Hoy Me Voy!

Heart causes a heart ache, Aura has known this for years and years of her life. Mid night sleep distortions, early morning waking up, lost middle of the day. Sitting for hours over a cup of tea in the evening besides the window.. n suddenly realizing it's too late for cooking dinner. Since childhood, she has been great fan of music of all genre, Hindushtani classical, western classical, bollywood, jazz, folk and so on and on. None of the "lyrics/ bandish" she has ever known doesn't talk about love. Well, a brief pause here, and a little background about Aura!

Aura is a journalist by profession. She is a brain child of creativity and beauty. Aura started her career with a job role that demanded her to talk to various people and work on comparative anthropology analysis for a credit card company. Each person she used to talk to, he/she would have a story, a unique story. However we are talking here about Aura. She left hope on she being into any relationship after several ups n downs she would have been through. She decided to rather go with the flow of life as the way it comes. Dedicated to her profession, she would start her day very early and end it late; throughout the entire week. Weekends, which she would rarely have, she would go for visiting places, with whatever short time she has. This was going fine till the time she arrived at a zebra crossing during the journey.

Aura, who is considered to be a very interactive person, with aesthetic sense and blend of creativity, would have to interact with most of the creative directors of her org. She used to interact a lot with one of her immediate seniors, share the stories she would get to know every day, over dinner or breaks during the office hour. Both discovered their passion for music, anthropology and many such things. Words take a back step when hearts play the rhythm of togetherness! She started going with the flow rather than holding herself back considering her previous experience. 

The experience was like in fairy tales, every moment would be as intense as she could ever dream of! Nonetheless than sooner, they both realized, they are meant to be together so let’s tie the knot. Family talks started, and so did the backdrop drama. The mystical bouquet of love was flourishing around, but at the backdrop drama of family pressure, pressure of expectations and social practices started. Both were strong and firm enough in their places. A hoy me voy situation for Aura. She almost decided to break up and keep to herself.. until then... when she got captivated....

to be continued

An Agro banking campaign

Food – the must & most needed truth of life. Every creature has a demand for energy and so as for food. Writing this blog reminds me the starter of school days essay writing about India "India is an agricultural country". It became "India is an agrarian economy. Languages changed, but our own villages, farming and farmers remained the same. The innocence,  unawareness about tools and technologies and most importantly the benefits they can make if they are well versed with the avail-abilities.

Thanks to my sister, who is heading a Agro industry bank branch, gave me an opportunity to visit a typical panchayat sabha of 5 villages. I visited Gram Sojana to attend a panchayat that was called upon to address close to 1000 farmers of adjacent five villages on behalf of this Agro Bank. This campaign was mainly to educate the farmers about different government schemes approved and designed by RBI. I was overwhelmed with the reaction of the crowd. They had lots of questions like how to know which crop would be eligible for loan, or how much would be the rate of interest if they keep the profit amount deposited to bank account instead of "Local Sahukar". My sister answered all their quires and explained more about the policies and benefits. So true, India is still lagging in agriculture because, we the so called intelligent and educated people are thinking about Switzerland holiday visit or a good designed duplex bungalow and so on.

However, I sincerely enjoyed this opportunity and explained them about the popular Rose factory Business case of Netherlands. I educated them the concept of warehouse and importance of awareness. A simple fact, almost all these farmers have basic education like primary schooling but they have never gone through their syllabus in details. Had they been, they would have captured the knowledge and used it.

Apart from this excellent sabha, I also enjoyed the scenic beauty around, fresh oxygen, birds chirping and the  astonishing sunset. Readers enjoy the pics:

Click to see Sojana - truly India

Hyderabad: Green, red, sapphire, orange and blue

Hyderabad: Green, red, sapphire, orange and blue, anciently modern; ethics with progressive outlook, consistently growing to bloom – that’s Hyderabad, where I found my mirror image – my numinous twin sister.  Since the day I lost my dad, my subconscious mind started telling me. This world is just so heartless, demotivating and pathetic. However as you know, it’s not :-) All thanks to our respected Doctor; who made me realize the fact (I’ll rather tell that story some other day)

