Shed Skin

Still You

2012-02-14T15:20:00.005+05:30

Those eyes, evoke in me,

The same emotion, still.

That smile, melts me,

To no end, still.

That touch, electrifies me,

All over, still.

That voice, assures me,

To go on, still.

That warmth, encompasses me,

From all around, still.

That care, soothes me,

Every second, still.

The love, fills me,

Endlessly, still.

You complete me,

Always have,

And always will.

Generation-Z

2012-01-12T23:40:00.017+05:30

They worry me. That is what comes to my head in an instant of typing the title. Maybe it’s just my personal experience but it seems like the nine year olds are being nineteen, the nineteen already twenty nine and the twenty nine striving to be... well they want to be nineteen like they have a year to pop but that’s a whole other post.

Whatever happened to aging gracefully? I would seriously like to know. Why is everyone hurrying up the Big Man’s original plan? Our blue print clearly was drafted so that every age had its charm. I know I might be too young to say this. But hey, if everyone’s a decade ahead anyway, I can be too. When I was nine, I read a book with a real spine and beautiful pages that could be flipped, I was colouring between the lines, playing all sorts of sport and wearing every hideous thing my Mom bought me. What I wasn’t doing was pressing <- and -> on a kindle while 'reading', colouring on iPad apps, playing sports on the Wii and shopping on asos.com.

Why don’t people love the phase they’re in? Why work SO hard at growing up, only to be depressed when you do?

This is how ancient I feel. I had a Jimmy Choo catalogue lying around my room. Like a normal twenty four year old, I saw a shoe I liked. My little ten year old cousin was peeking at it too when I said to her, “That green shoe is beautiful”. She gave me a look of utter disbelief that quickly transitioned into a pitiful expression and said to me, “You mean the jade one, yes?”. Jade. Yes, JADE. Are colours not even colours anymore? Do we all talk in Gemstone now? I couldn’t do anything but sigh and apologize for my utter ignorance at the fact that it so clearly and obviously was a specific shade of the colour palette.

Maybe I’m being unreasonable, but I blame progress and technology. Hey I’m a total tech geek and proud of it. But at ten, I’m sorry; I wasn’t ALLOWED to be one. What with my Mom’s ridiculous ‘only 30 minutes of screen-viewing a day’ policy. I hated it then. I love it now. It needs to be back. I mean, I'm one of THOSE who got her glasses because of excessive 'nose in a book' syndrome, not watching The Disney Channel or Facebooking. I mean, even in THAT respect, how horrible is it to grow up around destructive mutant-like animes and not ever know the joy of a Hanna-Barbara cartoon?

Another thing. Children have too much information. Too many objects connected via electronic wires and cables. There are far too many gadgets doing our work FOR us. Too many ‘international’ schools who think calculators are oh-so vital for a 2+2 ... and far too many websites teaching a kid, how not to be one.

Why is a nine year old not a nine year old anymore? Well... I guess for the same reason that this post is not hand-written.

You

2010-07-16T23:41:00.014+05:30

Happiness was far away

Until, you smiled at me.

Support was only an illusion

Until, you walked beside me.

Understanding, non-existent

Until, you understood me.

Possession had no meaning

Until, you owned me.

Depth was of no value

Until, you loved me.

Forever was a fairytale

Until, YOU happened to me.

The Wall

2010-02-23T08:10:00.008+05:30

Bad experiences with people. They just leave a horrible bitter taste in our mouth. They breed distrust, anger, hesitance, sadness and caution. These are nothing but bricks and cement that inevitably lead to the construction of a fierce wall. A wall of defence so strong, Terry and Puyol would be put to shame. There is no door...not even a window. We're so busy blocking out the negativity and protecting ourselves against harm, that we don't realise we're also very effectively blocking out the air, the sunshine, the view...not to mention, new visitors.

Chances are free, whether given or taken. Try it. If you are one of those few who has a newly built wall, don't let the cement dry. I know what you're thinking. "I did give people a chance again. They're all just the same. Story of my life. Now I'm done!". Wrong. Everyone is NOT the same. We think that, because after one or two of the same kind of experiences, we're subconsciously scared and waiting in anticipation for the same turn of events eventually. So, when they do happen, we try to find identical aspects and behaviour. Hence, it's just easier to group them all together and give up. We claim we're the victim of the same thing repeatedly. Truly think about it. We just tend to dwell on the similarities. We very conveniently ignore the differences between experiences. Selective memory is what it's called.

Want to be happier? You know that little rubber thing at the end of your pencil? Use it on your life's paper more often. Erase the negative thoughts and the presumptions that you base on your past experiences. Turn the page to a nice white blank sheet every time you meet a new person, before you start making notes on them. Don't pre-judge. You're going to lose out. I repeat, everyone is NOT the same. Yes, the saying "Beware of dog, he bites" does exist. But the fact is, all dogs don't bite.

When I say erase, I don't mean forget. Of course we should learn from history. Our forefathers weren't completely stupid. But the past seldom has anything to do with the next person we meet. There is a reason the 'present' lies between the past and the future, separating it. Wren and Martin knew what they were talking about. Go with it.

If we stop believing, people stop believing in us. If we stop letting people in, people stop letting us in. It is as simple as that. We don't want that. We're social beings. We need to start treating experiences like a meal at a restaurant. Take it all with a pinch of salt, and forget about it when the bill is cleared. It needs to be digested and removed out of our system before things start churning, get complicated and leave a 'mess'...if you know what I mean.

We need to understand that guarding doesn't defend. It isolates. It leads to unnecessary paranoia. This isn't protection. It's prison. If you really want to look into the past, then let it be 1990 again! Pull down that carefully constructed Berliner Mauer of yours. See what you haven't been seeing for so long. See what is outside. See who's been peeping over the wall. See who is on the other side.

Let them in.

Janvi

2010-02-19T19:15:00.010+05:30

Frail, fragile and fresh,

Have no worry,

I will be here for you, you will see..

Like you will someday, I know for me,

Mistakes of mine,

You will not mirror,

I will try to make sure,

Like you will someday, I know for me,

If I reach great heights,

So will you, only higher will they be,

I will show you how,

Like you will someday, I know for me.

If lost like a lamb,

Scared be not,

A guiding beacon I will be,

Like you will someday, I know for me.

How do I know,

Someday will arrive and

You will be there?

Yes,

You WILL be there, we will see,

Because after all,

You are a little me.

Wrongly Right

2009-11-28T09:41:00.023+05:30

All wrong, yet

Never, felt so right.

Divine, even though such a sin.

Rush, never so painfully slow.

Elongated moments, cut short.

Aware, but blissfully unaware.

Stationary, even though moving.

Heaving sighs,

Ecstatic smiles,

Raging adrenaline,

Consoling words,

Heated moments,

Exchanged

No looking back, never will it

Happen again, because it is

All wrong, but somehow

Never does it stop feeling right.

