The perfectly imperfect journey of a Husband and Wife

The perfectly imperfect journey of a Husband and Wife 🥰

.

Fourteen years

Of rum and beers,

Of Biryani and chaap

Baap re Baap!

Of Rosogolla and mishti

And Your haath ka tea! Waah! 

In between Katla and Chingri malaicurry,

Life was at times blurry!

Sometimes sunny and bright.

At times as dark as night.

Only we both know the plight.

Getting the kid was such a big fight. 

But she's such a delight!

The journey from two to the three of us

Has been an amazing bonus.

From being thin to fat,

Which is a fact!

Life has been fascinating

And I am not exaggerating

That you are the best!

And that shows I have a great taste 😁

Happy Anniversary 🎉🎉🥳

Being Amitabh Bachchan

11th October used to be the day of the Divine for me as a child. I would wake up early, head for my bath and enter the pooja room in immaculate clothes. Babu knew exactly what I needed for the puja so he would keep things ready. I would decorate the idol, offering flowers and naivadya to the deity with extreme care and devotion. The prayer that day was only meant for one person... Mr.  Amitabh Bachchan. 

Yes, it's his birthday today and this day brings back these crazy memories of my Amitabh smitten childhood. 

Friends and family would call to wish me as if it was my birthday 😁  The whole day was dedicated to this man whom I called 'Kaka' out of affection. The day would not end with me watching Sholay and weeping in the last scene when my favourite actor breathes his last onscreen. 

Remember maintaining a diary which had newspaper cut outs, magazine cut out, trivia, articles and numerous pages written by me in honour of Mr. Bachhan. The only wish those days was ... Isshhh ekbar Jodi onake samne dekhte partam ( Wish I could see him in person once ) And as they say if you wish something from the bottom of your heart the universe makes sure it happens. I saw him not once but twice in my life. 😁 

Today  when I look back to those days I feel so good! My parents never chided me for being a movie buff or doing such crazy stuff. They just let me be. I remember Babu getting me the Lomani Amitabh B cologne after bhai told him to buy one and surprise me 🥰 

 I still dislike when someone tells me that I am a fan of Amitabh Bachchan... I wasn't a fan... I was someone who loved him and admired him irrespective of him having a clue that there's this little girl somewhere on the planet who eats,sleeps, breathes Amitabh Bachchan. 

Now  I am in my forties and the  'paglami' has subsided but somewhere that little girl is alive and she quietly prays for the legend 😊 Yes we grow up, we become old... But we should keep the kid alive within us to cherish and smile thinking of good old childhood days. 

PS: There were, there are,there will be  superstars but there's only one AMITABH BACHCHAN ❤️

Thank you for making my childhood fun and exciting! You are the reason I fell in love with cinema as a child. Happy Eightieth Legend ❤️

#AmitabhBachchan

It's storytelling time!!!

Children love to listen to stories of all kinds. They just don't seem to get tired and bored of stories. phew!
Though they are addicted to stories, they want variety, newness each time we narrate. Have you ever faced the difficulty? Well I face it often! This has lead me to make up stories which are fun, informative and interesting. This has given me a new avenue for rediscovering myself.
If you are doing something similar do connect with me. It will be exciting to know moms who go that extra mile in parenting,  find the hidden talent they have which they never got a chance to explore before.
Motherhood has been an exhilarating journey. It has also given me an identity of my own. Our children are great teachers! Unknowingly they teach us so much! They are like the goldsmiths who give shine to an otherwise course metal lying inside the earth's crust.
Stories are what we all like to hear. Make stories a part of your kids life too! Give them the power to imagine, to shine bright by the way you narrate it to them. It's super fun!

#parenting #motherhood #moms #children #stories #storytelling #childrenstories #kids 

Indian Comic books for children

Remember reading @amarchitrakatha books extensively as kids?  Somehow this generation of kids are not much into reading these kind of Indian comics based on our country's religion, legends, mythology and historical figures. 

