The thin line

I  had met Akash 5 months back, when he joined my project for the company I worked for . He was a fun loving fellow and very handsome. With good looks he also had gym body. He got on well with everyone from my team instantly and they all seemed to enjoy the attention he gave to them. But I wasn’t. I thought it was fake show and he was just pretending so that he gets in easily in the group. I did not even react well to his daily morning greeting. He did not care much about it though.
The very next day, I was assigned to teach him the work and later he would work with me. I was not very happy with it. He came to my seat right away and started cracking jokes on how difficult it would be for me to teach a dumb person like him. I smiled and told him we would start from the next day.

Starting from next day, we got to spend lot of time together. He was always his own funny self and had started to make me actually laugh at his jokes. A week passed, before I came to know that I was getting attracted to Akash. He seemed to have a hold on me. I would wait for him to come to office and listen to his voice. His smile made my day. We would go out for lunch and tea breaks together. He would tell about his family and life and share almost everything with me. I would listen intently and it seemed I knew him from a long time. He was this long lost friend who had suddenly entered my life and turned it upside down. Everything was perfect when he was around. He would understand me so well. Give solutions to my problem. We would laugh incessantly every now and then. What was that feeling, I used to wonder. And to make matter better or worse, he also seemed to have the same interest in me. We had chemistry surely and there were talks about it within the team as well. I was not in for this and tried hard to ignore it initially but this attraction was so high that I could not help but roll back to him, when he smiled. I knew it was wrong. Very wrong!

Then one day something happened which I was dreading but still expecting. I remember, that day he had worn his best shirt to office, had shaved perfectly and had put an extra dose of his daily perfume. Yes, indeed it had THAT effect he had wanted to put on me. I knew something was fishy and tried my best to avoid an eye contact with him. We went for tea at the same usual time and I was particularly silent that day.
Out of the blue he suddenly turned to me and asked “I like you, do you like me as well? I know something is going on here and I just want to be sure if it’s same from your side as well”. I was expecting this but not in this way. I looked at him for few moments and then  suddenly closed my eyes and sighed. “Yes, I do like you but I am really sorry Akash, it’s not possible and you know why. I should not have let this happen. It’s my entire fault. I let it go too far.”

I excused myself and ran to the washroom. I had tears in my eyes. I washed my face and looked at myself in the mirror. There was so much guilt in my eyes. I was so ashamed, felt like someone had stabbed me in the heart. After few minutes, I picked myself up and went back to my seat.Akash was sitting there checking his facebook profile. We did not speak the whole day after that and I thanked the gods when he was called for training for the next few hours.

As the day ended, I quickly wrapped up my work and got ready to leave before Akash came back. I actually ran the whole way to the bus stop. There was turmoil in my head. I was lost.
I reached home an hour later. I washed myself up and went to the kitchen to make tea and prepare for the dinner. At 7 pm the doorbell rang; my heart skipped a beat and my legs froze. He had come home. I took a deep breath in and opened the door.

There he was standing. The love of my life, My husband of 3 years. As soon as I saw him, I couldn’t control myself and hugged him. It seemed I had seen him after years. Tears were all over my face and I was so happy to have got my senses.

“I love you Siddharth. Never leave me; I will not be able to survive without you.” I cried frantically, kissing him all over his face. I was repeatedly asking him to pardon me and there he was standing puzzled as to what had gotten into me. He happily took me into my arms and consoled me even though he didn’t know what it was for. I looked into his eyes and my whole life flashed before me. His love, care and support. He worked so hard to give me a good future and loved me like no one else could. I didn’t know if I deserved him. I was about to fall for another man. I was just a hair like line away from committing the biggest mistake of my life. I was ashamed of myself. That’s the day I realized what this man meant to me. Fortunately, I made this discovery sooner that brought an abrupt end to what might have developed into a more serious extra marital relationship

There is a very thin line of infidelity.

