Being an Introvert.

          People are either introverts or extroverts. Both types of personalities have some pros and cons. But it is completely unethical to say that one is negative and the other is positive. Introverts are the kind of people who are mostly shy and enjoy their own company; whereas extroverts are the kind of people who are usually bold and enjoy company of many people. Among the 16 personality types, INFJ (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judgement) is very rare, covering only 1 % of the people across the globe. I am proud to be a part of this unique club.
          I am an introvert. It simply means that I am a thinker. I am an appreciator of the many forms of art. I like to talk to only a handful amount of people rather than 'being social' with everyone. I favor in-depth discussions over topics like life, death and humanity rather than gossiping and catching up on strangers' lives. I feel more happy with a book and fictional characters rather than a spotlight and an audience. I feel more comfortable reading my written thoughts rather than contemplating the jumbled up thoughts in my mind. It is just so much pleasant to be home rather than being outside. It is just so much appealing to be alone and recharge rather than failing to try communicating with people.
          I am not saying that being an introvert has no downfalls. I think, there are more demerits than any other personality. The biggest one is misconceptions. We often get misunderstood as anti-social, egoistic, socially awkward, weird, depressed and so on. We live in a world where people's first impression for a person who stays aloof starts with rude judgements. The next worse thing is the conversation. Till the time we make up our mind to express an opinion on a topic, the conservation already moves on to another topic, staring us anew; followed by more thinking and a cycle forms. This just makes us look uninterested and even arrogant. Many other things are attending official parties, get-togethers and the like.

          In my personal experience, I used to be frustrated with my unwillingness to meet people or engage in small talk. I used to be angry with myself for not sharing anything with any one and for being secretive. I used to feel weirded out by not having the interests and hobbies that most people around me had, such as partying, debating etc. But then, I had a hobby; reading. It taught me more than anything. I also liked photography and gardening. Soon, it hit me that I am an introvert. there was no reason to feel bad for being different. It is something to feel privileged for.
          There will be circumstances when you are forced into situations not suited for your personality. There will be days when you will have to talk to people all day. There will be occasions when you will have to put that pen and book down and attend to your commitments. And all you fellow introverts should realize that the world has its fair share of extroverts and that it  can get a bit grim out there. It is just our real selves which make us unique. It is that element which truly makes us introverts, at heart. And in case you feel strangled by people, you can always read these quotes by some of the introverts.

1. "I think a lot, but I don't say much." ~ Anne Frank.
2. "Quiet people have the loudest minds." ~ Stephen Hawking.
3. "There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas." ~ Susan Cain.
4. "I don't hate people, I just feel better when they aren't around" ~ Charles Bukowski.
5. "In a gentle way, you can shake the world" ~ Mahatma Gandhi.

'If I Stay' and 'Where She Went' (Book Review #2 #3)

          You don't just read books like 'If I Stay' and 'Where She Went' and get over them in a single day. Such books stay with you forever. They make you believe in love, tragedy and above all, in life. The story is so captivating that it is impossible to keep the book down. Gayle Forman has written this story with such conviction and flow that you get engrossed in it quickly. And without even knowing, you are hooked to it! Even if it is a continuous series, the actuality of both the books differs a lot. 'If I Stay' is nothing like 'Where She Went' and vice versa and yet both of them turn out into a lovely story. (This review contains spoilers.)
          Starting with the characters, I loved them all. Mia is someone who is passionate about the cello. Her intensity in playing music is very inspiring. She is a very sweet girl to have to go through all the tragedy. Adam (Mia's boyfriend) is a very handsome and punk guitarist who is in a band named 'Shooting Star'. The love story of this guitarist and cellist is the most amazing romantic story I have read. Mia's mom and dad; Kat and Denny's love story isn't less romantic. Then there's Mia's baby brother; Teddy, who I loved the most (which is obvious.) Mia's best friend, Kim is literally what every girl seeks in a bestie.

