I’m Back!!!

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m that happy to be back in the good ole blogosphere!

Ok, Omi, you were right. I was ill again…don’t worry, nothing serious. And before you ask me again, let me tell you I left the scripting job. The workload at office got too much…and my health wouldn’t allow me to do two jobs.

Anyways, now that’s over. So chapter closed.

Right now I’m on cloud nine coz I have the time to do a lot of stuff – blogging, sketching, painting and most importantly reading. I’m planning to buy a whole lot of books soon.

My Mom and Dad are so sweet. They gifted me 5 books, but only 2 appeal to me. Two books are by Sudha Murty – her language is too lame. I got bored with the simplicity of it all. Another book is ‘The Sea of Poppies’ by Amitav Ghosh. I started reading it, like it but soon switched over to Coelho’s ‘Brida’. Man, what a book! Awesome! It had me completely gripped. Dad also got me a Robin Sharma, which looks promising. Now I'm doing my best to finish Murty or my Dad will feel hurt that I didn’t like his choice. Sheesh, after this mental torture I’m going to Strand bookstall and getting myself some nice and classy literature.

WARNING: Buying Chetan Bhagat’s ‘Three Mistakes’ is the Fourth Mistake you’ll make! I haven’t dared to read it coz I heed good advice.

Every step that I take is another mistake to you…

This is how I started feeling. Everything was going wrong….terribly wrong. I felt I would never be able to get anything right. I was getting fed up with life….with people and with myself.

There were people who were judging me, criticizing me and assuming a whole lot of trash about me. People who spoke out of turn and never bothered to apologize…and who managed to blame me for things I could never dream of, let alone do.

I’m will to change myself for others, but what do I do when I don’t know what they expect from me? I like things to be very clear and straightforward – and I don’t mind people telling me anything, but they don’t. That keeps the situation shrouded in mystery and I’m left feeling guilty and with the hopeless question – ‘what do I do next?’

Then there were those who felt they were being cruel to be kind. I felt like the poor priest Peter Gilligan who said - “I have no rest nor joy nor peace.”

I knew I was cracking under the strain of controlling my anger and I was afraid. Afraid of my own brutal strength and force and afraid of what anger is capable of doing to a person.

Besides this there was lots of crazy stuff happening in my life. I couldn’t do anything about this problem and that freaked me out. It took every ounce of my self-control and will power to stop myself from going crazy. I wanted to scream, cry…do anything at all. But my throat was too parched and I found all my tears had dried up even before they could reach the eyes.

I was inconsolable. I was guilty of so many things and deeds that I soon lost count. My friends say it wasn’t my fault, but the doubt persists in my head like a slow poison – what if…

I hope this phase doesn’t come again in my life…I know it may and I’ll have bear it like I just did - my own little secret suffering.

Memories

(2^nd August post – sorry about the delay)

I just spoke to my best friend Sudha about our college days. She's in Banglore right now working for The Express Group.

These are some of our fond memories:

Once one Professor (she hated me) threw me outta the class for no fault of mine. Incensed, I stormed off to the Library and wrote down all my feelings, which were basically made up of unprintable adjectives.

One of my friends' Mayur, snatched that note from me and started blackmailing…at first I used to plead with him to return it, but then the matter gradually faded from my mind.

Today on Friendship’s Day, that rascal called me and read out the entire note! Gosh, it’s been like 5 years since that incident!!!!

Then there was a time when I bunked my Economics lecture. Unfortunately, the Prof knew me very well. She entered our next lecture in the IT Lab to find out who all has bunked her class. And what do you think I did? The minute I saw her I hid under a table! I’ve even hidden behind doors and cars and God knows where else to escape Profs! But what fun we had!

It was nice to talk about all those memories and that too with my best buddy. We all miss you Sudha! Well, except me :)

Work = Fun!

Today is my tenth day at office! Though it’s a different matter that I’m not at work today… :)

Anyways, I’m still having fun at work. Some things piss me off a lot, but I’ve learnt to keep my anger in check. I’ve bottled it up and yeah, I know that’s bad. But I’m confident of controlling myself…hmm, somewhat.

Rakesh, Kavita and Sundeep had not come to work on Friday, so the room was kinda empty. But hey, a new guy joined us!

Richy is a tall, dark and handsome guy from Banglore. He looks very promising, let’s see. Dirty minds, stop thinking, I’m already engaged! :D

Manas used to sit with the team, but now he’s shifted to a cabin of his own. He was toh maha happy and so were we! :)

The senior sub-editor, Serious Sarita and I share a common friend, Aruna. We talked about her and then used the cliché “it’s a small world!”

