Dubai - my first thoughts !

I've been thinking of getting back to serious blogging for quite a while now. But today as I was watching the movie "Wake up Sid", I saw myself in Aisha's shoes. Just like her I've moved to a new city, infact a new country. I've decided to discover a new career path just like her. I've set up a new home and I'm deeply trying to discover this city that I've moved to - DUBAI. The only difference is that I've moved in with my husband which makes it all the more exciting.

Dubai in a single glance

DUBAI- what do I speak about it? The first impression was a modern world where even the tallest person would find his neck hurting when he looked us to see the height of the buildings. The minute I was in the taxi heading home from the airport all I wanted to spot was the Burj Khalifa. And then within few minutes I could see the Burj Khalifa only to realise that it could be spotted from many places in Dubai - thanks to its height.

Finding a right job in Dubai is like finding an oasis in a desert. It can take weeks or even months before you find one and there is always a lot of competition. I was well aware of this fact and hence, I thought of taking it slow in that front. Meanwhile, I was busy trying to adapt myself to this new world. When my husband was off to work, I was setting up the house, hitting the gym and at times job hunting.

View from my balcony

Diverse cultures, language and food: At times, It would make me realise that life has changed 360 degrees. There were new people, diverse in culture and language. There a bit of every country in Dubai. And that was made me like this place. You could find an Italian pizza joint right next to a Thai cuisine restaurant. Although, the every second face you see is of an Indian, this city does make you feel lost in a whirlwind of competition. Everyone's come to this city to try something new and fulfill his dreams.

Cars: Apart from the tall buildings, the next evident luxury that couldn't escape my eyes were the cars on the roads. Dubai is not a pedestrian-friendly city or a bicycle-friendly city. Name the make of the most luxurious car and you will find it here. And for those who are new to the city(like me), Dubai satisfies me with a world-class metro

A bit about everything: Owing to the diverse population, you will find just a bit about everything in Dubai. From food to spices, from clothes to language, there is nothing in the world that cannot be found here. Even the shopping malls are uniquely themed.

Man-made: Something that always keeps me awed and makes me feel weird about this place is that everything is man-made. Sometimes, I find it all larger that life and to the apex to creativity. Sometimes, I find it wholly artificial.  And just when I thought this city had to history to it, I step foot in the Dubai museum which walked me through the evolution of this country from just a waste space of desert to something that leaves to speechless.

Partying: Dubai is known for its luxurious events and partying, especially for the western expats. Another huge change for me was the change in the weekend (Fri & Sat) and working on a sunday. The Friday brunch is something that people look forward to which only makes it all the more expensive.

I've visited the Dubai Mall, largest aquarium and underwater zoo, The Burj Khalifa, desert safari and some other places(blog posts coming up soon). I've given up on the job of a software developer and have started interning as a Social media manager. A new place, a new country, a new job, a new culture and a whole new career. While amidst all the change I do miss my country and would always want to go back sometime. But for now, I look forward to making myself feel at home in Dubai.

That brings a smile across...

Happiness has many definitions. Some relate it to inner peace that you may find at a quiet place up in the hills or some may relate it material wealth. According to me happiness is something that I find in the smallest of things. Happiness is not something that you go in search for, it knocks on your door in a million ways and you just need to notice it and acknowledge it with a smile on your face. 

When I sat down to make a list of those simple reasons that make me smile, every time I penned down a reason, my lips automatically curved and brought a smile across my face. Here are a few:

1. Watching Kuch Kuch Hota Hai on TV all of a sudden:
        This is one movie that I can watch any number of times. It had released when I was in my 6th std in school. I remember getting my haircut done like Anjali in the movie and walking around with those blue dungarees. 

Courtesy Youtube

2. Morning sunshine that flashes through the curtains:
        Each morning as the sun's rays flash through the curtains in my window they bring the joy of a new day, the warmth oh a bright morning and new hopes to soar high. 

Courtesy Flikr

3. A cup of coffee made by my husband:
       Whenever A had a holiday, he makes an amazing cup of coffee and hands over the cup to me by sipping it a little to check if the coffee's good. How I love that cup of coffee made with so much of love.

