The Inevitable Change!!

"When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person that walked in. That's what the storm is all about"

Haruki Murakami

Life is so unpredictable! At some point you feel like you should stop making plans. Nothing is going the way you wanted to anyways. Then why waste your thoughts and energy on planning things that most likely will never happen.

In the last few months, I had stopped planning. The will to do things I like was diminishing day after day. I was happy that I was with my family. Happy, because they were happy. The immature me always cried deep within, yearning for my so called "city life", my job, my friends and my accepted loneliness.

What I failed to understand is that change is good. Change makes you stronger in a way you would have never imagined. While I had the freedom to choose the change of leaving back a totally crazy life to settling in a simple, serene town, not everything went "as planned".

I am still learning to accept the change. What is working for me is that I have somewhere down the line understood that the decision on how to cope with these changes is mine and mine alone. I have recognised the difference between where I was and where I want to be. I have learnt to trust my intuition and keep my faith alive. 

I have also accepted the fact that change requires courage. It is uncomfortable. It is curious. But then, thats why its a change. That's what makes you tougher. 

Life will always throw you towards change. How we take it is what it will give us back in return.

It may seem like everything is falling apart, yet everything may just be falling into place. Just learn to look at it the way you want it to be!

Life is all about a Pulsar Ride!

Some farewells are good, most of them are not. Here I am, sitting with a cup of coffee in my hand as I fight back tears thinking of my last few days in this beautiful city.

Bangalore, I owe my life to you. You have made me whatever little I am worth today.

When I first came to the city, it was a mammoth to me. I was a scared little girl, just out of her home town and had no clue of what to expect from life. I still remember holding my mom and crying my eyes out as I did not want her to leave me here all alone. Little did I know that this place never leaves you lonely!  No matter where you are, you will always find someone or something that suits your likes.

So many love Bangalore for the weather and the pubs, I love the city for all that it has to offer!

From the endless cafes to the dazzling restaurants, the simply amazing night life to the beer parlors in the day (We are awesome even though we close at 23:00), the traffic to the bloody autowallahs, the bus conductors to the beautiful big cars, the super chic corporate offices to the lush greenery all around, sky scraper apartments to beautiful mansions to the numerous shopping malls, the Durga Puja to the flea market events. Everything teaches you so much.  The city has the power to turn you into a happy soul. You can love and hate everything about Bangalore at the same time.

Personally, this city has given me all I could have asked for and more. It has taught me to love selflessly. It has taught me to recover and put myself together when things just don’t go right. It has taught me to wander aimlessly in the millions of lanes and yet be able to smile. I could have never known that long drives amidst traffic on a Pulsar could be so satisfying. The city has taught me how to be a professional and how important it is to be a career focused person.

I have learnt patience and also that where there is a will, Bangalore has a way. I have learnt to enjoy travel and talk to strangers. I have learnt that you can never get enough of this place.

There have been a lot of people who have touched my life in my 6 years here. Today, as I’m about to leave all that behind, I just wish that the people I want in my life stay with me for ever.  All I know is that I (like everyone else in love with this place) can never leave Bangalore completely. 

A large part of my being is because of this city and the people here. 

Like I said, I owe it you and forever will!

Ok, now my coffee is cold and I’m all teary! So long Bangalore! Till we meet again!

Southbounders@Amedikallu!

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends.
You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things: air, sleep, dreams, sea, the sky - all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” 
― Cesare Pavese

There are times when you want to do something just for yourself, no matter how selfish it may seem. This weekend, after a lot of persuasion I decided to do something that I would have never dreamt of. I decided to go on a trek. With a group of 11 unknown people!

To be honest, it scared the shit out of me. What if I’m left alone somewhere? What if the group doesn’t turn up, what if I get bitten by a snake, fall off the mountain, these were just a few thing the evil part of my head was warning me against. I almost thought of drooping out, but then the idea of a boring weekend ahead made me rethink and I though to myself “Jo hona hai hoga, what the hell, lets go!

Next morning, I received a mail from the Nirvana Nomads. A welcome note so well written that I knew instantly that it would be an epic trip.

This is what the email looked like!! Brilliant & Cheesy!!

The journey was brilliant. Started off with half an hour of awkwardness which eventually found it’s way out of the window. After a round of introductions and games (I was so bad at Absolute Nonsense, that I was actually good!!) it was time to catch up on some sleep to prep for the long day ahead. We could hear Anto mutter words like “next” and “correct” which simply proved that he was still hung up on Contact (I learnt so many words with that one)!!

Early next morning, we wake up in a beautiful, small little town, Sishila. The whole place looked so picturesque like a scene right out of a movie! After a quick repack session and breakfast we set out to begin our journey into the jungle.

The smile before the journey!!

The super Adrenalin rush just before the start!!! 

