Yeah so I watch football! I rather enjoy watching it!

And no, its not only because I want to gawk at extremely hot men running on the field, doing what they do best, but also because I get to see them do that in super-slow motion too! Satellite television rules!! *grins*

Ok seriously.

I like the game. Way better than cricket at least!

And I’m sick of being told that girl’s don’t watch football coz they know squat about it!

So, getting to the point….UEFA 'Euro' 2008!! (yeah thanks anurag! :P :P :P)

Even though I’m supporting Italia…I do get distracted by so many eye candies on field!

Speaking of Italia….they are out of the tournament !!!

*grumbles and abuses the stupid Spaniards and pouts*

I’m so upset!! And GIGI BUFFON!!! He’s so brilliant!!! And now he is out!! Dammnit!!! I’ll miss seeing him on field!! *pouts some more*

Oh well…the only other team I like, who have made it to the semis is Germany and if they lose to Turkey…that is it!! I’m not watching the finals!

I know what you ‘guys’are wondering, ‘what does a girl know about football’, right?

Oh you are wrong…I know football, I have played it, I used to be in the girl’s football team in school and Jr. College.(yeah yeah mock all you want! I don’t care!)

And we made it to state level championships! Twice! *looks smug*

I used to be the striker. And mind you, my short-lived career did highlight goals!!

Ahhh…those were the days!

I feel so nostalgic whenever I see football on TV!

Playing when it rained, eating vada-pav after practices at our favorite fast-food joint, reaching home dripping with sludge and leaving tracks all over my living room on my way to the bathroom and getting yelled at by mum, getting pushed by our coach to our limits to play harder, playing against guys, kicking butt, getting our butts kicked, rolling in muck as a punishment when we messed up during practice, all the times I missed, all the times I scored, all the times we fell hard, the rush after reading my name in the local newspaper, missing the header and hitting our noses instead(yoowwzza!), slipping and falling while trying to walk on the moss-ridden footpath in our studs, all the times we won, all the times we lost, all running like the wind, pep talks, getting reprimanded, reaching a new level, being congratulated, traveling to godforsaken places for matches, singing, dancing, celebrating, crying, pulling each other’s legs, cheering, all the times we huddled, all the times we limped, hitting on the guys in the football team, giggling and blushing, being girls, all the times we fought till the last minute, all the times we cursed penalty shoot-outs, all the times we supported each other, all the times we hugged, all the times we argued with the referee, all the times we got fouled, all the times we fouled, all the times we felt crappy, all the times we played!

I really miss those days! I miss playing football!

But super hot eye-candy kind of makes up for it *winks*

But all said and done, I have to admit one thing, football is a guy's game, not meant for girls.mind you! I'm still a feminist! well almost! :P

GO EURO!!! :D :D :D

College wouldn’t be college if it weren’t for its professors!

Every faculty has at least one unique sample item, by default, so to speak.

Barring one, my faculty consists of sample pieces, each one unique it their own right! *winks*

But I ‘liked’ only one of the many unique ones.

He was nice, but his mastery over the elite English language was mind blowing!

Before I start,

Disclaimer:-

The contents of this post are highly confidential. So to speak, I solemnly swear I shall not disclose the identity of the professor, for I don’t wish to bear the harsh consequences which may follow in an event that may involve my faculty actually discovering this not so discrete blog and reading this particular post! (I don’t totally dislike the below mentioned professor. He was a master entertainer.)

A slightly balding head, a kind smile on his face and a rounding belly that hung slightly beyond his belt, the hem of his pants hung inches above his ankles and his shoes somehow made squelching noises!
He walks in hurriedly with a briefcase bag in one hand and a hero Honda helmet in the other, he wishes us , starts fumbling with his briefcase combination lock and produces a pen-drive from the clutter and immediately loads his presentation into the computer and starts off with the lecture.

He taught us Intellectual Property Rights.

I never did quite follow what he said….but I always wrote down his best quotes!!

*takes a deep breathe* Here goes!

“Kindly draw the drawings…”(ahem..sure!!)

“Changing hairstyles is their culture. You know they are different if you the know the hairstyles.” (I have NO clue what this is about!)

“ The working ladies go to the toilets in the mornings in the texture there.” (WTF!!)

“ Add the hydrogen to the oxygen and the water will come out. But you cannot the get the water every time or the everybody will have the patents to the water”. (chemists must love him!)

“Put the clothes in the water and it will the vibrate.” (I can’t comprehend how he even imagined something like that!!)

“If he has to the sue someone in India, he has to go file a sue in India.” (Sure thing!!)

“By mistake it happenings! All users are not smarter like you!” (unhuh!! Totally!)

Here comes the grand finale!

‘They sells you the trousers, but after the washes, it becomes the Bermudas and the t-shirts becomes the banyans!!' ( I have never laughed so hard!)

Enjoy giggling!

Traveling everyday to office these days is a whole new experience.

I have never been used to traveling so much everyday considering my wonderful college is situated in an even more wonderful place called Kharghar! And NO I don’t mean it as a compliment!

It’s interesting to observe people, to observe the streets, to observe the slums, to observe all the traffic, to observe Mumbai.

No, it’s not all pleasant. I do end up crinkling my nose in disapproval, cribbing at times, whining even, and yet I feel like punching the firang in my office who calls this place cheap and dirty!

I sleep like a log these days! Traveling can be a real bitch in the monsoons!

I try my best to see the romance in the humid, rain laden air….but everyday I end up either hearing some cheesy lewd comments from some daft mofo or experiencing something worse. *shudders*

It’s funny how some people seem so snobbish at first, and then you realize they are actually quite sweet and friendly but then you decide, they are actually rather dull and annoying!

It’s weird how you initially sympathize for that simpleton in your office for always being the target of everyone’s frustrations till you realize he is quite the jackass!

My Boss's pet dog is rather funny. To begin with, his name is TooTa! And otherwise he is the laziest dog I have ever seen! Keeps strutting around the entire office as and when he feels like and never lets anyone touch him other than his masters. His system 'hangs' occasionally when he just stations himself at random places stares at nothing in particular . Some of the random place includes, in your way, in the door's way, in the Boss's way,on the stairs, in front of the elevator, on the leather couch in Boss's office or perhaps right in front of you when you are eating lunch.

