Where is your partner #@%#@%

“Lieben” – “Do you know what this means?” mentioned my german language tutor.

It was my second german class and like every enthusiastic teenager learning something, I had found the meaning of “Lieben”. (Using the google translator I had gone through a few words before class wanting to be more abreast than the others  :D). Hearing the word from my tutor the veins in my brain started to go to that part where I had stored the meaning of “Leiben”.  “Lieben” means “love”. (We were learning verbs that day at class.) My tutor went on to ask, “What happens after you fall in love?”

“Proposal” “Express the love” “Emotions flow”, were the mixed answers from the students.  Playing with the pen in my hand I was wondering what my tutor was expecting. (Was he expecting us to say “A thousand violins start playing”!!!)

“Verloben”, my tutor took the marker from the desk and wrote “Engagement” next to it. “Engagement comes after falling in love right?” exclaimed my tutor. (Eyebrows increased I realized “Oh my! So my tutor was being so genuine”)

He went on to explain that “Heiraten” meant marriage and “Gescheiden” meant divorce.

My very sincere friend ( in his late thirties)  who had been listening all along looked puzzled and asked a question, “Sir, what do you say for “Where is your partner?” in German”. Obviously all of us including the tutor were confused and bewildered. ( I was wondering, “Does he want to ask, Where is your Wife/Husband?”)

Ravi went on to explain, {“Actually sir, I am being specific on asking you to translate, “Where is your partner? “into German. It so happened that I was in a meeting with my clients and there was this young client Gibbs. We shared a conversation and this is how it flowed”

Ravi: Hey Mr. Gibbs, how have you been? The deal was quite a fair one and will bring a lotta profit to both the organizations.

Gibbs: Yeah Mr. Ravi, I am glad  !!!(He spoke in that stylish American accent twisting his tongue)

(“I remember somebody telling me that Mr. Gibbs’s wife worked with the same firm and as a sheer gesture I went on to enquire about her.”)

Ravi: Where is your wife, Gibbs? I can’t see her around.

Gibbs: “Oh yea, He is on his way, caught up with some important work, I guess. He should be back any moment!. }

Ok we all sat thinking why did Ravi give us this explanation. Ok wait a minute, “Did he just say He to address his wife rather than a she!! #@%#@%” It took us few seconds to understand Ravi’s explanation. Oh my God!!! We were all baffled hearing it and the entire class burst out laughing.

While coming back from class I was wondering whether I should follow what Ravi had humored upon. And then I thought that I should blog about it and keep my dear readers warned about it. So next time you meet an American, think twice before asking about his spouse. Who knows you may land up into a fix just like Ravi: P 

Where is your Partner???!!!#@%#@%???

Lol .

I was laughing the whole way home.

Just Married

                                                                         

It was the 5^th of May, 1986, Mamma you must have walked down the aisle and papa you must have watched her the whole way till she reached the altar. You were married and 26 years down the line Roshan(my brother) and I have watched your love blossom every day. I have written posts on social stuff, short stories, poetry etc. but this post is dedicated to the two most priceless people in my life, “My Parents”. This is just a minuscule way of showing my gratitude for everything that you have been in mine and Roshan’s life.

Words fall short when I have to write for you because whatever I write wouldn’t be enough when compared to your love and affection. Today if I am here, if I am breathing, if I am living my dream it’s just because of your undying support and encouragement.

There are a few incidents that are every close to my heart and that I wish to share.

Last year we celebrated your 25^th wedding anniversary and during the function the priest asked you maa,

“What would you like to thank God for over these years?”

You answered, “My children”.

And the priest asked you pappa,

“Which was the most beautiful moment in your life after marriage?”

You replied, “When my daughter was born.”

Drops of tears rolled down my eyes when I heard it.

When I come back home for vacation, however late it is mamma you would be awake keeping the door open and when I enter you would just come and hug me. It’s like your wait is over and the longing to see me has finally borne fruit.

Before writing this post I had asked my brother, “Roshan”, if he wished to share anything. And this is what he said.

Maa and paa you have been always there for me. Till i don’t come back home mom you have always been awake no matter what. Pappa you make it a point to call me every 10 minutes and see that I am safe if I have gone out. You have made me understand things calmly and slowly. When i was small i wanted to be ekdum free and cool and i used to get very angry on mom dad because they would not let me be that and stop me.

Now i realized that it’s good they held me back because if they did not i would have been loafing around Pune without any focus of what to do.

So always pay heed to what your parents have to say, it might be irritating but they are right....

 As we run about shaping our future, we fail to acknowledge you for everything that you do for us. In our busy lives we fail to stop and thank you for your care and affection which you keep showering upon us and we leave it unnoticed.

