Maa, tum kaisi ho?

Mother’s Day has come and gone. And apparently we all did our duties as a child by dedicating sweet statuses to our moms on Facebook or posting pictures on Instagram. What did I do? Well, I kinda did the same thing. Except, I did it with all my heart. If you all did the same, then high fives to all of you

But Mother’s Day is sort of like Valentine’s Day, where we suddenly decide to display all our love for someone so special, for just 24 hours. But then what? What comes after that? What happens when the clock strikes 12, and that day gets over? Do we still treat our moms with the same amount of love and royalty? Do we still surprise her with little gifts or click photographs with her just cause we feel like it?

I have always been very close to my mom. And by close I mean really, REALLY close. She’s my best friend, my fairy godmother and my savior, all wrapped into one. She’s the one I go to when I’m upset, she’s the one I call when I have something happy to share, she’s the one who gives me the best advice, she’s the one who gives me the strength to go on. In short, she’s my lifeline. I love her unconditionally, yes. But just because she’s a perfect mom, it doesn’t mean that I’m a perfect daughter. Hell no. In fact, I’m far from it. At times I underestimate her, behave terribly with her, and say stuff I’m not supposed to... Basically, I do things that she never does to me. Of course I feel guilty about it later, and when I go to her with my watery eyes and puppy face, she hugs me tight and forgives me. Maybe cause that’s what is expected of moms; compassion, forgiveness and kindness. But have you ever thought what your mother expects from you? True that being the epitome of selflessness that she is, we never really think that she might need anything, but what we forget is that at the end of the day she IS a human being and she, like everyone else, has certain dreams and expectations.

After cleaning up your messes all her life, can’t you atleast thank her by covering her with a blanket so that she’s not cold?

After spending sleepless nights looking after you, can’t you just have a chat with her and make her laugh?

After throwing countless tantrums for every silly thing, can’t you, for once, ask her if she wants something for a change?

While you are at a pub dancing to loud music or boozing your lungs away, she is probably tidying up your room while crying because you shouted at her for the food being “not what you wanted”.  

Don’t do that to her. Don’t yell at her for your mistakes. Don’t make her cry. Don’t make her feel guilty about something she hasn’t even done.

She has been there for you your whole life and will always be there whenever you need her, so atleast be a little grateful for that. Cause everyone will come and go, but your mom will always be there right beside you, ready to fight for you against the world.

She doesn’t need your thank you, she just needs a hug.

She doesn’t want pricey gifts, she just wants some respect.

She doesn’t want a trip to Europe, she just wants you to sit beside her for some time and talk to her, share with her, listen to her. To just, be with her.

You love your mom, of course you do, so tell her that. Show her you love her. Take her out to lunch and treat her with her favourite cuisine. Go out for a movie. Go to the spa. Go shopping. Giggle like teenagers while taking trips down the memory lane. Remind her that you’re still her little kid and that you’ll always need her. But also let her know that you’ll be there for her when her eyesight goes a weak or when she can no longer remember things that easily. Hug her tight. Rest your head on her lap. You'll find peace. Tell her you’re sorry. She’ll forgive you. You know why? Because she understands you. Like no one else ever can. Because deep down she knows that you’ll always come back to her when you’re lost, and she’ll always hold your hand and show you the way back. She always has, and she always will.

Go to your mom and tell her you love her. It’s never too late and it’s never too much. I’ll do it too. :) 

Hello Summer!

Sitting in my childhood room, sipping my ‘Maa ke haath ki chai’ as the golden sunlight peeps in through the soft curtains, I can safely say that Home is definitely the best place to be!

Yes, I’m finally home. Got here a few days back after what seemed like an eternity of terrible winter, abominable examinations and crippling loneliness. The day my exams got over, I gave myself a little gift by treating my tummy with some real food and making my dad’s credit card see the light of the day. It was fun, spending time with myself. But I’d been doing a lot of it lately. So, I got back home and packed my suitcase with everything I needed for the summer that awaited me in my homeland. Along with all the yellows, blacks and reds, I also packed away my solitude, promising to pull it out whenever I needed it; because right now what I needed was Home, Family and Warmth. And that’s exactly what I got when I landed in my Arabland after 4 frikkin long months. The bright, smiling faces of my parents swept away the little bit of tiredness that had crept inside me and replaced it with a sense of belongingness, for I was finally where I wanted to be the most.

