The weather in the city is much pleasant with on-and-off showers. I'm happy to say that summer is behind us. Everyone says how time flies it sure does. We have already completed 5 months of the new year. May was both good and stressful in many ways. Like always work kept me relatively busy. Oh! I don't love my job. It just pays my bill and I'm a self-respecting woman who can't be dependent on others. The little achievement is I have voted this time for the first time. Yes, I know it is late for 30+ woman. The thing is I was always away from home, first for education and then for work. On one or two occasions when I was eager to do the deed they missed my name in the voter list. In few years the vanity of casting vote disappeared. And it never made sense to travel 1000 odd kilometers just to cast vote for a day. Better late than never they say. Amen to that. The pre-election, election, and post-election political drama was high-strung. It entertained me completely for a whole week. I was glued to the television whenever I had the free time. It is unfortunate and sad what happened in Karnataka, but that is how political games are played, so it is better to accept and embrace it. I had a lot of disagreement with different people on Whatsapp groups. I know very well this futile squabble won't lead us anywhere and total waste of time, but what the heck! It is fun to just piss off some stuck-up people. They might say the same thing about me, but I have the advantage of dishing out my opinions on the blog and they don't. Evil grin!!!! Mother-in-law was here for her holidays. She and I have sorted out many issues over the years. Our relationship wasn't started on a good note. I being his son's choice was a bitter pill for her to swallow. I think that can be said to any Indian mothers. To add to her agony I was not the ideal daughter-in-law either. It was very stressful for her to tackle the individualist and strong-headed girl like me. She is used to obedient and docile girls, which mostly are her students. Yes, she is a teacher in a very prestigious school. She is genuinely a true and upright person. A very highly qualified lady with impeccable professional records. The problem with her is she is too perfect and expects the others to toe the line. Hubby and I believe in individuality and go by the principal "let him/her be". It was difficult in the beginning; however, over the years both of us have mellowed down a little bit. So, now both of us can safely say we like each other. While leaving her to the native she said she really enjoyed her stay and look forward to it. Isn't that sweet. The highlight is a family function, my younger sister-in-law's baby shower. Yes, in a few months I'm going to be an aunt again. As I have a nephew (elder brother's) it would be really nice to have a little niece, yet I have an inkling this baby is going to be a boy. Don't ask me why, I just do. Let us wait and see whether my hunch is right or wrong in a few days. Most of the family was here for the celebration and it was great bonding with aunts and cousins. My father's absence was felt by everyone and saddened us. He would have been thrilled to have another grand kid. Also I'm sad for the upcoming baby (is there really a word like that?) as he/she won't know what a wonderful grandfather he/she was. At least nephew "V" had few years of memories with his grandfather. He is a kid but I know for a fact that he misses granddad who adored this little brat to pieces. The reading was good as I was able to read five novels; Crazy Rich Asians-Kevin Kwan, China Rich Girlfriend-Kevin Kwan, Rich People Problems-Kevin Kwan, To All The Boys I've Loved Before-Jenny Han and What Alice Forgot-Liane Moriarty. I need a daily dose of few pages of reading to keep me sane and going. The movie list is long as well; Baaghi 2, Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomil, Kuttram 23, Aiyaary, Pichaikkaran, Gentleman, Bhaagamathie, Black Panther, Shuddhi, 102 Not Out, Raazi, Asoka, Hichki, 10000 B.C., Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru, Pari, 8 Thottakal, and Mugulu Nage. As we had mother-in-law and brother-in-law at home we had to forgo a lot of routine lifestyle, so "How To Get Away With Murder" season is where we left at the beginning of the month. The song of the month I would say "Dilbaro" from the movie Raazi. I know everyone liked "Ae Watan" and it is trending. I loved that song too, especially Arijit Singh's version, still "Dilbaro" captures the beautiful bond between a father and a daughter. While watching the song in the movie I was welled up a bit. So, that was May updates. How about you folks?
