And some forever are real!

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.” – ~George Moore`~

So true the words are .... It's no stretch to say that a person has immense fortune in life if they have a loving supportive home. There is no coincidence in it that God organizes us into families so that we can live together and grow up in a happy and secure atmosphere with two loving parents.

People who have lived through a disaster never say, "All I could think about during the flood was my bank account." They almost always say, "All I could think about was my husband and children." It shouldn't require a disaster for us to know this truth. I feel blessed and an overwhelming sense of gratitude to have been born in a family where I have been taught to value the relations. The most meaningful moments in life are the ones you share with your family. I still remember the time when I stood first in the class and my dad took my report card to his office with enormous proud feeling to show his colleagues, when I saw my parents laugh and smile, and see how much they loved each other, when my sister gave me a high five after cracking that stupid joke with me, when I broke a flower vase and my parents forgave me instead of yelling at me, when my dad become a proper little nurse when I fell ill, when my family went through a rough patch and we all stood together for each other. These are the moments that made me realize the value and importance of family and the feeling of being loved.

They are the reason; I wake up every morning with a smile cherishing all that I have. It's the sip from dad's cup of tea every Sunday morning, it's still when I run up to mom to hug her first thing when I return home in the evening, it's Parul's teasing smile as I wrinkle my nose at the mention of mom making that ghia sabzi for dinner; it's the way dad gets excited when he cooks a new dish and can't wait for me to try it and get excited too, it's that every little gesture that make me fall in love with them even more :)


Nothing in the world can replace the place of family in life. They welcome you with a smile and a hug and heat up dinner for you even when you arrive home really late; they love you so unconditionally that you feel like opening up to them about every silly little detail that's disturbing you. But you wouldn't do that as you know your tears will hurt them too and you can't bear that sight in a million year, you know you will come back to them eventually, wherever you get carried away to in life and most importantly they don't forget your birthday. Ever!!!!


They are the people who were there for you. In good or in bad times they are the ones who showed up, who stayed there for you in spite of what was offered to you by destiny. It's not only about blood relations but something much superior that ties the knot of love and togetherness.  Not every one is fortunate and growing up is tough for some without the love and support they long for. So value the relations and don't let chasing materialistic pleasures steal from you what no money can buy.

A rendezvous with my heart!

Dear Smiling heart,

So it’s been long since we had our one to one conversation!

I thought it’s not a bad idea to write a letter to you.

Can’t help out I am romantic ;-)

First of all, thanks for embracing everything I hold precious...

My memories, desires, dreams and wishes

You are the one that creates my passion and motivation in life.

I just wanted you to know we (Mind and I) are incomplete without you J

Now let’s come to the main point!

I wonder what’s going on?

You laugh frequently,

You don’t complain about any thing now days,

You forgive without arguing,

You don't cry when I prohibit,

You don't even cross your limits,

I mean if you go like this one day you will surely rule the world!!!

So are you grown up now?

Can I be relaxed?

Eagerly waiting for your reply.

Your curious owner,

Neha

Because some moments are just priceless!

So this lazy Sunday afternoon, I was having an inner dialogue thinking about all the moments that I feel are priceless to me. So here I am penning down few of them to see what comes out of my thought process when I make an attempt to give a voice to my heart J

The way while watching rain a hot cup of coffee warms you……

Listening to some one telling you how proud they are of you……

Looking into someone’s eyes and failing to hide your emotions…

When you return home super hungry and find out that your fav dish awaits you at a dinner table……

Staying up late on the phone talking to someone you thought you had lost....

Sharing a smile with a stranger at right light in the car ……

Kissing some one in the rain……

When you hug someone you love and they hug you back even tighter……

Singing for someone and have them sit speechless when you're done……

Having your dog sit beside you and cuddle while you cry your heart out……

A good photograph of a special moment that freezes that moment into a tangible keepsake and helps make the memory of that moment last a lifetime……

Resting your head on someone's shoulder you know you can trust upon....

