My Time Travel From Forty To Two...

 

When I said goodbye to 2021 and ushered in 2022, I was full of gratitude for what life had taught me & what it had offered me in the form of my support system & my tribe.  Till now, 2022 has been one of the most remarkable years that I have ever witnessed and I hope that the journey would only get better with each passing day. 

The year started with me turning 40. Till a day before, I was out & about. However, the morning of my birthday, in the wake of surging third wave, I chose to celebrate at home to the dismay of friends & dear ones. Despite my decision, my tribe ensured that it turned out to be a day filled with lots of love, warmth & cherished moments. Gifts, flowers, cakes and greetings poured in through out the day. 

A week later, another moment arrived. I got promoted as a Vice President. While many of us aspire to hold that title, but for me it was special for a very different reason. After my run in with cancer in April 2020, I took a long medical break and it was only around August 2020 that I joined back work. I thought the worst was over but I was so wrong. I struggled to be my earlier high performing self in more ways than one and this realization hit me really hard. The thought that came to my mind was - "Sonal! This is the beginning to the end of a fulfilling career!"

This, I think was the lowest phase that I had ever experienced professionally. I mustered courage, asked for help and that is all I had to do. I got all the support that I could have asked for. During one of our conversations around March 2021, my supervisor told me - "Sonal! With time, you don't just have to get back to the level you were at but you have to get better than who you were before. I thought - he's got to be kidding me".

But later in the day and for many coming days, I kept thinking about what he had said to me. I then pledged to myself that if he had so much belief in me then let me really make an effort to prove him right. And I did. For the next several months, I rallied with determination, battled nervous moments - mostly medically, but I ensured that not just I continued to pay hawk eye attention to my health regime but also my professional goal. 

While I have been promoted several times in the past, but the journey outlined above made this one as the most special & cherished one. For me, it felt life altering.

I was still coming to terms with my promotion when the next moment arrived. During the weekend immediately after my promotion announcement, my mother & sister in law fell ill. After 2 years of rigorous precautions, they finally fell prey to the highly transmissible Omicron. While taking care of them, eventually my brother & I both got infected too and tested positive. This variant got to us, practically within our own home owing to asymptomatic maid. While everyone stated that Omicron was mild but it did break all of us in some way or the other. My immunocompromised state added to the symptoms. I will never forget those days of battling Covid - 19 out together as a family. By the way, I still haven't managed to get back to the pre Covid - 19 strength quotient but I will get there slowly. 

As I moved out of this phase, my next moment was waiting for me. This one is the most cherished one of 2022.  In April 2022, I completed my 2 years of being cancer free. This is one of the major milestones in cancer treatment. I was due for my scheduled tests and I must say that by the grace of God, all my tests got done in the most smooth manner in comparison to the last 3 set of tests that I took across past 18 months. While I read through the reports and I could make out that all seemed well, I finally met my Oncologist over this weekend to hear the final verdict from him.

He said - "Sonal! All your reports are good and since this is the 2 years mark, we will now move out your checkups from every 3 months to 6 months". The wave of relief that splashed over me is inexplicable. I danced a thousand dances while I drove back from the consultation and treated myself to some delicious pan Asian food. 

As I turned Two, this weekend I looked back to my journey of 2 years & it has been a humbling experience. I have lost a lot yet gained a lot. I have lived in fear, yet fought it with all my courage and strength. There were days I wanted to take it easy with a cheat day (food & fitness). Some days I did cheat but the other days, I pulled myself up to persevere. I said "No" to a lot of distractions. I had to put in more than 5 to 6 times of my usual effort to get better than who I was. I had to get away from situations that were toxic for me and from people who could not understand my struggle or my need to live life my way - because we only have limited time & we should make the most of it. This phase has taught me renewed respect & value for health, people, food & finances.    

This is my time travel from Forty to Two...

I am sure that there are many more milestones and moments that are waiting around various corners of this journey that I am traversing. I believe that I am geared up - not only to face challenges that may be lurking around  but also to celebrate life as it passes by. Cheers to many more such time travels!!

My message to you all :  "Stay safe, stay healthy and most importantly - live your life." 