The other day the Boss's secretary came over to the design showroom (where I work) looking for me and tapped on my shoulder and asked me if I was the new intern. On nodding my head a little nervously,wondering if I did something wrong, she gave me a big smile and asked me if  she could see my new shoes. Apparently she had had a little chat with one of her colleagues, who told her about my pretty new shoes. (just two weeks in the industry and I'm already setting trends!!)

But quite frankly, no one in this industry really gives a stinky, tiny rat’s ass about your existence.

Oh and office politics EXISTS.

I always thought everyone who travels by the Mumbai locals are generally frustrated and are never quite in a mood to be nice to some fellow passenger during rush hour, much like me.

I was wrong.

People can be very considerate and sweet and a genuine smile goes a long way.

I’ve learnt.

And that fuzzy feeling when the cute stranger you have been eyeing everyday finally turns to look at you more than once while waiting for the train. It’s an everyday thing now. I quite like that.*winks*

I have to walk everyday through to this shady red light area on my way to the office. And I come across people washing clothes, washing cows, bathing, shitting right outside their house!! One has to master the art of ignoring certain things!

On a more pleasant note, discovering the tattoo on the back of his neck was the fuzziest feeling of all *giggles*

Getting drunk with a friend on a work night, and setting the dance floor on fire!

And then some more crazy sleepovers.

Did I mention his aviators?! *grins*

But no matter how tired I am after being on my heels the whole day, I prefer standing by the door while traveling back in the trains. I love the feeling. It never grows old for me. it’s such a rush.

And just how these people manage to live in the slums, amazes me, everyday. It’s depressing to see that people just like us are so deprived, so poor, so under privileged, so unlike us. Every morning I see this guy sleeping at the station on the stairs, soaking wet but oblivious to his own condition, without even a sheet to cover his trembling body. It’s sad. And here, I worry about my stipend at the office.

But everyone is always in a hurry in this city. Everyone has to be somewhere, be it work or home, girlfriend, or just friends, appointment or an interview, hospital or hotel or perhaps just the loo.

I wonder if anyone ever slows down.

And I hope I don’t get caught in this thing they call the rat race.

These 2 months is just a preview of what my life might be like once I start working. Once I start taking responsibilities, when I grow up, once and for all.

Maybe I don’t want to grow up. Maybe I won’t.

I always wondered how people traveled back and forth from their workplaces everyday. Mind you, workplaces that are really far from their homes.
I needn’t wonder anymore.
Now I know.
And…. OH MY GOD!!!
It sucks!! And literally!!
First day of my internship today, and I was sure I would either die of dehydration or a heat stroke.
I have renewed respect for people who change trains from Kurla station every single day!
And should I even begin to talk about all the mofos one comes across at the station!?!
*shudders*
Why, just WHY couldn’t I have been a mutant?! A mutant who could teleport!
*disappears for a while to discuss the most convenient railway routes with the higher authorities(a.k.a dad) using a gigantic map of Mumbai*
Sigh!
The supreme power has spoken……I shall stick to the genius’s route after all! (Thanks Chintoo!)
And one meal a day, I’m going to have one hell of a time interning for 2 months!
Gah!
I want my bubble!!!

 p.s:- My office is situated at Lower Parel.

You would think that some things are impossible but then sometimes, you really believe it could happen the way you want it, and then it does….isn’t it the greatest feeling in the world!

It’s been happening a lot with me lately…I’m not complaining!

Positive thinking works!

I think there is a small part of everyone that loves being miserable, it’s just because you probably love feeling the way you do when you get over it. Humans are weird.

My semester whisked past me! And I can’t believe how quickly it ended.

My mid-semesters were mind numbingly bad but my finals were surprisingly good! Because I believed in myself to make it better.

I like the feeling.

There are so many things still disturbing me and I wish I could make it all go away….

Hadn’t it been for my amazing friends I couldn’t have made it so far…. I wouldn’t have been here today. I don’t wish to sound so dramatic, but then well…people don’t call me a drama queen for nothing!

Thank you all! I love you guys!

Here goes….in no particular order…(this might be a slightly long post.)

Anindita Debnath – For the long walks, the shopping sprees, the paani-puri and watermelon juice  treats, for drooling over Johnny Depp for hours together, for being the greatest listener, the sweetest person and the most caring and thoughtful friend I could’ve asked for. Thanks for loving me so much!

Achintya Rao- For being the insane mad entertainment who always manages to make me smile no matter what, for listening to me yapping, for yapping so much yourself, for the tips on playing the guitar, for some crazy performances, for all the randomness and for being around no matter what. (and also, for Varsha )

Sailee Mandhare-  For her crazy contagious laughter, her adorably funny expressions and ridiculous notions, for all the clothes-swapping, for the incessant goose watching,  for encouraging me for certain outrageous things and otherwise, for laughing over stupid pointless discussions, for the awesome time at the pubs….

Sharada Sundarmurthy- For discussions over every topic under the sun and otherwise, for really random questions now and then, for being honest, for the fun shopping sprees, for the 5 hour phone chats, for all the girl talk online, for constantly drooling over Johnny Depp and Hugh Laurie, and other extremely hot and unattainable men, for those amazing 3 really cold nights spent on the terrace talking and talking and talking,for all the useful medical information, for your mom's amazing food and filter coffee!

Gauri Deo-  For being the gentle listener, warm hugger and a compassionate friend, for being the voice of reason as well as a solid support, for the strong person you are, for the drunk night on the terrace when it rained, for being so darn sweet, for always understanding, for loving me as much as you do.

Tejasvi Duvuri – For having the answers to most of my questions, for loving me and believing in me, for teaching me to be more practical and pragmatic in life, for always making me see the other side of things, for being so strong, for laughing our asses off  for hours together for no apparent reason, for being the awesome mimic that you are, for the offer you made me that I cannot refuse, for being my brain twin!

Masoom Moitra-  For our rare but fun times together, for being as crazy as you are, for loving me, for your smart solutions, for being honest., for the warm tight hugs, for being full of interesting stories, for seeing right through me, for opening my mind to a lot of things, for being such an amazing person, for always making it a point to meet me whenever your stupid hectic schedule allows you, for understanding me through and through, for being my friend.

Devina Lalla- For wise cracks and hilarious smart ass comments, for the constant reality check, for all the encouragement, for the stress relieving cribbing and bitching sessions, for all the drunk moments, fro always making me feel better whenever i'm upset, for making feel so much more special than I consider myslef to be, for being partly responsible for my sanity, for being there.

