City of Kolkata

 It was years since I last visited Kolkata. Frankly, the previous visits do not really count as they were a touch and go experience and that too when I was untouched by experiences of life. I landed in the city, recently, in the wee hours of a cloudy day when it was still lazily rubbing its half-closed eyes. Roads were mostly empty except for few of the famous yellow taxis ferrying people like me who had just landed up in the city or those who were leaving and some early morning vegetable hawkers. What immediately sucked me in was the architecture, long archaic colorful windows fixed on beautiful red walls. Some parts of it reminded me of the lanes in South Bombay.

I had, yet again, only one day, returning the same night. With a meeting that would occupy most of my first half, I decided to catch shut eye for an hour. After the meeting, I landed up at Park Street to gorge on some delicacies. S took me to Mocambo (a place suggested by my brother as well, seems like a famous joint) after lot of deliberation where the food was insane and darn heavy. We walked around the area. I was again mesmerised by the general vibe and the buildings! There is this old lady in me who is in love with corner buildings with arched walls, curved balconies that open up to the exact corner and giant doors and windows. It felt like the city was talking to me. We spent our remaining time of the day, walking around hand-in-hand, fighting over what to buy and what not, generally taking in everything.

Our evening dinner was decidedly rolls. The love towards which only an east Indian would understand. It was really late (as per a city that retires early) by the time we were on our way back to the railway station. With the dark sky in the background, I could see many ancient but beautiful buildings standing forlorn and dilapidated. I just wondered about it aloud and S replied matter of factly, “It shows how rich the city was once, the heart of business, trade, art and culture and the economic progress is no where close to the other major cities”. I pondered over it and the selfish romantic in me was somewhat glad that these buildings were still standing, no matter how old and worn out adding to the essence of the city, instead of the glass walled shiny modern soul less ones.

Book Review - Ghosts of the Silent Hills

 

I read this book when I was staying at my parents’ place. My father has an obsession of buying any book which is even remotely off beat. This book was lying, away from the clutter, on the study desk of the room I sleep in as if wanting to be picked up. Having a penchant for reading and watching about supernatural powers, I needed no second invitation and immediately plonked on the bed with it. The apartment complex my parents stay in is an oasis from the hustle bustle of the busy city. So, once the sun dips and the usual daily activities gets over, a peaceful silence settles over it. But when I finished two of the stories, this peaceful silence was replaced by an eerie silence for me. Needless to say, this book isn’t for the faint hearted. Set in the familiar landscapes of Shimla, Mashobra, Theog, Wildflower Hall, I was drawn to it like a bee to a flower. One of the main features of any haunting story is to set its setting and this book describes the cold and dark yet lush and magnificent towns beautifully. There are some stories which force you to glance nervously at the dark world beyond the windows and at the fluttering curtains. I started this book when a full fledged storm was howling and it didn't help matters. So for the next few nights, I will be holding on to my husband while sleeping, much to his dismay and to my comfort!

P.S - this is a must read for mountain and ghost lovers.

Ode to the real Khan of Bollywood

In pathos, we find the beauty that we otherwise fail to notice even if we are cocooned in it. This is what I realized when I heard the untimely demise of one of the most prolific actors I have seen on the big screen.. Irrfan Khan. I have never been impacted by a celebrity death before. 

Over the years, as one grows up, one is less likely to be smitten by an actor’s looks and is more likely to be smitten by his/her personality. One of my many fantasies has been to go on a coffee date with Irrfan Sir, to know the person, to experience his tongue in cheek humour, to talk about spirituality, his recommendations on books and movies, Jim Morrison and in the process drowning in his drawling voice. 

When I remember him, I immediately think of his big expressive poetic eyes and his sheepish boyish grin. The actor’s wandering Bedouin spirit is visible in the characters he essayed. The confidence with which he slips in and out of the roles is effortless. He never ever tried to fit in the usual garrulous Bollywood crowd, keeping his dignified distance. Since hearing the news, I have been reading and sometimes re-reading the tributes that have been pouring in. Each and every one has validated not only his acting prowess but also his inner beauty as a friend, a confidante, a mentor, a father, a husband and even as a casual acquaintance. He was Amol Palekar, Sanjeev Kumar, Farooq Sheikh and Naseeruddin Shah all rolled in one. That is impossible to find nowadays. A priceless solitaire. 