Not to mention, benediction (or malediction????) of media industry to convince IT companies to give “STANDARD 12% Appraisal” gave me a good heads up to take life meaningfully. I calculated my hike: price hike ratio and found I am just a fool to calculate this. And as I said, I was already charged up by idea I got from our doctor. I decided to believe in Mr. Hitler (got this one recently from FB) - the amount you have in your bank account at the time of your death - are the extra work you did wasting time and without enjoying life! This thought gave me a good reason to go and spend for a moment of happiness. I picked my cell and called up my friend to inform that I am coming. Checked the reservation, but alas!! It's INDIAN RAILWAY.. you are always on waiting. So I decided to travel by bus. Considering this would be my first bus travel on a long route, went for buying some small stuffs which would comfort me during the journey. I went to the popular Phoenix mall and picked up a neck support (this one was with a speaker huh, to protect your ears from ear plug - and trust me it's a good option), some mint and chocolates.

All set to travel, I reached the bus stop - there my bus was. Started my journey. My friend called me at least 10 times in between as she still was not able to believe I was actually gonna meet her the next morning. She was excited, and her hubby was an impression - "My wife has got all crazy friends as she is" hahaha. Without worries, I reached the next morning and the couple was waiting there to receive me. You call it joy, cheer, pleasure.... there is nothing you can treasure for life except friendship - this one comes without expectations. We set the day on wings - roamed around the city, the famous Charminar, Bilal's hand made ice cream, street paani puri, Laad Bazar, Husain Saagar, Big Buddha Statue - Hyderabad is like the mysterious woman, the more you explore, more you get to know about her.

Our day ended with a rejuvenating face massage from the kind beauty parlor lady - my friend calls "Vadina". I bought couple of pearl jewellery and other stuff. Next afternoon, I had my train back to Pune where I made some new friends. Would talk about it some other time. Overall, Hyderabad trip gave me a new myself, who I was waiting for. This one is from my heart - to all the people love reading, trust me if you go on a sudden unplanned vacation, you gonna rediscover yourself, get to explore things you would have never known before. While coming back, I was getting calls all around from my friend, family with one exclamation - "have you gone crazy". Folks, this is a beautiful world of conspiracy, I bet, all the people here are talented and crazy some or the other way, that's why they are here.

Life - The instant "Reality Show"

My dad has been suffering from chronic liver cirrhosis since quite some time. He is a person I have never seen dying!! People start throwing up when endoscopy machine is put into your mouth to travel through your esophagus to the stomach.! He used to enjoy even that, talking, smiling and having fun! He used to be a big time foodie and never even touched alcohol.  Cirrhosis - this deadly disease occurs in 81% cases due to consumption of alcohol, for him it was cryptogenic - i.e. Where Doctors are not able to diagnose the reason hence name it "Due to undefined Cause". I used to live with this fact that he is one of those good people who suffer for a time being and then see the better part of life.

Bullshit!!! He got an attack of hepatic encephalopathy coma - grade 4 last year, and the world in front of me was black. All thanks to my office and my bosses, I right away reached the hospital, with a pact that I would work from there. I used to observe my dad in ICU, while working on my new report requirement. All the stuff were supportive, but as usual, world would have been beautiful if you wouldn't have to work, yes that's correct. They were supportive but unwilling to work properly. After consistent 2 weeks fight dad's senses resumed. However, he resumed with another chained challenge - Ascites - grade 2, which in a few weeks turned to be grade 3. His kidneys started malfunctioning and a shunting became much needed periodical stuff.

It almost became a routine for me in last few months to work entire week in Pune, and travel each 2nd weekend to Bhopal, from station to hospital, entire day or 2 ICU attendant chair used to be my ultimate address corner. Work from there, take up all challenges, project related issues, office corporate issues etc and take care of my dad. Every night was a nightmare. However I got used to of all those and became ironic. Finally the year end came and I was happy that my dad was recovering slowly, a catalyst factor could have been my sister's new born baby girl - who was spreading the aura of charm and happiness all around in our house. I decided to be back to Pune and stay for a while. The night I was supposed to board the train for way back to Pune, dad fell off the bed!! His both hands bled like anything, as the skin got torn apart. I said "Thank God I am here" as I could be the only person to control my nerve and apply my brain. He was OK by next morning, he called me and whispered into my ears "Would you take me to my native place, my own house, I want to be there, take my last breathe". I was stunned as his medical diagnosis doesn't say he can talk meaningful! I came back to Pune with a plan that, we would take dad to the native place in February end.

