ethereallily's blog

After confirming the plan with my friend Ash, I headed towards my hostel canteen for a quick breakfast. My breakfast consisted of 'upma' enough to fuel me till the time I reached FC Road for some better delicacies. I didn't take long in dressing up since the important decision of what to wear, had already been taken days before. I got into my new orange kurti and light blue jeans and was soon out with my raincoat, wallet and keys.

I drove down to Good Luck Chawk where we had decided to meet up. I stepped into Archies which was located at the corner. They said they would be there. The store was crowded with youths busy with their friendship day shopping. I wasn't able to locate my friends so gave them a call (missed). They called back informing me where they were. I pushed through the crowd and stepped out of the store. There they were. Niti looked a little different from what she had looked last year. This year, she was married, last year she wasn't. That had brought in a little change. She carried the sign of married Indian woman ' the 'mangal sutra'. She still looked great nevertheless. As for Ash, she still looked the same ' lovely as always.

We did the usual friendship day band exchange and headed for 'Vaishali' like we had done last year. We knew the wait on such occasions took longer than on a regular day. As we waited for our turn, we caught up with each other. Now all of us were into something different. Both Ash and Niti were working. Now Niti had to balance work and home. Ash had recently got a new job. She had already made new friends whom she had plans with later during the day. Niti described her new life after marriage.

After our short brunch, we stopped at an ice-cream parlor where I had a 4 in 1 (mango, butterscotch, chocolate and vanilla ' too good!). Niti ordered a Chocolate ice-cream and Ash was reserving some space for lunch with her colleagues. We then strolled to the shops adorned with colorful junk jewelry, hair accessories and bangles. Ash bought a bangle and then bid us goodbye. Niti took a bus and I drove back to my hostel.

That wasn't all. On reaching back to my room, my friends had already planned out the rest of the day. The six of us left for Kadakwasala dam where we spent time with our feet in pools of water chatting and clicking pictures. We finally returned back stopping at Dominoes for some delicious cheese dripping pizzas and pastries, after which we returned back hoping for another fun filled friendship day next year.

The Happiness Sale - Something I had waited for a very long time was finally here.

 After having gotten used to splurging money on sales over the past few years, I had kept my shopping on halt till a good sale came by. At last, the one I had awaited for the most had come.

They call it the 'Happiness Sale'. Yes it does make me happy, but I'm not the one who named it this way. I suppose its Kishore Biyani and his future group which decided on it.

Sales like many of us already know are like westernized 'melas'. The empty malls which are used for window shopping most of the year round are thronged by the masses on such occasions.

To seek advantage of the multi-brand discounts, many of us descend down to malls on such occasions, I, being one of them. Fortunately such sales allow me to update my cupboard once in a while with something new + branded + trendy.

For families it could be a weekend outing to make purchases worth showing off. For some like me, it's a shopping cum get-together with friends. The benefit of taking friends along shopping is that they prevent you from making the wrong choices of clothes you may think look great on you.

For us (Nisha, Preets and I), it was a well planned Saturday outing, a break from the regular routine of college and back and also a great opportunity to escape from college situated in the hills, 8kms from the nearest civilization (Pashan).

 After a lazy breakfast, Nisha and I got ready and soon left on my scooty for Pashan. After meeting up with Preets, we made our way towards the ATM situated in Pashan. Going to Central would have been fruitless for us without a prior visit to the ATM.

Once we had the pre-requisite to shop, we stopped at the Bus Stop and waited for the right bus to turn up. Shortly a bus did come by, my friend shouted out to the Conductor, asking if it would take us to E-square. We quickly responded to his nod by jumping onto the bus without a second thought. The bus moved swiftly with few jerks at stops and signals. Using a bus for short trips isn't so boring. These are the few places where you find people of different incomes using the same facility for convenience. No matter how big your income is, you would want the most convenient mode of transport for long distances. I sat back and observed the bus occupants. They mostly comprised of villagers and local residents of that area. None of them were as excited as we were on the bus. For them, it was something they did regularly ' same activities to attend to, same places to go.

