Yo Yo Day

Highs Lows Highs Lows...thats what my life is. But so many highs and so many lows just since this moring (its not even 1 yet!) so last night nephew said "Mashi come earlier" so I said what the heck money comes and goes I am going home this saturday...looked up flight rates around 2K in additition to what I have already shelled out on the tickets (they are not refundable). So this morning I give him (travel agent) a call...Mez all exicted even told xyz when he called that I am going home this weekend....even called T (she is already in India!) that I am coming! Travel agent calls says no seats available and there is one for 1 jan thats like 3 K I am like can't afford it. exictment out the window! Now I have to tell T not coming :(

Had met xyz earlier this week. And he was hopeful about something. He called and said he might have good news...mez all exicted again and then an hour later he calls and the news is not that good...mez feeling really not so good. All this rollercoaster made me want to talk to someone so I dailed abc's number and darn he has his switched off...ok this day better end on a high because I am in no freakin mood to be low!

Song fit for the occasion? Zindagi kaisi hai peheli hai...kabhi ye haansey kabhi ye rulaey...

Count down!

Less then a month left for me to fly home!
My suitcase is packed and ready to go (already) I must say I am very excited. I have gone shopping every single day for the last month. Got my newphews a PSP and video games, books, toys, cloths (I have yet to get them chocolates!) Since one of them has never met me and the other was a baby they don't remember me so I have to make a good impression ;)

But I think I have bought the most amount of things for myself! not-my-type sleepwear (whats wrong with me?) and other fancy shmancy stuff (really what is wrong with me?) and Tons of cosmetics. There is more then necessary red in my wordrobe...

And I have such huge plans to see the Taj mahal, go to Vaishnu Devi, explore Delhi, eat yummy food. I can't wait! I am surprised at my own enthu :) so little time so much to do!

Blogger Friends - How we met!

When I started blogging about 1.5 years ago, I didn't know I would still be doing this after 1.5 years! (Wow, what wisdom! LOL) But looking back its been a fun ride...thanks to my "regulars" and this blog is dedicated to them :)

Alphabetically

Aria...was flower-fist-bestial-wail at Sulekha. Her blogs were very entertaining, and people's reaction to her blogs was almost equally entertaining;) Her writing is no ordinary writing and I always enjoyed her blogs...She kind of reminded me of Delhi because Delhi was mentioned off and on in her blogs. From what I know about her through her blogs she is really cool! She moved to blogspot and since we have kept in touch on blogs and once in a blue moon chats/emails

Ginko was Gi at Sulekha and he wrote these blogs about traveling in public transport in US, I could so identify with his blogs. Needless to say he is a major flirt...and always managed to tease me...but that has changed since he found the love of his life Aish...and now he is married :) I wish him and Aish a very happy married life! We keep in touch through im...And he never did send me the invite (you don't need the address for that GI, a virtual one would have been enough!)

Nandu...was gopeenandu at Sulekha. He had posted some light hearted comments on my blog over at sulekha and he was always very charming and the fact he had a snake as pet kind of made him stand out. Once he sent me an invite to the "group" @ Sulekha, since the email had his full name, curiosity got the better of me and I ended up googling him. Little did I know what a sneaky fellow (Joking Hon) he is -he found out that someone in Toronto visited his website and asked me if it was me...I said yes... Nandu is the first one among bloggers to see my pic abiet an old one ;) I just love Nandu's sense of humor. He evokes an image of being a chubby cheeked kid with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.....and yes, he calls me "Didi".

Punds
I was familiar with punds from Suleka. But we didn't interact much there. I think it was beginning of this year that we began visiting each others blog regularly. What I particularly like about Punds is his sensitivity and the heart of gold. And also his short stories. And I must admit, his love for "her" is something I can relate to...

And of course there are the occasional visitors like Jeenu, Rays of Sun, Cheti, Parikarma, Priyamvada, Priya Sivan, Dev Kumar, Sumeet, Oz and most recently Tushar...

All of the bloggers are such interesting people...and its because of that that 1.5 years is going to continue to ...hmm don't know how many years!

I am still here!

Its been a while since I posted a blog! Wanted to post something on online blog pals, but punds had written a much better one on his blog so do go visit!so I will just write mundane stuff. Had my bd a few days ago (Thanks for all your emails/cards/comments and nandu's very sweet blog!) usually a time for thinking/introspection. Although I am not the best person, I think I am a pretty decent one. I tried to measure my "goodness" and "badness" and here are the results!

The good

Can't remember the last time I lied (Yeppy!)

Can't remember the last time I wished anyone bad (Yeppy!)

Can't remember intentionally hurting anyone
(And just so you know, I have a very sharp memory!)

The Bad

Haven't made any sort of donations this year!

Haven't gone to the temple as many times I would like to

Started drinking this year...Had 6 beers so far! LOL!

Bought some cloths that I had to hide the minute I got them ;)

Haven't called home as often as I should

Haven't done much for myself - in terms of exercise/yoga

The Ugly

Have seem my temper fly a couple of times this year!

Economy class...darn!

So I booked my flight to go to India. For about two weeks. (Did I mention I am stingy in spending my vacation time!). In those weeks there is so much I want to do - go to Vaisho Devi, see Taj mahal, explore Delhi, See other popular places in India, eat yummy food and spend time with my family, and the list is endless but overall have a great time...
The best part is the shopping. Half is already done...and still some left. Got a PSP for my nephews but now I think they are too young for it...but then Jiju can play :)

Now for the bad part 18 hours of flight - no refund, no change of dates! And a stop over in a country I have never been to.

I am excited. (I think :)

Khali dimak shaitan ka ghar!

Thinking about life in general. I must admit I have lived a very sheltered protected life. No ordinary life, thanks to my parents, I have always had all that I wanted except 1 thing. And it’s as if that one thing lacking sometimes stops me from appreciating all that I did get. And today, (kaam dhaam nahi hai…khali dimak shaitan ka ghar!) I doing what I usually do at the end of the year, that is, reflect on the year that has gone by. It’s a ritual, every 30 or 31 of dec I take out my journal and list all the things that I had thought of accomplishing in the beginning of the year and see if anything got accomplished. Its not even accomplishments but sometimes its just things I hope would happen.

So I remember last year I wanted some stability (financial/immigration/emotional). I wanted to be a stronger person. And the year began on a very promising note. Things were moving towards that direction. In the first week I got my permanent rez status. It was one huge sigh of relief. Then in end I got a full time permanent job.

Now the only thing left was someone to share it with. That was a bit un-usual. I in Feb or March, that happened, I found something else to depress myself about! That lasted for about 3 months. And after that I felt this empowering experience. After hitting rock bottom, I picked up the pieces, and acknowledged that certain things are not in my hands. And that was so liberating.
Things have only grown better since. Overall, this year has been the good. Now if I could only win the lotto! I mean, there is always scope for improvement right?

All in a day

#1 Majorly pissed!
So I had taken a half day off today...had an appointment with my doc. Since it was at mid morning, I took my own sweet time getting dressed and all. Red top and jewellery (Yeah to work, what was I thinking!)
I am on the escalator, when this guy steps up beside me and says "Hi" me being a friendly person smiled. "Are you Sri lankan" This was the millionth time I have been asked if I am "India/Srilankan/Bangladeshi/Pakistani/Guyanes/Trinadadian/Afgani and even Persian". I don't answer that question anymore!
The guy is a pervert...and I knew it. He boarded the same friggin bus that I had to go on. And take the seat right opposite me. All the team he kept asking the time, the next bus stop etc. I took out my ipod and closed my eyes. And imagined if I could give him one tight slap across the face! (Just so that you know, I have never as much as raised my hand on anyone!)
By now he had found another girl to bug...and and from the looks of it she was about to slap him.

#2 Whaaat!!!
I am in the waiting room of my doc (He is the awesomest guy in Toronto, No seriously he is a great guy, more like family friend (Dad's friend). So I am waiting and thinking, did I really need to see the doc, it was just a minor ulcer in my throat which had by now disappeared. He comes in shakes my hand, asks about Dad and then what bring me there. I tell him the issue. He looks and there is no trace of the said problem. "You've lost some weight beta" I smile. "I am trying doc"
I kind of feel silly now. During the examination, I mention that doc, things are finally falling into place and I don't want to take any chances.
He smiles.
Doc: "Can I ask you a personal question"
I am thinking, this guy knows every detail of my personal life what question can he ask.
Doc: "Have you kissed anyone in the last two weeks"
My brown face is now deep red.
Doc: "I asked because what you have is a related to that!"
He didn't wait for an answer. And told me there is nothing to worry about. Its not Cancer.
(Sigh of relief!)

We wish each other happy diwali and I contemplate taking a sick day...but there is so much work that the guilt got the better of me and I head to work.

#3 No not again!
Can you believe my luck that the pervert that I mentioned earlier is waiting on the bus stop for the same bus that I need to take!
"Hi" darn he even remembers me!
I hail a cab...to the nearest subway.

# 4 Seriously?
I get to work and my boss has a pile of work for me. "Can you get this done vi?"
Boss: "You had a docs appointment...everything ok?"
"Yup everything is fine"
A few (ok 2) collegues mention that I look nice today...(Thank you lancome!)
I am thinking, do I really look so bad the rest of the days. Come to think of it, it was the first time that I wore makeup (foundation/powder) to this workplace.
My collegues take a gibe, "oh come on you...you went to the doc? or somewhere else"

Had to put in an extra hour and a half to catch up on the work. Long day!

