Ooty Trip - Day1

The start of the trip was uneventful - we managed to reach the pickup point on time (considering the b'lore traffic), had food and were in bus on right time except for one big prob I had as soon as I boarded the bus.. I had to use the restroom and there were none to be found with less than 5 mins for the bus to leave. I started pestering S to do something. The hero that I have married went into action mode, ran around few places and found a paid toilet. I quickly ran in and he was having an eye on the bus. What did I see? Except for a door, there was nothing to qualify it as a toilet... ofcourse there were like a 100 Beedis and some crap. I igbnored everything and did my work, came running back to him :) I am given numerous examples everyday why I have chosen him as my life partner :)

Once the bus started, I wanted to go to snoozeland.. But do I have such luck.. Definitely No... they started playing Singam Movie (In Hindi) on the tv.. S being the movie freak he is, was keen in watching that. I tried to follwo it for a while and started bugging with 1001 questions :) I dono when I slept but a call from lil sis at 12 work me up. My bday had started :) Immediatly, S distracted himself from the movie to wish me and we had like 2 mins personal time :) A few more calls and msgs from friends - which touched me.. I was back to sleep at around 1. When I spoke up again, the bus was halting somewhere. It was all very dark and I could hardly make out the place. I was assuming that the driver will take off the bus as soon as he is done with his susu. I checked the time it was 3.15am... I tried to get back to my sleep but the curiousity of why the bus has been stopped took off the sleep from me. I waited like an hour to find out that there is some problem and the bus wont move anything soon. I have to say that I have serious allergies to bed bugs and like wise. It has happened so many times before and I will be the only victim for all these insects. It wasn't any different this time.. In no time after the bus stopped, some insecsts started to attack me and I was at my wits end.. scratching myself crazy from toe to head :( :( The much worst fact is that everyone including the driver, cleaner had gone into deep sleep.. Including the one sleeping next to me.. I was tempted several times to wake him up and fight just for the sake of it, I resisted hard. In some time, a surprise teashop blossomed and the guy was selling tea, coffee and bread omelete. Thats when I deduced bus would never move. At around 5.45, someone's alarm went off and thats when everyone got up to see we have ben struck at a place including the hubby darling, hmmph! Finally the bus started to move at around 6.15... (when the scheduled time to arrive ooty was at 6.30) By this time I had totally lost the sleep and was in tantrummy mood. We were crossing through Bandipur National Park (and those fellows wont permit vehicles before dawn) The views were scenic.. though I dint spot a tiger or lion, not even a monkey. Soon we reached Mudhumalai. While was looking through the window, dear S had gone back to snoozeland much to my anger. I tried to wake him up but no such luck. Spotted some elephants and monkeys - it was spendid to see them drink water from the river. We started climbing the hill at around 7 only and I was already so hungry and badly needed use toilet. Thankfully, the bus was stopped at a place that has "so called bathroom" where they charge 5rs per head!! Had hot cofee from the roadside shop - What a spendid way to start the bday eh.... never before experience. It was close to 10 when we reached the hotel room. The autowalas literally cheated us by getting 80rs for a distance less than 2 Kms. But they all formed a pact and either we agree or not get dropped by anyone.

After a quick breakfast, we were on to sight seeing. Omg.. Forgot to mention about the climate - It was freezing cold, literally. Stopped initially at a tea estate which was so beautiful.. Later went to Coonoor.. to see the lamb's rock, suicide point, dolphin's nose and some unknown waterfalls (which we never got to see due to the mist). An old man approached us saying he would guide us through the spots and would be happy if we give him 50rs. Looking at his age and determination, I urged S to accept though there is no necessity. He immediately took in charg of our camera and asked us to pose at multiple places that are no worthy to take pics of! We could do nothing but smile :) I remember how he said "this is a photo spot" for a tree formed like a swing..haha :) On our way back, we had some lunch was so lousy. Doddabetta was the next location and we loved to see all the places from such heights. I never knew its the highest point of south India. This is where I did some adventures like climbing on rocks, giving poses, hanging on the end safety railings like crazy when S was clicking off my pics and like wise ( I was asked to do so!! ). We had to climb like a 100 steps and walk on the steeps - which was very tough for me. I would get asthmatic attack as soon as we reach some heights and its hard to enjoy :( Next is something I can never accept. We were taken to Ooty Lake where there is pedal boating and all that. I agree that it was hell crowded. S decided that we would cover boating at another bigger lake the next day and not to tire urselves with all these crowd. We were doing some random shopping and walking in the sun to get some heat. I finished my most awaited job (what else, susu :P :) and off we went to the hotel room. After having a hot cup of coffee, we started to go on some local shopping. There were numerous shops selling only antiques, chocs and bakeruy items on both sides of the road. S wanted to select my birthday gift myself. I am not so pleased with that option. Give me anything you wish - I can accept happily. But asking me to chose, I dono what I need. There isnt anything actually. His idea was to get me a diamon pendant which I opposed. Had our small fight as well. Finally I chose toe rings that I loved a lot :) He also gifted me a salwar, this time his selection :) Had an awesome dinner in a 4 star restaurant and I really loved it :) We had fun while coming back to the room blowing air out of mouth to see the patterns of mist coming off.. Hotel room was no better. I was shivering with a sweater and 2 blankets. We called it a day by having chocolates at night :) Thats how the day 1 cum my birthday was spent :)

