Phone-y Business : A Tryst with Technology (or lack of it)

Just when I thought everything was perfect, life threw a curve ball at me. Last night I felt like the luckiest girl on the planet. In less than 12 hours, all of that changed. I went from amazingly delighted to absolutely distraught.
(Caution : I tend to get over-emotional. Read at your own risk)

Earlier this August

One of the most loved possessions in life was my Nexus 4, an amazing phone, which I'd used for over 2 years.It was THE PHONE and I had a rather good experience using it. However, it had started showing signs of ageing (read, death). There were battery issues because of which it would die at any instant or collapse into a coma for hours, and the touch was impaired, making my phone an inert glass slab. I couldn't even take up calls, and my phone was rendered to the status of an expensive showpiece in my hand, nothing else. By the end of August, I was by all practical purposes, phoneless and my life was crippled. No, it's not an exaggeration coz let's face it, there are 5 basic human needs- food, shelter, clothing, cell phone and WiFi. You don't have even one of those, and what follows is total chaos. However, I made up my mind to buy a new phone altogether instead of getting the old bugger fixed. I had my eyes on the iPhone because frankly speaking, I don't like Samsung and everyone unanimously hates Sony. If I wanted something from the Android domain, I wanted a Nexus, and the Nexus 6 didn't suit my taste much. So I decided to wait for the new Nexi or buy an Apple device when the rates would be cheaper. 

Last Month

The initial few days of phonelessness were troublesome. I was disconnected from everyone and everywhere. I was Mr. India of the social media scene. I couldn't call anyone even when I urgently needed to or contact friends for anything important when I wanted to. I obviously didn't have anybody's numbers, and it was irritating to be the last person to get any sort of news. I wasn't able to listen to music while I was traveling, and my mother was angry that she couldn't keep a check of my whereabouts while I was out. I was a modern Stone age (wo)man. I was the Homo NoPhonesis roaming about in a dangerous concrete jungle.

However within a couple of weeks, this digital isolation started to grow up on me. I started to kinda enjoy it and I felt a certain sense of peace. I was away from nonsensical gossip and hideously lame WhatsApp chats. I was talking only to those that I wanted/needed to, and I didn't have to entertain anyone else. I was reading more, and I was away from negativity. I became this hermit who decided not to get a phone at all, and live my life in this phonefree bliss. Two months (September, October) of not having a phone, and I didn't give a care in the world, much to the horror of my friends and parents. My friends and acquaintances were peeved that I was always unavailable, and they had no means of getting in touch with me. My parents were worried that I've been messed up in the head, coz it isn't sane in today's times for a youngster to be so nonchalant about something as basic as a cellular device. And I agree it wasn't a very normal thing to feel, but I was still at ease in my Non-technological bubble of Nirvana.

Sunday, this week

My parents lost their patience. All my resistance proved futile, and a shiny Samsung Galaxy S5 was thrust into my hands. A desperate attempt at luring me back into the cellular world, which I succumbed to but expressed my obvious unhappiness and stated bold and clear my loath for Samsung devices. But they were insistent, that I use it for time being and this weekend they'd buy me a phone of my choice, and then we could pass on the S5 to my sister for use.

Last Night

I was asleep, when around 11;30, my father came home and woke me up gently saying he wanted to show me something. I rubbed my eyes and he told me he got me something. I half-heartedly asked if it's a phone, and then the unbelievable happened. My dad placed a white box in my hand, and I obviously knew what was inside it. I gingerly tore the plastic covering apart, and in a motion slower then Ashutosh Gowariker films, I took the lid off the box. The object of my awe was unveiled, and there it lay in all its glory, and I gasped. I touched it and then instantly withdrew my finger because I was afraid I'd spoil it. MY iPHONE 6! I had trouble believeing any of it was real. Not 5 minutes ago I was in sound slumber, what if this was a dream? But suddenly I was wide awake. Technology, thou art a bitch. You captivated me again! You bewitched me and charmed me into your complex web and broke my sanyaas! 

I had a tough time believing the sequence of events and falling asleep again. Eventually, I went to my parents' bedroom, slipped in between the two of them, and felt like they were the best thing to have happened to me. I dug my head in my father's chest and fell asleep like a happy little baby. 

This Morning

I decided not to use my new phone instantly, partly because I wanted to get a proper phone cover before I used it, and partly because last night's feeling hadn't really sunk in yet. I left for college like I usually do, and on reaching Dadar, I took the fast train to Kasara with a friend. I was reading Two Brothers by Elton Ben, a book that has gripped my attention with utmost ferocity. Before getting off at Kurla, I placed my S5 in my bag for the heck of safety, and also because the phone wouldn't fit into my pocket. I had 2 bags to carry, one holding Diwali decorations that I was supposed to take to college, and the other was a satchel, slung around my shoulder, in which I kept my phone. We boarded the 7:23 Panvel train from Kurla, and we found ourselves comfortable seats, like we routinely did. I was still reading, when around Vashi I decided to check my phone. To my surprise, the zips of the two compartments of my satchel were undone, and I didn't remember them that way, they were supposed to be closed. I started looking for my phone. Slow calculated searching turned into a frantic frisking. My friend called my number, but it was unavailable. Where the hell was it? This couldn't be happening! It is all just a good dream gone bad, NO NO NO NO! 

In a frenzy, I decided to get off at the next station and go back to Kurla. I decided to retrace my steps, and if possible request the police to check if I'd forgotten my phone in  the previous train. BAD MOVE, KRITIKA. I alighted at Sanpada station and jumped onto the next train. I searched the platforms at Kurla station, interrogated the shoe-polishwala besides whom I was standing that morning, all in vain. I went to the station GRP, where no fucks were given to my grievances. They wouldn't even so much as look from their desks while they wrote something, and they told me straightforwardly, that they can't help me. They asked me to go to Vashi and register a complaint there. I requested them to at least maybe check on the Central Railway train (what if I had absentmindedly forgotten it. Small, but possible window), but they wouldn't comply. 

