Random people and some even more random conversations. Allow me to narrate the ones which I remember a lot more vividly than the others! I just had to share these.
The other day a friend and I were in this plush mall for some window shopping. We were just about to get onto the escalator when I heard this voice behind me, “Do you think you are walking in a garden!” I immediately turned around to see this aunty (at least 50 years old), with a rather grumpy face looking at both of us. I was not sure if I heard her right. I thought she needed help with something. So my retort was “ I am sorry.. what did u say?” The voice then got a little stern “ Do you think you are in a garden to walk so slow!!” Imagine the audacity! My friend immediately said “ Why don’t you move ahead?” I was beginning to lose it. “ Yes, AUNTY! Don’t you see enough space? Why don’t YOU go ahead?!” I bit my tongue from saying anything more. My mom definitely did a good job of “Remember to talk to your elders with respect” bit! Pah! Anyway, our irritable aunty grumbled something under her breath and brushed past us onto the escalator. I was shocked to see the way she was hurrying up, scared in fact. I don’t think she realized that in escalators, one doesn’t usually “climb” the steps, especially not at her age. Who or what was she hurrying up for?
The other incident happened on a local train. I was sitting inside the train and this petite girl sitting opposite to me said “You are wearing a very pretty kurta.”I did think it was quite nice of her to complement a total stranger. She looked interested in starting a conversation. I had nothing better to do either. It started with the casual exchange of names and within 15 minutes we managed to cover books, movies, fitness, shopping, Mumbai, marriage, traveling…..! We ended up exchanging numbers and added each other on Facebook. I got back home and told this to my husband. His obvious reaction was “Wow.. you added a total stranger on Facebook!? “ That is when I asked myself “Did I as usual overdo it?” :P
This last incident happened recently and I thought quite a bit about it when I got back home. Perceptions vary and how!
My sister and I were at this garment store, browsing through some very pretty dresses. A lady in her mid thirties came up to my sister and said “That is a beautiful ring.” Then she turned to me and said “Your earrings are so beautiful.” Amused, but nonetheless pleased by the admiration from a total stranger, we thanked her with a broad grin. She immediately started talking about how much she loves silver jewellery and asked us about some good stores. Then she moved onto what she actually wanted to talk about. The compliments were for simply breaking the ice, I realized. Our lady was an associate producer with a renowned TV channel and she was looking for a game show host. She talked about how glamorous the job was, and the pay package, the fringe benefits and the works. I kept wondering did she really think we were “glamorous game show material?” NO way. I don’t even want to be featured in that category. Reminded me of all the skinny girls I see on Zoom TV with body glitter on them. Definitely not my idea of glamour.
I didn’t want to offend and I feigned interest in her conversation. My sister got back to her browsing. In between the nonstop chatter about the job, she stopped abruptly in between and asked “Btw, where are you girls from?” My nonchalant response was “Kerala”. Little did I know that would surprise her to no end. “Kerala…!? You girls look really cosmopolitan to be from Kerala!!” Huh!? That was my first reaction. I knew why. I figured she arrived at this conclusion seeing our regional talk show hosts. Thanks to our Kiran TV Vjs. I must sadly admit that most Vjs from Malayalam music channels seem to be very far from glamorous in the eyes of an outsider. In fact they are far from glamorous in my eyes too. I wish they didn’t try so hard to be ‘hep and happening’ and would stick to being natural. You know what I mean…
In any case, I immediately replied “Well, … It depends on where all you have been..” I am not sure whether she understood my point. Whether you are a Malayalee or a Bihari, it all depends on one’s exposure and upbringing. I wanted to somehow make her end her game show promotion and hence added “Actually I work with an IT firm and my sister is still studying, if we come across someone who might be interested, we will surely let you know.” In my mind I was saying “If you don’t mind, I would like to continue shopping!” Having heard that, she immediately gave me her visiting card. I honestly have no idea now where I kept it.
Apparently Kerala is still a village and all Malayalees villagers?!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Who am I?
Anyone who inhabits the city is bound to cross my path sometime or the other.
Over the years I have made many acquaintances in not just the maalishwalas and taxiwalas, but also the bada saabs, their memsaabs, chauffers and not to mention their bachcha - bachchis.