Ushering 2022 With Gratitiude

What a journey it was!! The crests and troughs...the ebbs and flows...uncertain moments and times of celebrations...you brought it all - 2021. Thank you for being the year that made me stronger, brought my tribe closer to me, urged me to come out with my big C experience and taught me to keep forging forward no matter what the circumstance. 

As we all usher in 2022 with renewed hopes, dreams and aspirations...I want to take this moment to offer my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you out there who were a part of my journey.

Some of you were my pillars of strength, my sounding board, some were the voice of sanity and some simply my guardian angels. Some of you nudged me to continue to become a better version of myself,  helped me focus on what matters and what doesn't. You all stood with me and offered your unwavering support.

Be it the medical professionals, colleagues, mentors, nutritionist, yoga guru, family members or friends. It is thanks to all of you that I have come this far in the year gone by. 

A humble thank you to all of you. I hope to be blessed with your continued support as we all step into 2022. May you all and your families be blessed with safe, healthy, happy and prosperous 2022.  

God Bless....

Thank You...

 

A storm was raging...

The past 60 days went by in a daze. While the pandemic was transforming into an enraged monster outside and permeating our lives deeper than it did in the past, I was facing a storm of my own. 

While I was prepping up for my half yearly medical checkup, my mind was awash with thoughts of what had transpired a year ago. It wasn't in my control and the flashbacks kept coming back. I was reliving all of it and I couldn't help it. To top it up, the thought of my impending tests was also unnerving me. 

60 days forward, as of today - my test reports are clean (did hit a temporary bump in between but thankfully we were able to rule out any new malignancies). The day my doctor said, after reviewing my reports, "Sonal! All's well and you go live your life king size!!", the relief that I experienced was simply out of this world. A weight had lifted off my shoulders. 

I wanted to write this post the very same day but could not. Here it is now. 

With folded hands, I want to send out umpteen wishes of thank you to all the people who have become my pillars of strength during my journey. 

1. The Medical Fraternity - a thank you to all the doctors across the globe who helped me with my diagnosis, guided me with the right course of treatment and are still helping me with my regular checkup and queries. This fraternity also comprises of some people who are family/ dear friends and I will thank them once again when I talk about them. I didn't even speak or meet some of the  doctors but my friends/family had reached out to them and sourced helpful information for me. Some only responded via emails/watsapp. But each one played a pivotal part. 

2. My Family & Extended Family - words fall short when I talk about them. My immediate family bore the brunt and stress of my accident and the Big C treatment last year. They stood like a cluster of stubborn, strong rocks that surrounded me and ensured that I never faced any challenge alone. They watched over me like a pack of wolves, their guards always up. My extended family, kept me in their prayers and did not leave any opportunity to tell me that all will be well and I will sail through. The medical experts, focused on getting me the right information at all stages of my treatment and prepped me for what's to come at each stage. 

3. My Friends & Dear Ones - they were and still are my back bone. Despite the stringent lockdown that was imposed last year, some of them managed to give me the much needed facetime, even if it meant that they stood like a hawk around an almost unconscious me when I was rolled out of my first operation or when I stood in my balcony & they on the road, waving like kids. They kept me in their prayers, performed special prayers for my safety, zonked me with some real bad jokes but most importantly, they kept in touch with me and made me smile every time they spoke with me.  They kept my spirits up and afloat. Here as well, the medical experts guided me at all times about what to do next and kept a close pulse check on my treatment. 

4. My Colleagues & Company - my company and colleagues stood firm with me during this entire journey. They supported me in every possible way. Frankly, I had never expected that they would collectively come together to help me in the way they did and still are doing and for that I am eternally grateful. They offered me to take as much time off as I required, my colleagues kept me in their prayers, kept in regular touch with me. They were always ready with any kind of help that I may have required. Even made my return to work as comfortable as possible. I truly feel lucky that I am a part of such an employee centric organization and work amongst this amazing group of colleagues. 

5. My Nutrition Experts - at a time, when gyms and parks were shut, I was still recuperating from my multiple surgeries, it was my nutrition experts who played a pivotal role in helping me transform into a fitter me. They guided me with the right diet plan. It wasn't an easy transition for a foodie like me but I still had to do what was the need of the hour. They stood firm with me in this journey and today, thanks to them, I am experiencing a different version of myself. 

