I was an average student at school and college having ordinary dreams of finishing studies and getting a good job to make a better living for myself and my family. Unexpectedly , Lehman Brothers, one of the US Investment banking giant, had come to our college for Campus placements. I went through the GD and PI and was among the 8 out of 150, who got selected. Suddenly the sacks that carried books changed into a handbag carrying business diaries and pens. I entered the huge, well furnished corporate office at Powai, met all the big shots.I enjoyed the elite treatment. I started feeling like a celebrity in that ambience.We had amazing induction programme at Renaissance followed by training at a classy Resort at Madh island. I couldn’t believe my eyes that things were happening at such a fast pace like in reel life. It was my first job and I was apprehensive as well as thrilled. As I started working, I was pretty satisfied with the salary and weekend offs. I used to save most of it and spent a lot on shopping without thinking about further ado. Everything was so new and live. I felt like I was dropped into a huge ocean and I have too much to swim all alone. I never felt broke as there was a sense of security in my mind. Life was pretty right in my opinion. There was nothing more ideal than my life for me. People actually raised their eyebrows with pride when I said I was associated with Lehman Brothers and I, as a baby in corporate did not know the might of this Giant!

I had many people in my team who worked closely with me and of course a boss. There were some tasks that were expected out of me which were termed as ‘my goals’ now and during school and colleges it would be called as allergic term called “score”. I was never used to something like that.The sight of my boss would send shivers to my spine. However, after spending some good time, he turned out to be my mentor. I earned many good friends at work, who stood by me through my thick and thin. Every day passed by quickly and I got accustomed to that fast speed, hence carried myself each day as it came. It was only when I looked at the calendar on my birthday last year, I realized that three years just flew and I transformed as a young girl at 21 to a grown up woman of 24.

Suddenly, I took a decision to quit my job and get back to studying further. I never realized that I was addicted to the most tempting thing in this world; Money. I went ahead with my decision. A month passed by very well as I got the much needed rest since I got into a job.I ate food on time, had a good time watching TV and spending time with my fiancé and family. But after a couple of months, on my pay day, I suddenly waited for my bank account to reflect the salary, which was now meaningless. I felt empty. i could feel the vaccum of helplessness.There were some trivial instances which reminded me of my three and half year’s journey! A series of emotions, which cannot be described, started flowing into my mind. When I passed by Hiranandani gardens, I used to get nostalgic, thinking about the lovely moments I spent with friends in the Break out area, stupid gossips, handsome men we gawked crazily at, sentimental talks with my lunch buddies and pathetic jokes we cracked to bust the work stress. I missed the food we ordered on birthdays, Donuts from ‘Mad over Donuts’, the fun activities I participated in, deadlines that kept me awake even after 12 hours of working. The “Happy weekend” exclamation we shared while leaving office on Fridays, the wait, full of excitement, of the “salary credited” text on the cell phone. When I was at work, I never got an off on any Hindu festivals as I was supporting Europe and US region. And after quitting, I was at home for every festival but the enthusiasm dimmed. At work, whenever there was mail circulated about Traditional day or Diwali Day or any other special occasion, I was all ready to be decked up and look as beautiful as possible. I even used to imagine myself as how I would look on those days. I was always surrounded by someone or the other at work. People either called me for coffee or just dropped by my desk for a casual chat. I never felt alone as the canteen staff, reprographics guys, receptionist and colleagues other than my department also knew me very well. I used to meet someone or the other in the elevator and the banter would begin. I used to wait for my night drop and reach home as my father waited to serve hot food to me. I just loved that feeling that someone was waiting for me. After a difficult day, when my pet curled their tailed around my legs, I just used to feel on top of the world.

I realized that I was so carefree and comfortable after a certain point. Everything just worked like I wanted. It struck me that for the past 4 years I really lived in my dream world where I did everything that made me happy. Most importantly, I made my parents happy and proud. It was tough for me to adapt to such a huge paradigm shift in my life. From earning fat cheques (according to me) to earning nothing but just paying bills was one of the most undesirable change of my life. I never thought life would turn upside down. I started feeling penniless as I curbed my expenses all the time. I looked at the prices on the menu card every time I checked into a restaurant. I walked in the malls with the intention of shopping, but ended up looking at the price tag and left empty handed. Earlier, I went to parlour to look good but my thinking suddenly changed to why do I make that attempt to look good when no one is going to notice it. I travelled by bus and everything that I did not do for the last three and half years. Not that I did not gather my savings, but I had that fear at the back of my mind, once I open that savings tap, water in form of money would just flow but the tanker will never refill the water tank.

