Himachal Pradesh... Firgun land

It was the sunrise that I wanted to witness. No, I didn't need an alarm to wake me up that morning. The yearning to see the golden sun rays fall slowly on the hill tops to uncover the dark cloak of the night kept me awake. 

It was 5 AM when I woke up. It was pitch dark outside, the sound of the nocturnal chorus being my only company. As ilI waited for the sun to wake up and unfold I noticed Biryani's drawing Book and some crayons lying on the table. An idea struck! I felt an urge to capture the beauty not in my mobile this time but in paper. As the Sun took lazy and gratifying turns to unfurl, I decided to surprise it with my callow art. Over the next two hours I drew, i coloured and took a part of the hills with me... The art was not to prove anything. 

The drawing set of a six year old daughter rekindled the kiddo in the forty two year old mother who still gets exhilarated like a kid at the sight of hills, sun, snow !

Sitting in the room of Manzanna Woodlet Cottage at Shoja with those twelve colours and a white sheet of paper in front of me, I started to draw. Draw without any purpose or motive. It was the magic of that moment... The serenity of the place, that time of the day between dark and light which made me feel the passion to capture what lau in front of my eyes. 

I drew not to get praised or applauded... I drew because I wanted to... I felt the urge to seize that moment forever. What better than giving the view it's due by etching it in paper with a bunch of crayons. 

The sky changed it's hue every few minutes, the dark green trees changing colours like a chameleon and playing hide and seek with the sun rays. It was magic... the magic of science beholded as poetry, as painting in the eyes of a wondering soul. 

I am so glad I did it! The sense of satisfaction after was splendid. I could feel a sense of belonging with nature. It was all so cathartic. Sometimes we should just go with the flow without thinking about results and outcomes. It's only for ourselves... Our soul that we should do things at times. It's liberating. 

The husband woke up and captured his wife's moments on camera because he had witnessed this me after ages. He too didn't want to let go off the moment. I was unaware though only to find out later about it. A great feeling indeed! 

A day that started well... The morning that told me not to give up on that kid inside... Ever! 

Life hai Gullak si 😊

I didn't watch the previous seasons of Gullak. I somehow belong to the detective, mystery and action genre of films and series. A few friends suggested to watch Gullak but i turned a deaf ear to it. However the other day as i was browsing through the television I came across the third season of Gullak and thought of giving it a try. The only familiar face in it was Geetanjali Kulkarni whom I loved watching in the series Taj Mahal. I said to myself agar yeh hai cast mein toh ekbar try karna toh banta hai. 

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon and I was missing my parents a lot. Sundays were all about family time when Babu would be home all day. He would take the typical Kolkata 'bajarer bag' and go mutton shopping from Yakub's shop. He would ensure he got the best rewazi pieces for us and the bone marrow for us siblings. Maa would cook her delectable 'pathar mangshor jhol', the aroma would spread far and wide. Bhai and I would drool and loiter around the kitchen with a bowl until Maa gave one or two pieces in it for us to taste. Later the whole family would have a good meal together and head to the bed for afternoon siesta. Aah woh bhi kya din the!

The trailer of Gullak somehow made me feel that the series is something like going back memory lane to the bygone era of simplicity and being happy together come what may. The nostalgia made me press the remote button to Gullak. Oh boy! Mishraji and parivar was an instant connect and soooooo relatable. Each episode was a treat to watch until the last one... I mean kaun karta hai aisa viewers ke saath? 

Mishraji ne toh Dara hi Diya thaa yaar! Izzati ki chamkar is the name of the episode and I am sure every middle class family will have tears rolling down while watching this brilliant episode. The brilliance with which the episode is shot is commendable. End of the day it's the Izzat that a hard working,honest man has earned over the years and when he sees that shattering in front of his eyes he succumbs. Vaibhav Raj Gupta .. bhai tu genius hai! Kaise kar leta hai aisi acting itne Aram se .. rula diya tune humko. Harsh Mayer bhaisaab woh chote bhai wala kirdar... Aah! You won my heart bro! This episode is actually an epitome of coming of age for middle class kids where they realise the importance of the father and how much that man means to children. Mrs. Shanti Mishra aapko pranam Mataji, no melodrama yet so strong portrayal of the wife in crisis. Aur Jameel Khan aka Mishraji you personified the fathers of most part of India to the tee. I mean how, how did you all create such magic with such simplicity on screen? 

