2012 - So it was... 2013 - So what will it be ?

Here goes my first post in the New Year. So before I start writing I would like to wish you all “A very happy new year” I know I am being late in wishing but as it is rightly said, It is better late than never.

I start my first blog post in the New Year 2013 with the list of events that left an indelible impression in our lives (of course mine as well :)) in the year 2012.

(There have been many people putting up such lists. Yet I am here with my version)

2012- So it was....

Well, 2012 made me proud as an Indian in a lot of ways. And when I started penning them down the first thought that crossed my mind is that of the Olympics.

·         London Olympics 2012 proved to be lucrative to the sports arena of our country which laterally takes immense efforts to promote cricket. I am not condemning the fact but the way our heroes performed at the Olympics truly proves that we should support every game equally and encourage sports other that cricket too. India won a total of 6 medals comprising of 2 silver and 4 bronze which was considered to be India’s best at any Olympics.

·         Another important event that hit the headlines and was very well anticipated by the masses was that of the ‘End of the World’. When many people believed that ‘oh my, we are actually going to face the Doomsday’ I would just like to remind them that, “Hey people welcome to 2013, Guys wake up and usher into the new year, oops !!!  The Mayan Calendar had predicted it wrong.”

·         The presidential elections were something that both our country as well as The USA had in common this year. While Mr. Barack Obama took the oath to serve America, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee took the baton from Ms. PratibhaPatil to serve our country.

·         In a country which had attained its Independence 66 years ago, one man raised his voice against the government and corruption. He was one among us, ApnaAamAdmi. While he had backed Mr. Anna Hazare immensely, he began his political career this year by starting his own party “AAM AADMI PARTY”. He is none other than the Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, Arvind Kejriwal.

               Well, Mr. Kejriwal, are we heading towards another freedom movement?

·         There were a number of unforgettable movies in the past year that served as an entertainer and an eye-opener. Movies like Barfi, Life of PI, Kahaani etc would surely be ones that everyone had loved.

·         Although, Aamir Khan’s Talaash didn’t actually do well at the box-office, his reality show, SatyamevJayate left a mark in everyone’s life. The show concentrated on various social issues prevalent in India such as female foeticides, child sexual abuse, dowry, medical malpractice, honor killings etc. I recently came to know that there was a special screening of the first episode of SatyamevJayate in a few rural villages of Gujurat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, the idea being that the show should reach every corner of our country. Great idea indeed!!!

·         Banning of bulk SMS in India for a period of fifteen days in the month of August to stop rumors from being spread against the people of the North East was one such issue that had affected me as well as teenagers. How awful it was, to be handcuffed to sending only five messages a day???

·         I would be doing injustice if I miss out on mentioning about one event that left all of us spellbound and aghast. This path breaking incident truly proved that yes the leaders of our country can actually take wise decisions. I am referring to the killing of Abdul Kasab. The man who was one among the 10 terrorists who killed innocent lives and made our commercial capital come to a standstill. I would consider that the execution of Kasab was considered to be the most secret mission carried out till date. No one really had a clue.

There were some events that shook us and awakened our spirits. Among these the very first that comes into my mind and of course yours too would be that of the horrific end of the 23 year old girl.

·         16^th, December 2012 witnessed an incident that made me, as a woman, question myself, Am I safe in my country? The gangrape and assault of the 23 year old physiotherapy student aroused the sentiments of every Indian. We witnessed a new revolution which was themed, “Protests against rape”. While the protest was truly justifiable, the root cause of it made us ashamed. The incident has bought into light many topics like the law against this crime, the police department of our capital, the negligence of punishment towards this crime etc.

·         Mumbai railway came to a standstill when a major fire brokedown. Our commercial capital was in for a toss that time. And needless to say Mumbai without trains running on time is like trying to walk without legs.

·         Another shocking incident that hit the news was that of the Connecticut killings where one psycho took his gun and shot his mother and went around shooting innocent children.

That puts an end to my list of events that happened in 2012. I would forget to mention the fact that my blog posts increasedfrom 6 to 37 in 2012. So it was a great year for me with respect to my blog. Thanks to indiblogger which indirectly inspired me a lot to write.

2013 – So what will it be?

There are a number of exciting events that I look forward to this year. A few among those would be….

·         The verdict given to the criminals of the Delhi girl’s gangrape case. Also the change in law which would punish rapists equally.

·         The fight against corruption, so how far will we go?

·         The country is going to make way to witness another lok sabha election in 2014. So get ready to witness the promises that would be given.

·         With respect to entertainment I am waiting for a few movies to hit the theatres, Mani Ratnam’sKadal (the songs are what’s always on my iPod), Kai Po Che and 2 states (both based on ChetanBhagat’s novels) and also the number of Oscar’s “Life of PI” would win.(Keeping my fingers crossed as I truly loved this movie)

I really do not know what 2013 has in store for me, but yes I would continue to blog more frequently and put up better posts and keep my readers glued. So here am I signing off saying “Happy New Year!! And have a great one !!!”

                               

Chain 'em on

Accessorize, dazzle, ‘be a stunner’ and get yourself embellished for any occasion!!

Gone are the days where long chains and necklaces were worn only for festivals. The trend has changed from small pendants and thin chains enclosing and adorning your neck to those glitzy thick, long chains with huge pendants that make you look dashing.

It’s time to adapt every change that makes you look elegant and makes you stand out among the crowd.

