Delhi Belly ;)

 My dad was going to Delhi for five days to attend a book fair. Since I didn't really any plans for the week here at home I decided to accompany him, not for the book fair but to spend time with my relatives of course. The day we arrived we went to my Uncles house. I met my cousin sister who had become SO much taller than what she was, like she was always taller than me but she looked drastically more. I greeted everyone formally with a ‘Namaste’ and after all of that was done my father left for some office work.

  I quietly analyzed the house, looking at my Aunt cook and gazing my cousin who was stuck to her laptop smiling anonymously. As time passed I started to get jaded, so I reached for my pocket, removed my phone and was happy beyond measures to see the availability of Wi-Fi connection.  Actually the thing was that their original house was under renovation so for a couple of months they shifted few blocks away. I found ways to entertain myself when finally my aunt said those words, “why don’t you’ll do watch a movie”. I was overwhelmed, I really wanted to go for ‘Gunday’ which had released the following day itself but kept my feelings to myself in order to not sound demanding, but since the topic was out I animatedly smiled showing my approval for the plan. Next hour we were sitting in the theatre watching the film between the melancholy audiences, leaving no stone unturned to whistle at every entry Priyanka Chopra made on the screen.

 After the movie was over I went to my Nani’s house, ate the delicious food she made that I wish my mother too had inherited. I wrapped myself in two blankets and watched a programme on the T.V that I am too embarrassed to say. The chill of Delhi really made me sleep in no time. The next morning had lots of things in store.

 My two uncles, my father and I were going to visit our village. I have always wanted to live in a village; yeah I know it sounds crazy to even think of leaving behind a life with luxurious and wanting to go into one with no such perks. But what I gathered from my experience was that besides all the hard work and lack of facilities people were happy and satisfied. Happiness was playing pebbles, scarring away cows and just running around. Satisfaction was getting enough to eat and getting enough time to play. Whereas, I was getting so much more than what I deserved and yet I wasn't close to being content. Reaching in the mid area of the village I was totally awe-struck at what I saw. A dozen of puppies! I went running towards them and they came running towards me. Joking. They ran away. I quietly sat on the ground waiting for them. When they realised that I wasn't going to harm them like other kids did playing and squeezing them as if they were toys. They slowing came walking towards me sniffing around. Very soon I was surrounded by lots of puppies- White and shades of brown. Looking at them cuddling with each other made me feel so glad that I didn't deny this trip. I could watch them forever (Definitely for longer time than ‘Gunday’).

 The rest of the days followed, some being relaxing while some hectic but enjoyable.

 Time passed faster than it seemed to. My day of departure arrived. Adults gave me money, I refused, they insisted, I smiled, they forced and I took. It’s a tradition, right? To say no a couple of times to relatives and then finally take it.

 My dad and I then went to the railway station and boarded the train. It had been years that I last remember sitting in one. There were times when as a baby I would search the train enthusiastically in order to find a friend who would help me pass time in the long journey that would take me back to the lifestyle I hold .

Mahabharata? :S

 Forced by my father, I finally agreed to read Mahabharata. I had heard several small stories from it way too many times but I hadn't ever know the entire 'Mahabharata' and since it survived all the way till 2014 I couldn't find reasons why should I not give it a try. The book started beautifully about a king meeting a celestial woman who totally mesmerized him by her beauty and elegance. As I went ahead with the book there were so many births taking place with children having complicated, long names that I was completely perplexed. However, when the introduction was over and the story started take a shape with the happenings between the Padavas and Duryoghana my interest started to build up. Besides just the fierce jealousy one could have against his own cousin, I also realized the tenacity with which people stuck to their words. By that I mean, for instance in one part The Padavas return to their the home they were staying in for some years during their exile with a bride Arujana won during a Swayamvar to their mother- Kunti. Thinking it was a food item she casually said, "whatever it is, distribute it equally". What is said cannot be unsaid, that was the 'funda'. Thereafter, Draupadi (the bride) was the wife of all the five brothers. At this point I shut the book and thought to myself, what on earth was I reading? but besides having no faith in such a kind of system and in fact it rather absurd I was inclined to read it further. Some amount of curiosity in me kept me going and at the same an introduction to a new world which carried all sorts human emotions- love, joy, lust, jealousy webbed me with a weird kind of interest.As of this small story, was it just a moral trying to convey that one should stick to what they say or was it indicating that even after sharing a wife distrust and envy hadn't broken the bonds of love between these brothers?

CAKES, not my cup of tea!