Now it’s time to soak in all the awesomeness of this beautiful city: scrumptious food, tempting malls, the calm sea and above all, the peace. The heart-warming peace.

This summer is definitely gonna be extra fun and sunny.

That’s all for now. I gotta go pig out on the delicious Shawarma that’s awaiting my bite.

Ma'a as-salamah, habibis.

Lots of love,

Creative Insanity.

 

Guzaarish

Ek khwahish hai, chhoti si
Ki koi khayal rakhe.
Bas itna chahiye, aur kuch nahi.

Koi thoda sa dhyaan de,
Koi fikar kare thodi si,
Koi zara sa intezar kare.

Koi ye pooche,
"Kya baat hai. Itni khush kyun ho?"
"Aaj chup ho bahut. Kuch hua hai kya?"

Koi khamoshiyon ko samjhe,
Koi aankhon ko padh sake.
Koi khushiyaan baantle ke liye ho,
Koi gham bhi thoda sa baante.

Koi pareshaan karne ke liye ho,
Koi manaye bhi,
Koi hasa de zara sa,
Aur thoda sa rulaaye bhi.


Koi gale lagaye pyaar se,
Aur aansuon ko behne de,
Koi jo haath thaame,
Koi jo sang chale.

Koi kahe,
"Bhook lagi hai? Chal chinese khaane chalte hai.
"Ghar ki yaad aa rahi hai? Aa ludo khelte hai."

Koi jo saath ho,
Koi paas khada rahe,
Koi aisa jo bas, rahe..


Bas ek hi khwahish hai,
Ki koi khayal rakhe.
Bas itni, itni hi si guzaarish hai.


 - Sayantani Sarkar.

Updates! Updates! Updates!

Phew! It seems like forever since I last updated my blog. With exams, assignments, seminars and presentations, I didn’t really have much time to breathe. So, let me give a short overview of what the past few weeks have been like:

1.       Firstly, and most importantly, my blog completed its 2 years on 16^th February!  :D

                    Yaaaaay! *does a happy dance*

                     

Dear Blog,

 I know we haven’t been spending much time together. But you do know that I love  you, right? :*

2.       I watched Highway.

             Imtiaz Ali’s story won my heart yet again.

             Alia Bhatt can actually act.

              I need to go on a road trip. SOON.

3.       I read a book named One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. It’s about a gorilla and a baby elephant. Yes, animal fables are better than human stories. You should all read it, you know.

4.       I now know what a lousy date feels like.

5.       My parents celebrated their 26^th wedding anniversary (MashAllah! :D) with a kickass, extended weekend. :D

I wonder how they still manage to retain the teenage-like love.

                      I’ve got to take tips from them.

I wonder where my Forever is. *sigh*

6.       International Women’s Day was celebrated on 8^th March. The world disrespects women all year round, and then they name a day after us. Yeah, that’s really gonna help.

 I watched a video where Kalki Koechlin performed a 16-minutes monologue (whoch, by the way, she’d scripted herself) on ‘The Truth of Womanhood’. All I could do after watching that was agree with every word she said, and give her a standing ovation for being the mouthpiece of all the women out there. Here’s the link to the video. Trust me, it’s A MUST WATCH.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkaWQMo6fU4

Okay, that’s about it for now. My mum is coming to Delhi tomorrow! :D so I’m ready for all the craziness that happens whenever the two of us are together. xD

                      Till next time,

                      Take care and keep smiling,

                     Creative Insanity.

That Time of the Year

It’s finally that day again, the day when almost the whole world is draped in red and drenched in love (?).

I don’t know whether to smile or smirk at the things that build up to this so-called day of love. Did you know that the celebrations of V-day begin a week back and there are days titled “promise day”, “hug day” and all that? I became aware of all this only last year. I must be romantically challenged or something. Being single, these mushy, little things do seem annoying at times. But then again, if you have someone to celebrate all this with, then even the trivial becomes special.

