Identity Crisis

My father always used to tell me that 'Law is in my genes!!'..

Not that I am ever going to argue about this statement to him, because, I certainly feel very related and extremely connected to my profession.

And, yes, unless its dancing or doing nothing, I don't see myself doing anything else for a living. As a matter of fact, I know it for sure that, I wont ever be able to make a living out of me being a dancer. 

But right now, at this instant, I am in what I would like to call a situation of 'Passion Dwindling'; it seems that in a profession where, you learn something new each day, and that the learning never stops, I feel like I am a misfit. Often, I am made to feel inferior to my colleagues who have way way way more experience than me. As a matter of fact they are the ones who make me feel like that.

And there is a problem of 'fitting in'; that I am facing. I am supposed to belong to the 'Litigation Team'; that was acquired by my Law firm a couple of months back. But since there is another partner apart from my original boss, who handles litigation here in the Big office and owing to the fact that my seniors MDR and P do not like my work, they got me shifted here. And because there isn't too much work here in litigation and that I am supposed to be working and learning, I had to take over some additional responsibility in the Infrastructure Team. And to be honest, I like the work in this field better, maybe because I wanted to do corporate in the first place. 

But now, I am having identity crisis... as to which team do I really belong to. Because, I have been thrust with a project in the infrastructure team, that is like my own baby.. and here in the so called litigation team, MDR, Ms. P and Ms. V; have their taunts ready to make me feel inferior. From, 'Oh, you don;t work on saturdays any more' to 'Oh, are you sure you can do this matter, or you have you ABC project running.. do you even have the time!' 

Yes, there is a huge difference in the working styles of the litigation team here in the Big office and the other hard core team headed by my dear old boss. And, honestly speaking, I like it here, because, it gives me the bandwidth to explore more apart from my work life! The two litigation teams, are like a joint family, who have to pretend that they love each other because the partners are best friends and awfully close to each other.

And all the effort that is put in to do the team bonding.. goes awry. Because the team here can't shift to the smaller office, because of lack of seating space, and also the breathing space that they get here. And MDR, Ms. P ans Ms.V, will not come here. Their ego, and their ONLY WORK AND NO PLAY attitude doesn't gel with the light attitude here. 

And, I do NOT want to be a part of this Tug of war. At all. 

I am not going to let my career go down the drain, because they have their attitude. Job hunting thus begins, all over again. 

Of course, Shayon moving to Mumbai is also a main reason. But, their sick attitude, makes me go mad! 

So jobs any one?

Palace of Illusions

Rarely you come across a book, that makes you feel like, that, there is one more side to the coin that you have already flipped over, many a times.

Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee's Divakaruni, is one such book. 


If you are an Indian or for that matter, even if you are not from India and have even a tiny bit of interest in Indian Mythology and the Indian Traditions, you must be aware of the Epics of Indian Mythology- From Ramayana to Mahabharata to Bhagwat Gita (which by the way comes from Mahabharata).
Now, we all know the basic story of Mahabharata -
Pandavas ousted by the jealous cousins Kaurava's leading to the epic battle at Kurukshetra, where Lord Krishna gave one of the most sought after sermons of Karma and Aatma. Where, the Good finally triumphs over the evil cousins! 

And lo Behold- Balance is again restored in the land of Bharat where the righteousness is restored.


What more you ask, is there to this mythological drama, which has been repeated over and over again if not on television then as course book in Hindi..


But...There is more.


The main reason behind the battle of Kurukshetra might have been to gain the kingdom back, but the nudge and the push was given by the most sought after character of the entire play, i.e Draupadi. And wherein all the writers have focused on the male characters and their perspectives, Palace of Illusions is narrated by Draupadi. By the girl who was born out of the fire *The unwanted child, who refused to let go of the hands of her brother Dhri*. 


The book traces the story of Draupadi, through her childhood and then her marriage, and finally to her last journey that she makes with her husbands. All the facts that are given in the book are the same that we all must have read or seen or heard through ages.
From, her birth, to her swayamvar, to her troubled marriage with the 5 brother *Can you imagine, staying with five men, at the same time*, to her complicated friendship with Lord Krishna, who names her Krishnaa, and finally it throws open a plethora of emotions that she has for the one man who she truly loves. 


Yes, there is also the relationship with the other wives and  her mother-in-law, Kunti *I used to always feel sorry for her and the conditions that she had to bring up her family, but after reading this book, I have a lot of changed perspectives* and the narration of the Battle at Kurukshetra.