4. A discount sale when you actually need it:
         Oh that word sale makes my wallet bigger and brings such a huge smile on my face especially when I so absolutely need it. 

Courtesy Brandwatch.com

5. Going for a long walk around the city:

         Ever tried walking aimlessly, not knowing where to go with all the time in the world and with no goals to complete. I try doing it a number of times and at the end of it there is so much fun in seeing some new places, observing people and their habits and quietly walk all by yourself. 

6. Going out for a health checkup and landing home with a fighter fish and a fish bowl

         Two weeks ago, I had gone for a health check up and on my way back found a small shop where they sold aquariums and fish bowls. I had a strange desire as a kid to have a small fish bowl with just a single fish inside it. I walked into the shop and bought my first fish bowl and a beautiful blue coloured fish. 

My Blue Fighter Fish

7. Swimming in the night and finding the water warm

        On a cold day all you need is a warm water bath to make you feel great. How great would it be to go swimming when the water is warm just for you..

Do watch this commercial by Coca-Cola India

India's Daughter - BBC Documentary - A must Watch !!

In 2012, when I first heard about the rape of a young girl in a moving bus, I had felt an uneasiness in my stomach. The uneasiness twirled a few cells in my body and made me want to vomit. Today when I saw this video going viral on the internet, I felt the same. Even after 2 years, the uneasiness remains. The reason why it does is because the mindset remains the same. Even after the rapists were given the highest sentence, rapes continue to happen.

Today when I watched the video, I was in tears. A young woman who would have grown to be a very good doctor, a young woman who had dreams to help the underprivileged, a woman who was brave and struggled hard to make ends meet was killed. We lost a woman who would have made a difference. We lost a woman who would have been an inspiration to all those families who feel that a daughter is a burden.

What we are left with is just a system that delays and delays justice of every kind. What we are left with are just shattered dreams and painful tears that wouldn't stop.

We are told that the only way to end this is education. But today when I heard the defence lawyers for the rapists speak in favour, I realised that education alone cannot make a difference. One of the lawyers mentioned that "A woman is like a flower, if it is left in the gutter it will be spoilt and if it is kept in the temple it will be worshipped, while a man is like a thorn that protects the flower".

The other lawyer even spoke about Indian culture which never allows girl to befriend a boy. He even goes ahead saying that he only looks at woman "with sex in his eyes". The NGO for Rape victims and Juveniles even said that we live in a very tolerant country where decisions cannot be based on public outburst.

Just because we have been tolerant all this while has such an incident even happened. Our tolerance has hit a limit and now we cannot be silenced. If a very strong punishment had been given for rapes in our country this incident wouldn't have ever happened.

In the entire video, I cried when I heard the victim's parent speak. But not a single drop of tear fell when the parents of the rapists spoke. There was a burning anger inside me that made me question why did they ever give birth to such criminals. The bus driver who is shown narrating the incident is equally guilty. What shook me was the statements given by the defence lawyers and it made me realise where the mistake is.

The mistake is that we live in a society where men like this do not feel a pinch about such incidents. It will take years before we see a change, before we see every man respect every woman and only with respect will things change.

Anegan #Movie Review

After having watched the trailer of the movie just once and having a great expectation from Dhanush after his impressive performance in "Ranjhanaa", I decided to take my mom-in-law and grandmother for the movie.

"Anegan" is a romantic thriller that begins from the captivating scenery of Burma and travels across different era's and time to give you a story that lasts beyond a number of lifetimes. The story transcends to different generations gives you a lovely characterization of the people in that period of time.

The story begins at Burma where Munaruna(played by Dhanush), a Tamil Labourer and Samudra(played by Amyra), daughter of a Tamil mother and Burmese Father fall in love against all odds. While trying to escape from Samudra's father's eyes, both are killed. The movie transports to the present where Madhumita (played by Amyra) is having a serious stress related issue and is under treatment. She keeps having hallucinations about her previous life and is in search for her love from the previous birth as she believes that everyone around her are people who were connected to her in the previous birth. She works for a gaming company which is run by Kiran(played by Kartik).

