Winter is Magic

The Sun's warm gold,
The quilt's warm fold,
The mist on the window,
The cold on the pillow,
The thin evening breeze,
The freeze and sneeze,
The froth in the coffee mug,
The cuddle and the hug,
The large gulps of rum,
The soup and the crumbs,
The hot shower and the steam,
The oodles of cold cream,
The plethora of day dreams and aspirations,
The never-ending desires and fascination,
The thick layers of bright winter wear,
Yes, it's the season of ample love and care.

Productive Praise or Constructive Criticism: Take your pick!

A lot of times you come across things and activities that attract you almost instantly. You haven't done any of them ever before but at least you wish and intend to try. And the willingness to try itself is something that works as the best motivation. To top it all, what more would you ask for, if your loved ones come forth and believe in you and want to support you in your little endeavour? That is like a perfect moment. And you’re rising towards the Cloud Nine already? Hell yes!

The cherries on the cake (to accompany the support and belief in you and your talent) are a few words of appreciation by your loved one. It sure would make the cake look and taste yummier. 

Moving further, I would like to highlight a known fact that a human mind is demanding and is possessed with greed; the greed to be recognised, greed to be mentioned about and praised - a tendency that comes naturally to us humans. Of course, when you do something unique and different from the usual, you want it to be noticed. That is when you turn your 'greed streak' on. You wish to be praised and liked for what you have done. It comes out as a natural instinct because of your belief in the activity.

There's this thing about praise and criticism that when you come across any, you just can't seem to get over it. When you're praised, and praised by a loved one or someone you like, it makes you happy. You feel as if you're on top of the world. There seems to be nothing better than that mere feeling and it is highly satisfying. You try and maintain the thing you're praised for because you understand that you're good at it and eventually will be liked for it. So you grow that thing into perfection.

Criticism too comes with its share of reactions. The moment you face criticism for a thing that you do, you feel shattered and let down. All your excitement and hard work that you’ve put in, seems to go in vain. It especially affects you and the feeling begins to grow on you when it comes from someone you love and admire. But if thought practically, it's for you to understand that critiquing helps one try again, just so that you push yourself to do better. Better to the extent where you drive yourself towards the level of excellence and eventually be praised for.

For me the best example to quote here is that of my mother. She's been an inspiration to many in the past and still continues to be one. While being a business woman, she has known the art of being a perfect wife, mother, daughter and a homemaker. She loves to cook, has immense passion to learn and try new cuisines whenever time permits. She does it amazingly well and has been fortunate enough to earn praises time and again. And it’s her sheer conviction towards the art that she manages to bring just the right taste and flavour in anything new and different that she prepares. 

Even if she fails to some extent (which rarely happens) to bring the right tinge the first time and if she's told (or she herself realises) what went missing, she will still make it the next time, keeping a track of everything that she adds (and in right quantities) to the dish. I have never seen her giving up easily. She has always managed to correct and fill the little gaps while happily moving towards the path of perfection.

Therefore, I believe, one must never give up on things they like doing. Yes, praise and criticism do play a very important part in shaping one’s personality. But it’s essential to understand the difference between a genuine and a pseudo praise and/or criticism. Praise and criticism can be productive and/or constructive or destructive depending upon two things: first, the right mindset, and second, the right skills. As far as mindset is concerned, intention is everything. One must identify the intention behind the praise or criticism. Is the praise intended to support and motivate you and highlight skills and behaviour you can build upon further? Is the criticism intended to provide an objective basis on which you can plan to improve for future purposes? Or is it just the opposite? Too often the ones jealous and insecure will take the route of critiquing with an intention to bog you down. Whereas the ones who truly love and care for you, even while criticizing you, will never leave your side and continue to boost your morale. 

So, get the intention right and remember to think through what someone is really trying to achieve in giving the praise or criticism. With that thought, never stop dreaming and letting your passion die within you. Let it come out and be seen. Shine on!

Life in a METRO

Unlike Mumbai, the city of dreams and aspirations, Delhi is the city of cultures and traditions. I’m not going to point out differences or make any comparisons between the two because they’re both amazing in their respective terms. And this isn’t about that. 

Modern Delhi, as it is known, has housed numerous kingdoms and empires in its glorious past. It has also been captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, which makes it a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region. This is why Delhi is sometimes called the City of cities. But this is not even about Delhi’s history.

Being the City of cities, Delhi’s culture and lifestyle have been influenced by its lengthy history and geographical proximity. It has been a host to people from myriad cultures and traditions, embracing one and all. Apart from a majority of north Indians, one can find many people from the south, the west and the east. And the best place to find them all together, standing shoulder-to-shoulder is none other than the city’s lifeline – the Delhi Metro.