6. My Yoga Guru - he was recommended by a colleague. A very patient and understanding guru who guided me at all steps and helped me become fitter and continues to support me. 

My journey is still on and I will continue to draw support and strength from each and everyone mentioned above. Every night, when I close my eyes, I send out a humble thank you to each of you. It is because of all of you that I am here. 

Thank You!!

The Reflections Of My Journey...

 

This past year has been no less than a teacher for me. In my last post, I finally mustered the courage to bare my soul and come out about my experience. This post is about what I learnt from that tumultuous journey of mine. I believe that my musings may be able to aid someone, somewhere, in their own journey of struggle and thus, here I go. 

Musing 1: It Won't Happen To me Syndrome

Most of us think that we are invincible. We tend to forget that we are mere mortals and it is very easy for us to fall prey to worldly vices, spices and malaise. Even when our bodies are giving us warning signals, we tend to ignore them thinking that it is immaterial. Please come out of this reverie. Prepare yourself for the unseen and unexpected to whatever extent possible. Listen to your body, discerningly. Go for that medical checkup that you have been postponing indefinitely.  Be absolutely cautious, if your family has a history of a particular ailment. 

Musing 2: Get Your Financial Planning Right

There is no greater pleasure than retail therapy. I guess all of us would agree to that with varying degrees. Some of us are possibly wise and thus invest in financial stability of our future. A lot of us also plan for medical emergencies but the count may be minimal. How much of insurance is enough to cover unforeseen medical expenses? Have you taken the right insurance? Maybe I should first ask, how many of you even have a medical insurance? Is your insurance protecting you for critical illnesses? There are umpteen such questions that each of you should proactively think about and then act accordingly. I won't insist that you buy insurance but what I am suggesting is that invest money that will help you tide over medical emergencies. Once again, if there are known ailment history in the family, all the more reason to guard against them.

Musing 3: Act Now To Get Fit

It's a matter of just 30 minutes. Invest these 30 minutes towards your fitness - brisk walk, yoga, meditation, circuit training, cardio or anything else that speaks to your body. I can assure you that in the times to come, your body will thank you. It is never too late to start. There is no defined age to start. Just do it!

Musing 4: Find Your Tribe

If and when the inevitable happens and you find yourself coping with a health predicament, turn to your tribe. Your circle of friends/family/colleagues/dear ones who strengthen you as a person and have got your back. They collectively act as the trampoline that sets you to bounce back after the nosedive. They help you resurrect and rebuild. Do not shy away from reaching out to them and asking for help. Be a part of someone else's tribe. The realization that you helped someone rebuild themselves has immense healing power in itself.

Musing 5: Be Proactive 

Take charge of your body and guide it towards being healthy. Depending on your age and family history, schedule quarterly/half yearly/annual checkups, whatever works right for you. Make it a habit and do not defer for any reason. 

Musing 6: Believe In Your Inner Strength

If testing times do surround you, DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT stop believing even for a minute that will you be able to sail through. The power of believing our inner strength is exponential. It can help us move mountains as well, in times of need. No day is same and time never stops. The spirit of us humans is such that it helps us endure. So believe...

Musing 7: Do Not Ignore Mental Health

A lot of us do not regard mental health as an essential part of our overall wellbeing. Stop doing that today itself. Invest time and effort in strengthening it. Embrace mindfulness and see how it does wonders with your well being. 

I will take a pause here, hoping that my musings may be of some help to you all. 

Stay healthy and take care of yourselves...

Fond Memories

It’s been 18 years since you’ve gone but it always feels like yesterday. Each year I gain more strength to face this day and every other day without you. 

Today I won’t talk about how I miss you or how I keep thinking about you but something else. 

Let’s rewind to 27-Jan-2019. I was in Australia for work and it was first time in 16 years that I wasn’t home on this day and didn’t have any friends/family around too - double whammy. 

Nevertheless, I still thought of following my annual ritual of visiting a Gurudwara to offer my prayers. I googled the location and the travel route. Thus, began a Sunday journey which was waiting to become memorable. 

I took the train to Box Hill and from there I had to board a cab to reach Gurudwara at Blackburn. When I booked Uber, a driver named Sourav picked up my travel request. 

