashtami is the day when you enliven the virat swaroop – the cosmic vision -- of Krishna in your own consciousness, once again. Letting your true nature manifest in your day-to-day life is the real secret of Krishna's birth.

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Beautiful, isnt it? Here is a post on Radha Krishna i had penned last year. You might want to read that too :)

Dear Son,

2010-08-31T17:57:00.002+05:30

Wake up. Its show time.
Its time to show the rest
that you can be the best
The time is just right
to prove your might.
As always the sun shines bright
but today it has a radiant light.

Wake up my child
wake up.
I know you can reach heights
to every ones delight
make them realise
you are no less,
just different from the rest.
None has told you
how things are to be done

My Son, don't have in your mind
a slightest doubt,
cos you are the on who will sort
it all out
When you have chosen between
the right & wrong,
you have always sung the
triumphant song

And today the day has come
when you have to shake
yourself up
Wake up my son wake up.

********************************************

This was written last year on 3rd may, 09. That's what my diary reads. Just happened to flip through it today.

Routine!

2010-08-28T13:14:00.003+05:30

I just realised that the post previous to previous to this one was the 200th Post :) "Happy Realisation to me :P"

More that 12 hours of classes which includes close to 3 hours of traveling to and fro isnt as much pain as i thought it would be. You just have to accept it that a couple of days ahead are goona be the same and enjoy it as it is. :)

I saw bits of Peaceful Warrior today. Its a beautiful movie. Every minute of it keeps you engrossed. Teaches you so much. Its a must watch for everyone who wants to learn something more about themselves. Kunfu Panda is yet another movie with thoughtful insights. If anyone has it on their laptop then please pass it on to me.

It was Raksha Bandhan this week and with all that i collected from my brothers i bought myself a flask. Yes you read it right :P For a long time now i wanted a flask a little bigger than a mug size to carry tea or coffee to class :) Well now that classes are almost coming to an end i m not sure how much i m goona use it but i finally got it and i am sooo happy :)

Its was SPs birthday yday and he was totally disinterested. Some people just dont change and keep surprising me! But he enjoyed in his little way.

High Spirits

2010-08-15T22:00:00.003+05:30

Got home at 9 last night after a tiresome day. The past two days were hectic and the next few days will be too. It was saturday evening and the only good thing which could happen was the dinner party. But by the time i got home i was sick. My head spinned, my stomach growled, i was drenched in sweat. I hit the showers. Refreshed myself and headed for the dinner by 10.

After a long long time i danced like crazy. With so many people around it was simply awesome. For almost more than an hour we turned the living room into a dance floor. Simply loved it. More so because i was so damn energetic even after the whole days schedule.

The idea of being with a few close people, amazing food, soulful music, crazy dancing can get your spirits high even after the most gloomiest day.

:)

Do you?

2010-08-15T01:24:00.003+05:30

He: Do you know to cook?

She: Do you know to sing?

He: Yes, "I do".

She: Yes, "I do".

And thats how they began a new innings of their life!

Whats going on?

2010-08-09T23:16:00.006+05:30

Right now my head is flooded with curses towards the male community. It all started with a particular person and now like a wild fire has spread far and beyond. I ain't generalising my views but i really fail to understand why does so much ego burst off their chests.

Ego will make you fall one day. Straight on your face and that will hurt really bad. Reconcile. Learn from your own mistakes. Be open to ideas, views and opinions of others. Don't be such a cry baby. You'll go nowhere.

Only if you ever happen to read this will you realise its for you. Never mind. I m just getting it off my chest.

You'll grow up someday. Till then.

************************************************
### Y'day evening my two girlfriends treated me with a Spinach & Corn sandwich and Sizzling Brownie at CDD :) Thanks to their pay checks :)

### Happy Birthday Rats!!!! Have a super duper awesome dosome year ahead :)

### The coming whole week i have classes from 7am to 9pm. I m loving it! :(( Its time to say my little prayer now.

God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things i cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things i can and the WISDOM to know the difference.

### Saturday late evening should be fun (fingers crossed). There is dinner at a family friends house and i simply hope i'm in the position to attend it.

### I had a conversation with a friend after several years. Its worth blogging but will need time to spice that story to keep u interested. Shall come up with it some time soon.

### Oh! my eyes number increased slightly :( Good thing is that i m getting a new frame!!! :D

Love you all. Keep me posted as to whats up at your end!

Adios!

THe Weekend

2010-08-03T00:52:00.003+05:30

Had an extremely tiring weekend. Left home saturday morning at 6 am to attend classes at Ghatkoper. Sat through the day and a considerable portion of evening (running into early night) studying Accounting Standards and CFS at the classes. Left from Ghatkoper ot 8.30 pm to reach Napean Sea road only at 10.30pm. Had the most annoying and tiring wait for the bus from VT to NS. Didnt even get a straight bus to M's house.
What followed was pure fun through the night with my best pals. With cold chinese food for dinner and no sweets to celebrate friendships' day at midnite, it did not deter us from making some awesome bread-bingo-combo with the little supplies that we found in the refrigerator.

Slept only at 4am to get up at 7.30am to attend yet another grueling IDT class at Ghatkoper.
Got back home after 2 long days at 6pm on sunday evening and slept until morning the next day :)

All in all a great friendships day celebration! :) I bet you too had an amazing weekend sans studies :)

Taxing - Excise Law

2010-07-30T16:47:00.003+05:30

I have got loads and loads to study and the pace is still not how i want to be. From years, to months, to weeks, now its come down to days. Counting counting counting. But not "eager" :)

Lets have some fun here. I m sure most of you are not aware that the Colgate paste that you use the first thing in the morning, the Society tea that you drink, the Britania biscuits you eat, the Ashirwad atta that goes into making the chappati's and so many other things consumed are loaded with "TAXES" Yeah you are right :P

So i thot may be i will share a little bit of gyaan with you guys. Specially the non finance background people who corelate "CAs" with Taxes.

So lets talk about Indirect taxes today. (Oh, does that mean she is going to bore us everyday with stuff like this???)

The indirect taxes can be broadly categorised into
1) Excise Duty.
2) Customs Duty.
3) Service Tax
4) Value Added Tax.
CST in now redundant and Goods and Service Tax is in the pipe line.

Excise Duty
There are certain items on which this duty is levied. Now which items?
Those items that are
-Manufactured of Produced in INDIA.
-Mentioned in Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.
-Movable
-Marketable.
So any product which fulfills the above 4 conditions, Excise duty will be levied on it.
For Example - Colgate tooth paste is "manufactured" in a factory in India. It is "mentioned in CETA, 1985". It is movable in nature (but ofcourse) and it is marketable too. So the on Colgate toothpaste excise duty is levied.

Okay. So you understood what the basis is.

Now lets see how the duty is calculated. Duty is a factor of 2 things.
1) Rate of Duty (in terms of percentage)
2) Assessable Value of the product (on which the rate will be applied)

The effective rate prevailing on majority of the goods currently is 8%. This can vary accordingly to the goods.

The Central Excise has scores of RULES. The Act has less number of Sections and humongous number of Rules. You know why? Because in order to amend a law/act you have to pass the bill in both the houses of parliament with majority. Whereas to amend rules the Central Government has the power to do so u/s 5A of the Central Excise Act, 1944 by issuing Exemption Notifications. (Smart na? Not really. Cos this has lead to numerous rules that one has to memorise)

Lets see what these Rules talk about. I m just fairly listing them and not explaining them in detail.
The Central Excise Rules, 2002

Rule 4 - Liability to pay duty at the time of removal of goods from the factory premises.

Rule 5 - Relevant date of determination of rate of duty and assessable value.

Rule 6 - Self Removal System. i.e. Self Assessment by the assessee.

Rule 7 - Provisional Assessment incase the assesse is unable to ascertain either the Rate of Duty or the Assessable Value.

Rule 8 - Manner of payment of the duty. In case of a Non SSI unit payment to be made by 5th of the next month. i.e if goods are removed on say 21st July, the payment of duty should be made latest by 5th August.

Rule 9 - Registration.

Rule 10 - Maintaining Daily Stock Account.

Rule 11 - Goods to be removed under the cover of an Invoice

Rule 12 - Due date of filing of returns.

Rule 17 - Removal of goods by a 100% Export oriented unit into Domestic Tariff Area.

Now this is just a fraction of it. There are loads of other rules. But thank god that you dont have to keep them in mind. But i do. So many be you can use my brain sometime when you are in need. ;)

Thats all for now. See you soon with yet another set of rules!

Adios!

Fading Memories

2010-06-01T14:17:00.004+05:30

She opened her diary today. The red and black one. The diary which was dear to her all through her college life. It accompanied her to every lecture. Each page was inked with history and psychology notes. Somewhere here and there were vague drawings of random things, a habitual practice when she paid no heed to what was being taught. The pages were still crisp but slightly yellow now. She flipped through each page carefully. The ink had faded at a few places. But the words were still clear. Every page had a story to tell. Memories from the past spurted back. She gradually moved her fingers over the fine print. But very next moment she felt her 4 year olds hands wiping her rolling tears.

When the soul sings

2010-05-26T11:25:00.003+05:30

Take my hand, take a breath
Pull me close and take one step
Keep your eyes locked on mine,
And let the music be your guide.

