From the city of love!

I sat there admiring the symbol of love
What else can I wish for? it's only- You
You cross my mind, heart and soul each moment
I crave to see you next to me atleast for a second

I sat there admiring the symbol of love
What else can I think of? It's the thought- You
If I had magic powers, I would go back in time just to see you smile
Countless feelings rush when I imagine you

I sat there admiring the symbol of love
What else can I ask for? A word or two from you
I'm sure love doesn't go unanswered my dear
Though you are so far, I can feel you around me forever

I sat there admiring the symbol of love
Prayers were answered and I got all those which I wished, thought and asked for
My heart fell in love all over again
When the lips felt the kiss, arms with hugs and a night filled with talks which I always longed for!


Ranju...

My friend Mart!

Wakey Wakey: To an announcement in the airplane, I woke up sluggishly with no mood to get out of my seat. Lazing until the final notice to leave the plane, I had to leave before the crew threw me out. Blinks, Blinks and more blinks thankfully I managed to get out of the plane after my lavish Vegas vacation.

Destination Seattle Airport: All the formalities done, I am out of the airport to reach my sister’s place. Next thing I hear is that the cab is running late. What do I do? No option but to wait!

All alone: Seattle and Starbucks…. A great combination indeed! Coffee in my hand but no conversations, a very bad combination indeed! Did not want to wake my people up at that hour but heart was looking for someone to talk to. No luck! I, coffee and a non-interactive TV presenter was all that was left in the waiting room.

The Meet: I saw someone walking towards the waiting area and scream on their phone ‘what? How long do I have to wait’? My sadistic inner self said, ‘thank god, I got someone to chat to; I will definitely trouble this guy and pull him to a chat’. Little did I know his trouble and sufferings needed more than just a talk. A cute looking guy with a Santa’s hat walks in, sits next to me and smiles. Yes, I wanted that, a live person to talk to.

The HI’s and Hello’s: Smiling guy next to me—Hi, I am Mart, I am waiting for my cab from past hour, I travelled back from New Jersey and he went on and on, I was like—Hello, give me a chance to talk. The chat started casually when I asked, where do you live in Seattle Mart? Mart again goes on and on, he says: I live nearby, I did not want to study but I studied in this college, I did an animation course, I graduated with high grades as my mum wanted to see me in my graduation gown, etc. 

Again, I was like— Hello my chance to talk. He laughs and asks me to continue, curious me: Why did you have to study when you didn’t want to? Is it for your mother? Mart takes on from here: Yes, it is! She wanted me to graduate before she said good bye to this world. I fulfilled her dream to see me as a graduate. I was so sorry for Mart and consoled him. He went on, my mum was a very lively person, she was a single mother yet she did not make me realise that my dad was not with us. She was my everything. He showed me pictures of his mum and I was very emotional by then, I thought to myself why these sufferings dear lord!

Goodbyes and See-you’s: Controlling my emotions I cheered him up, I told him your mum will always be there with you in each step of your life. He smiled and thanked me for my words. Just then, the cab driver called me to inform that the cab was fast approaching. Curious me never stops questioning, they say it’s good to ask but not always I feel. I asked Mart why he was wearing a Santa’s hat when it was not even close to Christmas. With a sad face, Mart answered: I had been to New Jersey for my Chemotherapy, I wear this hat always as this was given by my mum and when I wear this it makes me brave, brave enough to fight the demon in me, I’m 22 and I really want to wear more graduation hats and not Santa’s hats but god has not given me a choice but to wear this. I was shocked after what I heard. I hugged Mart but still did not know what to tell him, holding back all my emotions and putting my brave face on, I told him: I’m sure you will throw more graduation hats in the air in coming years and your mom will not let you leave this world. Wish to see you soon. With a heavy heart, I had to leave as my cab arrived. I left the place wishing and praying that Mart is cured soon.

We have so many brave hearts that are great inspirations. There are many such Marts’ amongst us with loads of dreams but with very less time to fulfill those dreams. Let’s hope that these miseries end someday and world becomes a much more beautiful place.

Dedicated to My friend Mart and many such amazing people.

Ranju….

A Date!

December, freezing evening! Ah, it's obvious.
It's snowing...!!!don't go he said, when have I ever listened to you love! I said.
Umbrella, gloves, jackets and warmers please he said, of course I can't go without it, Grrrrr.... stop babysitting me I said.

Walking on the snow spread streets like I cared for none, I was my own boss on those empty streets. Taking a walk alone was my favorite thing to do. But, but, but no....not any more.

I'm perfectly alright, did not mean to scare you.

All excited to visit the famous tea room in the town. I arrive and wait for my favorite pot of tea. I did what I did always, looking around for interesting things I can take note of and praise the lord for the learning he has hidden in each and every moment.

In my head, I spoke to myself: oh, I can't be wrong, he is surely on a date. Anyone can guess that. Look at his neatly combed hair, a perfect knot in his tie, tucked in shirt, that suit and shining black shoes. A stubborn I said: I was not wrong at all.

He made himself comfortable and sat there waiting for her. For a minute, my concentration diverted as my tea made its way. By the time I shifted my glance, he stood up like a real gentleman and pulled out the chair for her. He kissed her hand, from his expressions, I assumed her hands were as soft as flower petals.

Of course it was none of my business to stare at him and embarrass him. Even he did not care about the world. I couldn't stop noticing this sweet little incident though. All I could see was, him offer immense love and care for her.

Sipping his tea and talking as if he was the only one in that room, I'm sure he made her comfortable. Holding her hands for hours, without taking his eyes off her for a second, he escorted her back and made his way to the door.