Driving in the rain listening to your favorite numbers……

Dancing in the first shower of June with your sandals off the feet……

The calm feeling while sitting on the rocks at beach and watching waves crash in front of your eyes……

A casual stroll along the beach with nowhere to go……

Realizing you were smiling the entire time you were talking to someone, right after you hang up the phone……

Making some one else smile by going out of your way to perform an unexpected act of kindness. Especially for someone you don't even know……

Sharing a special treat about something exciting in your life with a special person is worth much more than anything else……

The warm coziness of your own bed after you return home from a long business trip……

The excitement of swinging on a swing as high as you possibly can……

When you manage to get up and pull yourself together after being knocked down the hill by life……

Knowing that you mean “world” to some one J

And these are few of my endless favorite things that are quite close to my heart.

Happy Mothers Day to the woman who taught me to be strong and made me who I am today!

Even though I don't need just one day to celebrate your existence in my life, but still here I am making an attempt to let you know what you mean to me, Muma.

As I close my eyes to find the best words, to describe what you mean to me, I go blank and go through pages of heaven’s dictionary. Only a divine word in the highest means can describe the role you play in my life… I love you for the way you say "Your birthday is mother's day for me." and gaze at me and every time my face lit up smiling back at you saying "awww" J

I owe you. I owe you a lot…. For preparing my breakfast and lunch when I am enjoying my sleep, so that I can reach office on time to you putting me off to sleep in the night when I'm unable to calm my mind and put it to rest. ". For bribing me with my favorite dish after cancelling plans on me to being psychic enough to understand my mood when I am sad and telling lies to you for not discussing it and you say "I was at your age too.” As I know how inexpressive you are, it makes me feel so amazing when you tell me I am your best friend.

I enjoy the way we share secrets and then crack inside jokes in front of papa. The way you tease me by saying "Pasand aa gaya?" every time I stare at a cute guy in the mall :P The way you plan a birthday surprise for me and then end up telling me before hand because you are so excited about it :D The way you react at my clothes and say "Ye kya pehen liya :O" every time the combination looks funny or my dress is too short. Lol .

It still makes me nostalgic when I think about how from the age when I was 5 years old. , I have grown up to sit on your kitchen platform while you cooked delicious meals and I would tell you about everything that happened in school. From a boy standing on desk for not doing home work to the frock which got dirty just because I tripped over a puddle. You would listen to my endless stories and laugh with me over the most non funniest thing I used to say just to make me feel nice. It surprises me when I get hurt and bleed, you shout at one moment and apply ointment the very next J The way you force me to drink Bournvita every evening and got me addicted to it.

I am grateful for every thing you did for me being so selfless and for many other things that have not been mentioned here.  You boost my confidence and control my ego. You instilled the values and the lessons that make me the woman that I am today. I love you muma and I always will J

L'affaire Goa !!!

This probably would seem like a strange question to ask considering most of us are already adults. Do you remember the days when we were kids and when people asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up? We all had answers that were absolutely incredible. We all wanted to be doctors, rock stars, super heroes, actors, all sorts of things that seemed completely free of a world based on rules. For me, the answer was always to be a travel anchor. To get an opportunity to explore all the exotic places on this planet and meet all the interesting people across the globe.

Though destiny had some different plans for me and I ended up in advertising world. But I know that there are no barriers to living, feeling, experiencing, doing whatever it is you desire to do at any given time. Everything is possible. I always knew no matter what I will still manage time to nurture my dream and explore this beautiful planet. And as they say, if you want something from deep within the whole universe conspires to make it true. Something similar was in store for me too. Soon after returning from my South trip, I got the opportunity to take a turn towards west and nothing could have been more fascinating than Goa - its a place of verbs- seeing, doing, being, living J

This trip was my epitome of craziness (Few things I can’t even mention on the blog as they are too silly to admit at a public platform like this. Lol) and now when that madness is over I can sit and pen about my most-exotic-trip to Goa. The trip was scheduled for four days and we stayed in Taj Vivanta Holiday Resort. There was something very magnetic about the place. The charming resort flirts with the seafront and villas play hide & seek with the gardens and swinging palms. This property reflected the true spirit of Goa.

I loosen myself up the moment I reached the sea shore, kicked off my floaters and jumped in water. So refreshing it was! This was just the beginning; we still had more exciting days coming up to explore these beautiful, de-stressing waters. Hurrahhhh! We spent that night dancing and celebrating life in oh so famous DJ Akeel’s pub – Hype till wee hours of the morning.

