I had taken the Metro to reach Park Street. Usually that’s my route to reach office. Yes you are right; my office is in Park Street… Some of you are already Jealous with a capital J.  It was the usual Monday morning with all possible shades of blue to describe the day. The Metro is supposed to have some semblance of usefulness of a comfortable public transport, but trust me its not. I have been travelling this way for quite some time now so I am accustomed to the procedure, I have my own shortcuts, I know exactly which door to get off on which station so as to be a minimum distance from the escalator..  So here I was on my way… surrounded by men who love to stare and push for no reason.

My eyes fell on an attractive piece of skin. I stared at Him. Neatly combed, stripped shirt with cufflinks and an expensive watch. It’s excessive for someone to have both looks and money. He gave me an unfriendly look, and our eyes dint meet again. Next day I took the same metro and I found him, but this time the distance between us had decreased, though he did not look at me at all… Days continued..

A new week started. I boarded the train, and this time I could actually read the brand on his watch; he was that close. I peeked up at him one more time, and regretted it. He was glaring down at me, his black eyes full of revulsion. As I flinched away from him, shrinking against my chair, the phrase if looks could kill suddenly ran through my mind.

The usual routine continued, this day when I boarded the train I saw him staring at me. I was sure, though, in the instant our eyes met, that he didn’t look harsh or unfriendly as he had the last time I’d seen him. He looked merely curious again, unsatisfied in some way.

The next day he smiled. Instantly I fell in Love with him. It’s not like love at first sight, really. It’s more like gravity moves. When you see him, suddenly it’s not the earth holding you here anymore. He does. That’s his magic. And nothing matters more than him. And I would do anything for him, anything..

Everyday, every time our eyes met, there was an invisible spark, which kept me smiling the whole day. 

This was the day when we sat next to each other, and the vibration and buoyancy of the heart was beyond control. We dint speak to each other. There was no friction in the space between us. The stillness was peaceful — not like the calm before the tempest, but like a clear night untouched by even the dream of a storm.

I don’t see him these days, can’t figure out where he has disappeared…

Dear stranger..

I don’t mind if you want to give me the wrong impression again

You can hold me hostage any time you want

You have touched my heart.. and it will always be yours..!!

Much love

‘r

She still remembers the touch of his fingers, the color of his eyes and the smell of his body. It’s still so fresh in her mind. Every time he looked at her, she felt prettier, every time he held her hand she felt complete, every time he took her to his arms she felt a little more close to him, a little more pampered. He could speak right to her heart, understanding her was as natural as breathing. He knew exactly how she needed to be touched. All she needed now was that touch to save her life and to put it back on track.

Now that he is gone, she is walking on an endless lane and life is just passing by. She is dragging her feet, stumbling like a child, longing for that helping hand. She can’t sleep; she’s up all night, and through her tears she trying to smile. She’s losing her grip.

She cries in the night, just to try to hold on

No one can hear her, she’s all alone….

This little girl closes her eyes

All that she wants,

Is someone to love…….

 She never wants him to realize how lonely she is without him. She is broken hearted but she can’t let him know that. She is afraid, that some day some long lonely road will lead her back to him again.

She is the one who would wait for you in the coffee bar, engrossed in some activity, gently sipping the coffee, and still waiting for you with a warm smile. She will not complain, because she was busy weaving her own bit of story. Buy her another cup of coffee. You’ll realise she is equally happy.

Find a girl who dreams and you’ll never run out of conversation. She will have so much to talk to, that you will always be prompted to smile back at her. A girl who dreams always has stories to tell. Ask her if she still likes Cinderella and Alice, you will be surprised to find she still wants to  be Cinderella or Alice. She gets excited seeing a reference to her favourite hero, she can stay awake with you all night just to tell you the story, enveloped with a lot of passion.

Understand the fact she has her own world, and her own set of beliefs, but still she knows the difference between reality and fantacy. You may not be her Edward Cullen, but let her know that you too understand the song of love. She is going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does.

Never lie to her. She gets hurt everytime you do that. She will never understand why you needed to lie. Motivate her everytime you see her fail. Because a dreamer can never accept things coming to an end. Try to write a sequel for her, make her believe you are still the hero. Never get bogged down if she thinks you are the anti-hero, because she will be the one who would climb upto you and make up for the lost time. She will repent more than you can think, because she will never want her story to end.

If you find a dreamer in a girl, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her in your arms. She needs that hug. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are.

Find a girl who dreams. Even after a crazy fight, you will still find her smile with same warmth and vigour. And the sight will make you  wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. Don’t make her stop dreaming. Even when you think its mindless. Don’t try to write a story of your own. Tell her that you too can be a part of her story, even if you donnot find sense.

Marry a girl who dreams. Beccause you will always find a new self in her. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable.  She will hum the love songs, and ballads, and you will enjoy growing old together.