Given that this was by far the most difficult and "adventurous" stint I have ever attempted, saying that I was exhausted mid way to the camp area would be an understatement!!! 

Looking out for leeches, snakes and a 15 minute break for every 10 minutes that I walked, I somehow managed to drag upto the point we settled down for packed lunch. Needless to say, I was always the last one to reach.

A few friends we made en route! Sadly I could not befriend any leeches!

All that kept me going was the mesmerizing view and some great company. It is truly said, travel makes you do things, that are beyond your comfort zone. I could have never imagined myself sitting on a rock talking to a stranger about a different side of me.

Tired, yet posing!!

After a lot of commotion, me sleeping admist rocks and grass (Since I gave up on moving any further), we decided to pitch tents at a place near a stream.

One group got to setting up the camp, while the rest of us went on to fill water from the stream. The sight of the stream was so refreshing. If not for the fear of leeches, I guess I would have slept in it!

Once the tents were in place, we started to prepare our dinner. A brilliant meal of aloo ki subzi, parathe, rasam and rice was just what everyone needed after such a tiring day! The surprise was sweets from Hitesh!

The camp site and our home for the night!

Khana, Pani & our head chef tasting the dishes :)

Dinner on a rocky table sitting under the stars and chit chat among the group- this was a moment to be cherished forever!

Shaky knees and aching legs led us to head into our tents and get cozy in our sleeping bags which resulted in a peaceful sleep.

I woke up to the sounds of chatter and the group heading off for the second part of the trek- The peak!

My only regret in this trip: I did not go! But yes, there is always a next time! (Oh! and also that I did not get a single leech bite)

The view from up there!!

Some use of the torches we made :P

The trek to the peak. Amedikallu: Next time, I promise :)

Listening to the whistling thrush, the monkeys call and a lot of other sounds from the jungle got me thinking about the world out there that I have not explored. The things that I need to do in life and the things that I can stretch myself to do.

After a good breakfast, once the others were back and packing up all the stuff that we had carried, we started the journey downhill.

The one thing I loved: We took only memories, left only footprints and nothing else behind.

The journey downhill was much faster (One because I had a brilliant rest and second because I kept telling myself not to stop)

The journey downhill

We kept walking and walking and walking waiting for the sight of the road.

Some lost their way, of course managed to find their way back too and the others just kept on going.

The touchdown was worth every aching muscle. Once we threw off our bags, the guys went on to de-leech themselves and all we could think off was the bus and the food awaiting us back at the homestay!

A small detour to a beautiful temple and lake seemed like a bad idea. But once we were there, none of us wanted to get out of the water. With playing Absolute Nonsense in the water to Anto mimicking god knows who, it was all just worth it.

The Hanging Bridge and the spectacular view behind it!

We headed back to the home stay for lunch which was so amazing that even Shalvi who doesn't eat rice, asked for a second helping.

Engineers at work!!

"Aunty ka haath ka khana and aunty ka gaana: both so amazing"

While leaving, I felt so proud of myself for doing this trip. I was heading back to my busy life but with a sense that I am carrying back some great memories and of course, a great group of friends. (Who I will never forgive for voting me out in MAFIA)

And the smile at the end of it!

It was a noisy ride back to Bangalore and definitely a horrible Monday Morning!!

Parting thoughts:

I know I have not done justice to the trip with this article. It was much much more. You need to live it to know what I am talking about.

Its true, travel gives you perspective, it brings out in you feelings and emotions that have for long been subdued. It gives you a lot of answers. It brings out the truth.

You connect with yourself in a way city life will never permit you to. You feel good about being selfish. You feel a sense of disconnect with every material thing you are surrounded with everyday of your life. That disconnect gives you peace of mind, something that every person needs.

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” 
― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

The Joy of Shopping online

Ok Ok, I know the first thing that would come up here is that Im from the e-commerce field.
Online shopping is something that I preach about, and hence should practice.

But for those who don't know me and my random shopping sprees, I'm a person who started shopping online just around three years back. It of course started with a book that I had purchased from www.flipkart.com. Before those days, I was as skeptical about shopping online as a lot of people still are. What would I do if my book did not reach, what if they took my money and sent me something else (there was no option of Cash-on Delivery where I was put up), what if the payment did not go through, what if this, what if that. There are a thousand doubts, but then its just like all the crap you hear about everything before you actually try!! The trick is that you just got to do it right! And its the most amazing experience you'll ever have.

                       A few purchases..:)

Oh the joy of seeing that your product is available, that it can be added to your "shopping cart' just by a click..Availing a coupon that strikes off 30-35% of the price..Can it get any better?? Apparently it can..with services like nest day delivery..same day delivery..the waiting period has been reduced to hours..probably the same amount that it would take you to get home in peak traffic hours after a day of shopping!

