Megha, that is my cousin left today morning. Her departure slowly and sadly inducing a reminder of our departure soon. Gradually, the house is emptying, my grandmother's grieving mood looms overhead in the 1st floor of this old house, managing to seep into our thoughts infectiously. Every time we laugh around her, or talk to her, I can see it in her eyes- Her fear of a once-again empty house.
However, I try not to let it dampen my mood, and keep trying to cheer her up. The past few days have been heavenly. Finding my own happiness. Christmas Eve was "Legen-wait for it! DARY".. Yes, my sisters and I went down to Park Street late in the afternoon, met with a friend of Megha's and spent a pretty good part of the evening. It was the first time we saw the lights this year! We took pictures! The Park Street lights always remind me of the song- "Christmas Lights", and I can easily block out all the sounds and let the opening piano melody ring in my mind. Frankly, it's a maelstrom, record footfall, all restaurants and pubs making more money in one week than they make in the whole year! Even the most petit eatery will be decorated. It's just beautiful.
We went back home, I changed in 10 minutes (Yes!) to get ready for a party, where I'd be meeting up with all my school friends. Bless them. I met Prachi after one and a half years, it was a surprise - she'd said she wouldn't be coming! Anyway, it was one heck of a night- sorry no details now. For further information please ask personally. =P
Christmas was quiet, more of a family-home-ly thing. We celebrated an early birthday for my grandfather and Megha, who both have their birthdays on the 30th of Decemeber. How cool is that?
26th- I went to a very unfamiliar part of town, to apply for an internship, that I'd be pursuing over the summer. Somewhere in Alipore, Ishan came along with me, and it took the two of us to catch a shuttle to Exide, then take the tube to Jatin Das Park, then a bus to Gopal Nagar (I'd never even heard of this place before), then it was a 15 minute walk! Phew! After getting through the various levels of bureaucracy in the building, I finally left my application and was asked to come back the next day to meet the Registrar. Not having full knowledge of our bearings, we decided we'd just walk, and see where the road took us (filmy much? =P) But seriously, we walked down and came across the National Library which consists of sprawling grounds (park-like actually), trees that sometimes make you feel like you're in the woods, and colonial style architectured buildings. Two of which were under renovation, so we went into the new building, and after getting through bureaucracy again (we didn't possess membership cards), we finally marched towards the books. Immediately, the silence brought about an aura of academic pursuit. It seemed to say "who reads fiction?! That's for losers" And even though I'm more of a literature person, I didn't mind it that much. We wandered around the shelves and looked through the old-school subject catalogue. I was so excited! There were a myriad small drawers with labels of the first three letters of the subject. And inside were small cards, each card containing names and details of books. I'd forgotten this system even existed! I was so used to looking up books in the online catalogue of the college library. Without any paricular book in mind, we walked around some more and we both just picked out a book each and sat and read for the next hour or so. I didn't realize, how long it'd been until I finally finished reading about the "Rwandan Civil Wars - The Greatest Politcal Revolutions in this Century". Aah, the simple joys.
Then we walked out from another gate, into another unknown place and just. Walked. Believe it or not, we walked all way down to Park Street ("All Roads lead to Park street"? =P) Haha, past various junctions, landmarks, crossings, that made me go "Hey, I know this place" Past the Race-Course, the Alipore Zoo (we saw elephants! Zambia, I miss you!), past Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and finally Park Street! It took us a good hour, actually a little more. We met Viren there, got some late lunch (at 5 PM!) Made merry. Then we continued walking. Conversing about everything under the sun, cracking lame jokes. The Lights were on by now, We walked through Camac Street, Russell Street, Wood Street, Reached Theatre Road. Until we decided to go home, his mom gave us a lift from Park Circus.
Conclusion- walking is good. No, I'm kidding. Try it. Let's hope the past few days have been as meaningful for you as well. Sometimes, you just have to stop looking for purpose, it'll come your way. Just stand down. Ah, I think I finally have a title for this post! ^
December 28, 2011
December 24, 2011
"Cathedrals in my Heart"
Yes, Coldplay has taken over my holiday spirit. They are oficially awesomeness personified.