Joel Alenchery- For being so sweet to me , for your hilarious typos that make me laugh, for being so dorky and so adorable at the same time, for being so thoughtful and that awesome birthday gift you sent me! (my gift is still pending, I know…it’ll come ) for the innumerable cute hugs. Wish you were here.

Joel Joy- For letting me take your case, for our very rare, but fun meets, for the chocolates and roses and cakes. For making me do stupid things! For being my friend.

Viyanka Tanna- For all the positive influence, for making me believe, for tips on practically everything, for all the yapping 24/7, for being crazy and for all the entertainment, for all the spontaneity, for all the hilarious embarrassing moments.

Arunima Majhi- For being SO fucking loud all the time! for useless trivia….for embarrassing everyone around her, for abusing the crap out of the faculty under her breathe….for being her!

Parul Das- For being the adorable dheemi local of the class, for your hilarious comments, for the perfect comic timing, for being the only lovable delhiite, for loving Mumbai for than delhi, for always being concerned.

Neharika Sharma- For ALL the useful information one could get  for making me feel un-guilty, for supporting me all the way, for all the late night, wild, stupid, unimaginable girl talk, for being so huggable and awesomely funny, for always making me feel gooood! For admiring me all the time, for being so lovable! And for being my wifey! Mmuah!

 Pardon moi if I missed out some things…..but my sentiments remain solid for all…I love you guys a lot! Each one of you….love having you around…be there for me as I will be there for you….for as long as I can….

Mmuah to all!

I paused my mp3 player for a bit till I could change to the song that suited my mood.

(mood-somber)

The silence that I half expected to hear after loud rock music was met with different levels of decibels of chattering around me.

I realized I was in a bus.

“Look monu…look at the train!”

*filmy giggle of a baby*

I smiled.

Such things fascinated me once. The maroon local trains, the red Double-decker buses, the black and yellow rickshaws .

Yeah rickshaws. There was a time when traveling in them was a luxury.

There was a time when it was a big deal to travel in local trains all by myself.

There was a time when traveling by a double-decker bus was close to an adventure. I still love doing that. Only I hardly spot one these days.

There was a time when few people had two-wheelers and fewer people had cars, so having a car was like ‘Whoa!’

My dad still has his 22 years old scooter, the one he bought just after he got married.

He refuses to sell it off even when he owns 2 cars now. My mom has tried everything to make him sell it off. But I guess it’s the sentimental value.

I remember how, the four of us used to travel in that grey bajaj scooter. Being miniscule, I always stood in the front. It baffles me now how we managed then!

I still remember how fondly my dad cleaned it on Dussheras and put agarbattis and a garland on it’s handles. I remember how privileged I felt if dad let me help him.

So much has changed.

But when I see a family of four on a scooter today it makes me smile.

I always stood in the front, I muse.

I looked at my watch, one more hour to go.

I selected my song (Trains-Porcupine tree) and resumed staring outside the window at nothing in particular.

Shit happens… All the time!

So do u complain about it eternally or just suck it up and be a grown up about it? All you have to think is….there people in a much worse condition.

But why should you care about other people, you hardly know, who are in shittier conditions, right?

Because it makes you realize, things could have been worse and you are much better off. But I don’t want to compare and contrast.

It’s just saying how people adapt this ever whining, ever surly, ever negative attitude after a bunch of things go wrong.

But no one’s perfect, everyone is allowed a certain period of whininess (tolerance of bad vocabulary required here) and sulkiness. Even I’m like that at times. Annoyingly crabby.

But I thrive on change and I get bored of being depressed and sulky.

And somewhere I expect others to do the same. *slaps forehead*

But expectations suck and that’s when it gets on my nerves.

Negativity pulls me down. The source could be anyone, but it affects me. I am cynical at times and I am sarcastic but that’s all in good fun.

I’m studying at a place that could officially be declared as the devil’s lair which sucks the life and happiness out of everyone who goes there. A single thought of happiness is held at ransom. And I swear I’m not exaggerating! (The faculty is like an army of dementors!)

So being optimistic is kind of hard, agreed, but not impossible. I try.

Recently, this girl I know, has been extra positive about certain things. It took me by surprise, coz I had never known her this way. It was a pleasant change. She admitted she had changed the way she thinks and reacts to situations. She kept reminding me and persuaded me even, to think positively, to be a little chirpier, a little less cynical, a little happier. Some may call it a load of crap, but trust me, it helps! Thanks Voo.

I agree I can be negative, but I can also be the 'bloody' ray of sunshine when you really feel like cribbing.   

See, its all good in the end! You just need to see the silver lining, as cliché as it may sound!

On Friday I did something that I never imagined I would do. And I thoroughly enjoyed it!! Don’t get scandalous ideas in your head, but I’m not giving it out here either. I’m proud of myself!!  (ppsst....close friends will know soon)

Chao! Keep smiling!

Sharada had come over this weekend!

Long weekend!

Calendar was kind enough to grant us one! Finally!

 I took a whole bunch of CDs and DVDs for her. She wanted songs and movies. A brand new Sony Vaio laptop to hold it all!!! 200 GB HDD and 2 GB ram! Windows vista! Hot red colour!

As always we could talk like we had met just yesterday!

Ice cream, chakli, cookies, and filter coffee!!! (*drools* I lau LAU aunty’s filter coffee!)

Watched the sunset, walked, chattered, window-shopped, laughed, commented, laughed louder.

I went to see her off today evening.

And the ‘last minute packing’ always amuses me.

The usual scene.

Aunty will be combing her hair, draping her saree, making coffee, packing tiffins and dictating orders to Sharada all at the same time at superwoman-ish speed!!!

Sharada will obey quietly and sip her coffee quickly, wondering *why can’t my see-offs be a little bit more pleasant! hmmph!*

Big brother will contribute excellently by making snide comments on how she always forgets her stuff and conveniently asks him to courier it.

Sharada will roll her eyes and grind her teeth.

Uncle will quietly pace around, either in the kitchen or in the bedroom.

 Scene#1

 She packs her laptop. Packs her bag pack and her suitcase. Packs her many tiffins handed over in neat packets by aunty. Stands with her hands on her hip, looks around and thinks if she forgot something.

“Did you take your ticket?!?!?”

“Yes amma!”

“Laptop?? Ahh yes u packed it….wait, your phone??”

“It’s with me amma!”

