Dazzled

   
       He looked at me with twinkling eyes that displayed his longing.

       The look in his eyes told he was completely dazzled and would definitely come back for me.

       I was happy; finally I had found someone who loved me.

      The wait seemed to end when he came back again after a week, smiling triumphantly like he has been waiting for this moment too.

       "Show me the latest model Bhaiyya" he said and I watched enviously as the shopkeeper picked up the S5, while the boy eyed it with the same love he had for me, the S4, few days back!

PS: Linking this post to Five Sentence Fiction - Dazzles, Ultimate Blog Challenge July 2014 and NaBloPoMo

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Stuck in the Elevator!

       I ran into the elevator trying to hide my tears. As usual the anger had brought tears in my eyes. I don't know why, but due to some twisted logic, my anger was hard wired to my tear ducts. It was embarrassing to end up crying like this humiliating myself in front of others. So I rushed to the elevator leaving the scene, escaping from the problem as usual. After all what was my fault? All I had asked for was support from my family to fulfill my dreams but they had started dismissing the idea itself by saying its impossible. They weren't ready to see my point of view. I had lost my temper and had started screaming and had ended up getting labelled as disrespectful. I couldn't bear it anymore. I had enough of all this.

       I got inside the elevator, closing the door but then someone hurriedly opens it and gets inside. I was too busy hosting pity party for myself to notice him. I just sprinted to the corner of the lift so that whoever it was that came inside, wouldn't see me in this state. I wished he would get off soon. But suddenly the elevator jerks to a stop. A break down! "Nothing is going right today" I say and break down myself, tears flowing freely now that I had one more reason. "Hey are you OK?" asked the person who was stuck with me. "Yeah. I just thought to break down too to give company to the elevator" I snap but instantly regret it. It was my problem. Why was I taking my frustration on him! "I am sorry. Just leave me alone" I say pitying him for being with the wrong person at the wrong time. I felt his stare and lifted my head and I was in for a shock! He was none other than my idol Sandeep Maheshwari!

       How many times had I dreamt of meeting this guy but never had I thought of greeting him in such a state. I quickly wipe my tears forgetting my problem momentarily. "I have seen your videos and I am a huge fan of yours" I blurt out, my voice still husky after crying. He continued watching me intently and slowly said "I don't think so" I was confused why he was saying so. I open my mouth to explain myself but he continued. "Can I ask why were you crying?" I tell him the story briefly. He listens without interrupting and when I am done, he speaks again. And what he said, definitely changed my perspective towards life.

       "There are two barriers which stop you from achieving anything in life. One is people around you and the other one is yourself. Whenever you want to achieve something in life, there will always be people who tell you that you can't do it. I just say, ask them why you can't? 90% of them will not have a valid answer. Never pay heed to their comments. If you learn to do that, you have already achieved your goals half. Even I was told by many that I can't do it when I shared my ideas but I never heard them. And look at me today; I have achieved my dream. That is what you should do now. And when you learn not to let others stop you, don't let your doubts to stop you" he said, totally making me forget all my problems and filling me with a renewed inspiration.

       Just then the lift started moving and we arrive at ground floor. He wished me luck and told me to keep the child in me alive which would guide me in the right direction always. I thank him whole heartedly as he leaves. I walk out with new confidence coursing through my veins, which told me I can even touch skies, if I believed in myself. Those 10 minutes in the elevator had definitely changed my life.

PS: This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

(This post is a fiction. But I do wish I could meet Sandeep Maheshwari once. His videos have inspired me a lot and this is my favorite one)

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Birthday Bash!

        It’s strange how time flies by when we are happy and drags on when we are sad! It feels like just yesterday when I stood shyly on the dais when all my classmates sang ‘Happy Birthday’ song and I blushed furiously as they clapped and shouted my name. It was like I was the star of the class, the only one wearing a colour dress when everyone else wore the same monotonous uniform! I felt happy as I went to each bench distributing chocolates, one each to all my class mates and two to teachers. Friends were being extra nice to me so that they can earn an extra chocolate and I felt like royalty when they kept on hovering around me.

       Sigh! That was the memory of a seven year old. This was all fine when I was kid but as years passed and I grew up, all these seemed silly. I desired to celebrate birthdays with a big bash as they show on TV. Parties! Oh how I wished I could host one. But no, I never did. My parents were of the opinion that these were not how one celebrated birthday. Birthdays are meant for visiting the temple and seeking Lord’s blessings. Every year I would whine about parties but nothing changed until I finally gave up trying. I had resigned to fate, treating birthdays just as any other day.

