Marriage Preps and excitement

It all began once the families met and we decided we want to tie the knot of marriage. Dec 10, 2020 marked the beginning of what came next. 

It was a clean slate then and we started talking what, where and how. Our hunt for the venue is what we began with and finalized it in about 2-3 days. Aslan had 2 of his friend accompany him. There was call center duty that we both took up before our feet touched the ground for the field work though. 

We worked on the numbers and also listed the next activities. In parallel looked for accommodation for our relatives who would travel several oceans and would shower their blessing on our D-Day. We then had a good 30 days break due to the month of margazhi which is not considered as auspicious to do any work related to marriage events.

We kept meeting with friends, one was with our BT boss - Veera (the tiger!). I lived the 2.5 yrs again as I narrated my journey of having loved Aslan and how I feel now. We had good dinner time with BMR and Dexter who joined along. 

I met Aslan on new year eve this year too as I have past 2 years. Thanks to him that he made it happen. Families exchanged wishes over call and we were all excited and eagerly awaiting Thai to be born (Pongal). 

It was now then on 25th Jan (date given by couple of well-wishers) that we shopped for marriage as the costumes were pretty simple and selection was easy. It was just the beginning of several other shopping drives. Kanchipuram, Sowcarpet, Phoenix, T-Nagar, Pondy Bazaar - Phew. What an experience! 

Aslan and I found time to have the invites done, Aslan and family travelled to Thanjavur and in about a week the invitations were given to all of their relatives. Whatsapp invites were running in parallel took us into the call center mode again.

Family shopping was another fun time. Got to spend time with Himani, Kuttyma, MIL and FIL. SIL is a much easy going person and has been supportive through out this prep-journey. 

Finally, comrades met and we had good time. Yes Karthiga (prod) was missing even this time. Preps at Gayu Aks house was another ball game altogether. Jewelry matching, bride relatives dress code, Make-up purchase and trials for hair-do - OMG OMG! Hats-off Gayu aks. 

I have to credit mom as she was my only pillar who helped me lose weight - as much as possible within the limited time and tolerated my tantrums time and again. Both our families have been on feet for 3 weeks now and have last 2 weeks for the D-Day. Still there are a few lot many things to-do. I am enjoying it. :)

I couldn't have asked for more God! Thanks! 

Love you loads!   

Vaishali (soon Mrs Prasanna to be)

Human Behavior – Not a saint Not a demon, just being Human

Human Behaviour – Not a saint Not a demon, just being Human

I had been worried of the lockdown ever since announced. Worried not for what will happen now? I am confident the experts are on duty and there are several services of government who have been working to protect and give it their best shot.

My worry is about me – Physical and Mental – ME. I would want to thank this Debate Queen – Karthiga, my friend who reiterated like the several other friends that I need to let go.

I have always believed that I am strong psychologically – I fall and get back on feet in no time. Any person I have come across also has been appreciative of the same. This phase that I live today has made me understand every bit of me all over again and trust me it is all new. Every day has been a different experience. Highs and lows are always there. I have believed it was normal to calm yourself when required. I am badly mistaken. I actually am better left aside alone; my rebound is faster. I thought maybe I am getting obsessed with self. I decided to focus on my family members to check this new theory.

When in irritation I tried to calm them. I have also asked them to reflect on their behaviour and see if they would want to course correct whatever possible. I discovered it was a bad idea because they ended up reliving that unpleasant moment.

It is very well said – you cannot go back and change happened in the past; you can make a change in future. That doesn’t mean you have to wait for the same instance to be faced with and get conscious and make it even more messy. My family actually reacted as per the theory. Leave them alone and they did get back home. They come back to normal when left alone and not spoken to about the unpleasant incident. After recovering, they behave as if that moment never existed.

We learn in this journey of life and needn’t or rather shouldn’t be colored by our experiences. We learnt everything that makes us a human being and to be on our own after we stepped into this world. Man is an amazing machine and all respect to the Mechanic. We are already tuned well and we only need to absorb further through our experiences. Not to be afraid and refrain but to learn to combat what is lying ahead of us.

This shall also pass-by and I can say this confidently NOW. I have begun focusing on people rather than the mistakes. I like my friends and family and they are important not the errs we do. Most importantly, I am beginning to discover this side of me – trying to understand what it means to forget.

This journey is new and I hope to enjoy it. Let’s see if you recognize the new me!

Corporates and Human Resources

Corporates are called Giants and Humans as Resources - very well paired words they are. It can be very evidently felt that corporate world is a giant and humans are only the resources. I do not mean to be-little " Humans" but would want to draw your attention to the state of our workplace today.

It is expected of the employers to provide for a Good workplace and a healthy environment. How do we define this? Let's take one at a time.


Good workplace - We all have hygiene in-built and it's degree alone differs from person to person. In the corporate world it is a standard and cannot afford to go lower than the expected. So, a spacious workplace, lights, airy, having central a/c vents, washrooms, cafeteria and most importantly - Salary and benefits.
All are tangible and can be satisfying for almost all employees. The crucial one it is called yet being fulfilled. I guess then we are mistaken with the meaning of Crucial. Something that is crucial cannot be so easily dealt with. It has to have involvement at all times.

The real crucial factor that determines the mental health of any employee is thus the - Healthy Environment. Why do I use the word - mental health? Well, that is the driver for our entire human body system to function properly.

I heard a few voices and here's what the voice of an employee is -

Good manager sub-ordinate relationship:
Trusting team members with the work given, giving adequate training, having mentor to look up to, unbiased and non-discriminated viewpoint, equal opportunity to voice opinion for/against, dealing with the situation rather than the person, avoiding stepping into personal space of each other

Freedom of thought and inclusiveness
Management by objectives, empowerment, growth opportunities for mutual benefit, having employee forums for opinions to be shared for betterment of the organization, good employee engagement practices

This list can go for pages. The point I am trying to make is - today we have leaders in technology and in people management. We have however not been able to raise leaders who can strike the balance between the two and also be cognizant of the fact the one size doesn't fit all.