“Locked your bag?!?!”

“Uhh…yeah that I will”

“See! I knew you forgot something!”

Meanwhile big bro conjures miniature locks from cupboard.

“Anna, I have a lock on the bag, it’s a combination lock.”

*pointedly*  “Do you know how to use that?”

*a little offended* “Of course I do!”

*starts fumbling with the zipper of the bag*

10 minutes later, brother joins in and both are now seen fumbling with the zip.

Aunty hands a pair of scissors to him and he expertly snips something off and zzzzzzzzz….goes the zip.

Meanwhile uncle is quietly pacing in the kitchen.

 “Now what combination do we use??” (sharada)

“007” (brother)

“Shyaa!! No it’s too common!”(sharada)

“Ok…666??”(sharada)

“Oh God NO!! No!! Not 666! 007 is fine” (aunty)

*laughter*

“But its too common amma!Ok, 999 then??” *grins* (sharada)

 “NO” (aunty)

“Arre!! But...”(sharada)

“NO!!!!” …. *grumbles something in Tamil* (aunty)

“use 273”  (aunty)

“Huh!?! Why!?!” (sharada)

“It’s your Birthday!!”  (aunty)

“Ohhh fine then!” (sharada)

* starts fiddling with the combination*

“Uuhh…damn…abbe yaar….shit”  (sharada)

“Tcchhah…lemme do it”(brother)

* grumbles in Tamil and continues fumbling with the combination, slaps away sharada’s hand*

“Wait!!”(sharada)

“No not like this…hold that…no not that…pull that! Haan! Now keep holding.”(brother)

*grunts a little and fumbles still*

*Aunty tries to interfere*

“Amma wait!” 

“Arre wait, I think I managed it!!...ohh no…oops…no I didn’t.” (sharada)

"shyaa!! stop! lemme do this!"  (brother)

*Brother takes over and keeps fiddling*

*Sharada gives up, smiles a little sheepishly and looks at me*

“Do you know how to do this??”

“Uhh…not really!”

* She sighs and resumes fiddling with the godforsaken lock with brother*

*Uncle is still pacing in the kitchen, a little quicker now*

*Aunty yells*

“It’s getting late!! Just put that other lock!!”

*brother finally gives up, gets up dismissively and produces the locks from the cupboard again, selects one and hands it to Sharada *

*She locks it expertly at one go and grins triumphantly*

Period.

 Scene#2

While walking towards the rickshaw stand, Sharada and I walk slowly and fall behind.

Aunty still hurrying with her luggage in front of us, turns and looks at us impatiently.

“Walk fast beta! We’ll be late”

“No we won’t amma! We always leave at this time and always reach before time”

*Aunty smiles at me with a look that says ‘please walk faster’*

We oblige.

*Sharada whispers*

“You know every time, the day I’m leaving, every moment starting from the moment I wake up is ‘last minute work’ or ‘last minute preparations’ according to her!!!”*shakes head*

*I start giggling*

*Aunty calls out again, this time we hurry!*

 I hug her and wave….”Cya next time dude!”

I’ll miss her!

     I’ve had this insane craving for watching a good romantic movie for quite some time. It struck sometime a week before my exams. And it kind of stayed!

And all T.V aired at nights for those 2 weeks were horror movies!!! Bah!!

I told my friends and they laughed at how I was getting so silly and mushy.

In my defense, I’ve always been a die hard and hopeless romantic at heart.

Movie suggestions I received-

 ‘One Fine Day’

‘Serendipity’

’27 dresses’

‘The notebook ’

‘Pretty woman’

‘When Harry met Sally’

Well then!! Now I wanted to watch all of those!! And still couldn’t!

Exams interrupted. (Stupid exams.)

Finally, One Fine Day…..    on Zee studio. (yess!*dances around*)

Vanilla Ice cream with water melon and George Clooney

*smiles*

He is to die for!

I love him!

I realized I fall in love with a lot of fictional characters/ celebrities/ rock stars very often.

Hmm….I should show interest in some men in the real world for a change!

Achintya agrees :P

I’m still in that mood by the way. *smiles some more*

Suggestions are welcome. (for the movies I mean)

        This year started of on such a good note…Goa……certain good news from a friend….awesome weather changes…(I miss the cold wave!)…fashion shows…. My first date….Rock show….Sharada coming over….shopping…movies…..friend couriering House M.D  DVD’s all the way from U.K….was all good….

 
Home somehow still remains the place I keep avoiding.

Cold beer still helps.

I don’t understand my own sibling; my own sister…is it bad?

I don’t miss anyone when I’m away nor when my family is away…is that bad???

I dream of living alone. I wish to be left alone.

Am I a bad daughter/ sibling?? 

It’s not like I haven’t tried. I’m just sick of it now.

I completely messed up my mid semester exams…messed them up beyond belief…..only coz I was lazy. There is no one to blame but myself.

I’ll work harder. I remind myself everyday now.

 
People in college seem more annoying than usual. I have never been able to hate someone in my life. But them, I hate!! And I don’t see why I should give them as much importance such as hating them. I still do. They are judgmental. They treat others below their dignity. They walk as if they rule the earth. They dominate.Their 'holier than thou' or should I say, 'hotter than thou' attitude.Their 'special love' for me. Bitching about me, rather loudly. I hate it.For all I care, they are cheap and lesser mortals! And yet I bother to mention this in my post! sigh...I have issues.

 
An almost forgotten part of my life came back the other day and apologized.

An acquaintance of the past decided to swarm me with incessant calls! Bah!

An important part of my life is almost forgotten now. I do miss him. Sometimes.

 
I’m still wary of relationships. I still stand my ground that it’s not worth the pain. Singlehood rocks! But occasional dating is permitted :D

I’m getting better at playing the guitar :) fingers hurt….but its so worth it!

 *starts strumming*

Mumbai is experiencing the best weather changes in a decade! I LOVE it!! It’s freezing but it’s such a novelty to see Mumbai engulfed in this unexpected cold wave. To see people shuffling about in layers of sweaters and shawls….hands tucked deep inside the sweater sleeves or pockets…teeth clattering in the early mornings….every breathe forming a visible a cloud in front of your mouth…cold noses and fingertips.....hot tea and coffee.....its wonderful!! AND incredibly romantic!!!

And then I have to go to college in this beautiful weather and attend classes indoors!! Bah!