The Seductress

2009-11-24T10:28:00.009+05:30

Love and trust. Time and time again, people state completely contradictory things about them. People say they go hand in hand. Love is often referred to as blind, simple, eternal, necessary, complicated, hard, overrated etc.. I think it just depends on which situation you are in. If you're in a loving 4 year long relationship, you're going to think it's bliss, even when it's complicated because, then you look at the positive aspects more than the negative aspects. People, who're single, and trying to find that one person to connect with, but continuously keep falling on their faces, would say love is fictional, or hard to find. People who've been cheated on, in love, the cynic in them would call it overrated or non-existent. They conveniently forget, it did exist... at least from their side.

According to me, love is as simple or as complicated as YOU make it. You really do have the power and control over it... to a certain extent. When I say love now, I guess I mean relationships. But right now, I want to dwell on this topic that has baffled me for ages now. I’m talking about the whole concept and complication of the 'other woman'. Popularly known as the seductress. People love to hate her. But no one knows the real her. It is really her fault all the time? Was there ever any love anyway? Is there love now? If yes, where is the love? Whose fault is it? Who is to blame? Is there just one victim? The way I see it, the typical pattern is…

Man loves woman.

Woman loves man.

Man loves other woman.

Woman hates woman.

It's inevitable. She just chooses to hate the other woman, because it's easier than hating the man she loves. She just takes the easy way out. She refuses to see logically even for a minute. She just wants to defend her man. The same man who actually hurt her. She might discover clues, hints, signals... of things that he's doing which prove he's cheating on her, but no, he is flawless. After all he is the man she loves. This is when love is actually blind.

When after the obvious happenings, god forbid, she does discover he's been unfaithful; she tends to follow the following pattern:

Step One: She tries and thinks of what SHE did wrong.

Step Two: She blames herself.

Step Three: She tried to justify what he did

Step Four: She makes excuses FOR him.

Step Five: She blames the OTHER woman.

Step Six: She concludes that all of it is the temptress’ doing.

Step Seven: She hates her for life.

End of cycle.

Even during so many steps, not once does she 'step' into the other woman's stilettos, and stop to think why another woman would even want to be a third person. Maybe she didn't know about the girlfriend/wife, maybe she did, but the guy told her he didn't love his wife/girlfriend anymore (which is a stupid line to fall for, by the way), or maybe she was told he was ending it soon (Haha.. fat chance!), or just maybe he did tell her about the relationship and she actually told him not to cheat, or to stop what he was doing because it wasn't the right thing, and talked him into going back to his lady, but he still made the choice of his own accord. Ever thought of any of that? After a certain extent, the so-called 'vixen' is obviously going to stop thinking for the man, pursue her feelings and make herself happy. It's his life after all and he made the decision. The way I see it, all 'fault' signs point in the direction leading to the man!

But, women just find it easier to blame it on the bitch who's a stranger. This just gives the men the perfect chance to take advantage of the situation and blame the other woman as well, and behave like, he's always and forever going to be in love with the girlfriend/wife, and he didn't want this third person in the first place. It was all HER... and her strategies, temptation, seduction, brain washing and witchcraft. Convenient exit sign guys. Good job.

So clearly, the woman in the relationship is a victim of lying, cheating, betrayal...infidelity. The other woman is a victim of unnecessary hatred for life, shame and guilt. There's high probability that even after being led on, used and actually falling for the person she thought might very well be the love of her life, she won't even get the man, while the couple lives happily ever after. All of this, for no fault of her own.

As for the man? Is he a victim? Yes he is, he's a victim of guilty pleasure, the adrenaline, the thrill... basically, he's just your average male.

So the way I see it, there are only two victims in the situation. The women. When that obvious fact has been established, shouldn't the women start thinking practically, and dump the goon who had no will power? Isn't it the only thing that makes sense? But instead, they start hating, or worse... competing for the man. Which man? The cheating bastard. Wow. What a shiny trophy that one is. Seriously, how dense do women have to be, not to see it's the man's fault? Haven't they heard Shakira and Beyonce sing about their 'Beautiful Liar'? How much more convincing does one need? It's clear. He doesn't deserve either of them. Do they not know, that irrespective of who gets him, it might not be for too long, until another woman enters the picture? A tiger never changes his stripes.

When is the other woman going to realise, she is going to lose anyway. She probably never DID have him. She fell for him, just like his wife probably did, and is in nearly the same position, for no reason. She should’ve just seen this coming. I know, I know, easier said than done.

More importantly, when is the wife/girlfriend going to come to terms with the fact that it IS in fact, the man to who is to be blamed. It isn't the other woman’s fault. She just fell in love, like everyone normally tends to, everyday, all around the world. She was probably in too deep without knowing any better. She doesn’t want you feeling the way you are. She can feel your pain. This wasn’t what she intended. It’s not just you who didn’t want this. She didn't want this too you know. Ever thought for a second that, for the person you blatantly call the 'other woman', the 'other woman' might be you?

Work In 'Progress'

2009-11-05T19:14:00.011+05:30

Progress. Funny word. What is it exactly? I have been pondering on this fact since I arrived in the UK. I know the world measures it in several contexts like economic growth, GDP, scientific & technological discoveries, infrastructure etc, but I'm beginning to think progress has a lot to do with the people of the country, their intellect, tolerance, world awareness, mentality and mindset.

I mean, can you really call a nation a progressing/progressed one when the people in it know NOTHING about anything apart from their country? Can you say a country is a super power when most of the people that come from there are super ignorant? Can you be proud of the fact that your country is diverse and caters to all cultures when most of the people are actually really racist? These are signs of progress of one kind, and deterioration of another, and hence the so-called progress is nullified. This is not progress, it's more like work in progress.

Since we're talking about ignorant people, I HAVE to mention some things I heard from people in Manchester. If you think ignorant is bad, try combining it with racist, and voila, you have their DNA. These are some of the random thoughts they had about India as a country, they're quite offensive, but some of them just crack me up, when I think people from a 'progressed' country can be such imbeciles.

- They think India isn't photogenic and there's nothing beautiful there. It's full of slums and dirt. (Thank you Slumdog Millionaire)
- They claim to know a lot of facts & statistics about what India is lacking, and how it's rubbish. (Funny, they also mentioned never setting foot in there)
- One stated that every city in the country he's from is 'clearly', 'obviously', 'surely' better than ANY Indian city. (I repeat, he has never been to India)
- I dropped a one pound coin by mistake, and one person burst out laughing saying "Go on, run for your life, go get it, that's probably worth a million in India."
- I was shown the stupidest comedy clip in the world, and because I didn't find it funny, I was told "You probably didn't get it, because you're Indian."
- One weird person told me that they thought the only time Indians have sex in their lifetime is to reproduce. He finds it hard to imagine that people in India are people, and not animals. That is, we have sex for recreational purposes. (Someone needs to tell him where the Kama Sutra comes from)

"The greatest form of ignorance is rejecting something you know NOTHING about" - H. Jackson Brown

I mean, out of ALL the people I've met, the people who are from the so-called 'third world countries' seem to have travelled way more, seem to have superior knowledge about the globe, know a lot of languages, and know as much about other countries and cultures as their own country. Basically, they are the ones who seem to have a sane non-ignorant brain.