Whenever I joke wid Sarita, I have to clarify that it’s a joke lest she get pissed.

Paresh and I have a common Prof. He’s the most loved Prof. we ever had. Oi BMM students, remember how we used to mimic him??? Hee, hee!

Great News!

Amey’s in town and we went out for lunch! (Yipeeeeeeee!!!) It was great fun. He even met some of my colleagues – Mohan, Sanjay, Uttam, Sachin, Hemant and all.

The second day he met Anjali and Nishan (NC). NC was puffing away like a steam engine – smoking is injurious to health NC :)

Right now there’s a little green worm sitting next to me on the sofa! Cho chweet! Ouch, my Mom just came and threw it out. :(

She’s got me some coffee coz I have bad headache. She’s as chweet as the worm!

I’ve been puking a lot these days besides my constant headaches and nightmares. Eeks! And I have no idea why! My Aunt has told me to drink buttermilk (double eeks!) and eat an apple first thing in the morning.

Hmm, I may have to go to the Doc soon :(

Yet Beautiful and Proud she stood, as Born to Rule the Storm

The line is from the poem Casabianca. We learnt this in school and I still remember most of the lines. I just substituted the original “He” for “she”.

The headline of this post refers to an old lady I met at Dadar station. (14^th May, 2008 at 7.30 PM).

She was old, really old. She walked with a stoop, but her head was held as high as possible. Supporting her was a small and cute boy (probably her grandson). He was only about 6 years old, but he guided and supported her well.

She wanted to go to Kalyan in a fast train, so two girls told her to go by the 7.47 PM Dadar-Kalyan. The lady couldn’t understand how to reach the other platform, so I took her.

Hell, even I get lost at Dadar station, so how can I expect an old lady to reach there alone? And would she get there in time? Anyways, I offered to carry her bags, but she looked at me and shook her head.

What eyes she had! My God, they were beautiful, green eyes. Eyes that had seen the happiness and grief of life. The wisdom reflected in those eyes was as deep as the sea. Even now those eyes haunt me.

She was really proud and independent, but I took a bag anyways.

When we got to the platform, the damn train was about to leave, so we got into a general compartment. She immediately sat near the door.

We ultimately went to the ladies compartment. This time the kid took one bag. When I asked him for it, he smiled at me and shook his head. Like Granny like Grandson! :D

It was great to meet her. I’ll always remember her and the little boy. They were vulnerable and defenceless, but that didn’t stop them from being independent and proud of their identity.

Sleepy chatter-box :)

Ok, I agree my previous two posts were weird. The thing is, I’m wrapped up in my own thoughts. I’ve started talking in my sleep and that’s making me nervous.

I always walk and talk in my sleep when I’m extremely stressed out.

What’s freaking me out is that I have no reason to feel stressed at all. Since I’m new, I’m given very little work, and even the freelancing thing is coming on very well.

I’m clueless and that irks me coz I’m usually very sure about my feelings. I analyse my behaviour on a day-to-day basis…and I hate not knowing something about myself…sheesh!

Happy Mothers Day???

This must be the first time I haven’t gifted my Mom anything. Giving her a gift is a pain, coz she rarely appreciates anything. I anyways take a shot at it every time, and try to gift her her heart’s desire.

It doesn’t matter what you do, it is never appreciated. But I still haven’t given up. I begin plans for the next birthday soon as one birthday has gone by.

She is the only person in my life I love unconditionally. I expect nothing, absolutely nothing. I don’t even expect a smile or a kind word from her.

It really hurts when someone you love so much doesn’t even bother to ask about you when you’re sick, but then life’s like that. It’s not possible to please everybody. And you definitely can’t expect love from somebody, especially when it is directed towards somebody else.

I’m used to stuff like that, thanks to my Mom.

Anyways, I was wondering about what to give her from my first salary…saaris, diamonds, gold, white gold, copper, silver, make-up sets, salwaar kurtas, pearls, books and stuff like that is done. The choice seems to be limited when it comes to choosing a gift for her…

At the same time I’m also wondering about what I’ll say when she sees my gift and says, “Why did you buy such an expensive gift for me?”

Er…I love you Mom, that’s why? (hell, she hates any show of affection).

I usually say sarcastically, “I give you such stuff coz I like wasting money on people I dislike.” Lol, this one works best! :D

Then after exclaiming over the price of the damn gift, she usually says, “Anyway you dislike/hate me. You never do anything to help me. What’s the big deal if you buy such gifts, you should help me more. I will die soon…”

And then guys, I’m well and truly stumped.

Clouds in the sky have started reflecting my Life

The sky was cloudy when I was returning home this evening. I ALWAYS sit at the window seat in the bus, and today was not an exception.

