Asleep at midnight

 Yes, the day was hectic at work, and yes, the day was even more hectic at home (with 'Hindi ka exam' tomorrow )

Ideally, it is easier to sleep after an exhausting day. 

But I am awake, enjoying my random reads, way past midnight!! 

Wondering to myself....why am I doing this? Why dont I sleep after such a draining day. 

And something inside tells me, rather asks ...was it 'draining really?'

Yes, it was hectic at work! But then, I enjoyed every bit of it....because I love my work. 

And yes it was hectic at home with Chia's exams, but I enjoy sitting and studying with her (trust me, I am in no position to teach unless.first I study it myself)

And so I realise from my experience what I already read in Ikigai some years ago, that thoda sa stress to achha hi hota hai. 

Being happy and content with my efforts in some areas charge me up to do 'little' more, moreover, it is so rewarding to look back at a constructive day. 

Aapke saath bhi hota hai kya kuchh aisa? 

The soft spoken and the splurge

 Dear dad,

Today I had a 'nice' day. 

Well, you already know there are various kinds of nice for me. Like a one where I laughed a lot, or the one where I am so quite and yet so content, a one where I indulged in physical activity which completely exhausts me and gave those happy muscle aches.

Well, today was your kind of nice. A one where I enjoyed the finer things in life, and the one where I felt so proud of the person I have become. 

The trigger for me writing this top notch 'bakar' is the lady who came to do my pedicure at home. 

And she complimented me - Mam, you are very soft spoken. 

Maybe to your astonishment as well as delight, I get this compliment so often, that I sometimes feel right to think as one of my trait. 

And let me tell you, I paid double for this pedicure than what I used to pay till last year. Not in top for her sweetness, but because thats how rates for home service have increased, and I just wanted to splurge. 

Also today morning, being all alone, I treated myself to the kind of morning that feel is so rewarding. A pricey coffee with a pricey piece of bread in a cafe where we don't go very often.

And honestly, I enjoyed it so much. I have told Ravi and my Mehta family several times jokingly, that I like spending money. 

But today, I not only understood, but truly felt, that it's not a joke. I like feeling expensive. 

And why I am thanking you for it? 

First, the soft spoken part - You remember how you used to ask me to talk softly every single day? I still remember when we were having dinner in front of our 27 inch texla, and you asked me to get up and go if I can't talk softly. 

Though it did feel rude at that time, but only now I know how it shaped so much of my routine communication. Having a voice which used to be a replacement for mic during power cuts is not an easy thing to tame. But you did it, and I feel so proud today when I get sweet compliments for my soft spokeness. 

And then, I still remember you took so much pride in the lampshade you bought which costed more than your two month salary.

And that you took us dining in restaurants like Rajdarshan and Paras Mahal. 

What you have taught me is that money adjusts itself according to your wants (not needs) and taste. And it takes good experiences, company and time to think right to build the good taste and vision. 

Normally the materialistic things don't matter much to me, but today when I was in that cafe and on a video call with a very close friend in Singapore...we did talk about the regular stuff like kids and husband, but both of us being from Amadeus, we talked business too.

Something happened there...we talked about opportunities and experiences, the unique and good ones which only few in Amadeus have....like interviewing a sr leader, or driving a panel discussion, sharing aspirations and motivating each other. 

 And I felt I was automatically in a mood to talk about it because of the good ambience that I was in. Also, I could totally imagine myself doing all those extra ordinary things that our leaders do, coz that cafe was making me feel that I am in the same class, and I am part of the same elite. 

Hell yes, I paid more for one person's breakfast than what we normally pay for all three of us together, but having those dreams and aspirations was totally worth it. 

And that I am able to feel the importance of it all and enjoy it without worrying about the unnecessary and completely avoidable expenses, I think is something that I inherit from you. 

Taking pride in your achievements, taking pride in how you played the game of life, it all comes from you and thankyou for that. 

Luv you! 

A Blue and a Takoi

 Blue Tokai! Isnt that an interesting name for a café, thats why I invited myself to it on a day which was only mine.

The episode starts by being a mom of 12yr old kid. No wonder weekend school sometimes feels like the best idea ever. It is one such day.
Normally, myself and Ravi treat ourselves to Lunch dates on such occasions, but today he too had some plans with his office colleagues. 

So even without planning, I had the luxury of what today's word has branded to be "THE Me TIME"

Being in South India since over a decade, I am not only Idli/Dosa lover but a loyalist too, and so, that's how I thought I would start my day. But then something in me told me...."Garima, plz dont be a bore!!! Today should be different."And you know when it is coming from the only person that you listen to, you cant ignore it ;) (Ya, main apni favorite hun :P) 

So I head to this café where all the items display calorie information along with price. 
After a certain stage in life (stage...because I am just avoiding the word age), high price doesn't bother you as much as high calories!! 

So my Natural Intelligence managed some complex algorithms which no AI can ever do for me --- connecting calories, my inner voice, my natural self, several memories from yester years and those carefree days, who I am , who I want to be, and plethora of emotions and feelings and ambitions and what not  ---  I finally made my order and selected a seat. And for no reason at all, I started singing to myself "I can buy myself flowers"  
(Though I feel there should be another version of the song, singing -- I have someone to buy flowers for me, yet, once in a while, I would like to buy my own!)  

Being a quite person (dont laugh, I truly am), I normally like sitting by myself and just looking around. I can spend hours doing just that. 
But then, the "bore bore bore" voice came in again and challenged me again to make it a different day with different choices.
I wish I was wild, but I am just me, so my choice then was ... a group call... to one of my group which is named "Best Buds Forever" 

Now this group, is one which has never appeared on my social, but it truly stands for its name. Four of my bestum best friends, each from a very different background, culture and with such different perspectives and ideologies, each one a strong pillar in herself!! 

I got reminded of the very little, but super beautiful time I had with all of them. 
Oh boy! And the last time I met them all was in a café too. 
Giving in to nostalgia, the call was made, whoever could, they did, and I am so grateful for that.


So we created the perfect virtual cafe vibe, where we chatted, while I had my Croissant (which reminds me of all the time alone I have spent in France) and the cold coffee (which reminds me of all my pocket money and early earnings I splurged in CCDs)

After a very short 45 mins call (time is relative, you understand with experience), here I am - all charged up, rejuvenated, motivated, cheerful, thrilled and so much grateful for the world that I live and love in. 
(Surely, it can and has to get more peaceful, but...that's a talk for another day)   

Just like me, I wish you too have those "Best Buds" to whom you can talk to, who will support you morally come what may, who will not judge you for what you are but rejoice with you and appreciate the human you have become and understand the reasons behind. 
Trust me, it's a luxury beyond any material. 



So, I really hope you do, but if you don't...I am here for you.
To see you laugh, or to cry, or being just so happy for our guilty or the dreams, and imagining ourselves with a Tokai, taking pride in whatever and whoever we are.