Dear Sir, I want you back for that one last performance, for that one last glimpse. But who am I kidding, that one glance will never be enough, it will only whet my appetite for more. As I write this, tears streaming down my cheeks, I still can’t come to terms with your absence. I still can’t fathom why it feels so personal as if I lost one of my own. You have left an abyss not only in the world of cinema, theatre but also in the hearts of millions. Then that was your charisma that will keep your magic alive, always.

The Baggy Me

Earlier, the only thing I liked airy was my handbag. The bigger the better was the mantra and still is. The reason being, you can blindly stuff everything in it and being a working woman we are never short of those things. Starting from wallet to book and not to mention the various quint essentials like moisturiser to comb, everything is dumped into the black hole. In fact, we ourselves are sometimes surprised by its long forgotten contents when we consciously search for a particular item. It’s literally like a treasure hunt.

What was a fascination for just a bag has spread like algae to my taste in clothing as well. Blame it on the summer or the progressing age (I definitely think it’s the summer though!), these days I look upon distaste at tight fitting clothes. The roomier they are, the happier I am. Churidars give way to salwars, jeans to loose trousers or skirts and tight cocktail dresses to bohemian free flowing ones. One would be surprised how ultra chic non tight clothes can look as well. Comfort clothing is the new –in thing. Baggy does not mean you don a jute bag and strut around. Baggy can be structured and attractive too. My personal comfort dress code is a pair of cotton shorts and a size bigger white tee.

Ultimately one’s clothing is one’s own choice. Nobody knows your body better than you. So dress comfortably and stylishly! Some baggy outfits google threw up:

                  

 

A day with Romedy Now

There are days when one doesn’t want to do anything and in my case these days show up more often than the days when I want do to something. I just surprise myself at the length of time I can spend lazying in my bed and accomplishing number of things without even getting up like watching television, listening to music, eating while watching tv, reading, talking on the phone and the list goes on. So when I actually fall sick and am allowed being in bed 24X7, it is like a guilt free, legitimate sponsored trip to heaven.

Another very interesting aspect of falling sick is the holiday you give to your mind.  The mind doesn’t want to be bothered then and it along with its best friend, “the intellect”, go away to have their little “them” time. I figured that maybe that is the reason that I suddenly start seeing the chick flicks and the RomComs with a whole new level of respect and love that it probably wouldn’t have garnered on an otherwise perfectly healthy day. Strict rule: no Tarantino, no Scorcese, no Nolan! Basically no Brain!!

Imagine my happiness and glory when I am on a sick day off and am showered with movies like Crazy Stupid Love, 27 dresses and Its Complicated. Now ever since, I have discovered Romedy Now channel , I have discovered an easy way to shut the mind off, watch honey dripping unrealistic romantic movies,  giggle away to glory, savour the aww moments and occasionally let a few tears roll down my cheeks. With movies like the ones I have mentioned above when I have the whole day to gulp them down in, is like a cherry on top of a delightful sinful chocolate cake. If you look at all the movies, there is a pattern. Boy and girl hate each, or one of them hates the other after an incident, a drunk scene (which is usually the in the stupor type, heart in the throat scene) and of course in the end the passionate kissing reunited scene. Yes, I know them all and I still watch them and am not ashamed coz its my ideal way to relax in bed with a chocolate in hand. I do not think men really care for unabashedly being stuck on Sports Channels, Star Wars or Sci-Fi movies , then why should we give a hoot for being suckers for a little bit of fairy tale melodramas!

Romedy Now, you have been a true companion, a light of happiness and motivation in my times of despair and I will be forever in your debt for just being there (after recharging my cable network timely). You will always be special, till deaths do us apart!

Since I always give a true picture of everything, Hmmmm...here is why you may not choose to watch RomComs:

http://themovieblog.com/2007/why-women-need-to-stop-watching-romantic-movies/

Time

Waves hitting the shore,


Winds of change sweeping me ahead

I smile and wonder,

How far I have walked,

Hugging the sweetest thoughts,

That shall ever linger,

And so many yet to unfold,

Time, the greatest adventure,

You need to embark on it, to see the full picture,

And joy shall overtake you like a flood,

Believe in Carpe Diem,

And you shall sit, attired in stars,

Reaching out for your dreams no matter how far,

We forget about time, yet it's all we know,

In time, there is everything, and time will show

Together Forever

There we were,
Staring at the dipping sun together


There we were,
Locking eyes and not spilling a single word ever


There we were,
Lost in the clouds and rain


There we were,
Enjoying the sweet sublime pain


There we were,
Holding hands and leading each other


There we were,
Walking on the road of life not knowing what lies further


There we were,
Uncertainty and doubts clenching our hearts


There we were,
Content and Smiling as we knew it be soon taken over by the love that runs through our veins in the hearts

