People who make my life Richer! #03

Disclosure: I was tortured for months to complete this blog-post. Someone surely wants attention and pampering.


So..this has been pending for a while now. I took me almost a year to finally finish this. Only because every time I started to write, I was not sure what to say about us and how to summarize the past 10 years. I think it's been a smooth roller coaster ride only with few little bumps on the way! I love how we've progressed from being just classmates to being a daily supplement dose to being support systems and even making people believe we are gay for each other LOL 😂. And, oh boy! It did not come easy, lol. I think in order to explain this journey I would literally need to sit and draw a timeline of all the events that have transpired. But, you know how lazy I am, so we can get past that..😜

First of all, you are The One person I think I have the most pictures with, and you know how important "pictures" are to me.. so there you go.  At times, I am amazed by how perfectly you understand me. When I blabber about a certain thing and lack words while explaining it, you still know what's on my mind and what I want to hear from you (well, not that you were good at it.. I've kind of trained you over the past couple of years now 😝)

On a serious note though.. I can't thank you enough for all the times you have been a good and patient listener and an amazing shoulder to lean on. I feel because of you I will mostly never miss being a child. 😊 I can't thank you enough for all the motivational pats on the back, inspiring me to give my best and always making me feel I am so talented and unique! You are one in a million person and I am lucky to have grown up with you. It's that kind of telepathic bond where we just know what the other person is thinking or how they will react.  And when we don't we are bold enough to insult each other and make it a point that it is noted for future 😛  Am I right?

Going down the memory lane, I don't think I even need to mention that I share some of life's most amazing memories with you..

The drabbest new year's eve celebration and our first night stay at your place. Drab because we were so lazy we didn't even bother to watch the traditional new year TV shows.

The endless times we have had Maggi at your home or at FYI and every time I saw you inhale it and lick the plate while I was still sitting there waiting for my first few bites to cool down.

I think we have left no stone unturned in this friendship. We've had a fair share of each other's jealousies, insults, abuses, drama, tantrums, mood swings and what not! And, still being best friends after all that - that is commendable! 😘  It's amazing how I can easily have the weirdest conversations with you without giving it a second thought. No matter what happens in future, I know you'll always have my back and I'll have yours too. 😇

I have always known you as the multi-tasker and the most resourceful person who'll have the answer to everything.. who knows EVERYTHING. Be it Bollywood gossip, be it a dialogue from any episode of Friends or The Office or be it the 'who's who?' of Game of Thrones/ Harry Potter/ etc. etc. I am amazed at how you can manage to do everything in the same 24 hours that I have. Maybe that's why you are my second mom 😃

Osh.. you know me inside out and sometimes that scares me. The kind of insecure and shy person I am, I feel that you might get so annoyed that you'll disown me! I'll tell you something when you feel that - please remember all the ugly and uncensored pictures of you which are in my possession 😁  So dare you ignore me or my messages! I am pretty tough to ignore 😛

On this 27th birthday of yours, let's make our realistic 'Things to do before you turn 30' list. Because I don't know about you but I am freaking out that I will turn 27 next year 😑. Also, I'm pretty sure we will be together to make our 'Things to do before you turn 80' list as well. Only that you might need a little kick from me to get up from the bed and hold a pen..lol.

So, hold up your glass and repeat after me- To being sexier and healthier in 2018, to living closer in 2019, to Europe trip in 2020 and to all the adventures that we take with or without each other.. we'll always be close at our hearts and minds 😘


Love you my Gobo 💓

Re_Connect

I was in Quito last week with my colleagues from the Urban Design Build Studio (UDBS) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). 

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and amazingly is a really beautiful, historic and fun place!  With an architectural style that is a mix of European and colonial Spanish, the streets (calles) and houses (casas) of Quito remind me of my home, India.

The first day we reached there, we went on a tour to explore downtown Quito and its well preserved ancient colonial centers.  After visiting an array of museums, churches, and street markets, I felt a deep connection to home.  The streets were filled with pedestrians and street dogs and lined with cobbler shops, fresh-juice carts, snack stalls, local bakeries and artisan stores. This was a sight one can never catch in the US.  While I was amazed and trying to discover why this set up is so identical to Indian streets, I realized the similar depth of history both the cultures bear.  Quito's history dates back to pre-columbian periods in the 16th century and the style and material selection of construction have continued to be inspired by historical precedents. 

