Sabre Rattlings

I'll leave it to your imagination. To complete the story. To tell a tale.






...
Does it strike a chord?

Do you think so?

In life, there is no Black and White. Only shades of Grey. Really? I wonder.

Two little Ducks

I sit down here to write my birthday post. My twenty-second birthday. A lot of people my age do not like to say it aloud. The number. The two little ducks. I do not either. I have always been the one excited about growing older. Till today. I remember how I wanted to turn 16, then 18 and then the big 21. There has always been the excitement of growing up. To show off your age. At such times I always wondered why some of my older cousins would not be excited as much about their birthdays as me. That feeling is now sinking in. It’s glorious till your 21st birthday. NOT thereafter. Twenties come with a lot of crucial times- in all respects. A whole array of hard decisions which decide the course of your life. 

Reading old posts is always fun. I thought of going through the post I had written a year back when I just turned twenty one. And. I realised how some things have changed since then. 

If I have to draw a comparison, this birthday I was NOT sleeping at twelve. I was on the phone with a person NOT least expected. I would NOT exactly term the day as “adventurous”. And. Before the clock struck midnight and the next day began, I was again talking to the same person! A few things that have changed maybe in my transition from the twenty-one to the twenty-two. Otherwise. It was pretty much the same. Lunch with friends and dinner with family #whatilove ! An ideal day it was. With the perfect start and an even perfect-er ending. :D

PS. Thank you for that lovely post. The pictures and the mail. Inspite of your tight schedule. Meant way too much!

Cheers to Life

[Sharing another beautiful text I received..]

I’ve seen castles made out of sand,
Met people who believe destiny is engraved,
on the palm of their hands.
I’ve seen people change their faith,
Experienced love change into hate.
I’ve seen people grow younger with age,
And a bird who wouldn’t fly out of an open cage.
I’ve seen love sold for money,
People who are devastated inside,
But outside they’re funny.
I’ve seen the unicorn fall in love with the toad,
People who owned half the city, have now hit the road.
I’ve learned to expect the unexpected,
Perfection doesn’t exist, we’re all defected.
Everyone cries, some just hide their tears,
They say coal turns diamond over a thousand years.
Someone may believe you’re one in a million,
For others, you are just another anybody in the billion.
So live life with all that you have
Cherish all your moments happy or sad,
Feel blessed with what you are
Because life is too short
And we are just here for a moment.

My One Year Old Baby

And I did not realize it, but my blog just turned One on the 21st of April :-)

What a journey it has been. So much has changed since then. Touchwood. All for the better. I am happy. You have been lucky for me, dear blog!

WhatsApp

My blog of late would seem incomplete without a post dedicated to this wonderful application, my lifeline, my addiction, the witness to my many “important” conversations, WhatsApp. For starters, WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging service. This ain’t a technology blog and I ain’t a tech-expert. So for those interested you can check out http://www.whatsapp.com. In case you decide to download it, please add me. I am always looking forward to increasing my favourites list.

Moving on. So Basically. This post is more about WhatsApp and I.

I started my journey with WhatsApp sometime in December 2010. I do not exactly remember how and when I first heard about it and what exactly got to me to download it. Infact then, I did not have many contacts on my Favourites list either. Nonetheless I am glad that I did. After all. Little did I know about it then. It was soon to pave the way to a new and interesting phase in my life. Since then, March 2011, WhatsApp has become more of a way of life for me. A staple diet. Something I cannot imagine my day without. It has helped me get in touch with old friends and brought me closer to the newer ones. And now. From this moment on. It shall also remain the only hope. In my quest to ensure that out of sight does not really mean out of mind! ;)

In Truth and Otherwise ;)

In Truth. The world has seen. In Truth. I have gotten used to your company yet you never fail to surprise me. (Not that I am complaining!) In Truth. I love having you by my side. In Truth. #thesecretisout

Since 1995.

H and I have been friends for the past Sixteen years. One of my oldest and closest friends. My only friend who’s been with me through my Ten years of schooling in Holy Child, the One year at Maria’s and the final Two in APS. A lot has changed between us over the years. We’ve had our share of fights, months of not talking to each other, staying out of touch et al. But we’ve lived through each phase. Misunderstandings have cropped. People have rejoiced and laughed. But each time, our ties emerged stronger and sometimes, all it took was a sorry to make it up. Even today, the level of comfort we share with each other is rather surprising. Not a change. Despite the not-so-smooth journey that we’ve had through the years, we can still share all that we want. We may not talk often. But we know that whenever we have to, the other is always there to listen. To give the best advice.

Today we met after really long. The third time in three years. The first time in Guwahati since we moved out. And. We just took off from where we had left. Time has changed so much since then. We have changed. The face of our city has too. But sometimes you never grow out of your comfort zone. We met up at our old haunt CCD, remembered old times, caught up with the new, discussed people’s whereabouts, walked down to Bakers Treat which holds “funny” memories for the two of us. And it was like living it all again! For a moment it felt as if time had stood still. It was heartening to see how much we know about each other. Little things that another person would maybe take years to learn. Sixteen long years of friendship thus, just showed!

