Parallel world: An ode to momsie!

Parallel world: An ode to momsie!

Caution : sensitive topic. Not
intended for people with heart diseases or pregnant females or children. Read at your own risk!

Since childhood, I have been intrigued by the idea of a parallel world. It gave me great strength and courage as a child, the mere feeling of not being alone. A parallel world exists in which life goes on as it does in our world. It exists in another time and dimension. That,s it! The catch is that we cannot see them and they can see us. Difficult ( presently) to travel into another time and space dimension. One day we will!
Many may not agree. This write up doesn't intend to convince anyone. This thought was deeply embedded in my subconscious mind and I had almost forgotten. An evening call to someone close, the discussion taking an emotional turn led to re-emergence of this thought process from the pile of thought debris. There is another time and space dimension, different from ours.
How many times have you felt that you are being watched? How many times do you feel someone was behind you? How many times you feel someone is talking somewhere distantly ( soft noise). Does this sound like a case of schizophrenia?
No!, I am talking about the sixth sense or that special sense of feeling we all have experienced. When someone real close leaves the mortal form, one tends to feel their presence everywhere: as if they have become omnipresent. I strongly believe that the soul (a form of energy ) travels into a parallel world and keeps a watch on us.
Another point that came during our conversation was of the blame game: how convenient to blame someone or something for the happenings in one,s life. The real question - is it the right game? I believe any game which gives you a sense of purpose to keep moving on in life is the right game.

The parallel world is watching me and urging me to conclude. The highlight is that both worlds exist in complete harmony.
Think over, let your neurons re-charge. I feel solace with this idea of a parallel world. I know my mother is just on the other side. The best part is she can see me whereas I can only feel her. Love you mom from this world to your world: till we meet again.

Love,
Juju

Flip over: Upside/ down

Flip over: Upside/ down

This writeup is dedicated to my buddy who relocated base three and a half years ago. A casual friendly conversation regarding, passion vs duty vs hobby lead to our sudden enlightenment (mutual! thank god). As we walk in this journey of life, we come across different people with an entirely different take on life, however, there are a few bunches who follow a path closely similar to ours- our soulmates our buddies.

Travelling is my passion. The goal is to gradually tick places off from my bucket list. So, traveling comprises a routine topic of discussion. How soon one should take a break, is a million-dollar question. Initially, planning is dependent on oneself, post-marriage, according to children,s holidays schedule and finally, again as per one wish.

My Momsie -Popsie always taught the importance of parents being in their children's childhood memories than leaving a huge bank balance for them. As in this unending pursuit of generating the bank balance, one largely compromises on the time. Think over my generation people, the importance of devoting time to self and children, for tomorrow is never promised and is not a post-dated cheque to be encashed. Life does not work on the principles of the bank. Life is happening now: it,s a current account.

Coming back to my conversation with my buddy. We were discussing how work becomes boring after a certain period of time, one needs a break from it. She differed and commented, if work is your passion, you will not get bored ever. To this, my answer was, even though I love my work (passionate), I have a traveler soul.
She said, ‘ Why don,t you think that you are traveling since it,s your passion and in between, you are taking breaks of 3-4 months of work !”
Wow ! I exclaimed what a brilliant wonderful thought. She reflected upon the idea of passion and work in an upside/down perspective.  Gosh ! I love her more for this. Life is definitely 99% how we take it : only 1 % actually happens
She said, “ Chal mil gaya ek aur idea tere blog ka!”
Thanks buddy!

I always say, “ Life mein ek Anjali zaroori hai!” way ahead of KJ and
SRK said in KKHH ( Kuch kuch hota hai in October1998)
Momsie ! I am gradually learning how to live in the moment. Love you from this world to your world: till we meet again, up there
Signing off now with my next write up ready in my thoughts
Take care,
Love,
Juju

“ Marital Curry”

“ Marital Curry”

A brief background into the origin of this title. My friends were planning a post Diwali get together. I had to decide the venue and thanks to my auto correct app, “Nariyal curry” restaurant was typed as Marital Curry. The idea for my new blogpost was born.

Festival season is waning: long wait for winters is coming to an end. Post festivals like karva chauth and ashtmi, love is afresh in air (hopefully will remain so, till it condenses and settles down. 

Ha ! Ha!).

After a certain period of time in marriage, it a curry like feel.

Adjusted so well, know ones pros and cons, rather amalgated oneself with your spouse, it tastes spicey most of the time.

Recipe of marital curry:

Main ingredients are – handful of faith, trust, love, care, respect, sacrifice, affection, warmth, compassion etc with a pinch of remorse ( optional).