If corporate managers feel they are doing their best and yet their team members leave, it is time to refresh the basics. Being empathetic, understanding why and what the employee/team member says and very cautiously practice not to frame opinions and judgement basis these. The employee may be in a different state and if corporate calls itself a Giant - Please be the Bigger person LITERALLY.

It will in no-time become a employee driven space where employers who fail to understand the dynamics of the employees would drown and it will only impact hem and not the workforce. There is always need for good talent and it will be appreciated.

Employers need to embrace the changing dynamics to see a better future and dive confidently into the CHANGE that is inevitable.

I would like to leave the reader with the thought that there is also the OTHER SIDE to this dynamics and you will be able to read that in the next post.

Re-discovering SELF!!!

Can anyone really be in LOVE!

I have laughed over it and have made fun of people enough when they said " I am in Love and it is beautiful!! ". It never meant anything to me beyond two people trying to impress each other for the sake of being together. It was according to me never possible for two strangers come together and be in LOVE for a lifetime.

Love has to be an emotion and there is always change of behaviour with change of emotions. How can anyone all time be smiling / all time be crying and hence all time be in LOVE.

Relationship/companionship has its own package and I have experienced it. LOVE was not the foundation though. It had been the FEEL GOOD factor that always held me closer to my friends and Family.

the years 2013 till 2015 had been a turmoil and 2018 invited me into it with arms wide open. The journey looked beautiful. There was a moment of emotion that I never realized what it was and went drowning into it.

The year 2018 revealed more about me - Good - Bad - Ugly and I only loved myself more. I further discovered that I was right. LOVE is an emotion only and not e RELATIONSHIP status. It cannot fade with time not be erased by anything that existed in this universe.

Whenever I wanted to fight back my emotions I only felt weaker and was losing my SELF. I made my mind to accept what is and get going with the flow. Life never seemed easier before and I was enjoying it. This is not stable either.

Feeling Love for someone outside you was one while for someone in YOU is the key to be happy. While I yearn for reciprocation I felt it as an expectation and that was never going to be fulfilled.

I would want to discover more about myself and hence I long for my ME time.

My friends call me Crazy and Mad. I am one!!!

The Strange ME!

While I have been believing all this while that I would not blame the situation, I have been doing just that. I experienced - "Better Late than Never" as I see myself making an effort to stand low while emotionally not in control. That statement really is a puzzle. I couldn't write it any better.

I have been fighting a fool and have been trying to play the game mastered for more than 2 decades. I then realised I had given into stress and have fooled myself by thinking I am going to beat him in his game. That's not my cup of tea!

I took a step back and have been in talks with my well-wishers. All thanks to Dexter, BMR and Aslan. For longer now ( I don't remember since when), Dexter has been a great source of relief. Talking to him gives me clarity as I hardly see the film of judgement that any other person would have.

Aslan and BMR have been the pillars all throughout. There is definitely better relief I felt when dealt with in person and that was possible because of Dexter.

I wonder at times why I write my experiences here. Here's what I want to achieve. 

                I WANT THE UNIVERSE TO LISTEN

All said and done, when it doesn't seem right, it cannot be the end. It now ia in the hands of the UNIVERSE to protect me from the Corporate foll and Vice versa (accommodating the fact that I could equally be at fault from the other viewpoint).

I would share details of the scenario and the conclusion when I reach there.

A weekend worth living!

It all began with a plan to catch up with the BMR and Aslan. I had to take a few steps - precautions to what was expected to follow. We decided to meet at BMR's house and then head to Chrysalis site along with Aslan.

I got the address from Ramya, the directions from Aslan and reached the place - without getting lost :P. I met Ramya and Aslan whom i could already hear roaring in laughter while i was climbing up the stairs. We made plans on how things can be laid in case I make my move. Real helpful people I have met and they really went a way ahead in helping me put things in place. I could get a little better picture so that I can make my decision when the time comes.

Ramya's Husband and 2nd daughter came over to pick Ramya on their way back home. It was then we realised Ramya would not accompany to Chrysalis. Aslan and I headed towards the site and when we reached, Sun played its part and burnt us a little during our walk from the parking to the site's view.

Post that we headed to Aslan's house. That was a totally unexpected invite from Aslan knowing him as a person too busy on weekends. we had our lunch with Palani and then parted ways. I collected a few chocolates and a game for Himani. When we reached his house, their family was fast asleep. We then found place in Aslan's personal room and I could hear his mom asking us for tea / coffee. I could see the violin ket in attic and asked Aslan whether we can dust it at least. He accepted and I dint want to wait a moment and quickly got the violin on his bed. He very carefully dusted it and to my astonishment started tuning it to play.

In the meantime Himani woke up. She being herself insisted to play and was having her part of fun with it. Nothing like watching a musician enjoy playing that there was a real smile on Aslan's face. I could sense he was happy for having touched the strings he had once enjoyed. We then got busy with the Lego blocks game along with Kuttyma and Himani.

Until 7 pm we were enjoying arranging and making new shapes. It was growing darker and I chose to start back home considering I will have a long distance to cover through public transport. I bid goodbye to all and asked Himani to visit home the next weekend which she accepted to without any second thought.

Aslan dropped me closer to Tambaram railway station and got back home in an hour. I thanked Aslan for the relaxing experience i had at his house.

It is important to spend time doing what we like, whom we want to be with and most importantly, feel and be Our won self. That was nice that day.

Until I write next, take care and Be Present where you are and in what you do.

Let the child in you Live !!!

I want to write today - Philosophically :). Here I go.

Life has been an enriching journey - Highs and Lows. I can't quantify them neither compare. They both has left their mark in my life.