Madhumita meets Aswin(played by Dhanush) under similar circumstances from the previous birth and falls in love with him. She tries to woo him and succeeds. What follows are a series for back and forth incidents and similarities from the previous and the current birth. Meanwhile, Meera, Amyra's colleague and a villain from the previous birth jumps from the balcony when she sees ghosts who are following her. Aswin who my now is in love with Amyra is restless about her talks about the previous birth and doesn't believe her. When Amyra helps Commissioner  Gopinath in investigating a murder some secrets from the past come back to life. What follows is something that is worth watching.

Anegan is a cluster that is put together very well. Director K V Anand and the entire crew have done a fantastic job with the screenplay, characterization and locations. The depth of the characters goes straight to your heart. They dissolve you. I was almost in tears when Munaruna and Samudra are killed.

Dhanush does a perfect job as anticipated and Amyra was someone who surprised me with her acting. I haven't seen her first movie Issaq but I can vouch that she definitely looks promising.

Kartik is one biggest let down in the movie. The director could have easily roped in someone else instead of him. Every scene where he enters in the screen is something that I detested.

The length of the movie is something that may test your patience. What starts off as a fast movie seems to slow down in its pace in the middle but quickly picks up speed. It seems to be like a full-length novel with multiple twists and turns and multiple characters.

The writers have tried their best to make the story sound as a scientific thriller, however, the climax is a bit unbelievable.

Rating: 4/5 for Dhanush, Amyra's performance and the storyline.

Negatives are: Kartik and the length of the movie;

This is definitely a one-time watch movie that is much better that the over-hyped "I" which recently hit the theater.  If you are looking for a movie to watch during the weekend then don't miss this one. 

Love makes the most impractical thing practical!!

Love for me is something that I have felt and experienced. Like every girl, I have always wanted to have a partner with whom I could fall in love head over heels every single day for the rest of my life. I did find one such person and today I am married to him for 9 months and even today I feel just the same as I felt that day when I fell in love with him. Just the thought of writing a blog post on love that is dedicated to him makes my heart beat faster that usual. A slight smile tries to curve my lips and my eyes try to pop out wider than usual.

I've been busy with the promotion of my book and amidst the entire rush tried to recollect that one moment that made the launch of my book more special than ever. 

 A month ago, my husband had left for another country owing to a better job prospect. I couldn't travel with him as I had to wait for my visa. My first book was slated to release on the 7th of February and I knew I would miss him a lot. However, I did not compel him to stay back and neither did I adamantly want him to come all the way for my launch as I knew his visa process will take sometime and he wouldn't be able to come back to India so soon. I consoled myself saying that this would motivate me to write the next book and hence, have a second launch where he would be there. 

The entire month passed by and I was caught up with the preparations for the launch. Although he was away, he made it a point to help me with the launch by guiding me all along. He spoke to a couple of people so that the celebrities could be arranged. As the launch approached, I was as tensed as ever. 

I reached Bangalore two days before the launch and with the help of my friends and relatives began working on the arrangements. I visited the venue a day before and messaged to my husband saying that I was tensed and worried. He said that it will all be fine. He even mentioned that he has worked a lot for the launch and he was tired. He said that he was going to sleep the entire day. I was very angry that I was toiling the entire day, running to different places and he was going to laze around the entire day. 

It was evening and I was shopping a gift for the celebrities along with my sister-in-law. We had finalised on a gift and suddenly my sister-in-law received a phone call and she was gone. I walked the billing counter. I was busy pulling out my purse to pay when someone in a grey sweater stood at the door smiling at me. My sister-in-law appeared from the door with a wide smile. 

For a while, I stood still with my hand inside me handbag trying to fetch my purse and my eyes rolling round and round wondering if it was real. I walked to the person with the grey sweater and touched him. He smiled again. And there, without any embarrassment I stood near the billing counter and screamed. I couldn't believe that my husband was standing there. He had come straight from the airport to the store. He cooly replied, "How could I not make it to my wife's first book launch?" 

I couldn't stop the tears that were rolling from my eyes. I hugged him right in the middle of the shop to confirm if it really was him. He later told me that he had received his passport stamped just two days before and hence, he could make it. That was when I realised that when there is true love, nothing can do apart and every single force in the world will see to it that the purpose is served. 