Even though 26 years have passed, you are still like “A Just married” couple who laugh on each other’s jokes and will never easily give up each other.  You still share that warmth, love and patience that is rich and new in its own way. Maa you still blush when dad gives you a compliment even though you must have heard it a million times  :P 

Today as we celebrate another year of your togetherness. I just want to tell you that we love you for what you are. And we will always make your proud in whatever we say and do.

FOR ALL THE TIMES YOU WERE AWAKE FOR ME,

FOR ALL THE TIMES YOU ENCOURAGED ME,

FOR ALL THE TIMES YOU SUPPORTED ME,

FOR ALL THE TIMES YOU GUIDED ME,

THANK YOU MAA AND PAA.

YOU FELL IN LOVE YEARS AGO,

BUT EVEN NOW IT’S PURE AND TRUE,

WE WERE BORN TO GIVE A NEW MEANING,

TO YOUR LOVE, INCREASING AND BLOSSOMING.

YEARS HAVE PASSED AND WE HAVE WITNESSED,

YOU ARE INCOMPLETE WITHOUT US AND WE WITHOUT YOU,

WE ARE A FAMILY, TOGETHER AND UNITED,

BUILT WITH A FOUNDATION OF YOUR AFFECTION AND VALUES.

MOM WOULD ASK, “AM I BEAUTIFUL?”

DAD WOULD REPLY, “AS ALWAYS MY CHARM.”

I REGRET SEEING THE CAR THAT YOU GOT IN,

THE CAR THAT HELD THE BOARD, “JUST MARRIED!!!!”

I PRAY TO GOD TO FULFILL YOUR DESIRES,

TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY AND WEALTHY,

SMILING, CHEERFUL AND HAPPY,

WISH YOU A HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.

Aamchi PUNE

The charm of the Western Ghats

The Oxford of the east

The pinnacle of tradition and fashion

The metropolis of the Maratha Regime

The Land of the greatest ever Maratha warrior

Culmination of varied cultures and food

Legacy of historical events

Epicenter of classical music and theatre

A Gamma-global City

Synergy of arts, science, technology and theatre

2^nd best city to live in India (According to the Times of India survey)

Host to people all over India

Well that is the city I love, My city Pune ,Aamchi Pune

There are some places that are very special to you, where you have wonderful memories that make you reminisce. It may be the place you were born, the place where you would holiday, the place where your grandparents stayed or the place where you spent your childhood. For me there is a place that I hold very dear to my heart and the place that I miss every minute, the place where I spent 9 years of my life, “PUNE”. And although I am only working here in Chennai I always prefer myself to be called, “A Punekar”.

                There is something in the air of Pune that whn I go there to spend some time wint my family I feel I am in heaven. For me Pune is my “Jannat”. I get to go back to Pune once in 3-4 months , but there are a lot of things that I would never miss.

                                                                                                                                                     

If you would have followed my blog post ) then you would have guessed my love for one famous dish that I love. Yes!!! You got it right. Am talking about Vada pav. You get mouthwatering vada pav’s at the JJ Garden vada pav wala in camp and also theJoshi vada pav vendor near Fathima Nagar.

On the same lines of food, the day I land in Pune this is what I do.

“Hey Nitu, what’s up? Free kab hai yaar?” I pick up my phone to ask Nitha if she is free.

“Hey Cynthia, awesome you’re back? I’m free yaar. Bataa kya karna hai?”

“Chalein Pani poori khane?”

And immediately in a day or two we would be found in our adda which is none other than the Hanuman Mandir Pani poori wala. He opens his shop at 4 in the evening and the aroma of his pani pooris will pull you from quite a distance.

 

MG road is one place where I generally love to shop as well as do window shopping with my friends. Street shopping is also my favorite when it comes to MG road or Laxmi road. Don’t fail to look for accessories in the roadside shop. Ekdum Sastha aani Masta. (Cheap and the best).Marzorin is one place where you get awesome spaghetti and milkshakes. Built in a British style, this place takes you back to the stone buildings that the Britishers had built.  

For people coming from larger cities, commuting is a chillax job and never a problem. Auto-rickshaws are pretty cheap and cater to the Aam Aadmi. You never have to travel for hours to reach any place. Being a small metropolis in area, it is very effortless to travel anywhere. And yes two of the most upcoming hangout places for youngsters recently has been Viman Nagar and Kalyani Nagar. Go out for a stroll in the evenings after 7 and you will get a feel the vibrant youth in the city.