I find faults in me and try not course correct. Now I wonder, why should I do that. I have been what I am. I cannot negate what it made me feel like then and even now.

I wonder how a human being is. While the whole world can seem like a BAD person and you alone are the best, I feel like saying - Get off the bubble, you do not have to play the victim card.

Life gives all of us the same situations and we all do act and most of the times react. We make our choices. It is only that moment that had life then, we make it live throughout by reliving in that moment. This is our choice too.

It is a bliss to stay a child at heart. That is the only way out for us to stay out of or over come anything unpleasant that we have faced or felt. I child lives every moment and that moment literally passes away after.

I am trying and I am wondering if there are a few others too who practice this. I am sure there are because no thought exists in isolation.

Until other thoughts cross my mind and I wish to pen them down here, enjoy life and stay blessed!

EGO - Is it the birth right of a "MAN"???

A very different behavior that I have always come across. Today it just was about my head off and I would have ended up thrashing the person with my words.

I have always been amazed at well-behaved and well-mannered people whom I have seen mostly in Chennai. That's the place I have spent most of my life. There is so much of assertiveness always felt and appreciated. Doing your work by self is an act to feel proud of or good about. Clearing the mess off and maintaining cleanliness is also practiced at home. This WAS reality. The today looks very different. Everyone at some point thinks " why should I do it" I am above all these. This work is for the underprivileged." UNDERPRIVILEGED???? Who defines this???

Why was it still so difficult to wipe the table where you had your lunch??? You had to be told by another colleague who happened to be a woman. That's me. It all began here. I informed him to either clear the table by self or to call his friends who ate lunch along with him. He said he would come with his friends and never turned up until I finished my lunch and saw the person busily working with his friends. When asked, this person came up with excuse of no tissue papers available. I handed over the tissue paper to the person and mentioned again to clean up and leave the remaining tissue at the pantry itself.

There was a weird discomfort this person had on his face. Not just HIM but the 4 other members who had their lunch were still at their desk. Not a limb moved. The instant question within myself definitely was " how can you guys be so cold?" . Later I only pitied them.

Is it so difficult to clear the mess that you create yourself. I think that's the worst state any human being can be and we are talking about India's progress, Prosperity. We have belittled ourselves in this era of the so call IT WORLD.

Those who ruthlessly ruled us years ago are still ruling us as they have sowed their seeds in our mind, behavior and we continue to be their slaves leaving aside our manners of staying clean and healthy.

Human behavior is subject to environmental risk. Please read the human behavior thoroughly before you bump into someone the next time. Saves you a lot of your time and energy.

Life has many more experiences of human behavior to unfold. I am hoping for more!

Is this a new beginning or a sour bend until we meet next ???

Life couldn’t have been ruthless more than what it had to bring on in one flush. I must say, “ Life, Well played. But you know what, bring it on”. Nothing shakes me off anymore. The pain is boundless and yet the show will go on.

This is me today. Ever since October, it has been a fight all day, every moment. What would it be to be here without you guys around. Definitely a panic state when they made the decision to set their path away. This was coming after 2 months only but the panic set in right then when the news broke.

Days passed and so did our time spent together. I finally made up my mind and decided – let’s live in the moment. What is to happen after 2 months is not in my control. But my NOW is definitely at my disposal. There have been several joyous moments, travel to another colleagues house, Pizza hut eat out, Rottu kadai talks, morning/evening ride calls and what not. I guess life is meant to be lived like how a child does.

These two months have been great and I wish only success to my two besties. The first life plug was BMR which got pulled off within a week’s time of my joining the gang of SP Tea Shop. However would get nebulization whenever in panic. The rest was taken care of through the tea talks, Strang tea galata, Paniyaram, My conversations in TAMIL language that kept the show going.

I am sure this is a different phase, not something that I ever dreamt of. 

Aslan, you have been a great strength and I will continue to feel it the same way. 

Pombla Aslan, our paniyaram will miss us.

Well I guess Dexter and I will continue the tea talks without being spoil sports.

I believe it is only until we meet next at a point where we get to be together and have gala time at work - Sometime in life.

I am waiting……

What a start of the series of weekend outings! – Return journey to Chennai!

As we came down we got to know that the train was getting delayed but not sure how late. We still got in an auto and headed to the station. At the station we rushed to the platform and spotted A2B. Her train had arrived then at the platform. She looked worried for us as the train was delayed by 5 hours. All our jaws dropped 5 feet down. We still managed to laugh at it as if nothing bothered us. We comforted A2B and allowed her board the train. We got to the TTR and got to know the train was delayed by 12 hours. Which means we are stuck for the night and will get the train only at 5.50 am next day.

We started exploring options – Bus, Flight alternative train. All seemed in vain as the costs were high and it was definitely not worth according to us. We took a reservation form and wrote the details on it to book alternative train. The booking was closed. We then were told Suvidha train will have 2 general coaches getting attached additionally. We were not quite comfortable with the idea and went out of the station with long faces. Still contemplating what to do, I informed my manager on whatsapp msg about the mess. Then we decided to stay at the station and headed to enquire about the station dormitory.

The person in-charge at the office spoke like one irresponsible person. I wonder how come railway stations have such lousy people and expect passengers to get help from them. We were irritated with him and stepped out of the office and tried checking if he was cheating too much with the cost. He was asking only little more than the actual cost and so we accepted. We were not allowed to wait outside and office and so we came back to the waiting area.

