Nobody Cares. (Guest Post #4)

          I haven't done guests posts in a while. So here's a wonderful poem by Ravindra Shenolikar, who's my father. He had written a guest post titled Spontaneity earlier. Today he showed me this and I was ecstatic after reading it. Truth flows from every word in the poem. Here it goes...

Deep down it so hurts.

No one knows, nobody cares.

The face only tells lies

Don't look into my eyes

You might see a world

Full of fears

No one knows, nobody cares.

They see your power and pelf

But don't know your self

Somebody laughs

Someone sneers

No one knows, nobody cares.

In parties and in bars

In suits and swanky cars

A high life but

No one shares

No one knows, nobody cares.

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Friendships That Last. (Monday Moments #44)

          It was a girls’ night out. All 4 girls in the group were committed. They all had a sweet love story of their own. That night though, they decided to keep away their phones and just enjoy the true spirit of friendship. They all decided to cook together. One of them got drinks, one got the material to cook, one brought movies and the last one brought some games. They were all thrilled to meet after a month. They talked about how tough their jobs were, how loving their partners were, how bickering their parents were and how much they missed each other. There was a time when they used to have wild sleepovers where they would have breakdowns or total drunk scenes or binge movie watching. But, as years passed, their talks became more soulful. They understood each other like no one else could. Sure, they'd still get high and do crazy things. But, that was only after their discussions about life and thoughts. One of them said, "My boyfriend doesn't have many friends. None of his friends ever stayed with him for longer than 1 or 2 years. So, today as I was leaving, he said how lucky I am to have such friends. But, you know, friendships don't last. Marriages do. Then I said, Prajakta has been my friend since 25 years. Surbhi since 16 years and Akshita since 20 years. So, precious friendships do last."

Surbhi said, "Has it really been that long? Wow!"

"I know, right? I'm just so glad to have you all in my life. I don't know where I'd be without you three."

"I love you all."

"Cheers to our friendship!"
In that moment, they were just relishing all the memories of the past many years and looking forward to being with each other for the rest of their lives. The girls might have found their life partners but they were each others' soul mates.

(‘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.)

Promises. (Monday Moments #43)

          They were best friends. They were nothing alike but they were also not that different. Their likes and dislikes differed but their passion towards them was on the same level. She talked about music just as passionately as he talked about web design. Her hatred for ragging was as intense as his hatred for inequality. Her addiction for speed was just as powerful as his addiction for smoking.

          They were sitting at a bar celebrating their sad and miserable lives. She told him, "I'm going to Pune with my friends on bike." Then he said, "Why do you have to go by bike? You know I get worried when you drive insanely." She said, "You know what? Why don't you quit smoking? I get worried when you smoke insanely." They knew they both couldn't give up on that but then she said, "You say that you smoke to die. So, I'll say that I speed to die too." He said, "But I might die after many years. You could die in a second," She said, "If you smoke less, then I'll drive slowly." He said, "Promise." She said, "Okay. Promise."

          And just like that, they promised each other something that they both needed to survive. They promised each other a little more of themselves for the other. They were best friends who behaved like lovers. He just wanted her to be safe. She just wanted him to be healthy. They just wanted the other to stick around for as long as possible. And they didn't see it any more than a promise. But, their friends who heard about their sweet promises wondered how silly it was that they didn't know that they loved each other when everyone else could clearly see it.

(‘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.)

Compromise. (Monday Moments #42)

He wanted to get married and settle down immediately. She wanted to do a PhD and settle down only after 5 years.

He belonged to a loud and political family. She belonged to a quiet and sophisticated family.

He wanted to splurge on a pompous wedding. She wanted to splurge on travels after a simple registered wedding.

He wanted to live in a bungalow in the suburbs. She wanted to live in the city.

But, he loved her. And she loved him.