Opposing to that, the people from the 'world leading' countries and super powers seem to know as little as they can possibly about everything around them. When I stated this obvious fact to them, the response received was, "Well, we don't NEED to know about your countries, but you sure as hell need to know about ours. We are the world leaders after all, you know." That, is a progressive mind, from a progressed country talking. We better take notes. We lack in the obnoxious, ignorant and stupid department. We haven't made any 'progress' there yet. We still seem to like being intellectual, informed and non-judgemental. Third world country thoughts. We don't know any better. Silly us.

This just brings me back to thinking, is progress really how we measure it, or does it have more to do with mental progress, or do they both go hand in hand? I mean, surely it doesn't make sense when a country claims it's education system to be amazing, and one of the best in the world, but when the 'bright' students are asked how many states India has, they don't even know it has any. There is something wrong, and I can't quite point it out clearly, but it's disgusting to see people from world leading countries being so backward in their thought process, being so racist and so intolerant. They might have the best education and technology in the world, but someone forgot to teach them about culture, acceptance, diversity, unlearning, open mindedness and just plain old common courtesy! They need to understand their progress doesn't really give them an edge or upper hand. It's not progress, it's make-believe progress. In the words of Sydney J. Harris, it's false progress!

"The greatest enemy of progress is not stagnation, but false progress." - Sydney J Harris

Countries don't mean anything. Borders are just for geographical purposes now. We don't need to learn about certain countries and economies. We need to learn about the world as a whole, and global economy & progress. We need to be aware that progress is much more than just speaking better english and having good infrastructure. We need to be tolerant before we progress, we need to embrace other cultures like they're our own, we need to focus on the positive things about others rather than pick out and point the things that are wrong all the time. We need to take off our horse blinders and use our spherical vision for a change. We really need to stop pushing the snooze button on our alarm clocks and wake up once and for all! We need to make progress and this time hopefully, real progress.

21 Things You Might/Might Not Know About Me

2009-08-31T23:38:00.015+05:30

- I believe in making a wish at 11.11pm every night.

- I still love Barbie.
- I’m autophobic and aichmophobic.
- I think branded clothes are highly overrated.
- I’m the most logical & practical... except when it comes to myself.
- I’m extremely religious & superstitious.
- I eat almost 2 lunches and 2 dinners everyday.
- I’m closer to my Mom than to any friend of mine.
- I wish I was born a guy...all the time.
- I am a sucker for weddings!

- I still listen to Backstreet Boys :P
- I am a multi-linguist, I know around 7 languages

- My first ever crushes were feline. (Top Cat & Scar from Lion King. Ha ha!)
- I had a pet snake... named Hiss.
- I cry over movies, books, tv series, sitcoms...you name it.
- I don’t cry when something happens in REAL life.
- I hate burgers, haven’t eaten one in almost 9 years.
- I would choose a book over a pair of shoes anyday.
- I have an IQ of 138.
- I can belly dance.
- I am an extremist, I can just love or hate...it’s either black or white.

- I am addicted to my Playstation 3.

The Gloved One

2009-06-26T19:52:00.022+05:30

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” - Michael Jackson

This is the first time since I started writing that I am at an actual loss of words, but I can’t not write today. You can't blame me, because my day was one of the worst I've had in months now. Just last night, I had a conversation about Michael Jackson with my mother, and we were reminiscing. I listened to 'Smooth Criminal' and fell asleep with a smile on my face, not knowing he was going to pass in a couple of hours. I woke up to three texts telling me he was no more. I was totally numb while I brought out a to-do list I've made since I learnt how to write and scratched off 'Watch MJ live in concert' off it. That is when it hit me. So, I seek your apologies even before you start reading, if this sounds like rubbish, randomness, rambling or venting out.

My mother was a complete music lover. She bought me my first ever English music CD when I was about 7 years old. Since then, retro music has been the biggest part of my life. Back then when Spice Girls was the ultimate rage, no one understood my love for Billy Joel, Queen and George Michael. At that age, I didn’t expect anyone to.

One morning before going to school, my mother was watching the television while I got dressed and this song was playing. I fell in love with the beat, the voice, the dance... everything. Billie Jean. I saw pavement tiles light up, and it amused me. I asked my mother who the singer was; she told me it was one of the Jackson brothers. As a kid I remember thinking he has magic feet, because whenever he stepped on a floor tile in the video, it lit up. I thought he must be a god of a dancer to be able to light up tiles with his moonwalking. It made me think I wouldn't be a good dancer till I lit up tiles of my own :). That day in 1994, was when I got to know of him. I’ve been an ardent fan & worshipper since then.

I still remember the day I got my first computer. It was in 1996, back when Windows ’95 was ‘the shit’. I was so excited to boot it up. Windows ’95 media player came with this demo video. It had Michael Jackson standing on the crown of Miss Liberty singing ‘Black or White’. As usual, the beats got me. This guy was the same guy I saw in the Billie Jean video, but he looked... uhh white. I instantly fell in love with the lyrics, because it’s one of the issues I feel SO strongly about. This guy made sense. Let me tell you, if you can make ‘sense’ to a 9 year old, make her think about racism and how colour doesn’t matter, you’re a hero.

That very year, he announced his tour dates. India was on schedule. I was the most excited, but did I go watch him? A 9 year old at a concert outside the city is unheard of.

After the early 90’s, he disappeared from the music scene, and I was too busy growing up to really miss his music, to tell you the truth. Teenage years had set upon me, and well, the rap & hip hop phase was to be entered. Oh come on, don’t roll your eyes. Everyone goes through it before realising what utter rubbish it is. I had almost forgotten the sound of Jackson, ALMOST, but on October 30, 2001, I went out and bought myself the newest album, ‘Invincible’. I couldn’t believe he was back. After six long years, his voice floated in my bedroom and it was heaven. Eminem who?

As I got older, I was well aware of the scandals. But, that just never cancelled out the greatness that was him. I watched every interview, every documentary, and I’m one of those souls who refuses to believe anything except the fact that he is the most misunderstood person on the planet. His voice and his dancing is legendary. Hence, he is ALLOWED.

I quote, “And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” He sure as hell did.

Every event, special moment or incident in my life, is related to an MJ track. Every time a song plays, it takes me back to that respective place, that time, that feeling, that moment, that magic. It truly teleports me, to happy places.

I have just realised how much he really was a part of my day. His songs were an everyday ritual, and hence, I took them for granted. I have seen a lot of family and friends pass away, and I'm not the kind who cries easily. The fact that I cannot stop today, makes me halt and think about how subconciously I did get really affected by his existance. It shocks me.

From being a girl of 9 years, who cried for a week because she was too little to go watch Michael Jackson perform live in India, to a girl of 12 who started practicing her moonwalk and perfected it by 13. From a girl of 18, who while creating her facebook account did not pause before entering ‘Michael Jackson’ in the field ‘Political View’, I transitioned to a girl who was all ready to finally make her dream come true this year and watch his magic come alive. Now, I’m a girl who knows but refuses to believe she’ll never get to see the original moonwalk, the signature gloves, the majestic black hat, the etiquette defying white socks with the black trousers, and hear the spiritual voice floating in a concert arena, ever.