We started the journey and as always I started chatting about his whereabouts, experience in Australia etc. While the journey had started, he hadn’t paid attention to the exact destination. 

He then asked me, where was I off to. The moment I told him that I’ll be visiting the Gurudwara in Blackburn, he instantly said - “Oh you are going to the Guru’s home and there is no way I can charge you for that.”

I told him it was absolutely alright and I was indeed thankful that he was taking me there. He didn’t listen to me and while I kept telling him to charge me for the trip, he cancelled the trip on his app. 

He then dropped me to the Gurudwara and wished me a good day before he drove back.

Still speechless from this experience, I entered the Gurudwara, just to be immersed in the beauty that it was. I had a memorable darshan, offered my prayers in peace and even got to taste the langar. 

When I stepped out, I realized that this day couldn’t have concluded on a better note. The universe had conspired to make it memorable in a good way. 

Today, as I look back to that day, the memories bring smile to my face. Sourav, wherever you are, sending across thousands of blessings for you for that kind gesture that I will never forget. Umpteen blessings for each of the kind souls I met at the Gurudwara. 

You all were with me on a day I thought how to sail through alone. With folded hands, I keep each one of you in my memories. 

To you, Dada dearest...May you rest in peace, stay warm and safe, wherever you are...

With Them...For Them... Forever...

I came across this ad few days back and it brought a smile to my face. I dedicate this one to all my dear friends who have someone significant in their lives - spouse and spice both. 

Often, as years of togetherness passes by, we take each other for granted, we don’t make enough time  for them or we let the love dry out. This is a wake up call. Before all this happens, make a conscious effort to be together and make everyday a special one for your partner.

We all have one life to live. So live it as if there is no tomorrow. Making it special for them, makes it even more special for us. 

I see and hear about so many relationships breaking up every day but still there are some that make me hopeful. When two people want to make it work, they will move mountains to do so.

And so should you...

As for me, what’s my favourite part of the above video? The smile that flashes on the husband’s face when the wife hugs him...priceless...that sums it all...

Happy Birthday Bandhu...

Dear Bandhu,

I should have written this letter to you many years back but better late than never. Well as fate would have it – it was in our stars to cross each other’s path and I definitely didn’t know back then, how our lives would change.

In 6 months from now, our journey together would turn 12 years old and that’s simply remarkable. We have seen many crests and troughs that life threw at us but we faced each of these together and emerged stronger. 

By now you already know about the curve ball that life threw at us when the fate planned our friendship. Of all the coincidences that I could think of, this one never ever crossed my mind and thus I was bowled over unexpectedly. Well to be precise, not in the happiest of ways. ​

Post us becoming friends, when I got to know that your birthday coincided with the day my father had passed away, it felt as if someone had pulled the growth beneath my feet. Honestly, I was stunned. This was way back in 2006 and my loss was way too fresh and raw in my mind.

I ended up treating you unfairly for several years after this revelation. While you waited for your best buddy to greet you on your birthday, the so called buddy (that’s me – guilty as charged) kept running away from this. She didn’t have the balls to do so back then. I would just say sorry and go quiet. 

But you my friend, never felt bad and always comforted me that it was alright. What touched me the most was when you said – “Sam it doesn’t matter whether you wish me happy birthday or not. As long as you are my friend, every day is a celebration.”

Bandhu! I must have done something right in my previous Karma that I got you as my friend. Over the years, as I learnt to accept my loss, I also learnt to accept that it was unfair to be absent on your most special day. And then I changed that streak few years back. While I cannot really make up for the lost birthdays but now, I try and ensure that I make your birthday as special as I can.

So here’s a special birthday wish for you – 

My dearest Bandhu!! You are a gem of a person and it would not have been possible for me to sail through, had you not been there in my life. Just like yester years, I hope and pray that we would continue to stand by each other, come what may. I will keep troubling you with all my madness and moodiness and you have no other option but to deal with it (wink wink). I will continuously harass you, should you become negligent about your health and work life balance. PS – you know what pain in the a** I can be on this front.

And last but not the least – may this birthday open the gates to a healthier, happier and a prosperous world for you. May you shine like the brightest star from the midnight sky and if ever you need any help – sabse peechey hum khadey.