Review: The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe

Rain and weekend and you see people scurrying out of their homes and rushing to sit out and enjoy the fine weather! Because its a Sunday and I had a late breakfast, so i decided to go out and have a late lunch, also hoping a late lunch would eliminate the rush and the crowd. So when me and my friend decided to meet, we as usual decided to head to CP where we can sit outside and chill. When we were just about to board the rick, I changed my mind and decided to go to this place where I have been planning to go for last one year. Yea, believe it or not one YEAR! 

And so I switched on my map, and headed to The POTBELLY ROOFTOP CAFE, a Bihari cafe. This is located in Shahpur Jat, very close to Hauz Khas Cafe. The entrance to the place is very unassuming. A few people even might not find it safe, especially if its your first time and you appear lost.  I have this stupid thing of not seeing the easy way and going the tough way. Living up to my habi whit, I chose to climb up the winding metallic stairs to reach this cafe on the 3rd floor instead of taking the good old straight forward stairs which was right in front (No i wasn't being adventurous, i just didnt see it) ! The result was by the time I reached the top I was dizzy. During the steep climb, my friend was constantly bickering where the hell have you got me! Frankly, even I started having my doubts... until I opened the door to the cafe.And boy was it teeming with people. 

First thought, ok this place is super hyped. It takes few mins for the place to sink in. It is very simply decorated but it is very colorfully done up. Bright cushion covers, green roof and cute lights add zing to the place. 

What took me by surprise was the way people were pouring in. It was half past three, and there were queues of waiting.I also overheard a guy saying whatever time it takes, I am gonna have lunch here. I was like waow! We asked for a place for two and the waiter patiently told us it will be at least an hour before we get a table. And so we stood looking at the food coming, going, people screaming, more people coming but no one leaving without eating. The food looked lovely and smelled absolutely tempting. Food award certificates adorned the walls. I do not know how but we did wait for 45 mins before we got our table and we werent complaining. 

We immediately ordered an apple iced tea, a litti mutton and a maithili thali. We got our order served to us in less than thirty mins and it was absolutely yummy. I do not know if it was the wait or what but we gobbled up the food like we hadnt eaten for a day. Having eaten the first bite, we immediately realised what the fuss is about. The food was goooood and it had a home cooked type flavour in it. It looked and tasted healthy.There are no dessert listed in the menu but they had a dessert of the day thing which you need to ask for. So today we had apricot and chocolate fudge and a pineapple pastry. But our lunch was so heavy and filling that we couldnt dare go to the dessert part. The meal was not expensive too. It cost us 760 bucks for our lunch which we couldn't finish!

Litti with mutton and aubergine salad

Sattu Puri and Onion puri with chana and aloo dal.served with masala curd and flax seed  sald

Pros

Undoubtedly, awesome awesome food!

Reasonably priced

Very well mannered and polite staff

Simple yet nice decor

snapshot of a part of the menu

snapshot of a part of the menu

Cons

Place is a bit small considering the demand

No alcohol

Location could have been better

A Happy Happy US

Apparently they have opened up a  branch near or in Chanakyapuri. So maybe some of you can try that. For me I had a lovely Sunday meal after a loong time!

Naukuchiatal... The Hidden Gem

Delhi is lucky in a way because out of all the metros, it is closest to all the gorgeous hill stations that India boasts of. The two most important states that it borders in that respect are Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and two most well known hill stations that are just 7 hrs drive away in these respective states are Shimla and Nainital. Owing to their proximity to the capital city, it goes without saying that these places are always packed with tourists looking for a break. So you can imagine my sheer pleasure on discovering Naukuchiatal which not only is at a stone throw distance from Delhi but also still has some of its sanctity in place!