          The book, 'If I Stay' is partly into flashbacks and partly in the present. Needless to say, I loved both the parts. Even though there is more of life in the flashbacks and more of death in the present, it just makes perfect sense because it develops a sync with the reader. Mia's various roles are seen in the flashbacks. The role of a daughter, sister, friend and a girlfriend. The cute love story between the popular guy at high school and an average classical-music-obsesssed girl is sweet. This is a love story of two musicians. Reading 'If I Stay, was a whole new experience. It was not a cliche young adult fiction book. Sure, it had a beautiful love story but it also had a death story. Mia's ghost felt impossible but it also felt very real. Mia and Adam's love story felt like a lot of sadness but it also felt like perfection. Mia's family felt so alive and then they weren't.
          After finishing 'If I Stay', I was speechless. I just sat there holding the book dearly and trying to bring myself back to reality. What I felt was wonder and magic. I was astounded by it. Decisions, I believe now, are something that we ought to make by ourselves. Every decision is going to have its impacts. It doesn't really matter what impact it has on others. It matters what impact impact it has on us. Mia decided to let go and it was okay but then something changed and she decided to live. She stayed for the people she loved and the things she loved. She stayed for her cello and for Adam. The power of love made her stay.

          'If I Stay' ended with Mia waking up and hence I was keen on reading 'Where She Went'. The sequel is conveyed by Adam, three years after the accident. It was a lot to take in as the theme totally changed. Adam and Shooting Star became an international band with huge popularity and fan following. And somehow Adam became 'that kind of guy'. I, for one, danced around when Adam finally met Mia at Mia's first ever official concert at the Carnegie hall. It was destiny or it may have been Mia's dead family that got Adam to Mia. Their first conversation in three years was very hurtful as it was very professional. But later they were on a New York farewell tour. They visited all of Mia's favourite places; the garden, bus station, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge. Then finally, it was time to get some answers and for mysteries to resolve. Mia had known things which she wouldn't possibly have known. She may not have known that she roamed around the hospital as some sort of a ghost but she was aware of everything that happened when she was lying on the hospital bed. She dealt with the death of her family and it became a positive energy for her when she escaped Oregon. They were close to her through their voices. As for Adam, he broke his vow and Mia had every right to to be mad and she chose to move on as she hated him. As the ending comes near, I was hoping for them to get back together somehow and they did. I loved the part where Mia plays her cello and Adam plays his guitar. It was a pleasant, rhythmic and aesthetic pleasure to behold.
          I felt a mixture of all the feelings; happiness, sadness, fear, hope and pleasure throughout the reading experience. There was a surge of happiness when they both finally meet. There was sadness over the kind of life Adam was leading. There was fear of not wanting them to break up and move on all over again. There was hope for their patching up. There was freaking out at Kat, Denny and Teddy's dead voices but there was also some weird kind of belief about their super naturalness. There was pleasure for the constant love for music in their lives. At the end, all that was left was a feeling of completion. The invisible broken pieces filled up, making me feel whole and complete. I felt free. 

Kerala Journals

DAY 1

          My college industrial visit to Kerala began from 12th January 2015. In the past three years of my senior college life, this was my first trip. So, needless to say, I was thrilled and excited beyond words. All the students and teachers gathered at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus by 4 pm. Among all, Priyanka and Vidhi were my best friends. I was looking forward to befriending our mutual friends; Husaina, Mayuri, Pooja, Shweta and Winny as I had always adored their group. We boarded the train by 5, all set for an exhilarating tour to God's own country. It was almost a 24-hour train journey. Given the kind of person I am, it was quite hard trying to fit in but I hope I didn't bore the people around me. The train travelling was all about songs, food, selfies and gossip. Because I only know songs of a few artists and gossip of just those artists, I couldn't add much to their conversations.

DAY 2

          The next day, we all were up by 8.30 am. We had breakfast. After some time, we had snacks, then beverages. Frankly, we were eating all the time. After a while, train travelling was starting to get tedious. We all were relieved when the train reached Ernakulam Town. Train was followed by bus. Another two and a half hours later we reached Aashirwad Hotel. It was wonderful. My room mates were Priyanka, Vidhi and Mayuri. Everyone freshened up and had dinner. After dinner, we roamed around the hotel. There was a swimming pool and spa rooms. After some quick photos and the short detour, we went in our respective rooms. We all talked to our parents and I have to admit I was home sick. After all it was my first trip on my own. I was delighted for this trip and on the other hand I also missed home. These mixed feelings stayed till the next day when I started enjoying in real sense. Soon it was 14th January which was Mayuri's birthday!