I don't think he’s gone. Nope. He can’t be. Legends don’t die. They JUST DON'T!!

21 Questions

2009-05-30T00:36:00.019+05:30

I was reading various interview questions asked to famous people (who actually have a platform to voice out their thoughts) over a period of time and I chose some which caught my attention and I would've liked to answer differently. According to me, the interviewed people didn't quite do justice to them. Just random thoughts :)

Here goes something.

1) What do you consider to be the most beautiful thing in the world?

A smile that reaches one's eyes.

2) When do you tell a lie?

When the other person does nothing but.

3) What’s your super power?

Right self-evaluation. It keeps me from thinking I have super powers.

4) What’s your favourite language?

Logic

5) What's your take on George Bush?

Sure, I'd LOVE to take on George Bush. The old man wouldn't stand a chance.

6) Which country would feel like home to you?

A country where black, brown and white are just colours on an artist's palette, where the difference between male and female is just the letters 'fe', where guns and bombs are words which are extinct from the Oxford Dictionary, where rich and poor are only used to measure one's sense of humour.. too bad it doesn't exist, and hence, I will never feel at home.

7) Do you listen to others?

I'm sorry, I missed that one, I was talking about myself to me. :P

8) Do you think there is a difference between confidence and arrogance?

Yes I'm confident there is, but I'm too arrogant to say what it is.

9) If you were reincarnated, what would you like to come back as?

Refer question 6). I wouldn't like to come back.

10) Are you a cat or a dog person?

Neither. I'm a snake person. :)

11) What is life?

You roll the dice, you're stuck with the career you land on, you halt and marry, increase a pink/blue token on your car, travel all the yellow squares trying to earn lots of money, until you finally spin the rainbow wheel for the last time and 'retire' with lots of coloured money which has no value in the end.

12) How can we be happy?

By thinking we can be.

13) What is self-help exactly?

If I'd tell you, it would defeat the purpose now, wouldn't it? :P

14) If you were a word, what word would you be?

Trustworthy & Honest. I know you said 'a word', but this is my blog.

15) Why can we not live forever?

Because we spend our lives thinking about how to, and eventually, it kills us.

16) If you could be someone else for a day, who would it be?

A man.

17) Do you constantly dwell on the past?

'Dwell' yes, 'constantly' no.

18) Do you care what others think about you?

I just care about whether I'm being thought about.

19) What will you choose to never wear?

A frown... also, the colour black, flat shoes, bell bottoms & kaftans. :)

20) What can one do to change the world we live in?

Start with the Man In The Mirror...or move to Mars. Both work. ;)

21) Who are you really?

I am really just me, and I choose to keep it that way.

Solitary Perception

2009-05-08T18:02:00.012+05:30

Ask yourself.

Is the moon as full?

...when no one’s watching it with you.

Is coffee as fulfilling?

...when no one is sitting across you.

Are songs as melodious?

...when you can’t picture a face.

Is a fireplace as warming?

...when no one shares it with you.

Is a flower as sweet smelling,

...when bought by yourself.

Are words as meaningful?

...when written by a stranger.

Is a movie worth watching?

...when you walk out alone.

Is the day as bright?

...when you’re all grey.

Are you really as happy?

...when you’re not with me.

The Chase

2009-05-05T17:02:00.018+05:30

The aristocratic men centuries ago, enjoyed many recreational activities whether it was drinking at a pub, playing polo, or going hunting. The whole aura around hunting fascinates me. It initially started off as a basic necessity, to seek food, but by the time it got to the 17^th century, hunting was a totally different ball game and what’s more it carries on.

You must be wondering, a girl, twenty one years of age, is rambling on about probably the most boring topic ever. I mean, history and sport doesn’t exactly interest everyone, I know, but l beg you to let me lay down some groundwork, and then the fun will begin.

So, as I was saying, hunting evolved a lot along the ages, and around the 17^th century it became more of a sport than a necessity. It was officially a game. The aim? To catch some. It didn’t end there, the rules changed even more. Years down the line, the game didn’t matter as much too. It was the chase. The immense thrill of the air battling against a person, the adrenaline pumping as he/she is defying all natural elements with their eyes on the prize. Never mind if the prize was kept or not. It was just the chase.

See, that’s what’s common with today’s hunting game, and then. It was always about the chase, and still is. That’s the highlight of the sport. The only thing that’s changed is the ‘game’ hunted. It’s humans we hunt. It’s them we choose to chase. That’s our thrill.

The Basics:

There are 2 parties involved of course. The prey and the predator.

The prey, is unaware it is being hunted. The first cycle of the chase, it spends in running away, being hard to get, thinking it’s so smart. It thinks it owns the game, it’s in control. But, tables don’t take too long to turn. The prey walks right into the trap and they think it is where they wanted to be anyway.

The predator is too smooth. Stealth is its middle name. The predator seeks what it wants and it needs won’t alter. The type of prey is chosen, the method is picked out and it goes for the kill. Once the conquest is done, the prey is officially dead for the predator. It’s time to seek something newer and fleshier.

The Types:

Typically game animals are divided into several categories for regulatory purposes. Typical categories, along with example species, are as follows:

Big game: Hot, smouldering, popular, sexy, rich. . . and taken.
Small Game: Cute & sweet, the typical girl/guy next door.
Furbearers: Daddy’s lil’ rich boy/girl. (cars, credit cards, debit cards and Swiss account included)
Predators: The eternal playboys and vixens.
Upland game bird: The innocent girl/guy from a town, new to the city.

The Hunting Methods:

Baiting: It is the use of decoys, lures & scent. (We’re all quite familiar with that one.)
Beagling: It is the use of beagles (wingmen/woman) in hunting.
Blind or Stand Hunting: It is waiting for animals from a concealed or elevated position. (Read: Stalker)
Calling: It is the use of animal noises to attract. (In the 21^st century, that’d be the phone)
Camouflage: It is the use of visual concealment to blend with the environment. (Appearing to be what you’re not, and trying to fit in.)
Glassing: It is the use of optics (such as binoculars) to more easily locate animals. (Read: Perverts & bird watching)
Internet Hunting: It is a method of hunting over the internet using webcams. (Need I say more?)
Persistence Hunting: It is the use of running and tracking to pursue the prey to exhaustion (Yes, those annoying ‘secret admirers’ who never ever give up)
Scouting: It includes a variety of tasks and techniques for finding animals to hunt. (Hitting the right night spots)
Spotlighting or Shining: It is the use of artificial light to find or blind animals before killing. (Portraying to be something extra-ordinary just for the chase. Read: Fakers & Posers)
Stalking or Still Hunting: It is the practice of walking quietly, in search of animals or in pursuit of an individual animal. (Doesn’t need an explanation)
Tracking: It is the practice of reading physical evidence in pursuing animals. (Of course, the ‘game’ is chosen, on just that basis anyway)
Trapping: is the use of devices (snares, pits, deadfalls) to capture an animal. (Yes, situations created to make it seem like you NEED to be there)

These categories & methods are actual hunting terms, and not made up (Search ‘hunting’ on Wikipedia). The example species and content within brackets however, are ;)

Another thing which bothers me is this type of hunting I came across, which is so close to reality. It’s called ‘Trophy Hunting’. Wikipedia defines it as “The selective seeking of wild game. It may also include the controversial hunting of captive or semi-captive animals expressly bred and raised under controlled or semi-controlled conditions so as to attain trophy characteristics”

Sounds a lot like what’s going on around us. People have started trophy hunting just for the sake of the conquest. The condition the girl/guy is brought up in, their ‘taken’ status and the scandal adds on to their ‘trophy’ characteristics. They’re ‘hard to get’, and hence, definitely must be ‘gotten’. Of course, the trophy loses its lustre, the minute a bigger, better and shinier one comes by.

