Excuse for not working

Amit (over the phone) : Hey Alka listen! I have to go Bangkok tomorrow for a conference. Important people and delegates are going to be there and boss have asked only me to go.

Alka: Okay. That's great! So for how many days will I have to miss those snores of yours?

Amit: Baby, I don't snore! (in the sweetest of the tone) For a week honey. (in the saddest of the tone)

Alka: Ok. Fine sweetheart, I will manage without it. (in an affirmative tone)

Amit: You won't budge, right?

Alka: You bet, baby!!

Amit: So my sweet baby, will you please pack my bag with some casuals and formals and other necessary things? Rest, will talk in detail tonight.

Alka: As you say baby! Despidada!

Amit: What?

Alka: Goodbye, I said.

Amit: Uff...!! You and your Spanish! (with slight irritation as well as a smile on face) Goodbye!

When Amit reaches home

As she opens the door upon the ringing the doorbell, four people stood in front of her. They were her parents and in-laws standing in front of her. She was totally surprised to see them without any notice. Usually they plan and come to Mumbai from Delhi but not this time. She welcomed them inside with a big big smile on her face.

Amit: You cannot have a bigger smile than this, Alka!!

Alka: Whoa! Amit!! You too!! So it was all your plan?!

Amit: Anything for a smile as big as this on your face!!

Amit: (before she could say anything) Here are our tickets to Bangkok and we are leaving tomorrow early morning 5 am!! And they have come to help us in packing and moreover they wanted to enjoy the Mumbai rains. So I planned everything just yesterday and here we are...

Alka: (Running towards Amit and hugging him tight) You just don't miss any chance to surprise me baby, don't you?!

Amit: You bet sweetheart!

*****

 

It was a Friday morning when his eyes opened to switch off the morning alarm and to find the most beautiful face enjoying the sleep with few strands of silk caressing the cheeks. "This is what beauty is", he thought to himself as he got closer to kiss her on forehead. He lay closer to her for few minutes and suddenly jumped off the bed disturbing her sleep.

 

"Honey, have to rush to the office. Important meeting is scheduled later for the day and have to make presentation for the same. So why don't you take a bath while I prepare the breakfast for us"? She simply nodded with her eyes still reluctant to open else could have caught a wide grin on his face. Luckily for him she didn't. He rushed towards the kitchen singing one of his favourite songs as the sound of utensils clinking could be heard.

 

Few minutes later she somehow managed herself to the bathroom, eyes still willing to enjoy the morning bliss called sleep. Before she could return from the bathroom he placed a pair of blue denim and a collared t-shirt for her to wear on the bed.

 

After sometime she returned with a nice warm bath only to find a note placed besides the clothes on the bed. It read:

 

"Baby, would love to see you today in denim and a tee. Have kept it for you. And yeah, I'm waiting for you in the car. See you downstairs in fifteen minutes. Love."

 

Took completely by surprise she immediately dressed as per his wishes, applied some lip balm, kajal and sun screen, left her tresses open falling on the right shoulder as his liking.

 

Within fifteen minutes she was ready, ready to greet him with all smiles.

 

As she arrived, he smiled, winked at her and said, "Baby, we are going for a long drive today, only you and me. No one else."

 

She smiled and rejoiced as he makes her sit comfortably besides the driving seat.

 

Just before he could start the engine, she asked him, "You had an important meeting today. What happened suddenly? To which he gave her a big wide smile enough to highlight his dimples and said, "Yes, that important meeting is YOU and to make it special the presentation starts with a breakfast on the beach." She immediately hugged him tight with a light peck on his cheeks and sealed it with a kiss on his lips."

 

*****

 

You don't need and you don't have any better reason than Love, the Love for you near and dear ones, to be with them. It is the only thing which keeps us together in happy as well as sad times. Thus shower some love, surprises and show that you are there and care for them.

 

Take a day off from your work if not more and give the best surprise and the best day of their life. I'm sure it will be worth it!

 

 





This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers!! Keep Smiling!! Embrace Life!!

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Shocks and Surprises

This post has been first published on Parentous

 

 

The other day I was updating a parent about her child’s progress when one of my favourites comes and tells me, “Teacher, you don’t look good in dress (Punjabi suits). You look good in Jeans.” Yes, this is a 3-year-old guiding me on clothes that suit me good! Now how do you react to this? You simply smile and acknowledge.