          Ever since they met, they had a spark. It was crazy to think that way, but they just knew that they had found their lover for life. If she was north pole, then he was the south pole. Their thinking never matched. Their lifestyles didn't match. Nothing matched but they did. It was the kind of love that destroys you but makes you want to live. Finally, a time came, when they had to sit down to have 'the talk' about their future. It all looked really bad. They discussed how they are such bad fits for each other but this thing called love makes the nonsensical sensible. Or other way round, there's no way to know. So, they decided to focus on their careers. She compromised by agreeing to get married after 2 years. He compromised by agreeing to a registered marriage. She compromised by agreeing to live in the suburbs. And just like that, there they were, all set to embrace their future. It wasn't the future they saw for their individual selves. But, it was the future they saw together for themselves. They realised how relationships are more than love, trust and care. They're also about compromises. He compromised. She compromised. At that moment, love triumphed over ego.

(‘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.)

First Salary. (Monday Moments #41)

          It was the month end. She was hanging out with her best friends when her phone vibrated. Her account had been credited. She shouted out loud. She was beaming with happiness to have earned her first income! Ever since she graduated, she had doubts about whether to study further or start working. After half a year, she decided on doing a job. It was her first job but she didn't let it intimidate her. She was just a free spirit as she was before taking the job. Her friends thought that they wouldn't see her for weeks. But, even after working a long hard day, she always had the energy to meet them. Her parents thought that she was working too hard but it was just natural worrying that parents do. She went home and told her parents. They were delighted. Their little daughter had grown up. She had set a goal for herself, which was to be financially independent. Her parents were really proud of her. That day she took them out. She bought a saree for her mother, shirts for her father. Then, she took them out for dinner. They were a happy family that time. It was a precious moment. They talked about how the years went by so quickly. They reminisced about her past quirkiness, celebrated her present boldness and anticipated her future smartness. They remembered her first day at school, first award for topping the state, first scholarship and now her first salary. At that moment, they felt blessed for adopting a daughter. They somehow had a vibe that she was their bright future. People thought poorly of their decision. But, they knew it when she saw her. She was their 'one'.

(‘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.)

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.)

Farewell Thoughts. (Karnataka Journals, Part 4)

          Every trip teaches you something. And this trip taught me a lot. Doing the dreading thing is the first step out of your comfort zone and I'm so happy that I did that. I had so many concerns about how this trip was going to be. These are a few lessons which I learned from this trip:

1. Actual industrial visits.

          We visited two industries. It was nothing to do with our course but I guess that's how it is. I tried to get an interest nevertheless. At HAL, I saw some aircraft models. At DMS Technologies, I learned some engineering stuff about production of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) It was some good knowledge addition.

2. Second class isn't as horrible as I thought it would be.

          I have always travelled in AC trains. So when I first understood it was going to be non-AC 2nd class, I decided on not going. But, it wasn't that much of a horrible experience. Because all my friends were together, we managed it well. Rather, they managed it well and I just sat there doing nothing. (I had my occasional rants, of course, but I made it through the tedious 22 hour train journey, twice!) If you ever find yourself at such an impasse, just go with it. Cheaper flight tickets or moderate hotels. You'll always find that not everything is as hopeless as it exists in your imagination. 

3. I wasn't homesick.

          I remember the last time which was the first time I travelled without my family and got horribly homesick. I had expected the same this time. But, I don't know how, I didn't miss home at all. I kept messaging them and talking on the home but it wasn't like I won't survive a week without them. I managed pretty well, I think. The weird thing is I missed my best friends, Priyanka and Suruchi more than anyone else!

4. Travelling with strangers is better than travelling with friends.

          No offence to any of my friends here. You all are amazing people and I loved spending time with you. I'd have loved travelling alone especially when we were in the bus. Everyone wants loud music to which they can dance and you can't even hear your own thoughts at such times. So that just sucked. The travelling part I'd have preferred doing alone because there's no one to please, no judgements and no need to try to fit in.

5. Living with friends.

          Travelling with them was not that great. But living with them was fun. We were 12 people sharing three rooms between us. You really get to know someone when you live with them. So yeah, it was fun. I loved our Coorg resort the best. We had a big balcony where we spent a lot of time.

I made some new friends too. I understood a bit more about everyone. It was nice to be there.