But never mind that now. What bothers me is, the minute the prey succumbs to the predator’s advances, why does the predator either back off, or lose interest? I mean, didn’t it want the prey’s attention? Didn’t it pick the prey itself? The answer is simple I guess, once the prey is attained, none of that matters. It’s game over. Predators are also big time back trackers. They make it seem like the prey wanted to be eaten, and they’re pretty convincing too. These predators are the ones that should be hunted and killed. Not just hunted and killed, they should be extinct.

Well, there is little we can do about this cruel sport which is gaining popularity world over. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s an Olympic sport soon. Now wouldn’t that just be peachy? Along with the humiliated trophy, you get a medal too.

Ah well, unfortunately the predators are getting better by the day, they own the game and are giving a totally new meaning to ‘’Wolf in sheep’s clothing’’. The prey on the other hand, are getting more vulnerable, gullible and innocent than before. They’re easier. The chase is shorter. Some of them subconsciously want to be hunted.

I suggest they get smarter, and cautious. They should start wandering in herds, and keep a look out, because it’s the 21^st century... and its officially open season.

I Am Still Me

2009-05-04T15:19:00.009+05:30

I lost all my mind and sense,

I believed you were perfection in disguise,

I thought you were very different,

Sure you were,

It was just different lies.

You tell me to go back in time,

And be the person I used to be...

I tell you I don't need to go back,

It's you.

I am still me.

A different month, a different face

The only constant was my like.

I don't know what to believe,

What not to believe.

What to keep and what to strike.

So when you go back in time,

Then you will see,

I've not changed with the tide,

It was you,

I am still me.

I never wanted you more than a friend,

But you made me think,

We should be more.

Again, I trusted you in a blink.

Because, you always swore.

Let me know when you go back in time,

And finally see,

It was you who jumped ahead...

Because, I know that

I am still me.

You said, I was the one you truly wanted,

I was filled with glee.

I've never been wanted...

To such a great extent,

That it was so easy to forget me.

Make sure you go back in time,

And truly see...

How different you were,

From the 'you' now, for

I am still me.

You made me believe I deserved the best,

I should wait and see,

It would come my way,

But you didn't make sure it did...

You chose to walk astray.

Please just go back in time,

For your sake and see,

What's the reason for your change?

Because, it’s surely you.

I am still me.

Good things come to good people,

I heard once, not long ago

I really must have sinned then,

Because when came the time,

It was me who was let go...

You should go back in time,

You will definitely see,

How much you changed...

It was you.

I am still me.

You warned me that you lied,

And couldn't be trusted...

But that with me would never be.

I guess I was just one of them,

Contradicting to what you told me.

So it’s you, who should go back in time,

It's high time you see,

You consciously changed...

Not I, because,

I am still me.

Trust me when I say this though,

N’er will I regret our time well spent,

But also trust me when I say,

Never knowing what could've been,

I will resent.

But I know when you go back in time,

You will realise and see,

Maybe you were never you then,

But I was always me.

It WAS you who changed...

I am still me.

Sands of Time

2009-05-04T14:54:00.004+05:30

Black turns grey,

The smooth,

Now wrinkled,

Vision reduced.

Time waits for none.

Fun childhood,

Ripened youth,

Blissful maturity,

To etched experience.

Time waits for none.

From blushing bride,

To flourishing mother,

Loving grandparent,

Now a lonely widow,

Time waits for none.

With every sand grain,

A second less,

With every tick,

A second older.

Time waits for none.

Labelled

2009-05-04T13:52:00.006+05:30

Friends.

That’s the label we chose,

Labels don’t change feelings,

They just try to oppose.

We’re Friends,

Out having coffee,

You crack a joke,

I crack a smile,

In my head I reflect,

No one else will get that,

The way I did.

Just Friends,

Chatting on the phone,

You can’t see me,

Imagining those lips,

Which tell me about their day...

Those very lips

Which uttered sweet nothings,

And made me

Want to sway.

As friends,

We go out to eat,

A hilarious sight we see,

We’re trying to suppress laughter,

Given away by your truthful eyes,

Those which saw me as gorgeous once,

I stare into them for a different reason,

And, you are none the wise.

Still, we’re Friends,

So you confide and share,

Woes about her,

I soothe and advise,

As unbiased as can be,

The hypocrite within silently yearns,

For her to be me.

Now, as a Friend,

You tell me,

To go with another guy.

To show I’ve moved on,

I smile and nod.

Though, inside I quietly cry.

Friends you say,

Well, they’re a species,

That understand what goes unsaid.

So you must know, how I feel

What I think about,

When I go to bed.

Friends we are,

You want to believe,

But inaudibly you agree.

You know exactly what we were,

What we are,

And what you mean to me.

But, as a Friend

You still act ignorant,

And choose not to see.

You run away. You try to avoid,

What we can truly be

Only to live up

To the wretched title,

The one, you labelled me.

Sure, we’re just Friends,

And, that’s all it ever was

You keep consoling yourself,

But the connect we had,

Cannot be corked tight,

In a bottle on a shelf.

So what,

If we’re just Friends,

And maybe it’s all we’ll ever be.

But it was and is,

A lot more than that,

After all, it’s...

You and Me.

Hope in Despair

2009-03-01T20:12:00.011+05:30

Painting done by Sameer Hazari

Locked away,

In a muted room,

Grime and stone,

To make talk with.

Sitting against

The door,

Which holds her captive,

Folded,

Inches in width.

Her lashes,

Constantly damp,

Like petals,

Bearing dew,

In the early morn,

Her lips,

So luscious

Pursed,

Tight in scorn.

Face resting,

On her palms,

Like a beautiful book,

Atop a holy stand,

Which can be read,

Appreciated,

And cherished

For eternity.

A tiny light,

Enters the scope,

The sun ray hits,

That pretty face,

It lights up,

In realisation,

“It was just,

Another phase”

Those eyes,

Mirror hope,

Even after seeing,

Nothing but ghast,

Those tears hold hope,

She knows,

Hope is all,

That can last.

