TE3N

Film: Te3n
Director: Ribhu Dasgupta
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vidya Balan

One of the reasons to pique my attention of this film is the way the title is written. Another surely is the star cast. It is not every day one get to see three good actors sharing screen space. The movie is inspired by the Korean movie "Montage".

John Biswas (Bachchan Sr) lives in Kolkata with his wheelchairbound wife. He visits police station every day to find out about the kidnapper to whom he lost his granddaughter, Angela 8 years ago. Now he suddenly stumbles upon a clue that may lead him to the culprit. He goes to Father Martin Das (Siddiqui) for assistance who is a police office-turned-priest and the one who handled the Angela's case 8 years back. He is not thrilled about it, however, goes along with John as a mean of pacification.

In the meanwhile, another child is being kidnaped almost in the same manner as John's grandkid. Saritha (Balan) is in-charge of the case ans she seeks Martin's help because of his experience with prior case. Both the investigation runs parallel with flashbacks in between.

Performance by lead actors are solid. Vidya Balan's name is credited as guest appearance, though she has more presence than that. Has she done this film for free? Bacchan's performace is superb. It is nice to watch him in a very ordinary, middle class role. He is a man consumed by guilt of not being able protect his grandchild. His unwillingness to move on is a feat to watch. Siddiqi is natural and spendid as he usually is. 

I'm presuming title is for three people, a grandfather (who lost his granddaughter to kidnapping 8 years ago), police- officer-turned priest, and police office coming together to nab the kidnapper.

First 30 minutes of the film is tad bit slow. It gives an insight into how John and priest are interlinked with same tragedy.

Though I can give myself the credit of finding out "Whodunit" in the end I dismissed it and that is the beauty of a thriller. You keep speculating and proven wrong until the very end. The excitement, curiosity, and intruge will keep you glued to the seat. I loved Bachchan's performance; however, could not shrug off comparing his role in Wazir, which is almost same.

Happy 100

A day to celebrate. I completed 100 Blog posts yesterday. A-year-and-a-half ago I started this blog as to jot down my experience, views, rants, memory, dreams, basically the journey called life. I have shared my blog only with few near and dear ones. To write anonymously was my choice. I'm a very private person and intend to keep it that way. One more reason could be the topics I write. No matter how considerate and careful you are, there are people out there to get offended. And I'm not a person to keep my calm in a steamy discussion or fight. Being the imaginative person I'm, I have plenty of issues and stories to be a insomniac. So, I don't want any slandering or negativity in my life.

Fast forward 16 months, I have reached a milestone of marking the 100. I write only on topics which are close to my heart. I really enjoy myself going back and reading some of my old posts. I promised myself in the beginning of the year to be consistent with posts and I tried my best to keep up with that.


On this day, I want to thank people who follow this blog regularly because your reading is the biggest appreciation I could ever get. And I also thank people who stumbles upon this blog occasionally. Last but not least, I thank people who divinely ignored my blog despite sharing the blog name. I think one day I'l be successful to write something interesting and worth your attention.

Happy century. Yeeeeeee

Luckiest Girl Alive

"Moving on doesn't mean you don't talk about it. Or hurt about it. It's always going to hurt."

When I hear a book name with 'Girl' in it, I bound to think it is either of mystery or thriller genre. Gone girl, The Girl On The Train, The Girl With The Dragon Tatto are the few books which made me to believe so. And I was right. It is a debut novel by Jessica Knoll.

TifAni is living her dream life as editor of the women's magazine in New York. She is engaged to Luke Harrison, filthy rich and belongs to the "right kind" of family. She wears her clothes right and flaunts emerald engagement ring as an armor. With a dream wedding only a few months away, she agrees to be part of a documentary about an incident of 14 years old.

Yes, she has a rather dark past. She attended prestigious Bradley School in Main Line, Philadelphia. Like all teenagers she wants to be part of the popular group. She has a crush on Liam, a fresher like her.  Eventually she becomes friends with the cool kids. She is invited to a house party by famous boys. She drinks a lot and sloshed out. She wakes up next morning only to realize she is being raped by three boys. The doctor she saw for "morning after pill" is unwilling to call it rape as most of her schoolmates. She is being taunted, bullied, and tormented. Yet, she wanted to be in good books of her tormentors. Another horrific tragedy hits the school, which Ani becomes part of. 

She wants to make peace with the past. She wants a closure, so she can move on with her perfect life, the one which she has worked so hard to get. Now is the chance to tell how she is "the luckiest girl alive".