I don’t know for how long would we be together in this journey of life, but with each passing day, this journey is becoming memorable, fulfilling and a tad more nostalgic than it was yesterday.

Happy birthday Bandhu!!

The Case Of The Missing Comment...

He: Busy?

She: Naah! Just catching up over emails. I was out the whole day. How was your day?

He: it was ok.

She: Hmmmmm

He: How is your trip going on?

She: It’s been great so far. Still assimilating the hotel room size.So used to the spacious rooms in Delhi hotels that this one in Mumbai is surprising.

He: Yeah that’s there.

She: It’s alright. I won’t be spending most days inside the room anyways.

He: Oh by the way I read your last post and I commented on it.

She:  (long pause) What? You? Commented on my post?

He: (smiling) Yes I did. Didn’t you read it?

She: (shocked) Nooooooooooooo! I did not get it. I have activated comment moderation so I would have definitely gotten an alert if you would have written a comment.

He: But I did. It was anonymous though. I didn’t want you to know that I had read it but if you would have read the comment then you would have known that who wrote it.

She: No way! Hang on! Let me check the blog dashboard. (scrolling through) Nooooo! It’s not there. I don’t see any anonymous comment. Are you pulling my leg?

He: No!

She: this is not possible. Ok let’s not worry about the comment. Tell me what did you write?

He: Naah! I won’t tell it like this. That’s the reason I had written the comment.

She: Hey but that’s not fair. I want to know what you wrote. You have to tell me.

He: No ways!

She: Please…please….please. You have to tell me. I want to know.

He: I can only tell you that when I read the post I thought, she is thinking haywire and it’s time I write a comment to lay all self-created doubts to rest.

She – Is it? If that’s the case then you must tell me what the comment stated.

He: No dear. I will not tell. I will write another comment on another post in the times to come and this time I will ensure that you receive it.

She: Hey but that won’t be the same comment. I want to know what you wrote this time.

He: Nice try but not happening…

She: Oh….oh…..ohhhooooooo!!

And so went on the conversation for two hours. This happened,in the wee hours of one night this month, between two souls who are crazy in their own right. Maybe they did find the missing comment… eh?

Gratitude...

As kids we were taught to say “Sorry” and “Thank You” as the situation required. It was supposed to be good manners. Over the years, whenever I would say these words out of habit, most of the times my buddies would say “Oh! You don’t have to say sorry/ thank you!! What are friends for?”

In fact, I used to be such a buddy for my friends & acquaintances. I don’t recall the exact time but probably it was around the time my father passed away, I realized the power of speaking out what’s there in your heart and mind. You never know what would happen next and I for one would not want to vanish in thin air before telling others what I felt. 

I’ve learnt that the missed opportunities always suck…

So I did resolve that I will always express my gratitude to the ones who are or would be by my side during my times of need. 

One such instance occurred last Friday when I was returning from a learning conclave and my dear car started giving me a trouble. Unfamiliar territory, severe traffic jam, ticking hours of late evening, did not help my case. I was anxious and with each passing minute my anxiety was increasing.

While I was trying my best to come out of this situation, guardian angels suddenly appeared – one after the other. First came Shera and then followed SB.

They did their best to get the car repaired, keep my anxiety at bay and also had my room upgraded at the hotel where I had to check in under emergency. It did not end there. They made my evening memorable and were more worried than me about getting the car repaired. The next evening, when I finally headed back home, I realized that I had not expressed my gratitude to both of them.

While SB enquired whether everything was fine, Shera , as usual, was somewhere fighting another battle for somebody else and thus I could not thank him for his help.

So here I am, doing what I like the best – using my forum to express my feelings for the ones who matter.

Shera & SB – I can’t thank you enough for helping me out. I couldn’t have sailed through the choppy tide without you guys. Happy to have you in my life. 

God bless & take care…

Safar

It always feels good to come back to my world of penning thoughts and sharing them out with the ones out there. Over the last several years, I have begun to realize that there is a gypsy somewhere living inside me, who craves new trails and passages.

There have been times when I have nurutured this personality of mine and made the most of every avaialable opportunity to travel and then there are times when I deliberately subdue it coz work's all that takes up my attention. 