 Rains are one of those seasons that bring with it the essence of piety and poetry. And rains can never be complete without a visit to the Mulshi dam and a few waterfalls on the ghats. When I remember the rains I can think of one incident that I always retrospect. It was the month of july in 2008 and the city was submerged in heavy rains. Raining like cats and dogs was phenomenon that was not so common in Pune. I was on my way back with my friend on a scooty. Hardly could we see anything in front of us. We waited at a signal and saw a bhutta fellow selling hot bhutta in that cold wintery night at 10.00 pm. My friend asked me, “Cynthia shall we try one?” I was reluctant because it had become quiet late. We took the scooty and raced off but both of us were not satisfied. The smell of hot bhutta had entered my brain now and I so badly wanted to taste it. We took a U turn in the next signal and went back to relish the tasty Bhutta (fried corn) with mirchi powder and salt. Oh my the taste still lingers in my mouth!! Guess I should plan my next trip to Pune during the rainy season. What say!!!

Pune has a huge culture that is determinate in its own way. The history of the Maratha rule still encompasses the city with its aura. It won’t take much time for any first time visitor to inundate the rich tradition that the city has to offer.

  

 Pune is surrounded by a number of hill stations like Lonavala, Khandala, Panchgani, Mahableshwar and Matheran. How can I forget the strawberries and mulberries that you enjoy in these hill stations? The summer is just an excuse to visit the fascinating hills and get mesmerized in its exquisite beauty. These places are the main tourist attractions throughout the year.

“An evening walk in the ‘Z’ bridge”, It has been quite some time since I have been to the ‘Z’ bridge near Deccan, but I would not be doing justice to this post if I haven’t mentioned this place. This bridge plays a host to a lot of people who come with friends and provides a space where you can build memories that can’t be forgotten.

A long walk on one of the lanes of Koregaon Park with trees hovering you on both sides is something that gives you tranquility and peace even in the peak hours of the day.   

 

 Pune University and Pashan are two areas where you will get to see most of the biological plants available. A ride down these two areas will leave you spellbound. While talking about Pashan I remember one drive that is unforgettable. I had to attend an interview in Pashan and had to cross Loyola High School. I faintly remember crossing that place earlier but this time I had a slow ride as I was on my bike and I must say it was the best drive ever. The stretch from Loyola’s to the Pashan Chowk leave you speechless. You will wonder how can the road be so peaceful with trees around and dew falling from the leaves. Wow I am missing it all !!

I remember when I was studying in Vidya bhavan Jr. college many of my maharashtrian friends would love the South Indian dosas that you get inVaishali restaurant at F.C Road. And a pune college goer would be incomplete if he hasn’t visited Vaishali ever.

The climate is considered to be the main reason why a number of people wish to settle down in Pune. It has an awesome climate throughout the year.

Pune has a little slow life as compared to Mumbai or Chennai, yet it has a magnet that will always pull you to live your life in leisure and peace

 Recent increase in population may make a few people disagree with me on the fact that Pune is less crowded. However, I would still say that even amidst the crowd and euphoria there are some places that are quiet and offer you the peace of mind that you look for in your busy lives. There may be some other facts too that may undermine my view of Pune. But whatever be it, I am a true Punekar and will always be the die hard fan of Pune.

So for all those who are thinking of visiting this place, don’t think twice, because once you go there you may not want to come back. No one knows you may fall so much in love with the city just like I do. Oh I have gone back to dreaming about Pune. (the food, the climate, the culture, the essence and the aura!!!) I just resumed work a month back after my trip to Pune and I think I should start looking for tickets for another trip to the place which is my home and the place which has a magical power to keep attracting me.

I am a Versatile Blogger too :)

                                                   

Blogging is a passion, a meditation, a fervent desire to pen down my thoughts and a synergy of ideas and emotions.  I started blogging in 2010. Although I wasn’t passionate about it in the beginning, as time passed I realized that blogging gives me peace. It provides me a space where I can vent my feelings and thoughts and write on anything that I come across without any ban and restrictions.  On joining indiblogger(www.indiblogger.in)  I realized that there are so many people passionate about blogging. Anumber of blogs inspired me and I was astounded to see the world of blogging. The more I visited the site, the more was I encouraged to write better. I moved from writing general stuff and day to day events to short stories, autobiographies and poems. And today I have been rewarded for being versatile. Woah !!!! a feather to my hat and all thanks to another truly versatile blogger Gayathri (http://gayathri-myscribbles.blogspot.com/).( Do visit Gayathri's blog too :) worth a read !!!!) Gayathri I am honored that you found me suitable for this award. Thanks a ton.

So after spending a lot of time in finding out the truly versatile bloggers, I present before you my list of bloggers who impressed me and deserve this award. There is no ranking on who is better than the other all are truly versatile.