I woke up next to my friend after having a sleepless sleepover, overdosed with pizzas, coke, chocolate brownies and not to forget the chains for movies we saw. ‘Freaky Friday’ being one of them starring Lindsey Lohan. It was a hilarious movie steeped in laughter and fights between a mother and daughter. I couldn't help but laugh like a Hyena throughout the night. I started reminiscing the days I spent in the boarding with my roommate Zeniya watching movies hardly few days before our so called Board exams. Taking about my second roommate, she was a cartoon- Rasika. She could watch a movie hundred times, LITERALLY. While, I was submerged in my thoughts of the fantastic friends I made in the horrible hostel I didn't pay attention to the constant snoring of my friend who has caught a cold.

“You aren't sleeping, are you?”

“I got up at 8 man, I guess I will. It’s late anyway”

BUT how could I sleep at 4 when I got up the previous morning, or rather afternoon at 2! Within no time she was fast asleep and I switched to watching a Justin Bieber Documentary. Yeah! I am an EMIENEM girl but I don’t have to detest the rest, right?

It was a 7 on 10 I would say. Everyone wants to be famous .While watching the documentary so many times that thought flitted across my mind. “I so wanna be that” but well, *Aah*

As soon as it got over I too was very drowsy and managed to get a comfortable sleep in the cozy, warm blanket and soft pillows that were over flowing in the bed making me VERY comfortable. Grass truly is greener, softer, and warmer on the other side. Makes sense?

Unfortunately, morning had arrived and my dad had called me to come back home since he was leaving for office. I am in no mood for an argument in the morning, so I did exactly as I was instructed. I came back home, ate, snap chatted with my friends and did all those time-wasting things one could possibly  do when you have 4 months holiday in hand. *yeah*

The door bell rang, Oscar ran barking at the door and it was Mom. We exchanged smiles as she told me about the dinner we were going for at Taj Hotel with my family friends. I love dressing up and be it a dinner with family friends I AM STILL IN. My mom often gets headaches so I offered  to press her head and in no time she too was asleep like my friend that night, besides the snoring. Once again the door bell rang, and again my little pug barked like it was the end of the world. I was wearing my father’s long T-shirt which was tucked in from one angle in my tiny shorts. I had only kept it that way so that people don’t think that I am roaming around without any bottoms. I looked like a drugged child or maybe just a sleepy one.

But whom I saw on the door was the person who wouldn't judge me whatsoever I wore. It was my friend from the sleepover with a huge cake container “Is your oven working?”She asked. I smiled and opened the door. My diet plan NEVER works and I have accepted as true that it never will. As her container was so big, we decided to split the batter and make two cakes. We put the first half in the oven and waited patiently.

“Hey! Why don’t we start a cake business” I exclaimed

“Nice idea man. We could earn profits and all, it would be so cool”

“Yeah, we’ll put up posters and advertise on Facebook”

“And become famous!”

Our imagination had taken over us making us believe we could actually open a bakery. Chocolate had taken away our sanity but the tick of the oven brought our minds back to the kitchen. What we then saw broke our dreams like a glass fallen from the sky. With a cake like that even dogs would refuse to take it (Oscar is an exception, he can practically eat anything, ANYTHING)

“It’s our first try, the second one will definitely be better” ....was a lie told by her. The second one was a nightmare! It had not been more than a minute we left the kitchen alone and when we entered the cake inside the oven was on fire. MY KITCHEN WAS ON FIRE!

She was about to scream but I said, “Shh..Mom is sleeping, if she sees THIS she will kill us, for real”

My innocent friend went running to her house to call her maid while I threw water on that yuck substance. Of course, the fire didn't burn the whole house killing all of us leading to a tragedy but it did certainly dirtied the guts out of my kitchen and leave chocolate foot prints of Oscar all around the house.

One thing was clear; we cannot bake even at a gun point.

*relief* 

Trip to Jaituchiwadi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjN_oq4r-IM&feature=c4-overview&list=UUSMUKGKRJ333j9yiBjaFEmg

giving basic requirements to the needy 

roaming the village

Look! what I found, puppies

near the stream

catching baby prawns 

snap with the village kids

interviewing the villagers

smile please :D

snap snap

made a map of the village

socializing with villagers 

Eminems life story

Its really easy to judge people by what they say and how they look, but unless you don't know their story you have no right to. People might say all sort of nonsense about this guy but he's been through more than anyone else.

Those tarot cards..!

Tarot cards!

   There was a funfair organised today.  There were stalls of delicious Indian dishes particularly the famous street food like the spicy Pani puri, huge Vada pavs, sweet smelling Jalebis. Besides just the handmade creative paper stalls and shacks of beautiful, extraordinary embroidered scarf’s and suits at the end of the passage on the extreme corner lay a stall particularly crowded. 