The other day when we got an opportunity to visit a book store after ages, I saw Little Biryani picking up three of the books from the mentioned publisher. On asking she said, "Maa I have often heard you talking about tales from Amar Chitra Katha and so I thought of giving it a try." On returning home she finished all three books in a day as she loved the concept of the comic strips and the pictures which are used to narrate the stories. Isn't it a great feeling to see the kids liking something which is not only part of our growing up years, also something which  informs them of our brilliant culture and history in such simple yet elaborate manner! 

Do try buying #amarchitrakatha books for your little one next time. Do let us know about your experience ☺️

#books #bookrecoomendation #bibliophile #bookstagram #read #readingbooks #readingaddict #readersofinstagram #children #kidsofinstagram #kidsbooks #childrenbooks #history #legend #mythology #parent #motherdaughter #parenting #school #bookreading #author #authorsofinstagram #storybooks #storiesofindia

How do you deal with Grumpy Child in public?

So how do you deal with the grumpy kid in public? 

Do you chide them or you just ignore them. Do you leave it to them to handle or you run to them for help? 

Every child has his or her own way to act in public. Sometimes a gregarious kid can also turn grumpy and it is necessary that we give them the space. Chiding or rebuke is not a healthy way of dealing with the situation. So what can parents do? 

Remember Avoiding without knowing the reason does not help at all

Humour is something that can be used as a tool to lighten the mood of the child and get him or her to participate again

Reproaching in public should be avoided. Even if the child is behaving in the most unlikely manner. As parents we should keep that in mind. 

Distraction can be a way to deal with the situation. Children get distracted quite easily and can be used as a took to handle the situation in a lighter manner. 

You can not escape by neglecting your child in public. Make sure you connect with them in their way to make them understand. 

Ignorance is not a bliss when you handle a child especially in public. 

Talk ... The best way to deal and understand your child during such situation. 

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https://youtube.com/shorts/B84SbutgVqA?feature=share

#parenting #parent #mindfulparenting #parent #children #childpsychology #kids #kidsproblem #parentingproblems #motherhood #fatherhood #grumpykid #grumpy #follow #followforfollow #handlingkids 

Rest in peace my friend

I was in my twenties when AD saw you for the first time and fell in love with your style. He knew that you were meant to be with me so he got you home one evening. Since then you have been a part of my life traveling to various places along with me. Although we didn't get to see each other for a few years in between because of my Motapa (weight gain) post motherhood, yet we shared a relation beyond the physicality. You always motivated me to get back in shape so that we can get back to meeting and feeling each other once again. 

Now in my forties I have to let you go my friend because age took a toll on you as well. It's time for us to bid adieu to each other with a heavy heart. Thank you for being with me since 2007 and being a part of my journey pre covid and post covid. You have been beside me throughout my journey pre and post motherhood and seen my body undergo change like never before. Yet you held on to me like a true friend.

Every time I looked at you post motherhood it was a deep sense of belonging that made me feel  some day I should be able to get you back. When o wore you after many years it was the feeling of meeting a long lost friend. The emotion was overwhelming and I loved wearing you over and over again. You made me feel good about myself... My existence...my identity. You boosted confidence in me to face the world sprightly. 

Its been a great journey so far my little sexy dress but nothing is permanent so is ours. It's time to bid adieu to you.I will miss wearing you but let me tell you something... You could be non living but this living being really liked you and it's hard to part today. Thank you for giving innumerable memories to cherish upon. The compliments I received because of you, the amorous gaze of the husband whenever I wore you, every moment was special. Thanks to the husband for bringing you home that evening. My dress rest in peace. 

To Pee or not to Pee

I hate those midnight wala nature calls. Mostly when I am in deep slumber it'sthe bladder that kind of knocks from within making me feel like the cloud overburdened with rain, ready to burst and she'd it's weight.
I try to control and make up my mind... Aajke ami uthbo na hishu korte (tonight I am not getting up to pee) I turn this side,I turn that side trying to go back to sleep with the Hamletian dillema but the bladder seems impregnated with the waste water which needs immediate attention and I have no option but to run...run with those sleepy eyes to the toilet with reluctance  once again only to discover the eternal truth...