       But that isn’t how happiness works. Its finds a way to you when you least expect it. And thus when I had finally given up the whole celebration thing, I had the best ever Birthday of my life. Yes, yesterday was my birthday and it was so far the best one. The day started with surprises with my little brother staying up till 12, wishing me with an awesome gift. I loved it. Phone calls started from 11:30pm itself with my friends competing with each other as to who would wish first. I was talking on two phones simultaneously. Of course I was enjoying the whole thing. Morning brought in more surprises with gifts from mom and grandpa, collages and a video of memories from my childhood made by friends. 

  

         My darling friend Nibha made my day with a sweet post which had me smiling ear to ear. She asked me to write a guest post about some memory associated with birthday but I didn’t have any. As I mentioned, I rarely celebrated them. So I wrote a post about another childhood memory instead. Read it here. Thanks a lot Nibhz for making me feel so special.

        Once the initial excitement waned, I started getting bored. Since it is exam time, my friends had declined coming over and I knew that as usual this birthday was going to be super boring. Or at least that is what I thought. Each of my friends pinged me asking when the party is and when I asked them to come by, they stared saying “I will come after exams” Seriously! What’s the point in asking if they don’t have the intention of coming? I was getting frustrated! I kept mobile aside and started watching TV.

       When I was in the middle of watching some boring serial, my brother called me. I go outside cursing him for not letting me sit in peace and I stop dead in my tracks! There were my friends, waving at me and shouting ‘Happy Birthday’ and laughing as they saw my shocked expression. I was the one who usually planned surprises and here they were surprising me. I was told that my brother and they had planned all this months before! My mom knew about it too it seems! I wondered how she had hid the secret from me! I was still in shock when I cut the cake they brought but all the shock wore off when I was given a full facial of the choco truffle! (Girls that was so bad!) Yummy chats followed the cake cutting and we sat there chatting happily without realizing how the time flew by so fast!

       Like all good things come to an end, the day ended too but I have loads of memory that will make me smile whenever I remember this day. I feel lucky for having such amazing friends. Thank you Minhoz and Sudhi for making me feel so special. Love you people :) 

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Earning Respect

         There is a saying which we all might have heard - ‘If you give respect, then you will earn respect!’ Though I had understood it (or rather thought I did!) I witnessed it recently, which made me believe it is true indeed.

       Few weeks back I and my dad were going to market. I was enjoying the time alone with him, chatting and sharing thoughts as I rarely get such time with him due to his constant travelling. In the middle of our conversation, he received a call and I stood listening to the conversation. I didn't know who was on the other side but dad kept addressing him ‘Sir’ and so I figured it must be his boss, calling as dad was on leave. When the conversation ended, I casually asked him who it was. I was told it was his colleague and friend. I recognized him when dad mentioned his name. I felt quite strange and I kept quiet for the rest of the time, lost in my own thoughts.

       “Why are you quiet all of a sudden?” dad asked and I couldn't hold back voicing my thoughts. “Why did you call him Sir?” I asked. “Is there something wrong with that?” he asked surprised. I didn't know how to say exactly what was bothering me but I made an attempt to describe it as best as I could. “You mention every one as ‘Sir’ and I don’t really understand why you do so. I mean its good you are respecting them but why that word? Isn't being polite enough? I am not against respecting others but dad I hate it when you bow in front of others. It’s fine during office hours but why all the time? You address everyone like that” I said, feeling totally like an idiot but still wishing to convey what I was feeling.

       A smile crossed his face as he understood my emotions. He chose his words carefully when he answered. “Every person has his own self respect. We usually recognize people based on their designation but that is not a right thing to do. Even maids and servants have as much right to be respected as we do. Have you ever thought how much important each of their work is? And about the addressing, calling someone Sir/Madam doesn't make you inferior to them. It just means you are good enough to respect them as individuals. It will only earn you respect in return, not disgrace” he said.

       I was still silent processing what he had said in my mind when one of the Shop Keeper waved at him saying “Sir, how are you? Long time, no see!” he said smiling. I had come to this shop many times and from experience, I knew that he was one of the grumpiest person in the locality. He is short tempered and is known to snap at his customers all the time. If I had any doubt about what my dad had said earlier, seeing this person smile and chat friendly with him, had cleared it all. I finally understood his message.

PS: I am writing about #MyRoleModel as a part of the activity by Gillette India in association with BlogAdda.com.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

A Salute to the Greatest Teacher!

     While I am detesting this phase of my life where exams are taking up all my time, there is also something I am finding pleasure in; my brother’s new college or rather my PU college. College started recently for him and he comes back in the evening daily and shares with me the whole day's experience. Hearing the stories of a place that was once dear for me (and still is) brings back a wave of nostalgia always. I long to go back to those days, which definitely were the best two years of my life.

