Sugarry Friend

This post goes out to my my kiddo friend (my childhood buddy). A friend as old as my bad thoughts. A friend since past 16 SUPERB years. Our friendship has been the strangest relationship in this world. We can anytime fail Rob Reine, the director of “When Harry Met Sally” by proving that yes! “A girl ‘nd a guy can be friends. In fact, best friends!” But this sensitive and totally argumentative topic shall be dealt some other time. For know, let’s talk about my friend :P Our friendship as I said was strange. We never exchanged gifts or cards on occasions. But I still remember the four wishes, in chronological order, every year were:

Him: “Happy Valentines! Bhagwan jaldi tujhe koi de de taaki mujhe chutkara mil jaaye”
Me: “Haan please! I don’t want to be wished by you either. Wo bhi sabse pehle?No way!".

Me: “Happy B’day! Bhagwan teri umar bhi mujhe de de. Oops! Teri meri ki galti ho gayi. Adjust kar li yaar.”
Him: “Tujhe kya karna itna jee k agar main hi na raha”Me: "Tu jab nahi hoga tab hi to jee paongi. Abhi to pakk rahi hun wo be tere bud-day waale din."

Him: “Badhai ho! Aaj aapne dharti pe ek aur saal nikal hi liya. Succesful lakdi! Waise Dharti Maa ko bhi badhai ho. Aakhir ab ek aur saal kam reh gaya na tera bojh uthane ka.”
Me: “Hunh! Jab main nahi hongi na tab tujhe pata chalega main kitni achhi hun” (Yeah Yeah !! I was a big time senti actor since my childhood days)

Me: “It’s Friendship’s Day tomorrow!”
Him: “Tujhe kya achaar daalna hai?”
Me: “Abe teez nahi hai jo achaar daalun. Kal doston ko thank you bolte hai. I’ll wish you early morning before I go to school. Don’t you dare go before meeting me warna achha nahi hoga”
Him: “Hunh! Isn’t it cool?”
Me: “Yeah! The idea na?”
Him: “No! Everyday, throughout the year, you just wish to come over to my house at night and kill me. And on this very day, you feel like thanking me.”
Me: “Whatever!”
Him: “Furrrrrrrrrr”

So we grew up, fighting fighting and finally parting. We have always tried to remain in touch. But know we realize that then, we had ourselves cropped the differences. Firstly, the physical difference. Distance did come between us. A difference between an engineering student and a commerce student’s thought. Then the difference of life styles of an all times hostler to a non-hostler. Moreover, destiny had something more. Difference between two people, difference between two souls - a change in emotions, in proirties. Meeting him again, say months, made me realize that now a days it has started hurting when I stress my facial muscles and jaw bones to smile. But then I had fun in the sun. (Its damn hot here) I loved it when he noticed that ‘his’ smile girl has become a ‘cry baby’. He pampered me with those good words! (I Love being pampered :D) We even fought :D I realized it’s all my fault that I maintained a distance.
But then not all days are bad...
So now I think of that scene from "When Harry Met Sally" where Harry Burns tells Sally Albright,
"I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

I just wanna make sure you get that Buckingham Palace of yours. :)

We had joy we had fun...
...We had seasons in the sun!

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Over-hyped or not?

If people are to be believed:
A Rs. 250/- ticket being sold at Rs. 12,000/-;
Rs. 17,00,000/- for a 10-sec advertisement;
One way ticket Mum-Chd: Wed Morning Rs 15,000;
India's richest people struggling to make it through;
Match territory declared no-fly zone;
Thunderstorm warning makes people scare more than Tsunami;
Offices have changed timings;
Citizens feel curfewed in iron-clad security;
Productivity might reduce by 70%;
(P.S. It's the final day of financial year)
PMs of two deadliest neighbors expected to be together;

Oh no! It's NOT just a cricket match.
As ToI quotes, "this is bigger than a match of cricket, it's of mammoth proportions". There is no thin line between victory and Defeat - there lies separation has Kashmir, three ruthless wars and tons of unspoken words...

P.P.S.: As per Business Standard, "Chandigarh's Industrial and Tourism Corporation has a special menu of mocktails named Dazzling Yorker, LBW, Captain’s Cooler, Googly and Cover Drive. The snacks include Chicken Short Leg, Fish Third Umpire and Prawns Short Leg. There is also a Chicken Caught and Bowled. People are hoping that chicken does not get replaced by names of cricketers when the match finally begins tomorrow."