 We got down at the stop near E-square and walked to Central from there. On reaching the entrance of Pune Central, Nisha stopped suddenly. We discovered the reason for her sudden halt. Her sandal had broken. Now, finding a 'Mochi' close to a mall wasn't quite expected. We didn't know of any 'normal' shoe stores close by either. The only option left was for her to buy a pair of sandal from Central.

Preets stayed back with me outside and joined me for a plate of Momos while Nisha went around inside searching for a pair of footwear. I had lent her my chappal, so that she could look around inside and quickly return with some footwear ' for us to proceed with what we had actually come for.

 After our small picnic (Momos and Water) under the tree outside Central, we finally saw Nisha walk out with a pair of new shoes. A good sign for us - finally we would also get in! Being used to buying 100rp chappals from places like FC road, Nisha wasn't too pleased to be spending her 600rps (saved for a branded oufit).

We made our way to the first floor ladies section, after which I parted with my friends wishing them all the best with their task of shopping. We decided we would meet up after 10-20mins after digging out good stuff ready to be tried out. My attempt at first wasn't too successful. I wasn't getting stuff which was worth paying for. I made my way towards the trail room several times with my arms full of clothes to try out. Fortunately, there wasn't anyone to restrict me on taking more than 3 at a time.

The queue I joined comprised of ladies. Most of them didn't step out of the trial room without a guaranteed approval (in the form of a nod or wiggle) from their male counterpart. For those with boyfriends it took longer for the decision to be made as compared with husbands who gave quicker responses (I suppose out of experience).

After an hour of unsuccessful trials I was beginning to think nothing there had been made for my size and 'type'. Some of the clothes I had picked looked fabulous without me in them, making me wish I was slim enough to fit in.

I bumped into my two friends who appeared to have finalized on a few t-shirts. They had made progress and carried a smile on their face. My smile had begun to fade away.

I decided on giving myself another chance and returned back to my search although still disappointed with my first attempt. By now the weekend crowd was pouring in. The wait at the trial room queue was now taking longer than it had taken to pick the clothes to be tried on.

 After my hands were full once more, I retreated to the trial room. From the lot I had picked this time, I was finally able to choose two pretty outfits which suited me. Pleased with myself, I quickly located my friends to seek their approval on my pick. They had already completed their billing by then. It was crowded by then and difficult to move about. I showed them what I had picked out. They gave me the 'acha hai' talk and ex-pression. After making my payment, I was confident and happy with my purchase. We gladly left, hoping to return back soon for another sale.

As I got started with work, I kept glancing at my cell phone. Just to check if I missed out on any calls or messages. To my dismay, there weren’t any. Thoughts rushed through. I stared blankly at my computer screen. I didn’t feel like typing anymore for a while. I quietly sipped my coffee. My phone had not rung. He did not call me. Why? What could have been the reason?

At lunch break, I took out my cell phone from my bag, where I had replaced it back -hoping to see a few missed calls or a message awaiting me. I had kept it away in my bag, so as not to get distracted. Blankly staring at the phone had not made it ring and so it had to be kept away. I was expecting to see multiple missed calls on display. Deeply inside I had imagined him to have called me several times. I decide that I would later tell him that I hadn't noticed my phone ring. My cell phone showed the usual wall paper display - no messages, no calls. It hurt me a little. My smile faded away once more.

"He didn't remember me"

I was too disappointed and was slowly filled with vengeance. I decided I would not take his call so easily. I wanted him to feel what I had felt. Feel sorry for not to have called me all day. I was still hoping then that he would call.

It was 6 o'clock and he still had not called. I hadn't been myself that day. I had been answering others with a short reply and sometimes with just a nod or a shake. Others would have probably described me as gloomy. I packed up my bag with my usual files and stationary and left the office without bidding anyone good bye. It had been a Monday at work ' not a very happy one.

Later that evening, as I was glued to my addictive soap, I saw my phone flashing. It was him calling. I had already forgotten my dull day and was engrossed in watching my serial. “He's finally remembered me”, i thought. My anger returned back slowly and my arrogance prevented me from taking the call. Finally after a few rings, I decided to take the call.

I asked him why he hadn’t called me all day. He said he was TOO BUSY.

Too busy to spare a minute or two to call or send a text message? Too busy to remember his family and friends? Is this how life goes on? I ponder to myself.