I think I'm accustomed now to protagonist being nasty because Ani is one. She is mean, obnoxious, superficial, and shallow.
I know I have to sympathize with her after being through such tragedy, but I couldn't. And writer did not make any attempt to portray her otherwise. I appreciate her for that.

The story toggles between past and present. The writing is captivating, though of a different style. It starts off as annoying only to be developed as engrossing. The ending could have been different, but I'm not fretting much. All in all a fitting debut for an author. I'm shocked to know author herself is a rape survivor and that makes the story much more credible.

Downton Abbey

There is always a void and sadness when an epic show ends. I was unwilling to watch the grand finale of Downton Abbey. Hubby convinced me that we will watch it from the beginning after sometime. I'm sure many share my feelings. I have cried with it, laughed with it, I have fallen in love with them, I have lived with them these past two months.

Downton Abbey a historical period drama created by Julian Fellowes, a Baron and married to an heir. Who could tell a better story than him? I have read many historical novels, mostly of Barbara Cartland whose characters are always around noble men and women, but a drama in TV show, it is the first time.

Downton Abbey is set in fictional town of Yorkshire County Estate between the time period of 1912 and 1925. It depicts the story of Robert Crawley, 7th earl of Grantham, his American wife Cora, their three daughters (Mary, Edith, Sybil), and their near and dear ones. Simultaneously it follows the lives their servants in downstairs. 

The title and estate will go to male heir next in line because of the entail as Robert has three daughters and no son. He married American heiress, Cora with an intent to solve financial difficulties. Now that money is integrated to the entail. Elder daughter Lady Mary is betrothed to heir-presumptive who dies in RMS Titanic sinking. That makes Matthew Crawley, a lawyer from Manchester the new heir.

John Bates, Earl's new valet arrives in Downton. He has an adversary in Thomas Barrow who is determined to see Bates leave so he can go back to his position as valet. This is just the beginning. It is next to impossible to narrate the whole story.

The series involves major historic events like sinking of RMS Titanic, Suffragist, first world war, Spanish influenza pandemic, formation of Irish free state, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, UK's general election, etc.

It is about changing time and acceptances. Lady Sybil's marriage to family chauffeur, Tom Branson tells you about the class barrier. Lady Mary's almost scandalized one-night stand with Turkish ambassador and how she was called damaged goods by her mother gives glimpse of women's oppression. And not to forget Edith's unmarried status and later child out of wedlock. A gay character in the role of Thomas Barrow is most despised for his scheming nature.

Stunning sets, beautiful costumes, exquisite hair styles, crisp dialogue, gripping narration, splendid music, brilliant casting, and powerhouse of acting by each and every characters makes Downton an epic drama. I cannot decide on which is my favorite role because I loved them all. However, the one role that entertained me the most was Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Granthm. And the the one character I look up to and inspire to be one is Isobel crawley, widowed mother of Matthew Crawley. She is liberal, forward in thinking, appreciates the importance of education, and always trying to help the poor and destitute. As a trained nurse she works during first world war and later stars working for sex workers and holds her ground by employing one.

And Highclere castle is on my to-see list whenever I get the chance to visit UK. 

I highly recommend "Downton Abbey" if you love period drama and a stellar performance.

Small Joys

Today I asked hubby to step on the sun-dried mat and feel the fluffiness. After a few moments, he told I'm the luckiest girl because I find happiness in tiniest things. That got me thinking and these are the few things that made me happy this week.    

• Climbing into bed with fresh sheets.
• Going to bed cuddling.
• Watching rainfall when I have nowhere to go.
• Listening to "Pashmina" song.
• Aroma of eucalyptus whipping out of dispenser.
• A piece of chocolate after each meal.
• Reading book (M&B) putting feet up.
• Waking up early only to realize I have two more hours to sleep.
• Hissing sound of hot vessel under running water.
• Sun-dried fluffy mats.
• First sip of chilled beer.
• Watching Downton Abbey.
• Planning holiday.

Mills and Boon

Mills and Boons were my guilty pleasure. Before I was out of college I had finished off 50 or odd books. I still remember my first M & B,'Dangerous Marriage'. Though I have forgotten about the characters, I vividly recall the plot.

I even have a few books in my collection. Now I have moved on to different genres, however, Mills and Boon will hold a special place in my heart. I have devoured over them like there is no tomorrow. Drop dead gorgeous heroin, even more hunk of a hero, and predictable happy ending. These three main ingredients make the perfect M & B romance. I used to feel a little ashamed to admit I enjoyed those books, but not anymore.