The scars are fresh,

And have cut deep,

But, she knows,

While she sheds a tear,

And strikes,

A pained smile,

That,

Hope in despair,

Is all she can keep.

Colour

2009-02-26T22:55:00.010+05:30

Painting done by Sameer Hazari: http://www.sameerhazari.blogspot.com/

Light after darkness,

Happiness after sorrow,

Life after death.

A begin, after the end

Half-full is what I see

Half empty,

It is no more to me.

The black and white ,

Now bright red,

The brown and withered,

Green again,

Half-full is what I see

Half empty,

It is no more to me.

Out of the vortex,

And the confusion,

Out of the whirpool,

And the complex,

Half-full is what I see

Half empty,

It is no more to me.

Splashes of colours,

Strokes of joy,

Everything’s bright,

And new to me,

Half-full is what I see

Half empty,

It is no more to me.

Misled

2008-12-30T00:17:00.016+05:30

I take a walk to the mountain,

Should I climb? Should I not?

A re-assuring hand grabs me

It takes me with it.

It thinks I can, I should.

It leads me on...with confidence

To green pastures, beautiful flora,

It makes me believe,

In make-believe

I am at the peak,

There is nothing better,

There can’t be.

This is as good as it gets,

The hand steers, it guides,

I feel secure.

It takes my hand,

Walks me to the edge,

Shows me visions

Of sheer beauty below

The calm water running,

Smooth grey rocks in between.

Suddenly the hand withdraws,

Away from mine.

It’s on my back instead,

It’s urging me on,

I hesitate, so

It pushes me.

I ask myself, why?

In a blink

An answer obtained

It showed me the unreal,

Till it wanted to

Till it felt I liked the view.

I see no choice

I sail downwards,

Away from utopia,

Away from the cruel paw,

For human turns animal,

The calm water, turbulent

And the grey rocks...a bloody red.

The Goat

2008-12-29T00:57:00.011+05:30

Autumn it was,

Freshly fallen leaves,

The path adorned,

A bright orange plumage.

Walking solitary,

Homeward bound,

When I came across,

A kid, wounded.

The offspring of a goat.

It was,

I lifted it gently,

Heard its cry,

Saw the sorrow in its eye,

Instantly, I felt like its saviour,

It’s care-taker.

Now, to my journey home,

I wasn’t alone.

Days went by,

The poor creature,

I nourished, fed, healed.

We had a bond.

A bond, which made me forget

Many others...

A bond strongly sealed.

Its eyes never lied,

They showed gratefulness,

It knew I had helped, I know

It liked being cared for,

It was glad it was mine.

But, it had to grow.

Soon, the day dawned,

In a cold winter,

The kid became,

A Goat,

His horns, his fur, his hoofs

In all their glory were born

I felt a cold ‘drift’,

I dismissed it,

Blamed it on the season,

I still clung on.

Until finally, I felt,

Horns piercing me,

Hoofs kicking hard...

And the once warm fur, now

A thick-skinned blanket,

That felt nothing.

I had to let go.

It was time to let go.

It was time,

For the Goat,

To go back to where,

It came from.

Not so long ago.

A better Goat it was,

It knew

Because of me,

But I learnt a lot more,

And I knew,

The better one...

Was me.

Never‘ending’

2008-12-28T10:46:00.009+05:30

Never will I smile, like I did at you.

Never will I talk, like I did to you.

Never will I express, like I did with you.

Never will I let in, like I did let you.

Never will I care, like I did for you.

Never will I look, like I did at you.

Never will I give, like I did to you,

Never will I trust, like I did with you

Never will I wait, like I did for you

Never will I be true, like I was to you.

Never will I change, like I did after you.

Never will I cry, like I did over you.

Yes, I know, never say NEVER

Still,

Never will I find such a man

Like, I did in you.

Veritaserum

2008-12-27T13:36:00.021+05:30

Truth. Everyone wants it, few speak it, and none can truly handle it. If you don’t get it, you have a problem, when you do; you’ve just dug your own grave. It’s a no-win situation. Of course you should always speak the truth, and not lie. But the truth I’m talking about is the truth, after a lot of lying has already taken place. THAT is when you can’t handle the truth. THAT is you should ideally think “Hey, maybe ignorance is bliss”.

Once a web of lies is spun, the spider forgets the word ‘truth’ ever existed. He actually starts believing his own lies and marketing it really well too. His lie almost turns into the truth. Almost. Just as the transition is about complete, the truth comes out flying like a vacuum and sucks the web off the ceiling. Of course the spider is caught in his own tangle, but hey, he was merciless in the first place, it’s easy for him to get over his own lies. I mean, he always knew it was just that. Again, it’s the victim of the lies, who after suffering from the beginning, is still enduring the pain. First you uncover that, everything was a lie. Like that’s not enough, you want to know the actual truth. You basically want shock treatment right after you’ve just been struck with lightning.

Everything the poor soul respected, upheld, loved, cherished, and believed to be the truth comes shattering down in an instant. There is not much time gap between knowing something to be true and false. It takes just an instant, and an instant is not enough to accept the truth. Not even a week, a month... heck, I don’t think a lifetime is enough. Acceptance of the truth, when I say, again I don’t mean, finally coming terms with the fact that everything was a lie. It’s more the acceptance of the lie itself.

I for one cannot. I don’t want lies in the first place. If you need to bend the truth, don’t have a conversation with me. I prefer silence. If you say, the lie is to make me happy, no thank you. I prefer grief. If you say, it was the situation that made you lie; I think you should have avoided the situation in the first place. If you lied, to impress me, lies doesn’t impress anyone genius. Get a life. If you lied because it’s a habit, please try drinking or smoking instead. They’re comparatively better habits (If you do those too, how about sky-diving then, head first, off a cliff, without a harness?). If you lied because you wanted to experiment, save those for the guinea pigs in the lab please, we’re human. If you lied to save someone else, stop being a martyr, it’s considered your sin, not theirs. If you lied to save YOUR ass, please give my regards to the Devil when you go to hell.

No one likes a long nose. Everyone knows Pinocchio had one because of his incessant lying. Please save everyone the trouble, and be a true man/woman. Don’t be a coward. If you can’t come to terms with your own truth, how can you even expect the other person to? Face it. Speak it. Don’t fear it. Most of the time, how much ever ghastly the truth, if spoken before the planned lie, it is received with arms wide open.

Insecurity, fear of rejection, guilt and over-caution breed lies. That’s where it comes from. Stop feeling insecure. No one’s going to reject you. No one’s going to lose respect for you. A true person is always understood. Those few who cannot understand you, you don’t need anyway. I mean, what kind of retard won’t understand a person who speaks the truth? They need help. Not you. You just need to come clean, and avoid lying.

Another thing which inevitably leads to lying is keeping everyone happy. You can’t. No one can. Come to terms with it. Filter the people who truly matter, the ones who are worth it, who would keep YOU happy. Don’t lie to simultaneous people. Like I said, when the web crumbles, you won’t have a SINGLE happy person left. So the keeping everyone happy didn’t go too well now, did it?