Preparation time: anywhere from few months to a lifetime and beyond (for few)

Toppings: fresh romance sprinkled over the brimming curry.

Serves: Basically for 2, but the aroma affects all the people in the inner and outer circle.

Calories:  Zero ( absolutely)

P.S. Don,t keep it overnight. Fresh preparation has numerous health benefits.

Happy Diwali 

Enjoy your curry

Take Care,

Love,

Juju

Secular pixel - I am an Indian

Secular pixel - I am an Indian!!!!!!!!

A thought flashed across my mind. Are we really so embittered towards each other as the media portrays to be or it,s  an unspoken ( ? spoken) truth that media is paid these days.

One needs to decide for oneself.

While driving to my workplace, as I stopped my car at the red light, my receptionist gave me a routine call and I asked her to take time from my hairstylist.

It dawned upon me that while I have been told that I am a Hindu, my receptionist follows Sikhism, my helper who keeps my office clean is of low caste and so is the man who collects garbage, my hairstylist is a Muslim and my friends are Christians, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Malayali, Oriya, Kashmiri, etc and as my list grew, I could see myself as a secular pixel in this universe. When I employed them, I had looked at their credentials and never even asked their religion or caste. They have been with me in this journey for nearly two decades or more.

In those fleeting forty five seconds or so at the traffic red lights, I could visualize the people in the my real life - a glimpse of secular India.

Time to slow down and ponder …. Are we being baits to these media people? Answer is definitely in affirmative. But the real question is for how long??? Please check ……….

Just a thought before my next write up titled “Marital Curry”

Happy Diwali!

Juju!

Ahoi Ashtmi –Prayer for her creation - Part 1

Ahoi Ashtami –Prayer for her creation - Part 1

A routine casual good morning greeting to my daughter (who is in hostel) led to this write up when my daughter remarked, “Mummy! if you are observing this fast for our well being then, we should also keep a fast for our parents well being.”

Ahoi Ashtami celebrated on the eighth day from Poornima and week prior to Diwali i.e. Amavasya, falls on the same day as Diwali. As compared to “Karva Chauth” the enthusiasm and commercialization of this festival are to a far lesser degree may be minimal (my feeling, not intended to hurt anyone,s sentiments). for me, observing this fast is much more than a ritual. I penned down a few thoughts which crossed my mind for an effective parent-child relationship.

Communication: We are not born as parents. As we are on this journey of teaching our children; similarly our children teach us how to become effective parents. As my FPG says, effective communication is a key and this key should keep the communication door unlocked at all times. Listen to your child.

Love: Love never spoils: it always nurtures. Give unconditional love to your child. Such children are emotionally stable and decision-makers.

Time: Give your child ample time, whenever ( might be difficult for working parents ) but ensure you spend quality time or have coping mechanisms so that a child feels parents are approachable at all times.

No substitutes: Never give materialistic things as a substitute for your time. It,s a child's right to spend time with parents. In working couples, the help of grandparents should be sought.

Faith: Have faith and trust in your own child. Always believe what your child says ( more so in front of other,s). A child should have complete faith that his/her parents believe him/her

Balance: strike a balance between parents, when one parent gets angry, ensure the other parent is compassionate. A child should always have one parent for comfort.

Criticism: Never criticize your child in front of others, or his friends. Many people don,t even know the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. Ensure as a parent that you follow constructive criticism only.

Don,t glorify yourself: As a parent, we normally tell stories about our academic excellence or our success stories only. We all know that everyone has failures as well as successes. There can never be only successes. We should talk about hard times and failures too. Don't, glorify yourself in front of your children. Behave like normal human beings who do things wrong and there,s nothing wrong in it.

Answer your child,s queries. My FPG,s favorite words, if you don't satisfy your child,s query, they will try to gain information from other sources (friends, internet, etc) which may not be appropriate. So, try your level best to quench their thirst.

The joy of giving: Teach your child the joy of giving by involving them in charity works and make them conditioned to this thought process of “What I can do to make things better or what can I contribute ?” .With the new academic year, ask them to keep books, bags, stationery, clothes aside to be given to needy. Charity begins at home. Give things to your helpers.

There are many more. Each day I learn new things from my little monks. My favorite pet lines which my children have heard umpteen number of times. There is nothing like a pass or fail Only result. There is no success or failure: Only experience. You are not your marks, NEVER! never associate yourself with your marks. Everyone is living in their own time zones. So go at your own pace, don,t speed up or follow others as it will lead to accidents.