Along with history, the topography continues to relate too.  Quito is located in the lap of Andean hills which generates a similar geography and climate of that of North and North-Eastern Indian cities; with steep streets, foggy mountains and almost perennial monsoons.  With perfect mountain climate, Quito has a selection of herbs and medicinal plants being cultivated, just like the Himalayan regions in Northern parts of India. 

Talking of food ingredients, the use of spices, chilies and hot peppers in Ecuadorian food is again common with Indian cuisine.  It is due to the generally dry weather (and proximity to the equator) in both countries which causes food to rot sooner compared to colder regions of the world.  Spicy food slows the microbial growth in food items, thus letting them stay fresh longer. 

This cultural similarity was so interesting to study, it generated curiosity to explore the city as a local.  The UDBS team spent time in local fruits and vegetable markets, trying to understand the Spanish-speaking vendor as she explained the use of Valerian root oil for relieving stress and anxiety.  Later in evening, we went on a shopping spree at the Mercado Artesanal where we bought local handcrafted items ranging from clothes and accessories to fridge magnets and Ecuadorian chocolates. 

Stay tuned for more posts to explore Quito with me! :)

My place 2.5

So I came across this guy who happened to visit our office one day, marketing his firm's system furniture range. A soporific presentation actually turned quite interesting when he came up with a philosophy.

This concept as defined by sociologists imparts new dimension to the prevalent places our life revolves around daily. So, there are three places altogether. First place is our 'Home'. Second is our 'Work Place'. Third is the place we seek for 'Leisure'. Structurally, the first place is the comfort circle for a majority mass and the second one is often more impersonal and apathetic. Although, 'Place 1' being a general center of relaxation, it's often stressful to spend the time remaining after being at 'Place 2'. Thus, a common person usually seeks solace in 'Place 3', where there is much room for personal development and one gets some time alone to sidetrack life's stresses temporarily.

Then comes 'Place 2.5' into existence. The aim of this philosophy being to transform 'Place 2' into an idealistic one, cloning all the perks of 'Place 3'! Practically, that guy was marketing how their concept of 'Place 2.5' converted a torpid work environment into a perfect place with all feels of a breakout zone. But, I created my own hypothesis out of the same.

How about looking for a 2.5 near me instead of creating it?

I'm sure there exists some place for all of us which, we love from the bottom of our hearts in spite of criticizing it in times of distress. A place where simply spending few minutes can bring every mess right on the track. Gave it a generous amount of thought and could finally hit on the right place. I'm dwelling right there at the very moment - Mumbai! Topophilia, isn't it? Well, I'm very much in love with Mumbai since I first felt the sea here as a child. It's undeniably an awesome city. I know few people denounce it because more than half of the city smells of garbage and fish, but that doesn't undermine the zeal of a true Mumbaikar. We are fanatic about every city spot, Mumbai's geography, local trains, stations, simple yet lovely food and weather (yes, those lovely Bombay rains!). 

One can't simply miss out the astounding architecture on South Mumbai streets; takes me to some other place in time. The Colaba Causeway glittered with archaic homes turned to cafe's offering delectable food, bustling with shoppers from different walks of life, all hunting down similar fancies. A drive around the Oval, Flora Fountain, Asiatic Library steps & Mumbai’s first Starbucks is simply wow. You can enjoy being part of a movie shoot in the vicinity of Horniman Circle Garden, if you’re lucky.

Going a little up North, the city side..Ooohh...here happens the real business! A shopper can find everything here; ranging from a clip to a clock. You name it and you get it. There are perks of shopping in theses street markets, you can bargain a BIG deal. Brings me joy! And, then my other love, food. No one can escape the epic Khau Galli, as famous as it was before the terrifying blasts of July ’11. The pudlawala, the khamani, Gujju thali at thacker’s club and that awesome milk shake in Sutar Chawl. It feels satisfying to die with pleasure after savoring these :D. At dusk, it’s time to take a walk along the fabulous Queen’s Necklace (you can always lie down here, with music to add to the charm). I can look..hear..smell the sea.

My second and most favorite spot in Mumbai again has the SEA :D. The legendary Bandra Fort..offering a mesmerizing view of the sea link. My first and only visit to this place was indelible. Farhan Akhtar performing live at the Bandra Fort, aaahhhh...lucky me :D ;). Bandra has the best streets to be walked down alone. Hilly roads lined with contrasting homes. Some masterpiece residences, some beautiful little shacks and then there are some average looking bungalow exteriors, which do not hint you an iota that there’s a Bollywood star dwelling in there. Hosting up some marvelous spots like Pali Hill, Carter Road and Hill Road, it’s one of the most lovely and famous of all suburbs in Mumbai. For a great Bandra experience, there are myriad themed cafe’s, deli’s, art galleries, book stores, pubs, promenades & everything! Everyone knows by now, my favorite are Candies & Guilt Trip :D. In a nutshell, one can’t have enough of this part of Bombay. It’s always brimming with shoppers, clubbers, foodies, photographers & love birds.