Though my role is never spoken about, I know I feature somewhere in their livelihood.
These days, I see a lot of newlyweds, health enthusiasts and frustrated office goers. Some seek my comfort during troubled times, while for some others, I am just a partaker in their noisy celebrations or rejuvenating jogging sessions.
Even movie stars would like to pay me a visit, but even before our eyes meet, the paparazzi whisk them away.
Though I have had my share of horrifying incidents in the past, I am a firm believer of the present.
For many I am a lap of comfort and luxury, with their fancy houses and five star hotels to boast of. I am tired of being in everyone’s’ vicinity.
Not a day goes by when I don’t sympathize with Mother Nature. Disregarded, she weeps.
The sea is my soulmate. I will always watch out for her.
My peers stand tall and proud as they adorn the Queens’ necklace. They are second next to none.
As for me, I still continue to watch the world go by, one dream chasing the other.
The vast stretch of ocean with her tiny fishing boats, pompous high-rise buildings at the distance, chaiwalas who perpetually flock around potential customers, joggers who train for the next marathon, horse carts that sport colorful balloons, daydreamers with no one to disturb - sights and sounds that make Mumbai’s Marine Drive one of a kind and also my favorite.
Over the years I have made many acquaintances in not just the maalishwalas and taxiwalas, but also the bada saabs, their memsaabs, chauffers and not to mention their bachcha - bachchis.
Though my role is never spoken about, I know I feature somewhere in their livelihood.
These days, I see a lot of newlyweds, health enthusiasts and frustrated office goers. Some seek my comfort during troubled times, while for some others, I am just a partaker in their noisy celebrations or rejuvenating jogging sessions.
Even movie stars would like to pay me a visit, but even before our eyes meet, the paparazzi whisk them away.
Though I have had my share of horrifying incidents in the past, I am a firm believer of the present.
For many I am a lap of comfort and luxury, with their fancy houses and five star hotels to boast of. I am tired of being in everyone’s’ vicinity.
Not a day goes by when I don’t sympathize with Mother Nature. Disregarded, she weeps.
The sea is my soulmate. I will always watch out for her.
My peers stand tall and proud as they adorn the Queens’ necklace. They are second next to none.
As for me, I still continue to watch the world go by, one dream chasing the other.
The vast stretch of ocean with her tiny fishing boats, pompous high-rise buildings at the distance, chaiwalas who perpetually flock around potential customers, joggers who train for the next marathon, horse carts that sport colorful balloons, daydreamers with no one to disturb - sights and sounds that make Mumbai’s Marine Drive one of a kind and also my favorite.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Choosing sides.....
Been a while since my previous post, I know. The past few weeks have been quite hectic and the sun is hardly showing any mercy on us Mumbaikers. Dear God, can we fast forward to winter please?? (Errrr, is there one in Mumbai??)
Before I go off on another tangent, let me today talk about something which has been on my mind a lot these days. A word of caution - Written in one of those pensive moods, this one may lack the “feel-good” factor. Désolé!
Let us consider a scenario. A, B & C are colleagues. B is good friends with A & C. But A doesn’t like C and C doesn’t seem to care too much for A either. But B is fond of A & C, and according to B, they are both special in their own way. B does not want to choose sides.
Confused? :) Re-read. What if you are in B’s shoes?
Some may say, why do you care? You maintain your personal equation with both of them the way you want, and forget about their feelings for each other. All this is easier said than done.
Unfortunately, one cannot be insouciant to this aspect in relationships beyond a certain point, especially between friends. When A starts talking to you, you are hoping he/she doesn’t start bad mouthing C. When you are talking to C, you are so careful not to mention A’s name anywhere. You and your bunch of friends are organizing a get-together. Do you call A or C? Do not call both?? Better still, ensure one leaves before the other one arrives!? C’mon are we in third grade!!?
Here is one end to the story that I have seen happen. B decides to grow closer to A and at the same time maintain a cordial relationship with C. After a point of time, C begins to realize this tilt in equation, and detaches himself/herself slowly from A & B. Then poof!! C is nowhere in the picture.
