One of my recent pranks

I played a prank with Deepu (For all those who don’t know, Deepu alias Deepak is my fiancée) yesterday!! ;) The whole incident accidentally went on so very well that I got a topic to write a post for my blog ;)

Note: Some conversations are in Kannada. So, for all those who don’t follow Kannada, the English translation is given in brackets.

I admit I have always been a prankster in school, home, office and everywhere. My SIR could not escape from it too!! This is not one of my best pranks. But yes, this one is special, because, it’s my first prank with my husband-to-be and so the experience was different.

As usual, yesterday also we met in Jayanagar (I can’t express in words how much I hate this place and yet we end up meeting there almost everyday) in the evening. We parked our vehicles near La Casa and took a walk along the pavement. We also sat for some time and talked of his work, business etc. And soon we realized it was late and yet another day had come to an end (I was happy thinking we got one more day closer to our marriage :)).

We started from that place by around 9:00PM. Deepu also had come by two-wheeler. Both were going next to each other blocking the roads ;) It was damn good fun!!

Out of the blue, I began to act crazy. I behaved as if I have fallen in love with Deepu (Actually, yes I am in love with Deepu). As if I am following him, insisting him to accept my love... (Inspired by all those stupid movies that I watched of-late) I literally was trying to block his vehicle and kept on saying, ‘please opkolo (accept), I love you kano, please’ and what not. While I was acting kiddish, through out the way, Deepu was just smiling to glory...

Meanwhile, Deepu had to take a right near monotype to go to his house, and so, he said, he would turn his vehicle there (I had to go straight). I said, ‘no no no noooooooooooooo’, I started screaming. So, poor thing, he did not take a turn and came straight along with me. Again, I started off with my childish act (goes without saying that he miserably continued to tolerate my folly). ;)

Then came saarakki, from where again he had to take a deviation to go home. This time although I insisted, he did not listen to me and he just went off waving his hand to me. I just looked at him with my jaws down and went on my way...

I was almost nearing my house and I thought of something! Something creepy!!

I called Deepu and with a sobbing tone, I asked him, 'Yellidya??' (Where are you?)

He said, 'I am at home, yaake, yenaithu??' (I am at home, why, what happened)

I replied, 'I had an accident'

His shivering voice said he was shaken as he asked (almost immediately), 'Where? How? What happened????? Where are you now?'

I said, 'I am riding back home’

He followed, ‘So, nothing happened??’

I replied, ‘Nothing much happened. Just my lower lip got slit and I got hurt on my hand and knee'

‘Where??’ came the question.

I instantly said (or should it be lied), ‘Near metro’ (Such a big liar I am)

He was totally upset by this time and he said, ‘Barbeka?? (Should I come?) I am coming’ and he started to head towards my house to see me.

I sensed the heat now. I started laughing loud and said, 'GOTCHA!! Fool, fool, fool'. I then told him, I was just kidding. I reached home by then and parked my vehicle in garage.

He was damn tensed by now. I dint know he would take it so seriously. I spoke to him for some time and I thought I convinced him and cut the call. But I think he probably felt I was just trying to hide things from him because I dint want to trouble him. And so, he told the matter to his mom and a minute later, my phone rang. I picked up and this time, my mother-in-law was talking and she asked me, 'what happened?' I explained to her that I just played a prank.

My family was full of scolding for me for having done this blunder.

But, I enjoyed!! Had loads of fun...

Although, I apologized to Deepu (quite a lot of times), I say it again, I am sorry Deepu for playing so weird with you. I did that because I love you ;)

Appreciation

Appreciate!! It’s been bugging me so much that it’s even on my list of things to do, but it’s one of those things that if you don’t make an effort to do it, it will never happen.

Appreciation is required in both professional and personal life. It comes in various forms. It could be verbal, or conveyed with some action or with some reward or a gift. There are just too many ways to put across appreciation.

When it comes to relationships, it is not easy! We often hear people say, ‘Even if I say thank you, it doesn’t seem to matter’. Why is it so??? Appreciating someone who is your life partner is a very sensitive concern (Especially, if you are a guy).

Flattering does not work always. And not all beautiful girls are brainless!! Here are a few ways (NOTE: They are just my personal opinion) those are quite natural and express your appreciation to your girl and I am sure, she would fall head over heal :)

Well, the best way to TELL her is to simply talk to her everyday. Simplest!!! Talk to her either every morning or every night before you go to bed. Tell her that you couldn't imagine your life with out her. That will make her feel really special. I think that actions speak louder than words. So, kiss her goodbye and hello every day :)

Sometimes, giving gifts is also essential. In most cases, flowers and a nice card (make sure you draft your feelings for her in the card) will do the trick followed by a romantic candle light dinner (would be even special if you plan it as a surprise). And of course, lots of hugs and kisses :)

Or even better, get a pet!! Yes, if she loves animals, you can get her a pet and they last way longer than some flowers or get her a nice plant at least.

Write her a letter (For those who can, write about her in your blogs or poems!!) when you are at work and give it to her when you meet her. Girls generally treasure these kinds of memories, nicely tied with ribbon. They love it.