Last weekend, I had a three day off from my work, so grabbing the opportunity I headed to the hills. The vacation was a lovely time off especially because of the place I stayed in.  This was a quaint home-like resort called The Camphor Tree Resort. The name of the place is derived from the big Camphor Tree that’s there in its premises, its branches all spread out as if offering its blessings.  The place is ideal for nature loving people looking for a quiet getaway.  The Naukuchiatal lake right in front of it adds to the serenity, the mysterious ruins around it adds to the grandeur and the foreboding forest behind it adds to the aura!

 The guys who run this place are awesome fun guys. The food was absolutely lip smacking and innovative. Two dishes that I really loved were Chicken in cashewnut gravy and poached peaches and orange in cinnamon syrup, perfect summer drink (picture below).

Things to do

• Due to the beautiful forests around it, perfect place for bird spotting and trekking
• Boating, zorbing and kayaking in the lake
• Para-gliding
• Best of all, take a book, listen to your favourite music and just relax amidst the nature ;)

                                                                my walk in the hills

How to reach there

•   Uttarakhand Volvos ply everyday between Delhi (Anand Vihar ISBT/ Kashmere Gate ISBT)  and Haldwani.
•  Very good train connectivity between Delhi and Kathgodam.
•  You will have to take a taxi from Haldwani/Kathgodam to Naukuchiatal. Its a 45 mins drive  and taxi usually taken somewhere around Rs 700-Rs 800.
•   Else just drive down from Delhi, will take 7 hours like I said.

You can check out more detailed pics of the resort and its rooms at its Facebook page: The Camphor Tree Resort and at my Instagram page @ganj15.

Companion

She plucked the petals: he likes me, he likes me not, he likes me, he likes me not, until the flower turned into a skeleton and there was nothing more to be bared of. She was eager to get his attention, to make the friendship stronger, but patience was not her finest of virtues. So she will have to work towards it, she sighed. To put efforts.

She thought of the long walks with him, there was definitely electricity between them; it was not just her imagination. His dark brown eyes and the sinewy physique! He, unfortunately, was still a little withdrawn and guarded. She smiled as she imagined all the view they could see together, if he allowed it. She knew she wanted him the moment her eyes had fallen on him.

Gathering her courage, she put on her cap and riding suit and walked to the stable to try yet again to break the shell of her favourite stallion: Abrazo.

Movie Review: The Judge

This movie was lying in my pen drive for quite some time now. I kept on ignoring it thinking it to be a technical movie with a lot of legal jargons, and keeping it as an entertainment of last resort.  Meanwhile, I watched all Oscar nominated movies, begin again (saw it twice!, my current personal fav, love keira), whiplash (woah Simmons!), birdman (Emma , love u girl!) and spectacular now ( an ole one..). So, one hot Sunday afternoon, I finally played it, as I ran out of other options. And boy! Was I in for a surprise!

This movie blew me off will be an understatement. I was hooked. And it touched a certain chord in me. The way it has explored the father and son relationship is just beautiful. Robert Downey Jr portrays the character spot on of a successful city lawyer who even when he is in his 40s is still waiting for his father’s pat on his back which he has never got. Robert Duvall as the father and a small town judge who tries to hold on to his self esteem even when he is facing a trial is commendable. The story unfolds with the demise of the judge’s wife and the lawyer’s mother which brings the son back to his hometown and so triggers many an explosive moments.

There were three scenes in the movie that I thought were the highlights of the father and son relationship as well their character:

1. When they are investigating the crime scene on a rainy day and the father screams that he is ready to take a hit with the trial rather than have a tainted reputation and the son taunting him of being a judge in “just another” small town and nobody gives a shit to his reputation.
2. The heated exchange of words during the heavy storm and how Robert bares his feelings of being needed and literally begging for a word of appreciation from his father.
3. The son washing and scrubbing his old father, putting to rest temporarily the differences and the concern and love taking over them.

While I know such movies can be highly predictable, but it definitely leaves behind something to think about. I know my father can be a very difficult person and I know he is not very vocal of his appreciations, because they are not comfortable displaying their affections.  They always criticise you thinking they are making you a better person, but somewhere it leaves a hole behind.  But what as a son or daughter needs to understand is that that is who they are and they will not change but we being a slightly open generation need to forgive that and be by their side whenever they need us.

Another aspect that makes me wonder not particularly about this movie but generally. Why do most of the movies show a divorced, separated or a difficult guy having an only daughter? Does having a daughter show a softer side to their otherwise arrogant and strict persona. I am not sure. Views are welcome!