Here is what happens otherwise. B maintains a healthy relationship with both A & C. A win-win situation? Not quite. The relationship begins to lose its depth, in some circumstances especially. B is not sure what the other person is thinking and how they will react. Then comes some dreaded outbursts “Why was he over reacting, he is the one who needs to grow up!" Oops. Now what?! How straightforward can one be, to say “Forget him, what about you?” Honestly? Not me, not always.
You may wonder why this loony woman is over analyzing the situation. I have realized that as we mature into adults, we think we know how to handle such idiosyncrasies, but the truth is, we are flummoxed. When both the parties are important, how can you choose sides? And if you do, how do you convince the other person without earning his/her wrath??
Well, there is only so much one can do too.
Maybe, it is better to just, LET GO.
Before I go off on another tangent, let me today talk about something which has been on my mind a lot these days. A word of caution - Written in one of those pensive moods, this one may lack the “feel-good” factor. Désolé!
Let us consider a scenario. A, B & C are colleagues. B is good friends with A & C. But A doesn’t like C and C doesn’t seem to care too much for A either. But B is fond of A & C, and according to B, they are both special in their own way. B does not want to choose sides.
Confused? :) Re-read. What if you are in B’s shoes?
Some may say, why do you care? You maintain your personal equation with both of them the way you want, and forget about their feelings for each other. All this is easier said than done.
Unfortunately, one cannot be insouciant to this aspect in relationships beyond a certain point, especially between friends. When A starts talking to you, you are hoping he/she doesn’t start bad mouthing C. When you are talking to C, you are so careful not to mention A’s name anywhere. You and your bunch of friends are organizing a get-together. Do you call A or C? Do not call both?? Better still, ensure one leaves before the other one arrives!? C’mon are we in third grade!!?
Here is one end to the story that I have seen happen. B decides to grow closer to A and at the same time maintain a cordial relationship with C. After a point of time, C begins to realize this tilt in equation, and detaches himself/herself slowly from A & B. Then poof!! C is nowhere in the picture.
Here is what happens otherwise. B maintains a healthy relationship with both A & C. A win-win situation? Not quite. The relationship begins to lose its depth, in some circumstances especially. B is not sure what the other person is thinking and how they will react. Then comes some dreaded outbursts “Why was he over reacting, he is the one who needs to grow up!" Oops. Now what?! How straightforward can one be, to say “Forget him, what about you?” Honestly? Not me, not always.
You may wonder why this loony woman is over analyzing the situation. I have realized that as we mature into adults, we think we know how to handle such idiosyncrasies, but the truth is, we are flummoxed. When both the parties are important, how can you choose sides? And if you do, how do you convince the other person without earning his/her wrath??
Well, there is only so much one can do too.
Maybe, it is better to just, LET GO.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
A tag tale!
I was just about to start on another post and then I stopped. Why not a tag this time??
I have been tagged once by Aishu, well, ummm.. about two years back! :D Never really sat down to write then! I have always been amused while reading tags, never really thought about writing one!
So peeps, here goes!
Ten things I want to say to people right now (I will be skipping this one cause I think this post already says a lot)
Nine things about myself
( Here is when I get to write about the quirks huh?)
1.I love to day dream, write, read, shop and cook. Not necessarily in the same order.
2.I get a high when I dance. Period.
3.Alcohol is not a must, can manage with a Breezer anytime. 4% alcohol is barely anything!
4.I am addicted to Google. Who isn’t?
Currently I am even more addicted to my Blackberry, though sometimes I wish it would stop buzzing when I am reading a great book. Grrrr
5.I walk very quickly, so maybe it has to do with the fact that I am impatient? Many have complained that they cannot catch up.
6.Paranoid can be my middle name sometimes. I am shit scared about losing loved ones.
7.I love to talk and have a bad habit of interrupting people. No, I don’t want to steal anyone’s thunder or anything, but just do so cause unconsciously because I am dying to tell my story too! But I am working on this one.
8.I love to take photographs and to pose for them as well. Camera shy? Nay, not one bit.
9.I really admire and respect folks who make the time to do every small and big thing. In my efforts to do so, I am an almost obsessive compulsive planner. Truth be told.