Ghar

My boss was going around and asking people when they plan to take their vacations. Its Oct and FI (Financial Institutions...ok banks!) are particular about taking vacation days off and stuff.
"I am not sure yet...most probably Jan"
"Ok can you tell me soon though..."

That kind of pushes me to book my flight to India. But whenever I think about actually going to India...I have strange feeling in my stomach...Its been ages 6 years since I went to India. And I am not sure if I want to go. Although I have promised people that I will come this year...but somehow I can't seem to convince myself to go...till a few years ago my excuse use to be...I am on student permit (no money!), then work permit (no time), then contract jobs (no vacation time)...now there is no issue...full time job, enough savings, 15 days vacation plus time in liu...but...still...I am scared of going to India...there is this unknown fear...I wonder what it stems from :-?

I guess there is nothing better then your own home....my home is here...in Toronto.

Another day

So this morning, was kind of feeling low (even though its a friday)...checked my mail...koi rutha hua hai hamse. But nothing.
At work its crazy busy, so we were pounding away. Then I just picked up the phone and dialed xyz's number...somehow T was not my first choice today.

xyz: "Yoo"
"Hi xyz, its vi" (*real name)
"Hi love...how are you, how have you been...missed ya"

vi: "Where are you?"
xyz: "Driving to work"
vi: "I will call you later then"
xyz: "No talk to me now...I want to hear how things are going with you"
vi: "Things are ok...just called to wish you happy thanksgiving...I miss you guys!"
xyz: "You want to come back to me?"
vi: "No, thats not why I called you"
xyz: "But would you come back to me, If I asked you too?"
vi: "You know, for you I would do anything"
xyz: "Even m--------" (the far of place that he works!)
vi: "just not m------"
xyz: "Are you happy?"
vi: "I am ok"
xyz: "Talk to me"
Its an open concept place so I can't really talk to him.
vi: "No, xyz I am happy..."
xyz: "Sure?"
vi: "Yes"
vi: "I just called to say hi to you"

Happy Durga Pooja!

So its that time of the year again, where I surprise myself yet again! Day 6 of fasting, and not only am I in a very cheerful mood but I am energetic! On a regular day if I happen to miss breakfast and lunch you can be pretty sure I am not the person you want to hang out with (I get cranky! I mean really!) but now its day 6 and nothing!!! (That banana seems to be working like spinach for popey!)

Saturday is durga astami...time to go to the temple and give gifts to girls. This is my favourite part of navraatri. I just love it when their eyes light up on seeing ziploc bags full of goodies - (lipgloss, candy, hairbands/ribbons, money and prashad-halva-kheer-puri-channa).
Last time I learned a valuable lesson. Girls sometimes have brothers, and when you see them look at you accusingly (no ziploc bags for them!) you feel bad. So this time, I decided to get a bag of chocolates and give it to them.

Jai mata di...you guys and gals have a rocking navraatri/durga pooja and dashara.

bright smile

One thing I absolutely hate is go to the dentist! But you can't avoid them too long can you? It was 9 months since my last visit so this was over due by 3 months...so last week I booked an appointment.
Every 6 months (give or take) its a ritual...I make an appointment to be tortured...The appointments are usually two weeks in advance. In those two weeks I brush extra vigorously, floss twice a day...

But thats not the only thing I hate about going to the dentist there are plenty

They are a rip off

They stuff things in your mouth that you almost throw up

You develop a headache for the next few days

You become sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, sour...you name it!

They want you to get a million things done

This time she asked me if I want a thorough examination
Me: "No just the cleaning please"
Her: "Its almost two year since your thorough exam"
Me: "Its ok"
Her: "We have this offer...if you go for the full exam you can get your teeth whitened for $99...otherwise it costs $499"
Me: "I thought my teeth are pretty white", I try to be funny!
Her: "We can all use a little brighter smile"
I gave it a thought...whiter teeth like tubelights hmm not bad...
She is a mind reader that one. "May be you would like to think about it"
I nod my head in agreement.
She smiles she has made the kill.

"Open your mouth..." There we go an hours torcher no less!

My gradma had perfect teeth till she died at the ripe old age of 75. She never went to the dentist not once!

Details: as promised!

So @ 5 PM on a sunday evening, I was sitted 5 rows from the stage. And exactly opposite KJ. I was silently cursing myself for being too much of a conformist (I like to think of it as "respect") for obeying the "no camera" rule!

The guy on stage announce, "Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan are in the house"
After his intro, Amitabh Bachchan rushes in, followed by SRK and KJ and the moderator Saketu Mehta.

Fav. moments:
#1
Autograph seekers approached AB the most, followed by SRK.
AB more then willingly obliged. He signed books and shook hands, and was just nice and approachable, despite his intimidating on screen personality.

#2
When a crazy white female, made a hue and cry of people taking pics (it was not allowed) she asked all of them how they felt. For a few seconds no one said anything, and then AB said, "Its ok. I don't mind". Then SRK nodded and so did KJ.
AB also said, we will give you the opportunity after the show as well and he stuck to his words.

#3
SKR, when he said he is thankful for the love he gets from his fans, some girls in the audience said we love you srk and he said, I love you too!

Srk, always waved/smiled at people who waved to him, or happen to make an eye contact.

#4
SRK said he is shy of women and doesn't like doing intimate scenes with them, AB quipped, "I am not shy" with a twinkle in his eyes!

#SRK on movies and popularity
Shahrukh khan said that its a job, "Like everyone else I have a job to go to and like other man I have to wear make up on my job!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Details....
On how they chose roles
Shah Rukh Khan
Recollected what kind of stupid stories people come up with:
That there was this guy who said he wanted to make a film called Bangadi- "It means
bangles or something" AB: "Rajasthani Bangles". The story was something on the lines of a woman is in love with SRK's character.

But SRK does not reciprocate her feelings, she commits suicide but now SRK is cursed. Whenever he tries to love a woman a bangles breaks on the wrist of the woman he is with!
Another one he mentioned was about this alien and dog story! When people laughed
SRK made a dig at hollywood. "If it were a hollywood movie, you guys would happly
accept an alien movie" The story was an Alien (SRK) comes to the earth and enters this dog (Alien or aatma???) and from then the dog is the hero, but he speaks in SRK's voice! SRK mentioned that he tried to get out of it by saying that he doesn't like working with dogs, too many retakes...but the scriptwriter was persistent and said that he will train puppies to play the role to perfection and also that it would only require SRK for 12 days.

So how he chooses roles is simple: "I choose films that start with K and directors
whose names begin with K" Looks at KJ. KJ is blushing!!
"I also choose films by friends like Adi Chopra...the bottom line is I choose movies with people I work well with...once is a while I take off beat roles like Pehali" Some people clapped. SRK said, thats about all the audience I got for pehali.
But essentially he only does big banners. because "they have a certain standard that can assured"


Amitabh Bachchan
He didn't really give a clear anwer to that...he talked about how his dad Harivansh Rai Bachchan use to watch all his movies and how he did not like some of the movies. Amitabh mentioned that the stories are bad because we don't read enough that hindi literature seems to be dying...and he was very concerened about it. He said he hated it when scripts were delivered to him in roman script as apposed to devnagri script.

Karan johar said that he chose stories that he could identify with, that he felt strongly about. In KANK, it was what he had observed.

On what is the fav movie/scene/song of the other:SRK Started off...saying that he loves all of AB's movies but the dialog from dewar "Aaj Khush tu bahut hogey tum" in the temple. is amongst his most fav. In songs he loves the funny ones likes My name is anthony gonzolvas, and don't worry be happy.
He also liked Ab's scene in Khakhi where AB has a fight with the subinspecter in the police station.
And all of Black at which there was a huge round of applause for AB. And someone put up, "Sexy Sam" banner and AB smiled and told that person to hold it up high!

SRK finished by saying that there are so many fav. moments from AB that he can go on till tomarrow and still not be done. But lets talk about me now, I would like to hear AB's views on me.

AB on SRK
He praised SRK as an actor. And said among his fav. is SRK's role in swades. And he mentioned a few others but diverted to KANK (Smart eh?) And how SRK had the most challenging role and what a clever...intelligent performance SRK gave. He also said that SRK's role was the only one that could not redeem itself.

KJ said that he considers himself incapable of judging people like AB and SRK. He mentioned that growing up, he was in awe of AB. that he was awed to the limit of being petrified of him.
He said before AB came to shoot for Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam. First day of shoot was the song shava shava...KJ was so nervous how is he ever going to tell AB what to do, he didn't eat for days and on the day of the shoot he passed out in the makeup room, when he came to be, AB was holding his hand and said "don't worry, I can manage to dance well"

P.S. this could have been written properly :(

Some not so good quality pics (taken from cell phone!) are here!

More details:

On being asked about Abhishek Bachchan
AB said that like every parent he was hopes and dreams for Abhishek. He acknowledges that JP Dutta gave him a role in Refugee because he is my son but it is after all a business and if Abhishek was no good he wouldn't have gotten so many movies.

AB On being asked about politics
AB said that he should not have entered politics because "I did not know the job". And that it was wrong of him to ask his fans to love him for his political views. He narrated an incident that after becoming an MP he was asked to campaign for the congress party in Assam and how accidently his helicopter landed in the oppositions camp...and the security hurried them to go back but this youth from the opposition supporter gave his a note saying, "you are making it difficult for us. We like you as an actor but you we shouldn't have to show our love through votes"

AB On why he chose to do a role in KANK
When Karan asks me to do a role I don't say no. He is family. Anyways, Jaya read the script first and told me not to do the role but then she had said the same about KBC!