      I still remember how I ended up in this college. There was free admission at that time for meritorious students and without thinking twice I had declared I would join there. My parents were skeptical; the college was still under construction, ours was supposed to be the first batch. They were concerned about my future but finally there was one man, meeting who, they were convinced that I was in safe hands. It was our principal Mr. K.V. Ragunath Rao who is famous as KVR amidst students.       

       As promised the college building was ready in time and all facilities were provided and more! He used to take organic chemistry for us and chemistry became fun when he taught it. Classes were fun filled and I never got bored. He never failed to help anyone when in need. If I have to describe him in one word, that would be ‘Inspiring’. There were many instances which left me in awe.

       One such instance took place when I was in second PU. During the middle of our academic year, he had some major health issue. His leg was injured and he had to undergo some operation. But he never let that reflect on his teaching. He was ever smiling. While many will be in search of reasons to escape work, he did exactly the opposite of that. He came back within days after he was discharged from the hospital and resumed teaching. Such was his dedication. How many of us actually do it? Did I say he is a senior lecturer and he was around 70 at that time? Well that should speak volumes about him! When I was facing problems with my studies, he called me to college during study holidays and he came everyday too, to help out students like me, even by giving extra preparatory exams so that we can learn from our mistakes and improve ourselves.

       Kind towards students, friendly with everyone, dedicated towards his profession, ever ready to accept any challenge and zeal to lead life to the fullest, that's how he is. He has always been an inspiration to hundreds like me. And our college which was at that time, just a new college, is now one of the top colleges of our city and even people from neighboring towns come down to join here. I witnessed the frenzy among parents to get their children admitted to this institution during my brother's admission. I must say this wouldn't have been possible if not for KVR! So when he recognized me and smiled, I was on cloud nine!

Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu

Guru Devo Maheshwaraha

Guru Saakshat Para Brahma

Tasmai Sree Gurave Namaha

       I have recited this thousands of times since childhood but I realized the true meaning of it when I found a great Teacher like him. Yes, I am proud that I am his student and I hope that each and every one of us get a lecturer like him who definitely will change our outlook towards life. I salute you Sir.

       That's me, HRS and KVR in the picture. HRS is another equally great lecturer. Speaking about him would require one more post, which I will definitely write someday.

PS: I am writing about #MyRoleModel as a part of the activity by Gillette India in association with BlogAdda.com.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Last Day of Life!!

       It is 6 in the morning and I am still wide awake. I hadn't got even an ounce of sleep whole night. The whole excitement and the joy of carnival had worn off. The psychic reading was a bad choice; I shouldn't have went for it. I had always avoided such things; I thought they were silly but in the spur of moment and amidst friends' force, I had got my reading and it had left me shell shocked. "Tomorrow will be the last day of your life" the psychic woman had told. I had kept it to myself, not telling my friends who were waiting outside. I had tried to brush it off as unimportant, the line kept echoing in my mind and I had lost my whole night's sleep, dreading the coming day.

       I got up and decided to face it. The prediction might have been wrong, maybe it was a mistake, but if it was right, then I didn't want to spend my last day crying; I wanted to live it to the fullest. I thought of all the dreams I had.

Travelling places near and far,

Maybe signing some autographs!

Grow high and touch the sky,

And live life King size!

See my parents beam with pride,

As I become famous worldwide.

Search the planet far and wide,

And find the love of my life!

       A tear escaped my eye as I thought of these dreams and many more. But there was no time to fulfill any of these. 'I should be calm' I thought wiping away my tears. There should be something, anything that would look good in the present scenario. Well I didn't have to read for the pending exams; That should be a good thing right? I sighed. Jokes apart, I should be concentrating on important things. After all time isn't a luxury I can afford now. 'There should be something that I could do to make my last day worth while' I thought.

Spend time with the people I love,

I know for them tomorrow would be tough.

Smile and spread some happiness,

They shouldn't notice the emptiness.

I should do some good deed,

Maybe help somebody in need.

That way I will be remembered after death,

As somebody who was kind till last breath.

       I was brought out of my reverie when my best friend called.  "Hey can we hang out? I am bored to death" she says. I almost laugh at the irony. She was talking so casually about death which I was dreading. But then I thought how this could be my last chance and agreed to meet her up in the evening. I spent the rest of the day with my family. I wrote a few letters, penning down my feelings and love for them which I couldn't say out loud and kept them in my drawer where I knew my brother would find it.