Eight ways to win my heart
1.Cook a yummmmmmy meal for me. (the simplest because I am completely non-fussy, about food that is!)
2.Take me to as many movies as you can.
3.Buy me two new books every month!!
4.Give me my “me-time” whenever I need it.
5.Dance with me, swirl me around – Salsa, Jive, Anything.
6.Look me in the eye with a smile, and say “It is ok”
7.Allow me to whine, once in a while, please :)
8.Nothing more, really. Weird??
Seven things that cross my mind a lot
1.I want to read that too!
2.My blog seems to have lots of visitors, but hardly any comments. Strange? :P
3.Ok, so what do I cook today?
4.I miss home.
5.Ooops, what do I do now!
6.I need some more sleep.
7.Dear God, Thank u so much.
Six things I wish I never did
1.Did not take the effort to hone my driving skills
2.Hurt someone really bad without giving them the benefit of the doubt
3.Never made the best use of my now alma mater, then my college, in Chennai
4.Ignored sports completely in school
5.Did not take any professional training in dance
6.Accepted the offer to work in a retail chain
Five turn off’s
1.Lies
2.Constantly getting drunk
3.Ogling
4.Bad breath
5.Chauvinism
Four turn on’s
1.Confidence
2.Ability to listen patiently
3.Suave
4.Well read
Three things I want before I die
1.Travel as much as I can.
2.Write as much as possible, my two cents for the future generations.
3.Be able to make as much as time possible for all my loved ones , whenever, wherever.
Two smiley’s that describe me
1.:D
2.:-P
One confession
Seven out of ten times I see the glass half empty. Yes, I must confess, I am always trying to calculate everything that can possibly go wrong. I tend to lose focus of the good side to most situations.
So nowadays I consciously tell myself most of the times “yes, it could’ve been worse!”
:) :)
I have been tagged once by Aishu, well, ummm.. about two years back! :D Never really sat down to write then! I have always been amused while reading tags, never really thought about writing one!
So peeps, here goes!
Ten things I want to say to people right now (I will be skipping this one cause I think this post already says a lot)
Nine things about myself
( Here is when I get to write about the quirks huh?)
1.I love to day dream, write, read, shop and cook. Not necessarily in the same order.
2.I get a high when I dance. Period.
3.Alcohol is not a must, can manage with a Breezer anytime. 4% alcohol is barely anything!
4.I am addicted to Google. Who isn’t?
Currently I am even more addicted to my Blackberry, though sometimes I wish it would stop buzzing when I am reading a great book. Grrrr
5.I walk very quickly, so maybe it has to do with the fact that I am impatient? Many have complained that they cannot catch up.
6.Paranoid can be my middle name sometimes. I am shit scared about losing loved ones.
7.I love to talk and have a bad habit of interrupting people. No, I don’t want to steal anyone’s thunder or anything, but just do so cause unconsciously because I am dying to tell my story too! But I am working on this one.
8.I love to take photographs and to pose for them as well. Camera shy? Nay, not one bit.
9.I really admire and respect folks who make the time to do every small and big thing. In my efforts to do so, I am an almost obsessive compulsive planner. Truth be told.
Eight ways to win my heart
1.Cook a yummmmmmy meal for me. (the simplest because I am completely non-fussy, about food that is!)
2.Take me to as many movies as you can.
3.Buy me two new books every month!!
4.Give me my “me-time” whenever I need it.
5.Dance with me, swirl me around – Salsa, Jive, Anything.
6.Look me in the eye with a smile, and say “It is ok”
7.Allow me to whine, once in a while, please :)
8.Nothing more, really. Weird??
Seven things that cross my mind a lot
1.I want to read that too!
2.My blog seems to have lots of visitors, but hardly any comments. Strange? :P
3.Ok, so what do I cook today?
4.I miss home.
5.Ooops, what do I do now!
6.I need some more sleep.
7.Dear God, Thank u so much.