If you are a husband, find something that is important to her. Get up earlier to her on weekends and make coffee, feed the pets and let your wife sleep a little. (She will be ready to jump your bones when you clean the kitchen, if you could do that too). These little things mean so much to her and it says you love her and you care for her and you are concerned about her and that you understand.

Do not point out her flaws and make her feel she is a misfit. It is often observed in some men that they keep pointing defects in their partner. They might be doing it, so that their partners better themselves. But, most of the times it leaves an adverse effect. She might feel you don’t like her; she is your biggest compromise!! So, beware!! If you wish to see some change in her, put it across in a sweet, not so rude approach.

Finally, there's nothing more you can do, really!! Unless you want to come straight out, and tell her that you love her.

Love is all that she needs from you, give it in abundance.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE :)

An extract of Independence Day speech that I wrote for one of my friends (actually, friend’s girl friend). I was writing one of these after about 10 years!!! After having got into corporate world, I never got a chance to refresh my older memories. And when I was lettering it today, I still could feel an electrifying effect through out my body!!!

Hello All,

Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge... At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance Jawaharlal Nehru Claiming Independence from British Midnight of August 14, 1947.

Today, is Independence Day! The last time I spoke or rather gave a speech on this day was way back in my school :). At that tender age, I did not realize what I was saying, for me standing on the podium and addressing a huge crowd was so exciting that I did it with pleasure.

But today, when I stand here as a matured girl, a responsible citizen of this nation, I feel proud to be an INDIAN. At this age, wherein we have already read the history of Indian Independence for long eons, there is no point talking about the past. So, my intention of this talk would be to rouse you to think of present and future with Independence as perspective. Yet, since our fighters have had a great deal giving us this opportunity of celebrating this day, I would first of all like to salute them all and express my heartfelt gratitude to all those great souls!

To name a few legendaries, Mahatma Gandhi, one of my ideals, of course, he has most fans following after “Munna Bhai MBBS” and “Lage Raho Munna Bhai”, Bhagat Singh, the well known trio - BAL PAL LAL, Jawaharlal Nehru, Chandrashekar Azad and many more.

When Independence Day is in the offing, one sees a sudden burst of saffron, green and white, the Indian tri-color. The media goes to town with a variety of contests, promotions and programmes related to Indian independence. Television channels show patriotic movies and relentlessly play patriotic songs from old and new Hindi movies. Billboards on roadsides for different brands pay their tribute to the nation. Everyone seems to have something going for them. Shops and petty tradesmen sell a range of Independence Day merchandise such as flags, stickers, tee-shirts and greeting cards. Street urchins hawk paper and plastic flags and tri-colored balloons to motorists at traffic signals.

But, after a day or two, you and I will find the tri-colored flags on the streets, in gutter!! What a shame? I had initiated one such group in my colony wherein after every national festival we go on roads as scavengers and collect all the unattended flags lying orphaned. Being in a busy world now, if each one of us can take the pain of picking one flag up and giving awareness to people regarding the importance of it, I think we have given a tribute to the nation and our national leaders, to whom we owe our lives.

Unfortunately, for most of us today, Independence Day is a holiday, or probably a long weekend!! We don’t realize the significance of it, because we haven’t witnessed that struggle, we haven’t faced those tribulations. Being educated, we first need to value our freedom. I would want to emphasize here on “Responsible Freedom”. Yes, you heard it right, “RESPONSIBLE FREEDOM”. Most of the times, we forget that freedom does come with conditions. Freedom does not mean you have the right to wantonly exercise your liberties. Freedom comes with responsibilities. We should know how to use it wisely.

What is this responsible freedom now?? You are free to smoke, but not in my face. You are free to eat, but not from my plate. You are free to be happy, but not at my expense. You are free to fight for your rights, but not snatching mine. You have to know what you can and cannot do with freedom.

Country was moved by the recent bomb blasts that happened here in the city and Ahmadabad. We belong to a different society or class from where we hardly find time to spend thinking on these issues. We are rather busy impressing our PM, pretending to work till late night, hang out in weekends, make more money and fly abroad. That’s all we can think. All these times, we forget, it is WE who constitute the nation. I am not asking you stop living. But, in your lifetime dedicate a small fraction for some good cause.

I would like to conclude my talk here hoping that all of you will at least get influenced by one of the minute and yet giant points that I mentioned here today. Let the world see the transformation in terms of patriotism in young Indians. I proudly want to dedicate these words to all Indians, my friends, colleagues and last but never the least to Abhinav Bindra, who won gold for India in shooting, 10m Air rifle. Three cheers to all of us. Hip Hip Hurray!!!

Jai Hind.

Thanks one and all.

The Bride-To-Be: A different phase of life!

The reminiscences of my past are still as spanking new as the first rain drop. I am actually unaware of how these many eons flew away in my laughter, whimper, and mischief, being loved by one and all and adoring life every split second. Its not that I did not have a poignant day ever since I was born, but, I lived to my fullest all the time.

