Single Life. (Monday Moments #40)

          She was an emotionally strong person. She was single her whole life but she didn't let it become a thing. Sure, she had bad patches. There were times when she thought no one loved her. There were times when she thought that she was going to die alone. But, they didn't last that long. Who even has that much time to grieve after all? But that day was different. Three incidents happened. Firstly, she understood that her best friend from school was in a serious relationship. Secondly, her close friend from the gym called to invite her for her engagement ceremony. And thirdly, her sister's boyfriend approached her for help to plan a secret grand proposal. So, yeah, she broke down. All the people in her life were settling down and getting their lives all sorted. And she was the only single friend left in her circle. It was the worst feeling in the world. The optimistic girl broke down in a puddle of tears. She was beyond happy for all of those people but the fact that none of those amazing things happened to her, saddened her. She decided to live this stage by doing the typical things girls do when they are sad. She put on the television and started a marathon of Friends. She ate directly out of the ice cream tub. A box of tissues was by her side and so was pizza. Instead of fighting them off, she decided to sink in those sad emotions, this one time. Just like you have to swallow the bad pill, you have to feel the sadness. And that's okay. It's okay to feel this way some times. It just proves that you're human. At that moment, if you believe that it's just a sad phase, then it'll definitely go away.

(‘Monday Moments’ is a blog series wherein I write about an incident or a moment in a short paragraph. It’s not a story, but just a short description to express and explore the most common joys and also the uncommon miseries.)

Longing. (Monday Moments #39)

          They had a fight. It wasn't their first. And they knew it won't be their last. They weren't friends but they weren't in a relationship either. It was just something in between. Something sweet and scary hanging right in front of them wanting their attention. But their egos were bigger. The two persons who used to share everything hadn't spoken to each other in a week. They entered the same college. They went in the same classroom but they never spoke. When she thought about the fight, she felt stupid. When he thought about it, he felt guilty. The reason why they had fought seemed irrelevant by and large. They had reached that stage where they both wanted to talk to each other but they both chose their self-respect higher than anything else. That day, the lecture was going on. He was sitting on the first bench. She was sitting on the second bench diagonal to him. They were a feet away but it felt like continents away. She was looking at him. Just looking. She felt a pang of sadness for how they used to be. They'd be sitting together and chatting in their notebooks. He'd make some hysterical comment which would give her fits of laughter. She'd explain him statistics and he would explain her behavioural science. She saw his eyes, full of grief. She saw his smile, upside down. She was lost in thoughts about him. And just at that moment, he looked at her. Their eyes met. Their eyes talked more than they both did. The craving to talk to the other grew in their hearts. Their eyes longed for each other and this longing had become unbearable. Their eye contact broke when a tear dropped from her eye. The bell rang. And like magnets, they approached each other. Their embrace made up for all the fights, tears, hate and love.

(‘Monday Moments’ is a blog series wherein I write about an incident or a moment in a short paragraph. It’s not a story, but just a short description to express and explore the most common joys and also the uncommon miseries.)

8 Tips If You Are Travelling With A Toddler.

          Travelling is something most of us are very much passionate about. It makes us feel fresh and relaxed. Visiting new places, exploring new cultures, tasting various cuisines is all part of the game if you are an avid traveller. Solo travelling has become very common these days and even travelling in groups has gained popularity. Things are entirely different if you are going with your family and that too with a toddler!

A lot of things are to be taken care of if you are planning to travel with your family, no matter if it is a domestic or an international trip. You can check out NearBuy, an online destination which gives you fantastic deals to various places. Use NearBuy Coupons to enjoy discounts as well.

Now be extra cautious to look into certain things if you are a family with a toddler. Have an eye at a few tips to be taken care of if you are travelling with your toddler.

1. Reach Your Airport/Station Ahead Of Time

          You are going to travel with a toddler and things are not that easy to manage with them around you. So leave your home to reach the airport or the station a little ahead of your planned schedule. There is no harm even if you arrive a little early. Try booking your tickets ahead. Check out online websites like Yatra and MakeMyTrip if you want to book flights. They have fantastic deals to various destinations. Avail amazing discounts on your tickets and even accommodation using Yatra Coupons or MakeMyTrip Coupons.

2. Carry Eatables

          Remember to carry eatables along with you. It is wise if you take foods that last longer. Give fruits, homemade snacks and even dry fruits. They can help in filling your toddler’s tummy for a longer time.

3. No Sugar

          Do not try to bribe your kid by giving him candies or any sugary edibles. It will make him crave for more and the moment you end up with the stock, and then they will ask for more! Then it becomes a challenge to manage them. But carrying a little of sweets is, after all, fine.

4. Cartoons, Books, Colors

          Carry any one of these at least as it can make your toddler get engaged for some time. Get your iPad with their favorite cartoon or bring their favorite storybook or even get their coloring book and colors so that they will make themselves busy.

5. Talk To Them

          It is good if parents spend some time talking to their toddlers while they are on the way. Make them understand where you are going and what is there to see and the attractions for them to enjoy at the place. Answer all their queries and then they will listen to you as they will be more excited to reach the place.

6. Be Patient

          Toddlers they are and can be mischievous at times. Parents should be patient enough to tolerate them. Do not scold them in public but rather talk to them about love and care and ask them not to be mischievous as there are other people around who might get disturbed.