Chains in different patterns with bold designs teamed up with long pendants is what the gen-X is going gala about. Sport it on a blazer with a simple, plain T-shirt and become the envy material. Team up a long oxidized chain with a pendant on a plain round-necked T-shirt or deck yourself with the pearl shaped beaded ones.

Wear anything that’s simple and adorn it with these chains and see the change. I am sure you would want more and more.

Antique jewellery and designs like a key, butterfly, rose, precious gems are what’s setting the trend.

Be it a plain Kurthi or a blazer or a dainty dress or a simple T-Shirt this accessory is surely going to add that spark to your style. Get ready to add that little extra trendiness in your style and parade in elegance.

So what’s holding you, tickle your fashion cells, strike on the right design and Chain ‘em on

Visit KoolKart to shop on the latest collection that they offer. Don't miss the chance to get trendy.

Note: Visit my write up for KoolKart by following the link Chain 'em on. Keep yourself updated with the latest stuff that they have to offer and don't forget to shell out a few pennies on buying them. (And yes do comment on my blog on how did you like my first step towards creative writing) 

Enjoy reading and Keep shopping!!! 

To Shop, Hop to Shopper's stop....

"Cynthia, I totally forgot to mention about Ravi's wedding", My cousin was discussing with me about her tour plans. She had called me from the States an hour before her flight to India for a visit.
She hurriedly tried to tell me the details of the call, "Cynthia, could you please shop some clothes and accessories that I and your Jeeju(her hubby) could wear for the wedding. I was so lost in getting stuff ready for the visit that this totally slipped of  from my head"

"Sure, Didi I will buy it for you both", I was all the more happy to help her out.(I was being selfish in one way because I love shopping and this just gave me another chance be lost in the beautiful world of shopping :P)

I logged onto the Shopper's stop website as my cousin had been very particular about it. She had given me a list of detailing about her clothes and her husband's which kinda made it easier for me to select stuff for them.
"Go in for a light coloured Saree, you know I prefer elegant stuff", I remember her mentioning about it.

Deck me up:
"Sarees" The tab caught my eye and I started my search for a saree that would be gorgeous for a wedding and which was a little light in colour. After going through a number of varieties of sarees from netted to Georgette to designer ones, I landed up choosing "Ashika Net Embroidered Lehenga Saree"

Match me too:
Once the main dress for the evening was ready It became simpler to choose the accessories. I noticed that the saree had designs in the shape of a flower. "Bingo, that was going to make my search simple", I thought.
A saree, "What next? Any guesses? Well .... I had to decide on something to adorn her ears and her neck"
I kept searching for a necklace which had some design of a flower and yipee, Shopper's Stop had exactly what I was looking for, "Zaveri Pearls Flower Design Set" (My gosh I was envying it. It looked tremendously inviting :))

My next stop was, "Earrings" (Thanks to online shopping, everything seemed to be only tabs away :P) To suit a silver based necklace I went into the "Fine Jewelry" section and I found exactly something complimenting the necklace- "ASPEN Earring Model No: E0141AWD" The star design suited the necklace and looked similar to a flower .

My cousin had once told me that she fancied watches a lot. What more could match her desire than a Fossil watch ? "Fossil - Womens Watch - ES3018"

I tried my luck with a few RINGS. I found one that was trendy and stylish suiting her Saree."Lucera Silver CZ Ring RF5011"

She never walked out of her house without her mobile and a pack of tissues. I wanted a clutch that could suit her requirement and leave a fashion statement too. A light ping clutch with silver work on it caught my eye. "Haute Curry Clutch - ICORCL1"

Walking in style :
Last but not the least I had to select the perfect footwear. A flowy lehenga type Saree would be perfect on high heels. And my search was complete when I found the perfect one that suited the colour of her Saree and would make her look terrific. A well dressed woman with the wrong footwear spoils her image. So I had to be extra careful in choosing the sandals "HAUTE CURRY - Sandals"

Well I matched everything together and this was what I pictured her as --- A gorgeous beauty.

                                                 

My next task was a Herculean one as I hardly have experience in choosing clothes for men. But there is one motto of mine that made it very easy for me find the perfect clothes for my brother-in-law. Well, the motto says that one can guess ones personality by the kind of clothes he or she wears.

My brother-in-law is a very soft spoken person with a dynamic personality. Keeping this in mind I started my search to make him look equally dashing.

Dress in style :
He was a businessman by profession and someone who didn't like wearing sherwanis and pathani suits. So I wanted to go in for something that was professional yet something which set up the festive mood. This was what I went in for "Blackberrys-Mens Slim Fit"

To match the suit I wanted the perfect cufflinks. I found one that matched exactly with the suit "Infinity Cufflinks -09025S"

He was a man of few words but a someone who loved having a collection of pens. So I chose a fine pen that would look elegant on his suit. "Vettorio Fratini Ball Pen - BELLAGIO1B"

My next stop was to choose a watch for him and being a brand freak I went in for an espirit watch "ESPRIT Timewear - Mens Watch - Atrium Chrono Brown".  My cousin had asked me to purchase a wallet for him and I searched for something that would compliment hos suit "Hidesign - Mens Wallet"

My last stop was the footwear section. I loved it when men wore shoes which were pointed towards the toe. And I found one that suited my requirement "FRANCO LEONE - Mens Formal Shoes".

I tried to ensemble my selection for my jeeju and this was what I had selected.

With everything ready, I am waiting for my cousin and my brother-in-law to be dressed in their best.

This post is written for the contest "The perfect festive look" brought about by Shopper's stop www.shoppersstop.com. If you are a part of Indiblogger do vote for my post.

