THE DAY THAT WAS….

On December 6, 2006, I walked down the aisle with my best friend and companion of four years amidst all celebrations and loud cheers. I was standing besides him, coy as ever, waiting to embrace the joys of married life. I could see the joyous face of my mother, his parents and lots of well-wishers.

After all the celebrations were over we retired to our abode. We were to take a flight the next morning for our short honeymoon trip of three days to Goa. After this trip, we were to fly back to Mumbai to attend his cousin’s wedding and then leave on the following day for our next trip to “Gods Own Country-Kerala”. The next morning we left for our honeymoon amongst all the crying and sobbing. Though initially I was a little sad about leaving my mom behind, later I began having a gala time there with all the water games and sports and the beautiful Goa locales.

After three days of pure bliss, we left for Mumbai. We reached his place around nine at night. I was tad nervous initially since this was the first time I was actually going to be put up at his place with all his people around and most importantly without my mom. Most of his relatives were still around due to the marriage which was on the next day. Towards midnight most of the guests had left for their respective homes and I was left with my parents-in-law and husband. My father-in-law, a true gentleman was not keeping well for the past three months and on the day of my marriage too was in a real bad shape. He called me next to him and held my hand. He got a lump in his throat as he was thanking my mother who single-handedly conducted my marriage in such a grand manner. He said he has never been so happy before and the marriage was more than what he expected. Those were his last words to me and then he retired to bed. I went into my room with my husband. We began to unpack our bags and prepare for the marriage which was on the next day. I saw my father-in-law go inside the rest room. After about 20 minutes, I told my husband that father was inside for a long time. He said that it was quite common since and all of them were used to this. After about 40 minutes I started panicking and asked my husband to check on him. My husband went and knocked at the door. There was no response but we could hear the water flowing. My husband became hysterical and he started pounding on the door. That’s when my mother-in-law woke up and came running. She fainted when she heard that father was not responding. Eventually my husband had to break the door open. And the next thing that I saw changed everything for me from that moment. I saw my father-in-law lying in the pool of water with his eyes all gone up and saliva drooling from his mouth. His body had become cold and he was not even breathing. I was too stunned to react to anything. It was as if I had lost my senses. Me along with my husband together pulled out the heavy limp body and placed it on the floor. By this time my husband was in tears and my mother-in-law wasn’t even responding to anything. With the little knowledge that I had, I started pumping his heart. But it was too late for all that. I immediately called up my brother-in-law who stays nearby and asked him to rush with a doctor. But we had realised by then that it was too late for all that. My father-in-law had passed away. I still wanted to be a little optimistic and wait for the doctor to come and give his verdict. By then I started calling up my brothers desperately. I was not even crying since I was too shocked to understand the gravity of the situation. In the next ten minutes the doctor arrived and pronounced him dead. This was at 12.30 at night

That’s it. I fell down on the floor in the state of shock. I saw my world collapse in front of me. By then his daughters arrived and chaos and screams rented the air. I ran inside the bedroom and fell into my husbands arms. I didn’t know what to do. The practical person in me was dead and I blamed myself for what happened and was sure that people too were going to say the same. My husband hugged me an told me that its not my fault. Father was always ailing. He tried to console me but of no use. By then people started filling in and I was lost in the crowd. I sat there at the edge of the bed staring at the ground in shock. I didn’t speak a word. I didn’t even realise that the room was filled with ladies who were crying and my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were on the bed, crying their hearts out. I didn’t realise anything. I was brain-dead. I could just see my marriage collapse right in front of me. My best friend-my husband going away from me. I had imagined scenes of people accusing me of being jinxed and bringing ill-luck to the house. Right at that very moment, I saw my childhood friend walk in and sit besides me. The moment I saw her, I collapsed in her arms and for the first time burst out crying. I have still no clue how many hours I cried after that. All I know was I was given some tablet to calm me. I woke up somewhere in the afternoon and realised that my mom was sitting besides me. I had not even realised when my mother came. I ran to her, hugged her, and started crying. I told her to take me away from there. After a troubled childhood without my father, this was the last straw. I asked her why does this happen always to me. Why can’t I be happy?? But my mother very calmly told me that now you have to be a responsible woman and take care of your husband and mother-in-law. She pointed in the direction of my husband. I saw him sitting there totally unlike him - quite, subdued, sitting against the wall. My mother told me that you have to become strong for the man u love so much. The moment I saw him that way, all my tears vanished and I could feel some energy seeping into me. I mustered up all the courage and decided that I can’t afford to lose my nerves now. This house needs me. I started preparing for the rituals that were to follow at the same time take care of my mother-in-law and husband. I had a last look at the henna on my hand which was still fresh from the marriage that took place only three days back. The next 15 days that followed, were a nightmare. These are the days which are supposed to be the best days of your married life. And here I was cooking for all the guests in the house, serving umpteen numbers of teas and coffees for the people who were coming in and cleaning up the house. I never thought that I would ever be able to do that. But that one moment when I saw my father-in-law lay motionless in front of me turned me into a woman - responsible woman. Life was never the same again. There was gloom in the house for the next one year. I had no choice but to go along with the tide. The only strength that I had was my husband. But those lovely days and those lovely dreams all vanished without a trace…..

