Pinku-Enchanted Life

For a long time now every story of abuse against women has boiled my blood. Four years ago becoming the mother of a girl child added a few more notches to the temperature as I became more acutely aware of the inequalities and challenges a woman faces at every step of her life. Media reports on the brutality being meted out, the growing gap in gender ratios and the total lack of empathy amongst the powers that be coupled with remarks too often heard - what can we do....and the helplessness echoed in that statement, propelled me to think of something WE COULD DO. We can go on STRIKE and force men and the society to realize our importance and the need to treat us with understanding and respect as fellow human beings. So here is what I have started and I hope you will join in, for without you it wont work. #WomenOnStrike

There was a time I was proud of you Israel. I was proud of your struggles, of your fights and I was proud of your will to survive. I took pride in the fact that you arose almost from ashes 2000 years after you were dispersed you resurrected a dead language you dug canals, you turned a desert green You danced the hora and kissed the stones and brought alive a nation. You were survivors of the holocaust You had seen the worst possible side of man yet you had stayed human. Sadly now you are losing it. You my friend and guide have crossed the fence and become what I thought was never possible THE AGGRESSOR. PLEASE STOP IT.

When the leaves turn and beckon, winter comes calling The kaash and the shiuli wave their heads in glee The breeze turns balmy hugs common between him and me Little children's laughter rise up to the skies The sun wakes up with a smile and fades with an orange sigh We know Mother its time for you to come with many a gift and surprise

Faith, trust, believe…all old fashioned words that mean nothing in today’s world unless of course you participate in those five yearly races called elections. In which case these words just mean one thing – the vote bank. But that’s not the meaning I was talking about. I was talking about the kind on which forever after relationships are based. The kind which wise people know is far more important than love for love is fickle while faith stays true. That’s its nature. But then again I am talking of things past. Things that are obsolete and do not mean anything anymore.  Why do I say so you ask? I say this because around me I see the wreckage of human relationships; I see greed, lust and selfish interest guide people into higher and still higher levels of oblivion from the pain of those around them. How is it possible for people to negate everything that’s been done for them, whether by parents, friends, and siblings or spouses for something which even in t...

I was out with two junior colleagues at work to eat golgappas and generally have fun. Heard a child bawling, wondered who it was and then while getting back to the car. Saw a middle aged woman carrying a child of 5-6 years. The child was crying er heart out. I stepped infront of them and tried to talk to her, hoping the interruption would stop her from crying further. The woman explained that the child was her grand daughter whose mother (the woman's daughter) had died and therefore the woman was looking after the child. She seemed to be of limited means and said that she couldnt afford to buy the toy the child was asking for and had instead got her a balloon, some biscuits and toffee as compensation. I was in half a mind to ask her where the toy shop was, so that I could buy the toy for the child before realizing that I would set a bad precedent. Instead I kept talking to the child and got her to forget her toy for a while atleast. She got friendly enough to smile for the camera a...

I have wanted you so much I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want you Of course I was smart, I didn’t let anyone know It wouldn’t do to carry your heart on your sleeve Would it? But, I have wanted you There is no mistaking it Have day dreamed about your fingers laced in mine Of wild rides through hills and vales With you by my side Now they tell me I have to let you go Let you go even before I really see you Even before we have looked into each other’s eyes and seen our souls joined how easy is it you tell me? Why am I always faced with these decisions? Where and when did God decide that I should be an example of stoic acceptance? Why cant I rant and rave? And refuse to let go? Why must I be logical and practical? I don’t want any of it, I just want you. Is it so very much to ask?

I have been meaning to write for a long time, a film here, a feeling there have all begged to be jotted down. However life has been extremely busy since the beginning of the year and the way it looks, it promises to be so till the end of the year and beyond. January was when I was on the weekdays frantically trying to achieve the numbers at work and shopping for my adopted brother’s wedding on weekends. Early February was when the marriage took place and I assumed life would now become easier with a young girl in the family to look after mom and brother so that I could concentrate on work and my own home. Me and mom and tried our best to make it a wedding complete in all respects. Both of us for various reasons had not gone on a honeymoon when we got married. We ensured the new couple did. We tried to give them the space and time that most new couples complain about not having. And yet we could not ensure that they be a happy twosome. Frequent quarrels and unnatural demands erupte...

Sweets, crackers and lights All such lovely delights Its that time of the year again When the earth resembles heaven The nip in the air and the fragrance of kadamb Be jolly my friend for DIWALI is here!!! HAPPY DIWALI TO ONE AND ALL!!!

I have been in a ranting mode so I thought let me count my blessings. It’s a self help exercise so kindly bear with me. I always find some people who gladly share their time and company with me wherever I am I have a loving partner who is not stuck up with ideas of what girls should do or don’t. I have the naughtiest mom in the world My doggie Crazy has the most soulful eyes in the world My masi thinks I am a heroine so does my brother though he tries to keep it carefully hidden My home is the center of my universe and I love returning to it I have a job and am good at what I do I have a blog correction two and some people actually find them worth following. I have dreams that I want to fulfill and someone with me who shares them I can find these ten points to write about….there would be so many who wont be able to. Thank you God.

This is my wishlist. Do share yours too!!! Have a brilliant year ahead and may peace reign on earth!!!

My mom and her cousin and his wife just went on a trip to Bombay and Goa. (yes, Bombay thats how they think of it inspite of all the hype about Mumbai). We joked that they are too old to enjoy those places and they are meant for the young and adventurous. The mocking continued till I saw the pictures. Then I stopped. (Mom on the mini rail near elephanta Caves) (Mom and Mammi on Ferry) (Mom collecting sea shells on Juhu beach) Mom seems to have had more fun than me :( Am sharing some here for you guys...just so you know that age is completetly in the head and my mom refuses to step over 40 whatever it takes. Am hoping she stays that way. (Mom and Co. dancing away at Goa)

The Taj Heritage building has been destroyed. The landmark which was as much talked about as perhaps the Gateway of India, is badly burnt and it will take months perhaps more to recover its glory. The Taj management promises to rebuild it brick for brick. In the meantime, can we ensure please that those bastards dont get to ever touch a single brick or life in this country again. I am upset and I am crying. For my country, for my countrymen and for the sad state we have brought ourselves to. My humble request is: Please lets be strong for each other and reach out a hand to all those who need it. AND PLEASE lets remember that those terrorists when they fired, fired blindly killing everyone in the line of fire be they be sikh, muslim, hindu, buddhist or atheist. Dont let anyone turn this into a debate about religion. Those guys who did this have none. Lets ensure the guilty are punished with the most exemplary punishment possible for this dastardly act and every such act that this count...