My best friend in Delhi (as opposed to my best friend in Mumbai and another one in Kerala) is dear to me not only because of her company, which I love and thrive on, but also because of how she has changed me for the better over the years. There’s not one aspect of my … More Beauty through her eyes
He often asks me why I never write about him on my blog. Because I haven’t yet introduced you to my parents, is one of my excuses – won’t my family mind if I declared you to everyone else but them? Another silly one is, I don’t have the time. The third is a self-question: … More He’s the man
When your child’s behaviour is at its worst, that’s when she needs you the most. I’d read this a few years ago in some parenting article, but had never really applied it. My elder one’s bad moods only became more rebellious and insolent as she grew older and each ‘fight’ only led me to become … More Fight club
Of late, I’ve been feeling constantly tired. I first thought it was perhaps due to an increased workload (we’ve just taken on a second on-stand publication). Then I reasoned it was due to a continuous schedule that didn’t give me reprieve even on weekends. Perhaps it’s the demands of two teenagers, and the messes they … More A small choice
Being maid-less for two days forced me into manual labour before and after office hours — washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, doing the laundry, and that most frightening aspect of the home domain for me: cooking. Initially, I tried to get away with ordering from Colonel’s Kababz and McDonald’s. At the end of day two, however, I … More Food for the Gods
A couple of years ago, I went for a Vipassana course, the idea of which is to keep silent and spend time with oneself for 10 days, alone even when in the company of a hundred others. No form of communication is allowed, not even eye contact. For lack of regular human activities like reading, watching TV … More Talking to trees
I usually hate shopping in malls. There is something very draining about the whole process. Since I only go on weekends, I have this perception of malls being extremely crowded. Secondly, since I am usually shopping for clothes and there aren’t many options for people of my size and shape, I end up feeling very … More Shopping for surprises
Wishes are usually granted to me in twos and threes. Yesterday, it was a ‘two-wish-fulfilment’ day. I was in the mood to show some love to a junior colleague and sent out a sincere wish, with a hand on my heart, for a special international invitation to come my way, which I would gift to … More A wish in time
I went to the wealthy farmhouse area called Pushpanjali Farms near the airport to drop my teen for a birthday party this morning. The host child wasn’t home, so we sat in the car and chatted, enjoying the sun and each other’s company. Finally, I had to leave for an appointment so I decided to drop … More Unexpected luxuries
The month of February has been perhaps the most emotionally tumultous of my recent life. Within this time, three deaths confronted me one after the other; the first, a 42-year-old mother of my daughter’s best friend. She felt giddy, asked her husband for a glass of water, had a sip, put her head back and … More Three deaths, two births, a miscarriage and a divorce
It’s surprising how different people can view the same situation with totally different eyes and opinions. Last week, my younger one hosted a surprise birthday party for her best friend at home. Some 13 kids came over directly from school (and how blessed we are to live right across from it) but due to a … More They made a noise
The1967 song Mast Bahaaron Ka Mein Ashiq has been on replay mode in my head for the past many weeks. Especially its refrain: Saara jahaan hai mere liye, mere liye (the whole world was made for me, for me). I don’t know where it came from but it stuck, and it pops up every time … More Rafi-esque moments
The first time: My car lock has been stuck for months, and the situation is getting worse as the poor Swift ages. It now takes me at least twenty tries to unlock my car. The car company says it will cost me Rs 8,000 for a new lock-and-key set, which I am loath to spend … More Twice today
Yesterday, while driving past India Gate admiring the trees, a thought came to me: What does Life want from me? And the answer came immediately: To live through my eyes. To see the world as I see it. To feel the things I feel. To do the things only I could or would do. Suddenly, … More Showing up
The best thing I love about my job is meeting new people and having the opportunity to go really deep into their lives and understand what makes them tick. Most of the time, this is an extremely enriching experience. For instance, yesterday I met a woman who had rather large black pupils in her eyes, like … More Coffee with caring
100 Paths 