So... Its our Wedding Anniversary!

An year filled with lots of happiness, dreams, some worries, big & small decisions, immense care, lots of love & affection, few arguments with some fights, little adjustments & compromises - made it a perfect blend and I am loving it!!

I am falling short of words to explain how I feel today, my eyes were wet when S wished me at 12am today - Its so hard to believe we are married for an year. This is one day  I thought will never happen in my life. I had no hopes of our love and marriage being accepted by both sides of parents/family. But all of a sudden, everything fell into right places and we had our wedding on this day. We struggled a lot to reach here. Not only I and S, but both our families together. They faced all the confrontations, bitter words from the society, hatred from relatives for the sake of our happiness. I owe our happiness to all of them who made this day special for us. 

On this day, I would want to open up my heart and say a few things to S - 

1. I love it when you cant see me with tears in my eyes.
2. I love it when you ask me to talk and hear all the blah blah that I do.
3. I love it when you try yourself to be punctual just because I like it that way.
4. I love it when you sleep like a baby.
5. I love it when you compliment me for every meal I prepare.
6. I love it when you dont let me carry the luggage.
7. I love it when you mess up the kitchen to prepare me something.
8. I love it when you hear closely not wanting to miss anything that I speak.
9. I love it when you encourage me even if I am no good at it.
10. I love it when you are totally confused and ask me a suggestion.
11. I love it when you understand how much my family mean to me.
12. I love it when you say I love you :)
13. I love it when you tuck me under the blanket every night.
14. I love it when you scold me if I am stressing myself out/ unwell.
15. I love it when you do the stuff I hate to do. 
16. I love it when you try yourself so hard to keep up a surprise.
17. I love it when you know my needs even before I tell you.
18. I love it when you give up during any argument. 
19. I love it when you take care of me like your child. 
20. I love it when you deny me ice cream, but buy it the very next moment. 
21. I love it when you give off your chocolate to me and enjoy watching me eat it. 
22. I love it when you prepare me bread omelet/ maggie as soon as you reach home from office knowing I will be hungry.
23. I love it when you massage my head when I have headache.
24. I love it when you give me much higher preference over anything.
25. I love it when you respect me as what I am :)
26. I love it when you stand behind me for all the shopping I do. 
27. I love it when you try to talk to my relatives in Telugu.
28. I love it when you take me to the animated movies which I like the most.
29. I love it when you take it cool even if I shout at you. 
30. I love it when you solve any mathematical question as quickly as possible.
31. I love it when you make complex calculations in your head correctly when I struggle with a calculator.
32. I love it when you come to temple for the sake of me.
33. I love it when you hate milk & milk products and how you react if I bring them close to you. 
34. I love it when you calm me in the moment of tension.
35. I love it when you are so self less and do anything for me.
36. I love it when you call me ammu.
37. I love it when you scold for straining myself over keeping the house clean.
38. I love it when you act very lazy.
39. I love it when you dont remember the important dates correctly and ask me for help.
40. I love it when you hold my hands while crossing/walking on the road.
41. I love it when you quickly call me and ask me to say something.
42. I love it when you stop me talking ill of someone who hurt us, being the soft & good-hearted you are. 
43. I love it when you do something with utmost care and concentration.
44. I love it when you understand my problems and help me.
45. I love it when you supported me for calling you by your name in front of the immediate family.
46. I love it when you care for my parents as much as you do for yours.
47. I love it when you told my mom how to take care of me while going on a foreign trip.
48. I love it when you pretend to read something that I want you to.
49. I love it when you dream of having a home for ourselves.
50. I love it when you have bigger aspirations and try your best to reach there.

