What do I say about this month? It whizzed past in the blink of an eye. I'm saying this because I could finish only one novel the entire month, Something In the Water by Catherine Steadman. My saga with "The Fountainhead" by Ayan Rand continued for the second month, which I'm hoping to finish by third month as I've 150 pages more to go. I've watched nothing on the television front. I couldn't even remember why we were so busy? I've dedicated few hours of my time to arrange and rearrange the discs, which is a daunting task in itself. The culprits to slow down the process are old albums. It so happens that I look at some pictures, go back to the time it was taken, cherish the moments, smile and repeat. If I go by this speed it is going to take a year or more to accomplish what I've started. My deadline to this project is end of this year. The good thing is we were able to watch 16 movies this month; Gurgaon, Vodka Diaries, Kaalakaandi, Kaatru Veliyidai, Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru, Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, Beirut, Bioscopewala, Kaala, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, BA Pass 2, Skyscrapper, Ocean 8, and Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom. We have taken two trips this month. The first one was on Ganesha Chaturthi weekend. It was our norm to visit my parents' for the festival as they used to celebrate it with much fanfare. That ritual was stopped due to my father's untimely demise two years ago. And it is too painful for me to go to native during that period. Instead we have visited Mundgod Tibetan Monastery, Karwar, Mirjan Fort, Apsarakonda. When you're in Karwar it is a sin not to visit Goa. It was hubby's wish to show me the Goa in off-season. The stripped off shacks, the solitude of beach, drive through lush and green countryside, the experience was like having the entire Goa for ourselves. We will jot down the entire trip in www.milesandtrails.com In the last leg of the trip I jammed my right thumb between the car door all by myself. I was getting out of the vehicle to pick something from the boot. The pain was intense and constant. I was almost close to tears not because of pain, but at my helplessness for not being able to blame hubby for this mishap. Thankfully nothing was broken though the nail was bruised and red. After popping few over-the-counter pills and religiously applying cold compression a few times in a day, the pain subsided in 4 to 5 days. This is the second injury this year. I was glad that it was minor and I'm grateful all my limbs are intact. I still have discolored thumb nail, which is going to take a very long time to disappear. Another trip was in the cusp of end of this month and beginning of the next to native for a yearly ritual, which I better write in October's flashback. On the whole September was super fast and busy with work, travel, and fun. We do have 100 more days of this year and the last quarter of the year is always my favorite time with festivals, birthdays, and total celebrations. October please be kind.
Title: Something in the Water Author: Catherine Steadman Genre: Thriller/Mystery Publication: 2018 "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional".
The title of the book was intriguing. It implied a mystery, a thriller or both. I stopped picking the book as per recommendations or reviews of others because many a times they failed me. Its my understanding to read book without any expectations. That makes it much more joyful process and I would be the sole judge without any influence. Plot: Erin is an upcoming film maker who is engaged to Mark, a handsome and successful investment banker. She is filming a documentary about three prisoners from different walks of life who are to be affiliated back into society. Just few days before the D day Mark loses job. They decide to cut down on the wedding expenses and two weeks honeymoon in Bora Bora instead of planned three weeks. They were having a perfect honeymoon; sunbathing, hiking, scuba diving; eating exotic food; and generous dose of love making until they find something in the deep blue sea and their life is never the same. Book opens where Erin is digging a grave to bury the body and she leaves it to the readers to decide whether she is a good person or not. That promised a good start. And in the end I could not fathom whether she is a good person or not. She made incredibly stupid choices for sure. She is greedy and completely untrustworthy. So, is Mark. The story is gripping from start to finish, though the climax is predictable with a little twist. I started wondering is it so easy to smuggle things to England if you are traveling in first class as the writer suggests? What would I've done in Erin's position? I even prodded Hubby to answer what would be his choice if he was Mark after the storytelling. Throughout the book I was telling Erin not to walk that road and have her priorities right. In this way the book does justice to being a psychological thriller. This is author's first novel. Once I finished the book I decided to do a little research about the writer. Voila, I knew her. Not personally of course. She is an actress, and I recognized her roles from Downton Abbey and The Tudors. She weaved a relatively simple tale in an equally simple words. And I would like to read more from this one.
During one summer holidays I get an idea to get my nose pierced. I wracked my brain trying to remember what triggered that idea. Nobody was talking about it at home. Nobody was very particular about getting one done either. I requested, cried, begged, and threatened my mother, Ammamma, aunt P and aunt B to no avail. I even skipped a day's meal as a protest. Have you noticed how they ganged up against a little kid? They were all so cruel. How could they dismiss my wish as if it was the least important thing in the world? I was waiting for the arrival of my father the next week as he had to attend a family function. After hugging and exchanging pleasantries I pleaded my case. The rival team was quick to explain what transpired between us and how my behavior was unladylike. Now he was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. He tried to convince me by saying I was too young for that. I was 9 at the time. Tears poured down my cheeks like a river escaping the dam. For me it would have been a defeat against adversaries, only it didn't. My father told me to get dressed immediately as we are going get the nose piercing done. My mother and Ammamma chided him for turning me into a total brat. He smiled through the entire charade without uttering a word. Again, those weren't the days of big jewellery showrooms. It was two hours journey to-and-fro from our place to Taluk headquarters. We had our family goldsmith who designed gold as per our preferences. It took him less than a minute to prick the nose. I had just one teardrop throughout the process much to the astonishment of the goldsmith. I was even rewarded with an ice cream to bravely enduring the painful procedure. I had spring in my step while walking towards home and everybody welcomed us with a cheer. I took off the nose ring at 21. For most young girls that is the age to get their nose pierced. I've this habit of doing everything in reverse order. When my father asked why I don't have nose ring, my answer was I don't like it anymore. He didn't preach or lecture me about it unlike my mother. If I can think now my father let me get away with almost everything. He gave us a lot of leeway to make our own decisions, but for a few, which he thought he knew better. Though a disciplinarian he was a cool dad to have around. Since we all three turned out hardworking, kind, and well-rounded human beings it is safe to say he was indeed a great parent. And that void nobody can fill. The pain of losing him is still intense even after two years. It is just that we have learned to live with it.