Nivedita Patil  >> http://curiousfeline.wordpress.com/

Nabanita Dhar >> http://nabanita-blacknwhite.blogspot.in/ 

C Suresh >> http://jambudweepam.blogspot.in/ 

Saurabh Chawla >> http://saurabhchawla2345.blogspot.in/ 

Leo paw >> http://bigbitz.blogspot.in/ 

 Bhavana >> http://tillingtheearthwoman.blogspot.in/

Viyoma  >> http://vyoworld.blogspot.in/ 

Debajyoti  >> http://factsandnonsense.com/ 

Anju Gandhi  >> http://anjugandhi.wordpress.com/  

Sahana Rao  >> http://walkofthoughts.blogspot.in/  

I was asked to do the below while I was given this award. And I expect all the other bloggers who have received this award to do this too.

Nominate 10-15 fellow bloggers

Inform the bloggers of their nomination

Share 7 random things about yourself

Thank the blogger who nominated you (with blog link)

Add the Versatile Blogger Award Pic on your blog post

And here is some space to brag about me. The 7 things about me:

When I sat to think about the 7 things about me that was worth sharing with the blogging community, It was a tiresome task. I had to choose things that weren’t every personal and at the same time stuff that describe me on the whole. After a lot of introspection I jotted the below.

1.  Books, books and more books:         Have you ever loved the aroma of a book? It smells good the older it gets. I am an ardent lover of books. You can find a book in my bag whenever I leave the house. My aunt used to ask me how I would spend my money when I start earning. I would reply: “I will make a library of books and dedicate a room in the house for it. This dream is on its way. I have started collecting books of my choice. 
2. 100% :      Whether it is a birthday celebration at home or an important assignment at office, I would never rest in peace till I have given my 100% to it. I can never concentrate on anything else till I have completed the work that I am committed to. The reason being a superb advice given by my school friend, “Your duty Lies before you”. Thanks to Vaibhav.
3. Writer in me:     The flow of thoughts and ideas inside me are some things that can never stop. So every time my brain is filled with something to be penned down I do it without bothering about the place I am in. I roam with a small notepad and a pen in my bag. You can find me sitting in a local train and writing points for my next post. And yes, not to forget like most of the bloggers I too have a desire to become an author one day. Come the right topic and the right time I may surely write something that could be published.  
4. Love driving in the rain:      Rain has always been one of the best seasons of all times for me. Sitting at the window watching the droplets of water kiss the thirsty earth, I feel a sense of peace run through my veins. Driving in the rain is something that is adventurous and exciting and something that I never miss. To complete this beautiful time, who would miss eating bhutta in the rain (Oh I so love it :) )
5. Interactions:     Just a hello is enough and I would carry the conversation ahead. When I am around with friends I try to make everyone participate in the conversation. I interact easily with people I meet for the first time and try to make my first impression the best one.
6. Orderly and Punctual:         “It is better to be 10 minutes early than to be a minute late” I follow this principle in life and see to it that I am punctual. Even if I have to meet my friend I leave on time. And I hate people who make me wait, although Nitha (my best friend) is an exception.
7. Lover of manners:         From an auto-rickshaw driver to the person who comes to pick garbage at home to any shop keeper, I never miss to say a “thank you” for their kind gesture. “Thank you” is just two words; however, it makes a lot of difference. It proves to be an encouragement to people who work for us. So never miss to say a thank you to anyone. And not to forget, I forgive people easily so just a simple “sorry” melts me. After all friendship is more valuable than the mistakes right?

Finally I would like to thank Gayathri again (http://gayathri-myscribbles.blogspot.com/) for this award. I appreciate it and will stand true to this award by being versatile in my writing. Sorry for the late post as Gayathri had awarded me with this long back. I am on the top of the world bragging about my award. :D

And to everyone out there keep reading my posts and keep commenting too. I would love that.

And now I am going to inform my fellow bloggers about the award to make them happy too :D…

Have a nice Sunday .

If I were a boy

The clock struck 8.00 and I was still confused with what to wear to office that day. I glanced through my western wear that was hanging on the top shelf. (Being a Friday I could dress in casuals). A navy blue and white checked shirt caught my eye and I chose it for the day. The mirror had to now give an ok signal after which I would wear it.

“Shall I make another dosa?” My aunt stood next to the dosa tawa and questioned me in a motherly tone.

“No I’m done aunty”, I replied back (washing my hands after breakfast)

“What’s this Cynthia, you look like a boy in these clothes today?” exclaimed my aunt on a sarcastic note, pointing at my clothes. I simply giggled giving her a naïve smile.

