She Is Me.

She's hopeful; she seeks possibilities everywhere, clinging on to the riskiest of edges, refusing to let go. She allows herself to get cut by beautiful sharp objects because she overlooks the sharpness and appreciates the beauty.
She rubs rocks to produce diamonds but doesn't discard the ones that refuse to be transformed. Instead, she nurtures them, finding other means of using the smooth, blunt pieces of earth.

Her eyes are always smiling; for every ounce of sadness, she rewards herself with a double shot of joy. Her heart beats for everyone; it pounds the fastest when she sees faces radiating with happiness.
They bite her, ripping apart her soul, holding her hostage in the realms of their promises. She believes and accepts, overcoming every lie and every broken promise. She gives second chances, but doesn't stop at two. Numbers for her are infinite and chances - double infinity.

She forgives, she forgets; her heart is molten, they twist it and crush it but it grows bigger and bigger every time it's touched. It weeps harder than her eyes, trying to wash away all the pain it endures. She runs to those who touch her soul, her body - not so much. Open your arms wide open and she'll give you the world, push her away and watch her fall - one, two, three times till she finally starts building a wall.

You can't force yourself to cross over that wall. It's constructed with bricks of pain, cemented with the shattered pieces of her heart, supported by the dark parts of her soul that finally escaped. But she'll let you in, she'll always let you in. She's naive, she's accepting - she won't shut you out. The wall is a mirage; it's only for her eyes.

She's gentle, she loves deeply but don't expect her to be clingy because she's powerful. She won't cut you, but one day, the wrinkles around her eyes will disappear. She'll continue smiling because adversity will always be her best friend and giving up - her enemy.

She is me.

Serendipity.

Last month, I was walking to town in a terrible mood, on a surprisingly pleasant day in Cardiff; it was comfortably sunny with no sign of rain. I remember feeling extremely flustered for some reason - my handbag refused to stay on my shoulder for more than 5 seconds, my jacket was too warm and my shoes weren't being very helpful, either.  If those 10 minutes were to have a background score, it'd definitely be "Boulevard of Broken Dreams".

I managed to carry my sorry self to the first coffee shop I saw and mumbled my order to the Barista who asked me if I was alright. Now this wasn't the typical greeting that most of us throw at each other because he seemed genuinely concerned. I forced a smile and told him that I was just having a bad day, inching my way towards a table to avoid small talk. Within a few minutes, he brought my coffee to me and handed me a small note which read - It's just a bad day, not a bad life :).

Being the Pinterest-er that I am, such quotes hold a special place in my heart and this small gesture really made me melt. I giggled and thanked him and went back to the book I was reading. The next 10 minutes, however, involved me reading the same page over and over and over again, comprehending absolutely nothing. My mind wandered to everything that had happened in the past few months - rejection, unworthiness, pain, blame games and guilt. 

I looked up and saw the same Barista, singing to himself, making small talk with the customers and having the time of his life whilst serving coffee. If there's one thing about me that I'm proud of, is the ability to see the positive in every stormy situation and I sat horrified, realizing how negative I had been, lately. Instead of gathering myself up and all the rocks that life was happily throwing at me, I was slowly tearing myself apart.

For the next few minutes, I laughed and cried and softly slapped myself awake from the million delusions I'd clouded my mind with. I decided that escaping from reality wasn't going to help my situation in any way. Sure, I could drink my fears and pain away every night of the week but would the excruciating pain in my head, the next day, make anything easier? 

Physical pain might be way more comfortable than emotional pain but is living with any kind of pain a possible solution to all the challenges in life? 

I immediately took out my phone and noted down everything that had made me smile in 2014 - right from my achievements in February to the small note from the Barista in November. I then went on to pen down whatever I wasn't too happy about and surprisingly, this list ended after 2 points. I stared at my screen for the longest time, trying to think of more negative situations. Surely, I couldn't be THIS disturbed because of one or two things? Realization came in the form of a phone call from my mother and ended with a massive smile on my face as I walked back home. She told me that change occurs for a reason - it might break you, but it also transforms you into a person you never thought you'd become. We can't control situations or the minds of others, but controlling ourselves is possible.

I introspected for the next few days and concluded that I can't possibly look for happiness in some place, some person or some situation unless and until I don't find it within myself. 

Today, if you see me smile, you'll know the reason behind it. It's definitely not a person or an object or a glass of wine; it's just me, accepting my unadulterated self, learning to live with everything that life has to offer and filling up bags with all the rocks thrown at me to eventually build a fort.

Happy New Year!