 

A few days back, another kiddo comes and asks, “Teacher, on which joke were you laughing yesterday?” Initially I did not understand and on seeing a quizzical look on my face she added, “I saw you passing by my building, laughing, along with your boyfriend.” Again, how do you react to this? More importantly what do you reply? Whether I should tell the joke or clarify that the assumed boyfriend is actually not my boyfriend but my husband?

On both the occasions I was stumped by the little geniuses. You leave a bunch of them in a room without monitoring them and believe me you will be shocked and surprised to the core. Cross my heart, even Einstein wouldn’t beg to differ on this. Such geniuses they are.

A parent once told me that her kid, also one of my favourite, have great fashion sense. My mouth was in a perfect O shape for almost a minute and after regaining my senses I bombarded her with, “What did you say? What does Shreya have? A great fashion sense? What! Wow! And how did you realise it?” To which she smiled and said, “She just asked me to apply red colour nail polish which will match with my dress.” “That’s great”, I said and continued, “but that does not mean she has a great fashion sense”. To which she said, “She will develop a great fashion sense.” I thought of again questioning her with ‘How’ but simply smiled and left it.

Now, what does the above incidents tell us?


You can continue reading further here.





 

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A Perfect Telepathy

 

Trees on a marathon air

Kissing my intertwined tresses

Smile on my face

 

Memories drop by

Sparkling eyes, red cheeks, warm inside

His presence felt

 

Blush I little, pearls

Kissing, cheeks staring his name

A perfect telepathy

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My Uncle, My Soldier

 

During your entire journey as a human and most importantly as a woman, you may come across many life changing incidents, sometimes happy and sometimes sad. And then there are those incidents which you always remember not for the incident but the way in which a soldier stood up and fought for you. One such incident also happened with me.

 

 

I did my schooling and graduation from a small village, few kilometres ahead of Nasik. Almost the entire village knew each other in person due to less population and frequent celebrations of one festival or the other. Festivals whose name might never be heard of were celebrated during those days. It was a one big family celebration.

 

Most of the daughters are fondly called as 'Papa's daughter.' But I was not called as such instead I was called 'Uncle's daughter.' Yes, I was and am and will always be very close to my uncle rather than my father. Since it was my uncle and aunt that I used to go out and always be with them rather than my parents, most people thought that I am their daughter. And we wilfully let people believe the same.

 

It was the time for Navratri celebrations. I, along with my gang of girls were getting ready for the aarti time of Goddess Durga - The Mother of the Universe. Almost entire village was there to grace the occasion.

 

There was one guy who always used to stalk wherever I go. Be it the school or around my home. He will keep following me if I am out or make rounds of my home on his bike. He will look for any reason to strike a conversation with me which I never entertained. I knew about it but didn't tell anyone except my gang of girls. I bore all of this till that day.   

 

On that day, the first day of navratri celebrations, I saw him when we were getting ready for the aarti time. I was surrounded with my gang of girls fortunately and he didn't dare to come close. Form what my friends told, he was constantly staring at me and wise fully I avoided his glance, behaving as if he is not there. Everything was fine till the aarti. But on completion of it he didn't waste a single minute. The very next moment on finding me slightly away from my gang, he landed up straight in front of me and asked me out. That was the time I said to myself, "enough is enough" and immediately thought of telling everything to my uncle.

 

As soon as I narrated him the entire story, he left, telling me not to worry and promised me that from now onwards no one will trouble me. That night I cried like never before laying on my aunt's lap.

 

My uncle immediately went to his place and narrated the entire thing in front of his parents. They felt ashamed of their son and his deeds and asked for forgiveness. They immediately called and asked him to apologise which he did. Before leaving my uncle also gave a stern warning that if such acts were repeated than it could become difficult for them to live in the village. As any bad, negative remark for the family can lead to the entire village snapping ties with the family.

 

The very next morning we had almost 7-8 people in our house with folded hands asking for forgiveness. Except for my uncle and aunt everyone had a confused look on their faces. It was only when my uncle told them, they realised what had happened and understood their presence at our home.

 

I was happy that there were no eyes stalking me ever after but even a thought of this incident makes me shiver. Such was the impact it had on me that left many scars on my tender heart then. But now I remember this incident not for what had happened but for the way in which my Uncle stood up for me, knowing he will be always there for me forever. Lucky and blessed to have a soldier like him in the family.

God Bless and long live my dear Uncle!!!