So I went back to Vashi, where my complaint wasn't registered because they wanted the IMEI number of my phone. And I offered to call home and procure it, but they were adamant that I get the box of my phone with the bill, only after which, my issue will be redressed. Right besides me was another girl, who had lost her phone yesterday, and the complaint was being registered only 24 hours later, i.e., today. She gave me a sympathetic look and the policeman said they'll do everything that they can (typical). I personally thought, it'd be too late by then. 

I was on the verge of tearing up, when they told me I could make a call if I wanted to. I called my father, and I could only muster enough courage to say,

"Phone chori ho gaya. Kurla station. I'm sorry". 

I stepped out and decided to go home. In 10 hours, my heart had gone from cloud 9 to six feet under. And I know this happens to a lot of people everyday, but trust me, you don't know it, till you don't face it. To quote a friend, "Pickpockets are scum. Police is lazy."

For now, I'm just holding on to the ghost of my phone. My puppy love with that S5 met the most tragic end. 

Musically Yours

MUSIC. A word so small, yet so enormous in its power. MUSIC. Something that conveys exactly what you're feeling, when you yourself have no idea what's going on in your head. MUSIC. Something that is so complex, yet so very simple, at the same time. MUSIC. A word that has different linguistic terms, but still manages to strike a chord with any person, irrespective of the tongue they speak. And isn't it amazing how so many different sounds and noises amalgamate with each other, and something so beautiful is created, that it touches your heart? MUSIC. So technical, yet so full of emotion.

I am not a musician. I haven't even learnt music, and I am a nobody to comment on the intricacies and minute details of the greatest songs. I personally think, that in a way, it also makes me incapable of appreciating a lot of musical genius, because I don't have the ear to understand music, in a way that most learnt people do. And that means missing out on a lot of stuff.  But, then I have always believed that my life is a song. I have believed that Music is Life, and Life is Music. And maybe the purpose of all our lives, is to find the right tune, and it is a process that begins from the moment we're born. And the music in our lives, is never constant. It changes, it evolves, it maybe takes an extra long pause or a drop, but it never stops, till the very end. And music isn't just noises and voices. It is in your soul, it is in your way of life. There has to be a balance in life, to keep it going. There is a harmony in the tiniest of things we do. We are orchestrated to function in a particular manner. We train ourselves to synchronize everything. There is music in every breath you take.

There's music that makes you happy beyond limits. A child's first cry is music to the mother's ears. Tell me you don't sense the rhythm in the falling of raindrops on your window! Birds chirping on a beautiful morning while you're walking, with autumn leaves getting crushed under you feet. Can't you marvel at the beauty of all of this?! Church bells in  the distance, children giggling, footsteps in a large empty room, the sound of water being sprinkled on a hot frying pan, the voice of a person whom you miss, a thunderous applause after a performance, someone's laughter, a mother's lullaby, and I can go on about this for a thousand years, and yet not get tired. Then there are a few people, who bring music into your life. Some people add meaning to your life. The same can be said about a few incidents, that change you forever. It's like finding a melody in your disorganized set, and before you know it, everything in your life is falling in perfect rhythm. To sum it up and quote Coldplay, "And I could write a song, a hundred miles long. 

Well that's where I belong, and you belong with me.

And I could write it down, or spread it all around

Get lost and then get found."

And that's when you know, that this part is tricky, and won't be very easy to play. But it's very rare that we get things right in the first go. The first attempt is mostly a failure. So what do we do? We practice. And eventually, we will get it right. Well, almost. 

And then there's music that hits you right in the lacrimal glands and all the spots that hurt. Music that destroys you. Music that isn't music anymore. Music where you want to throw the player out of the window, or break the CDs or do anything that would just stop the damn song. That's when the music becomes a noise. Someone crying, a car crash, vases being thrown in anger, the siren of an ambulance at an accident site, a teacher yelling, the noise of a wooden stick against your skin, a helpless yelp, and you would do anything to make all of it stop. Sometimes, there's comfort in the darkness of the tunes. Tragedy breeds the best songwriters, and before you know, all your pain is a heart-wrenching ghazal.  Or maybe you'll get out of it alive, and it might all turn into a motivational song. Maybe it will all be like the climax of Whiplash, where life is the toughest teacher, like, JK Simmons, that puts you down, humiliates you, and brings out the worst in you. But then you, like Miles Teller, learn from  him, cry, breakdown, face public embarrassment, and then rise. Stronger and harder, better than you've ever been before, and play the best set of your life, and hit it back in the face so hard, that you end up surprising your own life. Excellence is all that matters, and you and your life drown yourselves into the greatness, that is music.

And trust me, you can never shut the music out, as long as you're alive. The tempo might change from time to time. Sometimes it's all so fast that it drives you crazy. Some days, it'd be so slow that you'd want to push it. Everything will keep arranging, and rearranging itself from time to time. And you may not always have control over it. The voice of your own soul will be like the bass, barely audible and something that you yourself won't always recognize or might just forget to notice. Sometimes, there will be a bass-drop, and you will hear nothing at all. But eventually, you will stop giving in to sensationalism, and develop your own taste and you will learn to appreciate the nuances of it all.

So, take a deep breath, sit back, and put on your imaginary headphones. Shut it all out, close your eyes and take a second to appreciate the music of silence. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you, BEATS, BY YOUR HEART. 