We found place to be seated. Satz and I wanted to charge our mobiles and so we started looking for charging points. We left behind Christy and Kim at the waiting lounge. We were talking random topics. One passer by enquired about Alleppey express being cancelled. Satz with expression “same peeling” was guiding the passer by. Exactly at the same time we could see a train coming to the platform and halting. Satz then read the board and said it loud” this is Suvidha express. Look for seats here as there is general compartments added”. May be that was his inner voice that spoke aloud to him too. He told me to keep a watch on the mobiles while charging and he wanted to check whether we will be able to get any seats to travel. He headed to the front of the train to check for seats. It was less than a minute and Satz’s phone rang. I avoided the first 2 rings thinking it must be from his wife Nithya. I wanted to avoid it because I would not have an answer as to when we were returning and thought maybe she would get worked up. Then I just glanced at the phone it was from Kim. I answered the cal. She says “ Come to the last coach of the Suvidha express we are boarding this train and leaving right away. I was awestruck. I couldn’t believe my ears “ we are leaving to Chennai right away”. I quickly looked in the direction that Satz headed and could figure a lean skinny person amidst the crowd. I screamed from where the mobiles were on charging, but in vain. I quickly unplugged both our mobiles and the chargers. I started waking swiftly and shouting “ Satti Satti”. Yet he couldn’t hear me. I took to me heals and ran at my pace calling his name “ Satti Satti”. All the people on the platform stared at me as if a girl was running behind a guy to convince him. Damn! Why can’t people mind their own business.

I screamed further at the top most pitch of my voice and there the guy turned and looked at me amazed as if asking why was I running and screaming. I told him that Kim and Christy have found some place in the last coach Suvidha express and we are leaving to Chennai. We took to heels again towards the last coach and spotted Kim trying to move the luggage. We grabbed our started our next round of screaming. This time “ Christy , Christy”. There we spotted him and quickly boarded the train. We made place for ourselves. Satz and Christy then went to take the ticket and dinner. They called from the shop to check for chips that is required.

While returning they also bought playing cards. Very impressive of Christy! Go getter!!

The train started and the journey began. We opened the pack of cards and started playing ASS. Game after game without surprise I would be the last one to finish and would earn myself an “A” card. Kim would ROFL followed by Christy and Satz. Sat and Christy played like masters of the game. However, Kim seemed to get jealous of me ad started getting “A” card in game after game. Finally, she earned herself all the four “A cards and won it! Definitely won it!

We took a break and I went to the restroom. Definitely crowded and I definitely learnt a good deal of lesson. I returned and Satz was very concerned as I seemed completely off. We still resumed playing and we were all laughs as I started the trend again. There was a good observation Christy made. Whenever I would earn 2 cards, the immediate next game, Kim would take on from me. This was amazing. This went on till 11 PM.

We then decided to eat dinner and relax. We got our mobile phones charged and I put on my earphones. Satz’ head kept bouncing in the air. Christy and I managed to keep moving as we were near the window seat. I was on whatsapp and also listening to songs. Every time I tried to sleep I could not and so I decided let’s no sleep. It was 6 in the morning and we could still see the crowd around us. I made my mind this is going to be the same until we off board.

Kim and I took turns and stood for some time. It was painful to sit that long. We reached Arakkonam around 7 and the engine driver dint seem to like the idea of reaching on-time or before time. He would start the engine and after moving for a minute would switch off the engine. This happened for an hour and we finally read the board on the station we entered as Arakkonam.

From here it was about an hour or so. The train started after half hour. Christy decided to get off in Perambur and he did so. We passed on his chips cover through the window for his ease.  We waved him good-bye and continued as the train started. We then entered Chennai station and got our suitcases out. We got ready to off board and suddenly glanced at the hanger near the window. We almost forgot about our chips packets. We quickly grabbed that too and off boarded the train. Kim booked the cab to Vadapalani and was trying to add a stop in between to her house. The network seems to have some problem. Satz also got his drive to his house. Kim and I got in the cab and kept trying nothing worked. She dropped me at home and in the same cab booked for her home drop.

It was laughs, laughs, laughs, laughs, laughs, laughs, laughs and laughs only all through the trip.

 I wished the clock stayed still for some more time!!!

What a start of the series of weekend outings! – Post wedding: Fun Unlimited!

We reached Lu Lu mall in about half hour or lesser than that. We entered the mall which looked just the same as any other mall. Up to the first floor in the escalator, we got into a shop which read Lu Lu shop. We struggled getting a groupie done there. We managed yet. The selfie stick made it happen.

Christ headed to the kids section, Kim picked one kurti. Satz and I were still wondering what to look for. We looked at jewellery for Nithya. He then said let’s look for bangles. At the bangles session the sales person was kind enough as Satz was doing his selection. He chose about 3-4 sets. I picked set of bands as they were big enough to bun my hair as a pony. We got the billing done and saw Kim waving at us. She thought we were playing hide and seek with her. Seriously!!!! :P

She looked for something at the earring session and bought herself a pair of wooden earrings. Christy until then was still stuck with his choices. Then we quickly helped him with his decision and got out of the Lulu Mall. We crossed and got to the other end of the road. The real fun this was. The vehicles were disciplined enough. Why? The vehicles that intended to take the bridge were free to go while those who dint want to take the bridge, they lined themselves one behind the other closer to the left side of the road. We kept waiting for share auto and when we got one they were charging double the cost.

We almost let go of 2 autos hoping to find the 3^rd one. We couldn’t see one coming any closer. We then got to the middle of the road and were waiting for the auto. Awesomely insane it seemed. There came an auto which was followed by bigger cars. Satz was only enquiring the rate and the cars started honking. The driver asked us to jump in first and we can negotiate on the way. What an experience. We all got into the running auto. I couldn’t relate anything else but jab we met. OMG! Can you seriously do something like this. We then got the negotiation done and settled for amount that we felt was fine. It was a breezy drive and we enjoyed giggling all the way. There was an anxiety because we had our train scheduled at 5.50 pm and we had only an hour left. The moment we reached the hotel, we settled the auto driver and took to heels and reached the hotel room to pack and start.

What a start of the series of weekend outings! - Jhuu’s wedding : D-Day!