Karan Johar on why SRK is a regular in his movies
In DDLJ KJ was helping Adi Chopra...and recalled that he (KJ) was so nervous that he told Adi that I will take care of costumes. When SRK came KJ handed him a sweater SRK simply took it and wore it no fuss no nothing. Acc. to KJ its SRK's niceness....
During the same time in Switzerland, during a rainy cold day SRK, Kajol and KJ were missing home and just chatting when SRK said that if you ever make a movie I will do it and Kajol also said the same thing. He did not take them seriously then but after coming back to mumbai SRK urged him to make the movie he wants to make!
That SRK is an excellent actor so it makes KJ's job easier and that he is nice to work with!

SRK on being a muslim in India.
SRK mentioned that people often say that SRK, salman khan, amir khan, saif ali khan don't know what its like to be an ordinary muslim in India but that is not the case, before entering movies, "when SRK was just SRK and not the actor SRK growing up in Delhi I never felt any different my parents brought us and gave us secular values. I proud to be an Indian and I am proud of India as a secular nation."
He also mentioned that for him India was not just the physical boundary defined region but he considered Pakistan and Bangladesh's to be "us"!

KJ on why KANK was set in NY and not India
KJ replied that it was easier and more acceptable to have an affair in NY (vi says what bull!!!). That in India you are always being watched, some aunty or uncle is bound to see you with another women.

KJ on universality of indian cinema
That it is clean wholesome entertainment (again vi says what bull!)

One for the book! Amitabh Bachchan and SRK

Thanks to the two D's in my life...I had the best day today.
D#1 got me the tickets to this talk with the stars...I always wanted to see Amitabh...he was wearing a black/grey coat and Jeans with runners...and I think he was wearing a wig...I could be wrong here...and he had red highlights in his hair. He was very charming and has an excellent sense of humor...more on that tomarrow!

SRK was wearking a black shirt showing a lot of skin, black jacket white shoes. Surprisingly he was very charming. He was really cool...and so down to earth and had some very funny moments...more on that tomarrow!

Karan johar who was sitting right in front of me (ok 5 rows away LOL) was a khakhi jacket and jeans...

I got a bit carried away...because I seemed to initiate all AB related claps ;) so when they left he did wave a good bye towards me!!!!

Tomarrow I will post on the whole thing...and pics too! For now I am starving!

Oh and D#2...hmmm....more on him later ;)

Food or the lack of it

Last week I had things which are sorry excuses for lunch...
Tuesday - coffee and kitkat,
Wednesday - crackers and grapes
Thursday - salt and vineger chips with fruit punch
Friday - roasted almonds with peach and apple with chat masala
No I am not on some weird diet just that the last time I went to the sub place...the person that was making it sneezed and didn't even wash her hads...suffice to say I tossed that sub in the trash can on my way back to my office...
There are other places but I just can't seem to bring myself to eating from outside any more...and I just don't have the time or inclination to make or pack lunch...

Can't wait to go home this time (Jan 2007)and gorge on food...shoot there goes my "lose 15 pounds" resolution :(

Am I?

Today someone said: "Bahut shararati ho...lagti nahi ho...lekin ho"

No one has ever said that to me. I mean most of the time I really have to make an effort to chill! (xyz use to give me that assignment...chill with me!)

But I guess some people bring out a different side of you. For example there are people who bring out your protective, possesive side... or even same person can bring out different feelings at different time...
There are other people who bring out the funny side of you because they laugh at your lousiest jokes and that encourages you to better yourself for their sake.

Coming back to the first q...do i look shararti to you??

D'uh!!!!!!

2-in-one-blog!
______________________________________________________________
Two blunders in less then four minutes!
I called oz's radio blog last night...It was around 12.15 my time. I had just finished doing my janamastami pooja...and was kind of groggy.

First called oz by his real name!
And then the a bigger blunder :P giving my name not "vi" but real name!!!

Forgot to greet the co-host...Hi Sumeet! (late but still :P)

Listened to the recording now and my voice sounds so weak...lol thats because hadn't had anything to eat the whole day!

Sorry ozzie...first time calling into a talk show...I guess its one of those "Live and Learn" experiences!

Oh btw, I really don't have an opinion on Ms. Basu.

But it was nice talking to Oz!
_________________________________________________________

It occured to me that the people with the most "achievers" certificates are single people in their mid 30s to mid 40s. Kind of scary...I mean they hardly take sick days, work late hours, and I doubt if they are any better paid then the rest of us...

Mukesh..can sing romantic numbers too...

I don't know why I always end up with Rafi admirers (I am one of them) but when they start undermining Mukhes...I have to do something!

1. dheere dheere bol koi sun na le
2. ek mazil rahi do phir pyar na kaise ho
3. hum tu tere aashiq hain sadiyon purane
4. Chaal Sanyasi Mandir mein
5. jo hum tu chori se bandhe ik doori se
6. jo tumko ho pasand vahi baat
7. tere hoton ke do phool pyaare pyare
8. mehboob mere mehboob mere tu hai tu
9. mera pyar bhi tu hai ye bahar bhi tu hai
10. saath ho tum aur raat jawan
11. tauba ye matwali chhal
12. jis gali mene tera ghar na ho sajna
13. Ek baar agar tum kahdo
14. Mene Tere liye hi saat raang
15. nain tumhare majadaar
16. naina hai jaado bhare oh gouri
17. ni baliye rooth a bahar ki
18. bali umar bhajan karon kaise
19. vo chand khila vo tare hanse
20. har dil jo pyar karega vo gana gaye ga
21. Meri tammanaon ki taqdeer tum savar do (My absolute Fav)
    

What people say....when in love...

And what unromantics say :)
"The sound of your voice is music to my ears"...I hope you will remember that a few years from now when I shout at our kids, or yell at you for forgetting to get the specific brand of Shampoo I wanted!

"I will love you till eternity"...40 or so years will do hon
"I will love you and only you"...what about my family? your family, our family?
"Do you love me"...you mean since the last minute when you asked me?
"Mere raaton ki neend udadi tumne"...how come your eyes are twinkling michevously?
"I can't live without you"...I am not o2/h2o/food you know!

Wardrobe malfunction ;)

A few weeks back I bought this really cute top.

I tried it on in the store it was loose but I was sold on the color and texture...it complemented my skin tone, and it felt good on the skin...so I shelled out $75 + Tax for it.

A few friends from my previous work place decided to meet for coffee/and or drinks after work...I thought of wearing my new top. I took it to work after work re-did my make-up and put on my new top. I was so excited that I even wore dangling earings...a rare-ity for me!

At the meet I got quite a few looks...I thought they were looks of admiration** But something wasn't quite right...it was mostly the women looking...made me kind of uneasy...finally mustered the courage to ask K if everything was ok? K was nice enough to tell me I was wearing one of those maternity cloths you can't imagine my embarrasment. Of course I didn't stay long after that...I don't think I will be meeting those people ever again.

It was on the regular shelves...how was I to know??

*and expensive by my standards at least
**Hello...the brown top...looks good on light brown skin

Tagged by Priya

I'm thinking about...

• The wonderful people in my life
• Others
• The people I love and what I can do to make them happy
• The useless-ness of violence

I said
Feelings/love cannot be rationalized.

I want

• To be a stronger person...emotionally.
• To be about 15 pounds lighter
• To be able to forgive and forget

I wish
For peace on earth (Honest to god!)

I hear/Listen to

• My conscience
• Oldies...
• Ghazals

I wonder

• If I had never come to Canada...my life would be so different now.
• If certain things had not happened in life...I would be a very different person today

I regret

• Wasting so many years of my life chasing illusions
• Some decisions I made in life

I am

• funny sometimes!
• Caring, considerate, affectionate
• aloof sometimes

I dance...in my dreams!

I sing...again in my dreams!

I cry

• rarely...
• never ever in front of people
• when i feel helpless

I am not

• Always fun to be with
• Patient
• As naive as I use to be
• Optimistic

I make with my hands...decent food and paper plains

I write

• when I am happy
• when I am sad
• when I have too much on my mind
• when I have too much time on my hands...
• Because it is cathartic

I confuse....

• -sweet talk with love
• -desire with need

I need

• To find my purpose in life
• My family and friends

And finally
Tag Punds, Oz and Jeenu

Birthday Game

PS: Okee I shamelessly admit...Lifted from one of the groups posts on Orkut...

Bday game !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

>Pick the number of the month you where born
>
> 1----I fell in love with
>2----I ate
>3----I smacked
>4----I sang to
>5----I gave my number to
>6----I murdered
>7----I shot
>8----I danced with
>9----I choked on
>10---I went out with
>11---I kissed
>12---I hugged
>
>
>
>Pick the day (number) you were born on:
>
>
>1-------A homeless guy
>2-------your mom
>3-------a banana
>4-------a fork
>5-------a mexican
>6-------a gangster
>7-------a ninja
>8-------an ipod
>9-------my best friend
>10-------a goat
>11-------my dog
>12-------my dad
>13-------the computer
>14-------a football player
>15-------my neighbor
>16-------myself
>17-------a soda
>18-------a llama
>19-------a pickle
>20-------a stuffed animal
>21-------a weirdo
>22-------a sock
> 23-------a tissue
>24-------my pshyciatrist
>25-------a policeman
>26-------my brother
>27-------my sister
>28-------a baseball bat
>29-------a dvd player
>30-------my best friends brother
>31-------my cell phone
>
>Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
>
>White------Because I was high.
>Black-------Because I was drunk.
>Brown-------Because your mom told me to.
> Pink--------Because I'm retarded.
>Red---------Because the voices told me to.
>Blue--------Because Im hott and I do what I want.
>Green------Because I hate myself.
>Purple------Because I'm stupid.
>Gray--------Because that's how I roll.
>Yellow------Because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars.
>Orange----Because I love my family.
>Other-------Because that's what I do.