I don't get up everyday just to go to work. It is given that it takes 1/3rd part of my day, and I would have slept a little longer if I don't have to go to work. However, there are other things which gets my attention and time, the things that keeps me very happy. Films: Now I'm at the risk of being a bore who keeps repeating things. Everyone knows about my love for movies, which I inherited from my parents as both of them were cinephile. Another thing that worked in my favor is being born at the right time. Television was a novelty back then. As the millennial I get to witness the transformation from radio to tape recorder to black and white television to colour, doordarshan to cable channels, video cassettes to CDs. In the process I was fortunate enough to watch older movies of 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's. Still I have missed aplenty of classics. I have watched mostly Kannada and Hindi movies. Tamil movies started with Roja, and Telugu and Malayalam much later. And English movies once the HBO and Star movies came into existence in India. Even today I get butterflies in my tummy until I reach the theater. And I've very little respect for people who are late to movies. Having a partner who is equally fanatic about films helps too. He introduced me to few genres like war movies, which I would not have ventured into if left alone and animation. I frowned upon people who said they loved cartoon films. Now I absolutely love both these genres. Watching movies isn't time pass for me. It's a cult and I'm an ardent follower. In a month I would watch at least 10 films and there are still so many thousands out there. As crazy as it may sound to others, this desire to see more motivates me. This obsession only a movie buff will understand. Music: Who doesn't like music? Everybody does, right? So is in my world. I'm a music lover as long as I can remember. I was a great singer too according to me until sense prevailed. And good music was always appreciated at home, probably that is the reason we siblings have such a penchant for it. We were partners-in-crime in recording our favourite songs in audio cassettes. There was always music blasting from our home since the time immemorial. We weren't reprimanded by our parents to playing non-devotional songs early in the morning like my friends'. Music evolves with time so my taste in them. Initially it was Indian filmi songs, folk, and light poetry. As I said earlier it was pre-google era and we couldn't get our hand on everything in a jiffy. Good songs are suggested and shared by friends and foes alike. Western songs became a rage with MTV India. I didn't grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bryan Adams, or AC/DC. They all came much later in life and when they did I lapped up to everybody like a true music lover. Needless to say one of the many things that draw to Hubby is his immense taste in music. It is he who nudged me to develop a liking for Sufi, Ghazals, and authentic classic. Till today we can sit and talk about music for ungodly hours. Music is cathartic. It is like drug that keeps you always high and happy. People who think I'm an introvert haven't heard me talk about the word M. Like books and movies I need a daily dosage of music. I can't thank enough of the musicians and composers who created beautiful numbers that keeps billions of people happy and gay.
This is a second part in a short series I have started. No, it's not a fiction on short story. Just jotting down few memories for posterity. I'm almost sure I will suffer from Alzheimer's disease in my old age if I make it beyond 60. If that happens I can always come back here and get a perception about my past life. J: I joined a new school for my 4th standard. At that time I never felt the pressure or pain about making new friends. Or maybe I did, which I would have conveniently forgotten once I was happy in the new environment. My friendship with J was rather arranged if I think about it now. She used to stay with her grandmother. Those were the days before the pasteurized milk overshadowed each nook and cranny of small towns. To cut the long story short we agreed to buy milk from her grandmother as we were new to the place. The old lady arrived immediately the next morning to deliver the milk and ordered my mother to be introduced to all three of us. She lost her interest in my brothers pretty quickly. She was delighted to know I was in class 4th as her granddaughter also was in same class. So, as soon as I entered the classroom that day, a tall, lanky girl approached and initiated the conversation as per her granny's instructions. I was puny all my life, so I was in the first bench and she being taller was in the last. And she was in the same school for the last 3 three years and had her own set of friends. Still she walked back home with me twice a day, once for lunch and next at the end of the day. In the evening it was her chore to deliver the milk. While doing so she used to carry books on the pretext of doing homework with me and it was fun playing together until the dusk. On the days when it was very late, my y.brother and I drop her back at home. Even though it was arranged we got attached to each other real fast. It was assumed if I was not at home I would be at her place and vice versa. That happy period came to an end once I have decided to move to my Ammamma's place for next school year. Even so we met each other during Dasara and summer holidays for three more years, until my father got transferred to another town. I remember corresponding a few letters with her for a brief period, which stopped eventually. Sometimes I believe "out of sight, out of mind". In my 11th and 12th I get to hear about her from my high school best friend "R" as they were in the same college. Coincidentally my y.brother and J's y.brother were close friends in their college, so indirectly we knew what is going on in each others' life. In fact, this May I've met him at my SIL's baby shower and we talked about her for a bit. She is happily married now, stays in Singapore, and we chat occasionally on messenger. We say we will meet each other whenever she is in the city, which both of us know is never going to happen. Not because we don't want to. Her time will be limited and there will be so many obligations to fulfill as a daughter, sister, and daughter-in-law. And my calendar is chockablocked for at least five to six months in advance. However, I'm grateful for her to taking a like in the new girl and nurturing the relationship. Like I said in my earlierpost I just want my friends to be healthy, happy, and safe. There is absolutely no desire or inclination to know each and every minute details of their life. They all know I'm just a call or a message away to lend an ear without judging and dole out my pearl of wisdom (pun intended) about life, relationship, love, conflicts, all and sundry.