Talking about classes….I had this excruciatingly boring lecture the other day! but it started to get interesting when I actually listened to what the professor was saying….for your information…the lecture was on ‘Intellectual Property Rights’

Here are some jewels from the professor….

 Kindly draw the drawings…(ahem..sure!!)

 Changing hairstyles is their culture. You know they are different if you the know the hairstyles. (I have NO clue what this is about!)

 The working ladies go to the toilets in the mornings in the texture there.(WTF!!)

 Add the hydrogen to the oxygen and the water will come out. But you cannot the get the water every time or the everybody will have the patents to the water. (this has to be the best one!!! LMAO)

 Put the clothes in the water and it will the vibrate.  (I can’t comprehend how he even imagined something like that!!)

 And we are supposed to learn about IPR from the professor who pronounces gadgets as ‘gajgets’ (no. I’m not kidding!)

 Woohoo!! Go IPR!!

Hypocrisy, double standards, two faced-ness (if that’s a word)…..they are all big words…offensive to some…familiar to some. But are we all innocent?? No.

Everyone has double standards….everyone is confused about life…everyone is confused about choices…everyone slips once in a while.

You may make a mistake and forgive yourself, but you will end up judging your friend for the same mistake….why?? Only because he/ she is supposed to be more responsible than you? Coz you never expected they would slip?? What about yourself then? How do you face yourself?

Not all choices are easy. People are not easy. You are the person you are coz of all that you have been through so far. Coz of all the mistakes you have made and consequences you have faced.

I am the person I am coz of all the shit I have put up with. I am me and I’m proud of it. Today I hold my head high not coz I’m famous or rich or pretty…..but because I have faith in myself…..coz I know I am strong and I can handle whatever life throws at me......coz I know I can love and can be loved.

Words can’t bring me down. You can’t bring me down.

It’s not a bad thing to have someone ‘like’ you….its not a bad thing to reciprocate.

It’s not a bad thing to flirt, to enjoy someone’s attention, to blush.

yes I have changed....and I will keep changing.....deal with it.

Here comes the cliche.....its my life!

This is the time to take chances. If not now, then when??

A fellow I know met with a deadly accident the other day. It was scary. But he survived. He is my age and he never saw it coming.

One day, it cud be me…..and then I wont even have a chance to regret about things I haven’t done.

I’m 20…will be 21 in a few months…and I feel nothing….its a ritual now….turning older…and I’m still single.

My parents think I should get married.

“At your age I had given birth to your sister. Don’t think that you are a child anymore!!”

“You are no better than a tailor anyway! And he earns a lot! He is an IIT and an MBA graduate!”

 BALLS!!

 I should start living alone. That will take care of half my problems.
Ahh…I wish.

Finally my most awaited and long deserved vacation arrived…..and the beautiful Goa beckoned…

Goa…synonymous with everything positive…everything happy…everything fun….

Some call it heavenly….some call it, a paradise on earth….

But as for me….Goa gave me the best 5 days of my entire life….it let me live…it made me shed all my inhibitions….it made me let go….it made me feel free…..it made me happier than I ever imagined I could be!

I know, it all sounds clichéd, but such was life in Goa!!

Goa may be the smallest state in India, but it is perhaps one of the most beautiful. This emerald land exudes an aura that is unique in its own right….its charm, mesmerizes minds…and its culture entices hearts….the narrow cobblestone streets, ornamented by never-ending stalls, that meander its way to the beaches….the vendors bellowing out prices and sales ….the streets bustling with activity.....the tempting aromas of a variety of cuisines that swim through the streets…..the timid looking dogs hunting for food on the constricted footpaths…. the sprawling white sand beaches that stretch throughout the boundaries of the state, complimented by the sparkling turquoise blue waters that skirt it….the enormous palm trees bordering the beaches…the myriad colorful umbrellas and hammocks splashed over the sands….the infinite happy faces bobbing up and down everywhere….the resounding laughter and delighted screams that float around you….the prettily decorated, cozy little shacks that beckons….treading barefoot on the hot sands and running to the soothing waters every now and then…..the beauty of it all…..that’s Goa for you…every sight, every sound, every feeling is an experience in itself…..

31^st December 2007, 5 a.m- Our journey began

Excitement and skepticism brimmed inside me as we headed for panvel to board our train. As of now, there were 6 of us….more people were to join us later, according to devina. So I’ll introduce all of them now, and as and when the characters increase, I shall take the pains to introduce them too ;)

Here we go-

Disclaimer-

I solemnly swear to do justice to the entire trip with this post, however if anyone feels I have missed out something or someone in this post, kindly keep it to yourself! I’m doing the best I can! Any resemblance to a character living or dea…umm…just living, is purely intentional and I sincerely hope I get the introductions and the thank yous right, for that, your cooperation is requested! Now get off my back, and read!! Hope you enjoy….

Devina lalla- my best friend in college, my sanity, my support, my faithful partner in the loser gang.

Sailee mandhare- my childhood buddy, known her since I have known myself, my loyal friend and partner in every crime.

Joel alenchery- my dear darling Joel, the nri, the mallu, the clown, the adorable uncle…

Sneha hingorani- the ever ecstatic and perennially high chic, my batch mate and my ‘giggling for no reason’ buddy.

Gautam sethi- I don’t know him. He’s sneha’s friend.

And of course…

ME!! The nut-case, stupid, bratty, cynical, annoying me!

There we are…

The train journey was extremely tiring and for some weird reason I couldn’t sleep at all! The maximum amount of sleep I got at a time was like exactly an hour! Not to forget, the seats were bloody uncomfortable! Ok enough cribbing for now….more later

Finally reached old goa at around 3 I guess and did I mention that we had free accommodation during peak season!? Muhuahahha! Now u know! So, Hemanth, a resident of goa and also a friend of Sneha was kind enough to provide his place to us since we hadn’t been able to book accommodation…god bless him.

Shower.food.beer.plans for new years….woohoo!

New Year’s Eve, 7 p.m, Baga beach

Now we were joined at the beach by 8 others. Yaz yaz I’ll make the introduction again!

Anjana ravindran- devina’s school friend from Bangalore, presently studying medical at Belgaum, and is an absolutely sweet person AND a great dancer!

JD- Devina’s school friend again….from Bangalore and that’s about all I know about him. sorry jd…didn’t get time to talk at all!