The guys!

The girls!
Photo Credit : Omkar Vaidya

6. But first, I won't take a selfie.

          Let me just say it. I'm sick of selfies. People take selfies while eating candy floss. People take selfies with elephants. People take selfies while swimming. I think the addiction is too much. I take selfies too but I get bored after some time. There should be some limit to it. You go to see a palace. Then just see the palace. If your hobby is photography, take some great clicks of the palace. Why's there the need to put your half head and the half tomb of the palace in it to make it an imperfect picture? Anyway, I'm no one to say that. Do what makes you happy, whatever. This is one of the three good selfies I took.

7. Being myself.

          I realised that I cannot be myself with everyone. There are a few people whose wavelength matched mine. Some of them understand my thinking before I say it and can play sarcasm with it. That's fun. But some people I don't think I can ever match with. I'm not awfully silent with everyone. I do have a say and if I'm not comfortable with you, I won't say it. So yeah, that isn't ideal but that's how I function. So I'm glad I could find some friends who understand that. It has been a great journey with you all. Kripali, Omkar, Shreyas, Amogh, Omkar, Devashree, Nupur, Ankita, Avanti, Pritam, Shikha; you people are awesome. Thank you for all the memories! :)

Coorg. (Karnataka Journals, Part 3)

          Coorg was the most awesome place. It was the highlight of the trip. We had two entire days to enjoy the beauty of this hill station. We covered four spots and they were really the best ones! On day one, we went to Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbi falls and Raja's seat. On day two, we visited the Bylakuppe temple.

          Dubare Elephant Camp was really fun. We had to go to the exact site by crossing a small lake. We crossed it in hardly 5 minutes by a small boat. There were multiple things to do from there. First of all, we saw the elephants. Some animals are just unique. You look in their eyes and you find a small world in there. I love getting lost in those eyes. They're filled with innocence. Some people were feeding the elephants cucumbers and pineapples. The best part came when baby elephants came into sight. At first, they looked cute and adorable. But they were really naughty. They were enjoying themselves more than humans did. I think the only enjoyment humans had was while taking selfies with the elephants. We moved around the place. We got a great spot for a photoshoot. About 100 photos later, we decided to go on the elephant ride. It was short and fun. You can also wash the elephants there. That would've been really amazing but none of us did that because of the time constraint, I guess. There was river rafting too. But it held no meaning because it was in still water so it looked no more fun than boating. After about 2 hours, we left the place.

Overall, it was a good spot. Elephant riding, elephant washing, river rafting etc. The thing is you can do all of these things anywhere else too. So, I suggest that if you have more interesting spots, check them out first.

Photo Credit : Omkar Vaidya 

Photo Credit : Avanti Patil

           The second spot was Abbi falls. The waterfall was amazing. You see waterfalls even on your Mumbai to Pune drive. But this one was bliss. The entry was through a touch of nature. I had to climb down some steps. It was like a mini trek. I was walking downstairs surrounded by trees everywhere with the sound of water slowly approaching. At that time, it felt really great! When I finally reached, I was so happy. If there weren't any tourists, it'd have felt like discovering a little secret treasure. Abbi falls is sort of confined by trees which enhances its beauty. This is a must-visit spot in Coorg! 

          The third spot was Raja's seat from where we saw a gorgeous sunset. It's a good spot for photography beacasue of the wonderful view. After visiting Brindavan Gardens, this place wasn't so intimidating but we had a lot of fun here. 

          We did one last place the next day. Bylakuppe is a small Tibetan settlement. We visited the Namdroling monastery. My trip started with Mysore palace and ended with this monastery. And both of these places have fascinating architecture. Once I entered, my jaw dropped. There were huge golden statues of Gautam Buddha, Padmasambhava and Amitayus. And they were adorned beautifully. I would have stayed there gazing at them forever. It was just beautiful.

          These were the four places I saw in Coorg. Have you been to Coorg? Which ones did you enjoy the most?
Stay tuned for my last travel post. It's an overview of my entire tour!