The Other Side of Life

I have probably never written anything serious on my blog (I just checked the archives. Never). But I had to write this today, to remove that lump in my throat, that just refuses to go ever since my Diwali vacation in Delhi. I stopped participating in debates about cities. Everyone loves the city they grew up in, because that city moulded you into what you are. And so when someone says something about Delhi, I just swallow my pride and ignore, despite the urge to retort about infrastructure (That's what most of Delhites do. Mumbai Local - Delhi Infrastructure. Bangalore weather - Delhi infrastructure. Hyderabad cost of living - Delhi infrastructure) But you know what, I love Delhi. I really do, with all my heart. And now that my parents will move out of Delhi in a few months, it means severing ties with the only city I know as home. This Diwali I spent most of my time in Delhi like a zombie, melting away into nostalgia at every nook and cranny of the city. Nehru Park ...

In my humble opinion, Whatsapp has single handedly ruined our emotional intelligence. Its not the chat that causes problems. Its the unavoidable inclusion of smileys in the chats that has changed how we communicate. Forever. Let me explain. Take this chat, for example: Interpretation:  I am happy that I quit this fu#$ing job.  It feels awesome. I will party tonight. Now this: Interpretation: Holy Shit. Why did I do this? I don't have another job in hand.  Why would I do this? Do you know of any openings? Oh God. How will I tell my parents? OR this: Interpretation: Couldn't take it any more. I hope this boss rots in hell.  I hope someone tells him GoT spoilers. I hope he gets a horrible reportee. I hope they didn't mind the dramatic smashing of the laptop I did today. I hope they clear my dues and give me a relieving letter. Oh God. Shit. How about thi...

In my humble opinion, the true mirror to one's achievement in life, is their spam mail folder. And by that logic, I have arrived in life. Sample this mail I got yesterday (in my actual inbox, not in spam): I decided to reply to him straight away, given how exciting this proposition seemed. Here's what I wrote: Dear Mr Dave Hill 933 Ji, I am excited that you chose me for this amazing profile of "Hotel Services - Skilled and unskilled". It has always been my dream to work in Canneda. Actually, it has been my dream to ice-skate. That Pepsi Blue Ice Lounge in Gurgaon is a scam, I tell you. When Delhi's at a simmering 46 degrees, people come in to cool their bums on that ice, in the afternoons. No fun. So I always thought of Canneda as a dream destination. Would the Ice Skating Rinks be open after 4 pm, once I am off duty? In case they aren't, would I be allowed to leave early on Monday, Wednesday and Friday? Also, I assume I will re...

Do you have consultants in your life? If you don't, you are missing out on something. Almost akin to being the only one on your Facebook timeline not watching Game of Thrones. #ReferringToAFriend #NotMe Being with consultants brings structure to your lives. Suddenly, everything is crystal clear.  Q: Should I sleep on the sofa and watch random movies on Romedy Now, or should I do something constructive, like say, go jogging or learn swimming? The answer is in the wind, my friends. What should I blog about today? Random stuff, gyaan post, a well thought out post, a short story? Everyday choices suddenly become simpler. Ask me a question.Go ahead. Ask me anything. Q: How is married life? You get the drift. Q: What are your future plans? Q: What do you make of people in office? You get it, right? Just give a structure to anything and your life becomes peaceful.  Just to check if you have been following me seriously, please tell me what y...

I had an interesting conversation with a colleague today. While licking away wisps of Avakkai (Andhra Pickle) from someone's plate, he commented that our generation is not working hard enough to preserve the talents of our past generations. The case in point being rare, non-re-creatable recipes, with the potential to cause foodgasms. And also some arts. I agree. Only that, I don't completely agree. I mean, yes, we have failed our ancestors miserably in keeping their traditions alive. I cannot imagine ever making a Sambhar like my Mom or home-made crackers, like my great-grandmom. However, I don't agree that we are talentless. We did not preserve their traditions because we were busy developing new talents. Let's give ourselves some credit. *round of applause* I know for a fact, that 100 years from today, my descendants will be discussing my talents too. I can imagine it. *Start of Visualization* A bunch of ugly teenagers (ugly because I am a 100% c...