DAY 3

          We room mates were lucky enough to wish Mayuri first. And then started the fun. Literally the entire batch was at our door wishing the birthday girl. The close friends went to the adjacent room. There was music, singing and dancing. Mayuri cut the delicious home-made cake which Shweta had got. Then she opened the gifts. Among the cheer of Mayuri's birthday, the music and all the happiness, I thought I did belong there, with them.
         We got up by 6.30 am, packed, put on our formal attire, had breakfast, checked out and headed to our first industrial visit to the coir factory. We reached by 10.15 am and the visit was over by 11 am. We were shown the process right from the raw material to the finished product. We saw the rollers and the way they make mattresses, doormats etc. We wrapped up by clicking a picture of our batch.
         Next was the much awaited backwater ride. It was a two hour ride which we enjoyed from 12 to 2 pm. We witnessed the beauty of Kerala at that time. I couldn't stop looking at the magnificent view of the coconut trees, the waves and the sun. I just sat in a corner, looking at the coastline, taking in that landscape and keeping it in my memory forever. I had a thought of living there alone in a small houseboat, reading a book, drinking tea, exploring the beauty of the place and just staying there. But dreams are too good to be real and soon we were on our way to Munnar. Leaving at 2.30 pm, we reached six and a half hours later. I for one, enjoyed the bus ride as I listened to music and sitting in the window seat, enjoyed the nature as well. After dark, our bus turned into a moving DJ club. There was loud music and lights. People were dancing and I enjoyed watching them enjoy. We reached the hotel Blu Haze at 9 pm. It was an amazing hotel and I instantly loved it.

Kerala Backwaters.

DAY 4

          This was the most adventurous day of all. I was in a weird state of mind as there were just two days left and also happy that I would be home soon. We reached the Kanan Devi Hills Plantation by 10.30 am. Tea factory was our second and last industrial visit. We were given information about the history of tea plantation, various types of tea and also how to make tea. The instructor also guided us through the process of how the hand-picked tea leaves are made into tea powder. After this, everyone bought tea, coffee and other products from their outlet. We saw the tea museum next which basically showcased the history of Munnar's tea gardens. After the visit, by 12.15 pm, we left for Mattupetty dam. We first halted by the lake. It was a 15-minute walk from where we left our bus. Given the human tendency, everyone started shopping at the first sight of shops. Soon we reached the point and it was amazing. The view was stunning. Sadly, we live in an era where people are busy clicking pictures in ten poses rather than just giving peace to the eyes and letting them enjoy the scenery which is leaps and bounds different than the daily city life. Everyone got busy in selfies and group photos and I stood there pondering over the nature's beauty for quite a small amount of time. Soon, we walked over the dam and the view was breath taking. Afterwards, we halted for a photography session for about 10 minutes. Finally, we reached the hotel by 4.30 pm.
         We got some time to rest but the rest held no meaning as everyone were way too excited for DJ night and campfire. My three room mates wore their pretty outfits and put on make up and all sorts of stuff of which I have zero knowledge. The four of us and our next room friends hit the DJ floor by 8. All the girls looked beautiful and the guys smart. Me, Priyanka and Winny sat most of the time, being the non-dancers. Camp fire was set and the music got louder and I just enjoyed the view and felt happy to have gone for the trip. The last song that the DJ played was 'College Days'. Everyone embraced their groups, danced together, hugged each other, laughed together and cried together. Even I got emotional. My college life, these friends and so many memories went through my mind. The first time we hanged out, our exam time seriousness, our lecture time craziness, our non sense rants and the deepest worries and secrets that we shared. Just us, collegemates.

The girl gang by Mattupetty lake.