Help me…Mr. Raj Thakeray !!!
When you announced your decision to launch a separate political party of your own, I was among the many happy Mumbaikars who was your ardent supporter. I had expected a fresh breeze of youthful ideologies from your party. Alas!! Even you fell into the same political trap into which we are seeing the rulers of the nation today. Your desire to reach the top has held the state to ransom. Even you have dashed my hopes.

Well to start with, I am South Indian, who is born and brought up in Mumbai. And I proudly proclaim that I am in no ways a lesser Marathi Mulgi than most of them. I speak flawless Marathi. I have taught the language to many Maharashtrian students, bagged many academic awards for topping the language in the state. I can challenge you that my Marathi is far superior than most of the people of Marathi origin. I love Maharashtrian food the most and I cook it well myself. Though I am native of Kerala, all my loyalties lie with this state and I don’t need to prove that to anyone. I have an emotional attachment with everything that I have received from here. Whatever I am, whatever I have achieved, I owe it to the state and I proudly say that I am from Maharashtra and I belong here. No one can take that away from me.

Coming back to your ideology, Mr. Raj, I agree with them to a great extent. Yes, we must stop the influx of migrants into the state since the city is already bursting at its seams and many security issues have cropped up along with it. I was also highly miffed with Mrs.Jaya Bacchan for all the statements that she had made on stage. I reacted the same way a true Maharashtrian would have reacted. But all that ends there sir. I do not support the hooliganism propagated by your men. Breaking shops, damaging goods, beating up innocent people is in no way justified and trust me sir, you are losing your credibility as a leader among the people. The youth today is looking up for a leader who will bind the society well and not one who will divide and rule.

Just-in-case your party feels that there are no greater issues than the issue of “Marathi Manoos”, let me bring few very small but important issues to your notice. About the recently concluded, Ganesh Festival: there are unspeakable things happening around the same time. In case you are not aware sir, duing those ten days I have seen a lot of gambling happening inside the pandals. Men drink and make merry in front of the idol. The day of the visarjan is the worst because I have seen most men in inebriated condition making lewd passes at women and vulgar music and dance being exhibited on the streets. I guess our dear God needs a better farewell. What say, Mr.Thakeray??. And let me tell you that most of these men are “insiders’ and not “outsiders”. What can you do about them? Or are they excused for the sheer reason that they are ‘insiders”. Everyday we are harassed by the rickshaw drivers who do not want to travel short distances and make us wait on the streets endlessly hoping to catch one. Again, many of them are “insiders”. How can you help with the security issues in the state, developments required in terms of infrastructure? Why don’t you fight for the endless suicides happening in Vidarbha which is not a part of Bihar or is UP but our own Maharashtra? Why don’t you encourage your men to patrol the city of Mumbai and see to it that we save our city from the tentacles of terrorism? Why don’t you ask them to fight against corruption happening in all government departments across the state? Yes, having Marathi signboards outside shops alongside English ones is important, but is that more important than the issues listed above? And cant these issues be sorted out in a more human way than resorting to street culture. My city is very accommodating sir. Everyone lives here in harmony and peace. Let’s try and improve upon that. We need this unity to fight terrorism which has engulfed our country at the moment. People all over the world know Mumbai for their spirit and unity. Please do not take it away from us. Throw away people who do not respect our state, those who create problems here, involved in terrorist activities, but leave the hard working people alone. There are people who are here to earn their bread and butter. Please show them some respect.

I am sure sir….you are not going to disappoint me. Can you help me since I am a Mumbaikar??…and a true one at heart!!!!

This song sums up my life....