My week had been going pretty stressful. I had my exams, and I was hell underprepared. Whereas I couldn’t be less excited about today, it seemed as if everyone around me believed in all this insanity. I heard my classmates making plans, picking new dresses, looking for new restaurants and flocking the love corner of Archies; basically, making me realise of the little void in my life. But was that the truth? Does it all come down to just one day being the day to love someone? When did we make such a beautiful feeling so exclusive that we couldn’t celebrate it all year around? I’ve been single since a very long time, and yes there are times when I wish I had that one person to share my eccentricities with, but never have I felt lonely. I’ve always had my friends, my books, my music and most of all, my parents, to open my heart to. So, I didn’t let this lovestruck ambience get to me. Instead, I got back home early, had some yummy pizza, watched F.R.I.E.N.D.S, and felt perfectly happy. Also, I’m blessed with some really amazing friends who called me up and wished me Happy Valentine’s Day, making me realise just how blessed I am; ‘cause love, comes in many different forms, and experiencing them all is indeed a blessing. J

I feel every person, be it single or committed, has a right to feel happy in their own way. Because after all, being in a relationship is a matter of choice, and nobody should be made to feel bad if they don’t have someone to share the last spring roll with or snuggle up on the sofa with and watch Notting Hill together.

I watched a movie, Hasee Toh Phasee just two days back (by the way, I really wanted to write a review on it that very day, but couldn't because of my exams. And now I think I’m too lazy to write one). I thought it would be just another typical romcom, but it totally proved me wrong. The highlight of the movie is definitely the mixture of Parineeti’s effortless brilliance, Sidharth’s irresistible charm and the duo’s smooth chemistry; but what I really just loved about the movie is the simple relationship that was depicted. It showed that love doesn't need to be extraordinary or larger-than-life. Rather, it’s the little things like understanding, compromise and compatibility that make it all worthwhile. I left the theatre filled with mirth and hope. Advice: if you’re alone this weekend, just go and catch this movie. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

On the other hand, God decided to pervade Delhi today with a tinge of the rainy, romantic atmosphere. While singles like me got to stay at home, reading a book and sipping black tea, all the people in love got to amble around, feeling lost in a happy way. So, it was pretty much a win-win situation for all. J

Anyway, I guess singles all over the universe must be pretty relieved that this week is coming to an end. The world can now go back to being black, white and gray. But hey, amidst all the stress and crap we go through, isn't everyday a reminder that love is hidden in trivial things, just waiting to be discovered? Maybe all it takes is the will to see beyond the surface. So, next time, take a closer look, ‘cause love maybe just waiting around the corner, literally. :D

Take care and feel loved,

Creative Insanity.

Its Here!

Hey guys! College has been killing me, and with my exams coming up and all the other things going on, I just haven't had time. But there is one thing that I just HAVE to show you all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ItBvH5J6ss&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9ItBvH5J6ss&app=desktop


Yes, people, the wait is over. The trailer of the much awaited movie, The Fault in Our Stars, is here! :D :D :D
It released on 29th January, and people like me who've been gushing about the book since forever, went absolutely crazy!
I'd been following John Green and Ansel Elgort on Instagram ever since they started filming the movie and I just knew its going to be awesome. What I didn't know, was that it would actually be so perfect. ^_^
Firstly, Ansel and Shailene TOTALLY fit the parts of Gus and Hazel. Its like they just came out of the book and onto the screen. Secondly, it looks like they've managed to incorporate almost every scene and not just the important ones. And thirdly, can we please concentrate on how absolutely beautiful the ending of the trailer is? When Hazel says, "You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I can't tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity..", and of course, the heart-wrenching love confession of Augustus Waters! Aaaah :')
I was reduced to a pool of tears after watching this, and I've lost count of the number of times I've paused and rewinded the whole thing.
6th June is going to be a really long wait, but its okay, because at the end of the wait, all we'll get is perfection. Okay? Okay. :)

Till next time,

Adios, and keep drooling over the trailer.