My work makes me forget all my pain, this time also it worked! I used to work day and night to forget my pain, also to make sure before I go on a vacation, my team is secure to handle any extra work load in my absence. As the journey day was approaching my dad's condition started deteriorating and on the eve of the journey day, he almost collapsed. Again the same routine, I came all the way from Pune directly to the hospital. I saw him in severe pain, spoke to the doctor. He gave me a honest but bitter input -"Your dad is left with maximum 2 months as he is diagnosed with HRS (hepatic renal syndrome) and it can further deteriorate. "
 I knew this at the bottom of my heart, my heart tried to convince me "You should pull as much as you can" My brain explained "If you are pulling his life by giving him all possible medications, you are just keeping his body alive". "The injection he is on, can pull him for some more time but it would be as good as keeping the respiration alive" - Doctor said. I was shocked as the doctor echoed the same thing my brain was telling me.

I am already exhausted by all means, financially, mentally, physically, emotionally. If we stop the medication, he would have chronic unbearable pain, if we need continuing the medication, how would I be able to bear the expenses? My eyes are seeking an answer from my mind - they don't know neither brain or heart. They are crying - Can any one suggest me - which way to go???????

The Solitary - I live in

The green city Pune – or may I say – the city I am in love with. I fantasy the climate here. My friends call me effervescent by nature but trust me I could finally settle to write something about the place I live in, after 6 years J. Calm silhouette of Mula River – foliage surrounded one of the eldest residential society where I live in. Zephyr  in the evening – solitary stalk calls for a leisurely walk. I picked my camera and started walking. The serenity lay a hand on my loneliness. I fell in love with nature all over again.  Let me share what I maxim  there: 

A little fun in my office corner@Saama

Morning!! Get up, get ready n rush to office. A fully air conditioned office atmosphere in a bright glass building!! I start my day with calls, mails and prioritization. My desk has all sticky notes around, pens, notepads, which talk about my "To Do"list. As the day goes, I quickly keep on finishing the tasks, a short lunch break and get a cup of tea to get me keep on working.

Neck dip work, I suddenly feel irritable as a ray of light disturbs my eyes and I can't see my screen!! Enough lights over the roof, already high resolution laptop screen, and on top of that this..

Whoa.. It's 5 pm and thru the tiny little space between the curtains, the source of my present irritation travelling.

I pushed my chair back .. all determined to get rid of that.

Picked the blind roller and looked out  for a glimpse.. With all shadow of irritation, I was amazed!!!! It's a beautiful sun set without any witness!!! I certainly am the stupid person who today realized my desk has a excellent view as I sit right next to the big west facing glass wall!!! Rolled the blind off and called my colleagues to enjoy this.

I realized, this moment might not happen again in my life, at least at this office corner as today I am fortunately carrying my cam. All thanks to the naughty light rays and the designer of these Office Vertical Blends to allow tiny little space to get lights play with, I captured the most beautiful view at my office desk corner. One of the best photographs in my life!!!

I suddenly realized the designer Peter Ellis (Courtesy: Wikipedia) did have a sense of beauty too!! Even the modern architects who design these sky scrappers and big multiplexes, are not only thinking about money, they didn't design the Glass building concept only for sake of  low energy saving, , but allowing us an opportunity to connect to nature.

So thankful to my office for providing such a amazing space, that now has motivated and inspired me to work even more effectively, enjoying the nature along with the beautiful view!!!

Every time now when I sit at my desk, I remember this beautiful day, beauty lies with the eyes of the beholder. We all are gifted, it's just that, the moment we pick up the challenge with determination to face it, challenge reveals the beauty underneath.

We live with the hope of light in a shadow of the light itself. The glass is not empty.. but half filled :)