                                                   Always something on my wishlist :P

I once had my heart out on a pair of golden stilettos from Tresmode..found it on 3 different websites..chose the best deal..and ordered it on a Saturday night..Before I could wake up the next day..my shoes were delivered! Can you imagine the joy when you wake up with a package containing glittering new heels..waiting to be taken out and tried on!!

                                          I told you they were awesome!!!!!!!!!

I have come to a stage where I just cant shop at a retail store. I like a product, I try it on..fits great..the Fashion Consultant is cute and friendly..everything seems just perfect! But then that urge of checking on any online portal (Of course I have all the apps..DUH!! ) is just something I can't resist. And when I see it online..cheaper of course..how can I ever allow myself to shell out a full price for the same stuff!

For people who say that online portals sell fake stuff/ low quality products. Point taken..Of course some of them do! The intelligence lies in selecting and shopping at the ones that don't!

If the price is too good to be true..it probably is! Don't buy them!

My addiction has got to a level where now I have finally shopped from an international website! One thing off my bucket list!

                                            That's how my order list looks like! Always :P

Some points that might just help!! Atleast from my personal experience!

1. Always..always check reviews before paying outright when shopping at any portal for the first time..
2. Try and make your first purchase a Cash on Delivery. It reduces risk and helps increase your faith in shopping online
3. Compare!! Thats why you have multiple portals selling the same stuff. 
4. Read descriptions..Zoom into images..check..be satisfied before you buy.
5. Save purchases that you are sure of for the weekend. The best deals are available then.
6. Add the email ids of portals to your inbox list. You may get spammed with mailers..but you hit on great offers too.
7. Know your website and the products they sell.
8. Look for mobile app deals. Some websites offer brilliant deals just to make sure you download the app. Trust me..its faster and easy.
9. Take a risk once in a while. Its ok! The return policies are super customer friendly in most portals
10. Check coupon websites from time to time
11. Save shopping for the festive seasons, Amaxon shopping festival, Myntra and Flipkarts EORS and other special days like ladies nights, weekend sales etc. 

A few must try websites..

Myntra, Flipkart and Amazon are on the obvious go to websites for clothing, accessories, footwear and literally just about anything!

For some quirky stuff check out The Quirkbox, Indiacircus, Chumbak, The Souled Store, Propshop21 to name a few! This is a rapidly growing segment!

Women you absolutely need to check : Koovs, Femella, and 20dresses.

For sexy lingerie visit zivame.com!

For all you make up necessities: Nykaa is simply brilliant!

       On my to- purchase list!

Ok..Now I gotta go! I hear the door bell ring. It must be the delivery guy :)

Times change! A lot of times for the good!

March 19th, 2013 marked the start of a new tradition at The Oxford College of Science and Arts. We had our very first Alumni Meet! Invitations were received and personally, I was excited to go back..I knew it was a chance to meet batch mates, faculty and seniors.
Last year, the Alumni meet was in typical "Oxford" style. A classical dance, our Director's address, a short cultural program and a standard lunch! We had fun reliving the college days, catching up with people we knew and making new friends as well.

So this year, when I received the invite, I knew I would go..again to relive the same experience.
Undecided on whether to wear denims and a shirt or a suit, I settled in for something mid way, knowing that I could not possibly wear a dress!! Oxford afterall!

Some people I was sure of meeting, others quite no so! So wen my favorite senior turned up, it was not so much a surprise! But when I saw my own classmates, I was taken aback..I had not met them in years and seeing them again was a sweet walk down the memory lane. 

We were yet to witness a few surprises..So when we settled down to witness the cultural program..none of us could believe we were at Oxford! 

A super team of hosts and girls dancing to the tracks of Sunny Leone and Ishq wala Love duets is not what you expect at Oxford!

Neither do you expect that a girl is addressed as the "Beauty Queen" and when you hear " She can move, cant she! "..you know that things have changed! Visibly and for the better! It was a happy change, atleast for me.Nothing could have felt better than to see my juniors wear denims and dance with guys on stage! (no..Im not sarcastic!!) 

Then came another jolt! Our Director wanted the alumni to self nominate candidates for President ( I am the official President of the Oxford Alumni Association, Science & Arts) VP ( Devi Bhaiya, my super senior) Secreatry ( Prasenjit Dey, My fav Senior) and Treasurer ( Varun Gowda).

It was shocking but still satisfying to see that your faculty still has faith in you! That I can walk up to the stage that I love and speak! 

The memories are still fresh..and to see our college change, was unexpected but good!

Yes one thing was definitely from our memory..The food! I have been through the same food ever since my induction in the college..Its true..some things never change!

So here's to having a great many more alumni meets, positive change, new friendships and the same food!!

(My Fav lab..My Fav Senior)

( Meeting someone who stays 5 minutes away from my place, at College :P)

A trip to the Ravan Nagri!