The highlight of the month was new addition to the family, the brand new baby, a nephew again. If you had read my earlier posts I predicted baby boy for my YB in May. I haven't speculated it by seeing the size of mother's tummy or her choice of gastronomy. Add a lot logic and a little guess, the prediction is very easy. If I was in UK I would be betting every time a royal member is due. I digress. I'm aunt again the second time. Many people asked us (hubby and I) whether seeing the new born has changed our decision to be childfree. We just smiled at their curiosity. Now I have manifold of respect and gratitude towards my parents, Ammamma, aunt P and aunt B who were essential in raising me from an infant to toddler to teen to young adult. I know my father would have been over the moon with second grandchild, but it's just not meant to be. A person even had the audacity to say my father is reborn; this is the same person who told my father had attained salvation on the 14th day of Hindu funeral rituals. Is this person trying to make me feel better in anyway or plain stupid? I'l give the benefit of doubt for my sanity sake. The day was a time for family celebration. And the next day too as it was nephew V's sixth birthday. On the movie front we have watched total 14 movies, that is almost like one film in two days. They are; Agenda Payback, Mahanati, Veere De Wedding, Avengers: Infinity War, Daddy, Deadpool 2, Mom, X-Men, Race 3, John Wick, Reverant, X-Men 2, Rangasthalam, The Blind Side. I could read only 4 books this month. That is mainly because I picked a philosophical classic "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand. So far I was able to finish only 250 pages. It's definitely not a page turner. I'm going slowly, still finding it difficult to form an opinion on the characters. The rest of the books are "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine-Gail Honeyman; Without Merit-Collin Hoover; Distant Shores-Kristin Hannah; The Perfect Mother-Aimee Molloy. How To Get Away With a Murder season 4 saw an end this month. Until season 5 comes I bid adieu to Annalise and six-Keatings (I'm including Frank and Bonnie here). "Young Sheldon" was hubby's pick as a new series. He was bowled over by the trailer and wanted something lighter after the grueling legal drama. And what a terrific show it was. Funny, cute, and can't get enough of it. We finished the first season of 22 episodes within 10 days and can't wait for the new season. Last weekend of the month we had gone to Shivanasamudra for a day trip with cousin M1 and friend B. As it rained heavily the cascades were at its best. The roaring and pouring of pristine white water over the giant dark rocks and magic of mist over us is truly divine. Surprisingly weather was sunny and I got bad sunburn on my arms and shoulders. Seeing my plight Hubby teased he will all go by himself to African continents as I couldn't tolerate the sunlight. I forgot to tell him I'm a true coastal girl and can kiss sun if I dare to. I attended two cultural programs this month; one is M1's Bharatanatya performance and another one is family friend's Mohiniyattam. Compared to the former the latter is quite slow-moving and tedious, but enjoyable nonetheless if you are inclined towards artistry. August had been super busy with work, drama, fun, and bit travel. Hope September will be the same.
I had a dream of becoming a farmer, growing my own organic vegetables and fruits; and a beautiful garden in which flowers bloom throughout the year; of sipping high tea under the shadow of a mango tree; and walking hand-in-hand with hubby by the gorgeous pond under moonlight. I'm talking in past tense because that dream was shattered to pieces. Flashback to year 2012. My father was building a house in his native, so he made sure to monitor the work-in progress twice or thrice a week. I had accompanied him only once or twice just to make him happy. I was against the idea of building a house in the native. First, it was very remote, 25 kilometers away from the town. Dad might have been born and brought up there, but he wasn't the same man residing in towns for almost 40 years. His lifestyle is different now and I wasn't sure he could cope up with the country life. And what about my mother? She isn't accustomed to that way of life either. Once I asked my Ammamma why she married my mother off to village that lacks basic amenities. Her answer was simple, your father has a transferable, government job, so she never has to stay there. Now his decision will impact her life drastically as well. Second, he is a retired man. This is his time to relax and enjoy, not to become a farmer. How can I not know, he is stubborn old coot much to my dismay. Now I don't wonder where did I get it from. It was around Deepavali (festival of lights) time. Housewarming and nephew's naming ceremony was scheduled just a week later. So, one day I tagged along to watch the latest development of the housing. People were working fervently to meet the deadline. I wandered around the estate for a bit, throwing stones into the pond, hearing chirping of birds and crickets, and some phone photographing leaving my father behind with the workers. What I see when I return? My father was in work clothes, chopping the unwanted bushes and plants to make a clear walkway. I berated him for a long time about this menial job plonking my ass on a rock under a tree. He smiled and continued his work. After 30 minutes or so I started feeling guilty. What kind of a daughter I'm who sits idly while her old father does the hard labor? I picked a spare machete and started cutting the woods into pieces. It was cathartic and exhilarating in the beginning. Add another 15 minutes to it, I was completely drenched in sweat, panting like a dog, head spinning, and I couldn't feel my hand. Seeing my plight father ordered me to sit and sip some water. While I was trying to regain my composure and balance, dad resumed his activity without a break. That is the exact zen moment where realization dawned upon me that I'm unfit to be a farmer now or forever, and my 60-year-old father can be and well at it. And he is to be blamed for my delicate and fragile strength. If he hasn't provided the cushioned life for us I would have toughened up. If he wasn't such a great father I wouldn't be this spoiled brat.