Food Feud

I spent the past 15-20 days going around Rajasthan, which also happens to be the state I hail from. Rajasthan, as a state is extremely famous for its palaces, forts, Rajputs, dance, jewelry, colors, Balika Vadhus, peacocks, clothes, dead Black buck killed by Salman Khan, desert, Ila Arun aka India's megaphone, etc. Rajasthan flows through every fiber of my being, my blood, and most importantly, my digestive system. The variety of food available here boggles your mind, and tempts your gustatory organs. The same delicacy is cooked in different parts, over the topography of the state, and even if it's prepared the same way, it would still entice your taste buds all the same. The point is, I'm an extreme 'Chatori' and I believe that we should live to eat. Also, as much as we all love to frequent elite places for sophisticated dining, I believe street-food is irreplaceable.So, based on my travels, here is a small compilation of the foodstuffs from Aapno Desh, that totally blew my mind!

1. Panipuri/Golgappe at Famous Chat Bhandar (Jaipur)

Located right opposite to the National Handloom, amongst the small clutter of thelas and gaadis at Vidyadhar Nagar, is a young man named Raj, who spreads happiness in the form of, what happens to be the best street food ever. Panipuri is known more popularly, as "Pani ki Pataashi" in Rajasthan, and they serve two variants of pooris, i.e., flour and semolina. Filled with delicious mashed potatoes and onions (no ragda, period) and flavorful paani tasting beautifully of raw mangoes and mint, these little bombs of chatkaaras are absolutely refreshing! If you wish to continue your food journey, gorge on delicious Aloo Chole Tikiya, Dahi Wadas and Papdi Chaat at the adjacent stalls, and calm the monsters in your tummy!

2. Kachori Chaat at Bhajanlal Kachoriwala (Salasar)

When I say Kachori Chaat, I mean it, that it's a proper chaat and not just pure regular Kachori. Mr. Bhajanlal has been running this thela at a chouraha near the Patanjali Store for the past 19 years, and the number of people you'll see here is crazy! Salasar is a place eminent for it's Hanuman Temple, but if you happen to visit this place, or even remotely pass through it, you dare not miss this man! The kachoris have an outer crispy shell made of flour, and are filled on the inside with a masala of minced onions and chilies, which ignite a total firecracker in your mouth. Once deep fried till they're beautifully golden, they are cut into small pieces and topped with a delicious black chickpea gravy. Based on your preference, they are spiced and topped with mouth watering chutneys of garlic and tamarind. The final ingredient of brilliance is fresh dahi, and the combination of all the above things is among the most beautiful things you'll ever taste! We were here at 8 in the morning, and people were already queuing up to grab a bite, and Mr. Bhajanlal is extremely hospitable and attends to you even after he's done serving, adding spoonfuls of extra toppings, as and when you demand. Also, if you desire for a garam chai ki pyaali, there is a tea stall neighbouring to it.

3. Kesariya Pedha at Sanjay Mishthan Bhandar (Chirawa)

If you are a yeda, who loves their pedha, this is one thing you just cannot miss! Every marwari person, in his life, has at least once had this extremely famous oval shaped ball of mawa, with two khaddas, in it, topped with dry fruits and cardamom seeds. Available in two varieties, plain and saffron-infused!

4. Rasgullas at Bikaner Sweets House and Agarwal Mishthan Bhandar (Bikaner)

The city, more popularly known for its Bhujiya over the world, has a wide variety of delicacies to offer. Also, rosogolla is called rasgulla here, in shuddh hindi, is an absolute must-have! Both these shops are located at a stone's throw from each other, and I'd suggest you check out both and select your pick of farsan from their respective collections. And don't forget to have an evening filled with their mirchi wadas and samosas!

5. Kachoris at the market (Jodhpur)

During our trip, we heard legends about the kachoris at Jodhpur, and the place didn't disappoint one bit. The market has so many shops that dish out hot kachoris, which are bigger than the size of your palm! Do not forget to try the Mogar (Dal), Pyaaz and Mawa Kachoris here! Also, the best accompaniment to the savory kachori is warm jalebi being served, right out of simmering hot oil!
Also, the panipuriwallahs in Jodhpur serve three varieties of pooris, i.e, plain (golden), tomato (red/orange) and pudina (green). How cool is that?!

6. Pav Bhaji and soda at Pandit Pav Bhaji (Jaipur)

Right opposite the beautiful Birla Temple, on Takht-e-Shahi road, is Chaat Paradise Maximus! There are roughly around 20 stalls, all selling themselves under the name of Pandit, who has somewhat been the pioneer of Pav Bhaji in Jaipur. The original Pandit, uses the prefix "Puraana" to distinguish himself from the rest. Dig in your dish filled with mouth-watering pav bhaji with tons of butter, and sip intermediately on some refreshing masala soda to cool your senses. also the panipuri available here is totally try-worthy!

7. Barfi from Vijayvargiya Mishthan Bhandar (Chomu)

Chomu, here, is not an adjective popularized by Ranbir Kapoor from Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani, but a village located on the fringes of Jaipur, and the barfi here is something all travelers pick up, on their way to The Pink City. There are mithais, and then there is this! It looks extremely plain,being rhomboid shaped, and white in colour. But the taste, is so simple, and so fresh, that it transports you to a beautiful place in your own head, and that is what makes it so brilliant. Also, Chomu is also famous for a particular namkeen, which has fried dal and sev, and is extremely light and yummy.

8. Sugarcane Juice at Sukhadiya Circle (Udaipur)

Right outside the fence of this very popular sightseeing spot, are infinite number of chaat places and juicewallahs, and you can pick up any stall you like, since prices are more or less the same. One glass of the most common juice on the planet will cost you a cheap 20 bucks, and the size will be as big as a Punjaabi pehelwaan's daily dose of lassi! While you're here you can also grab a bite and taste dal pakodis, ragda patties and parathas at other stalls.

9. Gunjhiya at Amber (Jaipur)

Amber (pronounced as Ah-Mer) as most tourists know, is the most eminent fort in Jaipur. However, there is a small township on the hillock surrounding the fort, and the entire region is collectively addressed as Amber by localites. In this small historic settlement, there are various shops selling small soft sweetmeats called gunjhiya (not Gujhiya which is a fried shell containing a couscous filling), that are so soft, that sometimes two pieces coalesce into one, and you can't tell the difference.