A rendezvous on a bus journey

I ran and climbed into the 170L bus which I consider bliss. 170L meant a direct drive till home with no breaks in the middle. In sheer excitement I hopped in and started my 2 hour long journey home. (That’s how much I travel from office to home every day L poor me) I searched my bag for the document on “Pointers” that I had printed at office and was scanning through it. My IPod was playing, “A thousand years “song from the album Twilight.

It had been an hour since I had travelled. The journey seemed to be never ending from Ambattur to Perungalathur. I had completed half of the ride and the bus had reached the “St. Thomas Mount” bus stop. There was a lot of commotion then and I was annoyed with the background noise which disrupted the melody in my ears. I pulled my earphones and turned behind to notice the hullabaloo. On trying to peep through the crowd from my seat my eyes caught the hero of the clamor; it was Mr. Youth (A guy in his late teens. Named him with this as he play the lead role :P) Dressed in a white and blue lungi that was folded till his knees and a maroon colored shirt, he behaved as though he was the real hero of south India.

“I listened to conductor sir and came up from the footboard. I kept quiet…..” (He spoke rudely in a very local Tamil slang to Mr. Elder .Another co-passenger who along with the conductor had warned him to be careful while standing on the footboard)

The entire argument had started when Mr. Youth and Mr. Elder had got in at St. Thomas Mount bus stop. Mr. Youth was trying to show his heroism by standing on the footboard. The conductor had warned the boy not to stand on the footboard. Mr.Elder who was also concerned tried to raise his voice. He urged the boy to be careful in a strict manner which was when our hero (Who seemed to be a total zero: P) started his speech.

(Translated in English) “Hello, What did you just say? How can you talk to me like that? I listened to the conductor and came up but you don’t seem to stop. I think I need to teach you a lesson “ (All this was merely a chance to gather attention)

He went on in his heinous local slang, “You must be older than me. I am only 20 years old but I have also seen the world. I have gone to Kolkatta, Mumbai, Delhi. I have seen places.”(I kept wondering was this required in the conversation)

Mr.Elder finally spoke, “Listen you must have seen the world. But this is not the way you talk to elders…..”He didn’t stop with this nonsense, instead he continued his so called nonsense. “You are going to get down at Pallavaram, right?” He picked up his phone and dialed a number, “Hey, Machan(in the local slang), Bring our friends and come to Pallavaram. We have to teach a man a lesson”

He disconnected the call and went on to abuse Mr.Elder and later the fight went increased to such an extent that caste issues were brought in. I tried to control my emotions and I wanted to do something. I felt bad for Mr.Elder as he was helpless. The entire crowd in the bus was quiet watching the commotion including the conductor who was not at all bothered.

A sudden thought crossed my mind. I had read an article a few months ago where it was mentioned that we could message to a phone number to inform the police of some mischief if it was not possible to make a call. I immediately switched on the internet on my phone and searched for the number.

I text the number to one of my friend in USA(Note this number for your use too:9500099100)He had his Chennai mobile number active which was very useful. I asked him to text to the above number saying, “Problem near Pallavaram” (I thought that would be the least I could do to help Mr.Elder) I had asked my friend to send a message as I was scared my phone number would be leaked if the issue had been blown up.

However, something unusual happened. Mr.Elder got support from three other people which scared Mr. Youth I guess. He dialed his friend again and asked him to come to Palavaram with his gang. And the hero who some time ago was screaming in the bus got down at a stop before Pallavaram.

I was smiling at all this and felt happy that at least two people went ahead to help the poor soul from a few youngsters who seem to be monstrous but actually are not. Mr.Elder got down at Pallavaram and I kept praying in my heart that he should reach home safely.

My friend's wedding....

I was hurriedly having my kellogs as I had overslept and got late for office. "Tatha, lock the door. I'm leaving", I screamed from the porch. (The woman in the opposite house peeped her head out embarrassing me :P) Picking up my sandals and lunch bag, I scarcely managed to wear my sandals on the run.

8:30 AM...
"Cynthia, Why on earth do you need that last 10 minutes sleep that makes you late..." The sun had taken a toll in the month of April and I was all the more irritated because of the heat.

"Girls, Need to have a conference call with you all.... Can we have it by 10 AM?" It was Jocy's message. (Well, we are a gang a four friends, Nitha, Simi, Jocy and myself)
I was sure that this message was for all the four of us. A conference call meant fun, frolic, pulling each other's legs, screaming on the phone without letting the others talk. (Thanks to the mobile phone networks who make this happen)

Although the day had started in a bad shape, the idea of a conference call gave me goosebumps. I reached office and ran to the restroom to be ready by 10 sharp to receive the call. Finally, the call was initiated and all the four of us were on cloud number 9. A millions "Hi's" were exchanged and finally Jocy was given a chance to tell us the reason for the call.
"Girls, I am getting married", She broke the news and for a second all of us were numb as though the call had been disconnected. And that was it we had got another reason for fun. And that day we began our preparations for "Our friend's wedding".....

The wedding was 6 months away in the month of October and ever since Jocy had broken the news we started behaving as though it was our weddings. I had booked my tickets well in advance to travel to Pune.

The next three months were filled with plans for the wedding and all this was done without the bride having any clue of it. It all began with the attire for the D-day.
"Gown....:D" I screamed on one of the conference calls.
"Yea... Gown is a good idea...." Nitha seconded me.
"No yaar.... I think we should look traditional. It's a south Indian Wedding", Simi Suggested.
"Ok guys, thats cool but we should all be in the same color", I voiced.