Film: The Blind Side Year: 2009 Cast: Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Lily Collins, Kathy Bates Genre: Biographical Sports Drama Direction: John Lee Hancock I knew Sandra Bullock won academy award for best actress for this movie and the movie is vaguely related to football. I'm not a sports fan. I can be completely blind and deaf to the game on any screens without much effort. Why I'm saying this because if a film is based on some sport, I'm reluctant to go ahead with it. Last week after Sunday brunch we started watching it on a whim. Just 10 minutes into it and we are hooked. That same evening we had to attend a family friend's Mohiniyattam performance and we had leave the house in an hour to make it in time. We neither wanted to abandon the film in between nor cancel the performance. We toss a coin in a situation like these to make a decision and it was in favor of the program. So, with a heavy heart we decided to continue it once we return from the show and continue we did. In a Nutshell: Michale Oher had been in-and-out of foster care as his mother is a drug addict. One day one of his friend's father enrolls him into Wingate Christian School in Memphis, Tennessee with the help of coach who is taken in by Mike's enormous built and sturdiness. He had to convince school principal and other teachers because Mike's academic records are very poor. Leigh Ann Touhy (Bullock) discovers Mike walking on the road in a cold night without proper clothing. She is an interior designer by profession and two of her children study in the same school. Her husband is a rich businessman When she realizes Mike doesn't have a place to stay she asks him to sleep on the couch for that night. From then onwards she decides to take him under her wing and her whole family is nothing but supportive. They nurture Mike's athletic gift and set him on the path of football. My Take: A feel-good drama, which is a sure shot tearjerker. This biographical sports drama is based on the book of same name "The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis. Almost all characters in the movie are too good to be true. For a cynic like me it is difficult to digest. Having said that I'm always up to appreciate goodness in people, even a fraction of it. Ms. Touhy treating Mike just like her own kids made me fall in love with the story. In this cut-throat competitive world such a quality is rare and unique. Bullock is without a doubt heart and soul of the movie. She carries the high society woman's role with such an aplomb. She is self-assured, confidant, energetic, with a heart of gold. And her wardrobe is to die for. Quinton Aaron as Big Mike's performance is praiseworthy as well as all the rest of characters. The best scene for me is when Leigh Ann comes down to check on Mike the next morning only to find neatly folded blankets on the couch that makes her smile. And that was the precise moment she decides on adopting him. How many of us can be like Ms. Touhy. Okay, it is given she has a truckload of money. Even so, I don't think anybody will go the extent of opening their heart and home to a grown-up African-American boy without a second thought. The social economic status and racial bias is what make the story more distinct and believable. If you're not too judgmental this one is for you all.
The last season of GOT (Game of Thrones) we saw was a year ago. If rumors are to be believed we have to wait another year for the final season, which will consists of only six episodes. Arghhh!! That it so unfair. They will make us wait for two solids years for six? I want more. Do they have any idea how difficult it is for people like me? What if I die within a year? What about my salvation? And my only regret in life would be not watching finale of GOT for no mistake of mine? Compared to other fanatics my extremism is mild, extremist nonetheless. There are few dialogues that I've adapted in daily conversations in the household. -You know nothing **** (hubby's pet name). I expect hubby to know everything as he does most of the time. On rare occasions when he says he doesn't know something, I'm right on his face to say the above sentence. -I address him "my sun and stars" and insists to be called "Moon of my life" in return in total Drogo style. -When he asks me to accompany him to any boring family functions I agree to do that in the end, not before rolling my eyes and saying "Things I do for Love". -In the next one there isn't much drama. I use it only when the real season approaches, "Winter is coming". -As we stay in the first floor some evenings mosquitoes will enter the home if I forget to close the windows. I go for them with a bat before they could suck my sweet blood. However, sometimes I'm so lazy to move my ass, so I relegate the task to Hubby. When he is at it, I say calmly "Burn them all". -During financial discussions I never forget to add "A ****ar (my last name) always pays her debts" just like a true Lannister, followed by "****ar shits gold". I know very unladylike. That leads to the next one. -When I use the foul language or tell a really nasty joke hubby is quick to say "don't forget you're a lady". Any my reply would be "I'm not a lady" in a classic Arya Stark way. -In the late evenings we open the main door for some fresh air and twilight, chatting away about the our respective days. If its windy the door slams shut as it doesn't have a door closer. Most of the time we keep something on door's way to prevent the swinging. Sometimes when I see the swing, unable to stop the slamming, I just scream "Hodor". Yeah, better than doing nothing, right? -If I be haughty and pompous in a talk, hubby asks "who do you think you are?'. This one is lengthy and takes a little time to recollect and recite "Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons". It sure makes him laugh, and he says a very reproachable sentence, which I would rather not mention here. It goes without saying he calls me Khaleesi and I call him Khal. Yes, we're a bit quirky and weird like that. The credit to our this idiosyncrasy goes to GOT. Probably the time has come to rerun all the seven seasons before we could watch the finale. And we're guilty of staring pitily at people who haven't watched this epic. And lastly "My husband is my king and my king is my husband". He surely is the king of my heart and my castle. PS: Hubby is even bigger devote of GOT than me.