Shyam Nair- the ‘proud IITian’. Devina’s school friend from Bangalore. Has a very interesting hairstyle and insists very hard that he should not be hated only coz he is intelligent!

Pradyumna - a.k.a Praddy. From Bangalore and the school friend! I’ve heard a lot about him and hence will sum it up like this ‘praddy’s the MAN!!’

Adarsh- a.k.a Addy. Again from Bangalore and all that jazz! The sweetest guy ever and is wary of people who chuck a LOT of sand on him for no reason. Sorry Adarsh

Konark- I think he is JD’s friend. The only fellow who didn’t drink that night! Had more ‘serious responsibilities!’ Presently doing law in Gandhinagar, gujju land. Chivalrous, funny, and the self proclaimed ‘Sea of God’

Tarun – Konark’s batch mate

Abhishek - same same.

Phew! Lot of people!

Baga beach was fucking crowded!! But once the fenny shots started…nothing else mattered!! Horrible tasting, but I loved it! Most of them did, I guess…

2 shots down, and I could feel my head swimming….i remember being really happy…but I don’t much remember what all I did that night…no no…nothing scandalous!! Don’t get ideas!! I just let go!! Of everything…every thought…every pain…every worry…felt amazing…

I remember trying to dance…I remember falling down a lot…sand….beer…more sand…. firangs….giggling uncontrollably….water….little more beer….loo…loud music…louder talking…smiling faces… introductions….posing for pictures…chucking sand at each other….fireworks!!! Happy New Year!!! Feeling drowsy…no place to sleep….random idiots wishing you happy new year…shooing off spectators….laughing some more…talking…loo...more introductions…Shyam defending IIT for over an hour and insisting that all IITians aren’t jerks…Shyam doing the robot dance with me…joel doing balle balle and repeating continuously ‘but I’m supposed to take care of you guys!’

Feeling cold….half of them dozing of…..the sunrise…welcome 2008…

Anjana, JD, Shyam, Praddy, Adarsh were to leave on 1^st afternoon (shyaa!) so we parted ways and headed towards old goa whereas, the rest headed towards panjim to pack their stuff…we bade our goodbyes and promised to keep in touch.

Looong Shower.hangover.chips and biscuits. Sleep.

We took an evening walk around old Goa and decided to have a booze party that night…but then made impromptu plans to go to Panjim instead and watch a movie with the other guys, i.e Konark, Tarun and Abhishek. (yeah i know what you are wondering…such fools to watch a movie when in goa….but in our defence, we didn’t have other plans and we didn’t have cars or scooters to go elsewhere that late! )

After movie, went for a late night walk in the park at 2 a.m (lol, it gets rather juvenile from here)

Walking…jumping…singing…Devina enlightening us with general facts….laughing….playing on the swings…me racing with 3 others and beating them all!! Muhahaha!...feeling high! Posing for pictures….mounting the merry-go-round(nope, not kidding!) Konark and Joel showing off their brawns, while trying to rotate it with 2 girls on it..lol…then my turn! Then sailee’s turn! And then our very own superwoman, devina’s turn! More goofy pics….discovering a huge totem in the middle of the park, illuminated sinisterly…debating if a certain funny looking shape on it were balls, butt-cheeks or simply a hand! Bloody scared dogs! Singing….more fun facts….walking towards the riverside…..the soothing sound of the water gently lapping the shore…the bright stars reflected on the water, sparkling with the ferry lights….observing someone’s sand sculpture…rather interesting civilization…..walking back….more laughs….walking in the middle of the road and singing (coz I Can!) walking past a graveyard (shudders)…dogs howling….ahh finally home…watched some tv…then sleep…

2^nd january 2008-morning

We were supposed to pick up all our stuff from hemanth’s place and drop it off at konark’s place at panjim and then hire cars and make further plans for the day. The same day, devina’s friends (yeah 2 more!!) were to join us from dabolim airport. Yea yeah I remember the introductions! (I usually suck at this, but according to devina I have gotten better at it!)

So, two new characters!!

Saumya – another NRI from the U.S. childhood family friends of devina lalla, has a cool sense of humor and is perpetually sleepy!

Christin (I hope I got the spelling right)- saumya’s school friend, with absolutely pretty hazel eyes and a prettier smile, from U.S, had come to visit family(her mom’s a goan) in goa but joined us before that....

Yeah so Devina and Sneha proceeded to the airport to pick them up, Sailee and Joel headed towards panjim to book Joel’s ticket back to Mumbai (so sorry Joel about the mess up!! I still feel bad about it!) and Gautam and I got everyone’s luggage back to Konark’s place and hire 2 cars.

Plan of the day…after confusions, confirmations, cancellations and re-confirmations…

Pick up devina, Sneha and friends, from the airport, proceed towards Colwa beach.

Our chauffeurs of the day… Konark and Tarun *grins* (no offence dudes, but u were the only ones who were good drivers!!!dont' hate me! )

Drive to the beach was quite uneventful, except for a small drooling session at the airport, over Saumya and Christin by all the guys *rolls eyes* and some posing for pictures in the car.

Destination- Colwa Beach.

Time- 5 p.m

The only thing visible to everyone at this hour was the beach shack, as we all wanted to hog!! No one had eaten anything since morning (except for devina, Sneha and company, coz they ate at the airport waiting for us! Hmmphh!!) And everyone was dying of hunger!

One enormous order after another, of drinks and food alike….we all devoured our food as we watched the sunset…and laughed our asses off watching Konark flirt with the waiter shamelessly (mind you, ‘waiter’ not ‘waitress’) he kept asking for ‘sex on the beach’ and ‘jump and kiss me’. The waiter’s blush was priceless!! Those who know cocktails will get the beauty of the pun, those who don’t, well…they’ll just get scandalous ideas!! Lol …

Beer…lotta food….one fenny shot and we’re all set to enter the water!!

Ahh yes….possibly the second-most fun evening in the trip, after the New Year’s Eve!!

The war begins…girls v/s guys….*dramatic sound effects*

Dunking each other into the water…although the guys had a considerable lead here, the girls didn’t quite give up….screaming….laughing….running….wading…gasping for air…swallowing the salty water(eew!)… getting covered in mulch and squelchy sand (more eww..)….more fenny shots….some more beer…..running back to the water….losing balance….lying down…..more screaming…some singing….few abuses….lol….3 girls together trying to bring down Konark and Joel respectively but failing miserably!! oh well...if you can't beat them...join them and then beat them!! Konark proclaiming self as the ‘Sea of God’ rather dramatically….Joel running the marathon with me and sneha and trying to convince us both to come back to the shallow side....we obviously being difficult about it ….finding a stray bottle in the midst of all the chaos….ideas start rolling....