Thank you, Maa.

She worries a lot, abandoning her beautiful smile for a forlorn expression. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you Maa, I thought you'd get angry", I remember telling her once, when she asked me why I hadn't told her that I'd hurt myself. I knew it was a silly excuse, that she would have found out anyway; mother's instinct, she calls it.
She usually walks with her head held high. "Because I'm your mother and you make me proud everyday", she says. Little does she know that every time she walks with me, I'm the proud one. Not only because she's the most perfect mother in the world, but because every time she walks with me, her head lowers down, to look over every step I take, making sure I don't stumble.

She isn't a typical Indian housewife and to be honest, she was never brought up to be one. My grandparent's ambitious nature carved her into an accomplished career woman; 9 to 5 job, client meetings et al. In the midst of her passion to work, she jumped from obstacles to more obstacles, struggling to "fit in" and be "accepted" for who she was. Come to think of it, a newly married woman working at an ad agency and later at a travel agency, spending hours with clients - how could our society come to terms with such a bold move, especially when things were a bit rocky at home?
It is her integrity, self-respect, humility and morals that I am most thankful for, today. Not only did she swear by these qualities at every moment of her life, but also made it a point to instill them in me, right from the beginning. Her boldest move however, was when she finally stopped
working to fit in, and instead, started working to give me the most beautiful life.

"My heart breaks when your heart breaks", my mother whispered. "I broke up Maa, not you", I exclaimed, wiping her tears.
My mother is a quaintrelle. She also makes everyone's problems her own and lives her life for others, constantly trying to help those around her. I wish I was as sacrificing as she is and I know that I probably would never be. Her passion lies in helping people and after 20 long years she finally decided to pursue psychology and art therapy. Today, when I see her running from one workplace to another, stopping at home for a bite of lunch, I try not to feel too overwhelmed. It is her passion that has allowed me to study in one of the most expensive countries. But it is also her idea of commitment and hard work, that has truly helped me survive there.

There have been days when I've been applauded for being who I am, when I've done well in a test, a competition or life, in general. They applaud my hard work and my personal qualities, but I just smile, trying not to feel too proud of my mother. Had it not been for her million sacrifices, her missed outings with friends, her working from home till I was independent enough, her habit of keeping a check on wherever I go and her values which taught me to always face my fears, speak the truth and live respectfully, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

"Nana always wanted me to be lawyer and I thought it was a perfect career for me.", she said, reminiscing about her college days. "I got married very early, but promise me you will stand on your own feet before you become a Mrs. XYZ".
4 years ago, she urged me to follow me dreams because she couldn't follow hers. But I chose to follow her dreams instead, making them mine. After all, I am, quite literally, a part of her.

Who Am I In This "Cupcake" Called Life?

Change is never easy. It's a major battle between letting go and holding on, with a more than evident winner.

Since the past two years, I've come to accept change as something so acquiescent, that it's difficult for me to actually believe that turning the pages of one's life has a possibility to be attached to negativity. These two years have helped me discover myself. They've made me challenge my beliefs, forgive, introspect constantly and accept myself for the person I am. Heck, everyday I learn something new, not about my neighbor or someone who lives a 1000 miles away from me, but about myself, and there's not greater feeling than finally, FINALLY, knowing who I am.

So here's a list of my top five "Who Am I?" moments:

• I prefer intellectual conversations over mindless gossip- Even a tad bit of gossip/bad mouthing or even knowing about the ABC of some XYZ person's life doesn't interest me anymore. I'd rather talk about people who did some good in the world, who changed people and affected their mindsets, their beliefs and their choices. I'd rather spend hours talking about a literature, cuisines, politics (learning) , culture and religion than sit and judge people who I might not even see some 4-5 years later.
  

• I like being a loner sometimes- The definition of a loner in my dictionary is quite similar to the one in the actual dictionary. It's just very different from how people define it; who judge loners as people who have no friends or find it difficult to socialize. I'm blessed with both - amazing friends and the ability to socialize, but I need my space and a lot of time to myself. I love writing and reading and I'd be an absolute fail at both, if I were constantly surrounded by people.

• I don't enjoy alcohol- I know I'm in college and most people might just laugh at me for saying this but alcohol is something I really, really do not enjoy consuming. An occasional glass of wine or a cocktail is all I can manage. This doesn't mean that I can't handle my drink because really, almost always, I'm the most sober amongst my group of friends. This also doesn't mean that I don't have fun when I don't go out. Not drinking is a choice and is, in no way, attached to having fun. I won't deny that I haven't enjoyed drinking earlier, but now, I've just realised that it isn't really my idea of fun. But hey, I'm not judging here. It's a free world.