Mills and Boon was founded by Gerald Mills and Charles Boon in 1908. However in 1971 Canadian company Harlequin Enterprises bought the publisher. They publish 720 novels a year on an average. Earlier it used to be only western writers. Now Harper Collins publishes romances under the Mills and Boon, Harlequin, and H imprints of Indian writers. I have not read any of the recent published novels.

A tall, dark, handsome hero who will be filthy rich to boot. Mostly he will be a self-made man, brooding over the past, in control of everything, passionate, charming, tougher facade with a heart of gold. A beautiful heroin, a combination of innocence and feisty, mostly by default a virgin. They meet, they fall head over heels in love, they fight, they misunderstand, they doubt, and at the end they acknowledge their undying love. He, the prince charming riding in white horse to save the damsel in distress. Sensuality, sexual tension, emotional conflicts, glamorous setting and location, and believable theme is what makes successful M & B. All the books I have read are of 70s, 80s, or 90s. So I really don't know how they are now or what have changed in 20 odd years.  I am told by a friend that female characters have evolved to a great length and are not just submissive to their male counterpart.

My M & B fix was a temporary one. It has been ages since I have got my hands on any such novels. I feel sheepish to invest money on them just for one read. If somebody is worried what to gift me for my birthdays or anniversaries, book is the best bet you have as I don't get tired of them and definitely I wouldn't mind a set of Harlequin romance (M & B).

Olfactory/Memory

Today I was applying lip gloss which I have purchased almost a year back. Nivea Pearly Shine. I liked the light pink hues and bought it instantly.  Though it kept lips soft and supple, my lips looked ashy. Hence I stopped using it. Yesterday, I found it in a box and decided to give it a chance. The moment I applied, it brought back the vivid memory of Cambodia where we holidayed last year. I know that was the time I started using it. It always happens. Smell has the power to invoke oldest memories hidden in the corner of our mind. A smell in the whip of air triggering emotions as well as related memory.

Scientific reason is "Smell is first processed by Olfactory bulb which starts inside the nose and runs along the bottom of the brain. The bulb has direct connection with amygdala and hippocampus, the two areas that implicates in emotion and memory."

I absolutely don't remember studying about these areas in college. I remember mugging cranial nerves XII with a Mnemonic, which goes something like "One Of Our Training Teacher Asked For....." that I am unable to recall now. However, it is a mnemonic from Sidney Sheldon's "Nothing Lasts Forever" I memorized the best. "Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Virgin Girl's Vagina Ah Heaven." Though I am appalled and insulted of this sexist mnemonic, I learned it well.

For the layman, Cranial nerves are 12 pairs of nerves situated on the bottom surface of the brain. Some of these nerves bring information from the sense organs to the brain, some control muscles, some connected to glands and organs such as heart and lungs. They are Olfactory, Optic, Occulomotor, Trochlear, Trigeminal, Abducens, Facial, Vestibulococchlear, Glossopharyngeal, Vagus, Accessory, and Hypoglossal. Now read the mnemonic again.

Recently I came to know about another mnemonic, which could have helped in memorizing the types of above said nerves, whether they are sensory, motor, or both in an order. It goes like this "Some Say Marry Money But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter More. Is it dirty stuff easy to remember? It is in my case.

Last Sacrifice

"My death will not be penciled on someone's calendar"

Rose Hathway is imprisoned for the murder of Moroi Queen, Tatiana. And if proven guilty in trial the punishment is death. Her friends manage to break the prison with her father's help. She is now on the run with Dimitri and Sidney (the alchemist from Blood Promise). Even though Rose was instructed to stay put, she couldn't keep idle while she has Queen Tatiana's letter concerning Lissa's illegitimate sister/brother. Sonya Karp (her previous teacher) is the only lead to finding out their whereabouts who is a Strigoi now. Lissa is encouraged to run for Queen's election to bid more time to prove Rose's innocence. Dashkov brothers visit Rose in dream and reluctantly she accepts them to be part of the plan. Will they be able to locate Lissa's illegitimate brother/sister?  Will Lissa and friends able to catch the real murderer? Will Lissa be able to win the election? What is the 'Last Sacrifice' and who makes it?