The entire narration of the book is in first person, wherein Draupadi is telling her tale. Her story. Of what she really went through.
And, one thing that the author takes care of here is to make sure that she portrays the divinely born Panchali and Pandava's as humans!
Yes, of course, I still can't get over the fact, that none of the central characters of this Epic tale have a normal birth. In the times that these mythologies are set its seems, IVF was the more preferred technique of conceiving than sex! 
Like Draupadi says to her Dhai Ma, when she hears the story about the birth of Pandava's "It seems like no one's birth is normal anymore"


But over all, I feel, that this is by far one of the BEST perception of a mythology, that I have come across. The narration is simple. The research on facts, is very detailed, and trust me, I was mystified and once more pulled into the world of Panchaali after ages!
Go pick this one up!

Aami Ashche

As each day passes by, brick by brick, my heart weighs down. I have no idea, how do I react.
I know that it is not easy for you to say that, "Take it as a fact" and this time there is nothing, nothing that I can do to stop you.
To compel you to stay back.

The other day when I was talking to BFF, she was dismayed too. Already saddened by the idea of me following you to Mumbai. My second home.

I have been trying. Really hard too, to be a strong a girl, to make myself understand that, there is no other option. This time, unfortunately there is none.
I know, I have to let you go. I know, that, now, I will have to fill my evenings either with work, or with video chats. So near, yet so far.

The impending moment. The moment of truth, too shall come. Will, I be able to see you off at the airport, I don't think so. Yes, I will cry too, at the helplessness, that I am faced with at the hands of fate.
Worse of, all, I will always live in the fear of going wrong, doing wrong..
Just the fact that you are at an arms length, made life so easy. Now knowing that you wont be around, will make it unbearable. With nothing to look forward to in the evenings.. no bunking office to catch on the romance.. but worse of all, I will miss the hugs, that always reassured me, that even if all the world is going to hell, ours is right here, in peace even in the worst of storms!
Oh, baby, I will Miss You!

Just, one little request my love, at the airport, don't say please don't say bye.. leave me with hope and instead say "aami ashche"

Blockbuster Movie weekend

Shayon is a movie buff, and trust me, the fever of watching movies catches up real quick!
So here we were, desperately trying to get decent tickets for two of the most awaited movies EVER!
And after two hours of negotiation with the movie hall server and our timings we finally got tickets for both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -Part 2 and Zindagi na Milegi Dobara. (This happened last weekend BTW)
And here are my reviews!

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara:-


Farhan Akthar is to die for. The chemistry between Farhan, Abhay & Hrithik, takes the cake. As a matter of fact, the ladies in the movie were there because, the story had to be told. And this was a story very well told through the eyes of the director a.k.a Zoya Akthar.
Yes, you will be reminded of Dil Chahta Hai- Alot, but then this movie is very different from DCH at various levels.
First, being that, these are friends from school and now leading their own lives. Its, almost like, where DCH left off, Zoya weaves her story from there. It is not about the past, but about the future.
The movie starts with Abhay Deol proposing to his lady love, and then starts a journey into the beautiful country of Spain. What starts as a Bachelor party * Road Trip *, slowly turns into a trip that makes me let go of their past, their pain and to start anew.

The story is backed by some tremendous performances!
Farhan Akthar as Irfan is amazing with his 'chance pe dance' attitude and amazing one liners! The one that stuck with me is when he introduces him self to Katrina Kaif:
"Hey tumhara naam kya hai?
Hi, I am Laila...
Hi Laila mera naam Irfan hai, but mere dost mujhe pyaar se Majnu bulate hain"


Abhay Deol as Kabir was the thread that bound the friendship of the 'Three Musketeers'. And he is amazing at maintaining the friendship between all the three friends!
Yes, he is cute :D
And Hritik as Arjun, is awesome at portraying the guy obsessed with money so that he can live life king size after retirement!

Kalki as the insecure to be bride is good, and so is Katrina Kaif. She is herself, foreign bred and born.. totally bindaas and amazingly natural for the plastic doll she otherwise is!

Trust me, you will fall in love with Spain! Somehow, the movie makers are re-discovering the joy of shooting at the most virgin locations in the world!

And amazing movie with loads of credit going out to the movie makers for using the Fraaandhips of the Baaouys to the maximum extent and not messing it up with the who love shove ka scene!

***********************************************************
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows -2


If bollywood came out with its blockbuster, how could hollywood be far behind, and thus the last leg of the journey of Harry Potter & his friends finally hit the theaters world wide!