• I've stopped caring about people judging me- I've come to believe that as long as I live with dignity and am focused on what I need to achieve in life, what people say or think about me, is the least of my concern. I've been brought up with values that force me to never do or say bad, and towards the end of the day, I'm not answerable to those 5-6 people who talk about me for no reason, but to those who actually brought me up to be the person I am today. I don't feel the need to clarify my words or actions because those who have to judge, will do it anyway. And this is a huge change, coming from someone like me. 

• Nature is my happy place - I've been tutoring a 12th grade student who lives near the most beautiful park I've ever seen. It's got a massive lake with these gorgeous swans and ducks swimming around, pretty flowers, a tiny stream running down a rocky terrain and hundreds of adorable dogs and babies - trust me, it's breathtaking. Visiting it has become a ritual for me. Twice a week, I leave a little early for my tuitions just to spend a good half an hour in that park. I occupy an entire bench near the lake and observe, just observe. And I would be lying if I said it wasn't the most peaceful thing to do. 

We're all living a mechanical life, and no one is to blame. But amidst all the hastiness, take a break. Stop over thinking, stop living according to the society's expectations, discover yourself, change yourself if need be, take a walk, observe people around you but don't judge, appreciate the small things in life and even the big ones, don't take anything or anyone for granted, respect people without them demanding it, love freely - no strings attached and lastly, don't be afraid - to feel something, to say something, to believe in something because this your life is entirely and wholly yours - people are like sprinkles, the added bit, which you can do without, as long as you're the batter of this delicious cupcake called life.

If tears could build a stairway.

Where did you go

How do I find you again

Whispering your name beneath the blinds of my heart

Or clamoring it as I slowly fall apart?

I can feel you around me

Clasping my hand as I take an awry step

I look around for you, I clutch the air

Blinking away my tears of despair

I look up, I see you shining
Hiding behind the moon, with those teasing eyes
My guardian angel, my guiding light
I miss you every day, every night

He summoned you too fast

Were you even ready to let go?

One last breath, one last laugh

I wish you could've just asked for more

Now when I look back

Into my reservoir of memories I see

The warmth in your eyes, that delightful smile

The tender hugs and your timeless style

All I have left is

The eternal love between you and I

But I'll see you in years to come

And take those walks again, holding your thumb.

Love you always, Nanu.

Can I Fall Back On You?

I sat perplexed within the cozy folds of my blanket, wondering how hard it was to actually not trust someone from the core of you heart and not build any walls around you. I casually flirted with my thoughts, as they bluntly reminded me how I was obsessed with trusting people. I never really mean to do so.. Every time I meet someone new, I recall my past mistakes and swear on my life that I wouldn't fall into the traps of trusting someone again. But that thought passes, eventually, and I trust.. AGAIN.

I've been betrayed to a level where people expected me to turn into a cold hearted grump, assuring me that they'd be there for me even though I'd start building the strongest walls around me. But I think I kind of surprised them.. and myself.. because I just couldn't NOT trust the next person who walked into my life.

Instances like these make me introspect all the time. I curse myself for being so naive, for letting people in without a second thought, for allowing myself to be swept away by the kindest words and later realizing the harsh side of that particular individual. But then I also give myself the benefit of doubt when I think of how strong headed I can be, how bitter people don't affect me after a point of time, how I pick myself up even after the darkest of storms and jump onto a rainbow to follow the path I think I deserve.

I'm like a Nicholas Sparks novel - I believe too much, love too much, give too much, fear too much and think too much but in the end, things may or may not turn out how I want them to be. I don't require people to cover me like a blanket, I just expect them to be like the SOUND of a crackling fire on a harsh winter day - reassuring. Which basically means, I don't like being entirely dependent, just the thought of knowing that I have those particular people who will protect me, is enough for me. 

 Honestly, I have a strong need for affection, it's like the need for a drug, a very strong one. I can't imagine living my life in a place where I have no one to kiss my cheek everyday, hug me when I want to be alone and talk to me till the wee hours of the night.

I'm not particularly proud of this need, just blessed because I know that people who'd actually do this for me, do exist in this world. Again, reassurance - that's my way of living life. It's the force that pulls me up every time I fall down - reassurance about who I am, what I'm capable of, what I've achieved, what my goal is, who I have around me, and even who I don't have, because, well I don't need them and it's kind of reassuring to know that they're not within a close radius.