It’s been more than a decade since its first section (Red Line) opened on December 24, 2002, and Delhiites breathed a sigh of relief. For them it was nothing less than a blessing in disguise! A saviour from the maddening traffic on roads, safer and cleaner than the other public transport systems. And not to forget the fully air conditioned coaches. 

It was only after I finished high school that I started commuting through metro. Maintaining a seven year long relationship hasn’t been easy. My travels have taught me a lot and to some extent, have helped me become a better person. It has been a journey of mixed emotions – happiness, laughter, tears, vent outs, agitation, irritation, care, concern, respect and so on. It has not only facilitated travelling and connectivity, but it has made me fall in love with this city (yes, despite of whatever is written and heard about Delhi).

Besides that, there’s much more that it has to offer to its daily riders like myself. For instance, travelling with people from diverse cultural backgrounds is in itself a huge giveaway by Delhi Metro. At one nook you may find two smartly dressed Manipuri girls talking rapidly in their native language, and a trader with a big paunch from Chawri Bazar taking bulk orders over his phone on the other. And that is not all. 

If one observes closely and carefully, a metro ride is nothing less than a typical Bollywood masala blockbuster. There’s romance (couples holding hands, coochie-cooing) and comedy. Lots of action (CISF staff dragging men out of the women’s coach and the never-ending arguments) topped with drama (women bitching about their mother and daughter-in-laws). From the fashionable and tech-savvy college-goers to the stylishly dressed office folk, the disastrous unshapely dames to the crotch scratching monstrous chaps, the book readers, the music lovers, the prayer enchanters, the loud conversationalists and the bird watchers… you will find them all. 

And there is more… the emotional outbursts, the broken relationships, the cry babies, the feeding mothers, the loitering nippers who love stepping on your feet, peek-a-boo into co-passengers’ cell phones, the pretentious friends who seem to forget who you are, the super enthusiastic teenage crowd giggling and jabbering at the top of their voices, the innocent hippies and firangs, and the ultimate goal – to grab a personal space on the way to one’s destination.

And if that is not enough, then the once in a while technical defaults and breakdowns causing havoc and stampedes across densely populated metro stations. It is moments like these when the feeling of admiration for the city goes for a toss, not only because of the crowded lot, but because of lack of civic sense it possesses. The pushing and pulling, screeching and shrieking, arguments and misbehaviour… it all starts to take a toll on one’s mood and the entire day is screwed. I fail to understand the need for such ghastly behaviour. Yes, everyone needs to rush to their respective offices. Everyone has to meet deadlines. But will the inhumane attitude do any good? But who cares! 

On records, Delhi Metro reported its highest ridership of 2,504,900 (a day) as on August 8, 2013, resultant of more than 2500 train trips that are made each day traversing over 69,000 km. With an ever increasing populace of Delhi and majority relying on the metro for their daily travel, I strongly feel that DMRC has been putting in a lot of efforts. But it is for the localities to understand and realise the importance of such efforts. Reckless mannerisms do nothing but get a bad name to the city and its people. High time people start taking responsibility of their actions. And as Bapu rightly puts it, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Because it's all about 'Breaking the Ice'

The excitement to meet someone whom you haven’t seen in years or someone you haven’t met before and the anxiety before joining a new work place (and/or school or college) amongst new faces is relatively a similar feeling. Definitely those little butterflies begin to flutter in the stomach. You cannot anticipate what’s in store. It’s just the sheer curiosity that plays a smart game in your mind. And begins the array of questions - what will happen, what kind of people will I be around, who will make the first move and break the ice, will anyone be interested in talking to me, will I be happy, and so on.

More often than not, no matter how hard we try, we end up being a little hesitant. The anxiety and newness begins to take a toll and we start showing the signs of initial nervousness. And it is in this feeling of nervousness and being stuck between walls of inhibitions, we try ‘breaking the ice’. This can be because of two reasons – one that we don’t intend to look stupid in front of new people or two we start feeling that lack of communication is giving out wrong signals about us. So to overcome such feelings, small talk turns into the much needed weapon.

Many a times we may come across as someone who’s high on attitude or may be an introvert (which definitely may not be the case). It’s just the fear and hesitation certain people have in their mind that refrain them from making a start. While some of us may not be good with conversation or words, there may be some who begin to think that the other is superior and is disinterested in talking (which also may not be true).