As of now, I am signing off with a promise to write a sequel to this.
Love,
Juju  

Karwa Chauth special -Ten Commandments of Marriage

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MARRIAGE

“Karwa chauth”, is an auspicious festival in our culture where a married girl prays for long life of her husband.  This is celebrated with immense integrity, love and faith for one,s spouse. This holds a multi dimensional aura with few challenging as to why a wife should fast ? Why not her husband ? Infact, there is not a single fast in our culture (as far as my knowledge goes) where a husband fasts for his wife. 

This school of thought even beguiled me for some time in my initial years. However, as I followed this ritual as told by elders. In my sub-conscious mind, a set of dialogues/phrases played (which everyone must have heard  especially by parents, bhabhi, sisters ,in-laws ) like : 

“ Marriage is an institution”,

“ You should accept your spouse as he is and not make an attempt to change him – unconditional acceptance”

“ Marriage for a boy means- end ( in terms of settlement) whereas for a girl ( > 50%), it is the beginning of a journey (fairy tale ) thanks to Yash Chopra and Karan Johar persons who are epitomes of romance and honeymooning in Swiss Alps ( More than 50 % , dimaag to inn dono ne sabse zayada kharaab kiya hai !- my apologies. May Yash Chopraji soul rest in peace)

“ Shaadi to nibhaani padti hai”,etc,etc,………..

Being on this journey for  two decades with few ups and down , I have penned down “ Ten Commandments for a successful marriage”.

First, is “Importance” – make your spouse feel important as much so that your head rises and heart beats proudly for yr mate,s glory and achievement.

Second, is “Romance” – maintain your sense of humor, make your loved ones smile, let the spark be alive.

Third is “Decisions” – Let the other one choose, make conscious sacrifices, for in their smiles lies your own joy.

Fourth is “ Independence”- Let your mate often be on themselves. A bird knows that it,s heart lies in the nest and it even knows better when flies alone…

Fifth is “ Co-ordination” – plan for working in harmony , plan evening dates with your spouse , plan intimacy….

Sixth is “ Social sphere” – never block the freedom of expression in everybody,s presence. NEVER ! NEVER ! interrupt your spouse in front of others.

Seventh is “Communication” – be open, express freely ( more of positive statements ) like you love/ care him/ her every day. Marriage is not a Saving,s Bank A/c ( ek baar keh diya to life long hai!). It is a current A/c where one needs daily deposits ( of love, care , compassion etc) and withdrawals (of negativity, remorse, arguments etc..)

Eighth is ” Arguments “- Differences are bound to happen, key is learning to agree to disagree (My FPG,s favourite point), so that arguments metamorphosize into discussions.

Ninth is “Companionship”- Be united ( as one entity) in front of others even if there is disagreement at home (My FPG,s favourite point). Your togetherness is your strength which will keep ill wishers / home breakers at bay.

Last is “Appreciation” – Appreciate your spouse for his/ her unique identity. Don,t try to change. Appreciate for who they are. I read somewhere, you have accepted a rose …….and a rose can’t become a jasmine…. However hard you may try …. So, appreciate your mate .

“Marriage is like wine; becomes intense, aromatic and soul soothing with each passing moment”.

Coming back to the point, Lets, celebrate Karwa Chauth with pure love, bliss and dedication, for your husband with no analysis and conditions !

Women are creators of life and have immense power to nuture, protect and take care of their creations in various forms - mother, wife, sister, daughter..

I always feel" Women are far more superior then men " Not a lengthy essay to endorse my point -Just one line, God could trust only women and hence gave her the power to create". Think it over !!!!

May God bless you all in abundance.

With all my love and strength,

Juju

Yes, I am changing! An ode to creators of life

Yes, I am changing! An ode to creators of life

My dear children,

When I held you in my arms, my dear pink/blue ladoo,s and we made eye contact. Then, you smiled and wrapped your little fingers around my forefinger. At that very moment ....I changed.

Ambitious young girl was gone: A mother was born.

When you slept peacefully, to ensure you have uninterrupted sleep,

My clinking bangles were gone: A mother was born.

When you garlanded your arms around my neck, and said, Mummy, this necklace hurts me,

Heavy jewellery was gone: Tulsi mala was born.

When you pulled strands from my long black silky hair, played and pulled them umpteen times,

Long black tresses (my treasure!) was gone: girl with short hair was born

When you innocently remarked, mummy, embroidery / stone/ zari work in your dress cause rash,

Heavy dresses were gone: girl in fab india cotton kurti was born.