Some people don’t mean to lie. They just withhold important truth. It’s absolutely fine for a while, but procrastination is the recipe for disaster as well. Make sure it’s out before someone else gets to say it for you. Now, if that happens, the wounded is going to uphold the person who was your mouthpiece, and be hurt because you didn’t tell them first. You really DID want to tell them, you meant to, you were just gathering courage, or waiting for the right time. That’s stupid. There is never a RIGHT time to hurt someone. Do it gently, do it fast, get it over with. Yank the band-aid off already. The hurt will heal faster.

Next time you want to escape, save yourself, alter things, please people... the Devil on your shoulder will show you the easy way out. “Lie” he will say, but it just takes a tiny shrug and humungous will power to overthrow him and speak the truth instead. Trust me.

I mean, you don’t want people shoving a whole bottle of Veritaserum down your throat now, do you?

The Battle Goes On

2008-12-24T16:50:00.026+05:30

Oscar Wilde once said, "The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means."

That quote makes me lose hope. It makes me think niceness is totally overrated. It gets you nowhere. Sadly, in today's world, it's taken a backseat. You need to be a go-getter, a fighter, a ruthless madman (or woman) to get what you want! I have been noticing this so much, that it scares me. Evil is the new black. Everyone’s wearing it, with panache. In a fight between Good and Evil. It's evil that wins. The fact that Satan wins, makes him a winner, which in today's vocabulary is considered good. Hence, it's actually good to be evil, and evil to be good.

If you’re nice, you’re taken for a ride. If you’re trusting, that’s being naive. If you’re kind, you’re a push over. If you’re genuine, maybe it’s an act. I feel for these people. I also have immense respect for them but, the sad part is half of them will sell their soul to the Devil, just to fit in. I wish they don’t, or didn’t, but that’s reality. Someone should tell them that in the long run, they will be the winners, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday.

I mean, you're the one going out of your way to help people, make them feel special, care for them, you're probably the only one who even gives a damn about them. What do you get? For starters, you get taken advantage of. For the main course, on the menu is hurt on a platter, served with a side order of embarrassment, with a slight dressing of regret. Oh, and for dessert? You get taken for granted. All your life. What's worse is, there is no mint given to you to even wash off the taste of that whole meal.

On the other hand if you’re bitchy, that’s hot. If you’re ruthless, you’re bold. If you have no morals, you’re cool. If you’re slutty, you win. You know what you want, you aim for it, and you sure as hell GO for it. Courtesy, niceness, humility and morals can go take a hike. These are the kind of people I personally can’t tolerate. These are the ones who should be counting their days. According to me, their joy and success is short-lived, because that’s how they get their happiness, by short cuts, derogatory methods, cheating, manipulation etc. It doesn’t last. It won’t last. It cannot last.

The workings of Evil have been happening for quite some time, but what worries me now is, it’s becoming more and more. Niceness looks like it won’t win, even eventually. Evil is having its Devil’s food cake, and eating it too, and what’s more...with extra icing. Evil isn’t paying their dues. Good, is paying for them.

The most dangerous is, when Evil puts on a 'good' face. The victim is unaware. He thinks the Evil is actually from the Good clan. They care, they love, they cherish, but it's all fake. They're like that to those selective people, not in general. When Evil does Good, they're more angelic than any Good is. They make an extra effort, are more cautious and flawless, because they are the mimics. This is unsettling. The only time the victims realize and recognize Evils, is when it's too late.

There is a solution to this though. All the Goods know the Evils. Inside out. They can pick out Satan's spawn from a mile away. Listen to them. Trust them. You'll be better off. When someone's too good to be true, they're probably an Evil.

Nice people are sufferers, but let's look on the brighter side for a minute though.They don’t feel guilty everyday they wake up. They do have a conscience. They sleep in peace. They have no regrets. They truly deserve to be loved, and can go to bed thinking they did the best they could and there aren’t any people hating on them (except the Evils maybe, because they have a misconception that they’re good). They don’t dream big, but they dream sweet. That's how it should be.

God, or whatever else they have their faith in, has a lot more in store for them. So, hope isn’t lost. It should be this very faith that should carry them on. Because, if they keep faith and they’re lucky, Evil will be unmasked. The dues will all be paid back (with interest) and soon, everyone will come to realise Evil is really no good. White is better than black. Up is better than down. Light is definitely better than dark. Speaking of which, a quote comes to mind...

“There are dark evil shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast” – Charles Dickens

I always did prefer Charles Dickens to that Oscar Wilde guy. Now I know why. Optimism, you gotta love it. I know I do. :)

The King Of His Court

2008-12-08T10:21:00.017+05:30

On his throne he sits,

Looking at the masses below,

They’re all there just for him,

Him, they choose to follow.

Mesmerizing statements,

A lot of declaration,

Genuine sounding concern,

A true politician.

A smooth talker, if there was ever one

It’s easy to see, why they believe him,

He gives you his goblet of false hope,

Filled to the brim.

Empty promises,

Which will never see the day,

Never true to his word,

Come what may.

He is the decision maker,

Final and concrete,

His loyal subjects have no say,

His demand they must meet.

To war when he goes,

Claims it’s for his clan,

At the end of day, he is selfish

He is but, just a man.

One day he will see,

He should cautiously tread,

For a revolt comes unexpected

After all…

That’s why monarchy is dead.

Facebook Etiquette

2008-12-03T18:42:00.019+05:30

For all of you reading this, if you don't know what Facebook is, welcome to Earth. After the hype of Hi5 died down, and Orkut got itself into scandals, the only refuge for us poor souls who thrive on online socializing and gossip, Facebook was the next logical stop.

But, my question is... WHEN THE HELL DID IT GET SO COMPLICATED?

It started off as a very user-friendly site. Everyone loved writing on walls, and tagging was the new 'it' thing. That was the stone age.

Applications were added, but we could handle them, heck, we could even handle the new layout. But the complication I'm talking about, is not Facebook's technical team's fault. It's us. We stupid social beings. Facebook isn't a site anymore. It's another realm. There are rules. There is law. There are consequences. There are social appearances. There is etiquette which has to be followed, or you are a total outcast.

Etiquette 1: The Birthday Calendar

Approaches July 9th, your calender reminds you it's X's birthday. Do you care? No. Have you spoken to them ever? No. But it's on the calender. They HAVE to be wished. Doesn't matter if your post is lost among the other 400. You have to do your duty.

Etiquette 2: Keep The Comments Flowing

Uploaded a new picture? Looking really good? Well you must be, because that's when you're hoarded with comments. Now 'so and so' was adorably sweet and complimented you. The 'Thank You' has to be said, even if they've commented on all 60 pics in the album. I mean, they're just going to think you're impolite. What's more, you have to comment on a few pics of theirs too.

Etiquette 3: Public Affair

Girl: How can you NOT put up that you're in a relationship with me?

Guy: Honey, it's just Facebook.

Girl: Are you embarrassed of me?

Guy: No! Okay, I'll accept the request.

Girl: Okay, and why isn't our picture up on display?

