Early morning conversations during dal lake shikara ride. Chacha, is poore pahad me light kyun lagi hui he? Yahan koi famous night trek hota he kya?Nahi, ye Military Cantonment area he.Oh, yahan pe ja sakte he?Nahi, civillians allowed nahi he. Aur, vo doosra pahad? Ukse upar kya he? Mandir?Haan, vo Shanakracharaya ka mandir he. Bohot famous he.Acha, vahan se dal lake dikta he?Shayad. Me kabhi gaya nahi.Kyon? Aap to yahin rehte ho. “Sundar to sab hi he. Jahan he vahin ka luft lete he.” He replied looking at the mesmerizing sunrise from dal …
From Cacti Killer to Gardener
This quote hits home. I’ve tried growing plants a couple of times. And I’ve killed all of them - every single time. I’m talking about killing - Aloe vera and cactus, also known as the king and queen of the most indestructible plants on every gardening list. After a while, I ran out of excuses for blaming external factors like bad weather, bad plants, bad soil, etc. but still didn’t want to publicly admit that maybe gardening is not my thing. Every once in a while, I would tell Hari, let’s get only a few plants, this time it will …
Books & Me
Even before I learned to read/write, books were my sanctuary, my safe haven. The former years of my childhood were spent in a big Marwari joint family. My mom was almost always in the kitchen. She would make a circle of magazines and books around me and make me sit in the center. Even if she was occupied for hours at a stretch, I would keep turning every single page of those magazines patiently and make my way from start to finish of the circle. I think I was around 1-2 yrs old at the time. She was sometimes late in giving me food but even if I …
Why Kashmir is my happy place?
Kashmir became my home in just one visit. And almost the whole of it is because of these people. I went on a solo trip to Srinagar and stayed with Insha and her beautiful family for 6 nights. I've never stayed/seen such a huge property and also lived with a joint family. The place is stunning with big rooms, wi-fi, power backup, a fully equipped kitchen, open grasslands of the size of the mansion, an orchard, a cave, and even a water stream opening to dal lake. I was greeted very warmly by everyone. Aunty (Insha’s …
Dogs, beach and friends – Go Goa!!
I was more terrified to go to Goa alone than Kashmir. Why? Because I am really really scared of dogs and I don't know how to drive a 2 - wheeler yet. Goan dogs are really territorial and they keep barking all the time which further heightens my fear and anxiety. There is this duality of enjoying such serene surroundings while trying to act brave with multiple stray dogs barking and running around on beaches. Every cafe, beach shack, or supermarket will have multiple stray dogs lying around at all hours. It’s a nightmare for people who suffer …
Happy Birthday Sara 😍
Dear Sara, My cute little princess, Happy Happy Birthday. Just the thought of you makes my heart explodes with so many emotions. I really wish I could freeze moments with you forever. Precisely why I keep annoying your mom for more pics and videos to the point that she has to share a screenshot of her camera reel. It is impossible to explain the joy you have brought to so many lives - it is too big, bright and burly for words. What is it that I love about you? I could go on forever, and the list would be much too long. …