Now post the sentence which u made...hahaha

Vacations!

So I went for a 5 day vacation to Alberta...It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen....the rockies are just breath taking...the gondola and boat rides were fun!

T was my host-guide-gourmet chef-councellor-(ok the list is huge!) rolled in one!
Thanks T, you are the best!!!




Feel free to browse the pics

A few months...can make all the difference...

A few months can make so much of a difference....from barren, lifeless and cold...to vibrant with life, luscious green...not just the environment but life too :D
From Khiza

To Fiza

Tagged! Six weird things

Aria tagged me...

1. If I ever see a snake in real life...I am sure I will have a heart-attack
2. I am self aware (and self critical) to the limit of being aware of every action from at 3 different angles...if i am not emotionally charged that is (then my brain just goes to the dogs)
3. If I love someone (except family) and they make me cry...thats the end of my love/relationship for/with them (tried and tested...btw...and you can't make me cry that easily)
4. If I take a sankalp...no force on earth can make me change it...3 victims so far...and 4 if you include my health...and quite a few accomplishments...
   
5. I have had so many deja vo experiences that I sometimes feel I have lived this life before
6. My spiritual journey began on the streets of a city in europe when I was around 7...from the hare krisha people... it has been a fasinating one so far

Gi this is your birthday gift the tag passes to you...:P

Mamma Mia...here we?? go again!!

My mom is funny...she really is. Growing up she was so strict about certain things...family honor, modesty in a girl, and all that jazz was what she spoon fed me right from the begining. Boy-friends were a big no-no. I remember I was like really small and don't know from where I picked up this song from Razia Sultan...hai jalta hai badan...I didn't even know what was what but I was singing it and my mom gave me one tight slap across the face...
If I mentioned the name of any guy more then once I got to witness those big eyes...
She was always proud of her "sushil" daughters and believe me I was one. Never had a boy friend all throughout school not even a crush (ok salman khan but thats it).
Then I came to this country...

Anyway coming back to my mom, she has changed since the last few years...when she visited last time she was all ears when any of my men friends (colleauges and classmates) called and in fact encouraged me to be outgoing...now whenever I talk to her she pressurizes me to chase guys (ok..."Settle down" is how she puts it).

Funny how things change...

dreams

Nandu-ji the promised blog

Dreams are intuitive...there are three dreams that I know when I see them they indicate that I am very stressed and I need to de-stress

1. math exam dream --I left math in 12th grade
2. no job dream --i have always managed to find a job before letting go of one (thank you shiva)
3. no visa dream - my visa always came even if it came on the last day (that problem is not there anymore)

Haven't had those dreams in a while...meaning I am doing well...or it could also mean no sleep...this whole week I got up at 5...this has never happened before I am not a morning person...if no one woke me up I could sleep through out the day...but for almost a month now, I get up early...and lie on my bed...thinking...I should get up and go for a walk...the summer is beautiful here...

On a side note...nandu ji acchcha hamri ankhe subbu ki akhhon jaise hain...you!!!

Next thing you know flower is comparing me to don and punds to sheru :))...I doubt gi or jeenu has a pet...have a nice weekend folks.

June- Mid year!

Its already June!!! This year has been the most "eventful" year so far-mighty highs(Jan4th,Ap,May28th) and abyssal lows(Feb/early march). Things are happening faster then I can keep a track of them. In 5 months 2 jobs and already offer/and thinking of 3rd one* (Na, don't think I will take it!)...and people too...I don't know whats going on but people all of a sudden are realizing my exisitence**. I have never had people pay that kind of attention to me....and no I am not talking just about men but friends, family, co-workers...and I am the same old me...nothing has changed...or has it? And like all good things this might not last for too long...so trying to capture as much of it as I can :)

*My qualifications are nothing great and no I am not being modest here
**No, I have not become flashy or outgoing all of a sudden

Baby steps

Its been 6 years since I have been to the airport...the place just gives me the creeps...its of of my "crazy-vi" things -snakes and airports just give me a weird feeling...even in pictures they manage to unsettle me!
In six years didn't go to recieve or see of mom, dad, didi and friends...at the airport...thats how bad it is getting...so when I booked my tickets today I was feeling strange...someone offered to accompany me to the airport and I said no I will be fine...vi is a big girl (not literally!) now...she can manage.
Even planing to make a trip to India...by end of this year...I always plan but this year its like calculated vacation time + added times in liue, checked the air fares, even decided what to get whom...dekhte hain...

Sabotager!!!

So this "friend" asked me out...it was a long weekend and i thought i should take a break from the weekend routine of cooking cleaning and socialize a bit, so I said yes.
I was running late so called him up to let him know I would be around 20 min late. I get there on the revised time...I extend my hand he goes for the hug...awkward!!!
We worked together...last job...so naturally we talk about that place...and you know me...I talk a lot about xyz...so this guy is bored, irritated. We managed to talk about other things but I know I have already sabotaged the situation. 2.5 hours later...he walked me back to my place...we shook hands :))

Got it!

I was feeling a bit mush mush...and zeroed it down to the songs on my ipod! Here is the export list

1. Aaja piya tohe pyar doon
2. Aaja Re Aa Zara
3. Aaj kal paaon zameen par nahi padte mere
4. Aayee Zanzeer ki Jhankar
5. Are Jane Kaise Kab Kahan
6. Baahoon Mein Chale Aao
7. Badal Yun Garajta Hai
8. Bade Armanon Se Rakha Hai
9. Bagon Mein Bahar Hai
10. Baharon Phool Barsao
11. Baith mere paas tujhe dekhti rahoon
12. Chalke Jaam
13. Dheere Dheere chal chand gagan mein
14. Dheere Dheere Machal eh dil-e-bekaraar
15. Dil Jo Na Keh Saka
16. Gaaye Ja Geet Milan ke
17. Gulabi Ankhen Jo Teere Dekhi
18. Is Jahan Ki Nahin tumhari Ankhen
19. Ja Re Ja O Harjaee
20. Jaane Kya Baat hai
21. Jaiye Aap kahan jayeengey
    
22. Jalta Hai Badan
23. Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Laga teer e nazaar
24. Kaun Ayaa Ki Nigahon Mein
25. Khat Likh De
26. Koi Aaya Dhadkan kehti hai
27. Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe
28. Man kyun behka re behka aadhi raat
    
29. Sar Se Sarke sarke Chunariya
30. Sharm Aati Hai Magar
31. Tumhe Ho Na Ho Mujhko To
32. Ye Jo Chilman
    
33. Yeh Reshmi Zulfen
34. Yeh Sama Sama Hai

Nothing...Particular...

Fear of the unknown!
No not aliens! or X-Files kind of stuff but unknown as in fate, destiny, kismat...kya hoga, kya nahi hoga...
And to top it all this song is playing in my head for the last 24 hours!

Jaane Kya Baat Hai, Jaane Kya Baat Hai
Neend Nahin Aati Badi Lambi Raat Hai

Saari Saari Raat Mujhe Isne Jagaya
Jaise Koi Sapna Jaise Koi Saaya
Koi Nahin Lagta Hai, Koi Mere Saath Hai
Neend Nahin Aati Badi Lambi Raat Hai...

Dhakdhak Kabhi Se Jiya Dol Raha Hai
Ghungat Abhise Mera Khol Raha Hai
Door Abhi To Piya Ki Mulaqat Hai
Neend Nahin Aati Badi Lambi Raat Hai...

Jab Jab Dekhoon Maein Yeh Chand Sitare
Aaisa Lagta Hai Mujhe Laaj Ke Mare
Jaise Koi Doli Koi Baraat Hai
Neend Nahin Aati Badi Lambi Raat Hai...

You've got mail?

*Its been a while since I blogged (by my standards:) ...so here is a space filler-see acknowledgemnts before accusing me of plagarism*

Remember watching this movie ages ago...didn't relate to it then...its a different story now. And working in an FI -Bhole understands but he doesn't read my blogs anymore :( you can't access mail like hotmail, gmail, yahoo mail...so first thing I do when I get home is check my mail...ok drifting here...so if vi were to write a skit on those lines it would be something like this:
Lets think of names...hmm...hmmm....void! and null
so null emailed void, void replied -eager/enthu a bit too much...made null think...then null realised that she had made that mistake once (and she had to kick herself for it)...shrugs it as "nerves"...null decides to wait and watch.
chat session 1
void has web cam on...and he looks cool (or is it hot?) (darn, null is shallow after all)...null wonders why void is interested, after all void is the personification of TDH and null...well the exact opposite.
Null treds the path cautiously...void says call me I am waiting....null thinks and thinks and a few hours later null calls...null is nervous...void is nervous or tongue tied...in other words call last 3 minutes. void emails null...liked the voice ...schedules another chat session.
Null is into poetry...void asks for sample...null sends the most seductive one in her armour...void likes it...had to...writes a long lovey dovey email...null replies but can't seem to write lovey dovey stuff (self preservation??).
next chat session...void and null talk about things...45 min into the session null's city has power failure...so chat session ends...null can't call void coz number is in the computer...void thinks...what the hell...emails...null later sends an email but one already there...null explains power failure (Hell its Delhi what can you do about the power!) so...blah blah...void not completely convinced...says ok chat tomarrow same time...null's building still does not have power. next day...null gets voids number somehow and calls void and tells him chat cancelled. void says can he call...null says other commitments...void thinks "tactics"...null says anytime after tuesday is good...its thursday...void hasn't called...null thinks...has he given up? is he bored? is he busy? is he plain kanjoos (hehehe)....null is still thinking when void calls....