When you wanted to play with me, run around, do cycling etc,

High heels/platforms were gone: Girl in sneakers was born

When you played with my “ Shilpa bindi “ ( shilpa chaar chaand lagaye, remember the tagline in ad) and put in it your mouth,

Shilpa bindi was gone: kesar tilak was born

When you wanted to eat food- Indian, continental, south indian, Chinese

Free spirited mast girl was gone: Chef with multi-cuisine talent was born.

When you said, “ Mummy, when will you come home from work ? “

Professional, ambitious girl, slowed down(was not gone) : a mother was born .

All these thoughts churned in my mind last evening, as I was cleaning my cupboard and came across numerous hair clips, bangles, bindi,s etc, I stood frozen in time as flashback of 20 years quickly played in front

of my eyes. The girl who started on this journey 20 years ago and the girl (Soul never age, it,s only a physical change) who was looking at me in the mirror,

Are these two girls same?.

No! I have changed, rather changing for better.

Looking back, I felt contented with my two decades journey of pure bliss, happiness with ups and downs (definitely at times).

A wide smile came across my face.

Felt happy with the beautiful change.

My pink ladoo, left for college to pursue her dreams:

a writer was born........

Hurray ! Yippee!

Love,

Juju

Settle Down !?!?!?!?

Settle Down!?!?!?

When will you settle down ? It,s high time now!, please think of settling down , .....on and on...........

We keep hearing these phrases every now and then.

The whole concept of “settling down” is misleading. I think God never meant us to settle down. The very fact our heart, brain, stomach, every cell never settles down ever, till it is nurtured (i.e. gets oxygen and blood flow). Then, why should we settle down?

Do we ever settle down at cellular level ? No !!!!!!!!!

Right from the time, life enter a mother,s womb till the time we bid goodbye to out mortal physical form, we never settle.

Infact, we are God,s supreme work in continuous process of evolving and transforming (either for good or bad, can,t say, depends!)

As a beginner on this journey of schoolhouse planet Mother Earth, we think we will settle down after finishing our studies (seriously! Do we ?)

Maybe after marriage (Nope!), then we think we might settle down after being successful (doesn,t happen that way). Certainly after kids

(absolutely not ), Ok ! after the kids grow up ( Hmm! no way ).

Ok!! I rest my case.

Hey, wait! I know when we settle down.

Oh ! yeh ! great! Let,s all listen to this .

We settle down once our children get married.

(A deep laugh) Seriously! No way, we never settle down......

Life is not meant to settle down. Life is meant to live, to cherish,

to love, to explore, to wander, to learn, to unlearn, to rebel, to work,

to win, to lose, ( Please note , all this is in present tense as life is

what is happening RIGHT NOW !, no past, no future).

Even our ashes don,t settle down, they fly in all directions.

So, why should we ?

Open your arms and embrace LIFE.

Love,

Juju.

Hello Sir ! gift is free

Dear Diary,

A routine call in the morning, lead to creation of this post.

(Disclaimer:  This post is entirely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone is purely co-incidental).

Cell phone rings, Tring...tring...... !!!!!!!!

“ Hello, May I speak to Ms.Z”

Ms. Z “ Yah, speaking

“Sir, you are our esteemed customer, so bank ABC has decided to increase your credit card limit from xx to xxxx for (with suspense in voice) free. If you confirm, I will process the request.”

Ms Z,” Not interested please.”

Sir you are not getting my point, it,s for free , why are you hesitant? No hidden charges , its for FREE .”

Ms Z , “ Sorry, not interested “

Voice intervenes , it,s free ….. ( tails off as Ms Z ends the call).

Another call,

Hello, Sir aapka ka lucky draw mein naam aaya hai, gift lene ke liye aapko date xxx, time y : yy par,  place zzz par aana hoga !”

Ms Z ,”  I have never taken any lucky draw tickets.”

Sir, this is our company,s promotion draw as it’s a new start up. You are indeed lucky. So, should I confirm yr time, day and place?”

Ms Z,” Since, it’s a lucky draw gift and your company wants to it give me, please send it at my residence,s address.”

Sir, this is against company,s rule. You will have to come in person to collect .”

Ms Z , “ I can send someone, please share your address and location.”

Sir, you are not getting the point, this is against company,s rule. You will have to come in person to collect.”

Ms Z, “ In that case, you only keep.”

“ Sir, what,s the issue, you are not understanding, it,s a free gift.”

Finally, Ms Z, fumes, “ Listen bro, just keep the gift and don,t ever call again else you will land up behind the bars.”

But Sir, it a free gift…………. …..disconnected

At a shopping mall,

Hello Sir, we have noticed that you done a good shopping worth Rs X amount.