Well for past 2 years I have not really been able to travel the way I would love to. I must tell you all here that work did take me to new places within India, short stays and long ones as well. I did explore as much as I could but still could not let out the gypsy within me. Work was always on the back of my mind.

 So  suddenly few weeks back, when I heard this song, something stirred in me. And since then, this urge to travel - just to satiate myself, has been slowly building strength within me. With friends or solo, it doesn't matter but I have to have to travel  now. I can't let more time slip by becuase it is this moment that we must live in and cherish.

So, very soon, I would pack a bag, tie my shoe laces and pop I would go to another destination unknown to me. While company of friends always brings in lots of laughter and fun, it is the solo trails that satiates my soul. It is just a matter of time.

While I wait to embark on the next journey, I would have to be content with these tunes only for now and trust me- these are addictive, a music to any travellers ears.

Happy listening amigos...

Happy Birthday Shera...

I sit next to the window in my hotel room, gazing out at the midnight traffic, tapping my fingers on the laptop keyboard and wondering… what is it that I want to wish for your birthday.

Yes…your birthday. 

Time flies in a jiffy and it’s that day of the year again. 

Mmmmmm coming back to the wishes.Well there’s a lot that I would like to wish for you and here goes me…mind you… it’s all heartfelt…

I hope that this birthday fulfills the dream that you have been working so hard for… the success of your venture.

I hope it fills you with a sense of well-being and you keep your health before anything else.

I hope it makes you understand that to win the adulation that you long for; you have to win hearts - not with luxury or lavishness but with substance.

I hope it makes you value the people who care about you and worry about you all the time. And when you do, you move mountains to make time for them. Because nothing is as precious as time - once gone, it will never come back. Because no one is as precious as the ones who care – once they go, life usually doesn’t give us a second chance with them.

May the Gods shower you with so many blessings that the good in your heart grows exponentially and nothing could overshadow it.

I hope that the love exhibited by your dear ones on your special day or any other, makes you realize that you should keep it real with them. Always…say what you mean and mean what you say to them.

May the good forces always guide you to do right by the people who mean the world to you and vice versa.

May you shine bright…shine as bright as the sun that a Leo symbolizes. When the king of the jungle, stands at the tip of the highest cliff around, head held high, its mane going wild with the wind…nothing is more spectacular than that. I’m not saying you go wild with your mane (wink wink) but I hope, wish and pray that you become the king that you were always meant to be. And when you do…hold your head high and feel the breeze of success.

There so much more that I want to say but my eyelids slowly blink. They say that it’s time to call it a night. With a song on my lips I now sign off. It’s not one of the usual ones you hear me listening to, but one that I happened to stumble upon by chance and thank God for that…

Happy birthday Shera!!!

Fade Away...

Every year I think that the memory would fade a bit, the tick tock of the clock would stop reminding me of what transpired and I would somehow get over it.

But here we are ... fourteen years and still going strong. Not an iota of change. Guess that's how it's going to be forever. I keep missing you dad and ever so more, with each passing day. 

Wherever you are, I know you're watching over us. How I wish you were right next to us... today and forever...

Hoping that you are at peace...

Welcome 2017...

Though a little late but neverthless, here it is - My welcome note for 2017. 

With renewed fervour, a string tying the pearls of hope, dreams as colourful as the balloons above and a pinch of nervous excitement, I welcome you 2017 with open arms.

2016 was crazy, happy, mad, sad, numbing and shocking, all in one go. I don't expect you to be any easier but I do know, as I stand on the 8th step out of the 365, that you are going to be different, exhilarating and crazier than the year gone by.

Firstly, a heartfelt thank you to all the guardian angels who stood by me in my times of need. I could not have sailed through without you guys and I hope that you bless me with your gracious presence in 2017 as well.

A break from the unending tests would be welcomed but that doesn't mean I ain't up for them. Don't tug away people dear to me - personally and professionally. Give me the passion to follow my vocation seriously than ever before. Make me take the first step towards my dream of being able to spread the joy in whatever ways I can. Push me to travel solo and with dear ones to places I have never set my foot on. Amidst the daily chaos, no matter what happens, always make me remember that I have to always be by side of my dear ones in their times of need. Take punitive steps if I repeat same mistakes again.

