'Parting' hurts!!

Aji has gone back to India; which means one place less for us to go during our weekends. Is that all?? No...it's more than that. It was not just a hang out place for us; it was a place where we could just rush in any time without thinking much. When you live in a foreign land, away from parents and relatives, such people and places are something that gives a sense of security, a feeling that you are not alone here.

A train of thoughts comes to my mind when I think of her. We started our acquaintance during our B-Tech days. Aji was famous in college for her PJ's then :).Those days we were in different classes and had our casuals talks during our bus journeys etc. We came to know more about each other after B-Tech when we both joined a construction firm in Trivandrum. It was a site office and we were the only girls there, needless to say that was a bonding period for us.

Later, whatever happened in our lives were such that we were destined to be together. Both of us got admission for the same course and in the same college for M-Tech. We stayed in the same hostel for one year, but in different rooms. This was the time when we became more close to each other. We ran the mess committee, our small fights during that, did combined studies, shared the deepest secrets in our lives..... Also for the next one year project, both of us were lucky enough to get guides in VSSC, Trivandrum. During this time, we also joined for music classes in the same place - Aji for guitar and me for keyboard. Can't forget the small small funny incidents during our car journeys these times.

Our course finished and we passed out with flying colours. Both of us applied for the same job abroad. Aji had always been fascinated about Dubai since she spent her childhood here, and also her father and uncle were working here, and she really wished for this job. Whereas, I din't have anybody here and so was not much fascinated in coming to Dubai. Parallely, we were also trying for other jobs in India. Both of us got offers from firms in India. I decided to take up the job while Aji got married to Sinu who was working in a reputed company in Dubai. I felt so happy for her that God had planned in such a manner that Aji, who herself is a great believer of God, could get to the place where she wished to be.

Meanwhile, M-Tech classmate and would-be, Naveen (now my husband) got a job offer in UAE and flew to the desertland. Can't forget the fact that it was Aji and Sinu who received him well and called me 2-3 times to India to assure me that he had safely reached there. Also can't forget that it was Aji's mobile sim that Naveen used till he got a new one.

Aji and Sinu made it a point to gift me a beautiful present a few days before marriage since they were flying back to Dubai by that time. I flew to Dubai with my husband after marriage and should say, our friendship with Aji and Sinu strengthened once again after that. We used to discuss all sorts of things, go for movies, outings,get-togethers and what not.... At this point, I must say that these people could be so much relied upon that they were always ready for outings and movies irrespective of day and night; really treasure those moments.

Time passed by, dear God blessed the couple with a cute baby. They named him 'Chris'...We had the opportunity of seeing him even before Sinu saw him, since we were on our vacation in Kerala then. And Sinu got his leaves ready days after the baby was born. They came back to Dubai with baby Chris. Recession time was here and Aji lost her job in UAE. But she was happy looking after Chris and decided to search for jobs after some time. Sinu decided to go for higher studies since this is the best time for it.

Leaving back a lot of memories, its time for us to part. Sure,we are also getting back to our homeland in not much time and we still can have our get-togethers all over again. But, a bit depressed to accept the fact that Aji,Sinu and Chris, who were more than friends to us has left Dubai....

Picture Courtesy : http://www.photoree.com/search?q=time%20to%20depart&l=-

Love-A sweet emotion or not??

"Love is the sweetest emotion"

Have heard this quite often here and there. Though, can't agree with it fully; it is not so atleast for all. It can be the most painful feeling too. And this pain can create magic to the hurt one's life too!! Really!!

"Within you I lose myself
Without you I find myself
Wanting to be lost again."

Author Unknown
Reference : http://www.wedding-references.com/romantic_love_poems.htm

Its when you give the highest priority to what you call ‘love’ that problems arise in life. You find no time for anyone else, for any other activities; and finally, it takes control over your entire life. It may appear as though each and every next thing you do in life can’t go without causing an impact in your love life. The result of it being misunderstandings, possessiveness and what not!!

Now, let’s think of it the other way….Just consider it as a part of life just like any other thing happening in your life. All that were there in your life is still there. It’s only that a special person whom you want to be your person in life forever enters into the scene. You tend to complement each other in your day to day lives, share your special moments with each other, enjoy your own life with sufficient space allotted to each and everyone who were always there around you….