The loveliest thing about Mumbai? You’re never alone even if you are. There are people from all around India (actually even from different parts of the world). So, you realize an amazing blend of culture, languages and enjoy authentic dishes from every part of the world. There is a chaotic crowd, no second thoughts over that, but that’s actually fun to watch especially in the local trains. Every local station has its own little famous stories to boast of. Every corner and niche has something vivid despite of its shortcomings. Just sit down by Carter or Bandstand Promenade on a Saturday night with a group of budding guitarists, enchanting a mixed crowd with lovely composed tunes. Here’s where you forget the week’s stresses & experience the vivacity of Mumbaikars!

I’m head over heels for my Place 2.5. What’s yours?

Freedom's Way

One question everyone should ask to themselves today, "Are we living in an Independent India?"

We got our freedom on this day 66 years back from the Britishers,
And today we all fancy this dream to go on a Europe Tour!! Why?

Because its more of a developed country than ours?
Because its more clean and green place than ours?
Or because we just want an escape from the pollution cloud of corruption, indiscipline, child labor, etc. etc...?

The only answer to this why is "WE".

Its WE who dirty our own streets because there's no fine on doing so.
Its WE who always find an easy way out instead of waiting in long queues.
And, its WE who cannot unite together and enjoy secularism.

Its time we change our habits, our thinking.

And if each one of us tries individually, we can together live the dream of being the best country & proudly wish each other - HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY :)

People who make my life Richer! #02

Aadarwise...:D

So this post finally makes its way through. I sure have to admit, it feels like a big (homework) task. :p
May be because it's such an obvious feeling of having you as a soul sister, that I don't have words to express it out :*

Okay..so in the very beginning you seemed to be a boringly mature lady :p.. but ab toh..baba re !!! :D
Not a bit boring, in fact the most happening person right now. (:p) If I were to put all your traits in a single word, that's - mast :*
You know you're a great companion..an amazing friend to laugh out everything..my movie-buddy..my early morning Juhu beach-mate..:D

I've just spent some of life's most colorful moments with you. Laughing..giggling..listening to your advice (which do work out right :p)..sleepovers..<3
Aapki serious wali baatein..explaining me everything about life..sleeping next to me and stroking my head with care saying everything will be allright baccha :)

Right from your ttth's..dpc's..tmt's..gth's..gl's..to your current favorite 'wah..wah..wah..as expected' you have been ONE OF A KIND!! Itna khatarnaak humor..no one can miss out laughing even on the most mindless dialogue of yours :D

I love you deepoka :* Every day with you is super exciting. You make us all laugh so much that our tummy hurts (abs banne shuru ho gaye yash k toh :p). You know, it's an amazing feeling to share with someone everything that I have on my mind because I know I'll get a smart solution to it ;) ..thanks for being there everytime :)

I love you itnaaaaaaa sara :* :*

L o s t .

Struggling with an half opened eye, he pulled his phone from somewhere under the blanket. A dozen missed calls and double messages all through the night.
A relation was lost...

Better Together..

Saturday mornings are usually spent lazily in the bed. I am one of those people who wouldn't leave the cozy bed unless there's something on my schedule. But today was a different day, I woke up early and felt like being at the sea. Unruly by any force, I quickly caught the bus for Juhu Beach and in a couple of minutes I was there..at the Sea.

So breezy..full of life..bustling with people who I thought were so similar to me. Everyone taking a much needed break after a long dreary week by holding on to the sound of sea waves. Such a serene morning one could ever experience. Sitting alone yet together with so many people, I was basking in the morning sun. I decided to take a long walk along the sea shore. At almost equal intervals I could spot youngsters playing football, people taking their dogs for a walk, joggers, couples cuddling in some corners. Beautiful. :)

Such a picturesque moment made me reflect upon how bad is being lonely for some reason. We always need someone around us..to talk..to share. I too miss people around me..and their presence becomes a necessity when they are missed. So true its said that one doesn't simply miss a person, they instead miss a part of them in self.

I'm happy about what this morning made me realize. Instead of being alone its better to feel being together with those present unconsciously around you. Its much better to reminisce than having a not so good flashback..and its important to hold on to those few good people who make you feel how special you are! :)