Love a girl who dreams. Don’t chain her down, rather give her wings to fly. Don’t shatter her dreams, instead make it your own.

More so find a girl who writes her dreams… !!

Much love

‘r

Someone once told me we can maximize our happiness by minimizing two habits –expectations and comparisons. Expectations end up hurting your own self and comparisons create jealousy. Life is not as long as we think it is. Why do we waste it on useless and mindless activities like, complaining, backstabbing and hurting one another?

Human beings are bound to create relationships; we cannot deny our basic instincts. We are social animals; relationships are an inevitable component of our existence. There are Ups and Downs in every relationship; how we control and manage it totally depends on us -whether we would like to follow a ‘Forgive & Forget’ policy or whether we would   keep on building negative emotions and grudges against each other. The choice is on us.

Did anybody say Life will always be rewarding? Then why do we expect every relation to be like Lake Placid?? Past is a grave and the future is unknown. Living in the present moment is what can yield positive results. Again, the choice is ours. Simply pondering over past miseries and not learning lessons will make us cling to the past in sadness. It is only when we wisely embrace the lessons that we let go of the past and move on in life to brighten our present. My granddad had taught me this Golden line – “We need to know the commas and full-stops of life.”  We need to exactly know where to pause and where to stop in life.

There’s absolutely no Rule Book for creating a content life, then why are we still searching for one?

Its an auspicious day. The typical way of spending the day is to get up early, when its still dark outside. Every member of the family joining to listen  to ‘Mahalaya – Mahisasura Mardini’ by Birendra Krishna Bhadra broadcasted by All India Radio Program. Listening is not a culture though but it has been spurted as one. Without this early morning program, Durga Puja just doesnt seem to gain the momentum. And let me tell you that the festive fervour is on.

I have been a part of the city for the most part of my life, and there is absolutely no other festival that I look forward to with so much vehemence and enthusiasm. This week-long insignia is much more than religion or festival. Its more of a display of the bouyancy of the spirits, quivering mood of the people and the rippling of the bonhomie spirit. The creativity is at its peak, the artistic exuberance - including pandals, idols and lighting. This burst of creative energy is what makes Kolkata + Durga Puja so unique, the city has an audible attribute of its own. Togetherness is very much evident in this form of enjoyment, togetherness of family, binding together all class of people and ethinicity, everyone joins to be a part of the celebration. One small example of togetherness is where your entire ‘para’ (neighbour-hood) becomes your family and you have ‘bhog’ (prasad – usually a full course meal), you pray (anjali), and ‘adda’ (typical bong term for chitchat) together.     

Durga Puja has so much to offer. Everytime it unfolds a new set of goodies -list of pandals that needs to be visited, the best dress to be worn on Maha-astami, food joints to conquer, which girl/boy to propose. Food, clothes, accessories, fashion statements are all the things that go along with the celebration. There is so much fashion and style involved that you may also fall in love with your next door neighbour, who looked less than average otherwise. The excitement is remarkable. The euphoria is infectious, it takes along everyone with its buzz. This joy of celebration is way beyond expression. It is definitely one big feast of sense and sensibility. A little walk in the city and its not hard to feel the eminence, and style of the city. This city takes everyone in its fold and without even your knowledge makes you a part of it.

Come let us celebrate together.

Much Love

‘r

Note : Click on the hyperlink Mahisasura Mardini to know about the historical backdrop.

I empathize with Rouvan’s family. I completely agree that Rouvan needs justice, and the legal issues should be appropriately handled. But one things that has been creeping my mind since a very long time, is that how can parents be unknowing of the fact that a 13 yr old kid is so disturbed that he could make his mind to end his life. I am not favouritising or advocating the Principal and the teachers involved, but my point is on a different issue. How can the parents and the siblings couldnot get a clue of what was going in that little kid’s head. I heard Rouvan’s father say that this was not the first time Rouvan was canned/beated up by his teachers but it was an on-going process for the little kid. Here I have one question for Mr Ajay Rawla, how is it possible that the family members were unaware of the little facts thats happening in Rouvan’s life. Let me not get into the nitty griites of the case. But what I wanted to understand is whether the parent-child relationship was strong enough to save the little boy’s life, or as a matter of fact any Parent- child relationship that can hold back the little one from taking such a drastic step.

What I strongly believe is a child’s development is greatly dependent upon the bond they have with both parents. I had a very healthy childhood, where I could confide everything to my father. Anything I could discuss and confess. That made a huge difference in my upbringing, becuase I always felt, back home there is someone, who could understand what i feel, who will ‘believe’ what I say. Because gaining  trust of parents in the teen age days always seems impossible. When you know you are being trusted, facing the world becomes really easy. You just dont seem to be scared of the challenges that are thrown at you. Its very important I feel that all of us should build a strong bond with our parents or children (whichever is applicable). Bonding with the child provides him with the framework for how he views himself and the world around him. Perhaps more importantly, that bond will determine how well they form relationships with others throughout their life.