This is the most cherished memory of the launch that was a grand success. The minute I knew he was there, everything was fine all over again. 

A pic of us at the launch:

Do grab a copy of my book here.

The revived love for Cricket #IndvsPak - World Cup 2014 #BleedBlue

It's been almost 8 years since I watched the last match between India and Pakistan. It was in the year 2007 when India defeated Pakistan by 5 runs to win the T20 Cricket World Cup. What a proud moment that was? I remember that day very clearly. I was in my final year of graduation and the TV connection was disconnected due to some technical issues. It gave us a reason to enjoy the world cup with our neighbors. And the joy it brought to us when India won is something that gives me pride even today after such a long time.

Over the years, Cricket has become an overrated topic. It has lost the enthusiasm owing to the hype and controversies. The minute it caught the limelight for something more than being a form of sport, Cricket has become more of a money-game. I was among those thousands who stopped watching Cricket due to the above reasons.

But today, after such a long time, after a number of fights with my husband(who is a cricket fan) who has had a tough time trying to convince me, I switched on the TV to watch a cricket match. It's the India vs Pakistan match happening right now at Adelaide that caught my attention.

A cricket match after so many years did make me think. As I switched on the TV today morning, I found myself saying a small prayer for India. It was instant and involuntary. As the first wicket fell of Rohit Sharma, I found myself expressing my anger on the team. As Kohli raised his bat to hit a Six, I found myself chanting a silent prayer that it shouldn't land up being a catch. The India VS Pakistan Cricket match did revive the old memories that were somewhere buried due to the hype that media had created over the years.

Today I do not know if India would win or no, but I did realize that even after such a long time I do have a craze for the India Pakistan Cricket match with I feel every Indian is born with.

For live streaming Click here

Book Launch of "Frozen Summer and Columbina"

"Frozen Summer and Columbina" is the amalgamation of two different psychological thrillers by two young authors from two different cities sharing only one thing in common - their love for writing fiction. Published by Half Baked Beans Publishing House in association with Frankly.me.

The star studded book launch was held in Bangalore at a cozy bookstore called "Atta Galatta" on the 7th of February. The leading south Indian actress - Regina Cassandra, standup comedians - Sanjay Manaktala and Tushar Singh and Singer Alexis D'souza unveiled the book. 

Regina unveiled the book and handed it over to Sanjay and Alexis. Poppers were splashed and music surrounded the air. While Sanjay and Tushar entertained the crowd with their comic sense, Regina spoke about the book. She said, "I have started reading the book and cannot wait to complete it" Being an avid reader, she showed immense interest in the book. 

Alexis's band performed a foot tapping number that lightened the mood and mesmerised the crowd. Around 80 people were present for the launch. I read an excerpt from the book and Geetha did the same too. I remember the silence in the crowd when we read it. 

"Frozen Summer and Columbina" written by Geetha Madhuri and me is a psychological thriller and is considered to be India's first ever double header book. It consists of two stories that are completely different from each other.  While Frozen Summer is a suspenseful narrative tale involving a murder mystery, Columbina is a mysterious detective crime that happens at the world’s deadliest prison- Alcatraz.  Both the novellas share nothing in common. The book is a double dose of thriller for the reader. 

The most captivating aspect of the book is that each story is comprised of 70 pages which means that it is a good choice for a quick read. Pick up the book during a train journey or a flight journey and you will be able to finish it in no time.

Regina managed to finish the book and tweet about it. Here are the tweets:

The Inception:

A lot of people have been questioning Geetha and me as to how did we think of a double header. Let me tell you how it all happened. A year ago the publishers conducted a Novella contest and writers were asked to send a synopsis of their stories. Many young writers from all over the country submitted their synopsis and very few were shortlisted to write the complete novella. Novella is a 30000 word story. We were given 45 days to complete the novella. Aftwe which the results were declared and Geetha and I had made it to the top. Our stories were selected to be published.