We got to our rooms. Changed into comfortable wear and sat down to chat for some time. This was shortest of the discussion duration. We then bid good night to the gentlemen and got on bed. I was staring at my mobile and Kim at hers. I quite dint realise when I slept off after my chat on whatsapp as usual.

I woke up and looked at the watch. It was only 8.00 am. Ghosh! I wanted to wake up at 6.00 am and go for a long walk. I still dint stop myself. I brushed my teeth, had some water and was set to start the walk. I woke up Kim and told her I will take a quick walk around and return. I knocked at the boys’ room door and told them the same. It was a beautiful morning for sure. I walked towards the left side from the hotel and dint quite like the idea of walking as it was too busy a road and led to the main road with too many vehicles around. I took my route back and chose the road on the right side of the hotel.

It felt so nice to take a stroll as the breeze brushed along my cheek side. It smelled really refreshing. I called mom to check on her. It was Rangoli watching time with Mum on Sunday. Mom as usual dint answer the call. But returned the call in no time and yelled at me for not waiting until she could reach her mobile and answer it. We then laughed over silly topic and hung the call. I walked about 15 mins away from the hotel and then decided to walk back as I was not sure I would remember the way back beyond that point. Back in the hotel, checked on the boys and they said we can have our breakfast. I informed Kim the same and we took shower and were ready.

The boys we already waiting and we also joined them. The boys dint seem to be dressed for the occasion. I heard them say that we would leave after breakfast. But they said we will have breakfast and then return to the hotel to change into the wedding outfit. Kim starred at me I told her I heard it otherwise. She then consoled both of us - For once, we will be ready and wait for the gentlemen.

We went to a vegetarian restaurant nearby and sat at the empty table. We got the menu book (yes it was a book) and wanted to place the order. Ghee roast, Bullet Idli (it looked different name on the menu), normal idli and upma. The waiter said that normal idli is not available. I changed my order to bullet idli. We eagerly waited to know what bullet idli would look like. Satz and I couldn’t help it but stare at each other when bullet idli arrived. It was mini idli of HSB. We mocked at the menu for some time and got to the job. Filled our stomach with breakfast, we were on the road looking for a proper place to buy chips. 

We couldn’t find it and decided to head to the hotel and get head to the wedding. Kim and Christy visited ATM to withdraw cash and then we reached the hotel. The boys were ready in no time and we set to the church. We were looking for known faces and found one at few meters from the main gate of the church. He guided us to the hall by giving us directions.

The four of us were on one side of the corridor outside the hall. Kim then said lets go the other side of the corridor as we saw many women sitting on that side and we could wait there. The prayers were happening and the rituals too. Nothing I could relate much though except the smile and happiness on the face of the Bride and the Groom along with their family members.

Once done, we all entered the hall and wanted to wish Jhuu. Satz and Kim clicked lot of pics of the couple. The couple ws ready for the next custom to head to the hall for lunch. The moment the couple was out of the hall and waiting to get into the car to take them the hall, Kim / Christy thought, why not hand over the wedding gift to the couple and also click photos quickly. Without any second though, Kim grabbed Bezy and Mithun just before they could enter the car, handed over the gift envelope and clicked groupies. Hilarious moment. The whole family was waiting for the couple and we just jumped out of nowhere.  

We released the couple and they were headed to the hall. We reached the hall following the group. There was a beautifully set hall, the stage and there came the couple. Again we started our selfie session on the way itself we then moved into the hall and found ourselves a place near the stage to have a better view. The host shared with the Groom what the Bride knew about him and then vice versa. That was so cute. Then the host announced for the lunch to begin. We were closer to the counter, grabbed ourselves a plate each, served the biriyani, NV, pappadam, a bottle of water and found empty hairs at the rear end of the hall. We then also enjoyed the dessert. A2B got a bit emotional. She had to as she was seated with Jhuu for long before she had quit.

Having eaten stomach full, we got to the stage and clicked proper photos. We wished the couple a happy journey for their new beginning and took leave. We also wished the Jhuu’s father and family and bid them good-bye. At the entrance of the hall, a white piece of cloth was framed for friends and family to leave their message for the couple. We dint spare it either. We scribbled our bit of love and finally headed to the main road. In the share auto, we headed to the Lu Lu Mall.

What a start of the series of weekend outings! - Jhuu’s wedding : Long awaited Ernakkulum Junction and Family Fun!

Christy came over to our coach and asked if I needed anything. We had medhu vada and then sat together yapping. Satz’s phone rang and I woke him up. After the call, we trio had bhajji at Thrissur station. We saw Kim swinging like a pendulum on the seat. It is hard to imagine. I will make it simpler. She would sleep with her legs facing the window for some time, wake up and affirm that she is not able to sleep. Again sleep on the berth but this time with her head near the window. Once we reached Ernakkulum town, we got ready. A2B called in between and we coordinated for our accommodation. Through the journey as we got closer to the destination, I kept texting Bezy on Whatsapp and the information is again classifieds as she would shy off.

At the Ernakkulum junction station, we off-boarded the train and walked towards the exit and caught the share auto guy as it seemed to be cheaper than any taxi services. He got us to our destination and we met Bezy and A2B.

We got our rooms keys and entered to freshen up. A2B and Bezy told us about the plan of the evening function so that we can go around sightseeing if we wished to. Christy and Satz already bathed and told us to get ready too as we were all feeling hungry. Quickly freshened up and the four of us set out to look for a restaurant. We had Biryani, and appam and kadallai curry. Nothing matches the taste of Biryani in Chennai. After lunch, we decided to head to our hotel room for a small nap. It was just 2 hours nap and we started to Marine drive around 5.30 PM.