My request to all the readers, my friends (who are already a parent or who are in the process), family and all. Its very important to understand your child, understanding his passions, likings, dreams, even his nightmares will only help you to be closer to your child. Judging him on his potential not your expectations will ease a lot of complexities. Just like with any relationship, building a positive relationship between parent and child is one that requires work and effort to make it strong and successful. Parenting is a tough job, and maintaining close relationships and open communications helps to ensure parents and their children stay connected through all ages of their upbringing.

Lets understand the true essence of the juvenescence.

I had an amazing childhood, I hope I too can give it to my children.

Much Love

‘r

I wanted to live through this pain, I tried harder. I knew I can’t keep waiting for him. Remembering him was off limited, forgetting him was scary, it’s a hard line and I couldn’t take a stand.

The days slipped by from my window watching the busy street, the autumn breeze. I scuffled at every step not to think of him, but ironically I did not struggle to forget him.

His agonizing efforts kept me awake all nights. I was defenseless to my insomniac skills.  I worried about him. Sleep deprivation broke down my defenses, I could understand I was sinking. Sinking deep in.

I qualmed by the thought that my mind will have a colandering effect and I would forget him. Time will play the greatest healer and someday I will not be able to remember the glimmers in his eyes, the warmth of his touch, or will forget the depth of his voice. I shivered. I should remember him, this is all that I want now because this is the only thing I had to be able to live. Everything else I could endure, but not without the feeling of him.

Lost in thought and lost in time, While the seeds of life and the seeds of change were planted
Outside the rain fell dark and slow
While I pondered on this dangerous but irresistible pastime
I took a heavenly ride through one silence
I knew the moment had arrived
For killing the past and coming back to life

Time passes. Even when it’s not meant to be, even when every minute seems insurmountable, suffocating. It passes in scabrous ways, in strange wobbles, but it does pass. And I was not deprived this at least. Time passed even for me. There is nothing I am afraid of now, every pain seems petty, I have lost everything, even my reason to breathe. This is the only advantage of losing Him. It’s not that the pain that had reduced its strength of overpowering me, rather that I have grown strong enough to bear it.

P.S I Love You ®   

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction – any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental

Life is a journey, and only cherished by the bold… It should not be a journey to the grave, with a more than perfect body, unused brain, untried heart, but rather skating all the way, chocolate in one hand, champagne in the other, with a kaput heart, body thoroughly used up, mind totally f***’d and worn out, shouting – wooho what a ride !

The only Do’s in Life…

Continue to live. Choose with no regret. Be watchful about your enemies. Appreciate little things. Do what you are passionate about. Keep on learning. Ignore petty things. Keep a pet. Love madly. Don’t hesitate to fall in love again. Kiss as if this is the last chance. Do things that are totally not meant for you. Take chances. Tell the truth. Cry when you want to. Hug tightly. Have a movie spree. Apologize for your fault and even when it’s not yours. Gobble a platter even when you are on a crush diet.

Go bungee jumping. Dance in the rain. Wear your sexiest dress. Sing out loud. Lick your fingers in the middle of a banquet. Stare when you think he is hot. Get to know someone random. Be random. Go for a chocolate diet. Enjoy a lazy afternoon. Date someone totally wrong for you. Fall in love. Keep track of your ex’s. Indulge in slumber parties. Pamper yourself in a fruity foot massage. Have fruit juice, mix it up with liquor. Loose your count on tequilas. Puke. Take a nap at work. Take revenge. Wear bold colors. Wear naughty T- shirt quotes. Eat briyiani with chilly-chicken. Read your friend’s personal diary. Listen to sad songs and cry. Believe in fiction.  Laugh at a stupid joke. Make yourself look stupid. Tell someone how much they mean to you. Tell the asshole what you feel. Let someone know what they are missing. Laugh till your stomach aches. Live as if this is all there is no end. LIVE LIFE!

Even now when something really good happens, although I am geographically distant from them, my friends are the ones I want to share it with. When I am confused or troubled I miss them, because they are the ones who understands me better than words can say. Every time I laugh and cry I think about them, because they are the ones who could make my smiles broader and could dry up my tears. They know exactly how to reach out to me, comforting on difficult days, pouring in confidence when I had a doubt in me, giving the courage to know myself, helping me learn the art of patience and accepting the truth. Infront of them I dint need to pretend, I could think aloud.

They never promised, but I always believe even if we are apart my friends will always be by my side. I miss you guys very much, those hugs when my spirits drooped, those encouraging glances when I needed the most, I will always remember them. When I think of all the wonderful times we have spent, I can proudly announce they were one of the best things life offered to me.

There are moments in your life when you really miss someone that you want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real. I am bestowed to have those special people in my life. They say when you are missing someone that they are probably feeling the same. I hope they do.

Love to my cutest, funniest and most encouraging friends

‘r