Everybody in this society has an employee mind set and once the word of my quitting the job spread like a wild fire, there was every tom,dick and harry asking me about “what are my plans”, “where would I work next”, what is my career plan” and surprisingly, these were the people who advised me to take rest when I slogged like a dog. But my frank confession is, my association with corporate world gave me many things and I want to thank God for giving me great friends, co-operative colleagues, fabulous mentors, and the most important my IDENTITY! Whatever confidence I have to speak in public, or communicate my views effectively is just because of the Corporate opportunity I got in college. this journey taught me lessons for life. There were some harsh instances along with some sweet experiences. I must say that 31st October 2010 to 31 October 2011 was one of longest years of my life. I could feel the slow pace every minute.I knew every date that went by. I was looking for something dynamic to happen in life soon which would change my life by leaps and bounds. I just expected that this wait ended soon and I lived my earlier life as soon as possible.

I just realized one thing that when we have one particular thing in hand, we never value it. My personal take away from this one year was I would value everything- good or bad in life with an open mind.

Birthdays are generally much hyped once you are a couple. Everyone asks what your partner has gifted you and with over-blushing smile we answer, “Branded clutch or a watch or an I-pod etc”. But my 24th birthday was special and different from all my birthdays. I got engaged a week before and God gifted me a wonderful life partner, my soul mate, in his form. I was extremely contented, and unaware that something more is going to add up.

Three days post engagement, Rajiv was travelling and I had a doubt that he was going to do something out of the box. Tattoo making was in vogue and few of our friends had it. I knew he was thinking on those lines as he was extremely fascinated about getting inked with my name. When I got a glimpse of this idea, I discarded it as I did want him to go through so much pain. Moreover, I did not want to disappoint our families that are so conservative. Still he was obstinate but little gloomy that I knew his surprise. I persuaded him, but all my efforts were futile. ‘It was something that was unnecessary when not done, but once it was done, it definitely races any woman’s heart towards her man’.

Rajiv’s mother was not at all a buyer of that idea. According to her, tattoo was not something ‘that was happening’, but it was something ‘that should not happen’. It was an obvious opinion, given the traditional families we belong to. But we together tried and convinced her. My mother was extremely thrilled.

Finally the next day we were at the tattoo parlour. My heart was thumping. Till the last minute I tried influencing his decision. He selected the font and got seated in the chair. He wanted to have a tattoo on the back side of his hand. Chirag Jhala,who was a tattoo artist, comforted me by saying how painless doing a tattoo is. I thought of shooting this and keep with me as a memory for a life time. For about 25 minutes there was a screeching sound of that machine and I could take off my eyes from Rajiv as I wanted to see if it’s hurting him too much. Every time the needle would pinch him, my heart would pound. I wanted it to get over as early as possible.At last, it was over and the first question I asked him was, “Was it painful” and with his dazzling smile, he replied,”No”. Chirag exchanged some tips to take care of the tattoo and we noted them. I was amazed and speechless for a minute looking at his expressions. I was startled and astounded to see “RHUCHA” in bold on my man’s hand.

It takes lot of guts to get this done. Any function or occasion we attended, everybody used to come up to him and appreciate this gesture. I was a proud better half when people raised their eyebrows in happiness and acknowledged Rajiv. Our committed she-friends used to look at their partners and give Rajiv’s example and I used to feel on top of the world!

In the world where commitments do not last, where two people depart due to some trivial issues and where a relationship is treated casually or marriages do not last as they become the victim of ego and extremity, I think very few take that extra mile towards their love. For me, Tattoo is something which will remain with him forever until death. He not only engraved my name deep down his skin, but proved me the level of commitment he has towards me.

I can just say to Rajiv,”You got a tattoo done but I got totally inked in love with you”. I can just promise him in return that until death parts us, we will be one.