I saw all kinds of shapes – elephants, turtles, dinosaurs, eagles and one creature with three claws (dangerous)! Amongst all of them, I saw the shape of a tiny little fish.

The little fish was unnoticed among all the bigger shapes, but it was so small and vulnerable looking that I was instantly attracted.

The poor fish was ignored by all the other creatures. They all forgot that even the fish has feelings, emotions and is not merely around to bait or laugh at. The bait was to ask the fish to bite the food with the hook and sometimes to bite food that wasn’t food at all. Sometimes, the other creatures encouraged it to eat stale leftovers that weren’t of any use to them.

The little fish who was always jeered at, did all this and much more, but yet all its efforts were ignored.

However, they should remember that even fish have teeth and these teeth in fact sharpen themselves on the powerful steel hooks that hurt the fish’s mouth.

I’m sure, that one day, no matter how much blood, sweat and toil it takes, the little fish I’m sure will be given due respect. But by that time, it’ll be too late coz the swift and nimble fish will be caught by the bait and will be long dead.

It sounds like a Japanese fairy tale, but it's not.

Moral – Those who understood the story are abnormal and those who haven’t, are just plain dumb. :D

My Job Rocks!!!

My job, my office the people working there, the facilities, the pagaar…EVERYTHING rocks!!!

I liked all the people there who are now my colleagues (ah, what joy to finally use that word!). Let’s see…there’s Sarita, Kavita (nope, they’re not sisters), Paresh, Sundeep, Nishan, Mohan and Rakesh the Reserved. :)

They’re all nice and helpful…well, so far.

The Big Boss’s name is Manas…he’s also nice. He loves punctuality, following code of ethics and planning well in advance for every little thing. In short, he’s everything I’m not, but would like to be. :)

On the second day, another fresher n I were ragged. We were asked to introduce ourselves and sing a song.

I aksed for the option of whistling to Anjali’s (the fresher) song, but that registered as an invalid request. So I sang.

Trust me to choose a song I sing like I’m dying slowly or something – Din Dhal Jaye. I just sang (can this word be used for what I did?) two lines n then stopped. Everyone actually clapped. Maybe the price of tomatoes has risen again…

Anjali sang Hum Bewafaa (very sweetly I must say, although anyone singing after me would sound like Lata Mangeshkar)…she sang….and sang….and sang……………………till she was asked to stop! :D

Anyways, I want this happy work life of mine to continue…at least or 1 more week; I know sadness or troubles will follow soon, but find someone who cares for a change!

P.S -- I submitted my first script for a comic book, and they praised it!!! Yippee!!!

I got a job, I got a job, I got a job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s true! I finally bagged a job! And they’re not only paying me more than my expectations but are also have a good reputation. Plus, I’m insured and all that!!!

My first full-time job!!! Yippeee! Work begins from tomorrow – 7^th May, 2008, a solemn day indeed.

Besides that, I have a friend called Manisha who’s giving me some freelancing work every now and then. Well, her now and then is like anytime she wants and that too giving me just a couple of hours to finish the work! Lol, just kiddin, keep your hair on, M!

I’ve got another job – freelance scriptwriting! It’s really cool. I gotta write educational scripts kids’ movies. Text book chapters are converted into films and comic books. Right now I’ve been given a chapter “Heat”. The plot has to be submitted tomorrow and I don’t know what I’m going to submit!!! Hell, this is the first time I’m trying my hand and not to mention brain at writing comics…m gonna be screwed! And that too royally!

My work timings are 9AM to 5.30 AM. I’ll reach home by 7.30PM. Then I have to submit two comics per week and that load will increase later on…sheesh! (But think abt the money :D)

My full-time job Boss and Manisha both have seen my blog. In fact that’s how I landed up freelancing for her. So blogs do have monetary value… :)

Anyways, I’ve got my plate full and even my head full of swirling ideas, and no idea how to manage it all. Life is beautiful! :D

P.S – Preets, I hope this post has answered your question! I’ll definitely keep in touch!

More people with Jobs!

Kalpi bagged a job with a PR firm as did Pri. Both have got good jobs so congrats to you both!

Some are searchin for jobs in Production Houses n I wish them all the best.

Deeps is planning further studies -- MA in English and then she wants to do her Ph.D.

The last I heard from Komal was that she's gonna do an MBA.

Natty is planning further studies.

Rupz wants to get into the theatre biz, but that needs investment. So she's searchin for a job now...

Samachar samaapt.

IIM n MICA

During the IV, I thought a lot about my blog. I'll write this, I'll write that and I'll describe the entire trip and all.

But now that I have my lappie in my hand, I'm thinkin, who the hell will take that much trouble?

