Your wish is my command :)

Every birthday in a sense has been the same.  Receiving calls from loved ones, gifts from the close ones, and blessings from the elderly. I thought why not make this b’day more purposeful and different by doing something meaningful for others. Since the time Mom passed away I have always been wanting to do some good deed for cancer patients but never found the courage to face them.  I thought it is high time I let go of my inhibitions and at least do my bit, however miniscule it might be. Though my initial desire was to meet cancer inflicted children and spend time with them, it did not work out on the dates and time suitable for both of us.

I then decided to contact Make a Wish Foundation, an organization which fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions. I told them about my desire to do something fruitful on my b’day by fulfilling the wishes of as many children as possible within a specified budget. The ever cheerful and helpful volunteers of Make a Wish got to work and identified 7 children whose wishes could be fulfilled within my budget. Their wishes comprised of owning a cycle, video games, remote car, gift hamper of toys,  cricket set, a mini TV etc. Mundane things of everyday routine that we take for granted are a luxury for them.

They were called along with their parents to the office of Make A Wish on my b’day. They arranged for a cake for me for my b’day. I cut the cake with all the children (unfortunately one of them could not make it). 

I then distributed the gift articles to each of them, the cycles, video games, toys , cricket set.

 

 In the end each of them  were told to dip their hand in colored paint and endorse their handprint on a chart paper. This paper was then given to me as a souvenir by Make A Wish.

 I don’t think I have had a more memorable b’day. To see the look of pure unadulterated joy on the children’s faces when their wishes were getting fulfilled was a delight. A day well spent. :)

A House we called a 'Home'

May 2, 2006 was the day we shifted to this beautiful house on the 15^th floor. The best and striking highlight of the house was the view. Every room faces the sea and every morning I have been greeted by the tireless sun , turning the sky from an orangish hue to bright blue. Even today , after 6 years, when I stand in my balcony watching the sun rise, I feel I fall in love with this scenic beauty all over again. 

The best time was the monsoon. We could literally see the clouds rising over the sky and the rains approaching from far and then all of a sudden there will be a huge rainbow looming above, enveloping the sky . 

The nights when the moon is bright , we could see the reflection of the moon in the sea – a breathtaking view.

This house has been very special to me. My uncle always tells me to not get emotionally attached to the place where you stay as it will be difficult to let go. But it is easier said than done; as it is not just a house with a few bricks put together. It is a ‘home’ filled with so much beauty, love and unforgettable memories. We are today shifting to a house which is on the third floor. We may not get the same picturesque view but as someone once told me , it’s the people who make a house, a home. And that’s how we move on.

(All pics - Courtesy - Shrinivas Sankaran :))

Cooking for pleasure than for necessity

I had learnt cooking out of necessity as I didn’t know any cooking and after Mom passed away, I was left in a lurch. She had pampered and spoilt me so much and had never let me light the stove or cook. Dad being absolutely non-fussy about food he used to eat anything and everything I used to prepare. My Maami always tells me if you cook in a happy mood, the food tastes awesome. At the same time when you are stressed or upset while cooking , the food also will be gloomy and dull. I felt her logic weird when she told me , but when I used to actually see it happen in my house , I realized there was some truth in it. Dad is a big foodie and so is my husband. I tried experimenting with food by mixing and matching the ingredients they loved, I began researching on the internet on recipes, interesting ingredients and I started enjoying cooking. I feel kitchen is “my” space where I can give vent to my creativity by trying out new things. And when there are people at home who enjoy food and who appreciate your efforts from time to time, it simply adds to the encouragement. Not to forget, every time I return from my Maami’s place I get inspired as she keeps giving me new tips. She links food a lot to the psychology of a person and it all now makes sense.

Ten Things I love about the rain

1. It reminds me of the courtship days of me and my husband

2. The beautiful and memorable bike rides with my better half with the droplets of rain happily lashing against our faces.

3. Barista… being our favorite adda during monsoons

4. Nostalgic memories of the fun times spent with colony friends when we all used to get wet in the rain together

5. The smell of wet earth that comes trickling slowly and just grows on you

6. The cool and calm feeling when you get wet in the first showers

7. The breathtaking sea-view from our balcony

8. Having hot Bhajiyas and masala chai

9. The times spent at Marine drive getting soaked in the rain

10. Love the sight of damp grass.

The list is endless and will only grow with time , so I better stop here

The Little Lafantar gang :)

It was maybe a tryst of destiny that 9 of us from totally different backgrounds, places and different tastes met under the same roof of our workplace. We were in no way like-minded people but only nice people (including me).

We had our own respective work under different bosses but used to all huddle up together during lunch time to talk about any and every topic under the sun. Our juice sessions, sneaking out to grab a bite or a cup of coffee from a café nearby, overnite stays will be the most memorable moments etched in our minds forever. We have been there for each other, whether at times of sadness or joy and will be always.

Today most of us have gone our separate ways pursuing our different dreams, tomorrow we may not even meet each other that often but we will always cherish the days when all of us were together and had the time of our lives. These 2 to 2 and half years of fun that I have had with you all , I doubt I have had anywhere else. Love u guys. Miss our lafantargiri. :)

Marital bliss :)

It feels weird to write in after almost a year but I always thought that I will not write because I HAVE to write to fill in the pages but only when I feel that I NEED to. However, I must admit that the past year has been pretty eventful and has kept me busy. It was an eventful year because Shri and I got married in November and all the preceding months went in planning and managing the wedding. Right since childhood, I always dreamed of a memorable and beautiful wedding and I feel very proud to say that I got just that. But an even better part was that I got married to the person I love.

Right since the beginning , Shri and I were personally involved in the marriage preparations. Right since collecting names and addresses of invitees to writing them on the cards and posting them, right from researching and choosing the decorations for the wedding and reception to picking and shortlisting the instrumental songs that would play in the background. And at the end of the day were quite satisfied and content with the result.

Prior to the wedding , the standard question that we would be asked all the time was, “how are the preparations” and now post wedding, the standard question is “How is married life”. Though our standard reply to everyone is, ‘it is too soon to say’, the fact is, married life is great. It is even better when your husband is and has been your bestest friend.

I hope to write and share more as and when possible.

ENGAGED!!

Finally, after a long wait, Shrinivas and I got engaged on February 15, 2009 at Bangalore. After being best friends for almost 8 years and a long distance relationship for almost more than a year, it was a great feeling to finally announce our relationship to the world and formalize our commitment.

The engagement ceremony was grand and was well attended by our families and friends. It was a mixed feeling of excitement and nervousness for me. But, all’s well that ends well. Waiting now to spend the rest of my life with him … :)