Okay. Enough venting.

You're Not Who/What You Think You Are.

You might walk around like you own the city and fill the air with the sound of your teeth chattering gloriously about the latest piece of clothing in xyz store and who did what to whom, but that doesn't make you a genius. You might have a shot after shot of some disgusting tasting spirit and fall around the dance floor, shouting(singing) your favourite song, but that doesn't mean you're happy. You might rest your head against a pillow and switch your phone off, wanting to be away from the materialistic world, but that doesn't make you content. You might talk to everyone you know, discussing the latest dirt-filled words about someone who you despise for no reason at all, but that doesn't make you superior to others. Boys might fall at your feet and hold you like they'll never let you go, but thats just usually when they're drunk. You might snap at your friends for all the things they say and then apologize with words dug out of cupcakes and macaroons, but that doesn't make you a good friend. You might be there for your friend 24 x 7, but you also might pull her down just to tower over her, and that definitely doesn't make you loyal. You might walk with you chin up and head held high after a night of disasters, but that doesn't mean you're okay. You might flirt with him and text him all day, but that doesn't mean you love him. You might think you're the most popular girl walking the streets of your city, but that doesn't mean you're loved. You might have a million friends you forgive you for the mistakes you make, but that doesn't mean you're respected. You might think you're perfect with all your self made popularity and attention grabbing tactics, but you're as perfect as the Congress. You might cheat on your girlfriend and flirt around, but that doesn't make you macho, in fact it makes you downright disgusting. You might get a girl pregnant but you might also leave her the next day and that makes you a filthy coward. You might have a thousand friends who follow everything you do, but that might just mean you're intimidating.
You might just feel like this is about you, but then again you might not.

life is quite uncertain, isn't it.

Till we meet again.

SO this is it. 2 more exams and I'm done with my first year at University. This month has been the most depressing one, considering how juggling exams along with other responsibilities is a big big pain.

It sounds cliched every time, but I swear, time just flew by. It only seems as if yesterday I walked on the streets of this beautiful city, clueless and apprehensive. But truth be told, I can probably map out most of the city for you now, considering that my sense of direction may have increased just by a minor percentage. I really wish I'd done a lot more this year than just.. nothing really. I was too lazy to commit myself to any societies or volunteer or even blog for that matter. I spent hours exploring the city and just hanging out with people, which I feel was important too. The only thing I actually regret, is not studying enough the whole year but oh well, who is the queen of procrastination? Yeah, me. yadaaa yadaaa yadaa. As long as I pass with decent marks, this semester, all will be well. But next year, OH NEXT YEAR, i'm so ready to battle with time to fit in all the things Ive planned to do. So basically, I have to study from the beginning ( LOL I said that every year in school and no I never really did that), join all the societies I'd wanted to be a part of ( they have a HARRY POTTER society with a Triwizard Tournament and all, how cool is that? ), prepare myself for the big numeracy test (YUCK) for the Cardiff Award programme that I was lucky to be chosen for, build on my CV, spend less money (never happens. NEVER) and just be a lot more committed to the stuff that actually matters to me. Let's just accept it, clubbing and partying every second day, is not my thing. I mean, not all the time. Believe me, there's more to just partying in the UK, for all those who think otherwise. You have to be here to believe it.

Honestly,I couldn't have asked for a better first year. It feel like I've finally detached myself from the Delhi womb and trotted into the big, bad yet beautiful world. The past few months have been a roller coaster ride for me. I learnt to live without my family and unfortunately  lost my grandfather who was the most special and important person in my life. I found myself being broken into a million little pieces coated with pain and humiliation and then fixed and iced with love and friendship. I learnt how people always leave and that you need to be true to yourself to be accepted by others, because people always talk. There were times when I just wanted to pack my bags up and run back home but luckily, I found some amazing people who turned every tear, every frown into a big, goofy smile. Controversies, drama and tears became quite a common phenomena. There were fights and make ups and lots and lots of love, all combined together. All I can say is, I learnt so much from every person I met here and for all those who gave me so much love everyday. You all are my home away from home and there's nothing I can say or do to thank you enough for being there all the time.

Anyway, NOW. I have THREE WHOLE MONTHS of SUMMMMER. Oh the Sun, how much I missed you, you big ball of fire. I don't care how hot it is back in Delhi, I need some vitamin D, really. So this is it, three months of home, my best friends,my bed, good, healthy food, laziness and NO responsibilities. Totally looking forward to every bit of it.

It's true, there's no place like home.


Here's a glimpse of 9 amazing months!