I'll mention only some stuff and that too in my usual random fashion.

The first thing I'd like to say was I got bored in Ahemdabad and that's because I don't plan to do an MBA or ever go to MICA. Both the libraries were great, campuses were excellent and both have awesome facilities. Yawn...who doesn't know that?

By the way, MICA belongs to Ambani (I forget which one) and he allows them to run it the way they want. I found that fact pretty cool.

The canteen at MICA is awesome. What food!!!

Whatever pics I have I'll be uploading soon, but can't praise these institutions anymore...

My friend Amey was green with envy when he heard I got to visit IIM, Ahemdabad. It's supposed to be the best one in India. And I was ready to trade places with him any day!

But I liked the campus a lot. That too coz of the trees and the prevailing peace.

I always wanted to go to a Boarding School like that...but my parents found me too precious to part with! And now they're regretting this decision :)

To make up for the lack of Malory Towers n St. Clares in my life, I decided to do my Ph.D in English from IIT, Mumabi. It has a beautiful campus and it's a place I spent most of my childhood in. I really miss that, and if I got an opportunity, I would just dash off to IIT.

One minute I was studying…and 21 years later I’m a GRADUATE!!!

Hurray!!!! Yippee!!! I’m finally a graduate!!!

Ok, so what if I haven’t got my results? My Profs. say that it takes a lot of effort to fail this course (BMM)…and I’m too lazy and the word EFFORT doesn’t exists in my dictionary!

But this exam was different in every way for me. Usually I plan to study, make endless time-tables and promise myself that I’ll make my parents proud. But then, things fall apart.

I console myself thinking I’ll do well in the next exam. But this time was the last time. I had reached the final lap and I knew, I had to do well.

I ignored all health problems, stopped looking at the clock and just did it somehow. It felt great to study. I was happy and gave even the worst papers my best shot. Is this how geeks feel? Now I know it’s possible to love writing exams…wow, maybe I’ve finally grown-up. Or am I demented? Who cares…

Our exams got over on 12 April and I left for my Industrial Visit (popularly known as IV) on the 13^th!!!

This time we visited IIM and MICA in Ahemdabad and then Mount Abu. We all had a great time. Totally “raapchik” trip, as my friend Kiran would say!

I’ll elaborate on that later. I got back from the trip on the 19^th, rested and caught up with my family on the 20^th and then began my interview sessions.

I learnt a lot through interviews and I’ll have a separate post for that.

Good News –

My best buddy Sudha got a job as a reporter in a BIG media house! Alas and alack! She will be going to Bangalore for the job! Anyways, I wish her all the luck in the world, and hope she doesn’t forget me! Will miss you, Haathi!

Preeti, Nikita and Vikas have also got jobs as reporters in the same organization.

Two of my Ad friends, Dish n Sweetu have got jobs in reputed Ad Agencies.

If anyone from our class has got a job, then do comment and let me know. At least I can be in touch that way.

I’ll be updating like crazy soon, so be prepared for that.

P.S – Those who haven’t got a job shouldn’t get worried. There are lots of openings and one just has to keep a look out for them. Good Luck to all!!!

Early morn Lectures - yawn...zzzzz.

Gosh just got the news...we're having early morning lecs.


Wed -- 8 AM to 11.30 AM.

Fri -- 7.30 AM to 10.30 AM.

Sat -- 8 AM to 11 AM.

Note:
Be on time, our coordinator is anyways pissed off with us. These lectures are very important coz internal assessment will be done during these lectures. Only 3 lecs for the entire subject.

Do you believe in Ghosts???

I believe in spirits. I think they're all around us. Sometimes, you can sense them, feel them and if you're luck (or unlucky) you can hear them.

You may think I'm weird, but when I was a kid I used to say goodnight to my Grandfather...who died long before I was born. I've never met him, but I feel very close to him. I feel he's with me, a good spirit, my guardian angel. In fact, I'm a lot like him...

A lot has been written about atmosphere. Like sometimes you get the feeling of evil in certain places...or feel afraid for no rhyme or reason.

Sometimes you're sitting all alone in the night and then you get the feeling that there is somebody else in the house besides you family members...someone who is watching your every move...I get that feeling a lot, but I don't mind coz I feel the spirits are benevolent.

Ciao for now my Earthlings!

Busy Days

Sunday was a really hectic day for me.

Our group had to shoot that debate on SEZ I've been talking about and we had the worst luck ever.

• The camcorder got spoiled.
• Our Anchor of the show Sheetu couldn't come because of urgent work.
• Our cinematographer was free only for a few hours.
• And the location was available on that particular day.