Once crossed, it can never be repaired. There will be physical attraction always, whether a man or a woman, it’s for our judgment to decide which way to take. Infidelity doesn't only mean physical affair but crossing THAT line that separates your spouse from the rest of the world.it can be emotional as well

 pic courtesy-google

Starting over: cheers to the life changing decisions

Bangalore is my second home after Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. My maternal family lives here and so when I shifted for work, I did not feel a lot of difference. I got selected in campus recruitment and started as a trainee In a software company in Bangalore in the year 2011. I was staying with my uncle and cousins and having the best time of my life. I earned, spent and saved and was living a dream.
During my training days, I had got attached to one guy and he had become one of my best friends. Not that I was interested in having a relationship but it was good chemistry between us. And as time flew, people started tagging us as a “couple”. I never took it too seriously since it’s what people do and I hardly cared what other think of us.

After training, he immediately got project while I was still on bench. I used to visit him in his office sometimes for work or taking printouts. During that time, he used to take me out for tea or just come a little closer and grab my hand sometimes. This was surprising to me since he had never behaved like this before. Still I did not judge him since, he was very close to me and I shared almost everything with him. The shocking part was when I came to know that He had been telling his colleagues and his college friends that I am his girlfriend. He used to make me deliberately sit near beside his seat for long to show off to his teammates. I was aghast. I had least expected this from him. We had made it clear long back that we would not end up together. I never knew, he was interested in me. Even if he was, I had all the right to know it first rather than the whole world. I was not an object to be showed off or be carried like a prize.

I was broken and confronted him. He had all the excuses to his defense and he tried to propose to me as well. I denied it. Our friendship was over and in fact I lost a little faith in men after this incident. I just wanted to put all this behind me and move on, but all these months that I had spent with him, the good times we had, the stuff we did together, all those moments reminded me of him all the time. His duplicity had left me alone.

After around a fortnight a good surprise came to me in the form of a project allocation. I was given a project in Hyderabad and had to relocate. I had never been to that city and was a little apprehensive in accepting it. I was afraid of this change. I knew no one there and had no friends.I was living with my family  here and even they did not want me to leave. There were Telangana fights going on that time and everyone told me it would be dangerous. But it was destined to be. I had turmoil going in my head and was heartbroken at that time. I needed to start afresh and be as far away from him as possible. I took the decision to go.

I left for Hyderabad in Nov 2011 and trust me; it was the best decision of my life. Till date I feel that the life I had in Hyderabad for 2 years were the best days of my life. The project I went into was one of the prime clients of my organizations and I did surprisingly well there. I got two awards within a span of 6 months. I was part of the team meeting with clients and they had huge hopes with me. I was ruling and expanding my knowledge. More than work, I was personally very lucky since two of my best friends were relocated to Hyderabad as well later and I spent a wonderful time with them.I was a part of the badminton team as well and gained lot of popularity as well.

I moved on fast. I forgot what happened to me in Bangalore and did not regret even a bit leaving that city. I lived alone in a room and learnt to be independent. I spent wisely and also bought a gold chain. My first ever investment with my own money. I was proud of myself. And thanked the gods, for bringing this change in my life.

As for that guy in Bangalore, I never heard from him again. Time flew and it patched all wounds. I was happy and Successful

Do not be afraid to start over. It’s a new chance to rebuild what you want

Look Up to Father : the story of #optimism #love # faith #life

"Appa, Am home", Ritu shouted as she dragged her cycle inside her garden. she could hear her mom yell "first change your clothes and have lunch beta"
she ignored her mother and went directly to her dad seated on the couch watching news as usual


seeing his face only brought a huge smile to her face. " I was the best scorer in today's match Appa. I made 10 baskets out of 15 in the match and we won. tomorrow is finals and our school will definitely win  the 'Inter school basketball championship' this time.

Her father beamed with pride and took her loving daughter on his lifeless legs. he was struck with polio at the age of 3 but his disability never came on his way to success and raising a family on his own.

"I am so proud of you Beta, I knew you would win.now tell me everything about the match", he said while stroking her daughters small boycut hair.

Ritu went on to describe the match, telling how she managed to take a three pointer and 4 fouls from the defending team. then at the last 5minutes she was able to score 3 baskets back to back and how her team lifted her up after the match ended.