P.P.P.S.: Biggest worry is Punjabi's everywhere - I mean, both the teams. :D

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30 Skills Every Woman Should Have Before Turning 30

Lol! Okay I know I have too many years to do most of this but I loved the list :) I saw it on Tanvii's and I have a similar reason to blog. I love the list + I need something to write. I haven't lost the zeal to write but I have lost the zeal to write. All the bloggers who once inspired me are no longer my readers. Actually they would read if they could but the thing is all of us - yes the huge blogspot group I had on my previous blog is almost dead. *I miss you guys!" And plus a huge thanks to Facebook notes - many have shifted to there and so have I :)
Anyways, back to my 30 list: (originally taken from here)

1. Hard-boil an egg - I do! :)
2. Diplomatically tell Mom to butt out - I choose not to. :)
3. Ace a job interview - Been there, done that.
4. Ask a man out - I wish I never have to else it would be #FAIL. :(
5. Send a thoughtful thank-you note - Done! After all gratitude is key to happiness.
6. Listen to a friend in need - Done!
7. Ask for help - umm not done! :( *HELP* !
8. Effectively end an unhealthy relationship (romantic or platonic in nature) - *pseudo* Done!
9. Beautifully wrap a gift - Done!
10. Say “no” gracefully - aaarrgghhh! I hate to say "yet to do".
11. Whip up a great dinner with the five items in her fridge - Done! (A thousand times...)
12. Forget pleasing him, by 30 a woman should be able to tell her man exactly how to please her- Way to go for this...
13. Sew a button - Yet to do.
14. Mix a kick-ass cocktail - Yet to do. Man! Am I far behind in life?
15. Take off her bra without removing her shirt - :P
16. Apply lip gloss in the dark - Done!
17. Balance her checkbook - I have to!
18. Create a budget - I have to!
19. Find the best deal - Done! Yayyy....
20. Negotiate a salary and/or pay raise - oops No.
21. Read a map - done done done !!
22. Hail a cab - :D
23. Say something in French just for the hell of it - yes!
24. Apologize when she’s wrong - Done! No harms in that.
25. Dress for her body type - yes.
26. Change a flat (or know whom to call to come change it) - Done!
27. Spot a fake (handbag, diamond, potential friend …) - Done! Handbag, diamond, *shoes*, friend (kinda..).. Good going Sach!
28. Feign interest - you bet?
29. Know what to tip on a $25 dinner bill - I do!
30. Hold a baby (Hey, someone you know is bound to have one sooner or later.) - Done!

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Mar 23, 1931 to Mar 23, 2011

Well this post goes out to all the stereotypical Indians (that can include me too) who post high status of their personal decision of who wins in a war of "Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar" or better I would say "Violence" or "Himsa" v/s "Mahatama Gandhi" or "Father of Nation" or "Non-Violence" or "Ahimsa". Everyone, had a common slogan: "Freedom for India"! Just that opinions and executions didn't match - isn't that Human? Has ever in history the concept of ruling party having same opinions like the opposing party happened? Did not both the *parties* wanted a free, educated India?

In last 80 years, are we able to achieve the freedom either party wanted? We support one, abuse other: well let's be rational. By either ways could we do a bit to what we support of? Could we manage to do justice to the sacrifices of these fighters and attain a position where we could say, "My India!". So many fighters came and went, do we even recall a bit of them. Just the date made people change their facebook profile pic and update status - but why? Why compare the freedom fighters? How many even know what date Mar. 23 brings? But yes, people talk of their views. How many of us faced it? Hardly any.
For minutes, let us forget the pre-independence era and talk about our times. How many of us, *the potential youth of India* remember the Kargil War? Oh no! If we think seeing that image of few lucky soldiers on top of mountain with a flag is all about how India won the WAR against Pakistan. Well, think again. Because once we know what it is; we might revisit history. And yes we might choose to not compare anybody's sacrifice or abuse any of the great souls! Instead we *might* learn what is the meaning of freedom.

Moving on to the pre-Independence days, as per Wikipedia, "Father of the Nation" is an honorific title given to a man considered the driving force behind the establishment of their country, state or nation. The term founding fathers may be used if more than one person is considered key. This name "Father of the Nation" was first used by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 1944 so isn't it obvious that even the himsa wadi (or followers of non-violence) believed in him. I am sure he wasn't being sarcastic over the radio from Singapore.

Anyways, we belong to anation that has freedom of speech* so no reason to argue. But I personally feel every one had their way and everyone represent a world of ideas and theories on their own. It is just that some choose the "Ahimsa" way and some the "Himsa" way. And since I have never lived that era, I don't have the slightest idea of what it took to live in a chained nation; all I can understand is that I like the "himsa" way but then I do NOT disagree to what the father of nation did. I for sure know the world remarks Gandhi's contribution. Be it peace organizations like U.N. or Google's web world or a famous street in Chicago - it is Gandhi. So let's be proud of him, even though we're may be more proud of other freedom fighters or if you're more proud of Gandhi ji then be proud of those who made a difference to the politics of British govt. because no country succeeds without a difference of opinion. And also, if you are ambassadors of "what India actually is", be honest! Be proud :)

"The aim of life is no more to control the mind, but to develop it harmoniously; not to achieve salvation here after, but to make the best use of it here below; and not to realise truth, beauty and good only in contemplation, but also in the actual experience of daily life; social progress depends not upon the ennoblement of the few but on the enrichment of democracy; universal brotherhood can be achieved only when there is an equality of opportunity - of opportunity in the social, political and individual life." — from Bhagat Singh's prison diary.