The only good thing was that I had prepared a detailed script...anyways, our substitute anchor Disha, did a great last minute job like the other actors Sudha, Rupz and Vikas.

Rupz was the star of the thing coz she memorized her dialogues on the spot and acted well.

Amey helped us a lot, so a big thanks to him.

Shit, I sound like I'm giving a speech at the Filmfare Awards or somethin!

Anyways, tomorrow I have to submit 2 projects (will start on them tmrw only!) and then we have to dub for the debate video.

Cheerio!

VJTI's Flower, Fruit and Plant Exhibition

My Mom attended this exhibition at the college VJTI and these are the two pics I liked. Her ex-student Sachin clicked these pics. Pretty, aren't they?
Wish they had some Poppies. I love Poppies.

Party for 2 at Timbuktu!

Ok, actually the party had about 20 people…but I liked the rhyme in the title! And I think they spell Timbuktu also differently…but I couldn’t help correcting it!

Anyways it was my friend Kalpi’s birthday (28th Feb) and we ganged up and had a boisterous party at this place.

It was great fun, great food, drinks and of course, the star attraction was the hookah.

Timbucktoo (hope this spelling was right) is a hookah joint in R-Mall Mulund. It’s on a terrace so the best time to visit would be late evening or night..

But I had a major issue with the seating. The seats had no back rest at all. We had to rest our backs against the hard walls and let me tell you…it hurts!

But it’s not easy to concentrate on this little discomfort once the fun and games start!

I got home pretty late that day…but it was worth it.

Actually I didn’t want to go…but then you know how persuasive friends can be, right?

Anyway, all in all I had an awesome evening!

DON'T READ THIS POST...

I knew your curiosity would get the better of you!

Anyway, something really bad has happened…but I can’t write about it here. Nor can I tell anybody…sorry if I’ve piqued your curiosity. And if the person who wishes me any harm is reading this --- then my sincere advice to him/her is to go and boil your head and fry your face too.

P.S – Don’t come and ask me what happened coz I won’t answer! I’ve written this much about it coz writing stuff is supposed to make one feel good.

Brainy Bhatt and ME

I came up with a good idea for a short story. The basic concept was very close to my heart – religion. I narrated my story to Amey. He listened to the entire thing and then accused me of plagiarism! Moi, a copycat? Preposterous!

He says the story is too much like an ancient Bollywood flick “Zakam” (It means wound or hurt) written and directed by the great Mahesh Bhatt.

Eeks, his words have left me feeling scandalized. He says I should be proud that Mahesh Uncle and I must share the same brain power and intelligence to come up with the same script.

Pshaw! My friend Nikhil had once said that if 1000 monkeys sit on 1000 typewriters for 1000 years then they can produce Shakespeare (I’m sure that’s not original).

Does that imply I’m a monkey??? I think I’ll take a tip from Symonds and cry racism in a second…

Anyway, I’m heartbroken by these cruel words. Me write a Bollywood type script? Shame on me. My heart shattered into a million pieces. But Amey’s next words made me pick up the fragments…he said the film had won a National Award!!!

Yippee! That means I can write an award winning story! ;-)

Must sue the glue company…my heart is together again, but gaps still exist between the fragments. (Wow, was that a wise line?)

I’m off to work on my projects!

P.S – Today Sudha’s coming. She says she was also ill yesterday. What an excuse to

give!

The Procrastinator

I’m pathetic, very, very (say this word infinitely) much so. I was supposed to work on that script I’ve been talking about, but I didn’t do it. Neither did I finish off any other projects.

Well I don’t think I can take all the credit for being lazy here. Must include my dear friend Sudha (curse you) in this too. She was supposed to come over to my place and help me with the project, but no. Her Majesty didn’t turn up and neither did she pick up my calls.

Since I haven’t paid my cellphone bill, they’ve disconnected me completely. Options left are my landline and my Mom’s cellphone. She guards both like the dragon guards her eggs in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

I took a leaf outta Potter’s book and used diversionary tactics. Hell, my methods were like those of Secret Service agents. I got the phone, but for what an anti-climax. Sudha didn’t receive any of my calls.

So no script work done. I’ve made up my mind to do it at 9PM, but the mind is a very vast and finicky thing. Nothing can be said for sure.

Amey has passed his mid-term exams!!!

I’m sill feeling ill –can’t seem to get rid of a severe headache and nausea… still that won’t stop me from work. I’ll finish my projects tonight and will post my success here. So just include this in your prayers, readers!

P.S – People reading my blog shouldn’t tell me that despite all my problems, life is still beautiful. I know it is and I appreciate it :-)

Wee-little Goan kitty!!!

My Mom clicked this picture with her cell phone while holidaying in Goa. I wish she could have brought this little kitten home...what do you think?