10. Kesariya Chai at Kanji (Nagaur)

Nagaur, a district famous for it's cattle and Nilgai, is a beautiful city that we happened to pass through en route Pushkar. Their saffron spiced chai is extremely rich with loads of pure non-skimmed, fat containing milk.

11. Malai Ghewar and Mawa kachoris at Rawat (Jaipur)

A lot has already been said about kachoris in the state, but foodies swear by the taste of Kachoris at Rawat. Marwaris all over Mumbai get parcels of Mawa Kachori from this place, and the place, till date has lived up to its hype! Ghewar is a plate-sized disc of all purpose flour soaked in sugar syrup and topped with dry fruits, and has porosities all over like a honey comb. It is traditionally associated with festivals such as Teej and Gangaur, and my mother likes to call it Rajasthani cake, thanks to the size and shape. Malai Ghewar is the rich brother of the ordinary Ghewar, and comes with a thick layer of condensed milk which translates to more fat. I prefer plain Ghewar, and just by the way, that tastes awesome with Maple/Chocolate syrup poured all over it,too!

12. Thali at Brahma Bhoj (Udaipur)

In case you've had enough of Rajasthan in your gastrointestinal tract  and are longing for some humble ghar ka khaana, this is the place to go to. The place is pure vegetarian, like most other places mentioned above, but the carnivores amongst us didnt seem to complain at all. The food is simple, wholesome and maa ke haath jaisa.

13. Lassi at Lassiwala (Jaipur)

Located in Bapu Bazaar, people literally mob outside this place to grab a sip in cute earthenware glasses, which is already served malaai maar ke. They make their lassi by churning in the ancient machinery right in front of your eyes, and not modern machines. There are usually pani-patashiwallahs, and tikiyawallahs standing right outside the store, in case you need a spice lift. Also, don't forget to try the malai kulfi and rabdi here!

14. Dal Baati Choorma at a local dhaba (Ranakpur)

Ranakpur is a small quaint spot hidden amidst hills full of natural green bounty, and monkeys. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Jains, and the temple here is one of the most magnificent works of architecture and carving. On the exit route, lies pure heaven, in terms of food. Dal-Baati-Choorma, is the most essential Rajasthani staple, and the one that we had a tiny local Dhaba here was the best we tasted over the entire perimeter of the state. The menu barely consists 10 odd items and they have a thaali system. Baatis are doughballs that are slow cooked over the flame and served with oodles of ghee to soften their core. In this case, the baatis served to us were cooked directly over a chulha(earthen stove), which gave them a rustic taste and appeal. Baati is usually eaten with dal, and this place serves dal in a pot with a ladle, so that you can help yourself as much, and as many times as you like. The tadka is the most integral part, and the dal tastes beautifully of fried onions, tomatoes, chilies and cumin. Sometimes, there is gatte ki sabzi served in posh restaurants alongside dal-baati. Choorma is ground wheat, crushed and cooked with ghee and sugar/jaggery, and is a specialty of the state. It may be served in a powdered form, or as laddoos. A plate of choorma costed a measly 10 bucks here, and you can also add ghee over the top again, in case you want to. The best accompaniment to have here is garlic chutney and  diced onions with a dash of lemon. Order a plate of masala khichiya while you wait for your order to be placed on the table, and sip on cool buttermilk to beat the Rajasthani heat. Also, don't forget to bargain and settle your bill properly, since they try to make the most out of tourist pockets!

THERE IS NO LOVE GREATER THAN THE LOVE FOR FOOD.
BURP!
ABHI TOH, PADHAARO MHAARE DES?

The Last Night

The last night at hostel, is an indescribable state of mind. It is too many words, that don't convey enough emotions. It is like the feeling you have after eating till your stomach is about to explode, but still craving for more. It is an avalanche of sentimental thoughts, that is highly overwhelming, and is making your heart swell, like a raisin immersed in water for hours.

The first day you enter that compact room, you are a bottomless pit of questions. How am I going to stay here with two other strangers? What if we don't get along? What if one of them snores? Will we have to take turns getting up early to bathe? How will I ever make friends here? What kind of food will I get here? Will this be like that hostel in Taare Zameen Par? Will I be ragged by seniors? Will I be able to study in this environment? What if I have to take a dump?

The journey begins a bit awkwardly, with way too much formality, with flecks of friendliness. However, before you know it, you are walking everyday to college with them. You are snacking on mathrees that your mother packed for you at midnight with them, and you're borrowing their clothes to wear at parties. They are helping you get ready for the date you've got this evening, and they are gossiping with you about hot seniors. You know the story of their life inside out, like a textbook read a million times, and taking shifts waking up each other at night to study during exams. You are sharing notes like love letters, and letting them try all weird hair and make up experiments on yourself. You are checking out new places around, while making thousands of plans, and roaming unabashedly in a semi-nude state in the room. They are texting people randomly using your phone,or farting noisily in the middle of a serious conversation, and you are only finding all of this ridiculously hilarious and deriving some sick thrill out of all of it.

You are crashing at your friends' room for a night out and the next morning you wake up only to discover that there's no water in the main tank. You are having overnight study sessions in a room crammed up with 6 people, and the hot plate is the world's best invention according to you. Maggi and black coffee are the most comforting foods on the planet, and you can eat milk powder and sugar straight out of the jar, like drugs. The bathroom drain is clogged with hair that all of you would crib, but none would bother to do something about. You are blaming them for being the reason every time you're late for a lecture, and then laughing about it while standing outside the classroom, requesting the professor to take you in. You've developed the superpower to fit in with with 5 other people, on a small bed, made by joining 3 even smaller beds. "Bitch" and "Asshole" are the nicknames you guys are using for each other. Every time there's a knock on the door, the three of you are looking at each other, hoping that anybody but you, would just get the door. They are taking too long in the bathroom, while you are dying outside, thanks to uncontrollable physiological abdominal pressure or bursting bladder.