DAY 5

          On 16th we were to leave for Cochin. Having left at 9.45 am, we halted at the spice garden at 10.30 am. This also seemed like an industrial visit, just greener. We were shown a variety of trees that are cultivated there. We saw clove, costus, pepper, cocoa, cardamom, kerala chilies, nilambari, pineapples, coffee, a different kind of banana tree and all spices trees. It was an entire tour of the place. After getting to know about the medicinal qualities, everyone bought a lot of products from their outlet. Finally, we left at 12.15 pm to reach Cochin by 4 pm. Our hotel's name was 'The Dunes' and it was spectacular. We rested for some time and then left for Cochin's marine drive by 6.30 pm. That place was remarkable. It resembled a lot like Mumbai's marine drive and so we felt near to home. We reached just before sunset which allowed us to watch the view prior to sunset and after it too. I didn't felt like leaving from that calm and peaceful place.

         It was our last night in Kerala and we decided to make it a great one. By that time, I had known my new friends pretty much and even I wanted to be apart of that girls night party. Vidhi had fever since a day. We couldn't see her that way as she is the star of our group. She had seen a doctor and taken medicines. Thanks to that, she felt better and could enjoy with us. The boys had successfully sneaked in burgers for us. Eating a burger after the daily hotel food felt like some sort of a gift. Our night began with ghost stories. Pooja told us some of the real-life ghost stories. I wasn't scared but her story telling skills are commendable. Shweta's stories were also scary. Some had goosebumps as well. Soon other girls also joined us and the talks switched to girly chit chats. I slept at 3 am, satisfied that I didn't quit earlier even though I was bored.

By the Cochin drive.

DAY 6 and 7

          It was 17th January and time to leave for Mumbai. Some students went shopping while the rest of us, the lazy lot, slept in our cozy beds. All of us bought Kerala's famous chips on our way to the station. We left for Mumbai by 2.15. This journey was the longest one I have ever felt. It may be because the train was 7 hours late and the longing to be home had reached an intolerable point. On this return journey, our friend, Utsav, spent the entire time with us which was a blessing. Without his jokes, the journey would have been unbearable, to say the least. He had been aloof throughout the trip and we all were relieved to have him enjoying along with us. Later on, he composed a mind blowing shayri; 'Dastaan-E-Kerala' which touched me deeply. Somehow, we all survived the journey by talking, playing, singing and sleeping. The next day I was home by 10.30 pm.

          I had been to Kerala before. I liked it then and I liked it now. If you ask my favourite place, then I'd say Munnar. For me, Kerala are those endless mountains of tea gardens. It might be because of its uniqueness. There's no such beauty in them as compared to the backwaters or the lake but still they are my favourite. Those plantations are stable throughout the area. They are Kerala's constant since decades. They aren't extraordinary but they are their own kind of special. I like that.

That goes for Kerala and now about the people anticipating this post. Their group would lose its strength without Shweta; humour without Winny; crazy cuteness without Mayuri, bubbly cheeriness without Pooja; innocence without Husaina, calmness without Vidhi and newness without Priyanka. I may not say much but believe me when I say that it was a great time with you all. I had never expected this trip to be an amazing one because I didn't have a huge group of friends. But now I can say this that I went with two friends and came back with more friends than I can count on my fingers.

In my memory, forever.

Travel

          In my opinion, there are two types of people; people who love to travel and people who pretend they don't. There is nothing about it that can make people not want to do it. For me, travelling can be anything between a 30 minutes walk to a 2 day journey to some place. Travelling is something that involves a lot of other interesting things. For example, if it is a 30 minutes walk, then you can listen to music. If it is a 2 day train journey, then you can read a book or knit a sweater. So, travelling is a hobby comprising of many other hobbies.
          Until a few years back, travelling was not something that I looked forward to. It was only a once in a year break from everything. But after I went on the Kashmir tour last year, I was stunned and mesmerized by the whole concept of travel. It was not just a break, it became something much more. It held meaning. Kashmir was by far the most breathtakingly stunning and an aesthetic place I had been. I loved it. Since then, I had a clearer visualization and all of a sudden I wanted to travel the whole world. Every place has its own story and I wanted to travel there, observe people, get to know their stories, absorb the extravagant beauty of that place, make countless memories and then just keep on travelling to the next world awaiting me.
          Every bit of travelling is exciting and adventurous. It starts with packing all the best clothes along with the matching accessories and then ticking off items from the 'Things to shop and pack' list. The transport till the destination is not less fun. Be it a bus, train, airplane or a ship; it is always fun. If you have company then twice the fun, I would say. Once you reach the destination, give it a few minutes unless you are not already in love with it. The thrill of the trip just goes on increasing at such times. Then there is the sight seeing, food and of course, shopping. Sight seeing is everybody's favorite and I am not an exception. The natural places have such amazing attractiveness about them. The valleys, snow-clad mountains, museums, gardens and historical places are all worth a watch. Then the food. It is just mandatory to taste the local food. Not only does it give you a variety but it also tells you about the local people. Then there's always a day kept reserve for shopping. We buy everything from durable food products to the local specialties. And then a few souvenirs for us, friends and family. It just goes on and on.
          Maximum of us travel just as tourists which is the acceptable thing. But in my case, I want to stay at a place for a month or so and actually live their life. I don't just want to go sight seeing but I want to know beyond that. I want to see places and people that are not covered in the stipulated tour. I want to explore the place in real sense and make some cherishable memories. Is it not what brings color to your life?