There is so much more that I want to see happening in 2017 but all I would like to mention is - keep me grounded and keep me humane, as I rise too high or I fall flat. 

Raising a toast - to the new beginnings...cheers!!!

I Will Always Show Up For You...

I am a big fan of the Madam Secretary tele-series and before you read further, I have to clarify that this post is not a series review - by no means.

It's been a while that I have been following this one up and it's all about the lives of Elizabeth McCord (Secretary of the State) and her husband Henry McCord (Professor and a retired, decorated officer). It's about how they juggle their personal & professional lives, given all the chaos that surrounds them, day in and day out.

They are an epitome of what we describe as the true power couple. These two give us serious relationship goals and every episode gets better than the previous one and the one thing I definitely look forward too is - which is the next goal they're going to throw our way...

Every time when the going gets tough, they teach us to stick by together, no matter how messy the world around gets. A few minutes back, while I was watching the latest episode, they doled out another relationship goal and it struck an instant chord with me.

Under certain dire circumstances, Henry assures Beth - "I will always show up for you."

 I feel that these words are so powerful that if said with the true conviction and sincerity of the heart, they are capable of lifting any relationship to an unimaginable level of trust and love. This belief could become the medicine for a lot that ails any relationship in modern times.

As the sands of time seep away the suppleness of any relationship, it is the beliefs like these that ensure that the ship sails smoothly and no storm drowns it. In these times of thinning patience, unwillingness to adjust and willingness to give up just when the going gets tough, this is the belief that makes us stronger and acts as the potent rays shining from the lighthouse - guiding us to our true destination...  being together...being there for each other...

 So here's my resolve for the ones I love and care about - 

"I Will Always Show Up For You"

A Happy First...

Time sure knows how to fly. It feels as if I had just closed my eyes for a second and when I opened them, a whole year had passed. When I look back, our run-in doesn't cease to amaze me. One moment, I didn't know that Shera existed and then in the very next, fate plays up. And voila....

Well its just been about 365 days but seems like several seasons filled up this time. Just like the lyrics go - "We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun."

We had the best of the days, the craziest of conversations, found our partners in crime and that is not all. We also fought. The cold and silent pauses were innumerable and we even grounded ourselves with no connect - absconded is the word.

Our worlds brought us together and took us apart too. If we took ten steps forward then we ended up taking five steps back too. But as they say, everyone you meet...comes with a time stamp - few days, few weeks or months or even years.

I don't know what our time stamp is...and right now it doesn't matter...

For all we shared... for all we lost.... 

For all we learned... and all that we forgot....

There is so much more to share...so much more to cherish...

So much to explore....that this lifetime is not going to limit (us)...

 Let me stop my babble here and come straight to the point.

A very happy first to you Shera. Am sure your bag was a mixed one too coz mine definitely was. Looking forward to much more madness, many more crimes with the partners and endless crests and troughs to sail through together.

Stay happy...stay blessed...

Cheers!!

All Grown Up...

For us, you just arrived yesterday as the cutest bundle of joy that we could ever come across. None of us realized that so many days, weeks and months have actually passed since you came into our lives.

We didn't realize when the tiny ten fingers and toes became inquisitive enough to start frolicking around the house & open spaces. We were amazed at how the tiny gurgles gave way to one words and then smart one liners.

You are growing up my darling and at a pace much faster than we thought you would. Your father always said  - "don't grow so fast my tiny one... I want each moment with you to last an eternity". But we both know, the story of our lives are so different than we want them to be.

You recently reached one of the biggest milestones for your age. "The Play School".

It's hard for us to see you teary eyed each day when you prep up for your day. Though you love each moment you spend with kids your age and it makes us even more proud that you are one of the best & brightest that they have in their batch.

My darling doll!! I can't make it any easier for you to embrace this big change in your life. Every time you say - "Mama chor ke chali gayi", one of us feels like enveloping you in warm. fuzzy bear hug and assure you that she is right here, waiting for you to come out of the playschool.