They are covering up for you every time you lie to your parents, and you are their cornerstone every time they break down. You are watching the stars together at 2a.m. in  the night and having deep discussions about life and simultaneously ignoring the boys shouting out to you on the other side of the wall. They can name your favorite songs as fast as they can name all the amino acids, and you know that they'd die rather than eat bhindi. You are keeping an account of every dime you spend and every paisa you owe each other, and celebrating their birthday at midnight by hoisting them in the air, and kicking the crap out of their butts, thanks to the birthday bump ritual. They know about your extended khaandaan and you are borrowing their stuff, as and when you like, without hesitation. The strangers are friends now.

The last night at hostel is when you realize that these friends are family. That all these years would be not what they are, if they wouldn't have been around all this while. That it was these people, that you took every breath of yours with, in the past four years.

The last night at hostel is when you realize, that this is the last night you will be spending in these same walls that you were confined in, all this time, with these people, for the last time.

The last night at hostel is a cocktail of reminiscence and nostalgia, happiness and tears, laughter and selfies, sadness and philosophy, memories and stories.

THE LAST NIGHT AT HOSTEL IS A FEELING. A feeling that is still not sinking in...

11 Life Lessons that Game of Thrones taught us

With every fiber and every being of the Internet resonating about the finale, this post was mandatory! The Westerosi population has taken the world by storm! Here are 11 amazing things that Game of Thrones taught us:

1. Courage

You are your bravest self, only at the times when you are most afraid. Samwell Tarly is clearly an example of the flower that blooms in adversity.

2. Looks don't matter

Your looks don't define who you are. External appearances aren't a judge of your character. Who knew a tiny fellow like Tyrion Lannister aka The Imp could be filled with so much awesomeness?

3. Women can be ruthless, too

As much as I'd want to write about how women are horribly objectified on the show, I have to mention that the mercilessness and ambition of the feminine population has been underestimated by most people. Women can be evil and treacherous, sly and manipulative, as and when required. Queen Cersei in the initial seasons, Daenerys Targaryen, Margaery Tyrell and Lady Melisandre prove it time and again. We can take back what is ours with fire and blood!

4. The worst is yet to come

If you think you have seen everything there is to see, you're wrong. You don't know half of it. We thought nobody could match Joffrey, that he was the most wretched thing on the show. And then Ramsay Bolton shut us all up.

5. Nothing can match a mother's love

Catelyn Stark did everything in her power to protect her children. Cersei Lannister/Baratheon is an example of the perfect matriarch who spoils her children silly and tries to protect them from harm. Khaleesi cried while chaining her dragon kids and Gilly fled from Craster's Keep only so she could give her son a life.

6. We can't choose who we love

Tyrion loved Shae, who was a whore, Jaime and Cersei were siblings who fell for each other, Ser Jorah was spying on Dany, but he fell for her while doing so and Jon Snow loved Ygritte, who was his wildling enemy. We have no control over who we fall in love with. Love is just as simple, and as complicated as that!

7. A dog is a man's best friend

Ghost, Shaggydog and Summer are the most loyal companions to their respective masters. All the direwolves didn't leave the side of the Stark kids. Lady and Grey Wind stayed till their deaths, and Arya had to chase Nymeria away by hurting her. Also, the Hound aka Joffrey's dog helped Arya when she needed it the most. He also saved Sansa from the mob, and was faithfully loyal to Joffrey in the first season.

8. Everyone knows nothing

We don't know what's going to happen the very next moment. We have no idea what fate might befall us. We are all Jon Snow that way.

9. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

The point is to survive and go on, no matter what. Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Brienne of Tarth, Ser Jaime Lannister, Varys are a few people on the show who have managed to do so.

10. People can do brutal things in the name of God

Religion can be used like a weapon if out of control. People don't always do right things in God's name. Religion can be pitiless and pain inflicting, too.

11. The ONLY certainty is Death

Death is the one unadulterated, undeniable truth.
All men must die!
Valar Morghulis! 

Flashback..

I feel a tad bit old while writing this post. You see, I have a younger cousin sister who is 6 years old, and one of these days I happened to ask her about her favorite games. Her instantaneous response to my question was "Candy Crush!", which left me completely flabbergasted and to an extent slightly disappointed. I feel sad for the kids these days, because they'll never know what it was like to have a life outside cell phones and computers. It pains my heart further to see that they have to watch shitty cartoons, and they'll never ever devise their own games. Technology and Digitization have changed the world for the better, but the times which we grew up in, seem much better than the environment today's kids are being raised up in. Yes, I'm old school about a lot of things, and to this day, I prefer leaving it all that way, coz that's how we grew up. Deprivation maybe strong language to use here, but, in my opinion, the present generation is being deprived of all the awesomeness we experienced. Just like in Isaac Asimov's story 'The fun they had', how Margie and Tommy went crazy upon seeing an actual book (yes, a proper book with pages), these "aajkal ke bachche" will someday find all our things alien and ancient (They're already halfway down that road). To quote a Swedish House Mafia Song: "Those Days are gone, now the memory's on the wall." I know things like this have been on the Internet for quite some time, yet this is a small portion, of my share of stuff that I miss, from the time I grew up in.

1. Weekly/Monthly/Fortnightly Magazines and Digests

Yes, I'm one of those who liked to bury their noses in a book all day. Remember Chandamama and Tinkle Digest (they even had holiday specials!)? They even had 'Junior' editions of the same for kids below 5 years, every month.
Every Saturday morning meant searching frantically amongst the folds of various newspapers to find Navneet NewsHouse lying neatly inside. Paperbacks were our source of happiness!