I should agree that there are few things that I dont so like about S. He is not at his best all the time and same with me too.. We have had our good amount of arguments and fights. All these spice up the life and is making the relationship going ahead!

Here's wishing us many more years of happiness, love and affection together!! 

Happy First Wedding Anniversary S!! :) I love you sooo much!

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On other record, both of us are at office on this big day :( :( But all those calls and wishes from our loved ones have touched us!! Planning to go to temple in the evening followed by the dinner somewhere - hopefully this gets executed. 

Same day last year.....

It was the most awaited day... I fell in love with this date for some reason.. February had always been the month I loved the most, for my birthday falls during this month...It had only been made further more special with two of its dates marked as milestones in my life last year. I have 3 important days of this month associated closely to me and one of which falls today!

Its our engagement day today! I think we will be the only couple who had been in courtship for around 4 years, got all the matters settled with both the families an year prior to the official engagement, had the engagament done just 7 days before the wedding. My mom was persistent that there shouldnt be much gap between the engagement and wedding, I dono why! I was only happy to accept whatever came my way. As it always happens, time has just flied by.. looks like it was just yesterday I got married but its an year already. I cant believe, I and S were living together as married couple for the past 12 months!!

Let me go to flashback mode now  - to the same day last year. We had a whole bunch of relatives at home. Mom was struggling to prepare food for all of us with no help from any of them. Sis and I were the first to finish the lunch.. We both were so excited, we dint even remember what we ate. We were rushing in to have a trial make up done before the actual one for the function in the evening. I am lucky enough to have an younger sister. Before I could open my mouth for something, she will be ready with what I want. We both locked ourselves in the bedroom. What followed was not the trial session but the original cos we spent so much deciding what to do and how to. I was finally ready by 4 o clk. Only then I realised, I cant use the toilet until the function gets over... :( Our transport was to come any minute. Thats when, everything was sinking into me. I was getting engaged. After some tense moments, we reached the mandapam. Funnily, the groom's family was already present and there were some 30 people staring at me.. I saw a few friends of S first. My eyes were searching for him.. No where to be found. In an isntant, I saw him. Both of our eys met for a minute. I started feeling shy all of a sudden :) The next minute, there was something going on on the stage and I was forced with a plate having the silk saree with loads of flowers. I was wishing my sister only to be present with me.. But what awaited me was a shock. I was accompanied by my SIL along with S's aunties. They were scrutinizing me top to bottom. If this is not enough, there was a bigger shock. The room given for me to change had no lock and 2 big windows with no panes :( They all quickly made curtains from my saree and asked me to change... all of them looking at me... I was so helpless.. I looked at my sister first and then my SIL. Atleast they both understand. But they couldnt chip in too... They were shooed off saying.. "Chinna Ponnunge". Still they quickly helped me to remove my jewellery and saved my hair from being pulled off in multiple directions in the name of helping me wear the saree. Not to mention the 100s of bangs on the door asking me to come out fast. My head was literally pulled behind with the innumerable strands of flowers. Those aunties were disappointed when I mentioned that I wont have those orange flowers too... But they tried to pin them down as I was running towards the stage. S was all seated with a ring in his hand... With in a minute, before I could realise what was happening, the ring was on my finger. They made me repeat it for him. Numerous photos being taken, some claps. We were made to sit on the stage with huge garlands (atleast for me). They did what is called as nalangu. It would have started at 6.30 at the maximum. Even at 8.30, there was no trace of someone calling us down for dinner. I was literally fasting.. From nowhere my cuty sis got me a badam kheer. I still owe her back for that... :) At some point, all the guest were busy with dinner, we were left all alone on the stage... Someone had to perform some customs before we could dine. So, we were waiting. We were having some random conversations (of which I did the talking :P ) when we were surprised with a big cake.. We had not planned for one actually. Soon after, we had our dinner. I gave him the first bite of gulab jamoon and S gave me back a chapathi piece :( not fair enough! We were done for the day. My MIL was one happy person. So were my parents - including some close relatives. Once I reached home, I spoke to S. I cant forget the night, I couldnt take a bit of sleep. It was all happiness that was filled within.