Love can still be a sweet emotion :) …

Tagged??

Here goes my answers,Seems :)

1. What curse word do you use the most?
I kept this qn as the last one to answer...stil I don't remember any...Hardly curses..

2. Do you own an iPod?
Nope...

3. What person do you talk to on the phone the most?
My hubby...its been so since college days :)Infact, fell in love with him thru our phone conversations...still continuing even after marriage :)

4. Do you still remember the first person you kissed?
Oh yes...very much :)

5. Do you remember where you were on 11/9/01?
In God's own country...Kerala..wen i was doin by B-Tech.

6. What was the last movie you watched?
Started watching 'Rab ne bana de jodi' online yesterday...if its a full movie - '15th Park Avenue'

7. Has anyone ever called you lazy?
Hmmm...don't think so,though I'm lazy at times...

8. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep?
Not till last night ...

9. Has anyone told you a secret this week?
Nope ..

10. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Overall apperanace maybe...i guess its the same with the same sex too!

11. What are you looking forward to?
A long vacation back in homeland...

12. Do you own any band t-shirts?
Not really...

13. What will you be doing in one hour?
Complete an assignment...

14. Is anyone in love with you?
Yes ofcourse!!my ex-classmate (my husband at present :)

15. Last time you cried?
Thinking hard.....no,i don't remember...

16. Are you on a desktop computer or a laptop?
Desktop...

17. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos?
Not at all!!

18. Would you ever date anyone covered in tattoos?
I hate tattoos...

19. What were you doing before this?
Reading Preethi's and Seema's tag posts...

20. When is the last time you slept on the floor?
Maybe 2-3 mths back...slept on our drawing hall floor for a change...

21. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
Minimum 6 hrs is a must.

22. Do you eat breakfast daily?
Yes,my sensitive tummy creates problems if I don't...

Seriously speaking, since I'm new to the blogging world, really don't know whats this tagging affair...What happens once you get tagged??please excuse my ignorance...

15 Frozen Minutes

This happened sometime during my school times. I used to go for my dance classes then. Nearby was my friend's home, which was almost like a home to me because our fathers were friends from college and then colleauges and we became family friends...So usually, after classes I go there and spend some time.Later, my father will come to pick me up.There was a pet dog there - a pomeranian. Needless to say, I was indeed much scared of dogs that I used to tremble with fear whenever it comes near me. This fact well known, whenever I was there, they used to take care and ensure that it doesn't come anywhere near me.

One such day after my classes I made my regular visit there. I opened the gate, went inside and ringed the bell. To my astonishment, guess who was there to receive me??None other than the sacred villain in my story - the pomy. He came running somewhere from the back courtyard. I got scared and ringed the bell again and again. But nobody was there to answer. And the pomy...he was standing there guard and barking, not giving me way to get out from there. My hands became cold, eyes got filled with tears. I stood there helpless shivering with fear not knowing what to do.

Around fifteen minutes must have passed by in this fearful situation. It was then that this surprising thing happened. I could see somebody coming towards me through my blurry eyes....my mom!!I just couldn't believe my eyes cos there was no reason for which she could be here at this time; other than being my 'life-protector'. Amma, who herself was scared of doggies, forgot all her fear and came in chasing the dog to my rescue. She caressingly comforted the scared and frozen me and took me to the vehicle waiting for us outside.

Amma and her friend were out from their office to go somewhere and since it was on their way, she thought of checking and collecting me if I was there. I should say it was none other than the inviscible protector who made her pass by that house and check for me at the right time. Mom, I love you for always being there :)

Filmi Hangover .....

A week before I saw Mr. & Mrs . Iyer.Wow...Awesome Movie,I must say .... Hats off to Konkana Sen and Rahul Bose for their performance as M'ee'nakshi & Mr Iyer (aka Jehangir Raja Chowdhary). Its such a beautiful movie that even after a week have passed, the hangover still carries on.