" how can you manage so many baskets being so short and so much younger than other girls? do they pick you up for throwing balls " teased her father. Ritu laughed and replied " because I am your daughter, I am short but I haven't let this come in my way to become a basketball champion"

And it was true. everyday, Ritu woke up to see his father crawling on the floor helping her mother do the daily chores. who ever said disabled people cant do anything can now regret. he could do almost anything a normal man could do. Her mother was working too. Ritu had 2 elder  brothers who were also studying.Preparing food and making all the kids ready for school and then getting ready herself for work was definitely a hefty task to do daily for a mother.
her father never complained. he used to daily wake the kids up and pack the lunch boxes and constantly pester to get ready soon.
then he used to drop her mother off to her school, where she worked as a teacher and then go to his work.
Ritu grew up seeing this man who was her inspiration and who taught her that nothing is impossible in life. A man who couldn't walk, was teased always in his young age but dared to raise a family. He did not earn too much but dared to give the best education to his 3 children. a man who could not afford luxury but never said NO to any of his children demands. a man who could not afford but still paid the school fees of his workers children. a man filled with compassion, who rarely got angry. always smiled and laughed as if there is no worry in his life. a man who no matter what tensions might be in his life, always slept with satisfaction after the days end. he planned for future but enjoyed every moment of his present.

Ritu grew up to be a strong woman like her father. she joined the Army and now serves the nation. The only regret in her life is that her father is not alive to see his favorite child's accomplishments.

This man's story is a story of optimism - optimism about life, about love, about the world and its future.

Book Review: Ramayana-The game of life : shattered Dreams

Author:  Shubha Vilas
Price: 350

Having read Ramayana quite a few times,I did not expect this book to be much different.but when I read this book, It came as a pleasant surprise to me since the writer has given minute details of this saga and the lessons of life that keeps us inspired and learn a lot
I had not read the first book.but since I was well versed with the story of Ramayana, I did not feel any disconnect with the sequel.
this book is the sequel to , rise of the sun prince which was a national bestseller.Twelve joyful years have passed in Ayodhya since the wedding of Rama and Sita at the end of Book 1.
the plot of the book starts post marriage of Ram and Sita till the the departure of Ram on his 14 year exile.
written by Shubha Vilas, this book is spiritual and inspirational.taking example from this epic saga, author has put foot notes filled with wisdom and how to deal with the every situation whether good or bad, that comes in our lives.

The book starts with Dasaratha's desire of making Ram as his successor. the whole kingdom rejoices and starts preparations for the big ceremony. the evil Manthara then plots her thoughts in Keikeyi's mind to make Bharat as king and not Ram. Keikeyi falls prey to human desires and love for her own children. she goes to the king and taking advantage of the boons that Dasaratha has granted her, asks him to send Rama on exile and make Bharath as king of Ayodhya. the helpless king could not back out from his words and grants her wish. Ram is sent to jungle and Sita and Lakshaman follow him.
Bharath gets agitated when he comes to know of his mothers deeds and goes to jungle to bring the rightful king back to rule. Ram and Bharat unite and Bharat pleads him to return. Ram denies and asks Bharath to respect the leaders decision and go back and rule Ayodhya as a king. Bharat goes back taking Ram's padukas and vows to rule under them till Ram returns and takes his spot.

Its not the story that has any difference, its the way its told is what make this book unique. The extreme detailing and the interpretation of every situation gives a lot of learning. how the human minds work and how we need to control our desires and follow the right path is explained very well in every chapter.it teaches us how to handle desires and temptations, remain positive in all situations, Sita's willingness to join her husband in the exile showed the true meaning of 'ardhangini', which means means 'half-body'. the younger brothers Lakshamana's respect for his elder brother Ram , Bharat's honesty in leaving the crown which belonged to Ram and A fathers emotions on seeing his own child being taken away from him


No doubt the book is must read for a motivational journey. you will be left with positive thoughts and look at your life in a different perspective .

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

Life's what you make it: #Befikar Umar Bhar

Life is what you make it, so lets make it large...

My philosophy of living life is "Its better to regret after doing things, rather than regret not doing it"
take risks, take chances ; sometimes they might be fruitful and sometimes you might fall down heavily but that's what makes life worth living. its better to tell our grand kids the stories of what we did and how we failed or succeeded rather than not having anything to tell them at all.