Last sacrifice is the sixth and last book in Vampire Academy series.  The conclusion part of any series is exciting and sad. The mixed feeling because you want to know what happens yet don't want it to end.  The writing is simple and crisp; however Dimitri-Rose-Adrian triangle continued to annoy me to no end. We knew from the beginning Adrian is a collateral damage in the Rose-Dimitry's holier-than-thou love story just like Jacob in Twilight Saga. The bond between them is non-palpable, dwindling, and almost hilarious. I was anticipating a thrilling Strigoi battle which was common in almost all five books. I was disappointed to say the least. The Whodunit part was average as is the last sacrifice.

Although I am happy about the ending, I was hoping Rose will choose a different path rather than just ordinary considering her feisty and kick-ass nature. There are so many unsettled issues left just at that, which we may hope to find in spin-off 'Bloodline' series. I think I will give it a break and pick some other books for now.

Sultan

Film: Sultan
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Cast: Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma, Amid Sadh, Anant Sharma, Randeep Hooda

I was never a fan of Salman Khan and couldn't understand why people go gaga over him. Honestly he comes third in the much coveted Holy Trinity of 'Khan'. The last movie I genuinely liked of him was Bajrangi Bhaijaan. However, that didn't encourage me to go and watch his next 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' in theatre. Surprisingly when I watched, I liked the film too. So, I decided to give his 'Sultan' a try this time. Hubby is equally averse to this Khan, but I convinced him singing 'Main Toh Superman Salman Ka Fan'. Please don't ask me why. I can be extremely silly sometimes.

Plot: Aakash Oberoi's brain child private freestyle wrestling league, called Pro Take Down has lost its popularity. His father advises him to get an Indian wrestler to the ring and suggests 'Sultan Ali Khan's name. He travels to Haryana and meets sultan who turns down his offer outrightly. Now with no other option he approaches Govind, Sultan's friend for details. Here the story goes to flashback of eight years ago.

Sultan, a cable TV operator of 'Mehbooba and Mehboba' falls in love with Aarfa, a state level wrestler and daughter of local wrestling coach. She a Delhi educated girl and her only dream is to win Olympic gold medal. Understanding that Aarfa will only marry wrestler, Sultan decides to become a wrestler and succeeds at becoming a brilliant one. They get married in no time and both represent India in various games. Sultan goes on to win Olympic gold medal, however, Aarfa couldn't despite being selected to play for India due to her pregnancy. Success goes to his head slowly and start taking everything for granted. A tragedy hits when he returns home winning World Wrestling Champion. Aarfa leaves him and he decides to stay away from ring as redemption.  Though Aakash convince Sultan to return to wrestling as a way to fulfill his dream, it is not an easy feast. Will cynic coach Fateh able to help him? What is the reason Aarfa drifted away from him? Will he able to win the game as well as Aarfa in the end?

Although a very average, predictable story, it is gripping and entertaining. There is not a single boring moment where your mind wanders off the screen. It has humor, drama, emotion, love, and action. Anath Sharma who plays Salman's friend is brilliant. I am seeing this guy on-screen for the first time and know instantly he has a long way to go. One of the highlights is the music. I loved almost all songs, however, "Jag Ghoomeya" is the tune which I carried home.

For the first time I felt Salman Khan act too. He carried off the role of Sultan as a smitten lover, grieving husband, hardcore wrestler to the T. A scene where he takes off his shirt in front of a mirror and breaks down after seeing the paunch and his repeated attempts to put back on the shirt was just superb. I couldn't control saying "Well done boy! His hard work really shows off in the movie. The chemistry between him and Anushka is endearing. Ms. Sharma is very good as nothing less is expected of her. Though I wish her progressive character was not sidelined in the second half, just to brood and mop around.

All in all a entertainer which definitely leave a mark of its own. Life is all about fighting our own battle and never accepting defeat.

Weave Dreams

Movie: Fitoor
Music: Amit Trivedi
Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire
Singer: Amit Trivedi

"Pashmina Dhaagon Ke Sang" is playing on loop for hours and I couldn't get the tune out of my mind. I first heard the song while watching the movie. Though I admired Amit Trivedi as a music director, it is only after Queen I liked him as a singer. The songs were Badra Bahaar and Jugni. Blame me, I love that movie and everything about it. Almost all songs struck a cord with me. He experiments with a lot of instruments and there is a magical touch to it.

With Pashmina (Fine type of cashmere wool) threads someone is weaving dreams today, how so?; In the Valley, it echoes somewhere a new tune from Rabab (music instrument), how so?. A young man's yearning and passion to his lady love is expressed superbly. A romantic number that tugs the heart strings. A beautifully written song by Swanand Kirkire.  Amit says he is an ordinary singer who doesn't even practice. However, I must say there is something in his voice that connects along with brilliant music. He is even being compared to music maestro A.R. Rahman. There is undoubtedly freshness in his music and voice.