Festival offer is going on…. If you shop for additional YZ amount , you will get gift vouchers worth xyz amount which can be redeemed later.

Ms Z (thinking like yeda samjha hai kya , I have shopped for Rs 2000 and that too the stuff which I needed. Why should I spend extra 3000 to 8000 rupees to be able to be entitled to get your voucher scheme worth Rs 5000 shopping or Rs 10,000 shopping. Where will I spend the voucher amount ?, Politely replies), Nahin, bus ho gaya, bill karr dijiye .”

Sir, the vouchers are free, you are not understanding, vouchers are free…….

Ms Z (controlling temper internally fires back )” Why don’t you shop and take the vouchers ! ”

(pays the bill and walks away ) .

Sir, but vouchers are for free …, Free shopping… you are not understanding………..

Please understand, the market and environment are trying to make us into compulsive buyers. So is case with eating/ dining out.

Beware ! recognize difference between Needs Vs luxury. Dont, overindulge merely for free vouchers or gifts.

Let,s pledge not to become compulsive buyers as the scene is being set again and again in the stage of our lives.

Take Care,

Juju

 

humor in white coat-Part 2

Dear Diary,

Festival season, festive mood, high spirits, happy faces, everything is full of life , blooming, blossoming.

A little humor will add the much required flavor.

(Disclaimer:  This post is entirely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone is purely co-incidental).

Case Scenario 6 (Oozing with smartness kinds)

Patient walks in for ultrasound examination of abdomen. Staff helps the patient lie down, requests the upper clothing to be rolled up and to loosen the belt and lower

A casual reminder to the staff to expose the part to be examined properly, as scanning will be done of the exposed part only.

Never in my wildest dreams thought, patient was intently listening.

Silently,the patient gets up, removes his shirt and lower and to everyone,s surprise, lies on the examination table only in his boxer shorts ( ONLY ! Imagine the shocked faces of doctor and staff,  .

Alas ! my good lord, what happened? No one asked the patient to undress.

Patient (smiling in an unusually irritating smart way ) : I overhead you doctor that only exposed part will be examined. Now ,will you do my whole body scan.”

Doctor (thinking hey bhagwan! uthha le mujhe types internally but saintly expression externally), Please, this is not how it goes. We will do the part as requested.

Patient sobers down, in pensive mood , Ohh k ! I am sorry, dresses back and lies down for his abdominal study.

Pin drop silence in the room……for next 15 minutes

Case Scenario 7 ( VVV* IP patient)

Patient pulls out minimum 4 different slips from different doctors requesting for concession. Meanwhile, concerned doctor receives 3-4 calls with the same message that the patient is known to them with a tagline, “ Dekh lena please “

Doctor gets up from his seat, bows , folds his hands and says softly,” I think I owe you a payment from my pocket. Thanks for so many request slips and phone calls for such a simple thing. I am indebted to you now.

(Internally, thoughts are churning , iss sab ki kya zaroorat thee, ek simple investigation ke liye, khud hi request karr leta mere bhai”)

I pray to God for patience and sanity.

Case Scenario 8 ( Frozen in time type -patient).

Patient ,s response after being asked for payment , “Abhi to karwaya thaa doso-teenso mein, fees kuch zayada nahin hai kya ? “

Doctor asks calmly, “ Kab karwaya thaa? “

Patient scratching his head and thinking , “ Yahi, koi….. chhe aath mahine pehle “

Doctor with Gautam Buddha,s smile, “ Not possible “.

Patient (with iffs & buts expression) “ Thoda zaayda der ho gaye hogi pandrah bees saal pehle !”

Doctor responds, “ Chacha! Itne mein to main bachche se jawaan aur aap jawaan se buddhe ho gaye ho ! “

Patient slowly slitheringly pulls out (it seems some invisible glue is stuck to currency note and purse), the exact payment with eyes rolled up to roof , “ Hmm, sahi kaha, mahanagye badhh gayi hai, abb aapne bhi to ghar chalana hai  .”

Keep smiling, keep reading, keep sharing. Humorous anecdistes from daily life of a doctor.

Take Care,

Juju

Relay delay

Dear Diary,

Here comes the kartik month spreading festivals and celebrations everywhere. Everyone's seems to be in an unusual happy, peaceful space.

Even I was caught up in this space for quite some time ,that  I neglected my child : my blog. There was  a delay in  relay from my blog.

So many thoughts and stories keep moving around within my white matter . Finally, I have caught hold of few important ones, which need to be penned down, to bring them to life.

This weekend, will bring alive few hard core facts. Till then take care, keep loving, keep reading, keep sharing.

Love,
Juju