Ganpati festival is always an extremely special for Maharashtrian crowd and I am no exception to it. As I grew up, I remember travelling with my parents on the Ganesh Chathurthi day to Dombivali,where my uncle resides. As per tradition the Ganpati was always kept there. I used to wonder that when will the Almighty come to my place in Mulund.But immediately I used to become submissive and wiped those thoughts off as I knew that was not in my hands. I couldn’t change the tradition my grandfather started.

As soon as we entered the house,there were loads of tasks that needed to be done. Right from cooking food,calling the guests,greeting people, chanting the holy prayers called “Aarti”loudly,and of course serving the Lord who comes and blesses our family every year. House was full of modak aroma,mouth watering delicacies,colourful flowers and glittering lights. It used to be totally divine atmosphere.Each time I looked at the idol,I felt closer to God. His aura and positive vibes always touched my soul. His presence always sensitized me from within and I felt a different sense of purity within me. My negative emotions, depressing thoughts, ill feelings or anger just disappeared for those two days.

I am a very truthful devotee of Lord Ganesha and I have been wishing for many years that I serve the Lord at my residence. I lived in the hope that one day my wish would come true and I will share this joy with all my close friends and family. After around 13 years my prayers were answered. My uncle was waiting for his newly bought house to be done and finally it was decided that we will have Him at Mulund, since his house was in process of being constructed. My mother came up to me and said that “God has fulfilled your wish” and I nodded my head in ecstasy as this was the first year Ganpati was at our place since the tradition started in our family. I was very enthusiastic to do all the preparations starting from inviting guests, ordering modaks,chaklis and buying flowers from the cluttered Dadar market.

The level of exhilaration was so high that I forgot my tiredness. Finally He arrived with my father. My mom performed the rituals before He entered the house and He was then seated like a King. We had infinite guests and there was lot of chatting and laughter in my house. A picture I always imagined came true on 10th September 2010. All my friends knew that this was the most awaited moment of my life so everyone came to share my happiness. Those two days were jam packed and I was living each moment to the fullest. Finally after so much of enjoyment, the time arrived when we had to bid a goodbye to Ganpati. It has always been the most painful part of this festival. We immersed Him into a nearby artificial lake, where the arrangements were amazing. And while he was getting immersed for the third and final time, tears dropped through my cheeks. My heart was thumping.I felt heaviness in my heart. But I knew that “He went only to be back next year.”

A thought just passed through my mind, In India we get attached even to the idol we worship and that is the uniqueness of our country. We live in a world where blood ties fade away and people just move put of relationships for some materialistic greed.Moreover in some countries in the world, children do not even stay with their parents after a certain age. But we Indians preserve and maintain the smallest of the customs.

To me, Ganpati is the power who gives me strength to move on. He has the supremacy to give me peace whenever I am troubled and show me the right path whenever I am perplexed. The waiting period was too long but I think God knows the right time for everything. I got engaged in October and Ganpati gave me a perfect gift in advance. I think that was something he had planned this surprise for me. I always believed in God, but this incident totally seeped my soul into spirituality. I felt like I dipped my body into a wonderful feeling.

Thanks Bappa!Ganpati Bappa Morya.

In the hard times,
You made me feel wanted,
At my weakest point,
You made me feel loved.

By my side, always you stood,
Many unsaid feelings you understood,
Gazing deep down in your eyes,
You knew all, is what I realized.

On your sturdy shoulders,
I abruptly busted into tears,
I wanted to express all my fears,
Only in your arms, my dear!

When I was done, and,
On your chest, when my head I kept,
I saw your heart wept and,
I felt your hidden pain.

I will never let us break,
I will never go away from you,
I will never let our love drift,
As your warmth gives me a lift!

I know whenever I fall,
You will hold me near you,
Nothing in the world,
Except your love, is true.

Today when situation is tough,
And the phase is too rough,
Thoughts make me feel weak,
Only your support is what I seek.

I know I am everything,
Just because of you,
I know I am nothing,
Without you!

It was a very depressing Sunday for me last week as I was tensed about my job and few things that were not working out right. But as I was already committed to Umang’s event of visiting old age home in Mulund East, there was no point carrying the prolonged dejection. I was looking forward to that evening optimistically because I was going to spend quality time with the old uncles and aunties residing there. My main intention after entering the premises was to see their smiling and satisfied faces.