In Dino from Metro..Awesum Lyrics

in dino, dil mera, mujhse hai keh rahatu khaab saja,tu ji le jara

hai tujhe bhi izaazat, karle tu bhi muhabbat

berang si hai badi zindagi kuchh rang to bharoon

main apani tanahaayi ke waaste abbb kuchh toh karoon

jab mile thodi fursat,mujhse karle muhabbat

hai tujhe bhi izaazat, karle tu bhi muhabbat

usako chhupaakar main sabse kabhi, le chaloon kahin door

aankhon ke pyaalon kse pita rahoon usake chehre ka noor

iss jamaane se chhupakar, puri karloon main hasrat

hai tujhe bhi izaazat, karle tu bhi muhabbat

in dino, dil mera, mujhse hai keh raha

tu khaab saja, tu ji le jara

hai tujhe bhi izaazat, karle tu bhi muhabbat

MY FIRST TIME IN THE MUMBAI LOCAL
My journey by train to my new workplace has just begun after a long hiatus. I haven’t traveled by train much before since bus was the most convenient mode of transport to Andheri. On the first day, after taking my pass I reached the Thane platform. I went searching for the first class compartment. I had heard all horrendous stories about the treatment meted out in the ladies first class compartment. I was anxious and hoping that things would be different for me at least on the first day of travel. As the train, chugged down the platform, the experienced lot was all set to barge in to the compartment. They looked like they were preparing themselves for a war. I somehow managed to squeeze in and secure a place to stand. As the train reached Mulund, I realized it was indeed a war. The never-ending stream of ladies were gushing as if there was no tomorrow. The small compartment was splitting at its end and this was just the second station. I was wondering what would happen next.

As the train passed by other stations, the crowd only increased. At Ghatkopar, I was relieved to find many people getting down. But my joy was short lived!! More than double the people who got out boarded the train. It was a total mess. Ladies were screaming and lunging at each other, holding on to each others dresses, hair and whatever they could lay their hands on. The people who were already seated acted snooty if anyone brushed against them. There were a few nice ones who offered their seats to others for sometime and some who didn’t even move an inch. Even pregnant ladies were made to stand while young college girls continued to be glued to their seats. My friends have told me that ladies in the second class are more considerate than the ones in the first class. I guess people here need more lessons in humanity.

At Dadar, the crowd eased out a bit. But it was time for me to move out as I was going to get down at Parel. There wasn’t much crowd near the door amd I heaved a sigh of relief. I got down at Parel and the train began to move. I turned back to look at the passing train and saw that all the compartments were spilling at their ends. I was amazed at the spirit of the people who were fighting with life and death to get to their workplace. I guess that’s life in MUMBAI!!!

Falling in love again!!

This is crazy!!

Really crazy because,

My life’s gone for a real toss…..

It’s like I am reliving my teen

The churning of my tummy

Butterflies and goose pimples

Engulfing the whole of me.

I am being swept off my feet,

To the heights of ecstacy..

Looking back I feel

Is this what is bliss??

My mind is in a whirlpool..

My lips break out in a smile

My heart beats to the very thot..

Of sumone who is away a mile..

Restlessness creeping in to me..

My feet tapping to a beat,,

My lips humming a song

And my thoughts do not want to retreat

I wish I knew

Whats happening and how???

Is this what they call

Falling in love????

I am intrigued by the underworld!!!!

Yes I am!!...Right from the time I knew what the word underworld meant..I am intrigued!! What's wrong with that?? Its not that I am in awe of them or I support them. I am just plain curious.

My friends, my parents always thought that I had lost it completely since I always wanted to watch only those movies which dealt with this subject. I graced the theatre as many times for movies like Satya, Company and even the forgettable "D". I watched all these movies right on the first day and I remember being amongst the very few girls in the theatre for Satya where I eventually became the centre of attraction.

I was desperately waiting for " Shootout at Lokhandwala". I finally watched it on the first day and i was totally impressed with the same. It dealt with almost all the nuances of the underworld and they rightly showed that they are also humans at the end of the day and that they also fear death like everyone of us. I don't know whether they enter this gritty world on their own or they are merely pushed into it by circumstances. Whatever might be the case, they live a sorry life if i must say. Sorry because they know how they are going to see death in the end. They cannot just escape with blood on their hands.

One of the subjects that the movie deals with is "Encounters". Now this is a debatable and sensitive subject. Some feel that encounters are a must since the Indian judiciary always assists the crime world. The men in green take all the trouble and risk their lives to get these men behind bars and these men walk away scot-free the next day with greater determination and vengeance. This not only demoralises police but they also think twice the next time they want to risk their lives. So many people feel that the best way to kill crime is to kill criminals. Statistics tell that since the time the Mumbai police have started having "Encounter Specialists " in their team, crime rate in Mumbai has gone down considerably in the last 10 years. On the other side the human rights commission feels that this is definitely not the way to deal with criminals as they also human beings in the end. They need to be plain arrested and put behind bars. They also in favour of reforming these men and try to bring them back to the confines of normal life. Personally I still don't know where my heart lies. I am definitely touched by the the human inside them but my mind tells me that the judiciary wont do any good to bring these people to book.

Anyways, at the end of the day, I am still intrigued by them!!!!!!!!