The way Aparna Sen have started off with the story telling about two strangers meeting in a red and white bus in a country having more than 18 languages itself sets in the mood.The way she develops the plot , how the relation between two strangers develops, its been beautifully picturised. Many a time, words are not needed to convey emotions. The best thing about the movie is that a lot of things are conveyed without much dialogues.

Hope to watch more movies from this great director and actors. Let more movies come that speak of 'subtle love' unlike todays masala movies which have lost its ability to capture the essence and beauty of love.

Nursery Times

My grandparents who lived with my Uncle used to make occassional visits to our home and stay with us for a few days. Just like all grand children I was also very happy with their stay with us. Grandpa used to collect me after school and we used to walk down to home, which otherwise was by school bus. We used to talk many things on the way back and make our walk interesting. One topic that comes on almost everyday was about my KG best friend, Priya, especially because her home was on our way. Another thing that caught my constant attention during the walk was a beautiful tree just opposite to the road of my school. This indeed was a very big tree with a lot of beautiful white flowers with yellow centers and these flowers could be seen all over the ground too. The fragrance spread by these flowers was just awesome that I still can feel it.

These are just some of the vague memories I have when I think about my Nursery times. What if I try to draw a parallel with the current situation??

My Grandpaa has become too old that he can't walk for long distances without somebody's help. My friend, Priya ... I don't even know where she is now. I wonder if she has ever thought about me after we parted. And for that beautiful tree, I hope atleast that remains spreading the same fragrance, shade and imparting joy to all the beholders.

But the sad thing is that it seems people are cutting down a lot of trees in my city nowadays. I don't understand why people have so much aversion for trees which does only good to mankind. It is such a sharp contrast that when here in desert land people are planting more and more trees, there where there is plenty of trees they are cutting it down and making the land barren. I really hope that this beautiful tree with its beautiful flowers and frangrance have not become a victim to man's vanity!!

Here and there

Another day is here to welcome a fresh Year ; Vishu 2010

Traditional styles of welcoming her with Vishukani,Vishukaineetam,Vishusadya etc can be followed wherever you are. But that's not enough to make one happy, I feel. Gone are the days when all your relatives get together and have a happy time together. Back in homeland, they still get together and celebrate. And me, away from all the celebrations .... How I yearn to get back to the ways it used to be ....

Sitting in the office in front of my PC on this auspicious day, I dont feel like working. I am taken back to my home where I can see all my relatives together ... they are having small talks teasing each other and having a good laugh. In between they do talk about me and say that I should have also been there to enjoy this moment ... Yes, physically I may be in a different land, far away, but in spirits, I'm there where I yearn to be at this moment ... I do see and feel everything ... Yes, I do :)

My long lost friend

I feel so happy today.My childhood friend in my 4th and 5th whom I had to part with 16 years ago have come searching for me again.What more do someone like me need to get excited like this??I had been searching for her through orkut and facebook for a long time, but in vain...I never had the idea if she remembers me or anything but still I was searching for her.And much to my delight, yesterday I saw a friend request from my long lost friend with a message asking if I remember her or not :) .... I could do nothing else but thank God for being so kind to me...Its really so touching to know that dear God is so concerned about each and every thing of a person like me ... Thankyou, thank you for everything :)

Your's faithfully .....

A FoGgY DaY

Early morning wake up
Finish the morning chores
Have a bath and be fresh
Drive for an hour in the cool,foggy morning
Reach office....then feel sleepy....
Feel like cuddling up within a blanket
And have a sound sleep 'zzzz'.....

Far Away From Homeland....

30+ years of life spent in a desert land
Away from loved ones, own country, everything
Now planning to go back and settle in homeland.

What will the thoughts be while going back?
Will things remain the same when they go back -
I wonder!!

This is definitely not your place ...
Whatever you get here are only momentary
It will not last forever

What you miss while you are away is missed forever
Go back....Realize your dreams!!
Life is short; it will not wait for you ....

Chukku Kaapi aka Kerala's herbal coffee

"There is nothing that you cannot get in Dubai" ; one hears this statement a number of times from the Malayalis living here. We, Keralites have got a number a things things which we can claim as only ours - like Vishukani, banana leaves, tulsi .... One another such thing is the 'Chukku kaapi' or Kerala's herbal/medicinal coffee prepared by mixing together chukku (dry ginger), pepper, cumins, tulsi, jaggery and coffee powder.