We finally decided on a purple shaded Saree and our search for the same began. I went in for a Purple shaded saree with silver work on it. The three of us landed up buying different shades of purple.(Not to forget, Nitha was not convinced her's was a purple shaded saree until the day of the wedding :P)

Days flew and our calls for the wedding increased. It was the month of september and we hadn't yet decided on the gift for the bride. It was then that we actually pulled up our socks.
"A pearl set",One of us suggested.
"A huge painting of jocy and the groom, it would look great if they put it up in their bedroom" I suggested.
"But we don't know the size of the bedroom re..." Nitha spoke up.
"We need to gift her something that she would have with her for years" Simi eventually gave her point.
After a lot of thought and phone calls we decided to gift her a Gold ring. Something that she could cherish for years.

Our friend was going to experience the biggest day of her life and we wanted it to be the day that she would reminisce throughout her life. Years from now when she would look back on her wedding, a sparkling smile would adorn her face. This was all that we had on our mind.
The gift was ready, but we had another huge plan set up. What was it? Any guesses.... :)
"A video" I suggested.
"Yes, a video with all her photos.", Simi came up.
"Yup.. right from her childhood till her wedding day.But how do we get her photos?", Nitha's question made us wonder.

We had only one contact and it was Jocy's sister who could share her pictures with us. Her sister was helpful enough to provide us with the photos and I was supposed to scratch my poetic skills and come up with a poem to be put on the video.

The idea about the video was a unique one, we wanted a song to compliment the video and after a quick search we came up with the song, "Daddy's Girl" (Here goes the link http://www.tcartermusic.com/products/daddys_angel.... A lovely song... Only a daughter would understand its worth)

Our next plan was about the Haldi function. Nobody had decided on a haldi for the bride and we wanted it to be just a small gathering that she would enjoy. (As traditionally we don't have any of that ritual)
Jocy had once mentioned that she wanted to dace once before the wedding, so we came up with the idea of preparing a dance for the haldi function and then dressing her up as a bride and applying haldi for her.

With everything almost ready, I reached Pune on the 18th of October, 4 days before the wedding.

Our dance for the Haldi was not ready as yet and we had just 1 and a half days in hand. All thanks to the great Nitha and Simi for their choice of songs for the dance. The event was going to be a dance and drama combined act. One of us was going to act as Jocy and the other two would take turns and become her fiancee. I guess the wedding was just another opportunity for us to be together.

19^th October…. 3 days to go !!!. We started our practice for the dance and landed up practicing and preparing for it the entire night. The night's practice had taken a toll over us, yet we were all hyped up the next to day purchase our accessories for the wedding.

"Bhaiyya, purple color ke earrings dena?" We were all immersed in purple that day and eventually all the shops in Clover center had to dig out the stuff they had in purple color.

"Bhaiya... Purple with gloden base... Nahi bhaiyya.... Purple with silver base bhi..... Chudi dikhaiye... Aur nahi hai.... " These were the tantrums.. (My gosh I pity the shopkeepers now... well that day I didnt :P)

20th October ..7.30 PM: (2 days to go !!!)Jocy's house was filled with music and we rushed inside in our dazzling anarkalis to make the surroundings realise ki bhai.... Yeh toh shaadi ka ghar hai...

The haldi function began with Simi introducing herself as Jocy for the dance and Nitha and Me as the boy. The entire gathering at her place enjoyed the 5 minute performance and we had become the heroes for the day. Then came the point of convincing Jocy to get dressed in a red colour ghagra. We dressed her up and put the dupatta over her head as a beautiful bride. The ladies in the house came and applied haldi and our bride had little drops of tears floating in her eyes. 

I remember Jocy's cousin pulling her aside and saying, "You should have friends like these people", pointing his fingers at us. It was wonderful to see her happy. It made us feel that our mission to make her wedding special was actually getting fulfilled.

21st October ... Day before the wedding (1 day to go !!!) : 

We spent a sleepover again making he video and it was worth the time. 

22nd October.... Wedding day !!!... The parlour female was called home as the three princesses had to make their way for the wedding :P... Well I think the bride would have taken lesser time than us to get ready.

We got ready and reached the church. Their stood Jocy in her wedding gown. She looked beautiful. 

Vows were exchanged and they were declared man and wife and then came the fun part of the wedding. It was the reception. We were waiting for Jocy to see the video that we had prepared. 

It was the most joyous moment to see her hold her husband's hand and watch the video. It brought back all those wonderful memories that she had cherished. 

The reception was almost over. She stood elegantly with a poise on the stage. Her head bent a little low holding her husband's hand. The three of us sat in one of the rows in the hall. We held our hands and smiled at each other watching our friend experience the best day of her life. Our hearts were full that minute because we knew we had made her feel special. And this was proved when the groom told us, "Thank you gilrs for making my girl feel special on her best day !!!".....

Shame of Haryana !!!

A week ago, I was engrossed in a cup of tea with my office mates in the cafeteria, when a headline captured my attention. “16 year old girl gangraped in Haryana”. The reporters were questioning the victim, Reshma(Name changed). She had covered her face with her dupatta and was holding her mother’s hands. As the interview went on she kept answering slowly with her head bent down and she did not once look up. “I have to move on, maybe leave the village,” Reshma said. “I have to study; I have to become an Indian Police Service official.” She continued. It took me a while to digest what I had just seen. The plight in her eyes and the helplessness revealed it all and deep inside I wished that this girl should become a public servant one day.