We took the share auto and reached marine drive. I was disappointed as I was imagining the Marine drive in Mumbai. My bad! We still had fun because all that mattered was we being together. We clicked lot of selfies. The sky seemed to darken and we thought it would be the usual dusk. Well, that’s not what it was. The clouds were getting darker as time passed by.

We finally decided to scoot out as we had real big droplets hitting us from the sky. Yes simply – Raining. It was so nice breeze that I mentioned to my friends – I wish we could ride when it is heavily raining. There came the heavy down pour as we crossed the road and ran to a shelter. As the rain took some break, Satz would approach the running auto to ask for drop. Kim followed him too. Christy and I waited under the shelter. The moment the auto wala was fine, kim entered and took to fleet and as the 2^nd one to jump into the auto. Then Christy and then Satz. So it was Kim and Satz who were seated at the end of the auto. Christy and I were not much affected by the downpour. Immediately Satz turned to me and mocked at me reiterating my statement – Is this how much you enjoy rain that you pushed me aside and ran inside the auto. We couldn’t stop laughing. As we neared our hotel, we took to heels again. Back in our rooms, we quickly changed into dryer clothing and assembled again to view the match. After that started out stories again. Classifieds!!! Please do not ask.

A2B called and said they were waiting for us at the function. Kim than told her we will come once the rain gets a little lighter. We quickly changed again and headed out of the hotel after 10 mins. We took an auto and reached Jhuu’s aunt’s place. The auto guy dropped us a few meters away. The sound of celebration was so loud that it led us to the right house.

The moment we were in, we could hear A2b screaming at the top of her voice. As usual excited HAK (Hyper active Kid). All the ladies were dressed alike. Jhuu still made it evident by wearing the sash which read – TO Be Bride! The whole family was singing and dancing. Every family person welcomed us with broad smile. I was so amazed to see even the children greeting us, as king our names and welcoming us. The warmth was so nice. Satz got special attention. He enjoyed it and got to have a quick glass of his drink. Christy had little vine. Satz was back with us too quick and then we had our dinner. There were dance movements and little gala time. The family dint seem to stop for the night. They took a quick nap for 15 mins yet the men of the family were singing all throughout.

Jhuu’s father was all smiles and sang his heart loud. We couldn’t understand and follow anything though. But a father’s happiness definitely knew no bounds and it reflected on his face. The fairly was back in action. Played songs, danced to the tunes of their heart though. 

Kim seemed to have problem with receiving network on her mobile. A2B guided her to the terrace and returned to us and said that Kim will be at the terrace for some time. Satz asked why not we all head to the terrace. We dint waste time and were there at the terrace. We spoke again unrelated happening. It took me by surprise when Satz mentioned about one of the wedding that was happening the next day. He lost it completely when I asked him why he never told me because he already told me that during our train travel. In fact he also showed me the pic of the to be couple too. The group just broke in big laughter at my reaction as I almost lost it and kept screaming – OMG KIM! OMG KIM! OMG KIM! OMG KIM!. I could not have been dumber I thought to myself.

Jhuu told us that one of her family member will drop us back. In about 15 mins we were set to leave. We had small topics to talk on our way. Uncle then mentioned that there was a shop close by which sold good Elaneer Shake. We were fine to try it. He took us to the shop but the shop was just shutting down. We decided to try it the next day.

What a start of the series of weekend outings! - Jhuu’s wedding : From boarding the auto till the we met Kim!

In my last post I wrote about how amazing planning works and you enjoy being out with friends and spend quality time. Well! Life just surprised me during this trip to Ernakulam. It may sound as if I am giving clue that this would have also worked. Well, that is not what I intend to say. Read along and enjoy the journey!

In March Satz calls up and shares the new that Jhuu is getting married. I was so happy to hear. It as a moment of another get together. When he mentioned that it is in Kochi and he was going to book tickets, I told him I need to check. He told that I have been giving excuses and I will find one even this time (Which is definitely not true). So, this time he will book the tickets and I have to come along. In the mean time I spoke to Mom and informed her that I have plans of traveling on 4^th May till 6^th May for Jhuu’s marriage. Jhuu calls me just after she will call me to invite personally. I congratulated her and comforted her saying, I will definitely make it this time.

I called Satz back and he says he already booked the tickets. He was really serious when he said “ You have to make it to the marriage – DOT!”. For about a month, absolute silence and as we neared the end of April, I got reminded of my May weekend plans. The first one was Jhuu’s marriage.

I called up Satz and asked for the tickets as I wanted to know the train timings. He shares a screenshot of the ticket after 2 days and still we haven’t discussed what plans as there was 2 days plan. We caught up on call on 4^th May and discussed about how to travel. The berths were still on RAC. I mentioned to get snacks so that we can kill time. Satz asked for movie too but I was sceptical to commit on it as I was not sure if my brother will have anything interesting. We hung up and confirmed to each other to catch up at the railway station.

At office it was a usual day. I however was over excited and looking forward to the travel to Ernakulam. The day passed by and by 6 PM I left office. Almost everyone could make out at office that I was excited about this weekend. I reached home by 6.30 PM and did the final touch to the packing. Mom gave me a cup of tea and I took her leave after informing Karu to take care of her and self.

Satz called up while I off boarded the auto. I already had reached and got the platform number for Alleppey express as D11. I informed the same to him and he mentioned it to Christy. Satz reached and again I was caught with not being able to direct him. He finally stands in front of me and stares at me . I understood his stare that he almost felt like knocking on my head. We wanted to get dinner for him and so we headed to the railway station canteen. Just to be sure, Satz looked at the board where the train numbers and platforms were displayed. Alas! I was dead. The platform was # 6 for Alleppey Express and I had seen it as platform 11. He stared at me and this time annoyed. How could you mention a wrong platform number. We then quickly got dinner for him, informed Christy about the platform number and headed to platform#6.