:)

A Bookish Year in Review

                                           
Belated Happy New Year, everyone! Hope all of you drank lots of champagne (or whatever), danced your heart out and welcomed 2014 with a big smile! J

2013, however it was, was a good year for me in terms of reading. I read around 60 books, which included many genres, and almost all of them were great. And I wanna share with you all the good books that I read in 2013. They’re in no particular order of favourites, because I don’t think I can choose which one I liked best, since they were all almost neck-to-neck. I won’t mention the books of authors that almost everyone has read, like And the Mountains Echoed, Inferno, The Longest Ride, etc. I’m basically gonna include and talk about the books of authors I read for the first time, and the ones I absolutely loved. So, here are my top 10 books of 2013:

      1.)    The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green- I had heard so much about John Green before I picked up this book. But I started reading it with almost no expectations. Maybe that’s the reason it took me by surprise and just swept me off my feet! I don’t think I even need to mention that I fell for Augustas Waters from the very first line, and boy did I fall hard!  John Green is one hell of a talented writer; his character portrayals, dialogues, metaphors… they all win your over! It is definitely the most quotable books ever (after The Harry Potter series, i.e.).

“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once”.

Gus and Hazel’s story made me smile and cry at the same time, and it’s a story that’s going to stay with me forever.

     2.)    The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold- I bought this book totally on impulse. I was strolling around the bookstore at Dubai Airport when I saw this book, read the plot, liked it and bought it; not knowing that it was soon going to be one of the most beautiful books I’d ever read. Alice Sebold dealt with a subject that’s so gruesome, but she turned it into something so heartbreakingly beautiful. Highly recommended.

    3.)    The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery- This book proves that a lot can be said without really saying much. The Little Prince is wonderfully unique. Enough said.

    4.)    Divergent, by Veronica Roth- This book formed a part of the dystopian books I read in 2013, and undoubtedly, this was THE best of them all! Veronica Roth’s writing is fast-paced and the world building is just so fantastic! I loved how Tris wasn’t a flawless character, that she took her time, made mistakes, and grew as a person. Tris and Four’s chemistry was awesome. And Four! <3 Totally looking forward to completing the trilogy this year.

    5.)    Eleanor and Park, by Rainbow Rowell- THIS book. Oh my God, this book! It made me go on a roller coaster ride of emotions! I just couldn’t stop giggling at the sweet, pure, innocent love that Eleanor and Park shared and I wept when they faced those hurdles. Rowell is SUCH a freakishly talented writer! I loved Park, okay? I.JUST.FELL.IN.LOVE.WITH.HIM! This is a must read for all those suckers of romance. Seriously. I just can’t wait to read all of her other books.

   6.)    If I Stay, by Gayle Forman- Another extremely talented writer I came across this year. Gayle sew this story so wonderfully, and the pain of love and loss was beautifully conveyed. It’s a perfect, short read. I’m pretty sure the sequel, Where She Went, is going to be great, too.

   7.)    Wonder, by R.J.Palacio- I love it when I pick up a book knowing not exactly what to expect from it, and then it just blows my mind away. Wonder is the perfect example of this. Hats off to Palacio for creating such an adorable and unique character. Her simple yet extremely effective writing just made me go insane with joy! August Pullman is a kid who is going to stay in my stupid, bookish heart forever. <3

   8.)    Till the Last Breath, by Durjoy Datta- I’m not someone who enjoys the books of typical Indian writers, the one with drunk IIT’ans and booze and sex and crap. Durjoy Datta definitely falls in that category (though of course he’s kind of better than the other Indian writers). But Till the Last Breath was a total exception. I devoured this book within two hours, and I was left with clouded vision. Armaan and Piu, you should know that I was totally praying for you two. <3

   9.)    Anna and the French Kiss, by Stephanie Perkins- The warm, fuzzy, giddy feeling of being in love for the very first time…that’s what this book reminded me of. Stephanie Perkins just made the streets of Paris come alive for me. I just couldn’t put this book down. A quick read and a must-read for lovers of cute love stories. And girls, just read it for Etienne. <3

   10.)  Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson- The last book that I read in 2013, and the year couldn’t have ended in a better way. I’d been dying to read this book from a very long time, and it didn’t disappoint me at all. Melinda almost didn’t speak at all, but her silence spoke volumes. Very few writers have the ability to create something beautiful out of something so damaged, and Laurie is one of them.

So, here they are, the best among the best books that I read in 2013. Hope every reader out there checks out at least some of these books, and do make sure to tell me if you liked any of them. J

And I hope that 2014 turns out to be an even better reading year. Till then, read on, you all.

Lots of love,

Creative Insanity.