What Lies Ahead

End of a journey this
The start of another,
Thus, a new beginning
Time again promises;
Shows a new ray of hope
Flickering at a distance,
A dream to chase
An excuse to cheer,
Amidst all the sorrow phase
A need to brush aside all the fear,
Of the future unknown.
So far so good it has been
Faith in the destiny
I, therefore, hold
All for the times together.

En-route

Pune-Hyderabad-Calcutta-Guwahati. My exams are finally over and I am on my way home. Two months. Of Family. Friends. Fun. Food. Travel. Sleep. Idleness. This 15-day short stint in Pune has been one of the most memorable so far. For a lot many reasons. Times that’ll remain etched in my memory forever. To cherish. Times that promise a new beginning. Of things brighter and happier. All of which comes down to the one. That constant factor from the time I arrived at Pune till the time I left today. More on all of that soon. :)

1230 hrs, 20/04/11

Calcutta Airport.

These Days

Yesterday I, thanks to my silliness, hurt my toe. Caught in rusted chains, it bled. Forced I was thus to get an injection. I did. The first one since the time I can remember.

Today was another day. Of preparations. Of RedBull. Of anxiety. A long night still ahead. It's not yet over!

Tomorrow is the day. The Sixth Semester exams begin. Three years down and done. At the end of this, I will be a graduate. Another small yet significant step in this journey of mine.

More excited or more nervous. I am still unsure. Maybe it's time to get back to the last kill. The penultimate revision. See you on the other side!

It is.

It is not about not being told what to do
It is about deciding what to do
It is not about not being answerable to others
It is more about being answerable to yourself
It is not about living alone
It is just about staying alone

That thing called 'Being Independent'

To Judge or Not To Judge?

I just read this story. Thought it'd be a great idea to share. To remember. To keep in mind. A simple truth we all tend to forget. 

Once upon a time, there was a painter who had just completed his course. He took 3 days and painted a beautiful scenery. He wanted people's opinion about his caliber and painting skills. He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below, a board which read -"I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes, etc. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake."

While he came back in the evening to collect his painting, he was completely shattered to see that the whole canvass was filled with Xs (crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting. Disheartened and broken completely, he ran to his master's place and burst into tears. This young artist was breathing heavily and the master heard him saying "I'm useless and if this is what I have learnt to paint I'm not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely. I feel like dying"

The master smiled and suggested "My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt flawless painting. Do as I say without questioning it. It WILL work." The young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later, early in the morning he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. Master took that gracefully and smiled.

"Come with me", the master said. They reached the same street-square early morning and displayed the same painting exactly at the same place. Now, master took out another board which read -"Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I have put a box with colors and brushes just below. Please do a favor. If you see a mistake, kindly pick up the brush and correct it."

Master and disciple walked back home. They both visited the place the same evening. Young painter was surprised to see that there was actually not a single correction done so far. Next day again they visited and found that the painting remained untouched.

In fact, it is said that the painting was kept there for a month but no correction came in!

Moral of the story: 

It is easier to criticize, but difficult to improve! So do not get carried away or judge yourself by someone else’s criticism and feel depressed. JUDGE YOURSELF FOR YOU ARE YOUR BEST JUDGE.

In me. I have faith. I believe.

The Best Company

I am watching the India - Pakistan cricket match. Giving live updates to my friend in China. Ms. A is originally from Pakistan. A Pakistan supporter for today's match. I, on the other hand, am a die-hard India fan. Rivals on the field they are today. While Sehwag's fours made me jump with joy till now, his wicket right now has given her the reason to smile.  

Yet together we are watching the match. Discussing ball-by-ball update on Gtalk. Friends across borders we are! This is what I call interesting company for an interesting match :D

This one is for “You” :)

This is going to be my 100th post. A month short of one year. I would have procrastinated and waited for a while longer so that the two milestones would coincide. But the urge to write today is strong. Especially when I know there are “people” waiting to read. And there is so much too.

What a journey this has been! To start with, statistics to me have been a  constant source of instant happiness. 21 Followers. 5600 Pageviews as I write this one. Direct visitors from Slovakia and Toronto to my blog, Misters and Misses unknown you all are to me, have unknowingly motivated me to post often. More often. Not to mention the ‘returning’ visitors I know of, I love the way you guys return every few hours looking for more!  Your enthusiasm. Your interest. To know about me. My life. There couldn’t have been a better reward at the end of this, my one year journey in this virtual world. Nothing better that could I have asked for.

When I started of as a stranger in this blogosphere, I was oblivious of how far my wings could expand. 33 posts in 9 months to 67 posts in 3 months. Kind of explains how much it has! I started blogging for myself. To keep a check. This was going to be my first time. Apprehensive I was of losing interest or at least suspecting that it would waver mid-way, but for the first time in my life, I was not uninterested in the role I had assumed. Of a blogger. A narrator. I continued, and the blog today stands as a testimony. It has been a witness to the change in me. Carefully marking out each phase. It stands out tall as a reminder of my state of  mind at different points of time. Sometimes, unknowingly contributing to it too!