Roopa wearing a short red (or maybe maroon) skirt, with neatly polished black shoes and high pony tails with red (again, I am confused about color) ribbon carrying a heavy school bag exists for me even at the present. With each passing day, she had grown into a young lady running behind all mesmerizing things under the sky, always wanting the best for herself. She was now very composed, confident, fun loving, always smiling, and bubbly girl. She possessed a cozy world in some corner of earth and she was happily dwelling there fantasizing about all that her tiny brain could think of. She was always jumping with joy and trying to reach the sky. She never thought of settling in life.

[Yet, a few things never changed!! She still loves anything with chocolates and chilies in it. She still hates (or rather scared of) insects with large wings (cockroaches... yuk). She still hopes and wishes one day there will be no crime happening in the world. She still expects that there will be a day coming in future when everyone on earth is going to be happy, with no signs of grief. She still gets confused !@#$&*** if given too many choices.]

And today, I sit back and summon up my childhood. Because, in the present day I am heading towards a new tomorrow. Until this minute, I have always been a pampered princess, both at home and workplace. Not anything has been shaking for me; I have always pushed my way ahead. Again, it doesn’t mean that today I have something creepy to come up. But yeah, unquestionably, the advance that has been happening since past few days has caused a stirring effect in my life!!

Whoa!! I will be shortly getting married!!!! Yeah! Yeah! It’s no big deal, each one of us does get married one day. But, for me it is a BIG deal. Because, earlier to all this, I was a diverse person than what I am today!

It was a tough nut to crack. My parents, my family, my friends, and all my well-wishers had to put a lot of effort to make me say yes. I would always walk away from the place whenever people spoke of marriage. Although I had a few crushes way back in college and few more in my workplace, I never got into the mode of wedding with anyone. So, when I unwillingly said yes, all the time my heart was praying that I should not get a right match.

On that day, I got out of my house to go to office. The first thing I saw was a newly wed couple, who happen to be my neighbor!! They greeted me with a wonderful smile as I started my vehicle. And all the way to my office, I did not have a hint of what took place afterwards. As usual, I was listening to music, and watching people around, gazing into my watch subsequently, cursing the Bangalore traffic and managing to cover the remaining distance sooner. And to my surprise, most of the people I saw around were couple – happily (??) married couple!! I found that fact interesting. My thought process had already begun to raise a lot of questions to me.

After reaching office, although I was occupied with work, my mind was engaged in thoughts of marriage and its significance. Fortunately or unfortunately, I had an accident the same evening, on my way home. Was bed ridden the next day. The entire day, I laid down and thought of marriage!! I could not believe it that a girl like me could think of marriage for one long day. Its then, I realized what it means to have a companion for life. What it feels like to have someone who would love me so much that he would spend his lifetime with me!! The thought was mind blowing. It had its own beauty and colors. I was impressed by its magical appearance. I could see myself as a happily married woman, leading a contented life with a family of my own. Felt proud!! There was nothing finer than that at that moment.

Now my decision for marriage was MY DECISION. I was more than excited. But…, ifs and buts are always there in everyone’s life and I am no exception. I had loads of happiness in the thought of being married and more of doubts about my would-be life partner. What if I don’t find the right person?? Again, it is a matter of lifetime. And, how will I find how RIGHT he is for me?? Obsessed with all these thoughts, I was counting the days to Shravana (We don’t do anything auspicious in the month of Ashada).

Who knew that I was blessed with a lovely day even before my wait is over!!! Unexpectedly, we got a call on one fine weekend (Saturday) that a guy by name Deepak is interested in my profile and would be coming to see me the next day. The picture is still clear in front of my eyes. I was waving my hand asking my dad to say ‘NO’. I was not mentally prepared and neither did I have any details about the guy apart from his name and education. But, he had seen my complete profile and photograph. Above all, the next day, Sunday morning, we were again told that the guy wants to meet me outside!! That was shocking for me. I had to meet him outside my comfort zone, HOME!! I tried all possible ways to avoid going. I acted as if I have fallen sick. But, nothing worked.

I was taken to the match maker’s house. I saw the guy there. The first thing I noticed was his Venus dimple, which was as cute as his simple smile. I went out with him to a coffee day and we sat there for over an hour. All the while I was pretty nervous and he spoke of his business (How boring he could be to explain that to a girl!? In the first meet!! I thought). I did not understand most of the things he tried to explain to me. But, his attitude, his approach, his elegant smile and the cute dimple, and the way he tried to put me to comfort was one of its kinds. Undoubtedly, he had gained my confidence in the first meet!!

Second was even better! I started liking him. I noticed his eyes. They had mischief, love, care, brightness and joy in them. I was impressed. I loved the duo. The way he maintained dignity in the relationship, although he knew what we were meeting for was also prominent.

The third, the fourth and so on.. It started getting better each time. Gradually, unknowingly, I had fallen in love with him!! Amazing experience it was. It had given me a tremendous happiness :) I reached cloud number nine!! And dint want to look down.

After having met his family- his mom, brother, sister (Note: I have just spoken to her over phone and yet I say MET), I was clear what I was blessed with!! God had paid all my dues. Later, both the families formally met up and expressed their consent for the relationship. And the dates were decided.

And today, when I sit and eagerly wait for that BIG day, I only feel very lucky and proud that I have Deepak as my (the most understanding) life partner! And a new phase of my life has just begun…