    My attention drew towards it since I couldn't figure out what it was due to which curiosity grew into me. I made my way though the ladies and children to see the source of attraction and there it was, the stall of tarot. "What’s your question?"A mysterious looking stout woman asked, lowering her head as she raised her spectacles with her finger. This is how Tarot works, the customer is to ask a question and with the play of cards the lady is apparently suppose to determine the answer to it. I know, right?  Humans of today have totally stopped having faith in themselves; we've become so vulnerable to such kind of 'luck-based' things that even if it is purely for money or utter rubbish we chose to believe it.

    ''You want to try it? You can ask her if you are going to get into United World College'' said my mom tapping on my shoulder. I kind of knew that these things are not real after all how is the selection of cards going speak about my future and the efforts that I am willing to put in to get into this college. 

 Ever since I've passed out of my 10th grade I have wanted nothing more but get into the institution. In my family, that consists of only: My dad, mom, sister, Oscar and I .My sister has always gotten a phone after her 10th and 12th grade so I consider it a tradition sort of thing; you know to get a phone after a big exam. Yet I didn't feel a need for, I was quite satisfied with my 'wonderful' blackberry which was in a 'decent' condition. I still haven't understood why I want to get into UWC so desperately. Maybe it is because my heart just tells me it’s going to change my life for the good and since my parents whole hardheartedly support me I quite rely on that.

   "Want to try it?" Mom repeated. ''Sure" I responded. I nervously sat on the chair and asked my question, "Will I get into united world college?'' I said confidently. She shuffled her cards for a long time and laid them on the front table in a straight line. She picked up a card at random and told me to do the same. My eyes kept staring at all of them as if my eyes were and x ray machine and I could which card would give me positive results, so then I simply chose the center card and flipped it around. These were not regular cards, they looked like some ancient Greek cards probably used only to make the customer feel ‘It’s something different ya'. She analyzed both the cards and imminently said ''nope' '.My eyes became wide and I could feel this bulky kind of thing in my throat. "Maybe be something better is planned for you dear" she smiled and explained me ONLY because I was really hurt by what she said. "Thank you so much oldie for saying the simple no to me. Do you even know that I haven't applied as yet? Before I could even do anything you're just stomping everything because your unusual cards say so? COMEON!" I wish I could say these words to her but of course not. 

    I was Furious. I didn't know how to react to all of this. Should I listen to her Tarot cards and not waste my time in something I’m not going to achieve or should I give a damn to what she is saying and perhaps prove her wrong? Maybe I was just overreacting to this since it was a ‘funfair’ and it was a part of the 'fun'(which was not at all entertaining) whatever it was...If her negative response influenced me so much what about other kids like me who base their decision on these fake facts. We behold our future; our efforts decide are future and no Tarot woman can change that.

Happily never after

dedicated to my awesome friends

But miss, we go out once in a blue moon, why should we have restrictions on how to behave, and what to wear? We need that exposure” I exclaimed persuasively.It was an everyday scene. We, the boarders of the St. Louis school, could argue in finding faults in this place every second of the day, literally every second. Well, boarding is supposed to be that way, isn't it? So, convincing became a useless skill like asking the walls to walk and the dogs to fly. Whatever! If I could write down my complaints and inconvenience, I could write a whole novel all together, BUT nothing stood in front of the great friends I made, nothing at all. Even a tiny candle lights a dark room. Similarly, their blooming faces, enlightening smiles lit my dark stay in the boarding. I’m sure of that, that everyone one has those friends that they can die for, I guess these were mine. Ramanika, Kiara, Zoya, Vikas, Armaan and other five of us together were crazy! Laughing at jokes which were as meaningless as chemistry, Trekking was like an adventurous and dangerous trip to Saturn. You cannot really describe the times you have which people as close as these ones were to me because they are so beautiful that they mesmerize you. Ramanika and Zoya were my roommates and besides just having uncountable dancing and screaming memories, we always stood there for each other. In fact, everyone else did too, including Kunal, Honey, Nandu, and Ayan. If it hadn’t been them, I don't know how dramatically slow my life would be in that dark room.

 It was the last day of school. Yes, the day when we promised to stay in touch, meet regularly and other bullshit and we knew would be forgotten into oblivion. When it came the last goodbyes to the last ten faces, I was unable to say anything. Only hugs and tears were the things that portrayed the sign of me in the corner of their hearts (brain to be realistic). I wanted myself to stay with them as long as they would in me. Soon, we all settled in our own lives. Soon, was really very fast. I was an architect with an income of twenty cores per annum. Big cars, big achievements, big parties, College had been a blink of an eye. Indore wasn’t the place of me. I wasn’t able to even make a single friend. I used to get ragged too. So during my college years my only pals were my chemistry, physics and mathematics books, to whom I gave my full attention and determination. I was doing quite well in my life. Good enough for my parents to have all the comforts and luxurious they desired for. Good enough to donate money to my extended family to start up a ‘business’ which they were trying to start up ever since I was born or even before that. I earned good enough to roam in a Porsche, Smell jimmy choo, wear Prada and walk mango. I did attend a lot of parties with companions whom I really cannot call friends like I did to those people I did in 2013. They’d just hang out with me; fill empty spaces in cars, some memory in the sim card and time in the schedule. Even though we didn’t share that ‘tell secrets’ factor. “Buzz” my phone rang.“Hello, Munira?” the voice on the other line questioned.