Yes, I am a big fan. Yes, I did laugh and cry at the closure. But, does Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows -2 live up to the expectations... did it do justice to all the built up that it created in Part-1 of movie? Well, the answer to this is a Yes & a No!
I feel that, part 1 of the movie did justice to the book that was written, and the climax that I was hoping for, well it did not come. Ofcourse, boyfriend kept on telling me through out the movie to treat is more like a movie and lesser like an adaptation of a book. But, alas! That advice was all in vain.

The journey begins where it was left in Part 1, where Harry, Ron & Hermoine, start their search for the lost horcruxes that lead to the final show down between Lord Voldemort and 'The Boy who Lived'. The most amazing part of the movie is when Harry comes back to Hogwarts, the place where it all started and the entire school stands up to support him and his cause. It is then, when the movie becomes not about Harry alone, but about all those who have supported and saved him thus far.
Yes, its a magnum opus.
But, I still feel that the director could have done a better job in interpreting the duels between the wizards and the death eaters, especially the actual confrontation between Harry & Voldemort. The extravagant ride that J.K. Rowling take you into in her book, is not reflected too well in the movie.

In the end, all I would say is that, if you are yet to see the movie, try and see it as a movie and not as a book adaptation, it will help you realise the movie through the eyes of the director rather than the author.

Mr. Filch after all the students in Hogwards are gathered in the Great Hall, before the fight begins running into the Great Hall and shouting:
"Students in hall, students in the corridor, students out of bed"
Professor McGonagoll "They are supposed to be out of their beds, you idiot!"


I really hope you guys have fun in catching these movies! Please see them in the halls! They deserve to be seen on the big screen!

And we are going to start the Blame GAME!

Again.
This is what the nth time that our country has been attacked?

It is Mumbai again. After the ordeal of 26/11, just when the calmness was returning to the city, the terrorists decide to blast off again.
There is nothing that you and me can do in such a situation, except pray that all our loved ones are safe, and pray for the souls who unknowingly become pawns in this game of power.

Soon, the investigation will start. The buck will be passed, maybe, some terrorist will be caught, more likely, a terror outfit by tomorrow morning take the responsibility of the blasts.
And the what?

Investigation. Case. The blame game, where public will blame the government, the opposition will blame the government, the government will blame someone..
But will that really solve the problem?

Correct me if I am wrong.. Had there been ANY government- would they have been able to prevent what has happened? Would, any government take a stance against our troubled neighbours, put its foot down and say, enough!
Will any government do that?
No.
Because, lessons in Political Science do not encourage war. An unintended war as a rash decision will only leave more wounded than healed...
Then what can we do?

Yes, the government should send a very STRICT message across the border.. and that would be hanging Kasab ASAP.
It should put its foot down and say, that as long as the neighbours want co-operation, they should stop sending unfriendly, uncouth visitors to our doorstep. Else, stop ALL aid to our dear neighbours. No more operations or medical treatment to any one across the border. No more aid to their flood affected areas... and no more of being friendly with them.. at ANY level.
Yes, I know, I sound like an autocratic ruler, but when they have no measure of remorse in their hearts or intentions about killing/injuring hundreds of innocent people, why should we?
All the humanity of the world is only in an Indian?

And, I reiterate - That NO religion, whatsoever, talks about killing of innocent men, women or children! All religions of the world preach only Love and Humanity. And, someone really needs to get this message across to the estranged men and women, who in the name of upholding their Gods, kill people.
It is time, that the World unites to stop any & all violence that has origin in the name religion.
But First,
Let India stand united in the face of adversity, and Indians, leave behind the facade of being a Hindu/Muslim/Sikh/Issai/ Parsi/Naga...etc.. and start Being a Human first!

I pray for all the injured for a speedy recovery and pray for peace for the families who have lost their loved ones!

A special applause to Twitter & Facebook, instant updates and help was being offered while the city of Mumbai was in panic. See, there is still some sensibility left in us.. lets spread it! 

Tagged- Randomly

Delphian Oracle  had tagged me in this TAG! And since I have nothing better to do for the next couple of minutes and I also wanted to update my blog, here goes!

--What is your best friend's Mom's name?

Suman

--Where is the weirdest place you have a mole?

On the corner of the back of my left hand

--Who was the hottest teacher you ever had?

R any day from my dance class, I still have a HUGE crush on me!

--Have you ever made out in a movie theater?

DUHU!

--What body part do you wash first?

Feet

--Do you have any piercings? 

Yes, two on my left ear and three on my right ear... :P

--Do you have an innie or an outtie?

what was that?