Some songs just make you feel beautiful. Make you want to get up and dance. This is one of them. Off late i have been listening to a variety of songs ranging from classics to country music to indian bhajans to instrumentals which are some of the best ones. Music brings joy to your life. Stays with you always. Cheers you up every time you are low. Its your best companion in crowded trains. It never lets you down. The best part is that there is one song for almost ever occasion. When you are extremely happy you know which song will add to your happiness. When you have to cheer your friend up you know which music will do the trick.

Songs have become so integral part of our being that invariably you will find music everywhere. If there isnt real music you will have learned to make music out of it. When you are amidst a chaotic situation, very likely to happen in our day to day travel and you have two lovely ladies quarreling at the top of their voice, if you choose to you can make music out of it too ;) Its all in your mind. The stronger grip you have on your mind the more beautiful you will feel from within. Music does wonders if you let it.

There are so many more spectacles in life which you haven't witnessed. Embrace them with open arm when they come to you. You have been blessed with this form of life and it wont be long before someone else comes and takes your seat. Live what is yours. Every moment is a new beginning. You don't have to wait until next morning to start something different, to venture into a new territory, to do whats never been done before. Just do it, the nike way ;)

The darker side

2010-05-24T14:17:00.003+05:30

Every one has got that dark little secret with them. The secrets which are known only to the closest of friends and a few family members. A secret which if poured out can create havoc. But I should admit one thing. The real testing time is for the ones in whom you confide. They not only have to keep your big secret but also lead you and guide you through it (if you have done a crime that is :P )
It takes time and courage to confide.

And I have deduced one thing out of this that these secrets are reveled only at nights :P

Well until a year ago i had 3 live examples to quote n support my observation. In the recent past i got one more. ;)

And also does it take the longest to confide in the closest? Let me know what do you think about it.

Today I m happy and I have a reason too :-)

2010-05-16T23:38:00.000+05:30

Happy Birthday.....

2010-03-25T18:24:00.002+05:30

......to me :)

This baby turns 22 today!

Yoooohhhhhhuuuuuu!!!!!!!!

Lots of love to all!!!

Hugs and Kisses!

Happy Birthday Abha !

2010-03-22T22:48:00.009+05:30

Anandita,

Abha Shukla's (podarcybercommunity999@yahoogroups.com) birthday is on Sunday March 21st. Abha will be 22 years old.

Click below to choose one of our specially recommended birthday greeting cards and we will send it on Abha's birthday...

http://www.BirthdayAlarm.com/eCard/199506417

Kind Regards,

BirthdayAlarm.com

Now this was a mail that i received a few days ago as a gentle reminder for your birthday. I simply deleted it (well of course after having copy pasted it here). But then it later set me thinking. I simply hoped that there never come a time when i would actually have to be reminded that its "21st March" today. Its your best friends birthday. Phew! That is an unpleasant thought.

But to bring back that pretty smile on your (and my) face here is a little something for you. I know your love for butterflies and there are a few snaps that i had clicked on one of my adventures. (which you aren't aware of) (wink!)

Just hope that in a year or two's time i can capture Dolphins for you :)

Till Then,
Lots of love!
or should i say "love innaa saara"

Click 5 - A new beginning

2010-03-02T17:35:00.002+05:30

To the newly wedded couple!

Cheers.

Click 4 - Happy Birthday!

2010-02-24T11:25:00.004+05:30

Introducing to you all the M of my life, the gorgeous melodrama queen who will keep you entertained always. Ms Moon. She turned a year younger this 24th Feb. This year is a 'no gift policy'. And more so a 'no collage, scrap book, audio-video of friends, etc' so here is something least but straight from my heart that i could do for you. I know is a week late but ;)

This is one of the most natural pics of hers that i have clicked. Mind you when she is in front of the lenses she can make you go crazy with all her 'girly' poses ;)

So hers to the lovely lady!

From all you best girlfriends.

Lots of Love!

Click 3 - Refeshing Coffee Beans

2010-02-15T20:04:00.004+05:30

Conversations and Coffee

PS: Oh! You didn't get the 15% "special"discount on the coffee at the end :P

Click 2 - To My Valentine

2010-02-14T18:10:00.006+05:30

The love of my life.

Click 1 - Hibiscus

2010-02-10T10:25:00.007+05:30

This is a Hibiscus or Shoe Flower as we used to call it when we were kids. I tried to google why its called so but couldn't really figure it out. So incase you have a clue do let me know. This was clicked recently in a garden nearby.
Click the picture for an enlarged view. You'll enjoy it better.

Hello Everyone!

2010-02-09T17:39:00.002+05:30

A new look for the new year. I know i have entered really late this year. But nevertheless here's to a beautiful year that lies ahead. Cheers!

Over the past few years i have built a good collection of photographs ranging from nature to wildlife to portraits to family to friends. I plan to upload one pic a week giving a brief about the picture. I have a sincere request to all those who happen to visit my blog randomly and of course others who are regulars to post in their comments.

The new year has been good so far. Right now i have been caught with minor cold and throat infection and i guess that is the only reason which has got me back to blogging. When you are doing nothing else but sleeping for more than 12hours a day cos of medication revamping your blog is the best recreation.

I know i have missed on reading many of your previous posts but i assure you that i will keep a track of all of them hence forth but don't really promise to comment on the ones i missed out on.

The coming few days of Feb are going to be real fun. I am going to Delhi for a week with my girlfriends to attend a wedding. Wow! A Punjabi Wedding! I know i m totally looking forward to it. I have heard Delhi guys are handsome though arrogant. Well Mumbai girls will surely give them some competition. So here we come Delhi!
And the following week M turns 22. So there is going to be a closely held but grand dinner party some place far and nice! :)

Lets get in touch again.

Lots of Love,
A.

Cheers to 2009!

2009-12-25T12:13:00.007+05:30

When Santa got stuck up the chimney,
He began to shout:
"You girls and boys,
Won't get any toys,
If you don't pull me out!"

"My beard is black,
There's soot in my sack,
My nose is tickling too!"

When Santa got stuck up the chimney,
"Aaachooo, achoo, achoo!"

Merry Christmas to all my dear friends! Its a nice and bright day and i m sitting at my office desk rather than having a nice long sleep. From the past few days i have had varied evenings. The less exciting ones when i had to attend classes. And a few really exciting ones. After returning home at close to mid night almost everyday in the past week i have been a bit sleep deprived. And to top it the next day starts early. In the bargain i missed my today mornings classes and slept a little longer and got a few bashing's from mom. :P

This year is close to an end. As we all bid adieu to 2009 lets recollect all the good and bad times that we witnessed in our lifes. Dont hold on to them because the new year has lot many surprises in stored for you. Let go of the past memories and refresh yourself to a new beginning. This year in particular has taught me a lot. Everyone of us have our own theories drawn from our experiences. I have many. Some known to you'll and some unknown. Just recently i contradicted one of my own theories. But like every (economic) theory even this theory of mine has an exception. Or may be it could be like theories look good only on paper and dont work in practical situations. Whatever be the case this one also taught me a lot.

On squeezing a lemon u get the perfect tangy juice. But squeeze it a little more and it will make the whole thing bitter. So be careful.

Ashtanayika

2009-12-16T16:25:00.005+05:30

Our shastras talk about the female protagonist in great length and depth. Based on the emotions of her love life, a Nayika or the Heroine is categorised in eight stages. The different phases that she experiences and her responses towards them are depicted in various romantic dispositions called as the Ashtanayika. Jai Deva's Geet Govinda talks beautiful about the Ashtanaikas. I haven't yet read it but i had a chance to attend a workshop on the Ashtanayikas conducted by my dear teacher. She mesmerised me with her expressions of each Nayika as always. After a detailed session we were given a couple of verses from the Geet Govinda. Our assignment was to identify which Nayika was depicted in the given verses. There after we were to pick up one verse of our choice and weave a set up around it. To give you a brief of the Ashtanayika, here they are:

– Abhisarika The Bold One
– Kalahantarika The Repentant
– Khandita The Annoyed One
– Proshitapathika The One with Longing
– Swadheenapathika The Apple of her Lover's Eye
– Vasakasajjika The Expectant
– Virahotkantita The Separated One
– Vipralabda The Disappointed

I found this beautiful verse and wove a set up around it. It is the verse depicting the Abhisarika.

Having made love, diamond ornaments
Strewn here and there
She smiles her pleasure
Teeth sparkling like a row of pearls
Arm raised to cheek in shy passion
Now she draws her sari
Modestly around herself
Now she turns away, letting it fall
A sidelong glance in her smile concealed.
A master of her art,
She has the upper hand
On her intoxicated lover.

A Jali Style gorgeous wooden bed in the middle of the room covered with dark satin sheets - all crumpled - pillow cushions with ethnic covers lying on the floor - Two beautiful glass lamps, one standing tall on her side of the bed and the other one fallen at his side of the bed, luminating soft yellow light - A simple yet elegant mirror adoring the side wall of the room - A bottle of wine and a glass lying on the mahagony table at his bed side, the bottle half empty and the glass half full.

She swiftly slides out of the bed - He catches her wrist - She twitches - He lets go - Her ornaments in disarray - One earing dangling on her ear and the other one caught in her beautiful long black locks - Her necklace sparkling all by itself by one of the legs of the bed - He playing with her bangles - Her payals thrown on the floor.