All the volunteers were present at the Old age home arranging speakers, gift wrapping, mike testing and loading food items etc. Gradually aged crowd started gathering in the hall. Everyone had a smile on their face and they welcomed us with open arms, which made me feel pleasant. We began with singing songs which was followed by playing entertaining games. All the old uncles and aunties were given gift hampers which amused them.

We had birthday celebration as a part of our program. We distributed birthday caps to them and while giving one to an uncle, he jokingly inverted the cap and said, “The cap is empty, can I get bhel or chana in it? I laughed and said, “I will get it next time when I come.” He said, “Next time get something filled in this for sure”. That time I realized that jokes apart, but what they need is care and attention which they might possibly be deprived of. We had three of them who had their birthdays in august, so we cut the cake, cheered, clapped, sang birthday songs to make their evening, a perfect one! We served them with snacks,cake and later dinner.

Post snacks session, we had arranged Housie for them. Each volunteer was assigned to each uncle and aunty out there. I was with the same uncle with whom I shared that joke. We both were very excited about winning something-either fastest 5, first, second, third row, four corners or ultimately the full housie. As the game proceeded, all the other participants bagged different prizes and now only Full housie was remaining. Uncle lost hope as the numbers that were called out were not at all present on our housie ticket. I was still very keen and kept on assuring uncle that we will win the full housie. Suddenly one full housie prize was given away and then I thought there is no way we can win. Still I thought ‘we are not the Indian team that got whitewashed in the recent series, but we will play like the Indian team at World cup’. I kept telling myself that I have to win this game not for me, but for uncle. I hoped and suddenly saw that we won the full housie. Uncle won the gift hamper and was extremely ecstatic to have it.

The most touching and encouraging part was when the uncle said that ‘this hamper belongs to you as you had all the determination, eagerness and hope to win the game’. That sentence was an eye opener for me and I realized that I had my self-confidence and willpower to combat all issues around me, just for a moment it faded away. Uncle really gave me a sense of motivation which I will always remember.

When we really put all our efforts into something, we can surely immaculately achieve our goals. If these kinds of fortune games can be won on willpower, problems in life can surely be fought and sorted as I believe that “Life is what we make it!”There are moments when we miserably fall and experience adverse situations. There are failures and lulls, but God has left upon us how well we bounce back to reform and restore our lives.

I thank God for adding such a delightful and motivational day in my life.

I was falling away from you,
But there was nothing I could do,
I thought our connection is lost,
Our sensations caught a frost!

At times, I didn’t know things about you,
That was one painful part for me, not you
Before, I always knew everything,
And now I was only a part of your something!

A drastic change,
For me, was truly strange,
I knew u were truly short of time,
But I memorize the moments when u were jus mine!

Romantic Songs I listened to,
All the time made me think about you,
As everyday passed by,
I was giving things a try.

Things around me were stalled,
And you were the one, I recalled,
Each day, my heart missed a throb,
My eyes were ready to sob!

I couldn’t hug you when I had a desire,
I had to often snuff out the fire,
All day long, I craved to sit,
Besides you, in your arms so tight!

I know this distance will go away,
In joy, we both will sway,
Bad experiences we will steer,
As we will have many things to cheer!

I love Aamchi Mumbai, the reason being that I am born and brought up here. The thought of leaving this ambitious city gives me shivers. I was born in Parel at Wadia hospital; however, to be honest, I was myself not aware of any hospital for animals around the city. My encounter with this place happened only when my pet cat was admitted there.

My pet cat, which had two different colored eyes, fascinated every visitor in our house. However, as he grew older, we realized he is blind. But one astonishing fact was no one could make out that he had this kind of disability as he used to roam around in the house flawlessly. They were purely his instincts! It reminded me of “Paresh Rawal” from the movie “Aankhein”. Due to his weak vision, it was obvious that he did not wander anywhere outside the house and was fed only on home cooked food. Thus we were carefree that he will never have any infection. But it’s a unwritten fact that “things we expect the least, come right in front of us”. My pet cat was a victim of jaundice, which I could never guess in the wildest of my dreams.