Coming back to the present - This morning was the busiest in the recent times. I dint even have a minute to speak a word with S. It was a total rush. Lunch Breakfast cooking, burning my hand at two places, S washing the dabbas (forgot to do yesterday),me packing the lunch, preparing Paal Pongal for Sun God, bathing & getting ready. By the time I could breathe in, S was all set to leave to office. Thats when I called him for a hug and wished him Happy Engagement day  (if something of that sorts exists...). Thats how life has changed now.... .....

I am feeling HIGH today!!

The past few days have been very gloomy to me. My home seemed like an alien land and kitchen - an unexplored territory. This is the not the first time for me, but I have not prepared lunch for 6 days straight. I was never a sleep lover, but suddenly sleep gained more importance than food. Very Strange. Cooking had been my passion, but whats now thats making me hate it? To take the office cafe food 6 days continuously only made me realize how tasty my food is :) :) S being S wanted me to have additional sleep if thats what my body wished and was faking that his cafe food is great! Pah, who is he kidding?!

This morning I made up my mind and pushed myself to prepare dabbas for us. It wasn't feeling good initially. My bed was calling me back to have a cosy sleep. But I made up my mind already, so went ahead with the preparations. Breakfast was dosa with broad beans kurma. Lunch was simple - Green Peas Pulav with Cauliflower Curry. It took me 40 minutes exactly to finish everything including the strenuous task for finding the right dabbas to pack the food. I was mighty impressed, felt very happy and satisfied. Finally, I could go back to what I enjoyed doing previously - Cooking. I no longer have to wait in long queues in the cafe today to get the alike tasting 3 vegetables, 2 dried rotis, half cooked rice and sour curds. I can have my dabba and this feeling made me feel high :) :)

The first task one does on reaching office is to check mails. I am no exception. What was waiting for me today? A recognition from one of the stakeholders. Goodie Drawer Award as we call it here - for a task thats been completed nearly 2 months back. Now, who would expect an award for a task that was done last year - I thought I dint deserve it that time. But what has to come to you will come if you have worked hard. This is an example but not true always :) I am lucky this time! I was already feeling so high, a smile crossed my lips. Next thing my eye caught up literally gave me a shocked surprise. A mail from my manager read - FYI, I have nominated you for Q4'11 Silent Hero Award. I was staring at it for a good 5 minutes before I could open the contents. How can this be possible? HE is nominating ME..for my contributions to the team in the last quarter. I thought I was living a dream. I am feeling as high as flying on cloud 9,10, 11 etc :D ok ok.. This is just the nomination and the award results will be announced by March or so. Forget the award, I am atleast nominated and I am feeling all motivated... :) The write up he had come up with for the nomination says how much I have worked hard and my management is aware if that. This is what I desire!

My dream came true...

...when my close friend gave birth to a girl baby on Jan 6th, last Friday. I have never believed in these 6th sense thoughts and all that though my mom always have told me she could relate to her close ones happy/sad moments however far they were. I now know how it feels to know what would be happening to someone who is very close to you but physically is as far as 400Kms away.

Friday early morning I had a dream, very strange one - which had my close friend D in it. D was full term preggy and was fast approaching her due date. It had been quite some time I spoke to her. To say the fact, I dint even find time to think about her for the past 10days. So, the dream seemed really odd. We (D and I) were in hospital. She was having those so called labor pains. I was holding her hand with a very tense face while she remained cool. In some minutes I went to call Doctor's help in which time she delivered a beautiful baby boy all by herself. She was smiling when I came back with the doctor. The baby was the cutest. He was all smiling and playing in his own way. All of a sudden we were surrounded by some 4-5 unknown ppl. I, accompanied by some unknown were taking the baby back to her home. I see S there. We were talking about the baby's playfulness. In no time I see my friend D walking towards us, with no pain, all smiling. I was so happy for her and the baby. I was almost living through this dream when my alarm went off. I had no choice but to wake up from this beautiful dream. Through out the day, I had wanted to talk to D. I knew her due date was on Jan 15th. I wanted to get alternate contact details to know the happy news when she delivers. Somehow, I couldnt find time at all. :(