Chance encounter with a Technical Writer

I resumed work today after a long break of 20 days. Was feeling the blues since the time I woke up in the morning. I was wondering if I would actually have some work to do today since there was no project in the pipeline. My usual colleagues were all transferred to different places and I knew I would be there all alone without anyone to talk to. With all that in mind, I boarded the bus today to my place of work. As I entered the office, I was greeted by new faces and longed to see the old ones again. Nevertheless I sat back on my good old chair and started my day with best thing I could do. Checking mails!!! Nothing much to check actually since I was regularly checking them even while I was on leave.

I was just wondering what to do next when by chance I happened to sight a document on my desktop. It read as “Newsletter”. Out of curiosity I opened the same and it happened to be a newsletter of some Technical writing firm. I thought why not read the same. That’s when I chanced upon an article by Mr XXX( name withheld). I was so impressed by his article that I thought that I should get in touch with this person. I was sure that he could definitely give me insights into Technical Writing. Fortunately, he had mentioned his email id below the article written by him. I immediately sent him a chat invite and waited for his response. Wasn’t I thrilled when I got an immediate response from him?

I was a bit apprehensive of how to start the conversation with him. I thought he might be this big guy with a typical techie attitude. But was I surprised or what!! He started asking me general questions about my interests and hobbies just to know me better. In the midst of our conversation we realised that we have a lot of things in common. Our native place, our language etc. All that put me in the comfort zone. I was totally at ease with him. He gave me some really good tips about Technical writing. He encouraged me to update my blogs everyday with whatever I could so that I never lost touch with my writing which I had. Though our conversation was really brief, I could gather a lot of information. He signed out by encouraging me to get in touch with him as and when I needed. That’s all I needed to start my day.

I did pay heed to his advice and started writing for my blog. And yes I did realise that I still haven’t lost touch with my writing and it was only my apprehension that stopped me from writing. I don’t know how to thank him (should I call him my mentor?). Hope to get in touch with him soon.

Dream Job???

Whilst in the last years of college, I always used to be tensed about what profession I am going to take up. Commerce was something I was studying and it was something I never enjoyed studying. What an irony!!! Like a typical ideal commerce student, my next step was into the world of banking. Elders told me that this was the best field in terms of security and money. Let’s not take into consideration the odd jobs I did in between which had no connection to what I ever wanted to do in life. They were just my source of extra pocket money.

I happened to get into the best bank in the country after the numerous aptitudes and interviews I went through. I thought that this was my dream job. After 2 years in that organization I wondered if that was true. I hated every bit of my job since it was monotonous. Zero creativity. I was getting claustrophobic in there and wanted to get out of the same. Then I started my search for my dream job again. This time I was lucky enough to hit the target at the first interview. My second jump was into a BPO with a great salary and I thought now, this is it!!! Maybe this will interest me. I am still not sure if it was sheer desperation to get out of my first job which made me accept this in the first place. But a few months in there and I realized that the phrase “From frying pan to fire” was meant only for me. This was worst I could ever get into. This was the ideal job for a commerce student with an accounting background. But who the heck ever liked Accounts! I used to despise the same from the very beginning and now I realized what a bigger soup I am into. I finally woke up one day in the morning and realized what was wrong. Banking was not my cup of tea. I am not made for a 9 to 6 kind of monotonous job. I need more creativity and job satisfaction. A lesser pay package would do but definitely a better creative job.

Technical writing was a total alien concept for me. Since I was from a commerce background, I never had even heard about it. Once when I was surfing the net, I came across some articles about Technical Writing written by people whom I later realized were called Technical writers. I spent many days researching about the same. The only glitch here was that most of the technical writers were from the engineering background. So I was wondering if I could ever fit the bill. The only weapons of success that I probably possessed were my communication skills, my excellent command over English, and my flair for writing. Technical writing though not full fledged writing was still something that caught my attention. This was creative and I thought why not give it a shot!

With no background about the profession as well about the company I hopefully wanted to join, I went for the interview. After the 2 hours that comprised of the test and the interview I realized that this is something I want to do. But I wasn’t really sure if I would get through since all the others interviewees were from the engineering background. But I wanted to be there for two reasons. One since I liked what I was getting into and the other I wanted to get out of the mess I was already into. After 2 sleepless nights and 2 days of apprehension, I finally got a call and I heard what I wanted to hear. I was on cloud nine as though I had just received my first raise. After a months notice in my previous job, I finally stepped into the world of Technical Writing with full zeal and vigour. Now it’s been more than a year and I am thoroughly enjoying my profession. People in India are still not aware as to what us Technical writing all about. The awareness about this is at the base level. Technical writing as a profession is an ocean. Mastering the whole thing will take a lot of time. Nevertheless it’s a challenge. My knowledge today is still the tip of the iceberg; I still need to conquer the iceberg.