On my way to office I was talking to my friend about the next topic for my blog. In mentioning about the events that happened in the morning, he gave me a few suggestions. (so sweet, he is always ready to help me out J)

“Actually Cynthia, I agree with your aunt”

(with a confused look) “What do you mean by that?” I enquired in a disgusted tone.

“See I have a topic for you. But you should promise me you would blog about it”. He made a move that was something I dint want to hear.

(Thoughts running in my brain, Should I say yes or no? what would he ask me to blog about?)

“Aha, hmm, ok let me give a try” , I replied lowering my voice. ”Hope it’s not a crazy topic”

“If I were a boy!!! How’s it?”, my friend replied excitingly. He gave me the topic which was actually not bad. (My friend did have brains hummm)

And there goes the reason behind this post.

“The glass is always greener on the other side” Heard of this proverb? That’s what I always think when I have to put my legs into another person’s shoes and think about his life. Right from my childhood I have always envied the freedom my cousin brothers would get.

So to start with, If I were a boy, I wouldn’t have to be bothered about my safety and wouldn’t have to answer a thousand questions put before me by the elders of the house.

 If I were a boy, I can think of a dinner plan at 10 in the night with 10 odd male friends to accompany me too.

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t have to worry about going home on time. I can get in at any time and still have the honor of food being served hot, with my mom and sister fighting over who would stay awake to serve me. (What a loving family J)

Whether it’s a wedding or going to a shop close to the house, I can get ready in just 5 minutes. I don’t have to be bothered about what I wear, who cares no one would look at me or scan me through.

If I were a boy, I think I would finally understand what it is to love a girl, I would understand how it feels when your heart skips a beat on seeing a beautiful damsel. I would have a higher say in every relationship.

I can drink a beer/vodka when I wanted or any liquor on earth from a-z , find myself in hospital, and still have a friend who would help me in that situation.

I can wear a shorts in summer and not bother about my skin getting tanned.

I can stay single even till the age of 30 and enjoy life without getting questioned, “Oh my God, you are still not married ?”

If I were a boy,  I can flirt with many girls simultaneously and still will hear my friends say wow u got talent man, amazed at how you can handle so many :P

If I were a boy, I would not have to search for a loo in the first place when I am on a journey, well I can pee where I wanted right :P

If I were a boy, ,I can watch anything n everything on the tv / internet and not feel ashamed of it.

If I were a boy, I can get into a densely crowded bus and can show my balancing skills by hanging outside , I can go bizarre and go on top of the bus too. I would do all this just to show my macho skills :P

If I were a boy, I can gather a group of buddies and shout out loud on the road without being questioned about my culture or clan.

“Screeeeeeeeeech, woooooooooooosh, stop”, the bus stopped with a brake. Wait a minute I have only been thinking about the positive aspects about being a boy. There is a lot more that I have been missing isn’t it? (I pondered and went ahead to dreamt about the list again)

If I were a guy, I can never wear a florescent or any eye catching color dress and walk around on the road.

I wouldn’t have had the multitasking brain of a girl that can think of a hundred things at a single time. (My, my girls are so brainy :D)    

I wouldn’t have been dignified and personified illustriously by famous poets and authors who have written a million poems on a girl’s beauty.

If I were a boy, I would have been called handsome and not beautiful. If by mistake I was called beautiful I may have to think twice that people didn’t think I was gay right? :P

I wouldn’t have enjoyed the comfort of having a separate queue at counters and the privilege to travel in a train that is called “Ladies special”.

I wouldn’t have been honoured when everyone would say “Ladies first” :P

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t have had the freedom to cry out wherever and whenever I could and get my job accomplished. And the best part is a pitiful boy would only have helped me out.

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t have a thousand choices before me for everything, clothes, accessories, footwear etc etc…

If I were a boy, I wouldn’t have the celebration of Women’s day or Girl child day, where I can receive numerous gifts J.

Well, well, well I could jot down a lot more, probably books could be written and argued upon. As I started my blog by saying that the grass is always greener on the other side. Sometimes we come across thoughts that make us think of the otherwise. Treat the person of the opposite gender with respect and dignity and never look down upon or feel superior over the other.

It may have crossed your mind that, Am I feeling bad that I am a girl and wish to be a boy. No, not at all, I am proud to be a person of the weaker sex, (that’s what everyone addresses us), I would say I am proud to be a part of the sex that has the strongest heart and the wittiest brain.

That evening I changed into a beautiful purple anarkali and got decked up for a wedding. As always I stood in front of the mirror giving that naughty smile (with my head slightly tilted and my lips curved) and thought,

“I don’t think guys can look so good :P”