2015

          2015. The new year begins today. New 12 months. New 365 days. Days, months and years pass by so fast. Every new year begins with the same passion and thrill of how our lives will unfurl.

          We hear people saying 'New Year, New Beginning' or 'New hopes, new challenges and new life'. The bigger question is 'Is it really a new life?' Just because December changes to January, does our lives also change? In fact, it is only a new year with our same old lives. It is good to be so optimistic in favor of a new life but there are expressions higher than optimism and pessimism. It is realism. Realism is considering the new year as a challenge. Setting up resolutions and staying true to them for an entire year. That is how it becomes a new life, with whole hearted perseverance towards becoming a better person. It is not a one day thing. It is a one-year process.

          So today as I think forward, I have new year resolutions and a set target. I'm going to work through it. Even if it will be a bumpy ride, I know the end will be worth it. Here's to the new year, 2015! Let's make it a great year filled with happiness, prosperity and luck. I wish you great achievements, strong thinking and a fantastic year. Let's make this year count.

Happy New Year! 

Nostalgia

          A few days back I spent the day with my brothers. I had no idea how I was going to pass the time and it ended up being the most amazing day. The three of us played video games! Three mature people with such seriousness about studies and life became three kids playing their favorite childhood video games. Mario, Pocket Tanks, Tarzan, Duck Hunt. We were absolutely crazy about them back then. Mario was like our all time pal. At first, it sounded like a weird idea to me but once we started, it was unbelievably hilarious. We were playing, we remembered all those secret tricks, we chimed in to those tunes, we cheered each other when we completed levels. It was like re-living the childhood.

          Nostalgia is one of my havens. Cherishing the past and recollecting all the memories is some times really exhilarating and refreshing. Even at this moment, I'm half lost to the past and being nostalgic. I don't necessarily label things as good or bad but people believe in that. They think that it's bad to stay in the past and believe in focusing on the present. I have a different opinion. I'd love to be active right now but the quick getaways act like a boost for me which ultimately improves my current mood and I can then bring up all the energy in whatever I am currently doing. But yes, we all know that a coin has two sides. You can get sad too if you think about past sad things. But that's how life is. You can either be happy remembering the merry things or you can keep sulking. Ultimately, our choice is what really matters.

          I happen to be more in the past than the present. It is not something that I do on purpose but something that just happens when I am alone or bored. I love to remember all the little moments which bring a smile on my face almost instantaneously. That is what I believe is really precious, that automated smile. When I am nostalgic, it's another world. One second I am here and the next I am in 2004 or something. Pretty much like what happens to Henry in "The Time Traveler's Wife". (just not physically, but mentally)

Happy or sad, good or bad, these moments are the only time travel you can get. So I won't give up on that and neither should you.

Taylor Swift

          Today, 13th December'2014 is the 25th birthday of Taylor Swift. On this occasion, I'd like to dedicate this post for her latest album-1989; which I love by leaps and bounds.

          1989 is the fifth album of the singer & songwriter Taylor Swift. Not only is she an extremely talented musician but also a very humble human being. 1989 is her first attempt at pop genre and it couldn't have been any better. 1989 sold 1.2 million copies just in its first week which was a record after 2002. The achievements, awards and recognition she has received thus far for this album requires another 10 pages!