The ceiling made of glass - the moon light tearing in - perfectly highlighting her cheek bones - Her radiating face is mesmerising - He is truly enchanted - His eyes begging her not to leave - Wanting the time to freeze, for eternity - She bends down to get hold of her Sari and elegantly wraps it around her perfect body - wit a hint of tease she lets it slid off her shoulders - He lying there, hypnotised by her grace - She drapes it once again - His eyes still pleading hers not to leave.

The intoxicated soul sees her leave though the door way - now only her shadow seen in the far off distance.

__________________________________________________________________
There is so much to explore and experiment in dance form that i fall in love every time i watch anyone perform or perform myself.

Sunshine

2009-12-12T11:50:00.001+05:30

To the Masala Lemonade Pitcher and the innumerable memorable (Canon & Nikon) moments!

Cheers!! Miss You.

> :) <

Turn it around

2009-12-11T12:06:00.004+05:30

At times some turn of events just start stirring your mind. But when you find yourself in such a position where your mind is not quite in your control just observe where all it runs. Mere observation of the galloping mind will keep you entertained. Sometimes you will be surprised both pleasantly and unpleasantly as to what all this little thing can do. Its really fun. Atleast as an after thought it certainly is.

PS: When will this cough let go off me?

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

2009-12-09T14:01:00.003+05:30

Its a small world after all

Se7en

2009-12-07T22:33:00.004+05:30

Its the 7th of December today and i complete 7 years post arangetram. So to say its my 7th Arangetram Anniversary. For the unaware friends of mine let me give you a small glimpse of what an arangetram is.

Arangetram is a debut performance by a Bharatnatyam artist. It literally means ascending the stage. Arangetram is performed after completion of basic training in the classical dance form but in no way does it indicate an end to the training. Rather in every sense it is the very beginning of the budding artist. The student offers her knowledge at the feet of the Guru and Lord Natraja by performing in front of a large specially invited audience.

I performed my arangetram 7 years back and there after have received the privilege of performing at various occasions. Every memory of that day is still fresh in my mind. The event was so extravagant that it was no less than a wedding. The entrance of the auditorium was decorated with huge rangoli, the stairway up to the stage was filled with the fragrance of chandan, the stage was decorated with flowers, the lighting was set, the make up, the ornaments, the dress everything was in place! Invitations and brochures were printed and the invitee list seemed endless, the lunch that followed was yummie!! Oh and the gifts that poured in were all lovely!

But the final day event paid off only after dedicated practice over more than 9 months. How much ever i write about it is less. At the very moment i m too tired after having come from a grueling dance practice session. There is a performance tmrw at Mysore Association Auditorium, Matunga at 7.30 pm. All of you'll are invited. Will be glad to see'll there!

Till then

Tag

2009-12-05T23:52:00.003+05:30

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
There is a short story behind how i was named. You would already know it. If not then wait for a little longer.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
While watching Paa :P hehe...i was teased so much after that :P But i had already warned you! :D

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes.

4. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I m my best friend :P

5. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Who dosnt?

6. HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR LIFE TO BE IN A COUPLE OF YEARS? (REALISTICALLY PLEASE)
Couple of years is too long a span. I know how it will be like next year. Quite close to hell will the preparations of CA exams. :P

7. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Oh yes. Right away.

8. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Chole

9. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope! :P

10. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Eyes. :)

11. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?
Blue kurta n orange pajama. Just returned from dance class n havnt changed yet. Not wearing any shoes.

12. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Bro

13. FAVORITE FOOD?
Thts a long list :) An exclusive post dedicated to it will be out soon.

14. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Finished reading 2 States & If God was a Banker. Havnt stared a new one yet.

Ramblings

2009-12-01T21:48:00.002+05:30

After a lot of thought i opened my dash board today (just as i have been doing all these days in the past.) Even today i m clueless as to what to write. So just a caution for all you guys that whatever you are about to read in the next few minutes are pure ramblings.

11 months of this calender year are gone already. (For the CA's out here all that matters is the financial year, right? ;) ) Big plans for the new year are already in the making. There is something cooking at the back of my mind. I hope that really works out. Now don't poke me for what that is :)

Some resolutions were made last new years. None kept. All broken. One of them being brushing my teeth twice a day. :P This is something that i have been telling myself to do for ages now but never ever end up accomplishing it.

A lot, A LOT has happened in this one year.

Stumbled upon big failures.
Dealt with many minds.
Handled varied and dramatic emotions.
Got showered with unconditional love.
Achieved small successes.
Planned many things.
Accomplished a few.
Struggled.
Grown fat to thin to fat to thin :P
Bid adieu.
Let go of so many things.
Inked my memorable moments with you in a precious place.
Dreamed big.
Did some big time kidda's, ones which were particularly unlike 'me'.

So many things have happened in so little time. I would want to believe that all those things have happened for the best. And that the future also has some goodies in stored for me. 2010 is a crucial year for me. Not because some random people have predicted that the worlds goona come to an end but for other greater reasons.

Wish you all a very good luck for your future endeavors. Hope to see you soon. Take care.

Bis Bald (Till Then)

Tchuss (Bye Bye)

Song playing (in my head) -
So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you'll wait for me
Hold me like you'll never let me go
Cause i m leaving on a jet plane
Don't know when i'll be back again
Oh baby, I hate to go.

I need to be in love

2009-11-19T22:47:00.005+05:30

The hardest thing I've ever done
Is keep believing
There's someone in this crazy world
For me
The way that people come and go
Thru temporary lives
My chance could come and I might never know

I used to say "No promises,
Let's keep it simple"
But freedom only helps you say
Good-bye
It took a while for me to learn
That nothin' comes for free
The price I've paid is high enough for me

I know I need to be in love
I know I've wasted too much time
I know I ask perfection of
A quite imperfect world
And fool enough to think that's
What I'll find

So here I am with pockets full
Of good intentions
But none of them will comfort me
Tonight
I'm wide awake at four a.m.
Without a friend in sight
Hanging on a hope but I'm alright

~A Song by The Carpenters

Now before your eyebrows are raised and you let ur 'dimag ke ghoode' out in the open, i heard this song yesterday early morning and by far the only female singer i like is The Carpenters!

Hands up

2009-11-18T20:24:00.002+05:30

"How many Gujarathis & Marwadi's in this class?" asked my lungi clad prof who flaunts a beard and a pony tail. More than 80% of the class raised their hands and i quietly muttered to myself 'God bless me.' His next question was for the minorities. "So how many Maharashtrians & Southies here?" The remaining obediently raised their hands. Prompt came an advice for us, the minors (read the lesser of the two evils) "You'll have to work harder and build your way up the ladder. Your friends who are in majority have a upper hand over you guys when it comes to business. There is something running in their blood i suppose." This statement came for a South Indian himself so it pricked and soothed at the same time.

Welcome to the new world which begins EARLY in the morning i said to myself. My CA Final classes kick started today. After a break from travelling in the Mumbai locals, i have come back to it.

The journey on the path of becoming a CA continues. And this time i will reach there well in time! Good luck to me and all others sailing in the same dwindling boat.

A perfect weekend

2009-11-15T23:17:00.005+05:30

A breather from the routine week this weekend was refreshing. On viewers demand Cinemax played an extra show of 2012. A gripping movie from the very beginning, 2012 revolves around the idea of Mayam calender which predicts 12th December 2012 to be the end of the world. An action thriller by Roland Emmerich keeps you glued on to your seats for a good long 2.5 hours. The graphics of the movie are undoubtedly amazing, the actors brilliant and the storyline quite good. Its a movie from the makers of Independence Day and Day After Tomorrow so what do you expect. A movie that shows the evil shades of both the nature and mankind. The Vatican in Rome crumbling into oblivion, destroying thousand-year old Catholic architecture and killing thousands of worshipers within seconds. The U.S govt declaring end of the world as the gigantic tide waves begin to engulf the Himalayas. The whole world stuck with disaster and no hope. The idea is captured perfectly on celluloid. A must watch is you still haven't.

What followed was a nice breeze ride on a unexpectedly cloudy evening and garma garam coffee after checking out the exhibition at RNM which charged us up again. ( I know the old uncles at the canteen had already made you furious.) As for me the way home was safe, sound and quick! But J had to deal with a flat tyre :(

Later that night a msg from M read, "Aahat dekhna hai 11pm ko on my 42" screen with lights off...oooo...scared" (I laughed out loud at the message). So this meant a girls night out (without S) at M's place. A was late as usual cos of which i was bombarded with a couple of messages from M. So after changing channels, (as always the remote was in my hand) we tuned into watch Aahat. Guys, if you didnt know the all new season of Aahat is no more a thriller but a comedy series! The next one hour was hilarious. After sleeping as late as 4am we still managed to get up by 10.30 :)

The morning newspaper said there was a exhibition at Hiranandani Powai. The fervent me saw this as the best opportunity to zoom on a less crowded sunday road with the girls. Shopping was on my mind from a long time now. But it doesn't surprise me that i didn't shop for cloths at all. A few ceramic coffee cups, two of them particularly huge like the ones served at Costa Coffee, then a shanti niketan leather bag, a meenakari neck piece and earnings is what i got from the exhibit. Oh and did i mention we had our evening 'pit stop' at Subways :)

A coffee and a sinful chocolate avalanche at Mocha's and a musical drive back home (screaming more than singing) by 11pm followed by bogging the weekends events puts it to a perfect end!