So while playing the game of “pehle aap pehle aap”, it’s always important to break free. Even if the other one is quiet, you take it forward. Will it make much of a difference? Absolutely! It’s good to showcase who you are than showing them who and what you are not. Initiating wouldn’t make you small and the best solution to becoming a great conversationalist is to lessen your dependence on your ego. Talk free, without the fear of rejection.

Building on relationships is like getting into the commitment of marriage. It’s where you have to tell them who and what you are in the very beginning. Being positive about yourself and keeping a constant smile on your face will not only help you with self-assurance but also let other people embrace you with open arms.

So reprogram your mind, get it in the right place and throw away the fears and anxiety. The world is out there, waiting for you. Go on and smile your best, because you never know who’s falling in love with your smile.

Tinkerbell turns Twenty-four

Edited my dear friend's picture with a self-composed poem. Had put this into a silver-brown frame.

As I lovingly call her Tinkerbell, drew and colored this for her with a gift tag.

Wrapped the frame with a lemon green handmade sheet with the Tinkerbell stick-on & gift tag.

Baked a Marble Cake too with tooty-fruity fruits & choco-chips.

Every Dog has it's Day!

Memories good and bad,
Times happy and sad,
If experience is what we name them,
Treasure each one as a precious gem.

For life is all about learning,
A process that's never ending,
Take it all in your stride,
With sheer happiness and pride.

Because its the lessons that bring wisdom,
And deeds that make a man and his kingdom,
Remember your worst and your best,
For nearing perfection can never be a seamless quest.

Keep a strong will and find a way,
What if today is not your day,
Hard work and conviction will always pay,
And like they very strongly say... "Come what may, every dog will have its day."

Oh Boy! (Birthday Wish)

A guy of principles,
Bestowed with sharp intellect.
A character so critical and invincible,
Thinks he’s Mr. Perfect.

He’s sometimes crass,
Sometimes uberly sweet.
A personality with contrasts,
Extremely organized and neat.

Unpredictable and never obvious,
He tries to be particular.
At times gets pretentious,
But one hell of an inquisitor.

But whatever he may be like,
This lad has an aura to him.
And when it comes to matters of Love unlike,
His chances of success remain slim. ;-)

"Happy Birthday"

He’s a guy so shy,
As sweet as an apple pie,
Sometimes tries to be a little sly,
But to me he can never lie.

Brimming with creativity,
He’s blessed with a clean hand,
Continues to wear positivity,
By me he promises to always stand.

He might like remaining quiet,
And seldom makes new friends,
But knowing him has been a complete fun riot,
I hope this caravan never ends.

Here’s wishing him on his 23rd birthday,
A year full of love and success,
Be happy and keep smiling I’d always pray,
And may the Almighty richly bless.

Life will come FULL CIRCLE

She smiles a broken smile,
Manages a tormented inside,
She walks a staggered walk,
And gathers courage to go on…

She's seen life being unfair,
Knows what it takes to survive,
She still keeps her hopes alive,
And lives a moderately melancholy life…

But, that innocent girl loves to laugh,
Has something she never talks about,
She has immense love for her people,
And always remembers the hidden treasure in her loved one.

She goes that direction where life takes her,
Asking herself the questions of right & wrong,
She understands everything happens for a reason,
And waits of the day when the truth will be unravelled.

Sandook

Ek laal rang ki sandook hai mere paas,
Jismein sambhaal kar rakhi hain kuch cheezein khaas.

Kuch yaadein bhi hain unmein,
Aur thode anchhue ehsaas.

Kuch kaagaz ke tukde hain,
Syaahi ki boondon ke saath.

Hain kuch murjhaaye phool aur muskurate chehron ki tasveerein,
Jo lejaate hain un yaadon ke paas.

Rakha hai usse kahin sabse chupakar,
Dekhti hun kabhi jab koi na ho aas paas.

Ek laal rang ki sandook hai mere paas,
Jismein sambhaal kar rakhi hain kuch cheezein khaas.

The Wonderland

Strolling down the memory lane,

Taking in the reflection of sunny smiles,

Shining through a little window pane,

Encouraging me to walk some extra miles.

The path had its share of curves and bends,

Un-folding the chapters of joys and sorrows,

Flocked with images of people once called FRIENDS,

Unveiling a gloomy impression of tomorrows.

With a heavy heart and an unfavourable journey ahead,

Deciding on what is it that made it all this way,

Gathering the pieces of broken threads,

Figuring it out who it is that might make it okay.

On covering some distance on the uneven trail,

With the Rain God showering His mercy on me,

Wondering that there is none who would listen to my tale,

I started sprinting towards the legendary speaking tree.

Thinking that it might help me talk everything out,

And impart me with its yellowed counsels,

I kept rushing ahead when I heard him shout,

"Hey there! Stop!"