After series of unsuccessful treatments at local vet, we decided to admit him at Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals,Parel. He was admitted for 3 days. But during that period, he became so fragile and he couldn’t even digest light food and medicines. He was not responding to any treatment. Even after supplying oxygen, he started thumping. My parents attended him. On the fourth day, hospital authorities called up to give us heartbreaking news about his death. My father advised me to go to work, but I refused and insisted to see him one last time. We left immediately and on reaching there, we saw his stiff corpus. I couldn’t control my tears as I brought him up all this while.We completed the paper work and proceeded.

The moment I entered the premises, I saw a big open ground, full of trees and greenery surrounded with cats,dogs,cows,horses and birds. Each kind of animal was allotted separate sections. I saw people who sat beside their pets, while their ailing pet was given saline. There were various volunteers attending various wards. Some ward boys were carrying the dogs like their own children. They had the courage to even carry a wounded animal. There were injured animals, ownerless animals and all were taken care under this “big roof of kindness” (is what I would call this hospital.) Yes, it sounds extremely astounding, but these big premises had all the facilities right from various wards for different animals, cardiac centre, ambulance,ICU, Blood bank to Electronic crematorium. There was no animal unattended.My cat was brought to the crematorium and was burnt electrically. His life came to an end and we departed with him forever on that day. But the entire experience will always be alive in my mind. Empathetic workers, hospital facilities and hardworking doctors have made this hospital capable of setting an example that “there is a bit of humanity” left in this world of terror, crime and selfish deeds.

I would like to confess that I lived in Mumbai for 25 years, but never ever noticed this 50 year old selfless organization run by Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit and Sir Dinshaw Manockjee Petit . In today’s world, where the price of every single thing has risen exorbitantly, I am happy to see such a trust which caters to the needs of pet lovers at a affordable cost. Animals were taken care of like humans and I want to thank each and everyone to compassionately do such a commendable job for the dumb living creatures. I observed the tendency of people there was to strive hard to save each life that enters there, silently, without much paparazzi .Before visiting this place, I just loved keeping pets, but after that, I respect my pets for their presence in my life. I realized how pets make our lives positive and lively. They change our depressing and stressful mood and make us feel good. Animals don’t speak, but their contribution speaks everything.

Last night you whispered to me,
Tomorrow was the day just for you and me,
Hearing those words, I was happy and glee,
After long, we would be so free!

Few days of space,
Brought some anxiety on my face,
Anxiously for a moment I thought,
After this gap, we have gone apart.

But when you hugged me tight,
I knew I wasn’t right,
Some beautiful arrangements you made,
Some great privacy plans were laid,

After this long wait of time,
Talking would be a crime,
There was one thing to mark,
A beautiful shade of spark.

Near approached the clasping,
My heart was gasping,
Jumping with ecstasy,
We moved to our fantasy.

Lying besides each other after long,
Playing around us was our favorite song,
Into each other’s eyes, we were looking,
Here came the moments of lovemaking!

My pillow is all wet,
As nothing in life now is all set,
Here, I am standing,
Where, I have nothing.

A situation of turmoil,
Countless thoughts that coil,
Too many things that worry,
I regret if I took decisions in a hurry.

Sitting on the couch in my home,
I am feeling so alone,
Battling with the conflicts in mind,
And, tensed about many solutions to find.

Many difficult questions that bother,
Don’t know what’s in my destiny further,
To face the world alone, I fear,
To hold my hand tight, I need someone near.

I am feeling jittery and unstable,
I am waiting for life to turn the table,
I yearn to see a ray of hope,
So I have the nerve to cope.

I wish things could transform,
I need some relief in any form,
I wish I saw an opportunity for me, Oh God!
I wish that would only be mine, O Lord!

On that cold night,
After a bitter fight,
We almost parted ways,
We vowed to forget the good old days!

Angrily you said we should move on,
Off my finger the wedding ring was gone,
Suddenly, memories squeezed the sweetness,
We marched onto oneness.

Began the love making with a passionate smooch,
Pleasure giving was your every touch,
Lying on our blanket sheet,
I recalled our every meet.

Hurting was the thought of separation,
As growing was the sense of obsession,
We realized the bond cannot be dissolved,
In that manner, everything got resolved.

Things cannot always be impeccable,
But bitter clashes are inevitable
We knew our souls are inseparable,
For each other, we were indispensible!