There must be a reason why they call 3 AM as “The Devil’s Time.” Whenever I group with this gang and do something crazy, it happens close to 3 AM or so. Like last time it was in Bangkok. Weird! The Devil loves us for sure. Lol So I was challenged by them to get up to the table and perform dance amidst crowded dance floor. My own voice questioned in my mind - Neha, Are you actually going to do that? And I nodded my head in agreement. Lol Leaving my inhibition aside I jumped on to the top of table and danced as if there is no tomorrow. My own friends were screaming my name loud and cheering me up. Shedding the inhibition, celebrating the mischief and getting over fears is among the things I'll always remember. For that one moment as if my world was spinning in a slow motion with a smile on my face. May be after many years, when I will be settled in my family, I will be sitting, reading this blog and would be smiling knowing I have been wild, I have been crazy and I have lived through every moment of my life.

Goa gave me many reasons to smile, to come close to myself, to realize that it’s important to live before we die. This was my second trip to Goa. I was there last year also exactly at the same time. When I am there I always feel as if I have stolen few days from my own life. The way sun tickles your face and the sea kisses your feet…. The sunset, the beautiful horizon, few good memories and a vision for future….  I also tried the water sports that triggered a rush of adrenaline. I explored my adventurous side by going for speed water scooter and parasailing. . Seeing the sea from above with everyone below you like Lilliput is amazing. It also triggered few old memories with my friends last year, I know things were different then, they are different right now and may be will be much different when I visit this place next. Only my heart can guess what I meant when I used this line J

I spent these four days in Goa enjoying action packed evenings, calm morning walks along the beach sides, pleasant candle light dinners, swimming with my girls in an exotic pool and unlimited dreams of my future that is still to unfold. But as they say, what happens in Goa stays in Goa! This was one of few other “Crazy Trips” that qualified enough to be on the Web J

Flying the friendly skies in South!

So it was almost three months since I traveled last and the travel bug in me was getting restless to discover and explore something new. Every time I travel, I leave my safe harbor far behind to explore what my dreams always excited me to do, to figure out why I am so madly in love with far off destinations, to live freely on my own will, to mingle and laugh with the people who are yet to be part of my world. And there was no exception this time as well. With no fixed itinerary in mind, I packed my bags and decided to leave for Bangalore.

I always love the airport sensation. Seeing happy faces around, as if every one loves to travel like me and maybe they're so excited to imagine lovely people welcoming them when they have arrived just like what I was feeling. Every time I boarded a flight and was just next to the clouds outside or some times even above them, I had one question in mind, “Now how far is God? :) The answer was somewhere within… Any where I go, I feel his presence along.

My flight was delayed and reached late to Bangalore leaving me no option to stray in the city that day but planning a memorable night with my friends listening to some melodious numbers on guitar and late night Maggie that set just the right mood for the night :)

Next morning we adventure junkies decided to set out from Bangalore to “Hogenakkal Falls, famously known as Niagara falls of India”.  From here river Cauvery enters into Tamil Nadu as a big river with cascading waters. The falls were breath taking. The roaring water was falling into the deep gorge. Even though the river Cauvery was getting on with its rapid life but just the view made me slow down on my life and cherish its beauty. We took a coracle ride among the falls. I decided to get into the 100 feet deep water [Yes you read it right – 100 feet deep! How courageous of me na! Though I am not leaving any opportunity to exaggerate it here as I had life jacket on. Lol :P] Soon it was time to go back to Karnataka. Cool breeze was blowing and the weather was fantastic. A slight drizzle on and off added to the beauty. The drive back was simply amazing.

Next early morning was scheduled for Coorg. Till date I had just seen the mesmerizing pictures of this panoramic place but now was the time to experience it in real. On our way we crossed Nagarahole Tiger Reserve and saw some beautiful birds and animals from our car. During last 1 hour of reaching Coorg it began to rain and thunder. I was looking out from the car window, feeling the little silver droplets falling on my face with closed eyes and having flash forwards of life’s upcoming attractions. I guess for the first time in life I experienced “trance”. This was certainly the most memorable moment of my entire journey. On reaching our resort we lit the bonfire and spent the night dancing and sharing life talks with each other.