So, no matter who was right or wrong; let's not forget anyone's contribution. Let us carry the spirit of FREEDOM - be thankful for sacrifices of the fighters, carry the spirit of patriotism, maintain the integrity of which India is known of and be courageous. Let us not fight on what any Indian state is and is not.. let us be one and together. Because the goal was to activate youth for freedom struggle, inculcate a rational scientific attitude, fight communalism and end the practice of untouchability. So no matter whom we support: let us work for a better India. Don't just appreciate or crib, ACT! And yes, tell me how to act too..

Shaheedon ki chitaon par lagenge har baras mele,

Watan par mitne waalon ka yehi baaki nishan hoga...

Kabhi yeh b din aayega jab apna raaj dekhenge,

Jab apni hi zameen hogi aur apna aasmaan hoga...

P.S.:  I just got reminded of an old discussion where I so wanted to hang Kasab and now I am confused. :) So be light hearted because thoughts change with people, with days...

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Things that mothers teach their daughters

Mom and me are best friends - in honest opinion more than just best friends. The golden rule to keep the friendship stay best forever was taught by Mom and it is: "You might forget to tell somethings to your best friend, but never forget that you need to be honest." So following that I have seen life, and everytime I take a wise decision, I say to myself - well! Momma said so :)
This post is NOT an inspiration post after watching Forest Gump. It is a collection to be passed on to every daughter :-)
Feminism \m/

My root teaching was:
` Before you do anything, think! Think that you're not just responsible to yourself, but to your family, to a nation where a billion people live.
Yes, a billion people can hold me responsible for anything I do. It might not seem tough for me, but it could be worse to many. I might miss the point so think, think responsibily. Another talisman that I have always loved is:
` Love when you're ready and not when you're lonely.
So totally true! It is so hard to not fall for just anyone when you"re lonely _ specially after a breakup> :) All of us know that! The best I feel is to hold on to people you know would understand you no matter what:
` Parents have the hearts to love you when you're at your worst and arms to hold you when you're at your weakest.
Everyone knows this but still you should remember it and never ever say that:
` Women are Crazy Men Are Stupid
I so agree and shall always remember:
` Ever notice that people who spend money on beer, cigarettes and lottery tickets are always complaining about being broke and not feeling well?
Also,
` Don’t do drugs ’cause you can find the same effect just by standing up really fast.
:) :) :) Goes out to all those who hand their life to things that they should own and not otherwise.
I am sure someday I will use your:
` No man is perfect — you just have to find one whose quirks you can live with.
Ever thought that what you say could be golden:
` If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.
And and, I remember when I would be sad thinking Life is just a struggle, you would tell me:
` You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy.
I have strggled to realize that life is not just hard days, it's about conquering such days to find happiness. I remember you telling me how when one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
` Because in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years that will matter.
Yes, so the most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
You made me see positives in life. In my sad days, you were my unspoken untalked of strength. You taught me how not to run in circles ort shout, when in doubt.
` Fall over seven times, but get up eight.
Last but not surely not the least, I wish to share some thing I think has made me a better person:
` This too shall pass.

And something I have learnt on my own and shall be passed on ;) is:
` Don't look for a boyfriend who would be best, look for a boy who would be your best friend.

Mom, I look back on my childhood and thank the stars above. For everything you gave me, but mostly for your love. :-) Your words have been a source of strength and hope to me whenever life became a roller coaster. Clearly, you're the bank where I deposited all my pains and you converted them and gave a return of happiness. It is just because of you that,

Everyday I beat my own previous record for number of consecutive days I’ve had Life!

P.S. I would love to add more to the list, let it be universal Mother Daughter teachings!

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On banks of Yamuna...

“The Ganges front is the supreme showplace of Benares. 
Its tall bluffs are solidly caked from water to summit, along a stretch of three miles, with a splendid jumble of massive and picturesque masonry, a bewildering and beautiful confusion of stone platforms, temples, stair flights, rich and stately palaces....soaring stairways, sculptured temples, majestic palaces, softening away into the distances; and there is movement, motion, human life everywhere, and brilliantly costumed - streaming in rainbows up and down the lofty stairways, and massed in metaphorical gardens on the mile of great platforms at the river's edge.”
(Mark Twain, American Writer - 1835-1910)
P.S. - It's Vrindavan, banks of Yamuna.

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