I went back home and was busy surfing the net when a news article took me by surprise. It was relevant to what had disturbed me that morning. Iwas shocked to see another rape incident in a span of two days and coincidentally in the same state of Haryana. It started to become a little tormenting.

This story continued for over a week,

Fifteen-year-old mentally challenged Dalit girl raped in Rohtak.

Thirty-year-old married backward caste woman gang raped inside her house by three men with guns.

Class XI teenage girl gang raped by four men in Gohana town.

Sixteen-year-old Dalit girl gang raped in Jind district

Class VI girl raped by the fruit vendor outside her school.

Each day a new story came into light and each day a victim lost her self-pride. I remember that earlier the victims would commit suicide when such incidents happened to them. However, these days it is the parents who decide to end their life. Eventually and sadly, the rapists spoils an entire family.

There is an epidemic of rape that has sprung out, an epidemic that is incurable especially in a country like India which is bitten by the sting of corruption, backward rural life, ignorant officials and money frenzy politicians. This epidemic, god forbid would take ages to be cured and by then who knows Haryana would have only once gender present, “Males”.

As I was following the entire news update everyday on this issue, I realized that this heinous crime has been torturing Haryana since long, but only recently has it come into light. Any guesses on what could be the reason, “A new topic to show concern upon and win the elections” But, wait a minute; no one in Haryana has actually spoken on punishments to the rapists or any positive improvements in the lifestyle of woman. It is shameful that the officials and politicians are caught making statements, “90% of the rape cases are a result of consensual sex”. Ridiculous isn’t it? I kept wondering that how can a rape case be consensual?

If it was, then it wouldn’t be called “rape”, it would be merely “pleasure”.

There has been a series of constant outbursts emanating from various political leaders. In one case, it was said that this entire story is a conspiracy against the Haryana government.

And to make matters worse, the khaps sent out a diktat which said that the marriageable age for women should be reduced to 16. It was a few years back when there was a debate that the marriageable age for women should be increased to 21. Is India actually going backward?

                                             

To stop the number of rape cases a solution is being pondered upon which would push a girl into the valley of marital rape. Well, in some ways, the life of a woman in Haryana is equivalent to living in the fire of Hell. Traps are set to kill her even before she comes into this world and by luck if she gets a chance to open her eyes and live, I guess she would think that the trap set earlier was better. Haryana boasts of the lowest sex ratio in India - 833 women to every 1000 men. Reason being the atrocities they are burdened with.

I was going through each story of the victims when one story caught my eye. It was where a sixth class girl was raped by the fruit vendor out of her school continuously for three months. It was more ironic to read that she and her sister were expelled from the school for a crime in which they were the victims.

In many cases, the police are not ready to lodge a complaint against the criminals. This in fact arouses them to freely roam around and happily spoil the lives of young women.

We are talking about increasing the economy of India, going nuclear, reaching the space, becoming a developed nation but I guess this has become restrictive to the elite population or rather the urban crowd. The upliftment of a country lies in its overall development which includes the rural and the urban crowd. Where does change come in? And who would bring it about? Do we still keep pointing our fingers at one another and start being penetrators of the crime or will we react? If Haryana and similar states would still be curbed by the local panchayats and village heads, it is evident that the crime rate is going to increase.

Paying compensation to the victim’s family is what the government has been doing since years. And keeping quiet is what the victims are doing for quite a long time. It is a pity that in our country every crime has the tendency to increase than to decrease.

Instead of bringing about a law to punish the criminals and penetrators of the crime, I think it would be better to educate the victims and give them a strong support in fighting with the society which shuns them.

Will she be mine ??? - Part 3

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Present Day:
“Ek panni ka bottle do, bhaiya”, Vivan bought a bottle of water from the shopkeeper. His throat
was dry and his thoughts still lingered around her.
The chilled water soothed his throat and calmed his restlessness. It was 9.30 PM now. There
was still no clue of Nidhi. “I will be there by 8.30 in the evening Vivan. I want to see you once
before I go back”, Nidhi had called him up that evening. Vivan was shocked to see her call. He
had promised her a month back that he wouldn’t disturb her again. But as her call beeped on his
mobile, it stole his senses. “Nidhi, why do you want to meet me?” he tried asking her, but she
had cut the call by then.
“You always hid your feelings Nidhi…..” he started speaking to himself as he had always done from the day she had stopped talking to him. “It was the same then and today, didn’t you trust me Nidhi?” he questioned helplessly hoping to get an answer. He banged his fist on the bench in disgust. The situation that surrounded him was pitiful.
“Nidhi has suffered a lot……..” Nidhi’s aunt’s voice rang in his ears and he was lost in the
cacophony of voices.
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“What happened with Nidhi was really dreadful, behenji”, Nidhi’s aunt was conversing with
Rohan’s Mother, Sushma.
“What was so dreadful ji? Even I noticed Nidhi would be smiling and laughing and then all of a
sudden she becomes quiet. Is there something that troubles her?” Sushma enquired.

“Kya Bataaon? What do I tell you? There was a person in Nidhi’s life. Everything was going
smoothly and Nidhi was going to get married to that person…..” She went to the cupboard and
picked a photo from the drawer and continued, “Sushmaji, This is the photo of Nishant. Nidhi
and Nishant…..They both looked so good together. Sab kuch thik tha…. Until that grievous
evening…. It changed our poor Nidhi’s life” She held the photo and started weeping.
Sushma tried to calm her friend down.