I would be inviting Geetha to write about her experience very soon. Stay tuned for that! Until then, here are a few pictures from the event

Grab your copy at Amazon.in (http://www.amazon.in/Frozen-Summer-Madhuri-Cynthia-Vincent/dp/8192893782/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423808648&sr=1-1&keywords=frozen+summer+and+columbina)

The woman of the moment or the man who ran !! #Kiran Bedi vs #Arvind Kejriwal

The Delhi elections has begun to look like a tale of mockery where two highly educated individuals of different sex are fighting by putting their morals at stake. When we knew that AAP would unanimously bring Arvind Kejriwal at the forefront to stand for the post of the CM, we were clueless who would the BJP's candidate in the making be. And while we could contemplate and evaluate the prospects we were shaken from our very ground when the announcement was made that it would be none other than the (then)dynamic Kiran Bedi.

It took me a while to assimilate the entire situation. It shook me and I was numb. Almost a year ago when the entire country was looking for a change, the IIT alumnus separated from Anna Hazare and entered politics. He stood and won the Delhi polls raising the hopes of every individual in the country. The country was proud that there was finally someone who was just a minister next door, he was the God at that moment. He was the only person whom the country saw was devoid of a political dirt. The man who stood with the Jhado(broom) seemed to be the saviour who would clean the city and in turn India from corruption, malpractices and every vice.

Arvind Kejriwal after the Delhi Election win

The hopes were shortlived, exactly for 49 days after which he stepped down as the Chief Minister breaking and trashing the dreams of every individual who supported him and voted for him. Although he later apologized for quitting midway, do you think the nation cares now? Does any apology make sense now?

Speaking of Kiran Bedi, the self-acclaimed "Woman of the Moment", has let the country down again. The IPS officer who was known for her "harishchandra" ideologies has backstabbed on each one of us who has grown up admiring her.

The woman who once stood against the political biggies is now seen joining hands with the least amount of ignominy. She has coldly refused to reply to any of the questions that are asked to her with regard to the sudden change. How can a nation trust the woman who has been an opportunist and moved against her mission?
How can India's highest ranking Woman Officer set an example of deceit?

 The switch in her beliefs has clearly portrayed that this has become another Karunanidhi-Jayalalitha syndrome in the country. It has left us with no choice. Whom do we support? Are we Indian's going to always be crushed under a carpet of dirty politics where every individual performs or speaks only for his fame?

We are again caught in a pandemonium of disloyalty, fight for power, corrupt leaders and unfaithful promises. It's easier said than done, but whom do we look up to, "The woman of the moment or the man who ran" Or do we have to wait for another leader to be born?

What is it to live as a girl in Delhi?

It scares me. The thought of it reminds me of the 16th December incident. The Nirbhaya story has left an indelible scar in the life of every Indian woman.

I have visited Delhi once. It was years ago when I was in the 3rd grade. I had toured around Delhi with my parents. The lotus temple is all I remember today. It was meant to be one of the most peaceful places in Delhi. I had found Delhi inviting as a kid. But today, alas it is not the same.

Recently, my husband had been receiving a lot of job offers from companies that were situated in Delhi. Every time he considered a decent option and came to me for an opinion, he would be offensively denied with a single word, "NO". What followed was another sentence, "Don't you know it's dreadful for a woman to live there?"

And then, it gets me to thinking how do woman survive in Delhi? Recently, one of my colleagues and I were having an argument about working in Delhi. As always I was dreadfully against it. He was however trying his best to convince me. He said that Delhi was a very well-planned city. It had huge roads, the metro is the best in Delhi and house rent is not as exorbitant like Mumbai. But there was one assurance that he as a Delhite couldn't give, "Safety for woman".

I watched an advertisement this morning where the great Arnab Goswami was heard asking questions to the ministers on who is to be blamed for such acts of rape against women. This was the background voice while the video showed three men trying to rape two women of which one escapes and the other is unfortunately raped.

I wondered what would happen if by any chance I woke up in Delhi someday. Would I step out of the house? Would I stay inside and keep checking if the doors are bolted properly? Would I think twice before wearing a particular dress? Would I walk out of the house praying that I should get back home safe? Would I be walking in a street with thousands of male eyes wanting to feast on me?  Would I think hundred times before working late since I will have to get back home before it turns dark? Would I be living scared all the time? Would by heart be thumping each time I was alone? Would I always need a companion or bodyguard for my safety?