Astonished, I continued walking when he began to whistle.

Pirouetting, I looked straight to where he stood,

Trying to recognise who he actually was.

He came closer unveling his face from the black hood,

And all I could do was smile and pause.

He walked ahead smiling his best,

Embraced me in a big warm hug.

Inquired if he could be my guest,

I nodded a Yes with a shoulder shrug.

We continued walking while he threw questions,

Probed to find out the reason for haste.

"Let's not get into that", I made a suggestion,

For I didn't want to sound lonely and waste.

He held my hand and promised not to leave,

And that we were the best of friends,

I was made to believe,

For now, forever, till the end.

I looked up at him with wistful eyes,

While he smiled his reassuring smile.

And then I was hit by another surprise,

When that familiar sound made me agile.

I frantically started looking for my phone,

And realised it was ringing somewhere close.

But when it gave out its final groan,

I woke up with a startle and froze.

"Jeez! it was a dream", I blurted groggily and turned to my noisy neighbour.

8 MISSED CALLS & 4 TEXT MESSAGES, it said.

On clicking the Log I saw it there,

The name was enough to make me break the bed. (^_*)

Arbitrary Attachment

There are times when you fall for a person and you don't know how, when and why it happened. You just understand one simple thing that you just can't get enough of them. And one fine day it suddenly hits you hard and you realize that you can't ever be with them. They have a different world which they live in, where your position is shared by many other people. Because of other people around, you constantly feel that he/she feels nothing close to what you do and that there can never be that special bond you desire for.

Then there are situations when you're alone with them and you're made to believe that you mean something to them.

They will leave no stone unturned to show their affection towards you..and you of course, at the spur of the moment, forget what it is like in real and ecstatically let yourself go.

That is when, while letting yourself go, you drag yourself into situations that otherwise you'd just imagine yourself to be in. But morally, you know...they're incorrect. Also, due to things that happen in those weird situations and your beliefs in them, you never tend to miss another opportunity where you can be with them or just merely see them.

And in no time you're made to realize that your 'special' person and everyone else around start taking you in a way you'd never expect them to. They might as well start calling you 'names' and tag you as a FAKE.

But when one is genuinely in awe of a person, he/she stops paying heed to what people are saying or thinking. It does affect in a way or two but ultimately what remains is bountiful of attachment, concern and care for that special one. And of course you would always want to be in their good books, no matter how you're treated or felt about.

In the end, it's just the connection that keeps you going. 

She's just a Woman

She’s no puppet, no doll.

Neither a game you play,

Nor a flask of alcohol.She’s just a woman,Not some material to maul.

She loves and showers ample care.Goes out of her way to help,And still bears, the pain, the stares.But there’s always a smile,That she manages with flair.

Playing roles of a mother and daughter,a lover, a wife, a sister and a friend.Cares Who!And the world continues to slaughter.

Misunderstood as she is most of the times,She continues to discharge her duties.Still remaining subject to crimes,In a society of beasts relishing on beauties.

Jaanti Hun (First attempt at Hindi Poetry)

Naadaan hun jaanti hun,

Thoda jaldi mein rehti hun, yeh bhi jaanti hun.

Galatiyan bohot karti hun,

Lekin jhat se maafi bhi maang leti hun.

Kabhi be-tuki baton par muskurati bhi hun,

To kabhi itni samajhdaar ho jaati hun ki khud ko sab samjha deti hun.

Kabhi logon ke beech rehkar chup rehna pasand aata hai,

To kabhi itna bolne ko jee chahta hai par sunne waala koi nahi hota.

Kabhi akele baith kar purani yaadon mein kho jana acha lagta hai,

To kabhi unhi yaadon to yaad karke aankhein bhar aati hain.

Kabhi akelepann se pyaar hone lagta hai,

To kabhi ek dost ko gale lagane ko mann karta hai.

Kabhi kitaabon ke panno mein chipe zindagi ke haseen lamho ko padh khush ho leti hun,

To kabhi un lamho ka zindagi mein na hona ek khaalipan sa lagta hai.

Kabhi baarish mein dil khol kar naachne ko mann karta hai,

To kabhi sab kuch chhod ke bhaag jaane ko dil karta hai.

Shayad apne mann ki baatein theek se bayaan nahi kar paati,

Par iska matlab yeh nahi ki main kuch nahi jaanti.

Jaanti hun ki waqt hamesha saath nahi deta,

Par dil phir bhi sapne dekhne se nahi rokta.

Funny little thing called LIFE

After days of monotony and sheer idleness, a sudden realization dawned upon. And when it all started to make sense, I had this urge to pen it down then and there.