A Sunday will always remain a Sunday!

I hate going out on Sundays coz I associate this day with rest and relaxation…but hell, my course never allows it. Today I had a very busy schedule but it all came to nothing.

The shoot got cancelled coz I felt I could come up with a better script. Our cameraman will be available only on weekends so till then I plan to write the script and rehearse the lines.

I was to attend the Farewell Party (I’m about to be a graduate!!!), but I’m not feeling too good…so my Sunday will be a Sunday and I don’t need to work today. Hurray!

My old pal Val (lol) called me today! It’s been ages since we spoke to each other. She was asking me about a good hair salon. I can’t believe, me Tasha the tom-boy giving advice about hair-cuts and stuff!

Next thing you know I’ll be starting a salon myself! (Eeeeks, now that’s a real nightmare!)

Camera problems, anger, sickness, boredom...awful day!

The day began very badly. I woke up at 9AM (that's damn late) with a stiff neck. I just couldn't move my head. I thought of bunking my leacture and then decided I would go. I kept changing my decision till I finally made up my mind.

Thus I landed up for my 12 O' clock lecture at 1.30PM. Thankfully Sir came in only at 1(SAVED!!!).
After that I went to help Amey with the shooting of his short film (It's about ego). After the first two shots, the cassette began crying out for the cleaning of the Camera head. That's when I realized the cleaning cassette wasn't working. We called up Amey's friend Vipul to bring along his camera. By the time he came, the day gave in to the night...

Amey was obviously disappointed and upset. Moreover, his lead actor had disappeared. Drat! I was hungry (had no lunch), tired (walked n travelled a lot) plus was feeling sick (stiff neck). So when Amey spouted off some of his anger at me, I pretended to be very irritated.

Now I'm feeling better...but I never let on that I'm angry all day long...and I'm proud of that!

Great anger management!

Now I'm preparing the script for tomorrow's shoot which is about Goa SEZ.

Cheers!

Weird Dream...rather funny nightmare

I forgot to tell you why I didn't attend Thursday's lecture...I had just said I was feeling lousy.

Well, the reason was I had a nightmare and because of that I overslept. I mean, you always feel like completing your dreams, right?

In Mumbai a communal riot has broken out and all people are barricaded in their homes. My building security are battling with about fifty terrorists who are bombing the place. I want to go down and help them fight...but I'm mesmerized by the scene below me of bloodshed and utter destruction.

Then I see a figure dressed in black (read Zorro) jump into the crowd and brandish a sword. It turns out to be a girl from my building who wouldn't even look at a drowning man, let alone save him.

Anyways, her head is about to be cut by one terrorist when she looks into the camera (shooting ka natija) and doles outs some clever (but tacky) punchline. Turns out that she's shooting for a saas-bahu serial!

RTI Project submission

I didn't go for my lecture today either. This is getting to be a dangerous habit...anyways we had a project submission today. I had decided to begin with it 3 weeks ago, so naturally I started on it today at 8 AM.

Finished successfully at 10.30AM and then just mailed it to Rupz. But the bloody mail wouldn't go. I had to send it at least 5 times before it obliged me.

The project was on RTI and whether the Act requires the amendments recommended by the Defense force.

Anyway, I'm glad I stayed at home today coz Mom had made stew and fried rice! Plus I had chocolate ice-cream and Pineapple cake for afters. And oh, yesterday she had made one Pineapple cake, a Sultana cake and one egg less chocolate cake (for my saintly father). I didn't like the Sultana one...they're yuck! But the pineapple cake had tooti-frooti in it!

If anyone wants me to put up the recipe of any of these eatables, then jus gimme a shout and I'll do it in a jiffy!

I can put up some of my recipe's too...i.e. if you are insured.

Mummy and Yummy go hand-in-hand

Mmmmm, I had just had about 15 pieces of fresh and delicious banana fritters! Nothin beats my Mom's cookin'. She's the best!

Right now she's baking two cakes and I can hardly keep still. Whenever I get the urge, I go in the kitchen, peep in the oven and ask her how much more time it'll take...now she's kicked me out and kept a "No Entry else Forced Exit" sign put up on the door...what did I do wrong? It's praise for her, right? :-(

I think I'll have more fritters, a cuppa tea 'til its done...can't wait. My tummy's rumbling for yummy cake!

Project boo-boo...

Hey Gentle Whispers, I guess your best wishes kinda paid off.

Our Ma’am was really pissed off coz she had come all the way to college just for our presentation…and guess what? Nobody had finished the project!

She got real mad (understandable) and then said that now things would go according to her whims and fancies. You know, kinda tit for tat thingie.