I don't quite understand why you appear to be so confused. It's now a week of watching the dark rain clouds hover above in the sky, bringing to us the smell of the rains. But with great dismay, it does not rain.

 I would like to tell you that the rains are more beneficial to us here, than they are to you above. Kindly look down on earth and see the priests - praying for rain each day. Look at the farmers whose eyes are filled of hopes to see their fields lush and green. Look at the people whose taps have run dry. Look at the children who have waited all summer, to splash around in the rain.

I hope you are not angry at us for causing you so much harm. For the toxins and pollutants which have contaminated your atmosphere. Forgive us for that, as we are trying to mend our ways ' by 'going green'.

Let me end by saying, your beauty is still beyond words. You look incredible especially when you camouflage with different colors. The light blue of the day, the red-purple of the evening and the black of the night, all look so beautiful on you.

Hoping you will let the rains fall to earth.

Your Well Wisher

For those who are not working and are awaiting the day, let me introduce you to the world of the hypnotized.

Whoever said that people have replaced machines wasn't quite right. In my opinion, people have 'BECOME' machines.

As I come close to the completion of my summer internship (still 2 weeks to go), I am being left in contemplation.

"Gosh! Is this how people really work?"

At the end of each day, amongst the many lessons learnt here (at my workplace), I have always had one in common.

LESSON: My freedom is limited to few months (till I become one of them).

Unlike many others who work here, I haven't yet adapted to a disciplined life. I am also not the punctual sort and have ended up coming late on most days of my internship.

My entry at office is usually noticed by the many who abide by office discipline. I instantly receive disapproving glances followed by shaking heads whenever I'm late. On finding my cubicle, I take a little longer to set up my desk and drawer with essentials like my stapler, water bottle, other stationary occasionally required, as well as setting up my mouse in the right direction. After that, I am finally settled! The others are quick at settling themselves and within no time get busy and bustling about with work.

To describe further the peculiar behavior seen here (by employees), it's almost as if their minds are pre-programmed with automated switched ON/OFF's well in place. The masses will still turn up at the same time, (although they claim to have flexible timings, I barely see it used to the optimum). It's like turn on is at 9 am and turns off at '5-6' or so.

 As described earlier, everyone is so dedicated to their work that it's almost as if they have been hypnotized by swinging pendulums (or whatever it takes). BUT there are exceptions. Although it may seem like everyone is entirely absorbed with their work, that's not the case.

Not everyone is part of this bizarre commitment. When looked at closely, the so called disciplined lot, isn't all that disciplined. To start with, surprise them by a peep behind their computer screens. There's a good chance you'll find more than just work going on. Possibly a time-pass mail forward being read, some serious scrap exchange going on, updating a status on twitter, a video of some kind (don't ask me what kind), weird games, chatting with nears and dears, blogging and a lot more. Any yet, while at it, he (person behind the screen, who else!) appears as though seriously engrossed with his work.

Peek into a few silent cubicles post lunch and don't be surprised to find someone catching a quick nap, in hope of not being discovered behind his cubicle shield. Try visiting the Xerox or coffee machine zones. Such areas are prone to pure time-pass and meaningless conversations and gossips.

Although, they may appear too immersed with work to be watching the clock tick, under the table they are counting every left minute of their watch till they break for home. They may have loads of work piled up, but they still manage to do a lot more than just work, without being noticed!

So the good news is that there are a few sane people around.

"Heal the World; make it a Better Place,

for You and for Me and the Entire Human Race"

This post is dedicated to the first musician I had known as part of my childhood. It was his music that touched me as I grew up, and along the years he had become a part of my small world. Unknowingly, I became a fan of his.

I still remember, during those days, when I was too young to understand music, I would follow what my brother would listen to. He introduced me to MJ's music which I enjoyed so much, thinking of him as the biggest artist I ever knew. I had taken to his music and excitedly listened to his every track. We grew up watching music videos and documentaries of MJ. I would always watch his posters put up neatly on the walls of our room.

As kids, we always admired his unique style of dance and tried to follow his dance steps which looked so easy on T.V. Every move he made on stage was always full of zeal and zest. He would swiftly dance across the floor to his tracks and throw aside his hat in style which would land softly on the floor.