SPIN THE BOTTLE! Yes!! Back to the 6^th grade!!

Saumya kissing Tarun (on the cheek of course)

Konark kissing Abhishek (kinky!)

Joel kissing Konark (aww….)

Saumya kissing Christin (woohoo!)

Now truth and dare….back to 4^th grade …ahh those were the days!

Devina Lalla punching gautam sethi (I love her!!)

Joel dared to eat sand! (eeyyuck!)

Sneha dared to dance (bah! That was easy!)

Konark dared to propose to me! He did get down on one knee.... ( if only it were interesting enough I would’ve said yes ;p) so I sang instead! Rather bellowed *with or without you……* lol

More running into the water…..finally exhausted….

Bonfire….welcoming warmth….some peace…and the stars…coffee…..and an annoying orchestra of rather unmelodious dogs!

After trying in vain to shake off sand stuck in unmentionable places, we finally decided to make a move at around 3 a.m.

We managed to turn the living room itself into a beach! All of us were dripping sand! Everyone took a shower and while some of them dozed off…some of us decided to go grab a quick bite at ccd and then go to the only casino in goa…which is situated in donapaula, and perhaps is the prettiest hotel I’ve ever been to…it had a whole spanish feel to it….and was absolutely charming, with tiny, sparkling lights, with beautiful ivy cascading over the massive iron gates, the welcoming ornate arch opened up to the lobby, which was as enchanting as the entrance and decorated with mistletoes and a huge, sparkling Christmas tree surrounded by colorful gift wrapped presents….multicolored and attractively patterned tiles carpeted the entire floor...flowers and scented candles placed strategically... and the lobby spread out to a cozily furnished balcony overlooking the river and the poolside….now you will have to pardon me, coz I don’t remember the place’s name! In my defense, I was really tired and wasn’t really looking for the name*looks a little embarrassed*….it was taverna or caverna something…..either way, the casino turned out to be the size of my bedroom! *grins* which is very small to speak of! Oh well! At least, I can add one more thing to my ‘been there, done that' list!

And I vividly remember a signage saying ‘this way to grande de sala’ *grins widely*

Last stop that night, or morning you could say, as it was almost 6, was the river side….

Sigh….wish I could’ve stayed there longer, but my body was screaming for rest….so we headed back…..sleeeep!!

An hour later we had to wake up to clear up konark’s place as the three of them were leaving, i.e Konark, Tarun and Abhishek, and the rest of us were to find another place for accommodation…..sigh….Yay! For 3 days of free accommodation!! Again, god bless Hemanth and Konark for all their help!

We bade our goodbyes…and now we were 3 friends short in the group…we would miss them....oh well….

Next stop….Anjuna beach!!! Woohooo!!

Now most people know what this beach is famous for!! The firangs!! And not just that….firang chicks in bikinis and sometimes even topless …..i couldn’t care less bout the hot firang chicks, coz fortunately for me, I’m not gay and again unfortunately for me, the guys there weren’t bottomless either…sooo….too bad…

Although Joel had a blast looking at so many different colored thongs! and some talons too!

Such was the incredulity in skimpy clothing, that even we felt overdressed, in our casuals!!!! Hehehe….it was quite funny to look at firangs gape at us and wonder why we were wearing so many clothes! *holds up middle finger*

Relaxing by the sea….lunch at a shack…had a peaceful evening at anjuna and then at the vagator beach…just lounging around and listening to the sea continuously crash at the shore…..i lou it!

Got my hair braided and did some jewellery shopping! the stalls there had such an enormous collection of junk jewellery, clothes, bags, bedsheets, hats, glares, umbrellas, tapestries, shoes, etc. it was overwhelming! But the vendors there can get annoying tho….

Dinner at another charming little shack….then Paradiso’s!!! woohoo!

It’s an awesome club…and girl’s entry free!! Yeah baby! House music rocked! And we danced!! Finally I danced!!

Next morning, trek to the Chapora fort a.k.a dil chahta hai fort, as it is locally known…

The view from top is simply breathtaking!! The anjuna beach stretching endlessly to its left and the vagator beach to its right….and the boundless sea up front….i could stand there for hours, just trying to come up with words that could justify what I saw and what it stirred inside me…but I guess my vocabulary ain’t that strong to support it….the morning sun sent colorful sparkles dancing on the surface of the sea as far as your eyesight could extend….and then disappeared where the sea and the sky just merged together….and beautifully so! Sigh….u have to experience it! The elation felt when you are up there….its astounding! It’ll leave you speechless….

Finally….water sports at baga beach!! (WOOHOO!!)

Tried the water scooter(killer speed!!) and parasailing(I finally flew!)…both of which were mind blowing! It left me high for hours!! 2 more additions to my list!! Yay!

Lunch….and then back to panjim, to see off joel… *makes sad face*

He had to leave early….had a reunion with other friends….all good things come to an end….will miss him so much!

Dinner at an absolutely adorable little place….called ‘Venite’ it’s the coziest, warmest and most welcoming place I had been to so far and with awesome food!

It was decorated with multicolored tiles with abstract patterns that ornamented the door frames and the floor at the entrance. A small winding staircase took us to a snug looking room with hardwood floors and small ornate balconies sticking out on to the streets. The room had the most charming chandelier made of pots with small holes and light pouring out of them and dry creepers entwined with tiny lights that reached out to the ends of the room. There were various shaped baskets that served the purpose of lampshades and cast a bewitching pattern of lights and shadows in the room. The tables were covered with soft sheets in attractive colors and stain glass windows and balcony doors added to the beauty of the place….so basically, eating food at such a place, was a delight!

Went to Miramar beach later, for a quiet walk and this being the last night at goa….everyone was quite upset and nostalgic of the last few days spent here…I lied down right next to the shore and listened to the quiet gushing of the sea ....the lights blinking from the ferries lit up my face....i could feel the cold sand tickling my back and felt goosebumps cover my body.….I looked at sky…it was like a pitch black ocean, glittering with the generous sprinkle of stars…with every passing second, I could see more stars, some twinkling brighter, some growing dimmer….what I wouldn’t do to stay there forever, entranced by its aura….but it was freezing cold, and we had to leave after an hour….