I hadn’t gone to college coz I was feeling lousy, so the others in my class called me up. Ma’am said we should have called her last night and informed her about our laziness and indifference toward deadlines.

Being the C.R of the class, this was supposed to be my job, but how the hell was I supposed to know? Anyways, I called up Ma’am and apologized profusely…she said she’ll let me know when she’s free to check our projects. That is if at all she's free...

Sounded ominous.

God bless us all, though we have sinned!

Shooting, Writing and Anger

Oof! What a day I had yesterday!

For my project my team members Sheetu, Rupz, Sudha, Vikas and I had to shoot a panel discussion about SEZ in Goa.

Dammit, I never had taken an interest in either Goa (except for hols) or SEZ. Neither did I harbour any particular opinion about it.

Being the script writer in the group, I not only had to research the topic but also form an opinion for the other four.

I wrote the script the day we had to shoot and was naturally cursed for that (hey, I had other work guys!). Anyway, while the first shot was being taken, I was busy writing dialogues for the second one!


And I had to stand all day coz the panel members (the above mentioned honourable friends) used up all the chairs.

Amey, my boyfriend, was helping us with the shooting part (he plans to be a film maker) and that was the only silver tube light in those dark sets.

Still, we managed to have a good time although my legs turned leaden coz of all the standing.


Gosh, but the editing hasn't been done yet so there'll be fireworks in our lecture tomorrow! (tmrw's the submission)


Yours, (in great trouble)
Tasha.

My dog Cutie! (actually my Uncle's dog)

Before (Cutie is just 2 months old)

After (she is now 10 months old)

See how she's sitting?
A perfect lady dog (lol)

This is the watch Amey gave me!!!

I love boyish and huge watches! Perfect gift for me!

Thanks Amey!!!

Married and yet Separate --

Recently, I read a very interesting article in the paper. It was about how married couples have decided to live in their own individual houses. Married, yet living in their own homes...obviously this trend has not yet caught up with India.

This gives them enough space of their own and there's no need to adjust to another person's lifestyle habits. You only have to get used to the night style habits! ;-)

I really liked this idea...you can minimize the number of fights you have this way.

E.g. -- The woman may hate the fact that her mate throws his socks around, leaves the towel on the bathroom floor, wears shoes inside the house and many more things.

The guy may hate that fact that his woman puts a lot of flower-filled vases around the house, yells at him for dirtying the house, has tons of make up boxes and other stuff women do.

The concept of two houses or flats is a great one but it has it's obvious disadvantages...

It takes a hell lot of money to maintain two houses (complete waste in fact), it becomes a pain to travel to and fro if the houses are poles apart and the poor kids will get stranded.

But if I have the money, then I would definitely go for the option of having to apartments in the same building, same floor...side-by-side.

Then we could keep up the romance by asking the traditional, "Your place or mine?"

P.S -- Readers please comment and let me know whether you would like this kinda lifestyle or
not.

Jodhaa-Akbar

My friend Sanket (he's Sanky on my phonebook,lol) just called and said he watched Jodhaa-Akbar! Oooh, I'm so green now!

Anyways, he says the script, cinematography, direction, costumes and music is awesome, but the film is too slow. It goes on for all most four hours...

Sanket recommends watchin this film with your friends with whom you can crack jokes when the going gets slow!

Check out his blog for the review -- http://sankoobaba.blogspot.com

If you cannot see the review yet, it means lazy-bones will take more time to update :-)

Gimme my SPACE!!!

Family is blood and blood is thicker than water. Yeah, we all know that. They're always there for you and all that,

But they can also be very irritating.

I'm basically a loner although most of my friends feel I'm a social person. There's nothing more I like than sitting down with a good book in a corner. I also enjoy thinking and analyzing stuff...so I like being alone in the dark.

The problem is that the minute I start meditation, someone or the other from my family comes along..."what happened? Ru in a bad mood? Someone has hurt you?"

Endless similar questions follow that are not satisfied with the simple answer -- "I just felt like being alone."

Why can't they understand that I need some time-off too? I can't spend all my time with them, right?

I love writing short stories and poems...but ideas only come when I'm all alone, striding around in a room.

I feel like I'm stuck between the hammer and the anvil...no room to move, too frustrated to think...

Radio Ga-Ga...

I was listening to India's first radio station for women -- 104.8 FM. The show was about ways you can irritate a guy.

I also called up the radio station and gave them some ideas.

Here are what me and countless other bright women thought about ----

1) Change the channel to a saas-bahu serial (a K-serial would be brilliant) when he's watching
cricket.

2) Make excuses and block his view while watching the idiot-box. (he should be looking at u,not
at that non-living thing,na!)