Was there anything special in this? This is very common you might say. Hold it right there....I was imagining her the whole time. Confused? Let me explain.

I'm sure there was a handsome guy waiting for his date, I'm sure he ordered  for his drink and I'm also sure that there was no date present. When I saw this incident unveil in front of my eyes, at first, it felt hilarious. Who would dress so well and act as if they were on a date?

Couldn't take this confusion anymore, I asked my waiter friend what was happening? He then said, the man whom we all witnessed just now had absolutely no one in his life, he comes here once in a while to meet his imaginary date and leaves.

This shocked me, I was in tears and ran straight back home and hugged my love. I held him tight and said, please baby-sit me as you always do. I will always listen to whatever you say and will always love you to the moon and back.

Wiping my tears off, he chuckled and said, I'm sure, you saw something sweet or strange happening around you again isn't?  Don't even think of It, I will never stop my care towards you my stubborn little bird.

I dedicate this to all those who still prove that the world is full of love and miracles.

To: Love, a miracle that heals sorrows.


Ranju...

My Super heroes!

No, not Superman,

Nope… not Spiderman,

Not Shakthimaan either! J

My super heroes are these wonder women--who gave birth to me, who took care of me and who showered love on me. Yes, it’s my Mummy dearest (Amma), darling aunts (Dodamma and Chikki) and my guardian angels (Sister/Cousins).

·       No gift to your Mother, can ever equal her gift to you—Life!

She is the Symbol of strength, joy and care,

Blessed I’m to share this affair.

A pillar of support to the family,

Few of the many roles she plays boldly.

She is my all-time favourite star.

Ocean of words is not enough to describe you my super star.

·       Only an Aunt can give hugs like a Mother, keep secrets like a Sister and share Love like a Friend.

Before and after my arrival in this world,

You always made mom and me feel special and loved.

Every need of mine were taken care by you,

I will forever love you my honeydew.

I am an aunt now to a little boy,

I will follow your path and give him all the joy.

·   Side by side or miles apart… we are sisters connected by the hearts.

Far far away there is a dream land,

A perfect place for true bond.

Your pure love and selflessness is unmatched,

Wherever we are, our souls are attached.

Can’t forget all the gossips, fights and fun we had,

You are my guardian angel in good times and bad.

Who can be a better super hero in our lives, when we have them beside us in the form of Family and friends?

Greatest happiness is found in the simplest of things!

Image Courtesy: Google and my collection.

Ranju...

Girl in the new city!

It’s been a while that I said Hello to you all. Been busy!

I will try to explain how busy I was---“Relocation”. Hope that explains.

“Setting up life in a new place, God! Not a joke at all”. When this happened to me, I really understood what being busy was.

Well, take life as it comes has always been my Mantra.

Let me walk you all through what was/is happening:

·        Embrace the change and be happy for your new life--Leaving my amazing family, friends and Bengaluru was a very great deal for me. I never left my family or Bengaluru before this big move. It was hard to bid adios to my super-fun family and my gang. It was really sad to see tears in mom, dad’s eyes, missed those comforting hugs from sister-BIL and my 6 month old nephew who had just started recognizing me. In total, my life was set there. But yes, Life has to go on… Hello new world!

·        Touch Down-Heathrow Airport,London--December, that’s when I moved to London, a person who couldn’t withstand 20 to 22 degrees in Bengaluru, moved to a place where minus temperature is common. People here waited for the snow when I wore clothes starting from size “S” to size “XXL”. Feeling Cold---Get used to it!

·        A Friend in need – Is indeed a friend. Thanks to my father who has earned great students. Wherever we went, we found dad’s students and this tradition followed even in the UK. Huge thanks Krishna, Shwetha and their kids Riddha and Arka for treating us like family and having us as part of their family till we found our own place to live. A big hug to all those who helped with all your great advices and suggestions. Loads of love, you know who you are. Learning more about relationships---Family, Friends miss you a lot.

·        New place, New people, New things I do- Though I was a little reluctant to shift from Bengaluru, as my heart and soul belonged there, I had no choice but to accept the fact and move on with the new change. London is always a good idea they said, no wonder people fall in love with this place. It’s truly a welcoming city. I’m very much in love with the Place, People and things I do here.

Ø Saw royal and elegant London, didn’t get a chance to study ;) but toured oxford, roamed parks and lakes and still exploring the place is on and will always be!

Ø Joined a run club, started socialising and found many new friends who helped a lot to complete my first 5km in an official race. From a person who ran 5 minutes to a person who runs 5kms now. Miles to go before I sleep!

Ø Couldn’t keep hands-off from the work I did with Aapathsahaya foundation (Afn), Samarthanam, Courtesy. Of course, I will always be connected through heart but I miss the physical presence. As Afn says “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” “World is one family”, I have joined a charity shop nearby to serve as a volunteer. Hope this will never end and I’m sure it will always be a part of who I’m!

To sum up, by almighty’s grace and all the love and support from great folks in my life, I’m having a wonderful time here. Forever I will hold on to stunning memories I have created with family, friends, Bengaluru, the place I worked, the people I worked with and cherish it every moment. Cheers to new life and new beginnings.

Last but not the least, thanks Abhishek my partner in crime for being awesome. By the way, next month onwards, I will not only torture him at home but even at office. Yes, we both will be working together in the same office. Loads of wishes needed to Mr.A. :)

Welcome changes, stay happy, enjoy life!! :)

Image Courtesy:Google.

Ranju…