All of us need motivation in life to keep going. I have read somewhere life will be vibrant and colourful if we keep painting it with different splash of colours, i.e., experiences and moments. I'm not a person who could be described as ambitious. I'm a happy person most my life with little things, that I turn into magical memories. The purpose that drives me everyday to wake up in the morning is couple of things that I enjoy immensely and the quench is insatiable. To get a better perspective of life I'm trying to jot down few things that motivates me. To Travel the World: I haven't done any traveling per se until I met Hubby (then boyfriend). We had many things in common like love for the history, art and architecture, nature, wild life. I was happy reading about them in the big fat books. It was he who greatly inspired me look beyond books and experience things for real. And I was hooked and now travel is a drug of choice for both of us. There are 195 countries in the world. I know it is an unattainable dream, but a woman can dream, right? Diamond isn't my best friend neither any jewelry. I don't fancy big cars. I don't want to own a house or property. I don't yearn for branded gadgets or vintage stuff. I don't desire any worldly procession, but for what is necessary for basic comfortable life. I know the basic comfortable varies from people to people, but I'm a very low maintenance. I want to travel until the day I die. To keep a journal of our travel trails hubby and I started a travel blog www.milesandtrails.com. To Read Books: If you read my earlier posts you must be well aware that I read at least 4 to 5 books every month. I have been an avid reader all my life. That is why maybe I'm jostling between 2 to 3 books at a time. There are millions books out there and given an option I will do nothing but read. I wish I have more time to read. I would love to quote George RR Martin here "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, the man who never reads lives only one". How aptly he puts the significance of reading in one sentence. Because while reading the reader is in the story, he/she follows the different characters, go where they go, see what they see, hear what they hear, feel what they feel, experience all the emotions they go through. As books are my constant companions I never get lonely and need daily doses of reading to keep me going.
After the small success of finding, locating, and rekindling with three friends I'm bustling with energy and enthusiasm. To continue the zeal and spirit I have decided to write few posts about my stint with an important bond called friendship and friends. So, without much ado; C: A friend in class 1 and only in class 1. I don't remember anything about her, but for her name. That mainly could be because her mother was our class teacher and my mother remembered her well and often mentioned her name in later years. Once my father got transferred we moved to another town and I was too young to understand the concept of letter writing. S: One year junior to me in class one and my father and her father were friends. After class she used to hang out in my home until her father comes and picks her up. She even accompanied my mother and me to a few all night Yakshagana shows. According to my mother, tyrant of my younger brother (YB) used to beat her up as well. So most of those memories were kept alive by my mother. And during my college days I got to know she joined the same campus for other professional degree. I asked my roommate who was her classmate to ask about me. Irony is she doesn't remember me. I don't blame her. At 5 years of age you can hardly remember anything. M: She was my friend in class II and III. She was staying with distant relatives as her parents couldn't afford her education. The arrangements at the relatives' place isn't hunky dory. She had to play the role of domestic help without payment because they were gracious and big-hearted (pun unintended) enough to take care of her food, accommodation, and schooling. She was drowsy and sleepy during most of the classes. All the teachers were aware of her situation, so they never gave her any hard-time. I read Cinderella story in those days and I nicknamed her Cinderella and her foster parents' (couldn't find any equivalent word) evil step-parents. She was happy with the name and that was our little secret. We constantly discussed about running away from home to escape the misery and live happily ever after. No, I never had any trouble at home but for my father making me do tables and copy writing as a way of punishment. We were always together, doing stuff together, playing together, going around together. I was smuggling my comic books to school, so she could read them at lunch hours. I used to go home for lunch as I stayed very close to school. The private school was run by a charitable trust that provided free meals for the school kids. I very much wanted to have those meals, but my father was against the proposal as he believed that meal should go to a deserving kid. The third standard school year ended in April and I'm off to grandmother's place for summer holidays. That last school day was the last time I saw M. My father got transferred again and we were admitted to a new school for the upcoming academic year. I don't to know what happened to her after that. I wish I never called her Cinderella because life isn't a fairy tale. I wish I tried hard to keep in touch with her. I don't think I'll ever be able to locate her as I know only her first name. I don't know her parents or their last name or her foster parent's name. If it was a movie I would be set on a journey to find these three people, but it isn't and I have my priorities. However, I'm hopeful to meet these friends of mine who were once essential part of my life. They might be very different, we may not have anything in common, they may not even remember me. It's just my innate desire to know they're all happy in their life, doing whatever suits them best.
July was interesting, busy, and fun. Fun because the first weekend we have gone on a day trip to Sangama and Mekedatu. Ruefully I have to acknowledge its has been more than a decade staying in Bangalore and this is our first visit to the coveted place. We had been planning and cancelling this trip from the past eight years. On a whim we decided to embark upon this journey with cousin M2. Now this girl is leg-eye coordination-challenged and can fall flat on her face without any obstacles. And I call it a successful journey because no such mishaps happened. I would like to take credit for it as I was screaming like banshee every time she dashes off. I'm sure she felt I'm a real pain in the you know where. I couldn't care less. My advice is learn to take care of yourself and I'll be off your back. The coracle ride across river, bone rattling bus journey, and the beautiful gorge and gushing Kaveri was a beautiful experience altogether. And the real credit goes to Hubby who is the planner and executor of all the travelling we do together. The books I read this month were "Body of Evidence-Patricia Cromwell, Thirteen Reasons Why-Jay Fisher, 40 Charles Street-Danielle Steele, Chances-Jackie Collins, and Rebecca-Dame Daphne du Maurier. This is the month I decided to read at least one classic a month, hence I gave a try to Rebecca, a highly acclaimed one. I wasn't very much hopeful about this Gothic classic novel and to my surprise I loved every bit of it and I still can't believe it took me so long to pick this one. And did fairly well in movie department too, 12 films. The Imitation Games, Lust Stories, Rampage, Red Sparrow, Death Wish, Escape Plan, Ugly, Trouble is my business, Blackmail, Paramanu, Angamaly Diaries, and Samsaram Arogyathinu Hanikaram. We were into the fourth season of How to get away with a murder, but had to take a 3 days break to make way for the Netflix's "Sacred Game". Yes, we binged 8 episodes in three days (weekdays mind you). I was eager to watch this since its inception and who wouldn't want to see the powerful combination of Anurag Kashyap and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. I'm in a fix now as I hate to wait for another season. After that we resumed with "How to get away with a murder", season 4. YB is excited, nervous, worried a little to the arrival of the baby. As I'm a constant worrier he passed on his stress and strain a little over to me. Even I can't believe I'll be an aunt for the second time. Cousin M1 is back from three-week road trip to Leh, Ladak safely with loads and loads of memories. It is always fun to here the traveling stories. From what I could gather it was adventurous, fun, memorable filled with life-time experience. I'm happy that she found the joy of traveling at such a young age. I got reconnected with three of my childhood friends whom I have been searching for a long time. It was pure joyous as we picked up from where we left many many years ago. We surely have a lot of catching up to do. Once upon a time they were an integral part of my life, the life that they enriched with beautiful memories. July was great with work, family, social life, traveling, books, movies, television series, music, love and laughter. July, you have been kind and hope August will be like you.