Its almost 1am now and a long week awaits me. So off i go to sleep!

Adios.

Cheers!

Picked up tag

2009-11-03T21:55:00.006+05:30

1.What is your current obsession?

Photography

2. What are you wearing today?

Pyjamas and a tee.

3. What’s for dinner?

It was grandmom's bday today. So had 2 (huge) pieces of cake. One on behalf of my generous friend :P

4. What’s the last thing you bought?

A Long book and a pencil. My classes start tmrw so was arranging for my supplies when i realised my study didnt stock any. (To my surprise i m looking forward to getting into the study mode again)

5. What are you listening to right now?

Currently listening to nothing. Getting acquainted with i tunes.

6. What do you think about the person who tagged you?

No one tagged me. I picked up this tag from PJ's blog as i had nothing else to blog on mind :)

7. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?

When i get up n draw my curtains i should see large expanse of lush green trees n mountains on one side and a lake on the other which has a small bridge to go across. The country side english types ;)

8. What are your must-have pieces for summer?

Limbu pani or Sweet lime soda! Any time of the year.

9. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

I would go off to sleep :P

10. Which language do you want to learn?

Prefer to work on my german. Wont mind Spanish as its widely spoken in America. French i guess is not for me cos its too sweet a language :P

11. What’s your favourite quote?

Whatever happens happens for the best and nothing will happen is not true.

12. Who do you want to meet right now?

Its 10pm and a hot brewing cup of coffee with you would do no harm :) But but but i have to get up way to early tmrw and have been warned to tuck myself in right away :P

13. What is your favourite colour?

A particular shade of Yellow with a tinge of Orange in it. (too much of detailing involved)

14. What is your favourite piece of clothing in your own closet?

Oh off late i have been complaining (only to myself n no one else) that i dont have anything good to wear specially outdoors. Otherwise my fav clothing wud be my Pajamas!

15. What is your dream job?

A social entrepreneur making a difference in this society in my own unique way.

16. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?

I will budget it in such a way that i can squeeze in a couple of things. The list is quite long :)

17. What are you going to do after this?

SLEEP :P

18. What are your favorite movies?

There are many. The most recent one being Dead Poets Society.

19. How many tabs are turned on in ur browser right now?

Gmail, Reader, Blogger, Yahoo msgr.

20. I believe in

Myself

21. What do you do when you “have nothing to wear” (even though your closet’s packed)?

Pick up my wallet and go shopping :)

22. Coffee or tea?

Tea at home. Coffee outdoors

23. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?

Splurge myself with a tub of my fav ice cream.

24. Favorite Sweet?

Bengali sweets. Of course the regular chocolates and pastries will always remain on the list.

25. Favorite Season?

Winter all the way!

26. If I come to your house now, what would u cook for me?

For a while now i havnt treated my friends with a hand cooked meal so I would make you mouth watering paneer sabji, raita, roti (u'll have to make tht) and watever else u want me to make! See its time for you to say what u want. i m being generous :)

27. What are you afraid of the most?

Hahaha... i know you are laughing too. If you know me even a little you would know the answer to this one ;)

28:What brings a smile on your face instantly?

A simple good morning message from you does the trick ;)

29: My most priced possession.

Your friendship

Everyone is more than welcome to pick up this tag just like i did! And let nothing stop in from posting your inquisitive comments :D

Happy Diwali

2009-10-16T23:14:00.004+05:30

Here's wishing all of you a very Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year.

Read this post i blogged 2 yrs back about diwali.

http://themysticalaura.blogspot.com/2007/11/happy-diwali.html

I m sure you'll enjoy the read!

Lots of Love,

A.

The Name Game

2009-10-15T21:32:00.002+05:30

A rose by any name will always remain a rose. But giving a thing a name gives it a visual touch, doesn't it? Everyone has a name. Everything has a name. But hasn't it ever happened that you call something by a different name. It could be out of love and affection or just simply to pull someone's leg.
Its happened several times with me. Specially during school days. We were a bunch of notorious girls who just loved to trouble others. There is one such nickname that none of us will ever forget. Of course that female never knew (not even now) what we had named her and why. But it fills the room with laughter when we guys are together.

Just last night yet another incident happened. It was hilarious and had my friend literally rolling on the floor. We still do this stupid thing of talking in "codes". So we had a 'target'. But this time around it was a soft target :) We came up with so many weird and hilariously funny yet adorable names that if i ever tell the victim i m sure goona be dead.
The best part was that my friend was having a hearty laugh while chatting with me and on the other chat window she was having a fight with her boyfriend.

PS: I watched the movie 'The Time Travellers Wife' and simply loved it.

Smiles all the way!

2009-10-06T00:13:00.002+05:30

Dreamy and smiley :) A deadly combination (wink)

Words won't do justice to all that is on my mind.

Whats up?

2009-10-04T01:00:00.002+05:30

What have I been upto off late?

The month began on a wonderful note.

Heard the Patanjali Yog sutra in the first week.

The first day itself bought me some most relieving news. My exam results were positive.

The following week i was on an audit assignment out of office so looted the client nicely :)

The next weekend was a ride out of town to a friends place. The last two weeks were hectic at work.

The outcome of which was no replies to messages, emails, no online chats, and a LOT OF COMPLAINT from friends for "not being in touch."

Last two days was a night-out at work place. Took a early morning Pawarnagar Bus not from home to office but from office to home at 6am.

Taken up a Photography course this weekend. Something that i was longing to do for a while now.

Saw Wake up Sid. Enjoyed evey bit of it. A refresher after a long time. Been a dry spell in the cinema freternity off late.

Still havnt made a few phone calls to s few friends. Incase you didnt know my cell no. has changed.

Got drenched in rain today. And got home and took a chilling cold water head bath.

Joined twitter. Follow me @ananditakumar

Travelled by the local after a long time today.

PS: N said my previous post sounds like a matrimonial ad :P But still i m not going to pull it do

PSS: I m sleep deprived.

PSSS: I want a "real" assignment to work on.

Ramblings

2009-10-02T00:43:00.003+05:30

Today i wanted to blog something. But couldn't really think of anything. The last few days have been a roller coster. Sleep deprived to such an extent that today i was about to fall off my chair at office cos i simply dosed off. (Of course in bosses absence :P )

I opened my dashboard and read some of the old posts. Specially the drafts which have found a very safe place in here. A few of them surprised me. Some great old memories scribbled in a hurry just so that i can refresh my mind just like i did today, a few weird conversations, some hilarious theories and other numerable write ups.

PS: Dance like no ones watching you. Just like i did today! :)

A Highlight

2009-10-02T00:24:00.000+05:30

When he talks, he talks sense.
When he dosnt there is utter silence.
Rational and questioning is wat he is
But carefree n jovial are his middle names
He is simple n understanding
Supportive n Sportive
He is sensitive n loves to love friends
A natures man n true admirer of beauty
But where do i find him? :)

Melody

2009-09-17T23:01:00.002+05:30

Beats faster and faster, her heart
Yet slow and deep is her breath
As the day nears
Every minute seems like an hour
The wilted rose comes alive
Writings of his talk
Forgotten how he smells
She longs for his arms

Jerk, the train halts
Awaken is she from her dream
Dreamt of him did she all this while?
With a perfect smile,
into the dream world goes she again.

Gurudakshina

2009-09-08T21:41:00.003+05:30

After ages today i organised my important documents. While doing the same i came across a sheet which i had written when i was in class 10th. This is what it read -

Why do we call our teacher a guru, a mentor or a spiritual preceptor? The answer to this is quite simple. He is the storehouse of spiritual energy which he can transmit to others. He helps his disciples to polish their inner self till it reflects the light of truth.

The best gurudakshina is to adhere to the gurus words. Once a guru sent his pupil to collect dry 'useless' leaves. Whenever he tried to gather the dry leaves he would be stopped by the village folks saying that they needed it for fuel to heat water, humus for plants, for making patravalis, for medicinal purpose, etc. The disciple returned empty handed and dejected. On seeing him his guru said, "The knowledge that you have gained today of how nothing is useless in this world is my gurudakshina."

However, this path of accepting tutelage is not easy. The disciple has to offer his ego at the gurus feet and accept him.

2004.

Happy Teachers Day

2009-09-05T09:31:00.002+05:30

5th Sept is a day of great importance for every being. At every stage of our lives we learn and we give it back by teaching someone else. Its Teachers Day today. Every year while i was still in school i used to look forward for this day to arrive. The student- teacher bond is unexplainable.

I had penned a fare well poem on the last day of my school. This one dates back in 2004. My respect and regards to every single soul that touched my life and taught me for me to be able to be at this place today.

The Last Day

I get the same sense as i had on the first day of my school
Oiled and plated hair, ironed uniform,
scented socks and cherry blossemed shoes.
Just the same as I dress my self from tip to toe
to attend the last day of my school.

The last day when I pack my school bag
The last day I place my school diary in it
The last day to play pranks on my dear teachers
The last day to be scolded by the loved ones
The last day to hear someone call us by our tag name Jinda Murde
The last day to see our sirs in stylish glares while teaching us
The last day for a teacher to mark us for not doing our social studies homework
The last day to give fake reasons for incomplete Art assignments
The last day when a English teacher would storm out of the class because we troubled her

The last day

Never in the last 13 years did i think of such a day

I remember how my nursery teacher taught me A,B,C,D
And how in the due course letters turned into lengthy history answers

But its the bitter truth
The last day has arrived

Yes, the very last day at my second home

Well 'The last day'

Is this a fair day?