3) Douse him with water when he's asleep.

4) Take him to a beach and when just getting mushy...push him hard into the water!!!

5) Make him do the dishes.

6) Hide the remote control.

7) Call him non-stop and keep messaging throughout the day (he'll definitely complain of lack of
space).

Seven is a magical number, so I guess I'll stop there. Anymore ideas girls???

Reservations for Sons of the Soil

One very respected and well-informed person told me that all States in India except ours (Maharashtra), have got 80% reservation for sons of the soil.

In that case, we should also get reservations for our sons of the soil. Either that or no other State in India should have the policy reservation.

Makes sense doesn’t it? After all, all the States in India come under the same Constitutional law.

Mind you, I’m not at all supportive of reservation…I never have believed in it. But a law or rule ought to be the same for all under that particular jurisdiction.

Raj Thackeray ARRESTED – can I say “Amchi Mumbai” now ???

I don’t know whether to rejoice or to be sad that Mr. Raj Thackeray has been arrested and now released on bail. News has just come in that due to violence in Nagpur, a “Marathi Manoos” has been killed accidentally in stone pelting. The irony is the killers also were Maharashtrians.

Buses have been set on fire and shops have been shut down. It’s Mr. Thackeray’s duty to ask his supporters maintain peace.

He wants a quota in all types of jobs for the locals. Why, aren’t they smart enough to bag jobs on their own? Or are you saying that they’re too lazy to face stiff competition which will obviously happen in an important city like Mumbai?

Stop insulting the locals. The Maharashtrians I know can get whichever job they please coz they have the right skills and talent.

Equality in opportunities is present for all people it’s up to them to grab the knocking ones.

I have never seen or lived in any other city but Mumbai, so I will proudly say “Amchi Mumbai”.

Jai Hind!

(P.S – Finally we’re all humans, man!)

For my Anniversary (which was on 7th Feb) I went to Pune to surprise my sweetheart. And boy was he surprised!

I had lied that I couldn't travel alone so far...(as if!).

Anyways, the one day I spent in Pune made me thankful that I live in Mumbai.

Unlike Mumbai, there's no thrash lying around there and not too many beggars on the street. But the distances between places are so great that you need to have a vehicle (preferably two wheeler) or lots of money in your pockets.

Hell, we had neither. I sit on bikes with only those people who have had minimum two year's experience, so that rules out Amey (he's jus learnt riding a bike).

Anyways, Amey each and every penny or rather paisa in Pune. Usually our policy is to go Dutch. I thanked my stars coz I had already spent on the train tickets and got myself a new haircut (200 bucks).

Pune is so polluted that the girls there mummify their faces with scarves. Amey said their skin gets spoilt...but nothin could spoil my skin coz I was actually shining with happiness!!!

So if you want to glow, just fall in love. No beauty parlour or spa can match the effects!

What is Love???

Yeah, I know it's an age-old discussed emotion. People have contemplated years and have yet not found a satisfactory answer that has been universally agreed upon.

Love means you're so crazy about a person that you'll do anythin (anything means anything, no restrictions) to bring a smile onto that person's face. That too without expecting anything in return.

When I give out this definition (it's not original), most reactions I get from girls are that they expect nothing in return. But they're wrong. Coz we always want something in return and I don't mean in material terms like gifts or surprises. You always expect the person you love to stand by you through thick and thin and to give you a ready shoulder to cry upon. Guys expect their girls to cook something special for them or whatever.

The point is that everyone shares a symbiotic relationship. So does that mean love does not exist?

Sure it does. Only thing is you need to be very unselfish, giving and I guess spiritual.

I follow the principle of giving without expecting in my life. But that's only with friends, strangers and my relatives.

The problem came when I found out that I can't do the same with my beloved life partner. I really was in a quandry. I try to expect as little as possible.

Best thing would be if someone could convince me that love has a better and definitely more convenient definition than this!!!

So help me out people!

One Historically wrong (hey, I don't say so!) Jodi...


Finally Jodhaa-Akbar will release this Friday! Hurray!

The song Jashn ne something something… (what the heck does it mean anyways???) has captivated my heart and soul! It goes really easy on my ears and anyway, I’m really tired of the spate of Atif Aslam type of songs that have hit the market. All about gham, judai and stuff like that. Gets on one’s nerves after a while.

The second reason I loved the song is coz I’m immersed in the beautiful emotion called love. Yeah, and it has lasted an entire year! Now with Valentine’s Day so nearby I’m overwhelmed by this aura of love.

I’ll definitely watch this new and highly controversial prem kahani. But my guy’s so movie crazy that I think he’ll rush for a first day first show all by himself!