There are times and situations when no matter how hard you try, life continues to play its dirty games - times when it puts you through weirdest of scenarios and takes you on an unstoppable roller-coaster... one after the other. The moment when it all seems like a complete WASTE and you just go on and get used it.

Amidst all that agony and frustration, while you’re feeling lost and led down, there comes a point when life throws ‘something’ back at you. That something can be anything or anyone (a person or a thing that you never thought you had). Something which is so bang on, full of positivity and optimism that you fail to put a halt to emotions and feelings that it brings along. The second when you recognize that out of 10 wrongs, you had that one right.

And that one RIGHT happens to be your own efforts in small proportions to make things better for yourself. Yes! In the midst of so much negativity one's mind is floating in, you tend to forget the real YOU. All that remains is the inherent meaninglessness of Life.

After all, it's just one insignificant life wasted in the vast ocean of lives all around (that is what our tendency to believe is). But it is on YOU to let the realization dawn upon, to find that one Right. So take your pick and look for that one thing (or person) in your life which you think can change your world… whatever floats your boat, whatever melts your butter, whatever humps your camel, whatever sizzle your bacon, whatever tickles your pickle...

Colours of Life...

I puff in a corner of a dark room,

Looking outside that huge window,

Thinking to banish the never-ending gloom,

To change from a pitch black to yellow.

The dark grey clouds are drifting overhead,

I eagerly await that final rain,

A lightening of hope strikes instead,

Bringing me out of the everlasting pain.

Extending my hand to feel the pearl drops,

I wish the pelting never stops.

I’m lost in its split-splashing falling sound,

And the smell of muddy-browned wet ground.

The tree of thoughts turns a jade green,

Bringing back the memory of my early teens,

Where worrying was not my cup of tea,

And life was always a bright yellow for me.

Times then and times now,

There’s so much change I see somehow.

From dark purple to its lighter tint,

Feelings of nostalgia on a monotint.

So what if things are not my way,

I’ll make it better come what may!

With this positive hope I look at today,

And put a halt to the thoughts of yesterday.

You & Me

Still hovering between right and wrong,

I’ve been confused all along,

The feelings are still so strong,

But I know I won’t be able to carry on for long.

There will come that one fine day,

When I will have to at last convey,

That I’m going no where away,

And that I’m here to always stay.

I’m looking for a way out,

And deciding on how to go about,

My mind’s on a scout,

And it’s turning me into a lout.

But I’d like you to trust me,

Take it as a genuine plea,

That it’s only going to be you and me,

And that I will always love thee.

It's not the end...

It seemed like eternity,
I'd lost touch completely.

I walked down the road so lonely,
Lost in my world so empty.

Then came a day so lucky,
The day I'd met you in a hurry.

It was me who was running against the time,
When your voice came along no less than a chime.

There was something about the way you spoke,
It made me smile, it made me choke.

I could see the passion in your beautiful eyes,
I knew we'd together touch the skies.

It was there when it all had started,
But I had to keep mum and remain fainthearted.

The days we spent together were a pleasure,
It was a time that is no less than a treasure.

But I'd had no clue,
And the time just flew.
Giving me a very less time to be with you.

Tonight I'm thinking about you my friend,
Hoping that this journey continues till the end.

Making a promise for the sake of the time spent,

This friendship with me you will never repent.

DAY-DREAMS

A day so bright and cold,

The sun shone to a warm gold.

I wanted to be under the quilt's fold,

But the alarm went on to run in bold.

I woke up from a dream so old,

Saw your eyes and the story they told.

Wish I could get lost in that wold,

Alongside the river bed as we strolled.

May be it was the last night's witness,

It made me smile out of wistfullness.

Still under the spell of your thoughts,

I forgot about the time I had caught.

A quick shower had worked wonders,

Out I was from the far yonder.

I jumped on the back-seat of the cab,

Sat by the window to keep the outside-view on tab.

The radio played your favorite song,

It made me hum it out along.

Came back the memories of that year,

When you and me were quite so near.

The thought of you again had brought a smile,

But there were no regrets, not even for a while.

I then realised it was just the last night's witness,

That had brought the smile out of wistfullness.

I wonder...

It makes me wonder what I exactly do,
To be blamed always and shunned with a boo.

Is it because I'm being careful,
or is it because you think I'm fearful.

Is it because I'm taking things lightly,
or is it because you think I'm not worthy.

To me you are a miracle that happens to a few,
It made me jump when you came out of the blue.

I never want you to go away,
As things had been their perfect way.

But if you wish to take a step back,
Then there's no point left in calling you back.