At 8Pm that night, I made a call to her so that she would atleast call me back when she is available. When the call was at the verge of disconnecting, I had her bro answer the call. I thought D was too tired. As expected, anna said she was taking rest. I was like , okie... I will call her back later. That was when anna told something which seemed undecipherable for me. I was like.. what? then he repeated again - D has had baby just now! I was like... Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?? (again!) Anna couldnt help but laugh at my expression. He said Its a Girl and both mom & baby are doing good. C-sec it was. I couldnt believe my ears. My ever innocent, sweet friend had a girl baby and I had somehow known this fact 12hrs before. STRANGE I say!!! Some differences though - I had dreamt of baby boy delivered normally while she had a girl baby through C-sec. Whatever it is... I must assume I now have some special powers and pay attention to all my dreams :)

As 2011 comes to an end.............

I cant believe this year is coming to an end so soon. It just feels like I was at home celebrating the new year 2011 and now, its already 2012.. really looks like time's flying. 2011, you have been the best and memorable year in many ways.. You gave me some tough times too, but all in all you were the best!

- for the most awaited occasion, our wedding happened this year. It like a dream come true, like the ever impossible thing happening to us - Joined hands with the love of my life forever!

- for understanding the love my family has for me, yet again! They willing to even bend the sky to get me what I wish.

- for finding a new family who would take care of me like their own.

- for getting to know the true colors of some people called relatives and let go of them. 

- for feeling the pain of missing and being missed.

- for being extended spinster for 2 months after wedding - I now know world throws crap at you. 

- for setting up a new home all by myself - My Home, where we have started our lives together.

- for knowing the big sacrifices made by S to make me happy.

- for the happiness on my parents faces coming to my home.

- for the holidays (two) we took together as a couple. 

- for the independence and the choices this life has given me.

- for having a busy work schedule which keeps me fully charged.

- for getting the worst backache twice(!) to understand how many people really care for you. 

- for having the best husband who listens all the time and shares the joy, happiness, pain, sorrow and everything with me.

- for all the time I took this year to cherish the artistic side of me, it was the best. 

- for all the new stuff I cooked, including the worst and best ones - I know have a fixed experiment rat :D thanks!

- finally, for starting a blog to explore a new arena where I am no good at, So what, I am atleast trying!

2012 is going to be another year of important decisions, which could be life turning for me. Looking forward to it! So, here's wishing a very happy new year in advance! :)

If I have one secret wish for this new year, it would be to make S a very very very talkative person. Please God, please grant this wish for me. I am bored of all the talking I do. :)

Engaging weekend!

After 3 weeks, I got a weekend to spend for myself. To sleep more, to eat more. Our plan to go Chennai was very much spoilt when irctc decided it should never come up at the most expected time of tatkal - resulting which we couldnt get tickets, I was only more happy for the weekend to be spent like this :)

Saturday saw me waking up at 8.30 or so.. I woke up hungry! No bath, no cleaning amidst a very very dirty home and a kitchen sink full of dishes. I managed to clear the way only to reach kitchen, fish out the dosa tava. Inspite of all the mess - I was interested to prepare masala dosa chennai style with groundnut chutney - Yummy combination, that one! After a satisfying breakfast, I went back to my bed - thanks to the heavy masala dosa. After 15-20mins, I could do nothing but bring myself back to the kitchen sink - to do a million dishes(Not that I own that many, but I was stuck in the task for an hour or more!) I had put my MP4 to good use while doing the dishes - singing with my loud, shrill voice (thanks to the throat pain) ignorant of the irritation I was causing to my neighbors and more to S. Then, I began cleaning the house fully. Sweeping took a good 45 mins, leaving the dutbin with a kilo of dust and sand. I dont know from where this house gets dusted so much given the fact that we leave it open for not more than 20 mins altogether everyday. I was still feeling energetic to mop the floor as well - little knowing abt that back pain that could come. The songs playing from my player were more than enough to keep me going. Inspite of a very cool and chill climate, I was fully wet at the end of all the cleaning activity. It felt good overall and very satisfying. Though my back pain was pulling me towards the bed, my stomach dragged me to the kitchen to cook. In a shot I made Dhondakaai fry (Tendli fry) with daal spiced with tomato tadka. Had a long afternoon sleep after a sumptuous meal. Where was S, one may ask. I would have thought I was alone at home doing all this by myself while he went to office on a Saturday, if he had not been sitting right infront of me on the sofa shouting on the phone for 4 hrs delegating work to some one on the other side (office work it all meant!). He rightly joined for the breakfast and lunch, atleast! I never  knew a long afternoon nap could cause me so much headache. I was feeling heavy on head, couldnt do much. We ordered pizzas from Dominos - heavy, very heavy dinner. These were the four pizzas - Soya-Tomato, Panner-Onion, Onion- Capsicum and Pineapple - Jalapeno. It was yummmmmmmm!! I had brought fever to myself by this time. S was supposed to get me a crocin, he got me a 5star crunchy along with it. :) :) What a perfect way to end the day after a lot of hard work :P