Song: Girls like you Album: Red Pill Blues Genre: Pop Singers: Maroon 5 Ft Cardi B This video just popped up in YouTube while I was searching for something else. One look into it and glued I was. That is Maroon 5's "Girls like You". The lead singer Adam Levine in the middle of the room singling while the room spins or rather camera makes a circle. And every time a different female appears behind him, singing (lip syncing) and dancing. What caught my attention was Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman). Then I get to see Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Rita Ora. I was able to recognize only a few. There are many more successful women from different walks of life; tech entrepreneur, comedians, activists, authors, sports personalities, politicians, actors, models. My updated knowledge of pop culture had been limited in the past few months mainly due to lack of time. I was clueless about Cardi B, overnight hip-hop sensation as they say makes her verse as a rapper in the song. In the end Levine's model wife Behati Prinsloo appears holding their daughter Dusty Rose. Behati Prinsloo is a Victoria's Secret model for the unknown. I did my little research to find out about all this and I made a mental note to know about the rest of the achievers. This is a song by Maroon 5 from the album Red Pill Blues. Generally I don't find pop music videos very appealing and this is one of the exceptions. The tune is very catchy and hummable. It makes you feel good.
Title: Sharp Objects Author: Gillian Flynn Genre: Psychological Thriller Publication: 2006 I liked Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Dark Places. Somehow missed the first one and wanted to read it for quite sometime. I love her female protagonists. They are nothing like other perfect, goody two-shoes I come across in other books. They are portrayed even ghastly for my taste. Nonetheless they are sickeningly bad, bordering sociopaths. I read it somewhere Flynn saying women can be pragmatically evil, bad, and selfish and I totally agree with her. In Nutshell: Camille Preaker, a reporter for a Chicago newspaper was sent back to Wind Gap, Missouri, her hometown on an assignment to cover a story about a missing girl that has a startling similarities with a girl's murder a year earlier. She reluctantly agrees to return to her childhood mansion to stay with her mother Adora, her step-father, and her 13-year-old half-sister Amma. Her mother is blatantly unwelcoming and horrified to learn about Camille's work. The relationship between mother and daughter is bad from the beginning, and she had one younger sister, Marian who died young of an unknown illness. Once in Wind Gap, Camille starts her investigation, talking to parents' and peers of missing girls. The local law enforcement wasn't helpful as they are worried about the bad media attention. She meets Kansas City detective, Richard Willis who is here to investigate the same case and gets romantically involved with him. She gets to know more about her sister, Amma who has two sides to her personality; a childish teen at home while outside she is popular, wild, drug and alcohol abuser, sexually active, and a bully. Camille herself is an alcoholic and was institutionalized for self-destruction. Whenever she is stressed or low, she carves into her skin with sharp objects. At present she constantly battles the urge to etch the words on her skin, though mentally she does so. During her stay she stumbles upon many secrets and was able to solve the mystery of gruesome murders. As this is a thriller I would not divulge how it ends. Camille is a damaged character. She was a wild child too while growing up. Her self-mutilation tale started immediately after Marian's death whom she was very much attached to. She is bright, independent, and self-sufficient. She tries constantly to be a good person despite having a dark past. Narration includes substance abuse, self-mutilation, promiscuity, bullying among others. I don't know if 13 year olds can be that nasty in real world. Surely I haven't met one. None of the characters are sane here, all are twisted and sick. One exception to this might be Richard, the investigating officer. It talks about Münchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition which I have not heard before. Once I finish the book I went and did my little research on the topic. Definitely a rare disorder, but can't deny its presence. This is chilling, gripping, and brilliantly written story, clearly not for the faint-hearted. I couldn't shake it off my mind for two straight days. Flynn is one author who made me sick inside about human beings. Having said that if she writes anything else I'm desperate to get my hands on it. I liked "Sharp Objects" better than Dark Places and Gone Girl. To my surprise HBO premiered the fist episode of "Sharp Objects miniseries this very month, Amy Adams as Camille Preaker and I know she will be wonderful at that. Since I have already narrated the story of the book to hubby it is easier for me to convince him to watch the series. And we shall do that in the coming months.