Tyag mei hi Sukh hain (Secret to happiness is  sacrifice) 😇😇😇

Then sleep like the infuriated lover leaves me to stay awake until the yellow fingers of the sun reaches me through the chinks of the curtains.
But tonight was  different and instead of fighting with my bladder I thanked it as I got to witness the magical Brishti (rain) and listen to its tunes sitting in my balcony while eating a banana and munching on some biscuits. My skin is not soaked but my soul is... Or is it both 😊

#rain #pluviovile #rainsong #morning #rainyday #rainraingoaway #kolkata #blogger #momblogger #soul #skin #humour #bladder #pee #hamlet #sun #brishti #monsoon #cloud #night #day #sunrise #day #music

Memoirs of a Mother and Child caught in the midst of a pandemic - July 2020

Memoirs of the initial lockdown days - July 2020

Tonight as we went to sleep Biryani and I were suddenly overwhelmed by the current scenario. It was so much that we both ended up crying profusely. She was missing her dyon...my mother. Her dadai and mama. She missed being at her home in Kolkata. She missed eating her grandma's  cooked food, Playing with the two cuties Dhishum and Thalaiva. The little one whimpered and asked God why he was doing such a wrong thing to children. She went on wailing and asking, "When are we going to go to school or play in the park. We can't even step out of home." There was an angst in the way she tried expressing her feelings. She felt helpless and hopeless at the same time. This was for the first time that I saw her crying so much during the Pandemic. 

Guess this is just the beginning for them... the kids are losing it. They are losing patience, they are losing hope. Biryani said that she is taking care of the environment and doing eco friendly things then why is it that God is not listening to her prayers. She feared the fact that her father has to step out to get food and stuff because of which he might get affected by the virus. She missed the days when she and her father would go to school and office happily everyday. She would go down to play with friends. 

This year she won't be able to celebrate her birthday is something which I think triggered this incident. The little one must be feeling something within which she couldn't share with us all these days. But with her birthday approaching it's too much for her to handle and therefore the emotional explosion.

I didn't scold her or stop her from crying because I felt that crying would help her lighten herself. All that hidden anger and frustration over the months needed to be vented out. Her father reproached me for not stopping her; I explained him that the child needs to speak... To express her innermost fears and grief. That is the only way out during this period when life seems to go topsy turvy for all and sundry. 

Motherhood is something I am passionate about and have been giving my best... Not because this is the only thing I have of my own... Also because I want my child to be brave, be intelligent and empathetic and most importantly a good human being. She should learn that there is no harm in being emotional and compassionate. No harm in crying and letting out the distress. That makes us human. There is no strength in being  insensitive, mechanical and cold. 

As I lie down alone in this room now all I pray is... May your prayers be heard and the human race gets back to normal before it's too late. I love you.

Photo courtesy: Google

How often do you love yourself

Life was crazy already when the latest trend of online classes added to the agony. Entire day gets consumed by the Zoom meetings, Google classrooms, presentations and the long list of online teaching materials. 

As a mother and a teacher she found it overwhelming at times. This is not what she wants or is used to. Being Adaptive towards her surrounding is what she learnt from childhood but this time she felt choked. She wanted to breathe. 

During an intermittent break she discovered a new way of dealing with her predicament. Self mockery, buffoonery in front of the camera made her relax. The camera acted as a catalyst in her overcoming the ennui, the oppression of online classes. 

One funny selfie shot gave her a way to deal with it. Various other selfies followed and classes became interesting and fun. Teaching was fun again and so was studying. Using technology to get over the weariness created by technology... Yes that's how she dealt with it. The students loved it too! 

 Moral of the story-  Never let the boredom, monotony climb up on your head and sit on your psyche. You are your own master. If you are willing enough, you are bound to find avenues to entertain yourself at the harshest of times. 

If online classes made life crazier, she decided to be the craziest. That was her way to deal with it and maintain sanity in the chaos she was into. 