I will end this with this one scene that brought out a giggle from me.  When Robert is given a lift by Vera (ex gf) in her car and Vera is accompanied by her daughter. I would not disclose what happened because that will be a spoiler but it was really funny and the look on Robert’s face on seeing the daughter is indescribable!

So hope you people enjoy it as much as I did, happy viewing!

Hypocrisy of Indian Society

India is well assumed to be a land of culture and tolerance basis its secular orientation and having a rich lineage of various religions and cultures. While with moving times, with higher level of education and growing standard of living, one would think, people to become more empowered and open minded. Unfortunately, the country is struggling to maintain a balance with changing mores. The divide is seen more in rural and semi-urban setups. People need to appreciate that being modern and being cultured can exist side by side.

Culture is demonstrated by how you behave with others, your respect for other living beings including animals and how good a human being you are irrespective of whether you are wearing a saree or a short skirt. There is a dress code for an occasion and one must adhere to it, be it a male or a female. The need of the hour is to respect people for not what they wear or their partying habits but for who they are.

Indian society is also hypocritical in so many ways! On one hand hoi polloi look down on girls because of their skimpy clothes, but if they go back in time they would find that many a mythological and historical characters (who are supposed to be the icons of virtue), wear the skimpiest of dresses! Talking about sex is taboo, while the country is the land of Kamasutra, the bible of all sex books. We even have many archaelogilicaly acclaimed temples which openly depict the various sexual positions! Sadhus indulging in orgies when they preach otherwise and appear so pious. We blame the West for our culture going haywire, little realizing that it makes us look like dumb sheep. We are not without mind, and we can take our own rational decisions. Frankly speaking, I look up to the Western society simply because they let their people be for what they are. There is no undue societal pressure, no preaching and if there is a certain style of life which people want to lead, they can pursue unless they are causing any harm to people around them, as their personal choice without being judged upon. Understanding the quote "you be and let others be" was never so critical before.

Another reason why India is digressing from its culture is because of the sudden rise in the average income levels. Nouveau riche show reckless behavior and feel that with expensive clothes, cars and jewelleries combined with habits of, smoking and drinking they become more cultured. While, being rich is not a crime, nor is smoking or drinking, but it is to be realized that these are not the only things that make you a cultured or a respected person. It has to come with an open mind, a more refined way of looking at things, being more empathetic towards others. At the same time, these habits of drinking and smoking should also not be a yard stick for judging a person. This huge gap in understanding the word “modern” is a serious flaw in our society.

The day we bridge this gap and look beyond the selfish opportunist religious view/opinions and the khap panchayats who try to rule our mind, we shall emerge as the true power. I am sure, I am not the only one waiting for the sun to rise on that evolved India and praying that it happens soon.

Travelling Feet

I am here, i am there
I feel like my wings are on fire

Crazy, impulsive and mad,
I cant stifle a smile,am so glad

Glad to be on the road
Being pulled to the nature's abode

With a handful of clothes and a heart full of hope,
Wandering about, seeking places to elope

Travelling with my widened eyes,
Scuttling after a pretty butterfly as it flies,

Hopping from field to hill and hill to field,
Not wanting to know what result it will yield

A nice book in my brown sling bag
Music plugged to the ears, I enjoy my fag

Lying under the bright moonlit sky,
Drinking ale and munching on a chicken fry!

So here i come, the untrodden paths,
Open your arms to welcome a travelling psychopath!

A walk through Rose's mind (Titanic)

Standing on the edge, clutching the iron rails, i stood trying to take the plunge into the iced cold water. My heart was beating so fast that i thought it was audible above the propellers.

Of course, I should do it. This is it. I can't live this life that has been so carefully and meticulously chalked out for me. Haha, yes.. my life their design. It had all the money and the security that a woman would die for. Racing fiercely ahead of me, while i powerlessly try to catch up.

Wind was beginning to howl now pushing the strands of hair into my ear and onto my face. Irritating. I was getting goose bumps not because of the thought of my impending fall, but because of the cold. At least that's what i would like to think.

I didn't notice him at first. Standing and watching me, for god damn how long. Did I just see a faint smile play on his face when i so perilously am dangling from the rails! Ignore and concentrate, tells my mind. He spoke as he removed his jacket. He was talking something about the water being cold and water pricking into the skin like knives. That caught my attention. Surely, he is exaggerating but i could feel my skin almost going through that pain. I squirmed. He held out his hand to help me. He had an easy charm and a positive aura. Hesitantly, i took it, he smelled of smoke.

