Sunday, October 08, 2006

I have got used to Nagpur

I remember reading this in my Hindi textbook in school. I think its in some chapter between standard VI to VIII. The example is of a train journey. The author explains how at every station as new people enter a compartment, there is a lot of resistance, often the passengers who enter a compartment stand for a while, as there is no place to sit and there is a lot of general resistance to their presence. Gradually as the train moves, some of them are offered seats, people shift to accommodate, they become friendly with same passengers and often, when its time to leave people exchange address/contact information and ask each other to keep in touch. Another common feature of such interactions is that nobody keeps in touch or contacts after that. The same passengers make new friends in their next journey.

So much for a small piece of information, I think I have gotten used to Nagour and life here. I shifted here 2 months ago. Suddenly realized how strange life in a small city can be. No friends to go out with, no family to come back home to crib or fight with. No public transport after seven- thirty. After eight months in Mumbai, the lifestyle in this city came as a shock. The fact that people are laid back and relaxed while I wanted to put a lot of fight for my career did not help things at all.

But then I found my own way of coping with things. So what if I can't go out for dinner, if the absence of company, I realized I could have dinner while conversing with people on the phone, Bad substitute but still better than spending all evenings and all weekends alone. Life has started looking better as I get used to having a relaxed time. So in Nagpur you wind up early enough to catch an auto back in decent time. And you plan your morning meetings late enough for people to reach office. Last time when I came back from Mumbai, Nagpur felt like home.

And for all those who are helping to survive this city, the people who keep me company though the long phonecalls/ chats, the lady downstairs who makes my tiffin, the really nice neighbours who ensure that I have drinking water every day, I know there would promises to keep in touch But then life moves on. There would be another city, new neighbours, new friends.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Cherished Memories - I really miss you

I really do. I miss those long days and sometimes whole nights spend with you. You were always there for you when I needed and you never complained when I didn't give you enough time (which of course you will agree was very rare).

You always seemed to have an answer when I had a question and often mesmerized me the results and wealth of information and the variety of perspective you could provide.

It didn't matter what purpose it was - academic or extra-curricular, business or fun, to have fun in a group of friends with a thriller or comedy or to curl up with a romantic movie - you never complained or resisted, you just went along.

Sometimes when I was really sad and wanted to run away from the world, you were the one to turn to. After all you were never judged me. Whether I wanted to express it with sad songs or pen it in down (for myself or for others), you always had a way, an option, an alternative; a possibility how it could be done.

And when I wanted a gala celebration a grand party with people, food and loud music, you were the one that made it possible. We all had fun because you were there.

I often complained. Insisted on redoing and rearranging stuff, and often left you working through nights and sometimes for days so that I could save my time, finish my work faster

I am human, so left you behind when I thought that was more appropriate. My dear, trust me the memories are still cherished. You have a place in my place in my life which is indisputably yours. You might not be with me but you are still mine.

My dearest Personal Computer with 24 hours broadband connection, you indeed were the one for me. I miss you. I come and try to replicate being with you but this plasma screen monitor and these plush surroundings are hardly a match for the bond we shared.
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What I have been reading lately - Shantaram by Gregory Roberts (Amazing stuff, kind of enlightened me to Mumbai, highly recommended. Warning - Is a huge book)

Kaavya Viswnathan's - HOMGKGWGAL ( Controversy made me buy this. Might be an entertainer for a college kid but no great shakes otherwise)

Argumentative Indian by Amartya Sen - have just started.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Looking for a Lifepartner

It's that stage of life. When you know a lot of young people who have achieved a professional/educational milestone, such periods are inevitable. Completed my MBA last year and quite of few of my class/batch mates have already landed themselves much desired soul mates soon after joining their plum jobs. There are others who are active in the search phase,  and another lot who is trying the avoid this and savor the single/bachelor/maiden lifestyle.

What does my generation look for in a life partner ? What follows is what is got from the profile of a friend. The romantics among us might relate to this instantly. My apologies to the person for not taking his permission and infringing his copyright, but I can't express it any better than reiterating the words of the author.

"There will be ups and many downs in whoever chooses to come along with me in my journey, and i am looking for someone with a strong will. I'd prefer a smart, confident and sensitive life partner. It would be wonderful if she knew herself well.
...................
I would prefer an intense/aggressive/outgoing person, but i am very open to a calm and sober person, provided her strength reflects in her attitude and convictions. I am fairly cosmopolitan ........................and have a post graduate degree in management from a well known b school. .................... pretty experimentative with life
.
.................
All the best in your search"
.
All the best to you too dear friend and to everyone else who is going through a similar phase. May each one of us get our the person of our dreams.
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Books that I have half finished with me - The Six Thinking Hats , 48 Laws of Power