She is me 🥰 

#shortstory

#camera #teacher #teaching #onlineclasses #musings #parenting #studies #learning #entertainment #inspiring #selfie #mockery #selflove #motivation 

Happy father's day or is it something more than that this year?

This year Father's Day is not what it used to be. There are fathers who are no more to celebrate this day with their kids. There are also fathers who are childless today and all they can do is grieve. The virus has changed the world forever.

I can count more than twenty such families whom I know personally where there have been deaths... where fathers lost their children and vice versa.
It's not easy... it's not easy to live with such a loss. There's nothing which can calm these souls today when they would be witnessing the world celebrate Father's Day. They would feel a bit more cornered and lonely today. It would not be difficult to find a father hiding in some corner and crying silently... because he cannot share his grief with anyone.

There are children who are missing their creator on this day reminiscing days when they were together. Happiness, joy, laughter seems to have left them filling their lives with a void... a void unexplained. A void so deep that no treasure in this world can fill that.

I personally know bereaved fathers who are not able to get into terms today. It's every day that they miss their little one but this day makes them a bit more vulnerable. It's hard and it's inconsolable. No words of wisdom can stop these fathers from missing their child a bit more today.


There are infants who lost their fathers forever and they will never get to know him. For the children their father will be someone on that frame in the wall of their house.
The kids of such men are always in fear... the fear of their father coming in contact with the virus and it's after effects. The fear of losing their Hero to the virus. It's a trauma they are facing on a daily basis.

This Father's Day is not like the other years... it's different in many aspects. Let us be beside such parents or such kids today. Let them know you care. A simple message or call can help them communicate... something that's essential yet we try to avoid. (Thanks to the world and it's ways )

Let this Father's Day be memorable in a way where you could make some father feel better or a fatherless child relive some moments of bygone days.


What about fathers who are frontline workers? They leave behind their family every day to step out in these testing times. Look around and you can see those doctors, nurses, soldiers, policemen, the cleaners, the essential goods carrier,the chemist,the phlebotomist who conducts the RTPCR test knowing the threat it has. All these people are nothing but angels for the common man. We are because of them.

Let us draw inspiration from these fighters and be the Ubuntu. Together we are. Humanity is all about being there for each other and helping in the development of the society.  Let this Father's Day be special in a way where we teach our children to value relationships, to spread love and care and be compassionate. Help them  learn to be there for someone.

This Father's Day is not only about being Happy... it's also about being Ubuntu.

#fathersday #happy #family #ubuntu #humanity #bereavedfather #orphan #childless #fatherless #parenting #momblog #iamwriting #momblogger #happyfathersday #counsel #compassionate #blog #writer #writeup

Tribute to Satyajit Ray by Little Biryani

Yes it's done!!! "দড়ি ধরে মারো টান, রাজা হবে খানখান"

Our little one drew this picture to celebrate the birthday of Satyajit Ray and coincidentally it matched with the current scenario. In the last scene of #heerakrajardeshe the statue of the fascist, dictator, tyrant king was pulled down by the people after his defeat. Without knowing the political scene our Little Biryani portrayed the reality in this frame.

If you ask her why she drew this scene she would reply because Heerak Raja was cruel, he didn't let children go to school, didn't let people work and ensured they remain poor. Well, isn't this quite resonating? Isn't it what our nation is facing at the moment? 

Isn't it time to fight back? Hope people of the country realise this truth soon. 

 As Ray rightly said...

 

 "দড়ি ধরে মারো টান, রাজা হবে খানখান"

Education is important! Teach your kids to be educated, liberal, open minded, cultured and to believe in equality. 

Yes we bengali girls are daring. Because we are educated, we are liberal, we are not slaves to misogynists and megalomaniacs and we know to speak up when it's required. More Power!!!

 #heerakrajardeshe #satyajitrayfilms #satyajitrayfans #satyajitray #kids #children #parenting #momblogger #films #parenting #parentingcoach #teacher #artist #littlewonder #girlchild #girlpower #womanpower #bengali #indiancinema #worldcinema #kidspainting #politics #india #films #cinema #earlychildhoodeducation