Nidhi’s aunt was still sobbing; she wiped the tears with her tissue and controlled herself.
“It was just a week before the wedding,” she went on.
“I remember the date, 18th of April” she picked up the photo and continued, “Nidhi and Nishant were on their way back from shopping. They were travelling on a highway, the night they met with an accident. Nidhi was in the seat next to Nishant. A foolish lorry driver who was drunk hit Nishant’s car from the rear. The car toppled and screeched towards the divider. “ Her hands started shivering as she explained the accident.

Sushma was shocked to hear this. With her mouth open and her hands covering them, she
continued to listen.
“Nishant was hit on the head and he expired on the spot. Nidhi survived the accident……” Aunt
dropped on the sofa as she recollected every minute.
“Nidhi wasn’t able to sleep for days. There was a time when her presence would fill the house
with laughter, but now no one knows even if she is standing behind you. This was the reason
why she left Delhi and came to stay with us. She is my husband’s pet. And he couldn’t see her in
that pathetic condition. We are happy now behenji, she started going to office and has begun to
recover slowly”, her aunt spoke without a pause.
“Please don’t share this with anyone. Nidhi does not like to be pitied upon”, She pleaded to
Sushma.

(But little did she know that Vivan had heard it all :( )

Vivan had gone to meet Rohan at his place. While entering Rohan’s house, he overheard the
conversation and the minute he heard Nidhi’s name, he stopped. His heart started pounding as he
heard every word come from Nidhi’s aunt’s mouth.

“So this was the reason, Nidhi?” He started walking up and down trying with his hands pressing
his head and brushing through his hair.
“Nidhi, I am so sorry !! How can I console you, Nidhi?” He kept asking himself. Rohan opened
the door of his house coincidentally and found Vivan standing there.
“Vivan, what’s up Bro? Where you waiting for Nidhi to come and open the door? :P” He
chuckled, teasing Vivan.
Vivan ignored the small talk, “Nothing Rohan, I wanted that book on data structures from you.
Can you lend it for a day?”
“Sure vivan, why are you being so formal? By the way “bet” ka kya hua? Did Nidhi say a yes?
I mean you 6 months duration to woo Nidhi and get her head over heels on you is almost over
Vivan” Rohan was puzzled at the way Vivan spoke and tried to ask him about the bet.
“Rohan, can’t you just talk about something else other than the bet?” Vivan snatched the book
from Rohan’s hands and left.
“Arre Vivan…..” Rohan kept calling him but Vivan had run down the steps to the ground floor
by then.

The clouds had opened up hard in Mumbai. It was raining like cats and dogs and every channel
on TV and radio kept requesting everyone to stay indoors. Vivan stood at his window wondering
what was happening in his life. Five months back, Nidhi had entered his life like a flash when he was never serious. Her existence had itself made a difference and he had started losing himself slowly to her.

He opened his window to hear the rain drops. He looked at Nidhi’s balcony wondering if she
would come and stand there. Till today it was all about a bet for him. It was all about defeating
Rohan and winning Nidhi over. But her past had changed everything.

“Am I feeling bad just because Nidhi has had such a horrific past? Why is it hurting me so much
when I got close to her just because of a bet? “ He picked up the jug of water that was kept at his
table and drank water directly from it.
It was quiet late at night at Vivan was still struggling to sleep. The events of the day had made
him restless. He closed his eyes trying hard not to think about her, but she had taken a toll over him. He got up and sat on his bed, “Nidhi, Have I fallen in love with you? Do I really have feelings towards you or is it out of sympathy?”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present Day:
“I didn’t know Nidhi…..I didn’t know that I had fallen for you… I didn’t know that you were
going to be the girl for whom I was willing to make a hundred sacrifices”, His complains went
on.
“Kaash….. I wish I had realized it earlier. Then I wouldn’t have hurt you. I just wish things were
not the way it turned out to be.”
“Wish I had the chance to tell it all before you came to me that evening……… “His voice had
chocked by now….
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Vivan, how come did you wake up so early, Beta?” Vivan’s mother
He hadn’t slept the whole night and he finally decided that he would tell Nidhi about his feelings
towards her.
The day had never been so bright for him and he was trying all the possible ways to meet Nidhi
in person. Nidhi was however lost in her work and she seemed to be busy.
“Bandra Bandstand today?” Vivan sent a text to Nidhi
“No I am busy” Nidhi replied after 15 long minutes which almost seemed like a hundred years
for Vivan.
“It’s urgent, just 15 mins” Vivan urged her.
“I don’t wish to see your face Vivan”, Nidhi replied arrogantly.
Vivan was surprised to hear this. Nidhi had never been rude to him since they started spending
time together.
“Kya hua?” Vivan text her back. But, Nidhi did not reply.

“Nidhi, ek minute….” Vivan saw Nidhi going to the cafeteria and called out to her.
Nidhi stopped and looked at him in frustration, “Vivan, Please this is office….. I don’t wish to
talk personal things here. And by the way I don’t wish to talk to you at all. Why don’t you just
leave me alone?”
She virtually slapped him with her words and walked off.

“How could you do this, Vivan?” Nidhi kept asking herself. Nidhi reciprocated on the
happenings the previous day.
“Did Nidhi say a yes? I mean you 6 months duration to woo Nidhi…….”, Nidhi had overheard
Vivan and Rohan’s talk the previous day.
“Vivan, I trusted you!!!!” Nidhi sat in her office restroom, crying. She was shattered.

