Some thoughts, some memories

If I haven’t said it before, I’ll say it again—I think a part of me is going to miss this city with its weather changes akin to mood swings of a woman with PMS. When I landed here for studies I think it was raining (I have quite a bad memory, so please excuse me) and when I leave this city to go home, it’s raining again. Normally every city follows a cycle—if it rains in November last year then one supposes it should rain in November this year. But not Bangalore, no. 

I’m not rather fond of rains;yes, I can get fussy about traveling when it rains. It’s all for good reason: I know there isn’t any scientific reason behind this, but every time I get wet in the rains, I catch a cold. I’m not exaggerating. It’s either that or sinus. Besides who wants muddy water splashed on them.It also gets uncomfortably cold and there are mosquitoes everywhere humming an annoying tune into your ear, not letting you sleep. Yes, I can see you indicating that mouth-watering food can be had at this time of the year, but I disagree one can have delectable food when they want and that it shouldn’t be dictated by weather. But if you are going to take that argument further then listen to my points.

Summer is indeed a wonderful weather for good food! Imagine ripe watermelons either cut into pieces with  chaat masala sprinkled on them or as a cold juice, whichever your mouth prefers. Mangoes! Now, I’m not a mango lover but I can see you are one. Cold mangoes and cream or ice cream or in a milkshake or just eaten without chopping it into pieces. Cold coffee, ice cream, salads, cold beer, cocktails and mocktails, iced tea… You are a hot pakodas and chai fan? Well, have them in the evening as a tea time snack.

Tell me, do you REALLY want your movie plans ruined by a rainy day, a constantly gloomy day that puts you to sleep or worse, a day that doesn’t let you shake off your blanket? Of course not!

Anyway, back to the subject, we have drifted enough. Bangalore has given me many firsts (some of which I’m not going to list here and will keep it as a secret) like standing 2 feet away from my idol, breathing the same air as him. I don’t think that would have been possible if I’d stayed in Chennai or moved to Mumbai. My first major fight with a close friend, a taste at living with unknown people (and people thought finding soul mates online was worse), north Indian friends (yes yes, all my close friends before postgrad are south Indians), one Goan friend(!), savouring Spanish wine (thank you Priyanka!), getting a story published online, cake at midnight thanks to the numerous people whose birthday is celebrated in the hostel irrespective of that person being one’s friend or not and many other memories, which I’ll cherish for years to come and try to remember most of it.

I haven’t gotten a job yet, I’m hoping to get one in the near future and I think it’ll be in Chennai most probably. I did think of moving to Mumbai for some time; yet another city, which is close to my heart but the plans did not materialize. Maybe it isn’t time yet, but I do know for sure that I have a strong connection with that city and only time will tell.

Coming back to the main subject, I have most certainly bought more books than clothes and footwear combined. Then again, no one can have enough books. Blossoms and other random book sales are my favourite haunts in Bangalore. Every time I step out of my hostel, I make it a point to buy at least one book. I don’t know what it is but that pull towards books is magnetic, almost gravity-like to the extent that I have gone broke due to it. Nevertheless, that has never deterred me from purchasing some more!

10 months have passed away amazingly quick and everything is a blur to me. When college started, I could only crib at how much I missed home and every holiday was a chance for me to escape home. At one point I realized that I knew nothing about the city I made home temporarily. I woke up. I then began my journey discovering Bangalore and I must say it’s such a fulfilling one. I’m glad I took up this decision to move to Bangalore for a short period, glad that I met some amazing people (some random, some permanent), indulged in good food and better moments. Thank you, Bangalore!

Mind games...

Memories have become a thing of the past. Every time I smell freshly grounded coffee, I'm reminded of my home. When I see cloudy days and the smell of rain hitting the muddy floor, special classes at school at 8 in the morning. The smell of strawberry essence reminds me of days in Mumbai where every meal would be vada pav and ice cream (and strawberry/raspberry would be available always!). Bright Saturday mornings remind me of my white-tiled bathroom (this, I have No clue why). Watching cricket takes me back to the days where I'd be the umpire to a game of street cricket and arguing with the children who used to go: "Akka give out akka pleeeeeeaaseeeeeeee" against "Akka you are fair to their team wonly akka, what akka?" 

When I go to my cousin's house I'm reminded of playing games such as 'tree-to-tree,' cricket, treasure hunt, hide and seek etc. Tree-to-tree in particular used to be the most popular one. My cousin's house compound is really huge with a lot of trees pretty close to each other. A catcher would be chosen and the rest are a group. The catcher points to one tree where the group would huddle and he'd point out to another tree which we have to touch in the form of a long chain. Usually the gap between the two trees have to be quite long, so that when a gap falls in the chain. Which means the chain is split into two. Therefore the first group runs, followed by the second group. While doing so the catcher catches a person or a group thereby making them out. This continues till everyone is out. And the game starts again. I seriously LOVE this game!

There was this time when my friend and I (sometimes joined by both our sisters), we go up to our terrace (hers or mine) and throw water bombs at unassuming people walking on our street and immediately duck, before they can spot us! I know, it sounds a bit mean but hey we were really young and we loved to see people get wet, get angry and look up to see no one at all and just walk by shaking their heads. There was this one person who tracked us and came to our terrace. We got scared and climbed up another ladder and hid in the water tank for some time. After 15 minutes or so we slowly climbed down, only to see him waiting for us. He severely reprimanded us and then left. I think we stopped after that, we started feeling sorry for the pedestrians I guess.

Van games used to be somewhat similar too! Only we used to throw paper and/or chalk at other vehicles. The riders used to yell at us and complain to the van driver who would yell at us on his part but that didn't exactly stop us!  

There was this library in my locality which my dad joined as soon as shifted. I found a friend and we started borrowing books almost everyday (during the holidays it used to be morning and evening!). Some books we never used to return and claimed that we did not borrow and that they made a wrong entry. We still have most of the books. They recently shut down and my friend and I still think it's because of us that they went into a loss and that they shut down. And every time we see the owner we run and hide, even now. 

I miss those days. I still secretly wish I could throw water bombs at innocent people. I just might.

For old times' sake

How does it feel to be a school-going kid again? Pretty much fun, yes :) To meet with friends and goof off. All the more fun.

But I think my best times were (and I say unabashedly) when I had innumerable crushes on boys. Sorry, but no names shall spilled out. They were truly my best moments, ones that made me get up early and go to school without any sort of hesitation. What did they feel like? Well, to say the least I felt immeasurably happy, everything felt cheery and positive and of course I enjoyed going to school. In short, I loved those days.

And why am I writing about this now?

I have my reasons. You just have to guess :)

Mumbai Ho! (Pre departure)

I'm muchly excited! 'Cause I'm leaving to Mumbai tomorrow evening. Mumbai-my birthplace, my Vada-Pav-Mumbai!

I once ate Vada Pavs the whole day and never got tired of it. I can never get tired of it! Even on the phone today with my cousins I spoke about the joy of eating Vada Pav, till no end. Also my kutti cousin promised to bring back Vada Pavs from her school (cause they make the best ones according to her!)

Long walks along the Nerul highway is another thing I enjoy. Going to the local dairy wala to buy curd, or the pani puri seller to snack a few or to play football in the rainy, muddy and slushy streets in Nerul are things I miss the most!

But the real reason I'm going to Mumbai is to attend my cousin's Upanayanam! (thread ceremony) 

So before I go here's wishing Dear Madras a very Happy Birthday! (This shall have its own post soon)

P.S. The writer wishes to painfully note that she won't be attending the Madras Quiz on 22nd August. To other lucky idiots: Have fun and good luck! :)