2. Cartoon Network

Yes, Cartoon Network is still a channel that kids watch, but let's face it, the cartoons these days "SUCK" (Yes, Bold and in Caps, enclosed in double inverted commas, for extra emphasis).
Classic Cartoon Network, was the best thing about our childhood. Swat Cats, Pokemon, Ed,Edd and Eddy, The Mask, Dexter's Laboratory, Heidi, X-Men Evolution, Jackie Chan Adventures, Cardcaptors, Popeye......I can go on all day, and yet not get tired. Chhota Bheem needs to get a life. Remember watching "Toonami" at 5?
Also, every Sunday afternoon, at 12 "Cartoon Network Popcorn" made up for our dose of animated films. The Land Before Time, Beauty and the Beast, Tintin films and God knows how many Barbie movies, you name it!
The best part was Christmas Eve, when they showed all cartoons enjoying the festive spirit, and special carols being sung by cartoons themselves. Remember Mojo Jojo singing "Silent Night"?
Also, not many kids watched Nickelodeon, but the few likes of us who did would remember Legends of the Hidden Temple, Global Guts, Rugrats, Kenan and Kel and many other amazing ones.
"Cartoon Cartoons!"

3. Ice Lolly/Jolly/Pepsi

Different names for that one plastic ki test-tube ke jaisi patli thaili, filled with frozen liquid available in  different colours, yet enjoyed the same by each child. Also, all our mothers despised that thing, and banned us from having it saying it's gutter water which will give us bad cough and an upset stomach.

4. Tazos

Cheetos or Lays, we didn't care! We'd hoard as many packets as we could to lay our hand on the tazo of our choice, to find the Pokemon we didn't have yet. Also, the classroom Tazo exchange was such a serious business. The number crossed hundred, and yet we'd want more, keeping each one as safely as we could. That one small plastic disc was more precious than any gold coin on the planet!

5.  TV Shows

No kid from our time could've grown up without watching the TV series, Small Wonder. Also 7;30 p.m. was Shaka Laka Boom Boom time where Sanju and his magic pencil wow-ed us all. Almost all of us bought that pencil with a creepy face attached to it's far end, hoping it would work some wonders. This show was followed by India's first Fairy Godmother Sonpari aka Sona Aunty with Sidekick Altu going all "Iktu Biktu Jhim Patuta" on our screens.
Though Shaktimaan has become more of a joke now, there were a lot of us who were crazy fans of the show back in those days. Also, pre-pubertal girls loved Sharaarat-Thoda Jaadoo,Thodi Nazaakat.
All mainstream channels that run only daily soaps now, also had cartoons every evening for kids. Star Plus had Fox Kids, Zee TV had Cartoon Network on Zee and Sony had Disney Time.
This list would obviously be incomplete without Bournvita Quiz Contest, which was the best quiz show of all times!

6. Freebies with milk/drink mixes

Bournvita is still available, but trust me, it doesn't taste the same. Our choice of drink mostly depended on the freebie that we'd get with the drink. Tennis ball meant Milo, Badminton Racquet meant Boost and Watch meant Bournvita. Milo was a universally loved drink, and we've all never liked Complan. Horlicks is the only drink that has managed to taste the same, but very few people enjoyed it.

7. Cheap Chocolates/Khatti Golis

There was a time when 25paise were actually worth something. Our kids will never know words like Chaaraana and Aathaana. 'Ek rupaye ki Chaar' were our favourite kind of things. Parle Orange, Kismi, Aam Chaska, Alibaba, Imli Timli and god knows what weird things we've eaten as kids in our school canteens.

8. Video Games

Yes I know PSPs and X-Boxes are awesome, but can all of those match up to the charm of the good old arcade game console? Mario, Pac-Man or Contra are anyday better than games such as Pirate King Saga. Tell me you're reading this with Mario's music playing in your head now!

9. Blackboard teaching

Teaching in most schools and colleges these days has become highly virtual, with Edu-Comp and Powerpoint doing the rounds. However, nothing matches good old Blackboard and Chalks. The use of different colored chalks on that board to make it prettier, and the thrill of wanting to solve a Math problem like a total scholar in front of the entire class! And how we all wanted to be that sudent who gets to dust the duster by tapping it constantly against the wall! Digital Teaching is a great revolution, but then there was something about that blackboard that can't be replaced!

10. Outdoor Games

We played a lot, and we made our own weird games! Aankh Band Tapli, I spy (which most of us called Dabba Ice Spice coz we never understood it's I spy), Team Team Langadi, Saakli and it's variations (Punjabi, Bengali, blablah), Stop and Party.. Our mothers had to drag us home by the ear to make us stop playing.
Aatli Baatli Futli!!

11. Trump Cards

The WWE trump cards were such a rage back then! The ranks, weight and height always changed with the manufacturer, but Rock was everyone's favorite. And everyone knew Big Show was the fattest! Pokemon cards were never really my thing, so no comment on that.

12. Music

Obviously! The Indipop and remix scene was in full swing while we were younger! Sukhbir, Euphoria, Aryans, Alisha Chinai, Daler Mehndi, KK, Band of Boys and so many other artistes!

                                      "Manzil Nayi hai, Anjaana hai Kaaravaan,
                                       Chalna Akele Hai Yahaan..
                                       Tanha Dil, Tanha Safar,
                                       Dhoondhe Tujhe, fir kyun nazar?"

Being Human

Before you read any further, let me tell you that this post is not about me defending Salman Khan and taking a stand for him, or about how justice has prevailed and finally the guilty is aptly sentenced. And no, I won't ridicule Bollywood or the Bhai fanatics for crying out loud. I also won't be amongst the rational beings who are in favor of today's sequence of events. However, it is something that got the machinery in my cranium rolling, hence the title.

"To err is Human, to forgive is divine"

As creatures with a conscience, we believe in doing good. We have our perspective about what is right and wrong. We try not to hurt anyone. The word "humanitarian" itself means concerned with or seeking the welfare of other humans. 