Until very recently I realized my father was not a rich man, monetarily. Why I was thinking otherwise because I got everything before I could even ask. I never went hungry in my whole life. I don't have any sad stories or struggles. I never had to lift my finger until I chose to. I always had enough money to splurge on. I never gave much thought about money, until I started working of course. My siblings and I had a very comfortable life, thanks to our parents. Father was a central government employee. He joined the service at the tender age of 21. Though grandfather amassed a lot of agricultural lands, the constant inflow of money was scarce. Its all dependent on the rain, crops, and hardship. Father had 7 siblings, 6 younger and 1 elder. He had the responsibility to get them educated and married, which he did best to his ability. But his siblings' are like leeches, always hanging around and asking for money. I never liked them and quite vocal about my aversion. He knew they are manipulative and mean, but still let them have their way sometimes. Probably he believed in "blood is thicker than water". In addition to that he had a wife and three kids to look after. And I have to thank my mother here for running the household. She is no demanding, low maintenance, hardworking lady. It was just 6 years before his retirement the salary got hiked when the sixth pay commission came into effect. By then we were all qualified and independent. He made sure to give me the regal wedding I neither dreamt of nor desired of. I never had to pay a single rupee for my wedding. I was lucky that way because I know some of my friends had to take wedding loan and are still repaying it, and few others' siblings shouldering the burden. I'm eternally grateful to him. And he did manage to do that with my siblings' weddings as well. Education and weddings are the two important things that eats away most of one's savings. And he decided to built a house before retirement. Since he was a government officer we always had the quarters. The downside is we had to move once every four years. He was from old school of thoughts and believed a man has to built a home in his lifetime. So, that was done just after his retirement. He wanted to connect with his roots after many years of wanderness. He became a true farmer in every sense. For the first time I have seen many organic fruits and vegetables in his farm. Once I asked him whether he will be interested to go back to his government job? And his answer was no, he loves being farmer and he enjoyed it tremendously. He was very proud showing us around the estate. Mother used to complain about him spending most of the time in the field. Fate had different plans. Four-and-a-half years into retirement, he was taken away from everything. I knew he was not good at financial planning, another trait I carry from him. Good thing I married a financial whiz and don't have worry about money or investments. Dad never fretted much about savings mainly because he knew he will get decent pension which will be more than enough for him and mom. He is no more, yet he made sure mom is financially independent. We were all dependent on him for many things. That realization only hit us harder when he is gone. He was a man who made us feel safe and secure in his protective cocoon. He was a man who performed all duties and responsibilities to a T, yet never missing on living and loving life to the fullest.
Film: The Imitation Game Year: 2014 Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode Direction: Morten Tydlum I vaguely remember hubby mentioning breaking of Enigma code that costs the Germans the World War II in one of our conversations. It was referred to him by a friend. And Benedict Cumberbatch is good enough to lure me into watching this flick. The film is roughly based on the biography, Alan Turing-The Enigma by Andrew Hodges. During World War II, the Nazis had a crypted code that they used for the communication, which was reset every 24 hours. Decoding this was next to impossible. Then enters Alan Turing, a British, brilliant cryptoanalyst, mathematician, computer scientist, and logician. He convinces commander Alastair Denniston to let him lead a team of handpicked mathematicians whose goal was to crack the code and win the war at any cost with lot of obstacles and complications, which they achieve eventually. Another part is in 1950s, Turing is convicted of gross indecency (homosexuality was illegal back then). Rather than go to prison for his conviction, he agrees to go through chemical castration, so that he can continue his work. This finally leads him to commit suicide at not so ripe age of 41. Cumberbatch is brilliant as Turing. He is arrogant, distant, socially awkward, clueless. His accent, mannerism, movements are so perfect. Though I don't think he is the most handsome British, I consider him to be a great actor. In fact, I find Matthew Goode (Hugh Alexander) very attractive and intense. I last saw him and Allen Leech (John Cairncross) in Downton Abbey and it is good to have them here as mathematicians of Enigma. Keira Knightley as Joan Clarke is spunky and energetic. When Turing and Joan are together engaged, I almost wanted them to be a couple despite his orientation because they looked that cute. The initial dislike turned bond between the Enigma team is so endearing. This film talks a little about gender bias and prejudice against homosexuality. Even though its about mathematics, codes, it's not dull. As a matter of fact it keeps the audience fully engaged from start to finish. And it made me sad too considering Turing's huge contribution in saving many lives by turning the course of the war and what the same country did to him in the end. He is considered the father of computer science and artificial intelligence. It brought me the story of Alan Turing whom I knew nothing about until now. Later I got to know in 2009 British PM Gordon Brown made a public apology on behalf of British Government for the awful way Turing was treated following an internet campaign. And in 2013 Queen Elizabeth II granted him posthumous pardon. In 2007 more than 50,000 gay men posthumously pardoned under "Alan Turing law". In the end he was honored as a hero which was due for half a century or more. Watch it if you like good inspirational stories.