Sunday started off lazily - got up at 8.45 or so - Lazing around for an hour thinking of a good breakfast recipe. I started preparing Semiya Upma at 10. I dint have much work to do or so I thought - fogetting about the loads of clothes I had to wash :( I remembered it only while talking to amma. It was too late to act then. Did the dishes in some time and I was still feeling bored. Thats when I thought I would try preparing veg puffs in the new OTG. Got the recipe for it and started preparing - with the minimal quantities and all. Meanwhile, I was preparing the lunch which was Egg Biriyani. Had a good lunch and the I was set out to try veg puff again. I was half doubting that all the flour and butter was going to be waste. Also some details in the recipe were so confusing. Nevertheless, I wanted to try - but just the crispy outer layer of the puff with out the stuffing inside- called as puff pastry. S recalled that its called as "Bombay Salt" and he liked it so much in his childhood :) Feeling encouraged and all, I switched on the OTG. In 10 mins, the house was smelling like a bakery ( I am not exaggerating here). I was too shocked to see that I had actually prepared something better that the veg puff pastry that sells here. :) :) :) That left me so motivated that I thought of making garlic bread rolls next. This time, I could trust my skills and prepared for around 6 rolls. It was a bit complicated comparatively which left me doubtful again. The home was smelling of raw garlic and oregano. Once the rolls were made, I was only more doubtful. I thought they are going to be raw from inside. How wrong I proved to be - I kept  a watch on the oven as the bread was getting ready. I had strong garlic bread rolls that were so soft and fully done - yet so healthy for I used less than 2 teaspoons for oil and 1 spoon of butter. Its the most healthiest form of garlic bread, but very tasty. S loved everything and we had so much fun.

It was almost evening and we decided to go out. Went to Big Bazaar - looked at some items (which are of no use to be purchased) for 1 hour and came out without getting anything :) As if this window shopping was not enough, we went to Park Square Mall and spent another 2 hours there. I got a Patiala Pant, duppata which  I was not even sure would match any of my kurtis (which is my Christmas gift BTW) and found Happy Endings (a Chocolate Cafe). I had Tiramisu while S had Greman Choc Truffle. Its always like this - I like what S orders better than mine and thus ended up eating half of his, in addition to eating a full tiramisu. As if this wasnt enough for our dinner, we stopped at Beijing Bites on our way and had these - American Chopsuey, Singapore Noodles, Chilly Fried Babycorn and Mirinda. I was so full that, moving 10 steps seemed so hard. Came home to watch TV till midnight. Stupid me, caught up a real stupid argument at that time with S and we kept arguing till it was 1. We really dont know when our eyelids closed amidst the argument. :) I would say, It was all in all a  very engaging and fun filled weekend. Some pics of some of the dishes tried out with OTG so far.

Wheat Biscuits - made to give office friends!

Choco Vanilla Spiral Cookies :)

Mini Veg Puff Pastries:)

Garlic Bread Rolls :)

I now fit to become a TV serial Villi... :|

I am a short tempered person. Get angry at the drop of pin and I am quite ashamed of it. Once its your character, you cant change anything abt it, can you? Yes.. how much ever I try, I just cant change my attitude over some things. If I try hard to show a smiley face when I am angry, I see that all the anger bounces fast with much more force. No better then!