It can't be because its our "farewell day"

A day to begin a new life.

The night of 9th Feb 2004 i had written this piece. Our farewell was on 11th Feb. I miss Lok Puram Public School dearly. My home for 13 years.

A Simple Secret

2009-08-31T21:44:00.002+05:30

Here is a nice poem by Ronberge.

A Simple Secret

Imprisoned inside me
Is a secret
Buried so deep
No one will see.
It's a simple secret really.
It helps me through
The best and worse
Life can be.
My secret?
I think of you
And the rest is easy.

Our First Meet

2009-08-29T17:05:00.005+05:30

In the recent past quite a few surprises have come my way. A few pleasant and a few unpleasant. I shall not bore you with the latter ones. So let me share with you one of my simple, sober and special moments from the recent past.

To begin with i can finally say i have an "anniversary" to celebrate. (No wait, my first one would be my Arangetram. So technically this would be my second one)

I first got introduced to him sometime in the mid of July this year. I had just heard a few things and seen some of his pictures. Nothing so great that i actually wanted to meet him. It was 15th of July, 2009 when for the first time i met 2 of his best men, Dinesh dada and Bawa. I had never heard of them nor had i seen them before unlike him. But an inexplicable charm pulled me towards them. These two brilliant men i am talking about are the teachers of the YES+, an Art of Living course and 'his' disciples. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

I attended my first Yes+ course from the 15th to 20th July, 2009. I was one of the lucky few (a few included 200 others:P ) to have got introduced to the Art of Living by the BEST and the most radiant teachers, Bau and Dinesh dada. You develop an interest in a particular subject only if you are taught right. And i was definitely on the right track :)

I wont go into the course details because i dont want to spoil the first experience you'll have with AOL. Just as a preview the course is jam packed with suryanamaskars, yoga, a LOT of GAMES, a couple of competitions, visuals- some of which are real eye openers, lot of scribbling on the walls, breathing techniques and most importantly the Sudarshan Kriya. Where ever in the world you are sitting and reading this just drop in a comment as to where you are located and i will help you out with the nearest AOL teacher in your vicinity. A few things are experienced the best if you do them for no particular reason at all. Yes+ is one such event. Just do it.

This is one of the best places to meet total strangers and make friends with them. I am a very practical person. I dont really fall for anything quite easily. When for the first time Piyush Bhaiyya gave an intro talk about the course i saw no reason for not doing it. Financing it wasn't a problem nor was time. Not that i had all the time and sitting home doing nothing. I had my articleship training going on but leaving from work half n hour early was all that i had to do to attend the Yes+ course. (Well ofcourse to compensate i reached office an hour early in the morning)
The Guru Pooja by Anjana di and the Satsang by Piyush bhaiyya who's voice is totally mesmerising preceded the intro talk held at Swati's place. At the end of the talk i had a few volunteers literally nagging me to fill up the form. I took my own good time (the practical me) before i put my pen on to the paper. And two days later there i was, among 200 others like me who had no clue as to what was instore for them in the next 6 days, screening the crowd for a familiar face.

The next 6 days were fun filled, knowledge packed and totally practical. And there was more to it. MUCH MORE. The sunday upgrade that followed was a rollercoster ride. And just two days after that i was packing my bags to fly to the Banglore Ashram to do my Yes++ which is the Yes+ Advance course. (no we went by train but we were literally on a high so it was more like 'flying')

At AOL we say that doing a Yes+ is like getting a visa but doing a Yes++ is literally flying. But all i knew before heading towards Banglore was that Dinesh dada was going to be my Yes++ teacher as well. That was just enough a reason to board that train. The YES++ is a four full days course best experienced if done at the ashram. Its totally different to what Yes+ is. Something even more difficult to put in words. Yet again i would say Just Do It.

No one was sure if Guruji would be physically present at the ashram around that time. To our delight on the very first day of our arrival it was like having a personal date with him along with almost thousand other people at the evening satsang in the Vishalakshi Mandap. This man has got something. The innocence on his face, the depth in his eyes, his elegance, the naughtiness, his style, quite everthing. The next few days that followed were bliss.

How much ever you talk about Guruji, Bau and Dinesh dada its always less. So i wont say anything at all. To tell you the truth i dont have the right words to describe these wonderful men. So let me just leave it at this. Experience it to realise that its simply the best.

PS: And talking abt the "anniversary", 15th of July henceforth would be my AOL anniversary ;)

PSS: Arangetram means ascending the stage for the very first time by the Bharatnatyam artist after getting trained for 7 years in field of dance.

The eternal love story

2009-08-12T23:32:00.002+05:30

He is joy. He is bliss. He is all mischief. That’s Krishna, the makkhan chor. Close your eyes and you will picture a playful Krishna sitting in front of a pot full of freshly churned butter, his little hands digging into the pot and his face smeared with makkhan. Our life is a churning process. With so many activities and events happening around us our mind is being churned. And what comes out of this is the sainthood within us. And Krishna steals this butter, this saintliness. Butter is the final outcome of spoilt milk. Likewise our mind has also reached its final state that is not hard which Krishna loves to steal.

She is married. She has a family. She has her mundane activities to do. She is Radha. Radha means longing, longing for someone else, longing for the Divine, longing for Love. Radha is said to be nine years older that Krishna. Have you noticed that if there is no longing there is no love? Longing was born first and then it gives birth to love. Radha, longing was born first and then was Krishna, love. If there is love there is longing and if there is longing there is love. Radhas name is always taken before Krishnas. Radhe Shyam, Radhe Govind.

He mesmerizes her with his enchanting flute. Krishna is so deeply in love with Radha that he plays the flute for her and only her. The flute is hollow and empty with seven holes. When you blow air in it and let it pass out from the right holes melody is created. Similarly our body has seven chakras. If we let our bodies be hollow and empty He can blow through us. Krishna is ready to do anything for us if we become hollow and empty. Be the murali, be the flute.

Epidemic

2009-08-07T22:35:00.005+05:30

A realisation just dawned upon me. Well as an afterthought i think its just an observation. The same phenomenon applies to a lot of people around me. People really close and people not so close yet not so far. If only i could list them all here you would have a better idea of what i was saying. But nope! Let me see if i can give you a count though. *counting* 9, the count is 9. ANSAKS'MAP.

This count will change. But when that i m unsure of. Do i want this count to change? Earlier i truly wanted it to. But now it doesn't matter.

No matter what let that smile always adorn your face.

I love you.

Its pouring!

2009-07-14T19:15:00.003+05:30

Sitting in my office chamber i was staring outside the window. Tired of the mundane activity of putting green ticks on the bank statement and the ledger all i could think of in this beautiful weather was garma garam kaanda bhaajiya and cutting chai :)

And a few hours later when i got home the first thing i did was to treat myself with the same. I enjoy cooking and m fairly good at it. There are a couple of friends who can vouch for it :)

The best thing was i made it and had it all by myself. Didnt share a piece with anybody. (Mom dosnt like fried things much, didnt let dad know wat i was doing in the kitchen and my bro was not keeping well)

Most of the time i have the girls over and we all enjoy the experiments i do in the kitchen. Last time around it was pasta with tomato sauce. Well dont worry girls the rains have just began. There will be lots of bhajjiya and chai in the days to come.

Thats how they met again

2009-07-08T19:09:00.007+05:30

The characters appearing in the blog are all fictitious and any resemblance to characters already appeared in the blog is pure coincidental

Beep beep. She received a message. Her eyes scanned the bed. Underneath the pile of clothes her cellphone had found a perfect cozy place to rest in these rains. She dived in to grab it. It flashed 'Shalom' and her face reflected an instant glow. Hi honey, get dressed in your best. We are going for dinner tonight. I'll pick you up at 8 from ur office. Just landed. Heading directly to the HO. So see you at night!
Official work had kept him away for a month. He had toured almost half the globe and now he was back. In reply to his message she sent him 30 smileys. (One for every day that he was away.)

Seconds later the clock hanging on the wall stuck 9. Aanya was already running late for work thanks to her alarm which refused to ring at the instructed time and allowed her to dream a little longer. She was dressed in Indian formals. In the White and blue chudidar kurta which she had got for herself on her last birthday. It was the month end and the boss was throwing a small tea time party at work place. So she was infact dressed in her best. With a broad smile on her face she winked at the Ganesha idol as she walked past the hall way and closed the door behind her.

Aanya & Shalom studied in the same school but the only difference was when Aanya went to Kindergarten Shalom was in 3rd grade. They lived 2 blocks away. As kids Shalom and his gang of guys took great pleasure in bullying Aanya and her bunch of friends. Aanya would come home with tears in her eyes and cuss words on her lips atleast once in a week for what the hooligans did to them.

Then years later for around 2 years Aanya & Shalom went to the same tution aunty for Math & Science. While Aanya enjoyed solving linear equation, no matter what Shalom could not get a hang of Derivatives & Integration. With the daily tutions they got to spend some time together on the way upto the class and back home. So they weren't at constant war with each other as earlier.