Passion. A deep-rooted, quiet, overwhelming passion, is what I can describe at best, at present. There's a splendidly liberating calm when one re-discovers one's sense of belonging to a place. When it is further emphasized, despite one's love for it. It is reciprocation for the love you give it. Every city has it's own strand of DNA sequenced out for it, just the way humans do. You either have a gene, or you don't. There's a reason why atatchment to places is easier (and maybe preferrable) than to people (not that I'm against being attached to people!). Science apart, I believe there are 'psychological' genes that govern emotional/mental traits, behaviour. And I have have found a place, in my adult life, that has that gene- the one that opens its heart to you, after you have, to it. To give, and to give whole-heartedly is not something many can do, or should I re-phrase: many would "like" to do. But this place that I'm referring to, has. No expectations, no obligations, unconditionally. Impossibly optimistic, you might say? Well, cynicism doesn't get you anywhere anyway.
My first day back, and even though I wasn't jumping around all over the place, like I usually do- I got a chance to unload, to dust my hands, to re-affirm my beliefs and set faith going. For it is indeed in the simple joys. I walked today, almost twice around the area of the city I currently am in. With a friend, who I thought I would not see for at least another year, but what can I say - life has been kind. We walked so much that we didn't realize how cold it was until we had to climb stairs and our joints protested! I counted my blessings today, and vowed to attempt to put behind all things unsatisfying, not altogether, but one by one, after getting through them. For I do not believe in denial or escapade.
Merry Christmas, folks!
Passion. A deep-rooted, quiet, overwhelming passion, is what I can describe at best, at present. There's a splendidly liberating calm when one re-discovers one's sense of belonging to a place. When it is further emphasized, despite one's love for it. It is reciprocation for the love you give it. Every city has it's own strand of DNA sequenced out for it, just the way humans do. You either have a gene, or you don't. There's a reason why atatchment to places is easier (and maybe preferrable) than to people (not that I'm against being attached to people!). Science apart, I believe there are 'psychological' genes that govern emotional/mental traits, behaviour. And I have have found a place, in my adult life, that has that gene- the one that opens its heart to you, after you have, to it. To give, and to give whole-heartedly is not something many can do, or should I re-phrase: many would "like" to do. But this place that I'm referring to, has. No expectations, no obligations, unconditionally. Impossibly optimistic, you might say? Well, cynicism doesn't get you anywhere anyway.
My first day back, and even though I wasn't jumping around all over the place, like I usually do- I got a chance to unload, to dust my hands, to re-affirm my beliefs and set faith going. For it is indeed in the simple joys. I walked today, almost twice around the area of the city I currently am in. With a friend, who I thought I would not see for at least another year, but what can I say - life has been kind. We walked so much that we didn't realize how cold it was until we had to climb stairs and our joints protested! I counted my blessings today, and vowed to attempt to put behind all things unsatisfying, not altogether, but one by one, after getting through them. For I do not believe in denial or escapade.
Merry Christmas, folks!
December 18, 2011
Juggling on a Sunday
Woke up pretty early for a Sunday, and have been trying to connect for the past hour, until finally! Today's the first Sunday since the semester began (which was two months ago!) on which I actually woke up with ease, without the thought of looming work ahead, listening to Coldplay. Ah it is indeed a content sigh I heave =).
For every day for the past few weeks, I've been juggling. Literally. The mornings melted into evenings, the hours into days, sometimes endlessly long, sometimes they abruptly came to a halt. And all these days just melted into weeks, and now I'm only five days- wait, make that four!- away from going home!
So why juggling? Well, for more than one reason. Literally and otherwise. It's been almost 6 months since the new coach came in and practice started, but I still cannot juggle more than 5! Disgraceful. It's just frustrating. No matter how many times she says "move where the ball goes, ankle tight, follow the ball", I just cannot get it. Help!
Speaking of other forms of juggling- here's a picture of what one of my average days looked like-
6:30 AM- Wake up!
7 AM-8:30/45- Football practice
10-4 PM - Class! (in between practice and class- running back to take a quick shower and gobble some breakfast down! I think my taste-buds are permanently damaged from 'tequilla-ing' smoking hot tea =P)
After class is when things get hazy - everything from dance practice (yes, I danced!), CSA meetings, getting things for assignments, shoving down dinner, nearly missing the curfew. Running back to hostel!