MJ's music made record sales of over 750 million, similar to other legends like the Beatles and Elvis Presley. His greatest hit 'thriller' sold over 100 million copies and remained on the charts for several weeks. His music won him several awards because of which he is part of the Guinness book for achieving the highest awards won by a male artist. Whether it is 'Heal the world' or 'black or white', his songs convey strong messages to his listeners worldwide.

Over the years, we heard stories of MJ caught up in several controversies. He was haunted by lawsuits and paparazzi and soon with debts. His reputation as an artist was slowly ruined. He was known for his absurd behavior and had few friends. MJ lavishly spent on his lifestyle and home (Neverland) which undoubtedly added to his debts. Even after being mocked of his plastic surgery, his music and love for his audience won back hearts.

Above all the controversies, what stands today is his talent- his music which will live on. MJ leaves behind a mark of a talented musician the world has never seen before. His music will truly live in the hearts of all his fans and echo for many years to come.

Today, he is being remembered after so long by all his fans who had forgotten him over the years. His recognition is finally returning after his demise.

What's for certain is that his record sales will go up, but sadly he won't be there to claim his part which he truly deserves.

Cheers to him. May he Rest in Peace.

Good bye 'alphanso' and welcome 'dasheri'. Finally! The heat has taken its long awaited break, and has made way for the rains. For those unfamiliar with the earlier terms, alphanso is a variety of mango available during the summer in the west. 'Dasheri' is a variety found in the north, after the summer comes to an end.

As I made my way from the countryside to the city this evening, I couldn't help notice the change the monsoon had brought in. Descending clouds to lower altitude made the landscape look breathless. The grass looked greener and the flowers all ready for their first bloom. It was a lot cooler than it had been for many days. The Drizzle accompanied with breeze blew on my face reminding me of a fresh start of the season.

The good part is no more sun tans, so the SPF's (sunscreen) can take a break. What goes back in the cupboard are the sun coat, scarves and whatever it took for that extra care during the summer.

What is already out, are the rain coats and colorful umbrellas (worth a glance - they get fancier every year!).

It doesn't end. There are the walks in the rain, conversations amidst several cups of tea and coffee, getting drenched and still ready for more.

Like they say, every good has its bad - the unavoidable puddle splashes, the unstoppable rains (of India), a lot many gloomy mornings, cold and cough (which I dearly dread).

This season brings so much undefined and indescribable by my few words.

It's a Friday, you really want to rush home after all it's a Friday and guess what? It's raining. No not a drizzle, a down pour! What do you do then? It you're thinking it to be a good time to get done with your pending work and have nothing left for Monday, I wouldn't really take that as a brilliant idea. This is because being a Friday, I have already been up trying to complete my work on time! Then I think, it would be a good time to go over and discuss some of my work with my Guide, but then he's already tied up with his manager getting his part of work complete.

I finally pick up my stuff, bid farewell to those near me and disappear from the office. I sign out at the security, and look towards where my two-wheeler is parked.
I step out and find it drizzling, but then I think it's manageable. I'm not too disappointed, after all it's a Friday. I quickly get into my rain coat. I notice there are very few prepared for the early shower unlike me. This makes me feel nice (I had my raincoat ready for the rains). But it didn't last for long, when I drive out, the traffic is unlike what I usually find at that hour. For some time I wonder what the rush is for. Maybe it's an accident or a vehicle ahead slowing down the movement across the highway. Then I realized what the rush was all about; I wasn't the only one waiting for the shower to end. The highway was all packed with cars, buses, trucks, cycles and two wheelers. I decide to opt for an alternative route hoping it would take me back in less time than my usual route through the highway. That turned out to be one of my last few wrong decisions of the week. The route I opted for was worse. It wasn't just traffic I came across. There was other stuff like traffic signals not working where required and definitely working where not needed. Other than that, there were drainage blocks and pools of water to get through.

It took me an hour longer than it had taken me in the morning. But then, it was all for the Friday. Yes I was home, back where I could sit back and relax while I sipped on my much more enjoyable cup of tea! Anything for that relaxed feel of being home ON A FRIDAY!