Two months passed by and Vivan was still unaware of Nidhi’s sudden change in behavior. He
tried asking her a couple of times, but everytime Nidhi shunned him arrogantly. His 6 months
duration for the bet was over and Rohan was elated that he had won the bet.

“Vivan, I had told you….. Nidhi is not like the other girls.” He exclaimed trying to console
Vivan.

“Yes Rohan, Nidhi is not like the others and that was what made me fall in love with her. It
took me 5 months to realize that and now when I can’t live without her, she does not even want
to talk to me…….” Rohan was surprised to hear Vivan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present Day:
“I wish you had heard me out Nidhi. I was helpless”, Vivan murmered looking at her photo kept
in his wallet.
He walked out of the station now. It was still raining.
“I know you would come, Nidhi…. Just like you had given me a surprise that day” He hoped and
remembered one of those evenings with her
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Alone today, Vivan?” Vivan was shocked to hear Nidhi call his name. Like every Friday
evening, he was standing at Bandra bandstand. He knew she would meet him one day there and
he would be able to ask her the reason for her hatred.

“Nidhi……. What a surprise? How are you, Nidhi? What is wrong with you, Nidhi?” He kept
burdening her with questions without even taking a break to breathe.
“It hurt you…. Right Vivan?” Nidhi adjusted her dupatta that was falling off her shoulders
because of the intense wind.

“But…… wait a minute… Logically… hmmmm”, she tried to play it sarcastically.
“Logically it shouldn’t hurt you Vivan. After all I was a game right that you were using to win a
cheap ‘BET’”, her words fell like a hard hammer on his ears.
“ BET??????” Vivan was shocked to hear that Nidhi knew about this.

Vivan couldn't believe his ears.
"Nidhi, wait a second, please give me a chance to explain. Please hear me out." He went close to
Nidhi to hold her hand.

"Don't you dare touch me, Vivan. Stay away" her anger was at its high. Today was the first time
Nidhi's eyes spoke the truth. The moment had come when finally Vivan could read her eyes, alas
today those eyes were filled with hatred for him.
"I had judged you the first day I saw you near the lift. But I thought that appearances can be
actually deceptive…… No…… Vivan…. In your case this wasn’t the truth….” She screamed
and kept moving away from him.

Vivan tried to hold Nidhi’s hands asking her to let him talk.
“Nidhi…. What you heard was correct. I do not wish to lie to you. But there is another truth that
I don’t wish to hide” He tried to walk behind her and finish the unfinished words of his heart.

“Nidhi… Please wait”, he tried to race her and stopped her from the front.
“I…… “, he panted as he spoke, “I never wanted to tell you the feelings of my heart this way…..
But I really love you….. Nidhi I know it all started with a bet….” He tried convincing her but
she cut him like a sharp sword…

“And it still...... is a bet, Vivan. You can never be truthful with anyone and give me one damn reason why I should trust you”
“Nidhi, I know what you have been through. I know everything about you and Nishant….”
Slaaaaaap….. Nidhi hit him hard across his face as he said the word, Nishant.
“You do not deserve to speak about him” She left leaving him perplexed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present Day:
“I deserved that slap Nidhi…..” he held his face as he remembered the incident.
“I just wish you give me a chance today….. I just wish I can convince you”, He tried to search
for her in every train that left the station that day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following days were filled with agony for Vivan. Nights and days had become one and his
guilt kept on increasing every minute his thoughts confronted Nidhi. He tried avoiding her to
give her peace of mind. Whether it was office or home he tried not to disturb her. That was the
best he could do as a penance.

A month had passed and 5 members from their team at office were sent for a 3 months training to Delhi. The weekends at Delhi were often spent in sight-seeing. Since it happened to be Nidhi’s hometown, she was the one playing the role of the guide. “Nidhi, you won’t join us in the car, right?” her colleague questioned on one such evening. “Arre, Nidhi ab car mein travel karti hai. Hai na Nidhi?” Anusha her colleague
replied saying that Nidhi has started travelling by car these days.
                                         
“Really? Nidhi how did that fear go?” Her friend questioned. Nidhi stood their quietly staring at
Vivan who had heard the conversation and was looking at her too.
Their eyes had met after a long time and Nidhi kept gazing at him with multiple questions in her
mind.
“Nidhi, come inside”, her friend pulled her inside the car.
Delhi was filled with lights in the evening. They visited various places and everywhere they
went, Vivan tried hard to stay away from Nidhi. But after a long time, Nidhi remembered Vivan.

“I actually got out of my fear because of you Vivan” she told herself.
“Why did you break my trust, Vivan? You were such a great friend”, she continued to think
about him failing to pay attention to her friend who was calling her from a distance.
“Nidhi Come here… Why are you so lost”

There was a shopping center were Nidhi went searching for earrings. She picked up one and put them
on. “Arre, Bhaiya reduce the price na?” She requested the shopkeeper. He did not budge and
walked out of the shop leaving the earrings.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present Day:
The white stones sparkled in the moonlight. “You looked so pretty with these earrings, Nidhi”
He held the earrings in his hands and played with the drops.
“I had brought it that day for you with a hope that I would gift it to you someday……. Would
that day be today?”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Nidhi is getting engaged, Vivan….” Rohan broke the news, the day after he had returned to Mumbai from the training. Vivan who was still not able to forget Nidhi was shattered and smashed the minute he heard the news.