Six things I wish I never did
1.Did not take the effort to hone my driving skills
2.Hurt someone really bad without giving them the benefit of the doubt
3.Never made the best use of my now alma mater, then my college, in Chennai
4.Ignored sports completely in school
5.Did not take any professional training in dance
6.Accepted the offer to work in a retail chain
Five turn off’s
1.Lies
2.Constantly getting drunk
3.Ogling
4.Bad breath
5.Chauvinism
Four turn on’s
1.Confidence
2.Ability to listen patiently
3.Suave
4.Well read
Three things I want before I die
1.Travel as much as I can.
2.Write as much as possible, my two cents for the future generations.
3.Be able to make as much as time possible for all my loved ones , whenever, wherever.
Two smiley’s that describe me
1.:D
2.:-P
One confession
Seven out of ten times I see the glass half empty. Yes, I must confess, I am always trying to calculate everything that can possibly go wrong. I tend to lose focus of the good side to most situations.
So nowadays I consciously tell myself most of the times “yes, it could’ve been worse!”
:) :)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Wholesome Weekend Wisdom
In the past few months, some weekends have been so hectic that by Sunday evening I feel worn out and tired. It is almost like I need the following Monday to recuperate!
But the last one was very different. I am usually not in a habit of listing out my “chores” on this blog, but I felt so happy and contented that I just, u know, wanted to write about it. :)
The reason being, in 48 hours, I was able to:
• Get some sound sleep
• Have ONLY homemade food (Read all three meals on Sat and had a friend
over for breakfast on Sun too!), barring a delicious Poha samosa which I could not resist
• Read peacefully without the blackberry buzzing in between. Just me and my book.
• Step out with girlfriends for some worthwhile shopping
• Go on a breathtaking midnight drive by the sea face
• Sleep some more
• Brush upon my driving and put in that extra effort for the tricky U-turns!
• Catch up with an old roommate cum good friend, on phone of course
• Indulge in a rejuvenating massage on Sunday evening
A fitting end to an awesome wholesome weekend, would you say? :)
I know many of you obviously do much more, but I am really thrilled in having done so much and not feeling worn out, even a tad bit! I am not sure if this observation makes sense, but having lived in two metros before, somehow you value your weekends so much more when you are married, and living in the busiest of cities – Mumbai. Weird, but true!
Many of us make the longest “To-do” list even after a hectic five day week that the weekends are chock-a-block! And then there is that melancholic Monday that follows where you regret not having done the 8th and 9th item on your list. One common mistake that we all make - “me-time” hardly features in the list. I don’t want to sound all overly philosophical here, but trust me the “me-time” makes all the difference. So if you are not traveling or embroiled in an emergency, here is what I humbly suggest to make those weekends more wholesome:
Trim the list: Instead of drawing up a list of 10 – 12 things, aim at doing 4 – 5 things and see them to closure. Also please factor in the traffic, the maid who may not show up on time, and of course the spur -of-the-moment movie that happens followed by coffee at Gloria’s!
Sleep like a log: In any case, you are up watching Bones/other sitcoms OR taking that late night conference call during the week, might as well give your body the rest it deserves during these two days. But yeah, if you are out clubbing on Saturday night, then please indulge in that beauty sleep till Sunday brunch/lunch.
Make some “Me-time”: Plans are always made with spouse, friends, family and acquaintances, but never with oneself. This is something which we completely ignore and trust me I am speaking from experience; it makes a lot of difference if you make it a part of your weekend routine. Just take some time, at least 30 – 40 minutes during the weekend and do something that you love, something that relaxes you. It must involve only you. Read a book, cook a yummy dish for yourself, write, listen to music, dance, go for a walk/massage, try a new yoga posture, or simply just meditate. It really enhances your concentration and declutters your mind to a large extent. I assure you over a period of time, you will be able to show lethargy the finger! :)
No place such as home: Yes I agree most of us take plenty of joy and pride in being bitten by the travel bug and sometimes go to the extent of traveling almost every weekend. It is important to go for those picnics and treks now and then, but should you insist on seeing those mountains and birds every week? I honestly do not think so. What will happen to your cozy pad? The one place that welcomes you whole heartedly after a tough day at work, you don’t want it to gather dust, do you? Try and spend some time indoors, and dedicate that time to your making your home cleaner and cozier.