On the way Satz wished there were girls ll around in the coach. Well, I being myself, I said “ no ways. There will only be monkey crowd around”. And guess what – it was fact. Christy’s voice alone heard from a nearby distance, we started looking outside the window from him. Again he called out to us and asked to look on the opposite side. We found him there smiling and waving. It was emergency exit pane and so I asked him to jump in. The joke dint take off at all.

Christy then left his luggage with us and bought 2 water bottles. The engine whistled and we were on the way to Ernakulum. We were meeting after long and the whole night was a pandora of stories and stories and stories. What were they – Shhhhh! Classifieds! Hilarious though and we couldn’t stop talking at least until Satz felt hungry. After his dinner, we continued the stories again. I shared my bit of story which Christy was not aware and yet he held a very plain expression. Very fervently nodding though to acknowledge that he was all ears.

Around 12 Christy decided to get to his place as the TTR was on rounds. Somewhere around this time the TTR asked about our 4^th partner in crime. Kim was only going to board the train at Salem. Christy very calmly slipped the topic again under the carpet – Definitely Successfully.

Satz was on his mobile with Bahubali 2 and I was on my mobile listening to song and chatting on whatsapp with my friend. After 2 hours, Satz and I looked at each other. We again started the stories and little and kept each other awake as we were waiting for Kim to board. We had a cup of coffee each. It was little better as I was too hungry. After sometime, Satz would say 2-3 words in the sentence that he wants to talk and then hung his head. He was literally falling asleep. I told him to occupy the berth that was abandoned by the earlier passenger. Satz being the concerned Leo, he was insistent that only after Kim boarded the train, we can decide on sleeping. At 4.30 am, the train got herself into Salem station and Satz spotted Kim. We met and started yapping. Satz was too sleepy and so he dozed off. Kim placed her luggage on the berth and Satz took the 1/4^th of the berth to sleep around the luggage.

Throughout the journey from 12 am I kept pestering Satz that I was feeling hungry. All I could hear him say ”I already warned you that you will feel hungry”. Kim and I caught up on what we missed. Finally around 5.30 am at a station we saw the vendor selling biscuits. I quickly bought biscuits and jaggery-nuts snack and boarded the train. Once in, opened the biscuit and ate as much as required. Kim seemed to be feeling sleepy, found another berth vacant and stretched herself there. I couldn’t sleep as it pained in my stomach as I dint eat on time. By the time I decided to sleep it was 6.30 am. I hardly slept for an hour and could hear the vanar sena shout loud. I woke up with a heavy headache.

My Bubble World!

I see this dream of you and me

Holding hands in the moonlit night

With not much words but our eyes do talk

Along the shore as we walk.

The day passed by and yet we are here

The shining moon alone smiling there

The water sparkled with little ripples

Our eyes still intact with small giggles.

I cherish this bubble and would do so for a lifetime

For it is the air I breathe and the light I see

I wonder always whether you would ever be mine

With a beachside home to vine and dine.

Not another life around to be seen at the farthest bend

But just you and me for a lifetime and further till the end.

A day worth spending !!!

Every well planed event definitely gives good results. Asha and I planned for our Sunday a week ago. Nothing like being with a like minded person, she arrived home as planned. We had lunch and left to EA. Googles maps helped us our way to EA as I was not sure of the route completely. Hitchki was a movie I had been waiting to watch. It was a beautiful script. Well written, well executed, just my dream long awaited.

We then left to A2B for coffee. The masala bonda we ordered was pathetic, nevertheless i consumed it as I was dead hungry. We then headed to Marina beach. We entered the beach and sat closer to the waves. A long 2 hours chat it was and we discovered various things about our selves.

We talked every other topic under the sun and above the earth still not one topic related to the other. We headed to the bhajji shop we came across first, had 3 plates of bhajji and rode back to my home.

Back home I made tea. Not sure of the taste, she still consumed it. She then left at around 8 pm.

It had been a day as usual. there was still happiness , completeness, no expectation, no hurtful emotions, neither too high nor too low, just a gliding drive it was.

I wonder what if every day surprised me and yet felt like a gliding drive by the end of the day.

I could be asking too much but that's my ask.

:)

WeEkEnD GaLa TiMe!!!

Like any other weekend, the plans were all set. Mom and brother left to Mumbai on Saturday morning at 3.30 am. While I ensured they have everything that is necessary for the travel, my mom forgot her mobile phone. Good that their cab was still at the main gate and I could hand over the phone to my mom. I was definitely not game to handle her calls :P.

I finally went back to bed as it was only 4 am. At 4.30 am the phone rings and it is my brother on the other side. “Vaishu I have not carried any of my original ID proofs and the one I have is the laminated Xerox copy. “ I wanted to confirm I heard it right and he repeated it for me. “I want you to reach the domestic airport with my PAN card or Aadhar card as it might become a problem if I get caught at the Mumbai airport.” This statement got my eyes wide open. Not that my brother will get stranded in Mumbai but the thought that I need to ride all the way to Chennai Domestic Airport only because my brother missed to carry the original ID proofs. I dint know the route thoroughly and yet I started as my brother insisted. I got on my bike and got my way through till the Airport but dint get a proper parking place. I managed to find a place and park my bike. I reached Spicejet counter and asked help from the lady at the ticket counter and she said sorry we cannot get the original through to any passenger. I rang my brother’s number and handed over the phone to the Spicejet person. There was another Spicejet personnel at the checking area and he guided her. Finally, after having the original reach my brother safely, I rode back home and crashed into the bed.

I woke up with a headache and grabbed a mug of hot water to start the day afresh. Three 10^th std studying children cam home and we did work out 10 math sums. They left at around 12 noon and I was HOME ALONE 😊.