The "Would I" questions suddenly stopped haunting me as I realised that this was just my fearful mind playing tricks. I was not in Delhi. I heaved a sigh of relief.

There was one more question that frightened me, "What if someday my city became like Delhi? Who am I to blame then?"

The spark in every relationship

Over a cup of coffee with a friend yesterday, we began speaking about "The Spark" that exists in a relationship. Many people believe that there is no such thing called spark that exists and after a few years in a relationship, it all dies down. Infact after a few years what remains is just a compromise.

But I say, let your relationship not be based on compromises. That's the worst string that can attach the two of you in a relationship. My friend spoke of his other friend who had always dreamt of marrying a girl who was smart and shared the same ideologies.

But owing to parental pressure and discontent over his obesity, he found himself married to a woman older to him and completely different from him. His parents are happy, his wife loves him, she's affectionate but he's still not found the SPARK in his relationship.

A Spark can be anything. It differs from person to person. It can be physical appearance, the crazy behaviour of your partner, the way she smiles, the way he/she makes you feel, the way he/she looks at you etc.

I remember a friend who was trying hard to find the perfect match. He and his parents were having a tough time trying to find a girl for him in their tribe. After a tiresome search, he finally said a yes to a girl and they were engaged instantly. But he kept telling us that he wasn't attracted to her. Everytime they spoke over the phone, they didnt have much to talk about. Neither of them were interested in knowing about each other. I knew by then that they weren't meant for each other. I tried to ask my friend what is it that he liked in her. He was finding it difficult to even mention one quality about her that fascinated him. The engagement broke off within the next ten days. Thankfully a few months later he met another girl whom he really liked and they are happily married now.

When I met my husband for the first time, within a few minutes it clicked. I had found my Spark that remains alive even today.

A Spark is something that grows over time in your relationship. If it begins to diminish then you either need to bring it alive in your relationship or it was something that never existed. You do not have to be explicit about it, it can be something that needs to be felt only by the two of you. It is something that you need to cherish and make it grow inside you. It is something that will bind you together in a strong chord.

What is the Spark in your relationship? Have you found it yet? It can occur at anytime. Sometimes it may take years for you to find it. The sooner or later, don't ever miss to "Sparkle you life with that beautiful Spark"

The Downtown Flea - Come untangle yourself !!

The month of December is known to gather tourists from around the world to the blissful state of Goa. It attracted me too and I planned to travel to Goa early in the month of December, 2014. I was advised not to leave Goa without visiting the "Flea Market" in Arpora. They even said that let yourself loose to enjoy the spirit of Goa. Following the tradition suggested by my friends and also some online well-wishers who had left positive reviews about the "Flea Market", I paid a visit to this market and it was one of the best decisions that I had taken during my entire travel.  There was music, dance, food, apparel, accessories, live band and a lot more to name all at a single place. How I wished to experience something similar in Pune or Mumbai where I could visit on and often and I didn't have to perpetually plan for a travel?

Much to my surprise, within a few days I saw a fan page in Facebook about a Flea Market happening in Pune. 

Yes, if you live in Pune or somewhere close to it then do not lose a chance to experience this one of a kind Market.

The "Down Town Flea" is being held at "The Irish Village" (Nr Hard Rock Cafe & Raga Lawns) - Koregaon Park on the 17th and 18th of January, 2015. Just two days to go !!!

Ever visited a place where there is art coupled with culture, music coupled with eccentricity, good food coupled with a cup of coffee? If not then this is one place that you just cannot miss. 

This bizarre bazaar has a lot to offer with varieties which I am afraid you will lose count of. Imagine yourself, sipping a cup of coffee, tasting some yummy waffles and a live band performs right in front of you. That would be a treat to all your senses, won't it? You can find "Peher" an all girls band, The Folk Pop beauty "Che", "Strota" famous for their Vedic Rock and Indie Music, contemporary artists "AWD" , the maestro "Krishna Marathe" and a lot more.