       Later in the evening I leave for my friend's home. When I reach there, she appeared to be in good mood. We chatted for some time and I felt like it was just another normal day. I suddenly felt like I couldn't hold on to the secret anymore and decided to tell her about the reading. When I finished telling everything and told her how much I love her, she burst out laughing. I didn't understand her reaction. Wasn't she sad hearing the news or did she think I was kidding? "Riya its the truth" I said, a tear escaping my eye. But that only made her laugh more and slowly one by one all my friends started coming out from where they were hiding. "What is going on?" I ask confused. "Look at you!" said on of my friend still laughing. "I thought you didn't believe in those readings but figures you do!" he said. "Well..." I start but trail off not knowing what to say. 

       "Enough guys. Else she will die out of heart attack now" said Riya and she turned towards me. "Look we are really sorry but this whole psychic reading was Avi's prank. The woman agreed to give a false reading after he coaxed her but we had no idea you would take it so seriously. Now don't get angry please" she said looking at me like she was anticipating a burst out. I looked at them for few moments without speaking and after what seemed like eternity, I burst out laughing. "Oh Riya! I am so glad it was a prank and not reality" I said hugging her tight. And as for the anger, well thinking it was my last day had made me realize how short and unpredictable life could be. So I chose to laugh about it and enjoy life when I still had a chance. After all, every moment was precious!

image source: Google images

PS: This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love,

Swathi :)

Crimson Love - Guest Post

       Happiness is doing something you love and finding someone who shares the same love and is travelling on the same boat is like getting that extra cherry on top of the cake. It was a similar story, finding a best friend in this blogging world. When I was struggling, trying to find my foot, I met her, through A-Z challenge and ever since we have been best of friends. Right from discussing blog posts to college life, it's always fun chatting with Nibha. We are always on the same length and sometimes we wonder if the term 'Soul Sisters' is really true! She blogs at Expressions (hop over to her blog and show her some love) She loves to rhyme and one of her stories has been selected for Crumpled Voices an anthology of short stories. 

       Today happens to be a special day for her as she completes 100 posts (Finally after thinking about it for days! :D) and I am hosting her on my blog, to make it more special. Please welcome Nibha as she writes a fiction post today. Thank you Nibha for writing this one :)

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       It was last Saturday when I saw her for the first time. She wore red shirt paired with old blue jeans. She was busy chirping with her girl-friends when she entered through the glass door. She saw me. Her eyes said it was love at first sight. Her friend picked up her shopping bag from the counter and they left. But I saw her turn around to look at me once more. Her eyes had determination that she will make me hers.

       She couldn't resist me for long and was back the very next day when she confessed her love for me and from that moment I was all hers. I accompanied her everywhere. She wouldn't let me out of her sight for a single second. I loved her company. Her bubbly voice was like music that spread happiness wherever she went.

       Today, she was happy beyond words. It was the most awaited day of her life; prom night. She looked gorgeous in her red knee-length dress. Red was definitely her color. Red complimented her innocence. She danced so gracefully to the rhythm that anyone who saw her would fall in love with her. Amidst the music I heard someone confessing his love for her. She too was enchanted by his persona. She took no thought to say yes. It was as if her lifelong wish has come true. It broke my heart but I knew I will always have a special place in her heart.

“May I drop you home?” asked the charming boy.

“Yes, sure” she smiled at his gesture.

       A few minutes later, we were not home. I don’t know where we were but she left me alone outside when he took her in. I was perplexed. But few minutes later I heard the door lock. I was worried. It was followed by her muffled cries. I could only panic hearing her shout for help. No one came to her rescue. I could feel her pain but was helpless. I cursed myself. Sometime later, which felt like hours to me, she escaped with me leaving behind the crimson trail. Nobody knew what had happened and who he was!

       When she reached home, she shut herself in her room and cried day and night. I was there in the corner of the room, but did nothing to pacify her wailing heart. I was hurt too. I had seen her dreams being crushed. She was devastated. She felt deceived. What was her fault, I thought. Just that she believed in fairy tales and prince charming and knew nothing about what trap Love was? How naïve of her to get her heart and soul broken, anyone would say. But I knew whatever she was, she didn't deserve this. She was nothing less than a princess. I was lost in thoughts while she drowned herself in tears when I heard the police siren.  There was a knock at the door few minutes later.  Someone opened the door.

“I’m Inspector Shekhawat and I’m here to arrest Ms. Tia Sen under the charge of attempt to murder”

“What??”

      I was as shocked as her father was, but I wasn't clueless like him. What a cruel world it was!

“Yes it is. Mr. Garg, the politician has filed a complaint again her for attempting to kill his son, stabbing him with pointed red stilettos.

       Ah! My mention! But all I had done was to help her to escape from the monster! I was still thinking about what I did was good or not when the sub-inspector picked me up and suffocated me in transparent polythene. 

“Found those red stilettos, Sir”

image source: google images

Until the next post,

Keep Smiling :)

Love, 

Swathi and Nibha :)