Childfree

Three months into marriage and the common question was 'Any good news? Like an innocent bride I coyly answered, "Yes, we are taking a holiday next month. Now slightly uncomfortable, they asked again 'No, not that. Any gooooooood news?' As if dragging the good part a little bit will fetch them any answer. However, someone interrupted the conversation and both of us are relieved. Me for not faking anymore and she for not getting the expected answer.

We have completed four years of marriage and the question still continues. We don't get irritated anymore. Hubby finds it as an opportunity to torture the inquisitive person with his dry humor and and I find it impossible to keep a straight face. We have agreed upon to tackle these morons one at a time.

Yes, we have decided to be Childfree. Very close family members and friends were told about the decision.  As excepted everyone is aghast. My parents and in-laws think we will come to our senses in no time. My extended family is quite sure that it is the biggest mistake of our life and we are going regret it. Only one aunt is supportive and applauds for our decision. They are of old generation. I'l will give that to them.

One of my friends even went ahead and told, I should not have gotten married in the first place if I had no intention to reproduce. Probably she is totally unaware of the concept 'Marrying for Love'. 

Some said parenthood is the best thing in the world and we are going to miss the best experience. Well, we decided to do the next best thing, living life on our own terms. (Pun intended). Some named us selfish not to be parents. Well, we said if they are so selfless, wouldn't they have opted for adoption instead of having biological children for the betterment of society. I don't understand why they are so upset and stopped talking to us completely.

They said you want to have fun forever shunning the responsibilities. We asked are they acknowledging the fact that parenting is no fun? And they accuse we humiliated them. They said you will suffer in your old age without children's support. We said that is the most horrifying reason to bring kids into the world.

Some say since yours' is a love marriage, only a child can keep you together because of the bond. We said child is not a needle and thread to mend the broken relationship. If anyone thinks so, they are the most stupidest persons to walk on the face of the earth and their kids the most unfortunate ones.

And one sweet gentle soul said kid can fulfill our dreams. We had to be extremely polite and say here. Our dreams are ours and we will try fulfilling them on our own. I told her to let her kid have her own dreams and not to be bogged down by her's. She is still talking to me, so everything is okay I suppose. And many said who will carry forward our lineage? For them we say we are not from Suryavamsha or Chandravamsha (two most popular dynasty in Hindu mythology) and even if so we couldn't care less.

When we never questioned anybody's decision to have kids (one, two, or hundred), what makes them to give suggestions and talk in a patronizing tone? Is it their realization of making a mistake of being parent and sadistic desire for us to suffer like them?

When we were dating, we never talked about kids. Though when I was young, I wanted to adopt a girl baby. Later I realized it is a wish most of the girls in that age have. When married, we thought we will have kid in a few years as it was a societal norms and we are not aliens. But as days passed by and after many deep and lengthy conversation, we realized we don't really have the basic urge to be parents. There are so many things we dream to achieve and so little time, a kid has no place in it.

What nobody told us is what happens if one of us die untimely? Well, we discussed about it too. And bringing up a kid as a insurance policy to fill your emotional need is definitely a no-no.

We know it is not the easy path we have chosen for ourselves. We will be judged, mocked, criticized, maligned at each and every step. But we are not the people to be bogged down to societal or familial pressure.  It is an informed and well thought out decision to opt out of parenthood. And for the people who think poor hubby is forced in to it, let me clear it once and for all "We are a team and we make each and every decision together after a lot of dialogue and thinking". We have a very fulfilling, enriched, dynamic, and happy relationship and we don't need a "child" to complete it. Honestly, I feel parenthood is overrated. It is glorified in films, literature, and television to no end. And I know many had embarked this journey without knowing why they are doing it. And don't get me wrong, "We love kids as long as they can go back home to to their parents'" as someone wisely said.

I'm ending it being at the risk of annoying and offending many parents out there.

Best and Worst of 2015 Movies

We are done and dusted with half year of 2016 and you must be wondering why I'm listing down movies of 2015 now and not six months earlier. Well, I was not able to watch few movies in year 2015.