“She is leaving next month to Delhi…. I am sorry Vivan. I tried explaining to her how much you
love her but, she is not ready to give up her anger” Rohan patted on Vivan’s back comforting
him.
“It’s okay Rohan. It was my fault” Vivan didn’t find words to speak.

Nidhi on the other hand was preparing for her engagement. She remembered the minute her
father had sent the groom’s photo to her. The moment she opened it a strange thing happened.
She closed her eyes to perceive a vision and she saw Vivan’s face in it. She opened it instantly
telling herself, “Nidhi, what’s wrong with you? Why did Vivan come in front of you?” She
closed her laptop and walked out of the room.

(Was Nidhi attracted to Vivan???? Did Vivan have a chance??Where the doors really not

closed on him???)

The day for the engagement was nearing and Raj uncle and his family had made preparations to
leave for Delhi a week before the incident. He had sent Vivan and Rohan to buy some important
articles to Colaba and had been waiting for 5 hours for them to return.
He kept walking up and down in the porch. “Uncle, Kya baat hai? Why are you looking so
tensed?”
“Nidhi, this Rohan and Vivan have not come back yet. Its worrying me”, he replied and picked
up a phone call as his mobile rang.
“Hello…….. What? ……. Yes, I am coming”, Raj uncle spoke in a worried tone.
“What happened, Uncle?” Nidhi kept walking behind Uncle as he searched for his car keys
hurriedly.

“Nidhi, Rohan and Vivan met with an accident near Marin drive, They are admitted in Fortis”,
He ran to the lift replying to the worried Nidhi.
Nidhi couldn’t believe what she had heard. At that instance she remembered her accident after a
long time. The fear had relapsed in her and her hands began to shiver.

“Nahi, Vivan… I won’t lose you as I lost Nishant….. “, she screamed standing in front of a picture of Lord Krishna in her room.
“I am sorry, Vivan. Please come back to me. I can’t lose you”, her thoughts went back to all the
minutes she had spent with Vivan. Unknowingly, in those moments of fear she realized how
much she longed for the person whom she had shunned months back.

(It was later confirmed that the accident wasn’t a major one and both Vivan and Rohan were
safe. Obviously, it was a sign for Nidhi that she should tell Vivan her feelings)

The day had finally arrived when Nidhi was travelling back to Delhi for her engagement. She
packed her suitcase still wondering if she had taken the right decision. She scanned her laptop to
take backup of her important office related stuff and happened to look at a folder named “Vivan”

“It was fun when you were around Vivan”, she thought to herself.
“Your one smile would lighten up my day….. I started living because of you”, she continued to
ponder.
“Did you invite Vivan for the engagement, Nidhi?” Her aunt questioned her and Nidhi tried to
close all the photos that she was viewing.

“Yea, I guess Rohan must have told him” She left the room trying to avoid the conversation.

She picked up her phone and dialed Vivan’s number. “I will be there by 8.30 in the evening
Vivan. I want to see you once before I go back” She spoke and cut the call……..

The noise and clatter at Victoria terminus made Nidhi clumsy. She looked at the clock. The clock
now showed 10 pm.
"oh Shit !!!! Am late. I couldn't avoid the traffic Vivan. Hope you waited for me " she kept
pushing people and ran to the std booth. She looked around hastily but Vivan was not to be seen
anywhere.
" Vivan have you left ?" She pulled her duppatta and started searching for him like a mad person.
She lost all her energy and sat at the same bench where Vivan had sat waiting for her. She closed
her eyes with her palm covering her stream of tears.

"Nidhi........" A voice called her from behind.
"Vivan....." She looked back to find him standing behind her.
"Vivan ....you waited for me? " she ran and hugged him.
It took seconds for him to realize what was actually happening around him.
(First of Nidhi had come, next she was crying, then she ran to him and hugged him and last but
not the least she wasn't ready to leave him .... Poor Vivan .... :P he still thought it was a dream )

" Stop crying, Nidhi... Please tell me what happened is anything wrong ?" Vivan held her face
between his hands and asked her.
" I am so sorry Vivan..... Only going away from you made me realise what you mean to me ..... "
A drop of tear rolled from Vivan's eyes. (was he actually going to hear what he wanted to ? :) )
"You know how scared I was after Nishant left me .... " Vivan wiped of her tears as Nidhi tried
to compose herself to explain.
"I thought I would never be out of it but then you happened..... You helped me out of it ....." She
held his hands for the first time....
"I was angry when I knew you played with me.... I guess deep inside I really wanted you to love
me for real :)so the entire bet thing..... It made me mad " She smiled as she let out her feelings.

"I love you Vivan......" She went close to him and whispered as he kept holding her.....
Vivan, couldn't breathe... He felt as though it was all an illusion...
His dream had come true... His Nidhi was finally his forever.

He pulled his hands from her face and moved two steps behind..Nidhi was amazed watching him.
He pulled out something from his pocket and kneeled before her avoiding the crowd that was
staring at this wonderful couple.
"Earrings? " Nidhi giggled as he knelt holding the earring in one hand in a pose as though he was
proposing her.
"Sorry Nidhi I had got these for you that day in Delhi...... Will you marry me and spend your
entire life with me ? " he went on with a big smile on his face....
She accepted the earrings and replied, "Wearing these earrings ? " she smiled naughtily....
" YES I WILL " she ran into his arms to celebrate their togetherness....

The crescent in the sky flashed on their faces and Nidhi's earrings were dazzling away... They
had come to bandra bandstand from the station to witness their first date....
They were together never to be separated again......