Guy: *sigh* Okay love, I'll change it right away.

That's how it's gotten. Girlfriends and boyfriends have to accept gifts, stickers, notes from each other, however embarrassing they might be. Because now, online rejecting leads to offline fighting.

Etiquette 4: The Bitch Factor

You check your wall. The first post reads 'Heyyyyyy... long time! Looking soooo pretty! MWAH'. No matter how much you dislike the person, how annoying their extra elongated repetitive letters are (yyyyy?), how much you're glad you haven't seen them in ages, how funny looking you think they are, you have to reply saying "Heyyyy to you too!! I know omg, long time!! Aww...Thanks! But look whose talking, you're gorgeous yourself! MWAH!". You cannot afford to miss the 'MWAH'. Your social life might as well commit suicide.

Etiquette 5: The Attention Seeker

This kind is on everyone's list. They go on commenting sprees, not because they like your pictures, but because they've probably uploaded a new profile pic or album, on which THEY want comments. They know all about Etiquette 2, and use it to their benefit.

Etiquette 6: Ever Changing Love

'ABC is no longer listed as 'In a Relationship'. The statement stirs gossip. What happened? Is the relationship really over? Is this just a joke? No matter how happy you are that this person is finally available, reassurance and condolence has to be given, ever so subtly. It has to go something like this, "Oh no, hope you okay!" or the ever so popular "Single? No way!! :O" (even though after every letter you typed, you're probably doing jumping jacks around your room).

What a tangled web(site) we've got ourselves in. After noticing this kind of behaviour, every comment coming into my profile is highly scrutinized for genuineness. Every wall post goes through a mental lie detector. Every comment I make, I make sure I truly mean it. It is the only way to stop this horrible fakeness going around.

This site was supposed to be for friends who WANT to keep in touch. If we wanted the fake air-kissing we get offline at social gatherings, we wouldn't have logged in, in the first place. I for one, hate the obligations that come with 'Accepting' a friend request.

Take my advice. Ensure peace of mind. Lessen your headache. In other words, next time you're clicking on the 'Accept' button, think twice, move to the right and click on the 'Ignore' button instead. :)

You Are Not Alone

2008-12-02T18:21:00.010+05:30

Who knew having a love-life was so complicated? Maybe I did, maybe you did, and maybe we all did. We just choose to ignore that fact and still pursue it....Wondering, wishing, praying that this time it's real. That we are an exception.

We still choose to give it a try, give it a chance... until it blows up in our face again. Leaving us red-faced and embarrassed. Then the self-interrogation begins...

How could I have ever believed that?

How could I have said that?

Was that really me?

Why did I do that?

What did that really mean?

What was their reason?

Why does this always happen to me?

In the past year or two, if you’ve asked yourself any of those above questions, you’re not alone.

I say this confidently because for the past few months, whoever I talk to, whoever I meet, each and every one of them have a problem pertaining their love life. When did this ‘love’ even get a suffix of ‘life’ to it? I think the suffix should have just been limited to things like ‘Work-life’, ‘Family-life’....maybe even ‘After-life’!

Giving it to a word like love just makes people think they need to be working on having a ‘love-life’ and not just pure love. Now it’s an aspect which one can’t ignore. The damage has been done.

Questions like ‘How is life?’ has been replaced with ‘How’s the love life?’ and even more scandalous is the question ‘How’s the Mrs. Doing?’ which has been replaced rather crudely with ‘How’s the Mistress doing?’.

Nothing is sacred anymore. Is this the 21^st century everyone looked forward to? I’d rather go back to not having a mobile phone (which is a major port for illicit love affairs might I add), but having sanity in a world where one was made for another and even if they weren’t, they made it work. The same cannot be said for people now who are deeply in ‘love’.

On the way to a mall, a friend and I had a conversation one day in the car. At the end of it, we came to the conclusion there is no winning against today’s generation. Irrespective of the relationship they share or the ‘trust’ and love, people cheat. It’s a known fact. Some people knowingly do, because they WANT to...and some just because of situations, alcohol, or another equally lame excuse. People, who are happily married, are so, because they don’t know about the other’s infidelity. Like they say ignorance is bliss. I’m not being cynical and generalising when I say this. There still must be that lucky couple in the few hundred for who love actually exists. I dedicate this very line in my blog to them, and congratulate them for their success.

But, let me move on by saying, 1:100 is still a troubling ratio. Of course like I mentioned earlier, we will still pray we’re the 1 and what’s more, we’ll believe we’re that 1 too. That 1 is what we want to be, but if all 99 believe we’re that 1, that’s 99 of us getting hurt eventually.

For years, I’ve believed that people go through totally different experiences, and have completely different issues. I see the error of my ways. Of course, again, I talk about our love lives. They are all the same. Everyone has the same issue, the same problem, the same sorrow, the same joy. Either its infidelity, in-decisiveness (between 2, maybe even 3), too many expectations, possessiveness, long-distance, one sided efforts or family issues. Again, if your love-life has not had the above issues, you need to pat yourself for being the ‘1’ out of those poor hundred souls.

Something else that totally bothers me is this so called space age ‘honesty’. Honesty is overrated. Someone screws up. They confess. They come out ‘clean’. That’s honesty. Seriously? I mean seriously?

When did the meaning change?

I remember honesty meaning, not lying about feelings, coming clean about them in the first place (without screwing up). I know that would hurt, but are we truly consoled by the fact that our screwed up counterpart is frank, honest, open and true? Isn’t it a bit too late for that?

The only other word more overrated than ‘honesty’ is ‘sorry’. I can just imagine you either smiling in agreement, or nodding your head as you read that. We’ve all said it, but when it comes to huge mistakes, is ‘sorry’ really enough? In today’s time, we want more. We want the clichéd ‘Actions to speak louder than words’.

This scares me. For me, even saying all this is freaking me out. This is how cynical and paranoid today’s ‘love’ has made me. I look at my parents and not even for a second do I wonder whether the love is a facade. Heck, I look at MOST parents of my peers and feel the same. That was the era Shakespeare and Jane Austen wrote about. That’s the time when great love poems were scribed. That’s when ‘Till death do us apart’ was not just a reality TV show.

Now anyone younger than thirty five, holding hands, walking along a beach, laughing. I look at them and the following things come to mind...

‘Are they really that happy?’

‘Did he just look at another girl?’

‘Must be siblings for sure’

‘Haha.. Little do they know...’

This is truly disturbing. We’re supposed to be the future. If WE, the future want to go back in time when things were simpler, this is signs of the so-called ‘progress’ we’ve made not being exactly that. All we can really do, and I personally hope to do is keep faith to a reasonable extent. Like a really close friend of mine once told me:

“We can’t control the future, all we can do is go with the flow, but always and only be prepared for the worst. Let the best be a surprise”. Very wisely said indeed.

In the meantime, while waiting for our ‘love’ we can just be consoled by the fact that it doesn’t just always happen to us and it can be worked on. So the next time you ask someone how their love life is, and they hesitate for a bit, or give you a strained smile, just smile and say, “You’re not alone”.