Best
1. Masaan
2. NH 10
3. Piku
4. Bajrangi Bhaijaan
5. Dum Laga Ke Haisha
6. Talvar
7. Baby
8. Badlapur
9. Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2
10. Hunter

Average
1. Bajirao Mastani
2. Tamasha
3. Tanu Weds Manu
4. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
5. Dil Dhadakne Do
6. Deyective Byomkesh Bakshy
7. Manjhi-The Mountain Man
8. Shamitabh
9. Dilwale
10. ABCD

So-So
1. Jazbaa
2. Ek Paheli Leela 
3. Bombay Velvet
4. Shaandaar
5. Hawaizaada
6. Calender Girls
7. Phantom
8. Dolly Ki Doli
9. Main Aur Charles
10. Bhaag Johnny

Bad
1. Hamari Adhuri Kahani
2. Katti Batti
3. Roy
4. Alone
5. Hero
6. Hate story 3
7. Singh is Bling
8. Khamoshiyaan
9. Tevar
10. Welcome Back

Brothers, Margarita With a Straw, and Titli are the three movies on my list, which I missed till today. I will edit the list when I am able to tick those off from my list.

Spirit Bound

After tedious and disturbing journey to Siberia, Rose Hathway is now back in St. Vladimir's Academy and given a chance to finish her graduation. However, Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong. Though a little wary about the plot being slow, I started this one immediately nonetheless. My curiosity is on peak to know whether Strigoi can be really turned back to their original form.

Rose Hathway takes pre-graduation trial and passes with flying colors. Now Lissa plans to go to regular college near Royal court. Rose toys with the idea of being a guardian to her royal friend. Before she could do that, she has another duty to fulfill. She steals important prison files and sneaks out of court with Lissa and Eddie. Here they hatch a plan to break the maximum security prison in Alaska to free their enemy Vicort Dashkov and succeeds. In return Victor leads them to his brother, Robert, the only spirit user who knows how to restore Strigoi. In Las Vegas, Lissa gains theoretical knowledge of how to restore a Strigo with spirit infused stake; however, Rose is completely against this idea for the fear of Lissa's safety.  Adrian joins them and is pretty miffed on Rose's attempt to stay connected to Dimitri. Here, they are attacked by Dimitri and a bunch of Strigois. Losing Victor and Robert in the chaos, they return to the royal court. Rose is punished for endangering the Moroi and put on rigorous physical labor as a disciplinary measure. Dimitri then kidnaps Lissa and Christian as a bait for Rose. Rose leads other guardians to their hide out with an intent to kill. A battle ensues between guardians and Strigois. Will she succeeds killing Dimitri this time? Will Lissa be able to turn him in to a Dhampir? What is the changing political dimensions in Moroi society? 

The most irking thing in this book is the love triangle between Dimitri-Rose-Adrian. Rose is heartbroken and devastated by Dimitri's presumed/assumed death, which turns out to be false, thanks to his threatening love letters. At the beginning of the book, she is Adrian's new girlfriend. Yet, she leaves on a mission to find a way to save her ex-boyfriend. All is good. But she uses Adrian's credit card everywhere to further her goals. I am starting to lose respect for the well-established character here. I understand writer's intent to keep the romance, passion, eternal love alive for young adults. And why Adrian lets himself to be treated as a doormat? However, I loved Rose's gutsy argument with Queen when she decides to stand up for all Dhampirs on underage decree. As usual, the book ended in massive cliff-hanger. Fortunately I have the next book on hand and I'm already on it.

June Updates

Half the year whooshed by in a jiffy and I'm not it is not very far when we say happy new year once again. June had been kind and peaceful. 

We had done one-day trip to Horsley Hills, a quiet and tranquil hill station nested 150 km from Bangalore. The place doesn't offer much if you are more of touristy type. It is a place to relax and let your hair loose and be lost in the nature.

Reading is quite slow as usual. I could complete only two books-Shadow Kiss and Blood Promise of Vampire Academy series.

However, movie front is pretty good considering we have watched 12 movies. They are Ki & Ka, Shaandar, London Has Fallen, Rocky Handsome, Gods of Egypt, Srimantudu, Lone Survivor, Kappor and Sons, Udta Punjab, Jugni, Tera Suroor, and Mili.

We could have watched more more films if it not for sucking up to the charm of Downton Abbey. One lazy weekend we finished both season 3 and 4. How addictive some shows can get? I'm totally in love with all upstairs and downstairs people and can't get enough of them. And quietly added them to my extended family list.

Baby sister M2 got admission in a prestigious college and she is the last bird to fly Ammamma's nest. Im just worried about Ammamma's emotional well-being, although I know she is a strong woman and will withstand the separation.

This month saw my blog posts upping to 12 posts, which is an achievement in itself considering the busy life and my procrastation nature. With calender being marked with plans and programs, lets see what july has in store.