Over the one year, a lot of people have consciously or unconsciously found mention into my blog quite a few times. Consciously, I would have definitely avoided this one to save you the awkwardness of reading about yourself (I know how it feels, after all) but then that would not do justice to this blog, my grub-shup space and for the people who read this blog to sneak a peek in to my life. To find mention in this space of mine which I hold very closely to my heart, which I love calling “mine” (Yes! I do go to the the extent of annoying people reminding them it is “my” blog #possessiveme), you definitely must hold a very significant place in my life. An important one too. Happy to know that you do not really mind, I can take the “advantage” to discuss the person that is you.

Dear Readers, this blog has marked “our” journey together so far, which has been #epicwin. With you, I have discovered the true meaning of “I can be me, you can be you and together we can be us”. My conversation with you can stretch to endless hours yet at the same time, a moment of silence is not awkward. This has been the highlight of our relationship. You have been the reason why I could discuss the most irrelevant stuff with utmost seriousness while all the serious deliberations were turned into a joke. You, in ways more than one, have defined the journey to myself.

A thank you would never be sufficient. Nonetheless, that is all I can do for now. Thank you for your company at all times. “Sincerely” hoping that it continues to be so.

Loads of love,

Yours!

I thought I knew you till I read your blog

A blog speaks a lot about you. It is like a part of your self. It reflects you. Who you are. The kind of person. Your strengths and your weaknesses. I have never been good at reading a person. It has always proved to be be an upheaval task. Yet in this virtual world, I read so many blogs. Of known and unknown people. And I either get to know them a little more or a little less (?), with every post I read. Their imagination. Their fantasy. Their turmoils. Their "other" world.

Just like they surprise me with their posts, I surprise myself too. Going through my 98 posts so far, at points of time I fail to recognize myself. Those words do not seem to be my words. But sometime somewhere they must have occurred to me to find their way here. At times like these, I look at myself in the mirror and these words pour out- "I thought I knew you till I read your blog!"

Vice-Versa

Need a want? Or want a need?

A want is nice and friendly. It gives you a desire. Acts like the driving force. Gives you a reason to go for that extra bit. #whatilike

A need is the opposite. It is arrogant. It leaves you vulnerable and weak. #whatidontlike

Just a thought!

He and She - 2.

In continuation to my earlier post: He and She. Click here.

...And they continued to live their separate lives. They never came face to face. Oblivious of each other. Till today. They were destined to meet. Again!

Testing times

There are times in life

You know what you want

Yet you hope that want remains

Just a want, not a need

Not your forte that space

Destruction you have already seen

Do not want to see it again

That which makes you go weak-kneed

Neither a nice nor a desirable feeling it is!

Yet for you, a weakness 

And now, it serves as a bait

A little bit of all that the want has to offer

Once bitten, twice shy syndrome, eh?

My cocoon

The trip to Dibrugarh brought back a lot of fond memories - of the times gone by. All of which I realized were carefully preserved yet seldom recalled. Busy in this rush called “life” I had failed to notice the pace at which the things had moved. This trip just did that – made me realise how time had flown, how we had all moved ahead in our lives for greener pastures while the old house, my cocoon, my favourite place in the world, as I call it has stood still in time watching it all. 

I was born in Dibrugarh and here, I lived in my grandparents’ house for the first 2 years of my life before moving to Guwahati. That is my first memory of that place. Mostly captured in pictures though! The only clear memory that I have of then is maybe of Bruno, our dog and the lawns. Soon I moved to Guwahati and since then, Dibrugarh has always been my vacation spot. That time of the year I have always looked forward to, when all of us - cousins would meet. The house has been a witness to our laughter, our fights, our pranks, our gossip and what not! It has been like this huge tree we took shade under.

We would wake up “early” morning and our day would begin with tea and milk in the porch. Koka sitting in the big “sliding” chair and all of us sitting around him. There would always be a squabble for who would sit on the white-painted bamboo chairs and who would have to carry theirs from the office rooms. Mr. and Ms. Sparrows would visit us and we would share our biscuits with them. Butterflies swarmed the lawns where Aita’s flowers would be in full bloom. We could play. Roll on the ground. Do whatever we felt like. Once our milk was over. That was the pre-condition. If a few of us were here, a few of us would be in the backyard – the vegetable garden, the cow shed, the room for the hens and the not-very-big paddy field. All of this would go on, till one-by-one each of us would be summoned to have our bath and get ready for breakfast. Breakfast would be served in the long table and extra chairs would be put to accommodate us all. We would then rush to the house next door where our second cousins’ lived and if the ten of us weren’t enough, we would have three more for our company! Crazy times in their terrace or fishing/boating in the big pond behind our house in our rickety wooden boat, we were all over the place. Lunch and the afternoon nap to re-energise was then a regular affair. Evenings were similarly abuzz with activity and the time for conversations narrating our day’s incidents to whoever seemed even a little interested. And before our long day would come to an end, the planning for the next day would have already begun.

Those were some days. I truly miss!