Not another desk job: Don’t make your dining table also your office desk. Let go of that unfinished presentation, let it not eat into your head while you are at the beach with your loved one. I know this is easier said than done, and many of us (including me) break the golden rule of “No work during weekends”. At least let us make the honest attempt or soon our social life will simply cease to exist. What say? One cannot leave everything to Facebook. The boss will understand.
I am confident that the above pointers will help you in one way or the other. So sport that smile as always and the everything else will follow :)
Ah, before I forget, this article is also a product of my “me-time” and I already feel like a million bucks! Woohoo!
Here is to many more wholesome weekends for me and you!
But the last one was very different. I am usually not in a habit of listing out my “chores” on this blog, but I felt so happy and contented that I just, u know, wanted to write about it. :)
The reason being, in 48 hours, I was able to:
• Get some sound sleep
• Have ONLY homemade food (Read all three meals on Sat and had a friend
over for breakfast on Sun too!), barring a delicious Poha samosa which I could not resist
• Read peacefully without the blackberry buzzing in between. Just me and my book.
• Step out with girlfriends for some worthwhile shopping
• Go on a breathtaking midnight drive by the sea face
• Sleep some more
• Brush upon my driving and put in that extra effort for the tricky U-turns!
• Catch up with an old roommate cum good friend, on phone of course
• Indulge in a rejuvenating massage on Sunday evening
A fitting end to an awesome wholesome weekend, would you say? :)
I know many of you obviously do much more, but I am really thrilled in having done so much and not feeling worn out, even a tad bit! I am not sure if this observation makes sense, but having lived in two metros before, somehow you value your weekends so much more when you are married, and living in the busiest of cities – Mumbai. Weird, but true!
Many of us make the longest “To-do” list even after a hectic five day week that the weekends are chock-a-block! And then there is that melancholic Monday that follows where you regret not having done the 8th and 9th item on your list. One common mistake that we all make - “me-time” hardly features in the list. I don’t want to sound all overly philosophical here, but trust me the “me-time” makes all the difference. So if you are not traveling or embroiled in an emergency, here is what I humbly suggest to make those weekends more wholesome:
Trim the list: Instead of drawing up a list of 10 – 12 things, aim at doing 4 – 5 things and see them to closure. Also please factor in the traffic, the maid who may not show up on time, and of course the spur -of-the-moment movie that happens followed by coffee at Gloria’s!
Sleep like a log: In any case, you are up watching Bones/other sitcoms OR taking that late night conference call during the week, might as well give your body the rest it deserves during these two days. But yeah, if you are out clubbing on Saturday night, then please indulge in that beauty sleep till Sunday brunch/lunch.
Make some “Me-time”: Plans are always made with spouse, friends, family and acquaintances, but never with oneself. This is something which we completely ignore and trust me I am speaking from experience; it makes a lot of difference if you make it a part of your weekend routine. Just take some time, at least 30 – 40 minutes during the weekend and do something that you love, something that relaxes you. It must involve only you. Read a book, cook a yummy dish for yourself, write, listen to music, dance, go for a walk/massage, try a new yoga posture, or simply just meditate. It really enhances your concentration and declutters your mind to a large extent. I assure you over a period of time, you will be able to show lethargy the finger! :)
No place such as home: Yes I agree most of us take plenty of joy and pride in being bitten by the travel bug and sometimes go to the extent of traveling almost every weekend. It is important to go for those picnics and treks now and then, but should you insist on seeing those mountains and birds every week? I honestly do not think so. What will happen to your cozy pad? The one place that welcomes you whole heartedly after a tough day at work, you don’t want it to gather dust, do you? Try and spend some time indoors, and dedicate that time to your making your home cleaner and cozier.
Not another desk job: Don’t make your dining table also your office desk. Let go of that unfinished presentation, let it not eat into your head while you are at the beach with your loved one. I know this is easier said than done, and many of us (including me) break the golden rule of “No work during weekends”. At least let us make the honest attempt or soon our social life will simply cease to exist. What say? One cannot leave everything to Facebook. The boss will understand.
I am confident that the above pointers will help you in one way or the other. So sport that smile as always and the everything else will follow :)
Ah, before I forget, this article is also a product of my “me-time” and I already feel like a million bucks! Woohoo!
Here is to many more wholesome weekends for me and you!
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