Turbulent Times

Turbulent would be putting it mildly if one were to ask me how the days have been –
I’ve been complimented on my professionalism and efficiency at work, at the same time I’ve realized that certain aspirations connected to work might have to take a backseat for another year;
I’ve missed my father so much this past week and am going to miss him so much more as the 4th of March draws closer – all the related ceremonies and the things being done to commemorate his life and actions make me feel so damn lucky (not to mention proud) that I am Mr.R.Shrivastava’s daughter, but it’s just as (if not more) traumatic;
I’ve said good-bye to yet another friend who’s seeking greener pastures, wishing him the very best even while wishing the greener pastures were closer home, knowing all along that this is where the friendship will finally be tested, for if it survives the distance, there’s no getting rid of me till the big ol’ ticker gives way;
I’ve been back “home” to bring in best friend’s birthday (I think this is the first time ever – strange considering he’s my closest friend) with an incredibly fun soirée, surrounded by friends and some very interesting…though unfortunately highly unavailable and ineligible bachelors ;-) and lots of excellent wine;
Last but not by any definition the least…
I’ve finally gotten high (little surprise considering the copious amounts of wine consumed on an empty stomach) and I think it was quite enjoyable, though I think I could easily keep my distance from the wine for a bit (this despite my “bewadi” reputation!) ;-)

Current Book:- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (very interesting work) and A Dog’s Life by Peter Mayle (gift from a dear friend and a fellow-Mayle fan)
Current Music:- Tékitoi by Rashid Taha feat. Christian Olivier (from the recently acquired Génération Française 5 courtesy CAVILAM and the External Affairs Ministry of France)
Current Mood:- Nostalgic – incredibly so, with my mind filled with a galactic collage of memories from the last one year. Missing so many people so god-damned-much and wishing I could have them right next to me always…

A Year Down...

What could give me a greater sense of pride than the fact that even a year after my father’s demise, the company still looks up to him and not only recognizes his contribution to their existence and growth but is constantly making efforts to concretize the fact? That apart from having put up a huge photograph of my father at the reception they now want a plaque put up next to it, dedicating the foundation of the company to him, laying it down on stone that Phoenix Mecano India is synonymous with Mr. R Shrivastava…

What could be a bigger honour for me than to be asked to script the text for it? And what could be more painful?

Coz Goodbyes Suck....

18^th August 2006 – I heard what seemed like the most incredulous excuse (and that point I even thought pick-up line) for getting my phone number. As I refused, a smile tugging at my lips, little did I know that nearly six months later, just the mention of the same person’s name would bring an instant smile to my face…well almost always; like with all my close friends, there are always those moments when I’m all too willing to bring a beer bottle crashing down on the unfortunate victim’s head. In this case, there have been times when I’ve contemplated far more painful and sadistic means of gleaning revenge. ;-) Who’d have thought I’d be so glad I changed my mind a few weeks later and gave my number to D…and I must admit a little regretful that I didn’t do so when I was first asked! (I’m never going to hear the last of this, but to hell with it – every dog has its day(s) and D’s share seems to be rather big!)

I thought I’d reached that stage where I wouldn’t be able to trust someone so completely, and to love anyone apart from my closest family members and closest friends so unconditionally – yet looking back at the last six months and how our friendship has grown, I know that there is now one more person about whom I’m almost irrationally crazy. Close friends have wondered about the nature of our friendship, warned me not to get too involved, knowing my wonderful capability of giving so much importance to a friendship, only to be disillusioned by betrayal later – and I must admit I even tried reeling myself back a couple of times, but something just seemed so right in this crazy friendship that has made me defy every rule in my book, that has made me behave so uncharacteristic of the Plain Jane that I normally am, that has made me throw caution to the winds and for once not think, but follow only my instincts…

D, is leaving town next week and I know I’m going to miss those lazy afternoons when we watched movies/television and I was teased mercilessly about all my goof-ups and my apparently “moronic” behavior. I’m going to miss having someone to accompany me for films, someone who’d arbitrarily decide that my lunch is not sufficient and I must have some more (whether I want it or not is immaterial), someone who can make me forget the reason for my ire/frustration with absolutely inane conversation, not to mention some outlandishly hilarious suggestions (which also gave me some ideas, but they were mostly rib-tickling material!)…

I’m going to miss a wonderful friend who has become an irreplaceable part of my life. Damn but saying goodbye sucks…

Picture This...

Shaniwarwada – fort constructed in the 18th century, bang in the heart of Pune. The old part of the city – traditions, conservatism et al. A pleasant February evening. Approximately 1000 people from all walks of life and all age groups (5 years to 60+ years)…and to set the mood for the evening we had Merzhin…

Merzhin? A rock band from France, hailing from Bretagne and known for their rich and contemporary rock music!!! The concert was organized by AFP of course – my first rock concert and what an amazing experience! I was hooked and moving to the music seconds after the first chords were struck – the wealth of sounds thanks to their use of the flute and the snake charmer’s instrument, the palpable energy levels of the group made it a “rocking” experience!

Current Mood:- Blah!
Current Music:- Sexy Back – Justin Timberlake
Current Book:- Marley and Me – John Grogan