Aanya changed schools and same time around Shalom completed his 12th and got through in an engineering college at Banglore. In the next 4 years Shalom graduated with a BE in Electronics degree. He went to his college one last time to collect his degree. The same day there was a lot chaos for admissions for the new academic session. Four rows away standing in the long queue he spotted a familiar face. He scratched his head hard to recollect who she was. He stared right into her till the time her eyes caught his. He was embarrassed and looked away. She flashed a smile of recognition and walked upto him.

Mangola, is that you? The 100 watt bulb flashed in his mind when she called him by that name. Gutli? No wait, Aanya. Isnt that what they call this pretty lady? She blushed. Aanya had come to this college to get enrolled for a undergraduate program. And as luck would have it Shalom was heading to Mumbai to get an MBA degree. Thats how their paths crossed yet another time and a new friendship began.

The morning saga

2009-07-08T09:02:00.004+05:30

Today morning i get up early than usual. I have 1.5hours on hand before i have to leave for work. Now for the unaware let me enlighten you. I love to sleep. I am a sleep o holic. I am a person who is really good with clocks in sleep. I get up exactly only specified minutes before i have to leave for any work. Usually 30 minutes is all it takes for me to get out of the bed and then to get out of the door. So now you realise 1.5hrs is LOTS :)

So here i sit wondering what to do. The obvious thing that one does while sipping a morning cup of tea is to sit and read the newspaper. But i aint doing that. Instead here i m blogging. There is one more reason for me not reading the papers cos its full of the budget and thats exactly what i will be reading once i reach office. So why waste time now? ;)

Loo break. Be right back :P

And I'm back :)

So what is it that i can see if i peep out of my window?
Its a bright morning with the rain falling gently on the ground. The gulmohar is in full bloom. There is no one on the cricket ground. The football ground is filthy and muddy. The hills on the left look as green as never before.

Now lets get to the point. Whats happening in those houses that i can see right outside?
The 7th n 6th floor flats look thanda. No activities happening. I dont see the 6th floor uncle doing his first prayers by offering water to the Sun God. I wonder if he is already done with his chores.
The 5th floor aunty is watching Balika Vadhu (at this time also) Women just dont seem to get enough of it.
The 5th floor bachelors arent seen anywhere. Well i dont bother to peep in there cos i hardly find anyone home and none of them are worth a look :P
I see a pink polka dotted umbrella kept open in the grills of the 4th floor flat. And the other 4th floor flat with the House husband, no activities that i can see from outside. I guess he is busy sweeping and doing the dishes :)
The 3rd, 2nd and 1st floor flats are anyways not so happening. And I cant get a closer and clear look from my top floor flat :)

So thats all about it as to whats happening in the "outside world."

But if you really want to know more about my neighbours then enjoy this link :)

Now i have exactly half n hour in hand before i hit the roads so i should get going now!

Adios and keep coming back!

Complicated

2009-07-08T00:51:00.005+05:30

And she said he is the most peaceful and uncomplicated person i have come across.
But what she dosent know is that he isn't as simple as he appears to be.

Freeze

2009-07-07T20:52:00.002+05:30

As kids i remember playing games like jhatta patti, catch catch, pakda pakdi. All those games which needed a lot of running around. The catcher had a tough time. Huffing and puffing. Running helter skelter behind the rest. Pearls of sweat running down his temple. Still trying to catch up to someone. And he could run no more. He would be out of breath. He would need a minute to get some fresh air. Time please! was all that was needed to get back on his feet, with the same amount of enthusiasm and hunt someone down.

Why can't time just stand still? Freeze. Capturing the moment forever. But that's the 'catch'. Run behind time and it will always run a millionth second faster. Try to hold it and it will slip away like sand. Playing with it is a challenge. While trying to dodge it you learn a great deal out of it. Its a teacher. Its a healer.

With time you mature. You gain experience. It makes you run around. It keeps you on your toes. You sweat, you bleed but you learn oodles . It gives you a tough 'time'. There comes a moment when you want to give up. Drop everything down and just run away. But then you look back and see the amount of efforts you have put in. You get up again with the hope of being rewarded some day soon.

Have faith cos there is someone up there who is keeping an eye on you.

पाउस

2009-07-07T19:42:00.004+05:30

पाउस धो धो पडत होता
थंड गार वारा सुटला होता
ती खिडकित उभी राहून मिश्किल हसली
जनु कही तो तिच्या कानात
कही सांगुन गेला।

तिच्या पालथ्या मुठिवर पाउस टाप टपला
तिचे हाथ कप क्पले
तिचे डोळे चम चमले
हिरवी गार पाने सर सरली
आकाशात ले ढग थर थरले

हातातला गवती चाहा चा कप थंड गार झाला
रेडियो वरच गाण संपल
ती तिच्या जागी होती
तो त्याचा जागी होता
पण तिच्या ओठान वरच हसू
अगदी तसच होत।

A crime

2009-07-07T19:30:00.004+05:30

Her heart bled,
her eyes watered,
Pillow, her best friend
silently soaked the nights tears
She committed a crime
She loved you
And she was punished
by never being loved in return
She died a million deaths
before she breathed her last
She was only 4
but you were 40
Why, why did you not love her back
You selfish, heartless, fearful scoundrel
What worst, you robbed yourself
of some beautiful memories.
I pity you, I pity you.
But i plead you
to hurt not yet another soul
to hurt not yet another soul.

काही काम होत का?

2009-06-30T21:00:00.005+05:30

ती: तू फ़ोन केला होतास? काही काम होत का?
तो: हो केला होता। का कही काम असल तर रच मी तुला फ़ोन करू शकतो का?
ती: नाही अस कही नाही।
तो: माला तुझी आठवण येत होती। माला तुझा आवाज आइकावासा वाटला। तुझाशी बोलावस वाटल। मी एकदाफ़ोन केला तुला पण तू उचला नाहीस। काळजी वाटली माला।
ती: बस आता।
तो: एवढ्यात बस? काल आपण पहिलान्दा भेटलो। तू माला आवदलिस। हे सांगायला फ़ोन केला। आणि मी तुलाकसा वाट्लो हे विचारायला फोनेकेला।
काय झाल? तुज्या कड़े कही नाही का बोलायला?
ती: मला ही खुप काही बोलायचा आहे। खुप काही सांगायचा आहे। खुप काही आइकाय्चा आहे। पण आता नाही।आता माझी लहान बहिन माझ्या समोर कान लाऊंन बसली आहे। आणि तिच्या समोर काही सांगणे, बोलणे किव्हांआइकने धोके दायक आहे ;)
तो: बर मग वाट पहिन तुझ्या फ़ोन ची मी ।
*****
अशी झाली सुरवात एका मैत्रीची

PS: the marathi effect is due to my week long stay in pune. you might get to read a few more marathi posts. I know u wont be really looking forward to them but i will nevertheless pen them down.

Situations.

2009-06-11T08:59:00.001+05:30

2 Down.....1 more to go - All smiles!!!!

**********

2 Down...1 more to go - Never ever go :(

Look harder..You'll see it.

2009-06-10T20:48:00.003+05:30

“Life is so constructed that an event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation.” ~Charlotte Bronte

For You my precious.

2009-06-10T20:23:00.001+05:30

Whats it?

2009-06-10T20:13:00.008+05:30

I love this. Totally. I'm in splits right now.

Curiosity can be killing ;)

But your instincts can never go wrong.

You have to know the trick ;)

I totally love this.

This reminds me of a FRIENDS episode.

Keep Guessing.

Sailing through...

2009-06-10T19:04:00.003+05:30

One day Friendship & Love met one-another.
Love asked Friendship -
“Why do You exist if I’m there?”
So Friendship said -
“To give a Smile to those eyes in which You leave Tears.”

Untitled.

2009-06-09T18:37:00.000+05:30

I had them written
I had those proof's
You had promised
I'll get my dues.
and now you are gone
Gone forever
Leaving behind nothing but tears.

Action Replay

2009-05-25T13:58:00.003+05:30

Play (Live) - Stop

Rewind - Stop - Rewind - Pause - Process - Play (Live) - STOP

And he wooed me....

2009-05-23T19:58:00.005+05:30

The first time i saw him i fell in love with his elegance. The grace, the effortless beauty. He made me want to get up and sway to his tunes. I couldn't take my eyes off him.
His body soaked in attitude, with utmost perfection he spread his feathers into a majestic semi circle. The dazzling green blue feathers mesmerised me. His flamboyant body rhythmically swayed back and forth to the tunes of the wind.
His regal movements spoke volumes. And then one sudden moment he stopped then turned around and ours eyes met. Gasp, my jaws dropped and i felt caught. And then again with the same amount of royalty he continued to sway. For the next few minutes i was treated with the elegance of the enchanting movements of our national bird, the peacock.

To tell you the truth i wasnt fortunate enough to witness this perfect moment with my naked eyes. But one of my friends was. Thanks to Ankit that i could witness the beauty through this near perfect video recording. It was 6 in the morning and the beauty had payed visit to his home garden.
Peacocks are notoriously shy birds, jumping away at the slightest hint of threat. But he had managed to capture the bird with great caution and perfection.
I was a beholder of the beauty through somebody elses lens but i hope you too had a feel of it through my words.