Next one day was spent in tea plantations and admiring beauty of this wonderful place. I also tried adventure sports of zipping and driving 220 cc ATV dirt bike in dust. Wooh that was such an experience! Before I could get over the beauty of this wonderful place, it was time to head back to Bangalore. I checked out few nice dining places in Bangalore along with their world famous “Idli – sambar – dosa” :)  The most marvelous place I found in Bangalore was 80 feet tall Shiva idol. I spent good 2 hours there and experienced deep peace within. I didn’t realize where these four days flew by and it was time to go back home. They say you leave a part of yourself in the place where you travel but I feel I brought along a new me from there. My being - A step more closer to self :)

Chivalry is still breathing and let’s leave it to breathe!

Some people say chivalry is dead and some say it's old-fashioned now but I would like to explore a deeper meaning of the word here. I know many women of my age and those older who say that all men are the same and no gentlemen really exist in our generation, but I would like to differ here.

I've met men who opened doors for me, offered an elbow to walk along, hosted a suitcase in a plane’s overhead compartment or waited for me to enter the lift, or pulled the chair, or paid the bill on our first meeting. I’m not offended when a man offers to carry a heavy shopping bag or recommend walking on the outside of the sidewalk when escorting me down the street. I have come out feeling nice about the experience and the person. I am a lady and would like to be treated like one. And if a man is man enough to do that, I am impressed.

Once I went for an adventure trip with my friends, where while climbing up, at one moment, I almost slipped through a rock. A friend of mine extended his hand to help but I told him to let me try by my own. He backed off and waited for me to join him at the top. I managed it by my own. Of course it’s an adventure trip so in a similar situation I don’t want a man to do the helping a damsel in distress thing for me. I can handle that. But in a social environment, if a man offers to get me a chair or a drink, I find it courteous. I don’t expect a man to do all this but if he does it for any woman, young or old, I would be delighted by the gesture.  Though it’s important to do it naturally, without just trying to make an impression.

I wonder why few feminists make it a frowned gesture by giving it name of gender bias. I feel it’s perfectly fine if some one shows they care.  Holding a door open for a woman is one of the basic chivalrous acts. That doesn’t mean a woman is incapable of opening the door herself. It just means that you are showing common courtesy and respect. I don’t believe their politeness stemmed from the belief women were less. Why should we equate simple courtesy with gender roles? I feel that everyone, male or female, should be willing to assist those who need it, and should also be appreciative of any assistance given.

If a man rings me at home at night it could be because he wants to ensure I reached safely. It’s fine if some one lends a coat to any body struggling with a sleeve. There is no reason for a war of the genders here. Women inclined towards feminist tendencies should understand that there is not always a hidden motive behind this gesture to let you down. Remember you are not so weak that a man can establish your dependence by simply opening a door for you.  Receive such gestures politely with gratitude.

I dislike women who pretend to be delicate darlings all the time and pretend to walk all brittle when draped in a sari and expect a man to hold their purse or mobile. Please don’t try to be like a lady; if you are not. Just be yourself, be whoever but don’t fake being feminine just to extract chivalry from a gentleman and be treated like a VIP at his expense.

Chivalry is simple courtesy. And it should work out both ways: If a man holds the door open for you, you must say ‘thank you’ in return. Such behavior and good manners are expected in BOTH the genders. It’s not a concept that should be limited to the things men do for women or vice versa but extended to include things that people do for ‘others’.

Generally people ask questions – Is chivalry dead? I say No it’s not dead but it is to a point endangered. To the men who still practice it without being tacky, I salute. To those who don’t, get off your lazy ass, put the video game controller down and help your lady open that jar. There is nothing wrong with being chivalrous to a woman you love or are courting.

We should all be kind to each other whenever we can. I would rather risk offending someone than risk leaving them to struggle when they could have used a hand.

So guys! Go get chivalrous to all women not just the pretty ones ;-) and all the ladies out there learn to appreciate the little gestures that make you feel so special :-)