--What's your favorite flavored Pringles?

Sour Cream

--Have you ever been tied up?

To work, yes, as the bf, who has to wait coz of my tie ups!

--What was the last thing you ever got grounded for?

I get a nice lecture for the late nights (thanks to work and otherwise) but have not been grounded *touch wood*

--Have you ever had two dates in one night?

NO!!!

--Have you ever been to a gay bar?

No *unfortunately*

--Did you French kiss before you were 16?

No...

--Is there one thing all of your ex's have had in common?

There is just one ex, so no common habits etc!

--Have you ever been cow-tipping or snipe-hunting?

Nopes

--Who is the last person you think about before you fall asleep?

It is my dear bf only!

--Have you ever had a poem or a song written about you?

Yes :)

--What was your childhood nickname? 

Tini!

--When is the last time you played the air guitar?

I have never really had the joy of that :(

--Have you ever peeked in the opposite sex's locker room?

No.. unless you count the TV etc where they take in the camera..

--What's the weirdest thing you have done while driving?

Drinking Coffee and eating.. and Talking on the phone...

--Have you ever bitten your toenails?

NO, I am not that flexible!

--How do you normally eat your cookies?

A packet at a time!

--When working out at the gym, do you wear a belt?

No..

--Name something you do when you're alone?

Imagine, all possible things that can happen to me, in all plausible ways.

--How many drinks does it take before you get drunk?

Three...

--Have you ever sniffed an animal's butt?

Gross.. NO

--How often do you clean out your ears?

Everyday..


--Do you have any strange phobias?

Yes, I am always scared to take a risk!

--Have you ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?

Ahem, No!

--What is the stupidest thing you've ever done at a bar?

Made out!

--Have you ever been dared to do something you totally regretted?

Yes!

--Have you ever called your bf/gf by another girl/guys name?

Nopes!

--Have you ever played naked twister?

Naah.. though would love to try, with my bf!

--Have you ever been drunk at work?

Never!

--Have you ever found your gf/bf's sibling more attractive?

Bf doesn't have a sibling!

--Do you want to bring sexy back?

Definitely

--What is your favourite form of travelling: car, bus, train, or plane?

I would love to travel First Class in an Airplane, followed by a nice train journey and a romantic drive!

--What's on your current wish-list?

Lots of its..

For starters,  a raise would be nice, and then the wedding, and Peace of mind.. If its even just peace of mind and contentment, I will be satisfied!

--What social networks do you belong to?

All of em, I have to keep tabs on someone you see!!!

--What's the last film you saw at the theatre?

Ready... *And then I fell ILL*

I tag all of you who want to do this tag! :D

A Birthday wish!

Today its your birthday...
I want to write a BIG post about you..
I always do!

But, I am just very overwhelmed, and have no words to express my love for you today.

I know how you are feeling. I know that in today's celebrations, something is amiss,
but I just want you to know, that I am here for you and that I really love Love love you and that, I pray each day for your Happiness, your Success and above all I pray for that contentment to return to you.

I love your smile and that is what makes me fall in love with you, over and over again!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!
Here is to your Long life, great Health.. Loads of Success & Happiness!

I love You! 

The Year gone by!

If there was a way to measure time, I am sure that, we would really realise that how easily time flies!

Today, I complete ONE whole year at being a professional! I joined my senior last year at the re-opening *First day of the court after the summer vacations*, that day it was another experience, something that awed me, that made me squirmy and at the same time gave me a sense of the quantum leap that I had taken.

And today, when I realised, that one year has gone by, I couldn't believe that time has actually flown, and that, I am already one year old, and I have colleagues who are my junior joining the office! :)
The last entire year in the profession has been a great learning experience *As a matter of fact, in my profession, every little thing a learning experience* but there are still miles to go before there is a milestone for me!

Yes, a lot has changed over the last year.
The small little practice that I had joined, is now a part of a law firm, where, I get time for other things than work.
I have learnt a very important lesson, that, there are no friends in office. Only acquaintances who you can talk to.
I have been given an opportunity learn new things, and 9pm is not so late any more.. there is the new car that I have, and a salary that is decent for now.

But one thing that has not changed,is my dislike towards litigation. It just doesn't attract, and now, after I experienced a project in corporate, where I have realised that, even though seniority matters, it does not discount your opinion, or that your work is looked down upon! Unlike, where in litigation, a young lawyer is always just that- Young and brash!

But here is wishing myself, all the good luck for the life and career ahead! :)