After 10 PM, slipping in an episode or two of 'House', contemplating starting an assignment/essay. Abort mission - Just before midnight- light's out!
It took about two weeks for eight of us girls to put together an awesomely fun dance for 'Blossom's the University's biggest Inter-Deanery Fest. - Haha. As incredible as it sounds, I danced, and guess to which song? - AIKA DAJEEBA!
Also, CSA (Centre for Social Action- the semi-Non-Governmental University Organization that I volunteer at!)has been perhaps at its most active, this semester. We've pulled of several events and got a bunch of extremely enthusiastic first-years. So proud of them! You can catch the pictures in Facebook!
Did I also mention that I ran a marathon, well no, not 42 km, but 5 km. Non-stop! It was to raise awareness for HIV-infected children. It was especially targetted at this Chilrdren's Home that CSA often works with. Despite moral judgements and opinions that you may all have, this is perhaps not the best way, but I definitely think it's one of the ways to help them out.
It's been a very crazily eventful half-semester, I've had time to think about nothing else except work and other related things, which is my present. Stimulating conversations, food for thought, debates in my mind. It's worked to a big advantage, preventing my thoughts from straying to unwanted places and inducing negativity. Overall, I've managed to stay positive about everything (except perhaps about not finishing all the books I wanted to read =/ ). However, things are quieting down now, all submissions done, no more CSA events, seeing mother dearest after 6 months, my beloved City of Joy awaits my home-coming Christmas time begins!
For every day for the past few weeks, I've been juggling. Literally. The mornings melted into evenings, the hours into days, sometimes endlessly long, sometimes they abruptly came to a halt. And all these days just melted into weeks, and now I'm only five days- wait, make that four!- away from going home!
So why juggling? Well, for more than one reason. Literally and otherwise. It's been almost 6 months since the new coach came in and practice started, but I still cannot juggle more than 5! Disgraceful. It's just frustrating. No matter how many times she says "move where the ball goes, ankle tight, follow the ball", I just cannot get it. Help!
Speaking of other forms of juggling- here's a picture of what one of my average days looked like-
6:30 AM- Wake up!
7 AM-8:30/45- Football practice
10-4 PM - Class! (in between practice and class- running back to take a quick shower and gobble some breakfast down! I think my taste-buds are permanently damaged from 'tequilla-ing' smoking hot tea =P)
After class is when things get hazy - everything from dance practice (yes, I danced!), CSA meetings, getting things for assignments, shoving down dinner, nearly missing the curfew. Running back to hostel!
After 10 PM, slipping in an episode or two of 'House', contemplating starting an assignment/essay. Abort mission - Just before midnight- light's out!
It took about two weeks for eight of us girls to put together an awesomely fun dance for 'Blossom's the University's biggest Inter-Deanery Fest. - Haha. As incredible as it sounds, I danced, and guess to which song? - AIKA DAJEEBA!
Also, CSA (Centre for Social Action- the semi-Non-Governmental University Organization that I volunteer at!)has been perhaps at its most active, this semester. We've pulled of several events and got a bunch of extremely enthusiastic first-years. So proud of them! You can catch the pictures in Facebook!
Did I also mention that I ran a marathon, well no, not 42 km, but 5 km. Non-stop! It was to raise awareness for HIV-infected children. It was especially targetted at this Chilrdren's Home that CSA often works with. Despite moral judgements and opinions that you may all have, this is perhaps not the best way, but I definitely think it's one of the ways to help them out.
It's been a very crazily eventful half-semester, I've had time to think about nothing else except work and other related things, which is my present. Stimulating conversations, food for thought, debates in my mind. It's worked to a big advantage, preventing my thoughts from straying to unwanted places and inducing negativity. Overall, I've managed to stay positive about everything (except perhaps about not finishing all the books I wanted to read =/ ). However, things are quieting down now, all submissions done, no more CSA events, seeing mother dearest after 6 months, my beloved City of Joy awaits my home-coming Christmas time begins!
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