We looked at each other and smiled. Yes, there is hope and another day.

piece of heaven

Between the hills, it stands
Brazen and solo, donning a bright red hat

Dews spread upon it, glistening in the sun,
And strong bricks providing the unfaltering support

Lurking amongst the sky kissing trees,
You provide a haven which looks so enticing

Hugging the flowing cotton clouds,
Not shivering, not complaining, you smile

The grey cloak you wear seems forbidding,
But it does not worry me, cos you are mine

Smuggling in your warm lap, i loosen up and stretch
Ready to welcome another day as the horizon turns red

Pearls of water drops on my hair,
The most precious jewellery am happy to possess

Luring me, you have me chained to your stony prison,
content and gleeful, this is where i have found my piece of heaven

Dream on!

Musing on a hot summer mundane day,

That will I ever get the courage to stray

Stray away from the milling crowd,

into the wild, a place not so loud

Amidst the nature, is where my soul is,

grappling with reality, trapped and sad it is

in fear, that I may never live the life I dream,

am filled with a conviction that it will unfold,

no matter how impossible it may now seem

 

Like a river, I am flowing away,

taking in every second, I ride and sway,

feeling the twinkling stars above me,

taxing my days, for a clearer path to see

 

Dream on dream on, is what the little girl in me says,

its not too far, its just going at its own sweet pace,

tenacious and strong, I succumb to the future,

as long as it takes me beneath the shadows of the nature. 

The View

She let out a sigh of relief. She had finally time to herself, done with all her chores. A day she had been waiting for, ever since she heard about the phenomenon in this new place they had moved into. She had limited time in hand until they return from the village. Washing her hand and face, without any further delay, she headed towards it. What started as a hurried walk soon broke into a run. She ran as she had never before afraid to miss it: Her white knee length dress hugging her against the wind, her brown long tresses bouncing behind. Careful, not to fall, her feet carried her through the green meadows towards the light. Finally it opened up, the tall unending mountains surrounded by lush green brooding forests. She stopped; it indeed seemed like the end of the world. The deep gorge laying between them irritated her, she wanted to go as near to the mountains as she could. She would find a way, she thought determinedly. She sat down at the end of the cliff, legs dangling aware of the danger below. She smiled. She felt free among them. Slowly she took out her smoke, she needed it to transcend into the other world. A world without fear and ties, a world just like her. The setting sun looked beautiful amongst the smoke haze. Yes, she had chosen the right time to come. She always preferred the dusk to the dawn. The sky looked like a painter’s board, the color palette changing with every stroke of the brush. As she looked at the sun, she could not help but wonder how similar they both are. Emanating light, drawing others to their brightness and unrestrained energy and burning them as they come closer. She wanted to end like the sun also, giving light and burning inside as long as it takes before the taking the final dip to the oblivion. She realized her smoke was long over and it had begun to get dark. She stood up, grudgingly but pleased and started her way back, only to return soon.

Humanity

Yesterday, on my way to office, I saw a bike hit a sedan lightly from behind. The person on the bike got unbalanced and fell right in between my car and the road divider. Thankfully, my car was not speeding because of a red light ahead. Then my eyes fell on the bike rider lying on the busy road, a man in his late fifties, unassuming, who was struggling to get up in the scorching heat, trying to put his helmet and specs right back with his shivering hands. He looked embarrassed and hurt. He got up, steadied the bike handle and was caressing his knees with his hand when out comes the driver of the swanky car. A tall broad immaculately dressed woman pointing her perfectly manicured hands at the elderly and screaming about the damage done to the car, which was minuscule compared to the harm inflicted on this man’s body and confidence.

He looked helpless in front of the richie rich. Desperately wanting to get away to continue his job which he had to I guess for his living, he started pleading the woman for forgiveness. The female, throwing her might around, bounced off some English slangs and started giving him driving tips along with threats. It was a funny sight, watching someone who was half the age of the other, reprimanding.

The signal then turned green and my car started moving. A part of me wanted to stay back and watch the scene. Later, recalling the episode, I was angry with myself for not stopping then and taking the poor man’s side. People think am courageous, but I realized I have a long way to go before the word can be used an adjective for me. I wondered does being rich also make you blind to other’s plight. The owner of the car must be earning at least ten times of the old fellow’s salary. Yet she had to create a scene. For all you know, the hit might not have been a driving mistake but maybe because the rider was exhausted from the sun and might have gotten tired or sick or some other health issue.