• Moral of the story...null and void! Meaning nothing
• Inspiration from names came from java and FI (checks)!
• Story idea plagarism at its best: Nandu's ek phone call blog, my own (as in mita wala) story, and you've got mail....I think if acknowledged...plagarism is not plagarism!

OK not as funny as nandu-ji's but hey I tried!

Iccchha shakti

Freaky stuff happening to me....whatever I think comes true!!! -Well, except the lotto ticket numbers :( Darn if only - Sigh!!!
The other day, just came to mind that abc hasn't called for a while (7 months to be precise) and lo and behold, abc calls in an hour! Then I am thinking about defg (sorry for the bad names folks :)...I don't know defg too well but my intution tells me a couple of things and I am dead on...defg admitted/told me so! Then I am sleeping and I get this feeling that there is an email that i need to read...i check the messenger...that cute little envelope is there! (I need to get a life!)
Looking at someone's pic for the first time and a sense of deja vu....Freaky!

vi is open for business as a psychic....$100 per question :)

P.S. Talked to dad...and feel much better!

Love you people...you are the best! vi getting senti....

It's ok dad!

Last night talked to my parents...Friday nights are call home nights!
Like every week dad would say three lines...Kaise hai beta..Saab theek hai na? Kuch chahiye? Paise Behjon? My answer is always...Theek hoon Dad, nahi kuch nahi chahiye.
(I have been working for quite sometime now...but to my dad I am still his little girl! And he still gives me money when he comes to visit Toronto...what with my ziid of not going to India until one of the two things happen)

But yesterday there was something in his voice...something that kept me awake all night...he was telling me about this aquaintance of mine she had a baby yesterday...and I could sense the guilt in his voice, and his first attempt to tell me to do something about myself! I know he thinks too much about me...my mom is very vocal about things, she will tell me how worried she is for me, and does all the emotional drama (sometimes even emotional blackmail) but Dad never said anything and never showed any signs but yesterday when his voice cracked...my heart just broke...I wish I could re-assure him that its Ok daddy...I will be fine!

Grrrr!

#1
Finally found a quite spot to write "The next best seller" (Yeah Right!) so this last week spent most of my lunch hour (almost everyday) there. Today this jerk of a guy comes and sits on the bench... there are two more...go sit there grrr!

"Nice day!"
I nod and try to smile (You see it doesn't come naturally to me! :))
"Do you have the time"
Me "No" (Tone said: Leave me alone!)
"Whats your name"
Me to myself As if!!! @#$... and had decided to leave.
Next question just made me get up and leave
"Do you have a boyfriend?"

Why are (some) guys such jerks?
Seriously...whats with these guys??? As if that line is going to work for any girl!


#2
Earlier this week
After the initial line..."Excuse me...can you tell me how to go to the via rail station"? I told him the directions.
"Thank you"
"Where are you from?"
Shoooot!!! But something wicked in me made me answer him.
"Here. Canada"
"I mean your ethnicity"
I just smiled.
Apparently he likes "Indian girls"!

Question: Do guys seriouly think talking to girls on the road, on the train, in the mall, or in a bookstore is going to get them anywhere...someone please enlighten me!

One idea, many stories, vi's version.

Continued from Here

She didn't expect him to call while on his business trip but there was still some sort of wait. May be its not that bad an idea to meet him. She had yet to see him in person or in pictures. But it didn't really matter. She knew how superficial looks were. But still she wondered, what would he be like, tall dark and handsome, or someone like Shekar Kapoor, intellectual, bearded and cute!

She received an almost affectionate email from him from Vienna.

Hi Mita,

I arrived here two days ago, most of the time I was busy with the work but today I had some time and I went sight seeing. Vienna is such a beautiful city...I wish there was someone to share all this beauty with (may be next time).

How are you doing? I will call you Thursday...say 9.PM your time!

Haven't even met you but somehow missed you today.

Vivek

The call:

V: "Hi Mita"
M:"Hi Vivek"
V: "Just got back"
"Great. How was it?"
V: "It was good...just a little lonely. In your own city its different but outside feels alienated"
"I know what you mean"
V: "So what else!"
"Nothing much"
V: "How is Nidhi?"
"She is good. Talked to her just a couple of days ago"
V: "I have a Didi...well we are not related but very close family friends in your city"
"Really? Interesting"
V: "Yes, in fact still sends me Rakhis"
"Nice"
V: "She has invited me to your city...may be this time I will take her up on it"
"Anything special this time?"
V: "Yes" (Laughs)
"Interesting"
V: "It is. May be I would get to meet you"
"Yes, that would be good!"
V: "You haven't even seen me have you?"
"No, not yet"
V: "I mean in pictures"
"No, not even in pictures"
V: "Aren't you curious?"
"I am"
V: "Let me send you one from the ones I took in Vienna"
"Great"

That was 3 months ago. 100 calls, 57 emails dozens of e-cards and regular chats later, she was absolutely in love with him. He seemed to be very fond of her too. Mita couldn't wait for him to come to Vancouver. He lived in Atlanta. He was planing to come to Vancouver for 4 days.

His flight would arrive in half an hour- she was waiting for him at the airport. She checked herself in the mirror. She didn't want to look too anxious or too eager to meet him but she was both.

Finally his flight landed. She recognized him instantly. After a bit of hesitation, they were talking like they always did on the phone.

He had made reservations at one of the downtown hotels. After dinner she dropped him off.

He called her late at night hoping to leave a message but she picked up the phone.

"Still up?"
"About to sleep", she lied. "Everything ok?"
"Yes, just wanted to tell you I had a wonderful time."
"Me too"
"I will visit my Di tomorrow morning and evening is all yours"
"Great! Look forward to it"
“When are we visiting Nidhi?”
“Up to you.”
"Whenever you want is fine with me"
"It’s a 3 hours drive, how about Sunday?”
“Sunday sounds good”

She met him at the Chinese garden at 4 the next day. They walked hand in hand in the garden...but he was quieter today.

"Is something bothering you?"
"No"
"Sure?"
He smiled.
"It’s my Di, she is such a strong woman, and an extremely nice one too!"
"Everything ok with her"
"Yes. She has gone through a lot", he managed a smile.
"You seem to be very close to her"
"I am. As a child, she pampered me a lot. They were our neighbors for about 8 years."

He got a call from her on his phone.

"Di, I promised her I will spend the evening with her...Ok will try"
He put his hand on the phone.
"She is calling us for dinner. Would you like to?", he asked Mita
"If you would like to go then sure"
"Awesome"
He continued on the phone. "Yes, Di we will be there at 8.00"

They spent the rest enjoying each others company. Went to Mita's place so that she could change into something more traditional...a sari perhaps. She wanted to make the right impression on anyone who was important to Vivek.

They drove to this new part of Vancouver. She was a bit nervous. He assured her, "They will love you...just like I do"
She smiled.
He knocked on the door.
His Di opened the door, standing behind her was Shalesh.
Mita still felt the sting of the slap, which she had received from her the last time she met her.

Second Last Part

[A few notes,
-authors comment are bold
-Part 3 does not add much to the story-and hence you can safely skip it
latest part *flashing*
If you are in the mood of a better story click here
]

"Talk to him once if you don't like him then just reject him!"
Mita was uncomfortable with this...she hated this concept...of being looked at or looking at someone in that way. It is so much better to know people for who they are without having to see them through the prospective angle/lens.
It’s pretty stressful to talk to someone with that little piece of information at the back of your head.
It came as a relief that Nidhi had already done the ground work for her. She had already told the guy "everything" -all the things that had stopped others in their track! After all it was Nidhi's cousin she was talking about.
"I can't reject anyone! It’s so cruel!"
"Fine, do whatever you want" she could sense the anger in Nidhi's voice.
And we all know when a woman uses the word "fine" that means trouble.
"To be honest with you Nidhi...I am ok the way I am...I don't want any of this"
"Fine. All I am asking is to talk to him"
"I am more comfortable emailing"
"Okie will let him know"
"Thanks hon! And don't you get angry with me...you are all I got here!"
"That’s what I am saying let me help you...you deserve so much better...and would I pick someone bad for you?"
"Okie my head is going to swell up now...so I will talk to you later"

She kept the phone down.
She received an email from him the next day. He told her that Nidhi had told him everything about her. He was fine with it, after all no one in this world is perfect and everyone has a history. And that he had heard so many good things from Nidhi about her. He wanted to know more about her from her.... At the end of the email, he asked for a picture.
Mita thought about it. Her heart and head both said "No" but for Nidhi's sake she will send him a picture. She wasn't a beauty just average looking...so she took a really bad picture of herself and sent it to him. Hoping he wouldn't be interested after that...after all how much can a guy take! But surprise of surprise he found her cute! And said how beautiful she looked.
And the emails began to flow in...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part -2
He seemed eager to know about her. He had said all the right things. But there was something that Mita could not put a finger on it but something in her being advised her against it...some sort of sixth sense. It had warned her before, but she had suppressed it then and the consequence she will have to live with for the rest of her life. She was utterly confused. On one hand was the pressure from everyone around her to get married...she was fast approaching the dreaded age. She didn't have anything special about her...average looks, average finances...and then at the top of it the stigma of...she shook her head to not even start thinking about that....
Nidhi had promised her she told him "everything"...he never mentioned any of it in his emails...only in the first he had mentioned none of us being perfect....
She didn't have it in her to find love again. And everyone else had given up on her...through it all Nidhi had stood by her like a rock...She still instilled hope in her...and after her(Mita's) last attempt had failed...Nidhi decided to step in and take some action and that’s how Vivek came in the picture.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 3

"Good Night!"
"Good night, Kev" she looked at the time it was already 7.30 and she was still at work trying to meet the unrealistic schedules that managers promise to the executive team!
She hated taking her work home but she didn't have much of a choice, she shoved the notebook in the bag and headed home, there were still people working...but she was exhausted.
"Good night guys"
"Good night Mita"
"Have a good one"
"See you tomorrow"

By the time she reached home it was already 8.30.
She rebooted her computer, logged into messenger, switched on the TV. Picked up the phone to check her messages.
You have 2 new messages. To listen to your messages press 11...
The automated voice response continued.
First Message
"Mita, its me (It was Nidhi) its 8 o clock where are you? Nothing particular will call you later. Bye"
To reply to the message press...Second message
"Haan meetu beta, call home...you didn't even call last week (It was mom)"
She calculated the time must be around 7 in the morning in India. It was too early to call mom and dad.