If you wish to take a break from music, you do not have to leave the Flea, just look around you lovely ladies, the shops are going to surely make you empty your wallets. From handmade household decor to accessories and fashion footwear to trendy clothes, I am sure you will need to carry a lot of bags home. 

       

That's not it. There are some workshops that are going to be held at the market. For all your creative buffs, this is for you. Tickle your creative senses and let your creativity flow at Pune's very first Flea. 



The fun and eccentricity does not end here, the after-party sponsor, "Blue Frog" allows you to enter for free on 17th Jan with just a stamp that you need to collect at the "Down Town Flea".

I can't wait to witness this amazing event happening at one of the most youth-filled vibrant city of Pune. 

Block your calendars and cancel every appointment to untangle yourself from your monotonous life at "The Down Town Flea". 

Follow them at The Downtown Flea

My unsafe world #Peshawar Attacks

There was one incident this week that brought everyone together; white, black; rich, poor and everyone alike. There comes a moment in history when the entire world gets divided at a ratio of 90:10. And the Bloody Black Tuesday was one such incident. 

"The Peshawar Attacks" where 132 innocent children and 9 staff of the school were gruesomely massacred shattered the lives of the people who merely heard about it. One can only imagine the plight of the parents who had waited for their kids to return home from school. Sadly what came home was something that no parent would have dreamt of.

Yesterday while sipping my morning coffee in my office cafeteria, I heard two of my office colleagues (both of them were unfamiliar to me) discussing the attacks. One of them said, "Islam never allows such killings", while the other guy replied, "They will surely rot in hell". I silently heard them and noticed the rage and anger in their face. Everyone was angry. I am angry. The world is angry. 

When the perpetrators of the crime were asked for a reason, I wondered how can such an incident be even reasoned out? How can someone even try to justify such an atrocious killing? 

A million unanswerable questions arose in my troubled mind. Don't these killers have a family? Don't they have children? But above all, don't they have a heart? I do not know. Maybe all of us have similar questions running in our head. We would never receive answers for such questions. We would never know what runs in the heads of such infiltrators of crime.

When such gloomy dark shadows overpower our lives, I keep pondering on various questions, "Where are we heading to? Where is the world I live in heading to? Today it was the turn of those innocent children to die, will I be a victim to such grave incident someday? The thought scares me and I try to helplessly pacify myself."

With the variety of crimes today, I feel unsafe to even step out of my house. I feel unsafe to stay alone in my own home. I feel unsafe in solitude wondering what is someone is standing behind me to stab me. 

The need of the hour is a change in our thoughts. And there is one number of Michael Jackson that keeps resounding, 

"Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me"

Yes, we need to heal our world that is in deep sickness. We need to vote for the apt ministers who can run our country and put an end to such crime. This goes out to citizens of every country. We must teach our children values so that when they grow up they would support what is right. 

We need to heal our world and make it a better place. 

Touch of Life #BringBackTheTouch

Sarah was depressed. Not for a day or two, but since 5 months. There was no reason for her depression. From the outside, nothing seemed to be shady. She had the perfect job in an ad agency. She was pretty, talented, smart and sensible. She had worked hard for the past 5 years in her job and she was a go-getter ever since she was a child. Sometimes, success makes you lonely and it was the same for Sarah. She was a loner. She never had friends. She never had a social life. She never interacted. She spoke less and kept to herself. But she was the best at work. Not that she never had the urge to make friends or share her deepest problems with anyone, she just felt she never had time for it. And by the time she felt that it was necessary for a friend, she had forgotten how to make one.

After attempting suicide a number of times in the past month, she realized that she needed a lot of courage. She finally decided to jump from the bridge near her house and end her life. It was a breezy winter evening. She wrote a suicide letter in black ink saying that no one was responsible for her death and folding it into two she gently placed it near the lamp on the study table. Latching the door, she decided to walk her way to death. All the memories from her childhood flashed before her eyes. She remembered her parents and her brother whom she loved so dearly. She pictured their faces when they would see her dead body. Nothing could stop her from choosing her destiny.