          In 1989, the 7-time Grammy winner, has portrayed her life in an amazing style. Apart from the break-up songs (which are the only thing everyone seems to notice), she has leveled up herself in this pop album. Song tracks like 'Welcome to New York', 'Blank Space' and 'Shake It Off' clearly bring about the changed person she is now. The kind of person who stands up for herself, who believes in feminism, who believes in investing in music and the perfect idol anyone could ask for.
          The first single-'Shake It Off' was a straight up answer to all the obvious rumors and haters. It tells us to live by our own terms, ignoring the hate, heartbreaks, falseness and everyone who tells us that we cannot do it. The 8th track-'Bad Blood' is the wildest song about a frenemy which brings out all the past rage. It signifies the hurt, pain and sadness that one goes through because of a fake friend. The 13th track-'Clean' is one of my favorites. It is a bit sad but the theme, rhythm and the amazing lyrics make it so much more. It is almost impossible to not love this one.
          As we are all aware that Taylor is a lyrical genius, here are some brilliant lines which I absolutely adore.
          

• You can want who you want.. Boys and boys and girls and girls. (Welcome to New York)

• When we go crashing down.. We come back every time. (Style)

• People like me want to believe you when you say you've changed. (All You Had To Do Was Stay.)

• Band-aids don't fix bullet holes. (Bad Blood)

• When you're young you just run.. But you come back to what you need. (This love)

• They are the hunters, we are the foxes.. And we run. (I Know Places)

• The water filled my lungs.. I screamed so loud but no one heard a thing. (Clean)

• And for once you let go of your fears and your ghosts. (You Are In Love)

• I could build a castle.. Out of all the bricks they threw at me. (New Romantics)

          Taylor Swift is an angel with the combination of cuteness, sass, vocals, beauty and a kind heart. She loves her fans the same way she loves her family and friends. People might talk about her boyfriends and that she only writes about her relationships. For such people, there exist many beautiful songs such as Ronan, Long Live, Fifteen, A Place In This World etc which you sadly missed. She donates a lot for charity. She has her own Music Education Center. You'd never see her indecent pictures because she is just not that kind of a celebrity. She sets a perfect example for her swifties. Her songs have helped so many girls worldwide and she just continues to slay as the years go by. I love her for always being there for me through her songs, for making me believe that it's okay to be different, for encouraging me to do what I love, for creating a love for music within me, for making me a fangirl and for just being herself. (I'd love it even more if she brings the 1989 World Tour to India)
Happy 25th Birthday, Taylor Swift!

After I Read...

          I have observed that readers may or may not be writers. However, almost all writers are readers. I may not go as far as saying that I am a writer but yes, I like to write. And thus, books are my true love and reading is my favorite thing in the whole world.

          In my opinion, books are the most precious and immortal literature a person can own. Books are an escape from reality. They are beautiful yet scary, slow-paced yet adventurous, devastating yet romantic little time travelling kits. They make us fall in love with fictional characters. They make us home-sick of the fictional abodes. They make us wonder about happily ever afters and prince charmings. And sometimes, they completely change our lives.

          I have read some books which have been very dear to me. 'The Diary Of A Young Girl-Anne Frank' touched me deeply. 'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky connected me in all the humanly ways possible. 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak gave me an out-of-the-world experience and an insight about death. 'Looking For Alaska' by John Green had me wondered about an after-life and forgiveness. 'The Fault In Our Stars' by John Green made me believe in love. These books and I have our own little world and I rejoice in it and feel more alive than I feel around people.

Don't we all love Book Quotes?

          Reading is something that I will choose again and again. It may not be cool or popular to some people but I find it a self-evolving and soul-searching process for the peace of mind. I can count on books, no matter what other things are going on in my life and I know that they won't let me down. There is an unbreakable bond between books and readers.

          For all I know, reading is not just a hobby and books are not just bind pages.Our favorite books define us more than we think. They are like a well; the deeper we see, clearer will be our minds. Books help us in building our thoughts, making us intellectually older, forming our own perspective, developing imagination and making us a little more wiser than we were before we started them. Books will be our best friends who will gift us with great wonders. So, go and grab a book!