She called Nidhi
Her husband picked up the phone
"Hi Nidhant"
"Hi Mita, how are you?"
"I am good and you?"
"I am good too. You sound tired though"
"Kinda, long day at work..."
"Tell me about it! Let me call Nidhi"
"Thanks"
"Heeey!!!"
"Hi Nidhi, got your message"
"Yes, so how is it going?"
Mita knew what she was asking!
"katt rahi hai"
"Kaat maat...so how is it going with Vivek "
"I donno...he seems like a nice guy"
"He is"

"Leave her alone Nidhi...she just came back from work let her rest". She could overhear Nidant.

"You just got home? From work you mean?"
"Where else?”
"You know what Nidant is right will call you on the weekend"
"It’s ok. You tell me, how are you"
"Same old same old. I was talking to my aunt last night and it occurred to me you haven't told me how is it going with Vivek?"
"He emails me now and then and I reply to him. Last week he asked me if I have messenger".
Nidhi detected no emotions in the way she said that.
"You know what, take a few days off...lets go to Montreal..."
"I wish...release hai...and I have to fend for myself", she laughed.
"Hmm...we will have to do something about that"
They both laughed.
"Mita, call me on the weekend"
"Alrighty"
"Bye."
"Bye"

She worked on the project for a few hours.
What a life she thought. It occurred to her no wonder she did not have anyone in her life...where was the time for it? An online relationship was all she had time for!

----------------------------------------
*Sorry folks totally went of track here...will get back on track soon! This sounds more like vi's life then mita's ;)*


Part 4
She checked her mail. There was one from Vivek. She opened it almost excitedly.
It read:
Hi Mita,
I am going out of town for a week. Just letting you know (not that it matters…we are not in the same town or even country for that matter!)…might not get a chance to reply to your mail fast enough! I am going to Vienna on a business trip. I will be back in a week’s time.

Take care.
Vivek

It seemed so matter of fact. She was almost disappointed. But she was partly to blame for it. He had given her his number in the first email itself. She still hadn’t called him or given him her number. It was not that she was playing hard to get, she just wasn’t sure of herself anymore. Shal(esh) had completely shattered her belief in people as well as her self-esteem. Although, if he(Vivek) really wanted he could have got it from Nidhi-he had asked her instead. She thought.

She clicked the reply button but decided against it. It was about time she called him.They had been exchanging emails for over a month now. She needed to get past Shal at any cost; it was enough that he had driven her to insanity-the breakdown and all the trips to the shrink flashed before her eyes. And the slap that Shal’s wife registered across her face, the slap that finally brought her out of the lie she was living..everything came back to haunt her.

It was almost evening; she was still contemplating whether she should call him. She finally dialed the number.
“Vivek Speaking” an awesome voice answered.
“Hi Vivek”
“Hi” (confused)
“Guess who is calling!” This was more to know about all the women he knew (wicked!)
“Hmmm…Mita?”
She laughed.
“How did you know…must be the caller ID?”
“aa-oo- busted!”
Now they both laughed.
“So finally, I thought you would never call!”
“I wanted to…”
“It’s ok. So how are you?”
“I am good and you?”
“Couldn’t be better”
“So Vienna and that too for a business trip?”
“(Laughs) Yes, unfortunately. Nidhi tells me you are quite a traveler yourself”
“That would be an exaggeration. I have been to a few places that’s about it”
“Have you been to Vienna?”
“No, never been there”
There was a beep for an incoming call.
“Vivek, I have an incoming call…sorry will have to take it”
“Sure. Can I call you?”
“Sure you can! Bye”
“Bye”

one story idea many stories...Punds version...a must read!

"Talk to him once if you don't like him then just reject him!"

Mita was uncomfortable with this...she hated this concept...of being looked at or looking at someone in that way. It is so much better to know people for who they are without having to see them through the prospective angle/lens.

Its pretty stressful to talk to someone with that little piece of information at the back of your head.
It came as a relief that Nidhi had already done the ground work for her. She had already told the guy "everything" -all the things that had stopped others in their track! All the details. After all it was Nidhi's cousin she was talking about.

"I can't reject anyone! Its so cruel to do that"

“Fine, do whatever you want" she could sense the anger in Nidhi's voice
And we all know when a woman uses the word "fine" that means trouble.

"To be honest with you Nidhi...I am ok the way I am...I don't want any of this"

Fine. All I am asking you is talk to him"

"I am more comfortable emailing"

"Okie will let him know"

"Thanks hon! And don't you get angry with me...you are all i got here!"

"Thats what i am saying let me help you...you deserve so much better...and would I pick someone bad for you?"

"Okie my head is going to swell up now...so i will talk to you later"

She kept the phone down.

She recieved an email from him the next day. He told her that Nidhi had told him everything about her. He was fine with it, after all no one in this world is perfect and everyone has a history. And that he had heard so many good things from Nidhi about her. He wanted to know more about her from her.... At the end of the email. He asked for a picture.

Mita thought about it. Her heart and head both said "No" but for Nidhi's sake she will send him a picture. She wasn't a beauty just average looking...so she took a really bad picture of herself and sent it to him. Hoping he wouldn't be interested after that...after all how much can a guy take! But surprise of surprise he fould her cute! And said how beatiful she looked.

And the email began to flow in...

He seemed eager to know about her. He had said all the right things. But there was something that Mita could not put a finger on it but something in her being advised her against it...some sort of sixth sense. It had warned her before, but she had supressed it then and the consequence she will have to live with for the rest of her life. She was utterly confused. On one hand was the pressure from everyone around her to get married...she was fast approaching the dreaded age. She didn't have anything special about her...average looks, average finances...and then at the top of it the stigma of...she shook her head to not even start thinking about that....

Nidhi had promised her she told him "everything"...he never mentioned any of it in his emails...only in the first he had mentioned none of us being perfect....

She didn't have it in her to find love again. And everyone else had given up on her...through it all Nidhi had stood by her like a rock...She still instilled hope in her...and after her(Mita's) last attempt had failed...Nidhi decided to step in and take some action and thats how Vivek came in the picture.


Mita was warming up to Vivek but then she had her doubts. Men are always like that. They come up as caring and loving at first but turn out the opposite, a complete monster. There were times when she was at the receiving end, emotionally and physically. Right from her teen ages, she did not have much luck with men. They have been arrogant, abusive, self-centered and violent. She did not want to go through it again. Not after all these years. She just wanted to be her. Was there not one person who could stand by her? She had given so much to every relationship but what she has got back in return?

As she sat one night thinking of where life had taken her, she switched on her computer to find one more mail from Vivek. Her heart skipped a beat. She was surprised at her own anticipation. Two months ago, when Nidhi had given her email id to Vivek, she replied back just because Nidhi wanted it. Now she waited for his mails, replied the same hour and sometimes just checked to see if he sent anything, even a stupid forward.

She opened the mail. As always, the words were warm and kind. He was describing his day and then was asking about her day, the usual stuff. Even that made Mita like him more. She continued reading till she came to the last line

P. S.: I know you may still not like it, but can we meet?

Mita froze, not by the request but on the thought of meeting him. Communicating through mail was easy but meeting personally was something she was not prepared for. For the first time, she did not reply back immediately. Mita spent the whole night thinking. In the morning she called Nidhi. Nidhi was overjoyed.

“You should go”
“But….”
“Listen, no buts, just go! I know Vivek, he is very shy. He asking to meet is certainly a good sign and if you afraid to go alone, take Shweta”
“But….”
“Fine! Do whatever you want”

Mita sighed helplessly. This was sheer blackmail. She agreed reluctantly. She replied back to the mail agreeing to meet him. The reply from him was instant and rather enthusiastic. The date and time was fixed.


From morning Mita was feeling a little nervous. She had to meet Vivek in the evening. She decided to take Nidhi’s advice and take Shweta along. Convincing her was not a problem. But her dance class in the evening was a big hurdle. She talked to Nidhi who agreed to drop Shweta at the restaurant itself which meant she was going to face him alone. She dreaded that.

By evening she was getting jittery. She fussed over her dress and her make-up and her jewelry. Nidhi who had volunteered to help her get ready was surprised at her enthusiasm.

They laughed like teenagers getting ready and fighting over the dress. Mita felt like a teenager again. She looked at herself in the mirror. Not bad, not bad at all!