Visited the churches and cathedrals next morning, after Saumya and Christin left, so we were down to 5 now…. I recounted every moment of my trip as I traveled back from old goa to panjim bus depot, to take a cab to madgaon, so we could board our train back to Mumbai….*sigh*

It has to end sometime…I so didn’t wanna go back to the same routine again…the tension, the bickering at home…the frustrations at college…..i shook it out of my head…..and I decided…panjim is a beautiful city and if ever I have to leave Mumbai to work somewhere…it has to be panjim…. and if i do get a place there ever....all you guys are invited!!

We finally bade our farewell to goa….the place that gave me my life’s best 5 days! I owe it! And I also owe it to all the wonderful people I met there! I wanna thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all they did for me and for others , even if it was a small gesture! I owe this amazing trip to them! Hope we all can do this again sometime!

Thanks once again…

Devina lalla- for your wonderful friends, for being you and for all the responsibilities you took!

Sailee mandhare- for coming along at the last minute, the laughs and for the back massage.

Joel alenchery- for coming along, taking care of me, for the hilarious high moments, for the long talks, and the hugs.

Sneha hingorani- for Hemanth and for the silly moments we had.

Adarsh – (m sorry I still dunno your last name) for not throwing back sand at me :D

Praddy- for the early morning jokes.

JD- for the new year pics and for taking care of us.

Shyam nair- for the one hour lecture on iitians (lol) and the robot dance and the ‘happy face’ picture!

Anjana ravindran- for the awesome new year’s eve night, the dance, and the sand shower!

Konark-for your place at Panjim, for the immense help you offered and for your timely jokes and for being there.

Tarun- for your company, for driving us to and back safely from Colwa and taking care of us on the beach.

Abhishek –for your company and for helping us out on the beach.

May god bless all of you and always keep smiling ppl!! Sorry if this post was too long….but hey, its goa we are talking about
slong!

Two weeks away it feels like the world should've changed
But I'm home now
And things still look the same
I think I'll leave it to tomorrow till unpack
Try to forget for one more night
That I'm back in my flat on the road
Where the cars never stop going through the night
To real life where I can't watch sunset
I don't have time
I don't have time

I've still got sand in my shoes
And I can't shake the thought of you
I shake it all, forget you
Why, why would I want to
I know we said goodbye
Anything else would've been confused but I wanna see you again
                                                                                                           - dido (sand in my shoes)

The past few months have been rather weird….I have found myself on the brink of losing all my bearings…and then I have found myself saner than I would have believed myself to be….I have seen myself as an annoying pessimist and then I have seen myself being such an optimist for someone else…but all the while I have bitterly craved for some fucking control….control over everything that was going on around me….but I never got hold of it, while everything kept spinning and I was right at the centre of the entire mess…I hated seeing myself like that and yet there was nothing I could do…

I may have upset a friend the other day…didn’t intend to….

I tried to help a friend….but ended up getting more frustrated myself…

I cursed life for complicating so many things….

I longed to be left alone….I yearned for some peace and quiet….I got none

The same old drama at home…the same old story at college…the same old problems with relationships….but all this while, ‘control’ stayed conveniently out of the picture….

I should take a vacation too….maybe things will work out….or something could go wrong in the last minute…like it usually does…

Haa! Spoken like a true cynic Isha…congrats! I crib too much!!

I believe I need therapy….(people don’t call me a drama queen for nothing!)

What your heart desires the most, wants the most is also what it fears for, the most….you fear you have so much to lose….but what you don’t realize is that it’s a good feeling actually, to know you have the ‘so much’…..

You let your heart rule your life, control your decisions, you tend to be impulsive……and then you realize, that the round globe stuck on your shoulders is there for a reason, and its to use what’s inside it, rather than use what beats within your chest and makes you all mushy most of the time…

But you learn….that the only thing that matters, is survival….and the only ones who matter are the ones you treasure the most…..

Why would a complete stranger give a fuck if you flunk in your college project just coz they couldn’t give you time from their extra hectic schedules…they have lives too…and you don’t matter…..to most people….you don’t even exist for most people….so why fuss over it right?? Why fuss over how rude or inconsiderate he was…or why she didn’t call you back….or why he didn’t smile or say ‘hi’……but still there are people who are tactful…who are polite….do they pretend to be like that? Or they just think it’s nice?

I think it’s neither, coz these are the people who have an ounce of humility left in them, coz they know that they will make mistakes, and they know that their actions have consequences, and they know that those consequences are their fault.

I’m one of those people….so I guess I’m not a complete idiot….

I’ll take the liberty here to quote a good friend of mine, ‘Yes, Kitty, you are an idiot….That is why you're a good friend. It's a requirement.’

Love him.

p.s:- unhuh ‘kitty’ is my nickname but only certain people have special authorization to call me that, so you can still call me Isha.  :-p

My stifled yawns reluctantly welcome the sleepy morning streaming in through my bedroom window. I shudder at the thought of going to that doomed place again….its become a routine now and yet I detest it so….
The gentle touch of warm water tickles me awake….and the next few minutes vanish in a slow rush….
The bus rumbles to a painful halt and roars to life the second I climb in….
The smoky horizons appear and shrink alternately as the warm breathe of human shit makes it way through miles….the sighs and whispers of the tired winds camouflage the morning freshness and induce cold sweat as I try hard not to slip in to my subconscious…. Through a haze I see faceless people charge, aimless and tireless, like zombies, to get to work before the boss….the suitcases bang, the purses entangle, the cell phones start buzzing, the hands touch and wander, the loud intolerable chatter starts which swells to a monotonous hum that drills into my head …..
The colossal college gates beckon me, but hardly welcoming …. I enter grudgingly, wishing silently that today would be a good day……

 “Hey! Are you done with the submission?”
 “D-OH !!!!”

*sigh*

Just Another day in my life……

Secrets…everyone has their own ….secrets about their past ….secrets about their present….secrets just waiting to ruin someone’s life…..secrets just waiting to hurt someone…..secrets hiding under someone’s guilt…..secrets hiding under someone’s fears…..secrets growing steadily behind a fake façade making someone weaker and weaker underneath…secrets buried long ago……secrets….everyone has their own……

‘Can you keep a secret?? Yes?’

‘Then I’m not telling you mine…..’  ;)