It is as difficult for her as it is for you. And so my dear, this is what I want to whisper in your ears -

"Don't cry coz your world has changed. Don't cry coz your mommy is not around. We are all watching over you and won't let anything happen to you. Try and take this change in your stride my lil Cappy and smile each day as you make new friends and new memories. We want you to come back each day and tell us with about all the pranks you played at school, all the poems you recited, all the games you learned".

Wipe away the tears coz you're all grown up. Each day will be memorable than the one gone bye.

God bless you my love...
 

For It's The King Who Fights...

I know a Lion (Leo) who is known for his never say die attitude. At times happy go lucky, at times aggressive; sometimes broody but mostly "I can take everything in my stride". 

Such is life that it throws a series of tests at each of us, at various junctures. It tests the tough ones far more than the faint hearted. So how can the Leo be spared? He is taking his set of tests, as we speak (or I shall say - as I write).

One after the other, like tidal waves, the tests are becoming bigger and tougher. But, the Lion being a Lion, is gnawing through each of these, one by one.

I'm seeing him pass through crests and troughs of life with a spirit that only the "King Of The Jungle"  exudes. So this is for you Shera...

Challenges may come and go but what has to stay is your spirit to sail through...

 For it's the King who fights...

Nothing can break you or dampen your spirit...

 For it's the King who fights...

 

The push back would be temporary...

You will always move forward in the end...

 For it's the King who fights...

And when all of it ends...you will emerge victorious...

 For it's the King who fights...

I think in the past, I have always asked you to - just hang in there. In fact, this is what I told you yesterday as well. I change my stance with this very moment. 

Observe, tread forward and paw the test in your stride...

For it's the King who fights...

Do Right By Her...

If you love her...then tell her...

If you don't love her...then too tell her...

Do right by her...

If you have made her dream... 

Fulfill those starry ones that made her gleam...

Do right by her...

Hold her hand...

Never to leave it till eternity...

Do right by her...

If you've been the reason for creases on her mind...

Erase them and don't make her sigh...

Do right by her...

If she is silent...

Then don't you be silent ...

Instead, make her speak up...

What worries her is what you should silence...

Do right by her...

 If she is a strong one...

Be her strength and not the one who breaks her spirit...

Do right by her...

Whatever is eating you...

Don't keep her in dark and tell her the truth...

Do right by her...

If you are her man...

Then try to never ever let her down...

Do right by her...

Go the extra mile for her...

Do right by her...

Be there through the smiles and the tears...

Do right by her...

No matter how busy bee you are...

If she is yours...

Then take out your precious time...

For your precious one...

Do right by her...

Last but not the least...

Say what you mean...

Mean what you say...

Be a man who keeps his words...

Do right by her...

Just Round The Corner...

Lore says that it's the darkest before the light shines upon us. It is then that most of us give up our battles...just an inch away from victory. Well obviously, traversing across dark path is not for the ones with the weaker soul.

Each one of us fight umpteen battles throughout our lives and at some point fail to cover the last mile. We just can't handle it and give up. Here's what I want to tell each of you -

When the dark gets darker and you can't see the next step..."Just Sense It"  and tread really carefully.

The moment you sense the determination waning out, the courage slipping away, the steely resolve melting away...just take a deep breath and say -

"I will sense my next step. I won't stop until I see the light of the day. I will not go down the dark alley and I will come out unscathed."

All you have to do, dear ones, is to tread really carefully and slowly. Do not rush the last mile.

Just hang in there and the light shall shine soon...very soon... coz it's just round the corner...

We Shall Meet Someday...

When the dust on everything shall settle...

We shall meet someday...

When we walk away from work and not let it meddle...

We shall meet someday...

When we put aside the egos and the battles of silence...

We shall meet someday...

When we would accept that we're mere mortals and not invincible...

We shall meet someday...

When we accept that we erred & we are truly sorry..

We shall meet someday...

When we correct the wrong course that we traversed our life on...

We shall meet someday...

When we realize that we don't want to escape ...

We shall meet someday...

When we decide that silence needs to give way to candid conversation...

We shall meet someday...

When we vow to renew what dulled with time...

We shall meet someday...

When we shed the mask that we wear...

We shall meet someday...

 When we accept that there is no one else & it's got to be just us...

We shall meet someday...

 When we promise to be there for each other and actually honor this promise...

We shall meet someday...