Mita sat on the corner table. No sign of him yet. Had she been stood up, again? She was made to look stupid, again. He last few days, she had felt a renewed interest in life, a will to live life at its fullest. She was willing to live again, dream again. As she waited for him, she was seeing her dreams crashing one by one. She smiled at herself. Atleast, they did not have to go through the break phase.

“Hi, Mita?” A sweet firm voice woke her from her thoughts.
“huh? Yes! Yes! Ohh Hi” She fumbled with her words
“Its Vivek, Sorry I am late. Had to do some errand and the traffic, you know how it is?”
She smiled back. Her mind was screaming. “Say something! Stupid!”

“Oh! Don’t worry! I have just been waiting for the last 2 hours….only” She could have bitten her tongue when she said that. “Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!” her mind screamed.

He laughed at that joke. “I am very sorry. I will make up to it! I promise!”

“Please sit! I hope you are comfortable. This is odd for me too. I don’t meet females in restaurants, you know. But since Nidhi thought we should meet and she said you wanted to meet too.”

Nidhi! So this was Nidhi’s idea. She was cursing Nidhi in her head. What a show of anger that girl can put.

“I am sorry. But Nidhi told me that you wanted to meet” Mita corrected him
“Oh! Is it? The devil she is!” The waiter came to their table and they ordered giving her the choice to order for herself and for him too. She was impressed. No man had asked for her choices.

They started talking over food. A bit shy at first, they started opening up slowly. After some time, they were cracking jokes.

“This is different” Mita thought and smiled at herself.

She noticed that, he was glancing at the door from time to time. She had been doing so too. Shweta should be here by now.

“Are you expecting someone?” She asked
“Yes! She should have been here long time ago!” He replied without looking at her.

Mita looked at him, shocked. She? Did he say She? This was not what she had expected. Maybe he had met someone else. This was just a bye-bye dinner. As she was Nidhi’s friend, he felt an obligation to tell her in person. Her dreams started crashing again. He was going to introduce her to his new girl-friend? She felt like a loser already. Why the hell did she agree to Nidhi?

“There is something I wanted to tell you” he said taking another helping of the pulav.
“Here it comes” Mita thought

Without actually waiting for a reply, he continued “We have been talking on the email a lot. Nidhi has told everything about you and I feel that everyone makes mistakes”

“Mistake?” She thought, Even He agreed, it was a mistake. All this crap about starting a new life and everything, all this was a mistake. He was referring to his mistake of talking to her in the first place. She was feeling humiliated there. She just wanted to get it over with. She wanted to cry her heart out.

“Since the last few days, I feel that I have found the perfect person to spend my life with for the rest of my life” He continued looking into her eyes. She looked at him, shocked

Yes! She was right. He had come here to tell that everything was over. What kind of happiness did he get by telling her on her face? She had come all the way here to see who he was going to marry?

“There she is” he said looking at the door.

Mita was just trying to get out of the shock of him telling her about his “Life partner” and now the ‘other’ woman in her life was at the door. She turned toward the door, expecting to see a beautiful woman smiling, but saw a small 5-year old girl running up to him.

“Daddy” She jumped on him. He caught her lightly.

Standing behind was Nidhi, still holding Shweta’s hand. Shweta’s other hand was holding a dripping ice-cream. Shweta looked at Mita and walked to her.

“Mummy! Nidhi aunty is nice she gave me two ice-creams but Ashi only wanted one” Shweta smiled pointing to the little girl sitting on Vivek’s lap.

Mita was confused. Vivek was smiling and Nidhi was smiling and happy.

“Sorry! I did not tell you.” Nidhi started “It was just that you would freak out when you know Vivek was already married once, just like you. His wife died two years back. He saw you, when you came to drop Shweta in the dance classes. Ashi is his daughter. He saw you there with me and then when we talked about you and then I told him everything. Everything from your first marriage, your drunk husband, the abuses and the divorce.” Nidhi completed in one breath as she sat next to them.

Mita was still shocked to say anything.

“She didn’t know about Ashi?” Vivek asked “I told you Nidhi. She has to know everything”

“You don’t know she is paranoid. She has let a number of good men pass and always made some bad choices. Have you asked her?” Nidhi asked. Vivek nodded affirmatively.

“Look Mita! I always thought you had made some bad choices but then you always believed them. Even when you married, you thought he would change. He didn’t. If I would have introduced Vivek with all the truth, you would have backed out. For you he would be a married man with a child. You would have never known him.” Nidhi was trying to reason out with Mita. “I think you both make a wonderful couple. He wanted someone who had a child of her own so that Ashi gets the same love her real mother would give her.”

Mita looked at Ashi. She was a sweet child. Ashi and Shweta were playing at the other table totally oblivious of the drama happening there. Mita looked at Vivek and then at Nidhi. There were some decision to be made. It was of no use waiting and thinking it over. She was tired of putting her decision on hold and then regretting over it.

She looked at Vivek “Vivek, call me in the evening. We need to talk” She called out to Shweta to go home.

Vivek was silent “Listen! I am sorry. I thought Nidhi…”His voice trailed of looking at her face. Nidhi stood there silent. She shook her hands in despair.

Mita took Shweta’s hand and started walking toward the exit. Nidhi wanted to call her from behind but decided otherwise.

Mita stopped, looked back at Vivek and Nidhi. She kneeled down in front of Shweta and looked her in her eyes

“Do you know, who Ashi is?” Mita asked Shweta. Nidhi shook her head in despair expecting her anger to come out then and there. Shweta nodded a big “No”

‘Well! Beta! She is your sister” Mita smiled looking at Vivek and Nidhi. Shweta jumped with joy. Vivek was smiling sheepishly. Nidhi was too happy to say anything.

Mita got up, looked at Vivek again, smiling this time “Vivek, call me, I need to discuss a lot of things with you. A lot of things need to be planned out for the wedding” Vivek and Nidhi smiled back in agreement.

Compromises...

I know that I am(was?) strong (emotionally speaking) I can live life on my own terms, I know conformity is for the "ordinary" people. And it is possible to have a fulfilled life without following the "bhed chal"! Yet, I feel weak sometimes, despite knowing everything I am willing to turn a blind eye? Why? Its just easier that way and who wants a struggle all the time!

It's difficult to explain. Lets say, there are certain things that are discomfortable - for example some cloths or shoes whatever - but you wear them because everyone does, its the thing to do. Its the same with life you do certain things because everyone does it...go to school, go to college, find a job, find a husband/wife (even a lousy one would do just so that everyone would get off your case).

But again its a mind game - if you want to give it importance it is important if you don't, no big deal...another girly example? Like a women who wears makeup every single day would hesitate to go to say a mall (where she doesn't know anyone) without make up thinking she wouldn't look attractive enough (as if anyone really gives a damn!). Its all in the mind! Ok I am confused here...I use to be good at this stuff when I was in school...seems like I have lost my touch...

One shouldn't have to make Compromises! But I still see myself making them at every step of the way...reminds me of a song from a film a friend and I recently discussed...

Yeh Jeevan Hai, Is Jeevan Ka
Yahi Hai - Yahi Hai - Yahi Hai Rang-roop
Thode Ghum Hain, Thodi Khushiyan
Yahi Hai - Yahi Hai - Yahi Hai Chaon Dhoop
Yeh Jeevan Hai...
Yeh Na Socho Isme Apni Haar Hai Ke Jeet Hai
Ise Apna Lo Jo Bhi Jeevan Ki Reet Hai
Yeh Zid Chodo, Bandhan Yuh Na Todo
Har Pal Ek Darpan Hai
Yeh Jeevan Hai...

Part 3 posted

Okie people...want story ideas...read this and give ideas on what mita should do...best suggestion gets...whatever you want...

"Talk to him once if you don't like him then just reject him!"
Mita was uncomfortable with this...she hated this concept...of being looked at or looking at someone in that way. It is so much better to know people for who they are without having to see them through the prospective angle/lens.
Its pretty stressful to talk to someone with that little piece of information at the back of your head.
It came as a relief that Nidhi had already done the ground work for her. She had already told the guy "everything" -all the things that had stopped others in their track! All the details. After all it was Nidhi's cousin she was talking about.
"I can't reject anyone! Its so cruel to do that"
"Fine, do whatever you want" she could sense the anger in Nidhi's voice
And we all know when a woman uses the word "fine" that means trouble.
"To be honest with you Nidhi...I am ok the way I am...I don't want any of this"
"Fine. All I am asking you is talk to him"
"I am more comfortable emailing"
"Okie will let him know"
"Thanks hon! And don't you get angry with me...you are all i got here!"
"Thats what i am saying let me help you...you deserve so much better...and would I pick someone bad for you?"
"Okie my head is going to swell up now...so i will talk to you later"

She kept the phone down.
She recieved an email from him the next day. He told her that Nidhi had told him everything about her. He was fine with it, after all no one in this world is perfect and everyone has a history. And that he had heard so many good things from Nidhi about her. He wanted to know more about her from her.... At the end of the email. He asked for a picture.
Mita thought about it. Her heart and head both said "No" but for Nidhi's sake she will send him a picture. She wasn't a beauty just average looking...so she took a really bad picture of herself and sent it to him. Hoping he wouldn't be interested after that...after all how much can a guy take! But surprise of surprise he fould her cute! And said how beatiful she looked.
And the email began to flow in...