The right notes

2009-05-19T23:39:00.002+05:30

Disclaimer: I m not drunk! Simply high on Music :)

Here comes the rain again falling from the stars...
Drenched in my pain again becoming who we are..

Some of the songs just strike that perfect chord. You can relate to every word of the song. The music is so perfectly perfect that it puts you in another world altogether.

A song can do wonders. I m sure you must have experienced this many a times. When you are shopping in a super market or driving or travelling in the train and are tuned in to a radio station and then to your surprise it plays just that song which you were craving to hear for a long long time now and your face glows and there is a BIG smile adorned on it. And then of course your whole day goes well.

There are so many songs that you relate to in many ways. Some songs are just to close to your heart for special reasons. It brings back those beautiful memories. The amazing days. The stary nights. The sunny afternoons. The romantic dinners. The late night study sessions. So many situations and those many songs.

I often wonder what song would it be that would bring a smile on your face and remind you of me :)

PS: the post is very roughly written. could have been much much better. but in the moment i just wanted to share something with you. yes specially you ;)

Change

2009-05-18T01:06:00.005+05:30

They say change is the only constant. And i totally agree with that. Look back and try comparing something from the past with the present. Be it a thing or a person. Everything changes. The challenging part is how well you adapt to this newly acquired change.

See now for instance i changed the layout of my blog! And i m loving it. So you have to get used to it ;)

- Smile. It aint cost you a thing.

2009-05-01T12:00:00.001+05:30

Aaj jaane ki zidd na karo
Yoon hi pahelu main baithe raho..

Tum hi socho zara, kyun na roke tumhe
Jaan jaati hai jab uth ke jaate ho tum..

Reality Strikes..

2009-02-08T23:29:00.001+05:30

And thats how the cookie crumbles....

wo wo o o o o ........

2009-01-31T21:40:00.000+05:30

baatein kuchh ankahee si, kuchh ansuni si hone lagi
kaabu dil pe raha na, hasti hamaari khone lagi
wo wo o o o o o........
shaayad yahi hai pyaar

keh de mujhse dil mein kya hai, aisa bhi kya guroor
tujhko bhi toh ho raha hai thoda asar jaroor
yeh khaamoshi jine na de, koi toh baat ho
wo wo o o o o o........

2009-01-25T01:37:00.003+05:30

Whats it like when A & X get paired up, B & Y get paired up and C & E, F, G gang up and come up with their own plans and go and have a galla time. The only thing common in them is that the agenda of the plan is same and i m not involved in even one.
worse the plan has been executed by almost everyone around except for me.
But at the end of the day there is always someone out there. Believe me.

Its Unreal.

2009-01-21T21:06:00.002+05:30

Is this how sweetness tastes before the bitterest bite?

Missed you!

2009-01-20T23:05:00.003+05:30

We missed one A but there was a balance of two A's and two M's. One M seemed to have all the fun for the day. Right from the very beginning to the very end of the day. So the missing A whats your say? ;) Speak your heart out (may be the others are not listening ;)

Talk time!

2009-01-20T00:08:00.001+05:30

4 idiots and 1hr 20 mins! Phew! too much to digest at the night time!

High Alert day from the very beginning.

2009-01-18T13:10:00.003+05:30

Red alert day - on time but the bus leaves before time - wait for 15 more mins for the next bus - some weird bus - bumpy ride - an hilarious conversation worth blogging (sometime soon) - enormous queue at the copy center and cyber - tea at canteen and chilly cheese at Subhas.

Signing - borivali fast -lunch at sheesha - fun talk - churchgate fast which turns out to be Virar fast from dadar - go back to bandra - now a proper churchgate fast

Someone ditched - pizzeria - strand book stall - someone in the train - ditched again - 3 is to 1 enjoyment (read me:1) - cab to NCPA directly (no stopping) - awesome play - Gulzar is amazing - tight security for PMs arrival - walk half way till CST - in a fast train - with some good tea - at Thane - Cocktail for me - in the rick - and then home!

A's in my life

2009-01-17T21:34:00.003+05:30

There are too many A's and M's around me. And then some ppl end up nicknaming others with Aaaaa too ;) Yeah Yeah u only :P
So what abt it? Well nothing really but it just becomes difficult to address them on my blog specially if these guys end up doing some under cover activities which have to be kept in wraps yet some of it if shared with u'll is all the more fun.

So like i was saying -
One A is having an amazing time in Delhi.
One A was overjoyed and screamed "I am on the top of the world" without giving a damn to the people around at Marine Drive.
One A was just too content in 'chopping' the other A in whatever the second A had to say.
One A has been just too good to me these days.
One A dosnt even bother to talk anymore.
One A and second A end up getting colour co ordinated.
One A hasnt met the other A but both A's dont seem to like each other. So the third A is just getting sandwiched between the two.
One M got into an interrogating mood and hell bent to get things out of A.
One M will soon be gifted with special 'chappals'. Hope M dosnt get hit with those chappals in near future :P

And now after reading all this P is totally PUZZELED :P

When Harry Met Sally

2009-01-11T22:09:00.002+05:30

When Harry Met Sally is a Rob Reiner film staring Bill Crystal as Harry & Meg Ryan as Sally. Here is a very famous conversation between the two of them. The scene is such that both Harry & Sally are driving down to New York. Harry's girlfriend & Sally are friends and thats how Harry & Sally get to know each other.

Harry: You realise of course that we can never be friends.

Sally: Why not?

Harry: What I'm saying is... and this is not a come-on in any way, shape or
form, is that men and women can't be friends because the sex part always gets
in the way.

Sally: That's not true, I have a number of men friends and there's is no sex
involved.

Harry: No you don't.

Sally: Yes I do.

Harry: No you don't.

Sally: Yes I do.

Harry: You only think you do.

Sally: You're saying I'm having sex with these men without my knowledge?

Harry: No, what I'm saying is they all want to have sex with you.

Sally: They do not.

Harry: Do too.

Sally: They do not.

Harry: Do too.

Sally: How do you know?

Harry: Because no man can be friends with a woman he finds attractive, he
always wants to have sex with her.

Sally: So you're saying that a man can be friends with a woman he finds
unattractive.

Harry: Nuh, you pretty much wanna nail'em too.

Sally: What if they don't want to have sex with you?

Harry: Doesn't matter, because the sex thing is already out there so the
friendship is ultimately doomed and that is the end of the story.

Sally: Well I guess we're not going to be friends then.

Harry: Guess not.

Sally: That's too bad. You are the only person I knew in New York.

Specially Yours,

2009-01-11T17:42:00.004+05:30

This is something that i came across today in the newspaper. It was an article as how a good friend can help you live longer and better. It had a list of things that one could do to make your friends special. Just the other day we were sitting and making this P list. It was ABCs idea to make realise XYZ some important things in his life. When ABC initially told me this idea I was kinda excited cos that was like "ek teer se do nishan" We could get a few things into XYZs head and it also helped us in something else too. So ultimately all of us ended making that list. It was fun cos we got to pull each others legs too.
About the list that i read in the newspaper, it went something like this:
~ Go out to their favourite place
~ Give them a gift without any occasion.
~ Write a letter to express how they have made a difference in your life.
~ Stand by them through thick and thin.
~ Be a good listener.
~ Put up pictures of shared good times.
~ Cook them a meal or baby sit so the person can have some precious time to themselves.
~ Talk to them about the important decisions in your life.
~ Apologize when you hurt their feelings.
~ Don't hesitate to ask your friend about his/her personal life.

So when i re read the list again it felt good cos if u were to ask me to put a tick against the things i have done for my dear ones i get a 10 on 10 for it. (its either a meal or baby sitting :P )
And if i see the other way round, people who matter to me have done these things for me at some or the other point. Thanks for making me feel special. (yup, thank you too)

Stary Stary Night....naah..Stary Stary Day!

2009-01-10T20:09:00.003+05:30

For me: ***** Thats 5 stars!
For A: **** Thats 4 stars!

Love u all so much!

:)

Hadtal!

2009-01-09T21:29:00.004+05:30

With an early start to the day I & Ab were ready to hit the roads as early as 7.30am. Today was our day to finally start studying for our forthcoming college 'rehearsal' examinations. After a sumptuous breakfast at the Idli House we reached our college gates. The library doors were wide open, welcoming us, echoing 'its study time'. After settling down the books came out. The reading began. With the headphones plugged and our heads buried into the books pages were flipped until we got tired of it. Well its no surprise that we got bored within the first 10 mins itself. So to refresh ourselves there is always some amount of talking (read gossiping) that helps.
With the excitement of the CAT results being declared today, Ab tracked her score with the help of Mn. To her disappointment the scores weren't what she expected, at least not the initial goofed up score that she got to know (rather self interpreted)

Considering we had reached college early we were not quite affected by the petrol n CNG strike. We were relieved to have not gone through the ordeal of waiting in line for the Pawarnagar Bus or Rickshaw, for that matter. But it was only in the later half of the day where the strike affected certain friends of mine. Well planned 'appointments' got cancelled due to the 'damn' strike. The schedules got haywire and moods upset. But thats Mumbai for us. Expect the unexpected any time of the day or night.

At the end of the day there was some amount of satisfaction of having studied. Then there was lunch with friends, some plans getting cancelled, facing the over priced rickshaw fellows on the way back home, then a little bit of football kicks with complex friends, pani puri with MM n Ab, chatting online with a few other and now blogging abt the day after a long long time.