I am so glad that i watched the series and believe me after watching the first thing I did was going back to my family photos stored in my mobile with moist eyes. I felt grateful for my family. Yes, we are weirdos in our own way but end of the day we are a family which is normal,which is perfect with its imperfections. Series like Gullak touches the right chord and makes audience feel and relate to emotions, moments, feelings of the real India. What a great watch it was! Team Gullak apka gullak hamesha bhara rahen with love and blessings. Looking forward to watching more seasons soon. 

#gullak #geetanjalikulkarni #ott #tvseries #jameelkhan #vaibhavrajgupta #harshmayer #films

All Out...The mosquito repellent story

Remember those All Out days???

The initial days of the mosquito repellent wave in the country. It was such a relief from the choking kachua chaap coils and mosquito nets! However, no one addressed those automatic liquid filled machines as mosquito repellent..It was 'All out taa lagie de' or 'All out laga do' etc. The languages varied,not the expressions. 

Remember the first All Out advertisement that appeared on television? That machine with a tongue 😛 that attacked and killed the mosquitoes, the Japanese man doing monkey see monkey do type of a thing 🤣 

Wow! Good old days! Memories of sleeping aaram se without the 'Moshari' or mosquito nets. Wasn't it some kind of a freedom for all of us ?  Inconsequential,yet such  soul stirring experiences that made up our growing up days!

The eighties and nineties kids surely experienced the massive change that the country underwent in terms of products, brands, technology. The transition from a simple to a more tech savvy product made us wonder. The new world was indeed years away then but we experienced the tiniest of change with much excitement and joy. 

How the entire country suddenly got used to new beginnings was in itself an experience. From the young to the old, all and sundry embraced the changes with open hands. India slowly became an important market to the foreign brands and there has been no looking back since. 

As they say... Change is the only constant. 

If you want to have a look at the old advertisements to go down memory lane click on the link below

https://youtu.be/gA4A6nH_25k

https://youtu.be/npQYyB2ArvQ

Do share your experiences in the comment box below ☺️

Aranyak on Netflix

I thought I would be one of the first ones to watch Aranyak but it took me a month to witness the show due to some glitch in my Netflix subscription. 

The feeling after binge watching the show was... Der aaye durust aaye types. The first time the credits hit the screen I was frantically looking for the Writer credit to pop up and when it did I had a grin on my face. Believe me I watched the writer part at the beginning of each episode and grinned 😁 Why? Because I have huge respect for this man Charudutt Acharya who is the reason behind my grin. 

This gentleman has gifted us a story so gripping and engaging that I didn't even press the pause button to attend nature's call during my watch at the wee hours of night. I was like bhai yeh khatam karke jayoongi as I didn't want to waste a minute. The way the story is spun in mystery, suspense, thril at the same time focussing on human emotions and relationships is commendable. 

It's the new generation that watch these shows the most and i think it's a responsibility of the writer and makers to focus such issues. The teenage issues of love, sex and  viral sex videos has been portrayed so well in Aranyak is another reason for me liking the show so much. Another grin follows 😁

A lesson on modern parenting and how we parents slip at times in our search of success, indolence is fantastically narrated by the man behind the grin once again 😁

Relationship between the husband and his succesful wife... That was superb! The scene where Hari tells Kasturi that there's no love left in their relationship was so hard! It really hit hard hain na? Yeh wala grin sochne wala grin hai mere liye 😬 Life mein kuch bhi ho jaaye Aisa loveless husband wife relationship nahi hona chahiye Bhai!

Raveena as Kasturi the cop is not perfect, neither is she perfect as a mother or as a wife... Yet she never gives up. She tries to balance and lives by them in spite of feeling lonely and unsuccessful at times. She's no super hero... Just a normal human being trying to play her part well faltering at times, determined otherwise. Isme Mera grin sabse zyada hai 😁

The character of Parambrata is portrayed humanly once again. A tough cop with a grey past which haunts him and weakens his psyche. But he doesn't give up .. He gathers himself and fights till the end. I am grinning again 😁

The nartendua angle in the series is so relatable naa! We have heard such folklores and stories as kids from grandparents and elders. As kids we believed in them but as we grew up we started questioning... The answers though seems  eons away to get. That's the magic of such stories! And that the magic behind my grin 😁

For once this series did not take help of the maa behen ki Galis or the sex scenes that mostly seems  zabardasti inserted to titillate the audience (does it even titillate or it cringes mostly ?) I am so glad that the story was so realistically written and directed. An honest effort that has not only seen the daylight but is shining bright even after a month. That's success you know! And I end my write up once again with a satisfied and happy grin 😁 Thank you once again Sir and congratulations 🎉🥰

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 🎉🎉🥳

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

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. 

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