Now...don't know what to do with Mita...suggestions on what she should do are welcome...and keep in mind this is fiction ;)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part -2
He seemed eager to know about her. He had said all the right things. But there was something that Mita could not put a finger on it but something in her being advised her against it...some sort of sixth sense. It had warned her before, but she had supressed it then and the consequence she will have to live with for the rest of her life. She was utterly confused. On one hand was the pressure from everyone around her to get married...she was fast approaching the dreaded age. She didn't have anything special about her...average looks, average finances...and then at the top of it the stigma of...she shook her head to not even start thinking about that....
Nidhi had promised her she told him "everything"...he never mentioned any of it in his emails...only in the first he had mentioned none of us being perfect....
She didn't have it in her to find love again. And everyone else had given up on her...through it all Nidhi had stood by her like a rock...She still instilled hope in her...and after her(Mita's) last attempt had failed...Nidhi decided to step in and take some action and thats how Vivek came in the picture.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part 3

"Good Night!"
"Good night, Kev" she looked at the time it was already 7.30 and she was still at work trying to meet the unrealistic schedules that managers promise to the executive team!
She hated taking her work home but she didn't have much of a choice, she shoved the notebook in the bag and headed home, there were still people working...but she was exhausted.
"Good night guys"
"Good night Mita"
"Have a good one"
"See you tomarrow"

By the time she reached home it was already 8.30.
She rebooted her computer, logged into messenger, switched on the t.v. Picked up the phone to check her messages.
You have 2 new messages. To listen to your messages press 11...
The automated voice response continued.
First Message
"Mita, its me (It was Nidhi) its 8 o clock where are you? Nothing particular will call you later. Bye"
To reply to the message press...Second message
"Haan meetu beta, call home...you didn't even call last week (It was mom)"
She calculated the time must be around 7 in the morning in India. Too early to call mom and dad.

She called Nidhi
Her husband picked up the phone
"Hi Nidhant"
"Hi Mita, how are you?"
"I am good and you?"
"I am good too. You sound tired though"
"Kinda, long day at work..."
"Tell me about it! Let me call Nidhi"
"Thanks"
"Heeey!!!"
"Hi Nidhi, got your message"
"Yes, so how is it going?"
Mita knew what she was asking!
"katt rahi hai"
"Kaat maat..so hows it going with Vivek "
"I donno...he seems like a nice guy"
"He is"

Leave her alone Nidhi...she just came back from work let her rest. She could overhear Nidant.

"You just got home? from work you mean?"
"Where else?"
"ok..you know what nidant is right will call you on the weekend"
"Its ok. You tell me, how are you"
"Same old same old. I was talking to my aunt last night and it occured to me you haven't told me how its going with Vivek"
"He emails me now and then and I reply to him. Last week he asked me if i have messenger".
Nidhi detected no emotions in the way she said that.
"You know what, take a few days off...lets go to Montreal..."
"I wish...release hai...and I have to fend for myself", she laughed.
"hmm..we will have to do something about that"
They both laughed.
"Mita, call me on the weekend"
"Alrighty"
"Bye."
"Bye"

She searched for some kind of a quick meal...baggett-tomatoes- she decided to make do bruchetta with cranberry juice.
She longed for a well cooked meal...like mom made.

She worked on the project for a few hours.
What a life she thought. It occured to her no wonder she did not have anyone in her life...where was the time for it? Online relationships was all she had time for!

----------------------------------------
Sorry folks totally went of track here...will get back on track soon! This sounds more like vi's life then mita's ;)

Farewell

So march 31...my last day at --. It was also xyz last day at --.
He has worked there for 5 years...and he is very popular.... There was a cake cutting ceremony esp. for him. I forgot the time so by the time i heard the cheers it was already crowded. So i stood at the back listening to him talk about his time there...etc etc and the simultaneous going of at least 40 camra clicks when he cut the cake...he thanked everyone...through it all he saw me...standing at the back...and gestured to come to him. I nodded and he put his arms out...so i walked passed the crowd and went to him...and very naturally a hug followed. In front of everyone...And before I realised everyone's eyes were on me...or at least thats the feeling i got...
People hung around for about 20 minutes xyz opened his present and thanked everyone...then he started to cry...and got really emotional...told everyone thanks...please go back to work now...everyone dispersed some with tears in their eyes...I went back and told him, I want a pic with you...he said sure. So A took our pic, then P called everyone and we took a pic with everyone. Then I went back to my cubicle...thought about how nice xyz had been to me....went to shops downstair and got him something I know he is fond of...I was going to his office and he was on his way out...so i said "My thank you note"
"For what hon?"
"For everything you've done for me"
"What is it?"
Its nothing just a note of thanks
He began to open it and I protested
"Don't open it here"
"Why not...whats in it?"
"Nothing"
"Ok lets go to the meeting room...you and me"
"No xyz"
He was opening the envelop again
"Please!"
"Ok but if it has something I am going to track you down at your new work place" he joked.

After work we went to this resturant. We went in the subway...it was fun.
I asked him are you sad?
"A little"
I didn't want to be clinging to him to much.
At resturant people busied themselves with beer and food...both of which I could not participate in...so in an hour or so decided to go home. I didn't want to say bye so decided to slip out but it didn't work with y and xyz. They came down to see me off...with a promise to keep in touch and hugs to last a life time we bid farewell....

Bye...Yet again!

I have lived quite a nomadic life but goodbye have always been difficult. And today was no different. I worked with them for less then 5 months but today I felt as if...
In these short 4 or so months I had the opportunity to work with some of the nicest people I have ever met...thanks Y and M you guys are the best! I am totally hugged out today...lost count...went to a resturant after work...me fasting but couldn't say no to xyz now could I?

This is some of what I have learned from the these two...

Be nice to people (everyone!)...it can make a difference in someone's life...
-->I was always indifferent (at work that is---or as they call it Professional) before this...

Be patient...Y had to really put up with my stupid questions sometimes...but he never lost his cool or showed any irritation!
--> I did not join teaching school because I am not good at answering the same question more then two times...

Go out of your way to be helpful...may be the other person is hesitant if you know they need your help offer it, don't wait for them to come to you...
--> I generally mind my own business

Don't judge people...
-->well thats something...I have always believed in but it just re-affirmed my faith in it

Be more forgiving...
I have always had issues with forgiveness....but now I realize more and more....resentment is not good for one's health...

--->And no, all this does not mean be a doormat...

Sankalp

Every 6 months I have this ritual of sankalp...a pleadge...Its usually a few minutes before an image of durga...the night before and till now it was just something thats done...but today I realised something...if a pledge/resolve...can give me the strength to do what I normally can't (read: keep me calm and composed and relatively happy mood despite no carbs)...then it must be a powerful thing!
So beside that I have also taken another sankalp today...and I have always been a believer that you can make anything you say true...in other word make your word potent...by not uttering falsehood...its not an easy path but hi...its worth the challenges....

For my daughter....written in a happy state of mind!

Inspiration:
Mere ghar aai(aiyggi?) ek nanhi pari...
Esp love the last few lines
MaiN Tere Dil MeiN Thii Hameshaa Se
Ghar MeiN Aai HuuN Aaj Pahalii Baar
....

Recently had a maternal phase...
First happened to lay my hands on a book called "Chicken soup for the mothers soul" so after soggy pillow, and swollen eyes on Friday...(HAHAHA-I am not in a psych ward yet...but get a feeling I will be there soon!) things are back to normal.

Ever since I can remember I was wanted to be a MOM! I love kids, they are just adorable...cute cuddly little people.. :)

Anyways, I was reading the Lalita Sahasranamam and came across a name that I had always thought I would give my daughter...when I have one! And a train of thought followed, how nice it would be to inculcate values in a child, imagine vi and little vi together...vi reading the naamavali and little vi's name would come up, and I would tell her the story behind her name, and she would be happy to know of ancient-ness of her name, and pride in it too...
Or, I could even try my hand at singing...
May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam,
And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you're far from home.
May you grow to be proud, dignified, and true,
And do unto others as you'd have done to you.
Be courageous and be brave,
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever young

So went out today...thought of buying some new cloths...couldn't find anything :( but came across this very pretty dress for a 2-5 year old...green and magenta so cute...so I bought it...of course for T's daughter...:)

The count down

10 days left...then new people new place new stuff...have this strange feeling..uncertainity...don't know what the people there will be like...I know they can't be as nice as xyz...I will miss him...everyday when I look at him I think 10 days and then I won't be seeing him anymore...and the fact that he is so affectionate makes it even more difficult.
This last year I have had so many people in my life, ...its been a hectic year 3 job changes, courses, spiritual highs, and financial highs, but emotional lows...every job is better then the last...title, money but its so damn shallow...
Recently realised how clingy I have become...seriously, clingy...its probably insecurity...but I am getting back on track every morning I tell my self...I should be grateful for what I have...and I should have faith...they say faith can move mountains...may be my faith is not that strong but I have to make it strong...
Looking back have been with this group since late Nov....
Came on "special assignment" for 3 days...during crunch time...
A week later, xyz talked to my manager and had me transfered to his team...my lucky day...gave me a better rate, closer to home and boss who calls you "beautiful","love", "honey" who (almost) always smiles, gives you a day off when you look tired, lends a shoulder to cry on, ...gives you his cellphone when you need to go somewhere you might need to be in touch, who writes recommendation letters 4 in a day! who just makes you feel special, who is just awesome, who you can't help but feel bad about leaving, who you can't stop talking about, who is a blessing! Yes, he is a blessing because I was at a point when I needed that job desperately for various reasons, when I was going insane commuting 3 hours each day, I prayed to durga ma and to Shiva to help and that help came in the form of xyz. So he is a blessing!