“Yes, speaking?” I threw back another question“Vikas, you remember? We were in St. Louis together and in the 11^th grade, I was your partner as well. I had gifted you a superman ring. Are you still that obsessed with that lunatic? Ha-ha. I’d pull your cheeks a dozen times a day to irritate you. Arrey, I’m the same guy who you and Armaan would call idiotic names and tickle.”“Vikas! Of course I remember you. The day when Shantanu sir slapped you and all of us left the class in a sign of protest! Anyways, how are you doing? How is life?“Munira, you don't have to be so formal with me. I know it’s been years, but recent  my wife was cleaning a really old shelf in the cupboard and a picture of our group fell down…I couldn’t think of anything else but to call one of you’ll. It was easy to get your number since you have become such a big shot. Anyways, I really thought, you know once in a while we all would catch up or bump into each other. It’s upsetting that our friendship turned out to be so vague.”“Firstly, you are married! Oh my god, who married you mad man?! Hahahha, I really miss all of this. AND hello, I’m not such a big shot okay? Don't exaggerate things like you always do. Even I thought that we all would meet at least once.” Talks with Vikas felt like we were back in the old times. Back in school with two pig tails and dirty brown uniforms. A sudden nostalgic feeling struck me and I did nothing but get the numbers of my lost friends from just dial. Well, it didn’t turn out to be like I had expected. Zoya couldn’t recognize me at all however hard I tried to tell her. She just couldn’t. I was shattered. My last definitions of friends were them, those whom I encountered in school. There is nothing worse than the feeling of being forgotten by those people whom you cannot forget. I did try calling up others, but some had changed their numbers, some had changed their countries while some had changed their friends.  I was financially doing a boom, still somewhere I lacked satisfaction. Back in 2013, I remember having a discussion that money was the ultimate source of happiness. Since it was better to cry in a BMW than on a cycle, but now a faithful shoulder seemed so much better than an empty car. I wanted to meet everyone at least once so I could say a bye properly and then, no more expect anything else. Frankly a reunion would have been so much better; there was nothing I could do. I was the only one who hadn’t moved on enough. Just to kill the urge, I finally sent a mail to all of them.

  Dear My St. Lousier, Every since the day we passed out and moved into our own ways, I had missed you all. It wasn’t easy for me to forget people whom I ate with, studied with, and got up with. So, I’m writing this just so that I could tell you’ll how lucky I was to have friends like you. Ramanika, I’m sure you have excelled in the field of medical and Zoya I know you still are a fashion maniac. I don't think I have ever told you this before but you guys were the best roommates ever. Kaira and Aman youll were the reason for my migrane attacks nevertheless I don’t think I will ever getting mad dancing partner like both of you. Dancing was beyond the limits of fun.

 Dearest Armaan, how I wish we could come back to those days when we would hum in class and the teacher would waste half the period finding the culprit. Not just this, but everything was so much more retarded when done together. Specially, writing those aimless stories when bald people came out of the principal’s office and killed everyone. It sounds so stupid now but we used to laugh on this for hours. Vikas and Hannah! I spent days weeping on your shoulders when I fought with mom, or failed a test and when Fishy died. I can’t thank you’ll enough. Kunal, Ayan and Nandu, all the nuisance were a million dollar thing. Helping in studies, specially chemistry and physics (if I’m a successful architect, it’s all because of you). It was so difficult to imagine me without you. Friendship was so important then, right?

 Holding hands all through school like, we finally cleared board exams with flying colours. All through think and thing we dealt it as a team. Me without you’ll was like a bird without wings. I love those times, I love you’ll. I kind of felt a vacuum between us all, so I just wanted to bid farewell. Last I remember was only hugs and tears, let’s make it happier this time. I haven’t really had friends ever since that time, I expected a comeback, but nevertheless, your place in my heart will always is statutory. It’s too emotional whatever I said so thanks for being patient and reading this.It was great to have you’ll making me smile,All through the childhood, you’ll were mine.

With warmest regards,

Munira

And then I logged out of my Gmail account and slept with the longest smile.