Despite having booming NGO services and corporate social responsibilities these days, it is sad to see people still lacking the basic humanity when their actions are not being recorded for tax benefits or they are not being photographed. Such a two-faced world we live in! A higher standard of living should also make you empathize with the not so privileged ones. Like spiderman's uncle said: with great power come great responsibilities. As for me, I hope I do not think twice before taking the right side next time. I may not be able to give the financial support but I can definitely give the moral support and fight for the right cause! Its just not me, but I ask each one of you to keep an open eye and help wherever you can. Trust me; the satisfaction that one derives by helping others is unmatched to any comfort that money can buy!

Kiss

A kiss is not just an act of touching of lips, it’s an art. Those few seconds can translate into hours, reaching into the depths of heaven and covering every corner of the most sensual part of the face.  Licking and sucking like one savors the last drop of chocolate. It is indeed no surprise that eating a chocolate is considered seductive sometimes if done with the right amount of tongue!

Sex is over hyped and kiss is under hyped. You never kiss someone just for the sake of it unless it’s a means to an end. It’s a complete surrender of one’s being, letting out your feelings, gushed with urgency at times and a slow lingering enjoyment at other times. Sex might be the ultimate crescendo, but it’s the beautiful path that heralds it, kiss being the first lovely step.

Kiss is a feeling of psychedelic inebriation where you lose out on your senses and get pulled into a timeless space of undiscovered tremors and unbridled joy. So stop wasting your time and start kissing all the way!

Book Review: Open

Amongst all the autobiographies that I have read so far, the one that I would love to go back and read again is the life story of Andre Agassi written in his own words. This book is a brutally honest account of his life events bordering to the point of self criticism.

It will come as a shock to many when they read through the book is the bittersweet relationship Andre shared with tennis. It is ironical to discover that the tennis champ actually hated tennis at one point in time, not the game in itself but the pressure and the expectations that it brought along literally crushing him. The scenes where he describes how his father pushes him for vigorous practices against his will and the father wanting to live his dream through him are moving and one that almost each one of us can relate to considering the competitive world we are living in.

The book also talks about his relationship with his wife Brooke Shields, the supermodel of that time, the divorce and then his marriage with Steffi Graff. The revolutionary fashion sense he brought into the game, starting from his hairstyles to the jeans shorts that he used to wear to the court and the infamous drug scandal he was in are some other spicy add ons.

The above are just some of the interesting instances; the book itself is a page-turner. Apart from his personal conflicts and dilemmas, the matches that he has described in the book are sure to arouse interest in any sports fan. Whether it is the second Grand Slam semi final in 1990 against Boris Becker or the final against Pete Sampras, his greatest nemesis, each match has been illustrated with so much detail that one will almost feel as if watching it from the stands. The rivalry between these two American players became the dominant rivalry in tennis over the rest of the decade.

The book gives an interesting insight into a sport person’s life. Not only is it a fascinating read but it also can act as a guide to live life. The courage, determination and the bold demeanour that Andre puts on is commendable. Few quotes from the book that are my personal favourites:

“It's no accident, I think, that tennis uses the language of life. Advantage, service, fault, break, love, the basic elements of tennis are those of everyday existence, because every match is a life in miniature. Even the structure of tennis, the way the pieces fit inside one another like Russian nesting dolls, mimics the structure of our days. Points become games become sets become tournaments, and it's all so tightly connected that any point can become the turning point. It reminds me of the way seconds become minutes become hours, and any hour can be our finest. Or darkest. It's our choice.”

“Now that I've won a slam, I know something very few people on earth are permitted to know. A win doesn't feel as good as a loss feels bad, and the good feeling doesn't last long as the bad. Not even close.”

“Hate brings me to my knees, love gets me on my feet.”

If this book can instil interest in tennis in a non-sports person like me, I am sure it will be a much more enjoyable ride for an ardent sports follower. Thanks to the book, now I follow tennis, football and badminton with a lot of enthusiasm. I hope it will be a secret between us, when I confess that the only reason I picked this book up to read was to know about the affair of Andre with Brooke and Steffi (don’t blame me, in the end, I am a woman!) and look where it has brought me to ;)