That was pretty much how the day went!

Sabse Peeche Hum Khade

2009-01-09T21:26:00.002+05:30

Mehfile aayi aur gayi
Log aaye aur gaye
Tum jo aaj aaye ho
Dil mein ho bas gaye

Muskurake baat taalo na
Phir miloge jo kahin
Dekhana yahi kahoge
Itne boore the hum nahi

-Silk Route

Tagore's Gitanjali

2009-01-08T12:44:00.003+05:30

Rabindranath Tagore needs no introduction. For the world he became the voice of India's spiritual heritage; and for India, especially for Bengal, he became a great living institution. Here is one of the poems from his collection, Gitanjali.

Moment's Indulgence

I ask for a moment's indulgence to sit by thy side. The works

that I have in hand I will finish afterwards.

Away from the sight of thy face my heart knows no rest nor respite,

and my work becomes an endless toil in a shoreless sea of toil.

Today the summer has come at my window with its sighs and murmurs; and

the bees are plying their minstrelsy at the court of the flowering grove.

Now it is time to sit quite, face to face with thee, and to sing

dedication of life in this silent and overflowing leisure.

In the Kitchen

2009-01-07T11:38:00.005+05:30

Like till a few months back i didnt know how to make good Maggi, I just found out today that i m hopeless at boiling eggs too :P
I have got hold of making some good maggi these days but i still remain bad with eggs. So if anyone of u can tell me for how many mins does one have to boil the egg for then it will be great!

You gotta help me out cos after ruining two eggs my hands stinking with that smell.

But for the unknown i m not this bad in the kitchen usually.

Till then Guten Appetite

Please forgive me

2009-01-07T00:35:00.002+05:30

Please forgive me I know not what I do
Please forgive me I can't stop loving you
Don't deny me this pain I'm going through
Please forgive me I need you like I do
Please believe me every word I say is true
Please forgive me I can't stop loving you

-Bryan Adams

Random.

2008-12-11T12:04:00.004+05:30

*Off late i have had interesting conversations with ppl ard me. Secrets are coming out. Yet there are so many things that i m still oblivious to. (Yes even you are yet to tell me the whole deal). My constant pestering has worked but not in many cases. 'When time comes' is such a convenient phrase to delay talks. Well i have used that too so i m not complaining at all.

*In this last month of college many of us have become regular, not for lectures of course but for many other things. Dec is month packed with activities and many of them are involved in it so its turning out to be fun as well as tiring.

*Last time round when i posted abt the restaurants in n ard my place i realized that there isnt much choice. Even today as we are planning to go out for lunch the options are the same.

# i'll surely keep u updated with the interesting conversations that i come across in the days to come. ;)

Till Then.

2008-12-03T00:30:00.000+05:30

I maintain that, if everyone knew what others said about him, there would not be four friends in the world. - Pascal

Mumbai Targeted.

2008-11-27T07:40:00.003+05:30

South Mumbai was doomed with terror attacks at the late hours of Wednesday. More than seven high profile locations including The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, The Oberoi Trident, CST station, Cama Hospital, Cafe Leopold were targeted. It is believed that the armed men are holding dozens of hostages specially the US & UK passport holders at these hotels.

The old wing of Taj Hotel was rocked by 5 to 6 blasts and enormous black smoke rose from the century old building.

Naval commondoes and Rapid Action force personnel have joined in the operations to rescue the hostages at the two hotels along with the Army commondoes. A.N Roy, police commissioner of Maharashtra state said that the terrorists have used automatic weapons and 2 sten guns have been recovered so far.

The Police said that 4 suspected terrorist have been killed at 2 different locations and 9 arrested. The firing also claimed life of 11 police officials including that of the Anti Terrorist Squad Chief Hemant Karkare.

Top executives from leading corporates like Hindustan Unilever (HUL) and Ispat Industries were confirmed to be at south Mumbai's prominent hotels, holding crucial business meetings when these hotels were attacked by terrorists.

It is learnt that HUL's top managing team, including chairman Harish Manwani, MD & CEO Nitin Paranjpe, director (finance & IT) D Sundaram, executive director (legal) Ashok Gupta and executive director (HR) Leena Nair were at the Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, where they had come for a dinner meeting.

Lincon's Letter To His Son's Headmaster.

2008-11-08T23:47:00.000+05:30

Respected teacher,
My son will have to learn
I know, that all men are not
Just ,all men are not true. But
Teach him also that for every
scoundrel there is a hero; that
for every selfish politician ,
there is a dedicated leader.
Teach him that for every enemy
there is a friend.

It will take time, I know; but
teach him, if you can, that a
dollar earned is of far more
value than five found.

Teach him to learn to lose and
also enjoy the winning.

Steer him away from envy, if
you can .

Teach him the secret of quiet
laughter. Let him learn early
that bullies are easiest
to lick.

Teach him if you can the
wonder of books…but also give
him quiet time to ponder over
the eternal mystery of birds in
the sky, bees in the sun, and
flowers on the green hill-side.

In school teach him it is far
more honorable to fail than to cheat.

Teach him to have faith in his
own ideas, even if everyone
tells him they are wrong.

Teach him to be gentle with
gentle people and tough with
the tough.

Try to give my son the strength
not to follow the crowd when
everyone is getting on the band
wagon.
Teach him to listen to all men
but teach him also to filter all
he hears on a screen of truth
and take only the good that comes through.

Teach him if you can how to
laugh when he is sad. Teach
him there is no shame in tears.
Teach him to scoff at cynics and
be aware of too much
sweetness.

Teach him to sell of his brawn and
brain to the highest bidders;
but never put a price tag on
his heart and soul.

Teach him to close his ears to a
howling mob…and to stand
and fight if he thinks
he’s right.

Treat him gently; but do not
cuddle him because only the
test of fire makes fine steel .

Let him have the courage to be
impatient, let him have the
patience to be brave. Teach him
always to have sublime faith in
himself because then he will
always have sublime faith in
mankind.

This is a big order;
but see what you can do…he is such a fine
little fellow, my son

Abraham Lincoln

Bday Time.

2008-10-08T11:52:00.000+05:30

Hey Choti,
Many many happy returns of the day!!!!!
From all of us.
Lots of love and good wishes.
God Bless.

Surprise!!

2008-10-03T23:45:00.001+05:30

Have you woken up to something as beautiful as this?
Its 12 in the noon. You are still in bed. The door bed rings twice and u ignore it. It rings again. The lazy you finally manages to get up. Hunts for the specs. And opens the door to find a beautiful surprise.
Thank you so very much to make my day so wonderfully beautiful.

2008-10-03T02:00:00.002+05:30

Old habits die hard, REAL hard.

2008-10-02T01:58:00.002+05:30

People could be really selfish at times but there is always some reason behind it. I m just asking you to tell me the reason. That is it.

2008-10-02T01:48:00.003+05:30

Times change and people change with time. The one thing that is most complex to gather is a human mind.
Yes i m talking about you.

For your taste buds

2008-09-30T23:52:00.007+05:30

I have always been asked this question: Which is the best place to dine out here?
and although i have lunched and dined at most of the places around my area i still cant come up with one place that is really great.

All of them have either one or two things good to their credit. So it just struck me why dont i just jot down all the good bad n ugly things about restaurants i have visited.

The list is still in the making and as and when new developments happen the list will be updated.

So for the foodies like me heres something tempting for everyone!

1) Riveria serves good Dry Gobi Manchurian.
2) Don't order a Shorba at Riveria.
3) Never order Chinese or Sizzlers from Veg Sizzlers. Its at Kanakia Spaces.
4) Veg Grilled Sandwich is really good at Veg Sizzlers.
5) For a pizza dial Pizza Hut any time. No wait their timings are 1pm to 11pm.
6) Little Bite is the place for Pav Bhajji.
7) The best Rajasthani food is served at Rajdhani. The closest to my place is at Nirmal Life Style, Mulund.
8) Kathiyawadi is another good place for gujrathi and Rajashtni thali. Its a long drive from Thane towards Godhbandar Rd which heads towards Mira Rd i suppose.
9) I wouldnt recommend Cottage which is near to Neelkanth Hights.
10) Rangla Punjab is a fine place with good ambience and a little heavy on pockets but serves good food. Its ahead of Eden Woods.
11) Ramji NO comments :P
12) Shiv Sagar is a decently good restaurant on Ram Maruti Road.
13) Only Parathas best place with a large variety of mouth watering parathas. Not as heavy on pockets as on your stomach. Nearest is at Nirmal Life Style.

Leave in your suggestions and names of other res. i have missed out in the comments section. I will keep updating the list.

Strike.

2008-09-27T21:03:00.004+05:30

The moment I saw both of you'll I knew you were meant for each other.
The glitter in your eyes, the shimmer in hers,
I could feel it in the crowd.
Your eyes spoke, they spoke volumes
and made waves across.
You had let the cupid stuck you right into your heart,
quite surprising of you to let go of yourself,
but i know your choice is simply perfect.
You have found your match
and its just that i m waiting to meet mine.

(I just realised this is my 100th post!)

Something.

2008-09-17T22:13:00.002+05:30

Something is in the air.
Something not too positive.
Something upsetting.
Something disturbing.
Something surprising.
Something unexpected.
Something amiss.
Something unusual.