As I finished the book "Thirteen Reasons Why" I couldn't help but think about three of my classmates who killed themselves. The novel is about a teenage girl who commits suicide. Before dying she records a set of cassette tapes, one side for the each of 13 reasons why she decided to take her life and she made sure the 13-related parties will listen to them. I digress. In most suicide cases we will be wondering why someone chose to end his/her life. It is especially difficult for the family and friends who will keep on thinking whether they would be able to stop it one way or the other. In my 9th standard there was a girl called "S". I was not friends with her, just a classmate and acquaintance. We communicated when it was absolutely necessary. I knew she was staying with an uncle as her parents stayed in a remote village and it was impossible to travel back and forth to school. So, basically she was there to further her studies. One day we were all called to the auditorium early in the morning. The headmaster told us about the demise of "S". We were all in shock and trying to talk to each other confirming its out classmate, as class 8th, 9th, and 10th students were gathered. We were shushed and moment of silence was observed. As it is a norm they declared it as a holiday. It must be the first time we weren't happy about the declaration. A friendly teacher explained she was suffering from chronic headache and that is the reason. We nodded along, not believing a bit. The mystery continued until the end of academic year. It was revealed the uncle she was staying was sexually abusing her, she got pregnant, and she felt it is the only way out. How I wish we had someone from an authority to tell us what her uncle did was "statutory rape" and he should be behind the bars. The above-said uncle was a padri (father) in a Catholic Church. He continued to be respected among the religious folks. I just wished and hoped he would rot in hell for his heinous act. "S" had her own circle of friends, but maybe not close enough to share her grievance. All our teachers were good, but were very strict and judgmental. So, talking to them was not an option at all. She could have communicated with her parents, which she didn't obviously. Maybe she was scared of the victim blaming. All in all a young life was gone too soon. The second one was my classmate in college. Lets call him "P". He was introvert, not socializing with anybody much. This was in the beginning of the college year. I didn't find anything wrong in that because I was the same, like everybody I too was making friends slowly but steadily. Within a year or so when I returned back from native, I hear the news of him committing suicide in his hometown. Why he took that extreme step nobody knows and nobody will. Was he depressed? Was the life too stressful for him? Had he displayed suicidal warning signs, which we failed to understand? I still remember one incident where he was extremely encouraging and kind to me. I had an huge, ugly arguer with a lecturer regarding the existence of God. Explanation of that tussle maybe for another post. I was angry, hurt, and distressed by the callousness of the above-mentioned teacher. Then "P" approached me and said I have every right to be an atheist and teacher's behavior was mean and unacceptable. I say this because nobody including my friends said those words. Most of them tried to change my belief with their half-baked knowledge. I don't blame them either because from 17-year-olds you can hardly expect the maturity. But "P" had that ability and kindness and he was a good man. He had a bright future ahead of him, if only he could have realized it. The third one again was my classmate and friend; however, the event happened much much later when she was married with a child. Her name was "J". She and I used to walk together to school. I was not prompt and good at keeping up with time, basically I was always late and in hurry. She used to sit and talk with my grandmother all and sundry. My grandmother's opinion was that except her granddaughter (read me) all other kids are responsible and disciplined. While returning back she used to go home with other kids because most of the day I had to visit the public library and she found that exercise boring and time-consuming. And whenever my grandmother catches her walking back home she used to lie on my behalf about my whereabouts. After board exam I moved out of town and I kept on seeing her once in a while visiting my grandmother, but kind of lost touch. Almost 10 years ago I heard the unfortunate news about "J". If rumors are to be believed she had marital discord. Now her child will never know his mother. Was it a spur of the moment? The girl I knew was very calm, composed, and fun. No one was mature enough to say it is okay to walk out of a troubled marriage. And who is mature was miles away from her without any contact. All the three lives could have been saved if we as a society was able to see the red flags for suicide. I feel a little responsible though I know it's a collective failure as a community. Let us keep our eyes and heart open to the warning signs and let us hold hands to pull each other up in every way possible.
As unbelievable as it sounds the half of the year came to an end. The June has been kind and busy as expected. It has been two months since the last holiday and itchy feet is dying to go for another. Then it dawns upon me it is not feasible with Hubby's new job and leave limitations. What I do then, the next best thing to holidays, that is planning the next. We make sure to have at least 5 to 6 itineraries handy at any given time. Our theory is we should be able to travel when the time is ready, at that moment we shouldn't worry about the journey. The climate in Bangalore is beautiful just how it used to be a decade or so ago. All I want to do is curl up in bed and read, which I'm fortunate to do in the afternoons. Reading 6 books is quite impressive with the busy schedule and the list is "Come sundown-Nora Roberts, Live Wire-Harlan Coben, Sharp Objects-Gillian Flynn, The Fill-in Boyfriend-Kasie West, Then she was gone-Lisa Jewell, and It's All In The Planets-Preeti Shenoy"
The movies are important part of our life too. As I said to my cousin M2 movies to us aren't just entertainment, they are religion. Quite heavy, right? Believe me it was necessary. That girl forwards movie and watches and then whines about it. For me it is nothing but blasphemy. Thirteen films are quite a number if you ask me. They are "Tomb Raider, The Great Wall, Assassin's Creed, Bharat Ane Nenu, Ibiza, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Gautamiputra Satakarni, The Con is On, Falcon Rising, Captain America: The First Avenger, Missing, Bourne Legacy, and Jason Bourne". And our binging continued with "How To Get Away With Murder". This is quite addictive and I can't believe I started loving the characters despite them being murderers and I want them to get away with it. Am I turning into an oxymoron or what? This month we saw few documentaries relating to travel, history, architecture and they were amazing and so informative. I would have given a disapproved look if you mention the word documentary just a year or so ago. Now, I find them fascinating and it is definitely giving an edge to my thinking process. It is really good to be open about learning new avenues, that way it not only broadens your horizon but also brightens your life. Attended friend B's parents' wedding anniversary. It was quite an event and this is the first time we are meeting his family. We met "B" first time in Thailand three years ago and we hit it off immediately and our relationship continued from then onward. He is very special because hubby and I both can claim him to be our friend. Usually it is either hubby's friends or my friends. Even though we bond with each other's friends there is always certain kind of distance. And he must be the only guy I'm most comfortable with other than the family. He even remembers our anniversary (the day we three met) and calls to wish. How cute is that? The perks of traveling. You will never know when you make new friends. And cousin M1 has gone to a road trip to Leh, Ladak. She is still there. I was a little apprehensive when she first mentioned this and I have told her to think twice, but that girl was determined. And I could hear my aunt saying "You're all the same, once you made up your mind, no amount of cajoling can change that". Sure, I'm happy when we inspire others to travel. The paranoid me warned her to be "constant vigilance", well, that is mad-eye moody for you (For the unknown it is Professor Alastor Moody of Harry Potter's mantra). That pretty much sums up my June. How about you people?