My Quotes.

“It’s not always easy to tell the difference between thinking and looking out of the window”

-Wallace Stevens.

                I read this brilliant quote the other day and I cannot agree more. There are so many instances wherein people have found me looking into distance and most of the times, I am just thinking. Here are some of my thoughts. These are the most random things (the result of looking out of the window) which I also find thought provoking. I like to call them “My Quotes”.

• People say that my problem is that I don't talk. I say that it's not a problem; it's a choice.

• The 'putting-yourself-in-other-people's-shoes' thing should have been real. Humans don't understand things unless they go through it themselves.

• Understanding and agreeing are two very different things.

• People need to change their first reaction from anger to understanding.

• At times, the obvious may not be the truth.

• When you are standing on that slim line between confidence and over-confidence, just 'Fly to the Ground'.

• Write; because no one has time to listen.

• It takes a mind to know yourself while a heart to know others.

Judg"mental"ism.

                “She’s such a happy and care-free person”. “He looks like a dropout”. “She has a big fat attitude”. “He seems rich”.

                We humans have a habit of assuming things. It’s so much sponged into us that we do it even unknowingly. The habit of judging others by their looks, behavior or personality, just by glancing at them, is very reprehensible. The funny thing is that we do this all the time but when someone else judges us by some miniscule things, then it sets our teeth on edge.

                A person deserves so much more than this. There can be a number of things hidden in them that we might not know if we don’t just assume. Nature, intelligence, maturity, insight and other vital aspects, which are actually necessary to understand a person, will only be mysteries. We may just miss out on someone because we judged them too fast.

                For example, there’s a girl; who is usually alone, either reading, thinking or listening to music. If she prefers the company of books and music to people, then it doesn't make her anti-social. It just defines her introverted nature. If people misunderstand it as being rude, then she would surely feel bad but she won’t do anything about it because that’s how she is. The point is people should talk to each other instead of being critical. If someone just asks her, then she can tell them that she likes to be that way, that is, quiet and alone. Only then they can know that she is not anti-social or rude. Being judgmental or assumptive is never the answer.

                Our own good or bad perspective judgments are alright as long as we don’t start thinking them out loud along with the crowd. Our negative judgments can also be out of some of our own insecurities which might regress us into getting a bad angle of others. Before forming a rigid opinion about someone, we should keep in mind that we don’t know their life story or what they are going through. We cannot just think about them on what we have seen, that is, the outer appearance. That is exactly like deciding to purchase a house without looking inside of it. A person with a whirlwind inside can fake a smile and joke around. A person with extreme happiness may not show it because it is his own little joy.

                We can always assume the body language but we can never get to know anyone without having an interaction. So, why waste that much time and energy thinking over what might not even be true? I would like to conclude with one of my favorite quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt:

‘Great minds discuss ideas.

Average minds discuss events.

Small minds discuss people.’

Happy birthday Suruchi!

          It’s my best friend’s birthday today and it could not have gone better. And I hope that she hopes the same. We had a girl’s day out. My friends, Suruchi, Priyanka and I, hit the roads to reach Powai. We spent the day driving, eating, laughing and enjoying the company of each other.
Since it was Suruchi's birthday I'd love to explain how much she means to me. I'm not exactly an outgoing and fun loving person. I can't just say about everything upfront. So here it goes, in writing.

          Suruchi and I have been friends for almost five years now and it still feels like it was just yesterday when we talked to each other on our first day of junior college. Those were some of the best days we have had. So many unforgettable memories. Our music obsession. There are just too many singers and bands to start with, so the word "music"! Our crazy MAGS group. The time when we were shocked to be not seen in the defaulters list. That scrapbook. There are just so many Little Things that I keep losing count.
           I'm very glad that I have a friend like you. I know, it may not seem like it (given my zones and I-am-a-lonely-person-so-don't-talk-to-me phase) but I don't know how much alone I would have felt if you wouldn't have been there with me at several times. The time when we were mesmerized after watching our Augustus in the movie theater, the time when we watched the Red Tour, the time when we were thralled during watching the Concert Film, the times when we knew how to convince the other after a petty fight, the time we started understanding each other like we had some telepathy.
          Happy Birthday, Suruchi. My fangirl, partner-in-crime, philosopher and the best friend I could ever had asked for!