By God's grace, S is the most cool headed guy. Never ever raises his voice, forget the temper! I know why my marriage has survived for this long (10 months) with no major breakdowns. I can positively say that we have not had a major fight till now  (kaala tikka moment I say!) though we argue on silly things, now thats what makes the relationship going right.. If I lose my temper and shout at S, he remains calm - mostly silent or giving me a simple answer. Once I am down, we sort the things out. I make a point to tell him all about the situation that made me go angry and gain he listens patiently. We try to avoid that kind of situation in future and that works! Another point is - he can forget anything easily. I am the type who remembers everything. That way, he forgets everything that happens while I remember the slightest detail of what color dress I/ He were wearing when what happened etc.. I can only try again - but this is another character of mine, I cant stop doing it. Ok Ok, now coming to the title of the post. Had a big breakdown in home yesterday which I dont want to miss taking note here -for I should never do it again in my life - I am so unhappy with myself!

I come back home from a stressed out day at work, feeling hungry with sudden rise in temp. My body is aching - every joint is painful when moved. I was lying on the sofa for sometime before deciding on the dinner. Pizza we thought for the night - the one baked in the new OTG. After cutting the veggies and preparing the pizzas, I am worn out fully that I went back to sofa. S was taking care of them - One turned to be a bit dark underneath. By the time, it was brought to me I was very hungry I started to eat it. S warned me not to eat that and we both would share the other good one. I was hungry beyond listening that I kept eating and he kept warning me to put that down. Now - if somebody messes up with my food or the way I eat, I get pissed off. I was flaring with anger that I had put the pizza back on the table. S, finally relieved to see me put off the pizza said - good if you dont eat this, we can make some dosas. At this moment I dont know what went into me - I was so angry that I pushed the table apart so hard that, both the pizzas fell upside down on the floor (including the good one)- made a huge noise from other items falling down. I was silent. S went ahead to clean everything - without uttering a word. Cleared the table and prepared dosa for both of us and shove it to me. All the while - I couldnt bring myself to do nothing but cry - I was more than ashamed of my behaviour. How could I do that and how could he not scold me or slap me for what I did? After all, I threw the food! which is so mean. Furthermore dint help him. He came to me, said these words - "Neeye thalli vitte, ippo neeye alara.." Yes.. I know my mistake. I was so hungry but couldnt touch the food. He took a piece of dosa and put it in my mouth. I couldnt help but cry more. I cant do this to a person who is so good. I uickly ate my dosas, laid down on his lap. Looked into his eyes with my teary eyes and asked sorry. He didnt seem to bother. Not that, he dint bother abt my sorry - he dint bother abt my bad behaviour, so that sorry was meaningless to him! Later in a comical tone - he came to me and said, "Unnai...... Vittuten... En na.... Vittuten.. Po" In Ajith or Rajini style I dont remember. I could smile happily after all! I am blessed to get this best half who is way beyond understanding me..:)

From Kindergarten with Love....

This post is gonna make me all nostalgic. I have one bestest friend right from my kindergarten. She is more of my inner part - I can call her for anything and ask her anything. I know she will be there for me whatever it takes. She is the bestest of my best friends and I love her so much. Our lives are so different for she had an arranged marriage while mine was love. But nothing stops us from sharing things - I can boldly discuss anything under the sun and she will listen to me. So many days, i have cribbed to her, my problems and she gives me suggestions to make my life easier. When we talk on phone, its usually not for minutes - but hours until the battery drains. I dont have to think twice before talking to her - she accepts anything and everything. Its my M..

We were benchmates right from standard 1 to standard 12 except in class 6 where she was put in a separate class. We would wait restlessly for the interval breaks and lunch breaks to be together, talk endlessly. I dont think she knew.. I was so possessive of my friend and would feel bad if she spent some time with others but never showed it out.. (This was during the 4-5 std). Our homes were so apart, we would just get those 8 hours everyday to share everything. Moreover I would go home bicycling and she would take the school bus. Every day, she would get the cycle from my mom during lunch breaks to practice doing it and we would have great fun. Some of my life's best moments are from school spent with her. She is the most positive minded person and has the right attitude to do everything, she will atleast try. Even when I have some doubts on myself, she would give me the confidence. We both have so many common interests and few differences. We love cartoons - Popeye and tom&jerry being top on the list.We would discuss the day's cartoon episodes during the 1st hour class and enjoy laughing all again. We loved painting , drawing stuff. Our families and we were religious, so during quarterly holidays, we had the chance to meet up at Vaishnavi  Kovil, standing in the queue, laughing having fun. One more interesting thing is, both our dads are friends themselves and are from same batch in office. So, we were close that way also. :) The only difference is that she loved games whereas I was a lazy bum. One more - She loves dogs and I am afraid even at the mention of name. :)

I can proudly say that, we had never had a single fight during our entire journey till now (M, I can remember one and cant forget that - but that doesnt count as fight - hope you agree ) we have shared only love, love and more love. If there is one person whom I can call even at 12 midnight to discuss an issue, that would only be M and she wont be bugged.. I know for sure. I can talk anything silly from everything serious and she would listen. We have gone through days where we couldnt contact each other, our love has never diminished and it keeps going.