The other day,due to the changing weather conditions prior to the onset of summer, I got a bad cold and throat infection. I was advised by some of my friends here to have chukku kaapi being the best home remedy.I started searching for chukku in the nearby shops , but in vain .... it was not available anywhere. Finally after much searching I got into a less crowded shop without much expectation. When asked for the much awaited 'chukku' the guy said he din't have it but had ready mix 'chukku kaapi' powder. Wow...now that was a surprise to me. Without the menace of gathering all the ingrediants and mixing them to make the coffee, here there was a ready mix capsule like thing which could be boiled in a cup of water for just 2 minutes to get a cure for the illness!!

That night, I had a cup of this wonder coffee and much to my surprise, the irritating throat infection and cold which usually doesn't leave me for a week or so got cured the next day itself. I really had to thank this wonderful ready mix herbal coffee and not to forget, once again I'm tempted to say " There is nothing (atleast Malayali stuff) that you can't get in Dubai".....-

PickwicK & JokeS...

Pickwick, Jokes!! Remember these names?? It brings me reminiscences of childhood days. These were cream wafers which used to come in different flavours. Everyday after work, my father used to buy these for me and my brother. He used to make it a point that we don't get bored with a single flavour. So each day we had a chance to experience a different flavour - vanilla,strawberry,banana,chocolate.....

Time passed by and I don't remember at which point of life did he stop buying us the wafers. Maybe our interest had then shifted to something else. Pickwick wafers got completely forgotten.

Recently, my mom and me got into a supermarket to buy some stuff as a part of our next day family tour. While searching for some items, a name suddenly struck my eyes .... "PICKWICK". In a split of a second, I went back to my childhood days and an unknown joy filled my mind. The child in me couldn't resist any long and wasting no time I put a packet of it into the bag along with the other items.

The next day when I took it out for snacks, it was a big surprise for my brother too. He too had forgotten it all these times. Thanks to Pickwick, we spent some time speaking about our old times and on the whole it added some more sweetness to our tour...

Excitement :)

Before I used to wait for my annual vacation so that I can get back to my home....sweet home. A perfect getaway - from desert land to green land.I remember how I used to count down the days. But today, I realise its just 10 days left for me to go home and I don't believe I din't even think about it till now. It was only when I told my colleague that I'm going home next month and he responded 'Oh,in April?', I realised and said "No, it's in March, this month, I'm going".

So what is it that has put my spirits down??

This time, I have two important reasons for going home.
(i) Its on a day of this month that we 9 friends (schoolmates) have promised to meet in front of our alma mater. The promise was made 10 years back!! Among nine, its only two (me including) who have decided to make it on this day. Still,I'm happy atleast two of us are going to be there.

(ii) We have an important ceremony going to be held by the end of this month in our family temple. All immediate members of our family will be attending the function. Pretty happy that I can be with all of them but sad that my better half will not be there since he got caught up with some work.

Leave aside the negative part, I have reason enough to be excited....I'm going home....sweet home... :)

Rain in Dubai ...

I have always loved the rains back in India.The earth's smell,raindrops on lush green leaves and flowers,birds dancing in the rain...just the thought of it brings a beautiful feeling inside.

But rain here in Dubai is a sharp contrast to all that.Here,life becomes worse with a day of continuous rainfall.Roads get completely flooded and the worse of all you get completely stuck up in traffic.It takes hours to commute from home to office and back.Here I dont get any fresh earth smell nor do I get any beautiful feelings that once I used to.When another rainy day is here, the first thing that I say is "Oh,please don't rain,please...."

My first attempt in blogging

I have gone through various blogs of people I know and whom I don't know.Its been a favorite pass time of mine..All those times,I never thought I would create a blog for myself.But it happened...now... As the saying goes "Everything happens for a good cause", maybe this must also have happened for something good.

Thoughts....as the name indicates is going to be a platform for my flowing thoughts and I wish to get true and 'from the heart' constructive criticism and feedback from fellow bloggers.