However, knowingly or unknowingly, we do go awry. It is the tendency of humans, to make mistakes. No matter how good you are, nobody is perfect. We all err, we all sin. Yes, the great things you do are acknowledged, but there is no escaping your wrongs. What is wrong is wrong, and what is right is right. And apologies are not always enough. Penance and amends may not all suffice.

The greatest torment than anything else is your own guilt, killing you from within. You die a little inside everyday. You are living, yet you aren't. Two wrongs don't make one right. The truth, no matter how subjective truth can be, is you pay for everything you do. Good, bad or ugly whatever you do, it all comes at a price. Everything has its consequences, which could be anything from serving time in jail, or losing a friend or self-destruction. You could be the most awesome person on the planet, but mistakes do cost.

But that doesn't mean that we start living with our mistakes. Humanly speaking, we set out to right the wrong. Sometimes, we can't do about anything that has happened, So, what do we do then? We accept our mistakes, and we try to get better. To quote Lady Violet Crawley from Downtown Abbey, "When things go wrong, you don't wish that they didn't happen. Instead, you try to minimize the damage". This of course doesn't mean that we end up driving over people on the footpath, and seek temporary residence in jail, or go on a mistake-making spree. We learn from our past errors, and do not repeat them again. We learn, we become better, we make newer and better mistakes, and most importantly, WE MOVE ON AND LIVE.

Angrezi Beat Pe

India is a country obsessed with Bollywood and its music. Most of us 90's kids grew up listening to our share of filmy music, to which we danced every year on our school annual day, with the same signature step intact. Also, there were so many solo artistes releasing their albums in those years, and unlike today, they were actually pretty popular back then. Falguni was the ultimate babe belting out choodi jo khanki, and Euphoria was the coolest band on the planet. And then came the era of remixes, where suddenly we had smoking hot babes in even hotter clothes gyrating their hips on old tracks, but with a twist greater than their thumkas. Deepal Shaw (or whatever her name was), and not Sunny Leone, was the Baby Doll dancing to Kabhi aar Kabhi Paar, and DJ Suketu and DJ Aqeel were suddenly the most-wanted people in the industry. We barely had any exposure to Western music. Our parents would never let us watch MTV, and Internet was a pure luxury. Our pure source for English music was "iTV", a cable channel, who's number we dialed every afternoon, in this mad pursuit of wanting to listen to that one English track by pressing all the buttons on our landline phone in sequence, within 60 seconds. And then we'd call up multiple times and play the same songs again and again, to make some sense out of the alien language that we were listening to, and then act all cool in front of our friends at school. And it didn't matter if the song was in English or Spanish. Gora people dancing on TV meant, the song has to be English. So, here's a list of 10 so-called English songs, that most of us grew up listening to.

1) Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On

This could possibly be the first English number that all of us must have heard in our life and also the first English movie that we ever watched (second closest is Baby's Day Out). Anybody could identify the Titanic track, just the moment it started, thanks to the music that we all had so grown used to listening to. And, the biggest gift of this song to the world, was the evergreen Titanic pose!

2) Aqua - Barbie Girl

The most annoying song of all times, was once on the lips of every girl. Yes women, we can all shed two tears out of embarrassment now.

3) Las Ketchup - The Ketchup Song

This song took us all by storm, and suddenly we were all trying to mouth the lyrics, even though we didn't understand shit, and were famously doing the steps, like a boss. Asereje ja de je *random silly words just to sound in tune* buidipi!

4) Any Vengaboys song

We heard songs by The Vengaboys mostly during some shaadi sangeet or while attending a party. More than the original tracks, these songs were usually heard in their remixed version, clubbed along with Bolo Tara Ra or Rangeelo Mhaaro Dholna. I'm sure everyone has heard We're going to Ibiza, Boom Boom Boom, We like to Party, My heart goes sha la la la or the all-time famous BRAZIL!

5) Enrique - Bailamos

Before we all got introduced to Escape, Addicted, Be with you or Love to see you cry, Bailamos was the song most synonymous to Enrique. Spanish music with the sexiest voice, Enrique had us all crooning along with him.

6) Blue - One Love / All Rise

These are probably the only two songs that everyone ever heard by Blue. We all felt so full of swag singing One Love along with our friends, and our folks at Bollywood liked it so much that they had Shaan doing a version of it!

7) Ricky Martin - Un Dos Tres

God knows what the lyrics are, but the energy of this song doesn't fail to amaze you till date!

8) Queen - We will Rock You

Probably the only song we knew back then with such a rebellious tone, we will rock you was an anthem in itself.

9) Any Backstreet Boys Song

Needless to say, none of us could've grown up without listening to Backstreet. Each song triggers some sort of memory, and makes us go all emotional. Quit Playing Games, Everybody, Show me the meaning, As long as you love me, I want it that way, The call... Backstreet Boys weren't a band to our generation, they were a way of life.

10) Bryan Adams - Summer of 69

Yes, we'll love this song till the day we die.

"And if I had the choice,
Yeah, I'd always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life!"

Vintage Tunes

                                                         Vintage Tunes



One of the many things that have evolved greatly in the past century is music. To us, it goes beyond the realm of sur and taal. It is more than mere lyrics being voiced out melodiously. Life, like music has its own rhythm and harmony, always moving to the beat. There was an era in Bollywood, where Munnis and Sheelas didn't exist. Long before, Mere Daftar ki Girl and Hookah Bar came to town, there was some serious stuff brewing in the music industry. Music, is an entirely personal entity. However, I'm one of those who believe that "you are what you listen to". Also, I feel that people these days don't really see beyond the gibberish lyrics and haphazard music arrangement. So, I've made this list of a few songs, which are extremely close to my heart, and which I also believe should be heard at least once in their lifetime, by everyone. Cover versions and remixes are made time and again, but nothing matches the beauty of the originals. I'm sure I'm leaving out a lot of songs, and there would surely be a lot more wonderful songs apart from these select few. Here are 10 songs of the yesteryear era, which I feel, every person of my generation, should listen to, at least once.


1) Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye

A song considered to be amongst the finest works of Mukesh, with lyrics by Yogesh that make your soul weep, this melody is absolutely timeless.

2) Ehsaan Tera Hoga Mujh Par

This Mohammed Rafi number, is a treat for the hopelessly romantic. Love was never expressed more beautifully.

3) I Love You from Hare Rama Hare Krishna

Dum Maaro Dum, which was sort of, the youth anthem at that time, stole this song's thunder. However, this song is arguably amongst the best works of RD Burman, according to me. This song was way ahead of its time and ushered in a revolution. Much credit has not been given to Usha Uthup, who later on went to become the Queen of Disco. This song has shown the true potential of a voice like hers. And of course, there's Asha Bhosle, with her smashing  vocals.

4) Chand Si Mehbooba

This song is genius with lyrics that flow like honey through your ears, and an amazingly haunting melody. This number is the epitome of old school romance.
"Haan tum bilkul waisi ho, jaisa maine socha tha..."

5) Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli

Not much has been said about Salil Chaudhary's musical genius in the past few decades. However, we owe the evergreen music of the film Anand to this man. Yogesh had never written truer words. Combined with the rock solid vocals of Manna Dey, this song is eternal.

6) Jab Deep Jale Aana

Not many people know of this song from the film Chitchor. Flaunting the deep vocals of Yesudas, this song is an easy-listening number.

7) Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha

With words that are bold and delicate, expressions being conveyed directly and with subtlety, all at the same time, this perfectly nuanced number is one of the finest performances by Lata Mangeshkar.

8) Zindagi Ke Safar Mein Guzar Jaate Hain

I believe, this is one of the most inspirational songs in the history of Indian music. The lethal combo of RD Burman and Anand Bakshi, this song is an all-time favourite. And who doesn't love Kishore Kumar?

9) Abhi Na Jaao Chhod Kar

With the powerful voices of Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi, this tune is a perfectly carved out mix of harkat, ada, nazaakat and obviously, sharaarat.

10) Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhaata Chala Gaya

Jaidev's music with Mohammed Rafi's vocals gave more meaning to the already beautifully written words of Sahir Ludhianvi.
                                            " Barbadiyon ka shok manana fizul tha
                                               Barbadiyon ka jashn manata chala gaya
                                               Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya
                                               Har fikr ko dhuen mein udata chala gaya..." 

Future lessons of the past

                                                             Future Lessons of the Past


                   Alice Morse Earle had said, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.” As much as I love this quote, I often wonder as to why we'd like to forget the past? And it is human nature, to anticipate the future and plan things in advance. Quotes sound lovely on paper, but how do we actually implement them in practicality?
                  It is said that, History is the best teacher. The demons and ghosts of our past, prevent us from committing possible mistakes in the future. Then why would you let the past go? It may hurt you, but it can definitely teach you a lot of things, only if you wish to learn. Is every event of your past saddening? Surely, there must have been times when your happiness would have crossed all bounds and you would have felt life at its best. If people would've let go of those splendid times, the feeling of 'nostalgia' wouldn't have existed. Yes, bad things do happen, but it is those experiences that sculpt our character over time. We don't really forget things, they just get buried deeper overtime, and don't surface till you dig deep enough. As much as we'd like to forget things, none of us want to be forgotten. All of us want to be remembered. We want to be etched in someone's mind forever, in some way or the other. We wouldn't want to be a forgotten chapter in someone else's book. We all want to make memories. We all want to reminisce and be reminisced. 
                    Maybe, this is the reason why we are so possessed with the future. We can't help worrying about it and get way ahead of our time. Our mind is a million miles ahead of itself, plotting and planning sequences and events. However, if we wouldn't think about the future, how would we set our goals? If we don't visualize a future for ourselves, what will we work for in the present? With no future to think of, we'd be just aimless with zero idea about the direction towards which we're heading. Therefore, it is important to dream. 
                   So, if I've got it right, I think the quote means that there is no harm in thinking about the past or the future, but it doesn't mean that you start living in a different time altogether. Take lessons from your past, but don't cling on to it forever. Cherish all the wonderful memories you've had, but don't forget to make newer ones. Plan ahead of your days. Use the gifts of your past, in the present, for a better tomorrow. The future beckons, are you ready yet?

Story-Telling

                                                              Story-Telling

                    The Universe is made up of stories, not atoms. Each person has a story to them. Some stories go on to later achieve the status of legends, while some are buried so deep under the sands of time, that they remain untold forever. But, it is these untold stories that add to the mystery of life. This uncertainty, is what adds to the beauty of the plot. The uncertainties, in turn add to the numerous possibilities, which make everything, all the more interesting. So, whatever lies under the surface matters too. After all, the partial truth is, but a lie.
                    Our life is one such long story with multiple short chapters. Like every story, at every instant, a new character is introduced. We may be the protagonists of our own tales, while we may have a trivial "blink and you miss" appearance in someone else's story. Every time, life has thrown  new character of utmost importance in my story, the plot has taken a twist, and changed the ongoing track. New characters come and go, altering the original story-line and ushering in a variety of emotions. A question that often plagues my mind is, have i ever been a vital character in someone else's story? Have i ever managed to make a difference? Has my role ever been important in their life? Was I the Hero or the Villain? Or just some sidekick? Did I ever matter at all?
                     All stories do come to an end, and in this story, the end is pretty much the same for everyone. They say, it's not about the destination, it's all about the journey. Analogous to this, we may conclude that more than the climax, it is the plot that is of significance. Our folks have maintained that a pen is mightier than a sword, which makes me believe that we write our own ballads and legends. We write our own poems and our own epics. We write our own songs and poetry. We are the writers of our own stories.