I have very few friends and all of them are close and best. What makes M different is that, we have been together since childhood and our friendship has no end. She knows me in and out and I know her every inch. Thoughts keep on flowing and I am so excited and nostalgic that I cant put everything into words.. So, this for you M - and wish to see junior M soon :)

Hand in Hand for 28years

This day marks 28th Wedding Anniversary of my lovable parents. This might not be very special to them, for - they are not the kind who would want to celebrate it with out their girls with them. I am in a different state, making a wish over phone. My sister, though in the same place as they are, is still like miles away with a job in other end of the city going off very early to return so late.

This day is special indeed - not cos my parents are celebrating the anniversary, but because they have made this happen through the lot of hardships they went through pulling the relationship for a long 28 years. They had a typical arranged marriage. My dad had looked through as many as 26 potential candidates before fixing on my mom. My mom on the other hand had a quick rush of photo seeing and then, another glimpse of this man during the "first meet" of the families. That was the case 28 yrs ago! They both had not even spoke a word before the marriage. For my paternal family, my mom's looks should have mattered while my maternal family looked for my dad's social security and job profile. My mom came from a village and she was the princess of her home. My dad was then settled in Chennai working for central govt - working hard through his way reaching where he had been. It should have been a major turn in my mom's life to come from a remote village to metro city, but to experience facilities that are far lesser than what she had been living through.

I know their initial days of marriage would have been a literal struggle - in terms of finance, mainly. My father earned a meager 150rs per month. They dwelled in a single room which served as hall-kitchen-bedroom-guestroom-everything. The bathroom was a good half kilometer distant and water has to be fetched manually from a well. To all this, my mom didnt understand tamil. There were definitely no friends for her. My dad's job would keep him in the factory for 10-15hrs. She had to be alone for most of the time. If thats bad, there is worst. Mother-in-law, Father-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law whose words are quite equivalent to scorpions' stings should be dealt with for good amount of the year. Not to mention about how my mom would have missed her life prior to wedding. She got to visit her parents once in 2 years, for a day or two.

My dad was struggling his part too. With his income, he had to support his family - a very sick father, uncompromising mother and 3 sisters whose needs to be taken care of. With all these chaos, he had my mom to look after. Where's the question of starting his own family when he is already over burdened?

In spite of all these hardships, I know why they are happy and together even now. Its the love one would say. But, there is something more to it. There was commitment and trust! My mom believed my dad, that he would definitely stand by her and support her. And there was total commitment from my dad. He knew the truth so well - My mom had believed no one but him and came miles with the hope on him and he would keep up his word. They had seen the better times later in life solely due to the companionship. They took the success to their hearts and their minds.

I respect them and their relationship so much compared to any love marriage. Falling in love with the person you know for sometime, knowing him/her in and out, understanding how the relationship would work and making it successful - had not happened to these two people before marriage where you still have the balls to decide anything. All these decisions had been thrusted up on them by their elders. There was no choice. They only took the chance and had made it the most successful one. They are the most compatible. There is adjustment and compromise. They fight for 5 minutes and laugh/talk together the next minute. That comes from the experience and the number of years of living through it. My mom knows what my dad needs and does everything in the best of his interest. My dad knows how to take care of mom and showers his affection in his own way.

They are not high degree scholars and come from a very middle class back ground -they had brought us up incredibly  There is no one thing that we had been deprived of. They have taught us to be open minded, good at heart, kind, confident, determined, to be successful, yet not to be afraid of failure. They have given us a bright, happy, joyous, healthy and a very memorable childhood. I owe every bit of my success and happiness to my parents. I know I will always be their little "Pedha Papa" forever and they would love us, and be for us.

11.11.11 - Happy Anniversary Amma Nanna!!! We'll love you till the last breath! Wishing you several such happy years of wedding. Way to go!!