What Makes Us Who We Are?

               People realize the value of things only when they lose it. We humans have the habit of taking things for granted. We are selfish, most of the times. We don’t care about anyone but ourselves. Sometimes, we don’t even care about ourselves and end up hurt. In that hurtful and sad state of mind, the philosophers inside of us act like the geniuses even we didn't knew existed. We develop theories. We do a thorough thinking over the pros and cons; right from causes to conclusions. And in that condition, we also accept all of our stupid acts and also realize that we should not have done those things or acted in an erratic manner. We also make promises to our inner self of behaving ourselves and not acting insensibly. We assure ourselves that we will never land up in such a scenario again.

                Matter-of-factly, we do behave disciplined for quite an impressive period. Follow the Bible of thoughts that we created and promised to ourselves. But, as time gradually passes, we go back to our earlier lifestyle. It’s like Déjà Vu for some of us who have done this process over and over again. What’s amusing is that we just push our disciplined selves into the most inner part of our minds like where the light never reaches the corner of a cave. Even though our conscience knows this, we ignore it the best we can and behave as if everything is perfect.

                This moment, the fight between the right and wrong versions of our minds, is the deciding factor. Hence, in fact, such small things are usually the big things that make us who we are. The things that make us a better person and help us understand what kind of humans we want to become. Such inner conflicts and a rendezvous with our real minds teach us a lot about our own nature. So, find yourself and have some hearty chats with the real You.

Looking for Alaska. (Book Review #1)

          After reading John Green's two famous novels; 'Looking for Alaska' and 'The Fault in our Stars', there isn't a smallest bit of doubt that I have become his fan i.e. a Nerdfighter. John Green is rich in literature and the way he portrays every tiny detail is simply genius. He is a man of intellect. His writing is such that lives with you forever.

          To start with, John Green's characters in 'Looking for Alaska' are well-defined. The narrator, Miles Halter or Pudge is the kind of person who isn't exposed well enough to the real world. No doubt he is an introvert yet easy to get along. At the end of the book, he also struck me as a bit selfish. (The way 'to be continued' is mentioned innumerable times.) Alaska Young, on the other hand is quite an adventurous, care-free and also a scared girl. The mysterious girl is also a great prankster. Her commitment to books and to her boyfriend Jake is unmistakably. Then, Chip Martin or 'The Colonel' is also a care-free, spoilt brat. He strongly believes in loyalty towards friends. So, he is not a ratter! To be true, I don't think he believed in true love, given the scenario with Sara. These three persons are so well characterized for the well-written novel.

          The book is divided in two parts. 'Before' and 'After'. They both are so different from one another that it becomes really unpredictable; which is part of the fun. The former part is about the hostel life. Forming friends to ragging to groupism to cigarettes and drinking, there are all the typical cool elements with adventures and lots of humor. The pre-prank thing was the most funny and awesome part in the segment.

           As much as I enjoyed reading the 'Before', it was a totally heartbreaking 'After'! Everything was falling in place and all of a sudden Alaska was no more! (I guess John Green loves to do this!) There was a touch of mystery to it too. The question, 'How will we ever get out of the labyrinth?' was really something. We have to forgive. It was really thought provoking. The novel raises questions about an after-life, heaven and hell.The quote, 'People believe in an after-life because they cannot bear not to' struck me to be very true. I wonder often what becomes of us when we die. (Not really my best wonders.) But the idea of an afterlife is so convincing and kind of becomes an answer to everything. That is why we cannot bear it if it wasn't the actual answer! So what really does happen? We might never know as far as we are alive.

Popular & Plain

She's easy to get along.

While in the sea of people,
I'm just a thorn.

She's outgoing, cool & fun.
At home in the company of books,
I'm just fictionally alone.

She's an extrovert and appears on everyone's call.
Voracious reader and occasional writer,
I'm just an introverted know-it-all.

She's an enthusiast planner.
Quiet, aloof & self-engrossed,
I'm just a life learner.

At the end of the day,
it all comes to being happy.
Cool or boring, fun or lonely, it is only your say.