It was late in the night and the bridge was almost empty. She climbed on it and walked to the edge. Saying a small prayer, she said sorry. Turning around, she confirmed that no one was around. Gathering immense courage she pushed the lower half of her body to take a leap into the sea with open arms. It was as though she was embracing death. At that minute she felt a touch. She felt a hand clasp her. She felt touched. A quick shiver ran through her spine. She felt like a coward as she was caught doing the most dreadful thing.

“Hold on”, she found a male voice behind her.

“Do not jump!! I will hold you”, she turned to see who the savior was.

Behind her stood a young lad in his late 20’s, who stood there holding her hand in amazement. She turned and he was lost in a stare-off for 30 seconds. He helped her on the way down from the bridge and dropped her to her place without uttering a word. Neither of them spoke. Neither of them left each others hand as well. There was a strong unspoken conversation that had taken place with that touch.

The next morning, Sarah found a bouquet of flowers at her door with a small not in it. “Smile, for not everyone knows that he would live the next day” – Love, Roy

Roy stood below her balcony to wave her a good bye. This happened for a couple of days. Everyday there was a new note. Sarah didn’t make up her mind to speak to him. Finally one morning, when she opened the door instead of the usual flowers she found Roy standing.

“I just moved in as your neighbor a day ago. Can we be friends?” Roy tried to charm Sarah.

The reluctant Sarah finally opened the doors of friendship. She had found a friend, she had found a confidante and she had found the love of her life. A few months passed and Sarah and Roy were found walking by the bridge where they had first met. This place no longer haunted her anymore. She thanked God for having given her Roy. The touch of Roy’s hand reminded her everyday that there was hope in the life that she had lost. The touch brought her happiness and vanished her fears and depression. The touch rekindled her zest for life. It was the touch that brought life into her drooping existence.


This post is inspired by a topic at Indiblogger Happy Hours called #BringBackTheTouch  http://www.pblskin.com/
 

 

Love Lasts Forever... - #Book Review

Vikrant Khanna, a contemporary author pens his third novel based on marriage and mistakes. I received "Love Lasts Forever" from Blogadda as part of their Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers.

Title: Love Lasts Forever (only if you don't marry your love)

Author: Vikrant Khanna

Genre: Romance and fiction

Publishers: Srishti Publishers

ISBN #: 9789382665175

The Blurb: Eighteen-year-old Ronit falls madly in love with Aisha the moment he meets her at his graduation day from a naval college. He believes he has found his perfect soul mate, and come what may, his love for her will last forever. Seven years later, he gets married to her. Big mistake! A week later, he completely hates her and believes she has turned into a devil.
But his perception about love and life change when he hears the poignant love story of Shekhar, his Captain, on a ship that later gets hijacked by the pirates of Somalia. As they are left fighting for their lives; they confront if love truly can last forever…? Or does it get too late?

Summary: The book begins with Ronit (the main protagonist) sailing on a ship for work purpose and his continuous rants about his wife. His ship goes on to get hijacked by pirates exactly when he is immersed in listening to the story of the Captain of the ship, who was divorced for over 3 decades. Ronit on the other hand, who was in love with his wife for 7 years and married for a few months, wants a divorce. Do the perspectives change? Does Ronit get his divorce? Or Does the Captain's story rekindle the lost love in his life?

The Turn on's:

1. The book teaches you that love is not the only ingredient required to make a marriage successful. Marriage needs a lot of hardwork, patience and perseverance. Ronit's story could happen to any of us. Every married person can relate to it. 

2. The plot would get you attracted at the very first place and make you want to pick this book for a comfortable read.

3. The story of the Captain nudges you at your heart. You will find tears rolling at the end of the Captain's story. Vikrant's does a fantastic job at this. 

4. The tortures by the  Somalian pirates make your heart reach out to the people who put their lives at risk at the ship.

The Turn Off's:

1. The story could have been narrated from Aisha's(Ronit's wife) point of view as well. I felt it was just one-sided and at times you would find yourself hating Aisha for the way she was.

2. The story that is written from a male point of view sometimes fails to relate to you and you find it to be very fast paced. 

Apart from these two negative aspects of the book, I found it to be a book that you can flip through and pick up points to make your relationship better.

My Verdict: 3/5

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for BlogAdda Indian Bloggers Participate now to get free books!