I do have a bucket list made which I really want to do in my life. the list is long and its quite hard to choose the top 5. still here they are

#My TOP 5 in BUCKET LIST

                                              1.Travel till I physically can

I am a travel addict and thankfully my husband shares the same passion or rather more than me. I want to travel with him to the nooks and corner of the world, climb every mountain ,trek through the jungle,take a boat through the amazon river, dive into waterfalls,sleep under the skies and so on and on

                                                   2.Open a dog shelter

I love dogs; more than humans, I confess. I love the beautiful dog breeds from all over the world to the street dogs lying on my doorstep. I want to open a dog shelter so that these street dogs can have a home just like the other dogs smiling away inside cars  and can have stomach full to eat

                                                 3.Become a basket ball coach for a girls team

I have been playing basketball since grade 5 and have the game in my veins. I want to coach a girls team and see it win in front of my eyes.I know I have it in me all the tricks to make any team win the game

                                                4.Do sky diving/bungee/paragliding

I am afraid of heights, like seriously get nauseated when I got to heights. so these 3 things are definitely on my list and will surely do them once.I have to get rid of this fear which has been haunting me since childhood

                                             5.Serve the Indian defense forces

definitely not the last thing in my bucket list. I wish to wear that uniform and be honored to be part of the best job in the entire country. feel proud to actually do something for this nation. I might be too late to add this in list but since the title is #befikar Umar bhar so why not wish for this. maybe I can get a chance again

The list is long and on my way to fulfill all of them. I pray to god that I remain healthy and I always have this same determination to see my dreams come true.

This post is written as an entry for Indi Happy Hours - Befikar Umar Bhar activity in association with Indiblogger and IDBI Federal.

Just Married :)

                                     New life, New Home, New role. loving every bit of it.

A healthy child makes a happy home-Dabur ChawanPrash

I was a fussy eater always. I never liked vegetables like carrots,green leaves,brinjal and beetroot etc.
being a sports person I needed the fiber and energy rich food while I loved gorging on samosas, chips, pani puri and chats.
I remember falling sick twice per month back in early 2000's. that would mean two-three days of school absence ,vomiting and lying on bed with weakness.it would be more troublesome for my parents to take care of me. I was fussy to even have tablets which would make me vomit more.

This had to stop because it could affect my growth and I was not mature enough to understand this.my parents were worried because they knew that playing sports without having healthy diet is even more dangerous.

My mother tried the milk flavoring cum energy supplement powders to make me drink milk . I honestly don't know if those drinks ever made a difference. I just liked the chocolate taste of it.Then,my mother brought a new thing for me to taste.It was Dabur Chawanprash.  initially I did not like the chocolatey brown-far-from-tasting-like-chocolate paste,but I had to eat it before sleeping daily due to my mothers demands and order.later,I started enjoying it and used to wait for my spoonful of chawanprash.

I grew up, eating my daily dose of this brown substance which became an integral part of our family routine. my mother came up with other innovative solutions to make me eat the non-tasty vegetables.
her new recipes included
1: bottle gourd paranthas (yummy, uuurgh  hated the dal of the same vegetable)
2: baigan ka bharta ( as I love spicy food,she used to make it the same)
3: beetroot with fresh coconut
4: soya pakoras and methi ke paranthe
5:spinach paranthas
6:beetroot sweetdish ( loved the red color of it)
7: sprouts chat
8:dal ke pakode


These new dishes were tasty as well as healthy. I started taking my nutrients and this definitely made me healthy.the frequency of me getting sick decreased to 4 times a year and now its rare. I did realize later how wrong I was in denying to eat those vegetables since its very important to get the fiber,nutrients,minerals and all other vitamins in our system in our early years for proper growth. These help create a stronger immune system.
The new Dabur Chawanprash has the power of  giving 3 times more immunity. It has a blend of herbs and antioxidants that keep your body healthy from inside, which is very important in today's world since children are prone to pollution, dust and unhealthy junk food.This also comes in new flavors like mixed fruit and delicious mango. with good taste now comes good health benefits.

A healthy life leads to a healthy mind.

Have a daily spoonful  of Dabur Chawanprash and keep yourselves healthy . click here to know more about the benefits of this miracle formula