 

This post is a part of #Soldierforwomen in association with BlogAdda.com

 

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Book Review - Tantra

Written by: Adi

Published by: Apeejay Stya Publishing

ISBN: 978-81-908636-2-9

Genre: Fiction, Thriller

No. of Pages: 335

Price: 195 INR

 

Synopsis: Anu is a leather wearing, no-nonsense professional guardian with a reputation for killing the most dangerous vampires in New York City. But when her enemies murder the one person she truly cared about, all she wants a vengence. The only clue points to New Delhi, so Anu puts in for a job transfer.

 

In India, she finds more than she expected. For one thing, her fellow operatives have made a truce with the vampires. For another, it's way too hot to wear leather.

 

At first, it seems Anu's biggest challenge will be evading the nice boys her aunt wants her to marry. But when children start diasppearing, she discovers forces older and darker than anuything she's faced before. All of Delhi is in danger, especially the sexy stranger who sets Anu's pulse racing.

 

To prepare for the coming battle, Anu must overcome her personal demons and put aside years of training. This time, her most powerful weapon will come from her mind, not her weapons belt.

 





Review: After having read and reviewed books from genres like romance, action, self help and erotica for this calendar year, that too from the first time authors, this was one of the genre which I was waiting to read and review. A thriller about Vampires! So I grabbed the opportunity when the book was up for reviewing and must say I am pretty happy to have read.

 

The main protaganist Anu Aggarwal is hell bent in finding the killers of her only love and avenge his murder, leading her to one of the renowned Babas, Baba Senaka. Baba Senaka is upto something that can wipe off the entire Delhi city. What happens when Anu comes to know about Baba Senaka's actual plan and how she fights it off and also her nagging aunt is there to be read in this page turner.

 

The book is divided into twenty nine chapters which is a bit too much. It could have been cut short with less narratives but at the same time also felt it necessary to build the plot. The initial part of the book is a bit slow but it quickly catches up as the plot thickens and widens it's fangs leaving the reader with no choice but to enjoy this thriller. The most important and best part of the book which I feel is the introduction and description of Sattvic and Tantric and how Anu uses it to the core. It shows the amount of research that have gone into this, thus bringing it exceptionally well.

 

The writing is crisp and clear with much needed dose of smiles in between. I am amazed at the way in which the author has shown the command over words being his first attept!

 

Although a better clarity on why and how did Anu choose vampire hunting could have been included. Hoping it to be in the continuation part.

 

Overall: This is not a perfect vampire story but a mix of vampire with the Indian culture, the rituals, Sattvic and Tantric practices. It is a must for first timers reading the world of vampires and those already into it can read the book without any preconceived notions.

 

Ratings On:

• Plot - 3.5/5
• Characterization - 4.5/5
• Writing - 4.5/5
• Entertainment - 4/5
• Overall - 4/5

A tip: Read the book during the night. It will have much more effect compared to any other time.

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

 

 

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Victory

That shining almond

Releasing pure drops rolling
Caressing the cheeks
Of the sad heart

Hand waving a good bye

Heart desperately asking

To wait, stay by my side

Igniting a war 

A knowing mind and an expecting heart

 

Eyes meet for one last time

Drops rush to meet the lips

Heart unable to control

Let’s loose profusely

 

Leaping from the window

To find his last sight

Heart skipped a beat as

Eyes searched frantically

 

A hug from behind

Calming the heart

A whisper in her ear

Leading her heart to dance

A victorious gig over mind

 

Lips sealed

Eyelids closed

Souls met

Happy her

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Cheers!! Keep Smiling!! Embrace Life!!

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Did someone say Humanity?

This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 38; the thirty-eighth edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton. The theme for the month is "The Woman on Platform Number 10"

The bell rang and immediately I started using my slate and stylus. Both my hands perfectly co-ordinating each other. One hand understands and the other responds.

 

*****

 

It is the same old things which describes this place perfectly. Trains running up and down, one after another. Hundreds of people alighting, boarding, running, shouting and what not. Beggars and urchins looking hungry with eyes expecting some help but greeted with long stares, expletives asking to move ahead. Vendors trying desperately to sell their products amid all the chaos known as the 'Urban Organised Fish Market' and 'The Incidents Galore.'

 

Alpa was there waiting for the train to arrive. She had reached early today, almost 20 minutes to be precise, hoping to catch a window seat and enjoy the cool morning breeze. She was impeccably dressed but two things stood out today. Her silky long hair and the scent she used. Many stares, oohs and aahs came from the people around her. She noticed it and enjoyed the attention she was getting.