I had plans of going out for lunch but my friend happened to encounter an accident which left him tensed and irritated. We moved our plans to net week. I was wondering if I should order or get into the kitchen and make some khichadi. My neighbour exactly at that point rang the doorbell. To my surprise, she had shared little rice, papad and sambhar. I thanked her and God and had a sumptuous lunch. The evening was spent with little work at home and getting the house a little clean and neat in shape. I then called my friend with whom my lunch was planned and we had the call going for about 2 hours. It was very nice to have spoken to someone sensible and we made plans for next weekend. The phone calls continued with friends with whom I had not spoken to for long.

I texted Asha that we meet at 1 pm and then go out for lunch on Sunday. After exhaustive phone calls and texts, I crashed into the bed at 12 midnight. I woke up the next day, completed the morning duty of cleaning the house. Tuition stated at 10 and continued till 12.30 pm. I then guide Asha on her way to my home. Once in, we got the tuition packed off and we started on our Sunday tour. We had lunch at Mithai Mandir. I think she dint enjoy it much as she likes really spicy food. We went shopping to Pondy Bazaar, then to Home Centre in Alwarpert, back to Pondy Bazaar and then to Nesapakkam. It was 6 hours bike ride with halt at multiple places. After long I actually enjoyed riding so much and just with the right company.

We returned home around 6 and chatted over several topics and made no sense most of the time. At 7.15 pm we headed to Saravana Bhavan for dinner. She then left n her way back home and I walked my way back to my home. Had to respond to a few texts. I called mom and brother to check if they had boarded the return flight. I told them to call me and not ring the doorbell as I cannot hear it. The came home by 4 am and the three of us went back to bed without talking much.

A weekend worth spending time chilling and relaxing!!!

Hard hit! But worth the Realization

I have wondered several years ago what God means to me? I took it lightly and tried to define God in a way that made sense to me. I defined it this way – All that is NOT HUMANLY POSSIBLE but by the ULTIMATE POWER. It has been at least a decade that this has been my belief and I connect strongly with this because all that I have asked for has come true. Adding more to it, I happened to read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. It read to me about ABR tool – very Powerful.

Ask Believe Rejoice! Ask the ultimate Power you believe in for what you want. Could be Universe, or God or name it as per your belief. Believe that you will receive it and Rejoice that yours ask is fulfilled. It can sound crazy for a few who know me as a person who runs behind logic in most instances of life. But this is also me.

Three days ago, the conversation was heading tangentially in the opposite direction between me and my colleague. As always – No conclusion. The discussion traveled over several topics. My mind was stuck on the topic with existence of God and the form of existence. Along with it the – How can things materialize only by writing and saying/asking to universe or to the ultimate power.

The next day I ended up starting the topic with other two colleagues. The best was to have an out of office discussion. I did not know what I was asking for. We headed for tea and the discussion continued. The discussion took a steady move in a very much logic driven way. For my own benefit I would want to name ourselves – Fighter Cock, Silent Spectator, Logical Speaker and Me. Logical speaker started with what with God mean to me. I said – A Feeling of ultimate power. The existence of ultimate power which can do anything that is humanly no possible. This has been my understanding and I expressed it likewise.

While the questions drilled into the answers I gave and the discussion were on, simple truth hit it hard. If asking and receiving was that simple and the way of life, then why would a child old get raped? Why would there be millions of lives dying? Does that mean that they dint ask for what they wanted firmly? It has to be WE - PEOPLE AROUND who must take the step and make things happen or/and stop social evil and not wait for some miracle to happen.

Many more questions posted by Fighter cock which I am not able to recollect now. I was numb for several minutes and dint have answers to it. I surrendered there. I felt too little when I realised that have been worrying about things unworthy through that day.  This thought disturbed me and dint stop there.

I went on to discuss this with my friend who shares similar belief as mine – Akhila. She is clueless too. I also shared this incident with mom. She refrained from discussing this as she doesn’t know the what and the why. I still am in the lookout for my answers. 

I am not able to accept that ABR cannot work at the same time I cannot say that people who suffered the misery did not pray with complete faith. I am stuck now. 

Can WE MAKE INDIA happening?

It  was good to know that there are people who think for the betterment of the country. It began with a casual talk in the evening. We walked to the tea shop. It started with the information about the history behind the name of the tea shop. I don’t recollect now when it begin on similar thoughts.  I am sure if he would read this post, I will get to hear the same dialogue – Why do you have to skew the information into one word. It just dilutes the entire essence of the thought, the subject. I still would want to pen it down.

Well, bringing the focus back on thoughts he shared.

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      1.  There should be an organization formed to identify professionals from anywhere in the world and chart their personality Accordingly match them to the profession that they will add value and do justice. Where there are competitive examinations to eliminate or/and shortlist candidates there must be a qualitative approach to the whole concept of identifying right fit.

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     2.  Gather funds enough to fund the education of the under privileged

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        3. Educate youngsters to be a part of the journey where their parents are growing wiser and not leave them to be on their own. Parents should not be left to spend their life’s last stage among strangers and left to the mercy of care takers. Where there could be 10% genuine cases and definitely there is no one to attend to parents at home, we still have 90% of the population to educate what it means to leave Parents to the mercy of care takers only because the younger generation wants privacy. SERIOUSLY!!!

I write this not to ask for people to comment, Like , Comment or Share. But take time to think.

Let’s MAKE INDIA within our limits of possibility.

Feeling Complete!!!

In the dark night light, you see me though

With your sparkling sight, I have fallen through.

I dance in the light of the stars and the moon, to the tune of my heart that sings aloud

I wish I could tell you all that I feel even when you are not around

I dream about us a long way through

While we sit in calmness for a long time then

With our hand entangled in comfort of soul

We exchange our thoughts in understanding and silence

Words are not enough to express it all

It stands as a mystery even in my mind galore

You are not a bit like me and so I am not anything of you

Yet I sense there is something more out there in blue

With you around I feel complete besides my faults

With you in my life I would want to feel complete.