7. Carry Toys

          It is sometimes good to carry any of their favorite toys as it can help them to become silent for some time. If your luggage isn’t that heavy, then it is good that you carry a few of them. It can make them happy and they will be busy in their world.

8. Listen To Them

          No matter what, give your ear to what they have to tell you throughout the journey. They will be happy. If you do not listen to them, they can become irresistible and naughty and will become unmanageable.

I hope you found these tips useful. What are some of the ways in which you manage toddlers while travelling?

Sickness. (Monday Moments #38)

          She had cancer. This news hit her harder than a truck. At least getting hit by a truck meant instant death. But this? Cancer? It was prolonged death. She sat on her bed thinking about the past. The fear of dying does this to people. Your entire life flashes before you. She remembered her childhood, college, marriage and kids. She was 61 but she felt much older. She had an inoperable disease and this scared her. Doctors had given her a life statement of 2 to 3 weeks. She found it utterly obnoxious how the world works. She was away from smoking and drinking. She knew these things would kill her sooner. But, now it all seemed like a big joke. She never took risks with people for the fear of losing them. But now, she was a single widow staying alone in an apartment making her own living. Somehow she lost herself in the process. The chemotherapy sessions sounded like giving away parts of her soul, one at a time. She couldn't hold it in her. Instead of crying, she exploded in a roar of laughter. She was going to die! The woman who did everything perfectly, never disrespected anyone, never went the wrong way, lived on ideal beliefs, has now gotten cancer! How often does that happen? At that moment, she had embraced cancer and let it settle within her instead of fighting it out. She had given up a battle she knew she'd lose. She could've given up fighting. But, she just settled, like she did all of her life.

(‘Monday Moments’ is a blog series wherein I write about an incident or a moment in a short paragraph. It’s not a story, but just a short description to express and explore the most common joys and also the uncommon miseries.)

Valentine's Quotes.

          I'm not a fan of the super hyped Valentine's Day. But, I love love quotes! The romantic in me drools over the amazing love stories of Augustus and Hazel, Ron and Hermione, Adam and Mia and so many other fictional characters. No matter the genre, there's always a little romance. And it's just delightful.

          After books, I turn to music. So undoubtedly I have some favourites. Okay, many favourites! But I'll share only a few lyrics which are just lovely! These will make you fall in love with the artists, singers and songwriters!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

After 2 Years. (Monday Moments #37)

          It had been 2 years. There was no communication between them for 2 years. And then they found each other in a strange city but feeling the same things that they had once felt. They remembered their office days together. They had a wonderful relationship. She loved him despite his short temper. He loved her despite her moodiness. Back then, when they first started talking, they found a spark. They flirted each other. They were all about sarcastic pranks. They were sweet and also the most unusual. They had different interests and lifestyles. They knew that it would be a problem. It wasn't much of an issue until it was. And then one small fight became a big thing which drifted them away from each other. And now, as their eyes couldn't leave the sight of the other, they were pulled together. They talked for hours. They talked about many things. He was the manager of a cricket team. She was the owner of a publishing house. They had grown, not just in the corporate world, but also in a spiritual way. Their minds could understand each other better than before. They were on the same page. Both of them had followed their hearts and there they were. The spark was brighter than ever. And this time, even they couldn't help but admit to the glorious way universe works. Sometimes, people fall apart only to realise that they belong together. Sometimes, timing is everything. The same relationship can work 2 years from the present time but it won't work at all right now. That's just how things are and the sooner we accept it, the happier we will live. That was the moment they found each other. The moment where they were just wondering about how beautifully things have a way of falling in place after falling apart.

(‘Monday Moments’ is a blog series wherein I write about an incident or a moment in a short paragraph. It’s not a story, but just a short description to express and explore the most common joys and also the uncommon miseries.)

Walks. (Monday Moments #36)

          It was a nice Saturday evening. He had the day off at college. He didn't have any plans. He was bored by watching the same television shows which was unusual because he was a movie nerd. Movies were his last resort. When that didn't work, he stormed out of his home. He kept his mobile at home. He left his petty worries behind. He started walking on an unknown journey. After some time, he started thinking about the people around him and wondered about their lives. How incredible it is that each of them has an exciting story within them. The girl walking on the other side of the road might be having her exam the next day or she might be going on her band tour. Who knows? That other guy who's jogging might be a national-level runner or he might be getting married. Who knows? The girl and boy eating pani puri might be having a secret date or they might just be siblings. Who knows? All these people have their own life and it's impossible to judge or predict what they are about. He realised how unfair it is that people think they can understand someone just by one random act. These are people who have their own belief systems, thoughts, morals and standards. He was lost in the amazement of his own thoughts. He was miles away from his home and he began to smile. He loved how time flew by when he was busy observing and thinking. He enjoyed the fact that his mood was back. He continued to smile on his way back home. This walk was pleasant. It relieved him from the tangle of his own life by entering the desirous chaos of the world. That moment was when he enjoyed those long walks which were no longer lonely, but filled with thrill and enjoyment. 

(‘Monday Moments’ is a blog series wherein I write about an incident or a moment in a short paragraph. It’s not a story, but just a short description to express and explore the most common joys and also the uncommon miseries.)