 

But sooner her face went red when few people standing at a corner passed some lewd comments at her. She took few steps forward in their direction with the aim of giving a fitting reply when she felt someone's hand on her behind. Her face went from red to shock. Behind her mind she was chanting 'The Hanuman Chalisa.' Shock soon turned to fear when someone went breezing past her, kissing her hair around her neck. Before she could realise that she has been surrounded she felt a strong pinch around her waist from the other end. Within seconds after that she ran like crazy, huffing and puffing till she was out on the streets towards her home.

 

*****

 

The woman on platform no. 10 was with her two kids. One in her right hand tugged to her chest and shoulder and the other holding her left hand. From the clothes that they had worn one can easily say that they belong to a poor family. The arrangement was such that trains for particular destination arrive only at a particular platform and not on other platforms. Thus the train for her destination arrived only at platform no. 10 which is a two side platform. Trains for up and down destinations halt at platform no. 10. The platform was crowded but not as other platforms.

 

On seeing the green signal she gripped both her child tightly. She knew that she would somehow have to  make her way through the rush and board the train. Or wait for another half an hour for the next train due to less frequency. The train arrived. On halting, she automatically moved forward towards the footboard due to strong push of people from behind. As she was almost about to board the train, there came a little push from behind and she boarded the train few seconds early, all thanks to that push. This push incidentally led to the loosening of the grip of her left hand resulting in the child to be alone. The child was blinded due to tall people in front of him and with another push from behind the child instead of raising his foot and board, slipped through the gap created between the platform and the footboard of the train. Next second, the cries of pain and anguish could be heard loud.

 

"It is because of them that we have to suffer, said Hemant to Karan. To which Karan responded, "Why do they even board the train in first place?" Both of them looked at each other and cursed their fate.

 

*****

 

A man came running from the stairs with immediate landing. It seemed that he was probably getting late for work and desperately needed to board that fast train waiting on the platform. Few minutes back a group of cricket playing children were having their breakfast on the platform. They were probably going for their coaching with their kits on their shoulders. Each and everyone were having their small, light breakfast waiting for their train to arrive. The train arrived on the platform in spite of the indicator showing two minutes expected time. Everyone rushed to catch the train, stuffing their tiffin boxes in the respective kits, throwing whatever they had in their hands on the platform itself and boarded just in time.

 

The man came running at full speed, with his hair enjoying the breeze, dancing with crazy moves landed his left foot on the banana peel thrown by one of the cricket playing children. As soon as his foot landed on the banana peel his body felt light as he momentarily lay in the air and landed on the earth with a loud thud. Some cracking sound of bones breaking could be heard by him. On seeing it, few smiled, others laughed at the pain of the man. He could barely move his hands and legs. Many thought that there will be few bruises at the back with a twist in the ankle. Not even a single person looking at him standing at the footboard came forward to help. Only when blood started to ooze out and make a small circle around his right ear, did people realise the graveness of the situation but barely a few came forward. Rest, with the same old typical reason "Time nahi hain in sab cheezo ke liye." 

 

*****

 

Mahatma Gandhi once said "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." But what if the entire ocean has become dirty? "There are humans everywhere but humanity in none/few of them", is the quote of today's times.

 

That day none came forward to help those people when needed the most and immediate. Many people around Alka heard those passing lewd comments at her but none came to her rescue including both men and women. No one came forward. Even if one person had come forward to help Alka the situation might have been different. She might not have ran with fear but seated with her head high inside the train compartment.

 

Similarly with the woman on platform no. 10 as well as the man. Though the child miraculously escaped death with a fractured limb and bruises on the forehead and arms, both the mother and child could have been spared from those cries of fear and anguish had the people behind them been more careful. Moreover the talks between Hemant and Karan and those looking from the footboard shows the kind of thinking that people have today. These are the people who deny humanity and fail life.

 

These three incidents today has made two thing very clear to me.

1. That it is better to be actually blind rather than being blind with both the eyes wide open.
2. The text book always has good things to learn. It is only the reality which shows the actual picture.

*****

 

The bell rang as I put a full stop to my essay, putting aside my slate and stylus waiting for my teacher to collect my answer sheet.

 

The fellow Blog-a-Tonics who took part in this Blog-a-Ton and links to their respective posts can be checked here. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton. Participation Count: 05

 
 

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Moments

That looks of his, eager to have me, feel me. That touches of his caressing my navel. That moment when he unties my hair. That moment when fragrance of his body mixes with my sweat. Moments, are the only reason for existence, as I lay on the death bed with a smile on my face.

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Wordless Wednseday - Shades of Life

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