It all started with a mail from our HR that this year PUMA's annual outbound is all set to happen in the capital city of Srilanka, Colombo. This mail was a precursor to months of preparation, saving up on new clothes and shoes..and the lunch time conversations of " acha kahan kahan jayenge, kya khareedenge.." " I hope I get a good roomie (which I eventually did).

After a lot of anticipation, the day finally drew nearer. Currency was exchanged (though honestly I was a bit disappointed when I received just 2 notes in exchange of the 20 I gave..bigger denominations :P) bags packed, tickets checked and beauty regime done.

After a sleepless night went by, in fear of not being able to wake up when the cab comes, the fateful morning dawned when we made our way to the airport to take our flight to Chennai!

Check in- Done, Boarding Pass- collected, Security Check- Done.

(At the Bangalore International Airport)

And then we miss our flight! Yes yes, I know it was stupid, ignorant, clumsy!! It was so chaotic..pleading to let us in did not work. Next flight all booked..Clueless about what to do..we reached out to our HR. Thanks to them and a certain member of my team, we were able to finally make it to the Crew Seats of the next flight!

Reached Chennai..determined not to miss the next flight, we did not budge from in front of the boarding gate.

An hour or maybe two later we arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Scuffiling for bags we headed out to look for the coaches that were to take us to our hotel!

Welcome to Srilanka! The Wonder of Asia! Finally!!

Our stay was arranged at the Cinnamon Lakeside which is "One of the ritziest locations in town"

(The Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo)

Our rooms were nicely done, the view wasnt that great but nothing that we could complain about.

(Room Number 436!)

A tiring day ended in a good dinner and a great night out! We stepped out to check out Colombo city. Little did we know that we were in for surprises good, bad and funny!

RnR was the place to go- said some tuk tuk wala (That's what auto ricks are called in Sri Lanka). We took his advice and landed up at an ancient Dutch looking place with amazing drinks and a creepy bartender.

(took this off the internet, could not find a decent one on my phone :P)

Still having some time, we hired three tuk tuks and they took us to places, where we would have never imagined going [good or bad, I leave it to you ;-)]

Great company, a great night and we headed back to the hotel...looking forward to the Colombo Quest the next day!

The next morning, as planned was an interesting sounding event- The Colombo Quest! We had been divided into teams and had to locate certain 18 places in Colombo..Bonus activities meant more points..

It started off with a missing team captain, who took great charge later..so that was all good and a bunch of 

8 x 22 teams eager to solve clues..

We had 18 clues and 30 locations! We had to win this..That was all our team had our minds set on!

Scavenger hunting, sweating, clicking pictures, scrambling around, asking for directions, lots of water, an awesome tuk tuk wala and Nano car driver befriended..drinking King Coconut and flying kites at the Galle Sea Face. This should I think pretty much sum up the quest!

Oh except did I forget to mention our team won!! It was fulfilling and so totally worth the effort!

(The Seema Malaka Temple at Beira Lake)

(86 Buddha Staues in this area)

(The Smallest Buddha Statue in the world!!!)

(A Vintage Car)

A content lunch at KFC and then we were back at the hotel to prep up for some party fun!

( Off to some good fun!)

(A hand at Selfies)

(Posing Pretty!)

Apart from a few random strangers scaring a few of us..the night was a blast! Perfect dinner..again- Creepy waiters, and a good long hour of some discussion I cant remember a word of ended the night !!

The next morning, we decided to do some sightseeing, of the little time available and head out to visit the Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka temples and a few stores!

The stores were a disappointment and there was absolutely nothing I could thing of taking back home.

The temples were pure bliss! Serene, Oh! so pretty and enthralling! 

The ancient jewelry was jaw droppingly awesome! So were the thousands of Buddha statues around the place!

(The serene lake)

(The smallest Buddha resides in this)

(Some brilliant craftsmanship)

(Odel, Colombo)

(One of the many Buddhas)

(The realism caught my eye!)

(The Seema Malaka, Beira Lake)

The evening had in store for us the most awaited PUMA 8th Annual Awards Ceremony and Prom night!
This was the first time ever I witnessed the Men in tuxes and suits! The women wore dresses and flowy gowns and the whole environment was no less than a film award ceremony!

(Trying to figure out how I looked :P)

From events like Team performances ( We aced it again!! ) to awards being given away to the best performers of the year and an rib cracking comedy act..the night was a one to remember!

Tipsy me and tipsy every one else..made the best out of the music, food and the not so happening DJ!!

After all the fun, it was time to head back, to India..I awaited the taste of Maagi and spicy vegetarian food cooked in vegetarian oil!

While packing, memories of the trip flashed back. It was a healthy, no mishaps (except the flight! ) trip..and I could not wait to be back!

(A few last shots!)

Good bye Srilanka..till we meet again!