My last aunt got married when I was in 4th standard. My grandmother has 5 daughters and aunt B was the last one to get hitched. Once she is gone my granny would be all alone. Grandpa was gone a long time ago. I moved in with her much to the dismal of my parents. When Ammamma requested my parents they could not say no. I was with her till class ten. For those 6 years my dad used to visit me every Sunday without fail but for the summer holidays. I was pathetic with English spellings back then. He made sure I get all the spellings right within a month. It was really a painful process if I remember it correctly. Helicopter parents were not fashionable then, but surely my father was one. I was not always happy to see him every weekend especially if I scored less in exams. Later I realized it was an effort for him to travel 40 kilometers to and fro on Sundays, the only holiday he gets in a week. He could have relaxed sitting at home, watching movie, reading book, writing or berating my unruly brothers. I know my father was a homebody. He was perfectly at peace staying at home doing all the Sunday chores. But deep down I know he couldn't stay long without seeing me. It was pure unconditional love. When I joined college it was 200 KM away from home, the journey would take 6 hours by bus. My father came to drop me down and get me settled in the new town. I was shit-scared, but wouldn't show because I didn't want dad to worry about me. we went shopping together and brought all the essentials deemed necessary. I spent the night at hostel and he at the hotel. He was on time for the orientation. I was comforting him that I'l be alright and will take care of myself in the corridor. Then "D" approached us and introduced herself. What happened was during introduction session she got to know that both of us are from same district. After talking to her my father was somewhat relaxed and less stressed as if sensing this friendship is going to last a lifetime, however, I didn't know that just yet. After having lunch together we bid adieu to each other. Yes, my eyes were moist and I was just short of howling. Why I was surprised when he was back again the next Sunday? He would have left home early morning to reach here at 12 o'clock. After spending 2 hours together he left at 2 in the noon. And he would have reached home around 8 o'clock. It was those days when pre-booking tickets was not possible. I don't know whether he got seat or traveled all the way standing. I never asked. Either I was insensitive or too busy making new friends, or both. That was pre-cell phone era and I would get call from home once a week, on Sundays. I used to write elaborate letters at least in the beginning. For the first three months he visited me every month. Later I forbade him from doing so, convincing him it was economically more viable if I go home every month as I get to see my mother, brothers, grandmother and cousins. And I did so without fail throughout the course. He coming to see me off wherever I go or whenever I go continued. There was only one time my father didn't come to drop me off. That is a long story and for another post. After wedding there is always hubby to drop me off and pick me up from native. It was like my father had passed on the baton of taking care of his little girl to the love of her life. For the unknown he did the same to my brothers as well. The unflinching love he had for us is heartbreaking. Few years ago I had to visit native when Ammamma was fighting the tuberculosis as well as depression. Due to unavoidable circumstances Hubby couldn't accompany me. So, when I got off the bus there stood the man in white shirt and blue sarong (Kannada-lungi) holding an umbrella with a mischievous smile. That is the last time my father picked me up from a station. Apparently he got too tired of chaperoning us around. Perhaps he wanted his children to grow up and be independent. I would give up anything to be with that man again. He should have known that I don't want to grow up and I want to be in his overprotective cocoon forever.
Once upon a time a girl used to have flawless skin until she stayed in coastal part of the state where she was born and brought up. Then she decided to move to a city with lots of dreams and aspirations. Within three months into the city the pimples erupted all over her face. They were big, filled with pus. It would hurt and bleed regularly. She was worried a little but not to the extent of seeking medical help. She knew it is genetic as her father had the same issue as a youngster. However, people around her started suggesting variety of treatments like antibiotics, herbal and home remedies, microdermabrasion, creams, peels. It didn't deter her. She was a level-headed girl who will do things when she wanted to do, no amount of goading will make her susceptible. When her mother saw it for the first time she was aghast and in tears. Her only concern was who will marry her ugly daughter now. Father was more composed, though he wanted her to consult a homeopathic doctor as he was more inclined towards that branch of medicine and genuinely believed that has cure for everything. For another year-and-a-half her treatments oscillated between allopathy, homeopathy, and Ayurveda. Result? Nada, zilch, zero. And one fine day acne disappeared leaving a cluster of marks on her face. The second episode occurred after four years of first eruption. This time she did not go through the same hassle of treatments. She brought a cream called "Clearasil Ultra" over-the-counter. She doesn't remember how she came across this product, she just did. Three months into application and voila!, her face is clean and clear, but not unblemished. She had a boyfriend during this period who was not embarrassed or ashamed to be associated with her, just concerned. Ten years after the first outbreak the acne decided to make its presence once again. This time she visited the dermatologist immediately because the doctor was able to tackle a skin condition of her mother's just a month ago. And she was too gorgeous too boot. Within a month the acne had to take its leave without causing much damage to blotched face. She now wonders when will be the next acne eruption. The girl is your's truly. I never considered these acne attacks as a major turning point in my life. Even when I was suffering from this condition I was calm and collected. It never could break my confidence or spirit. I never once felt ugly, unattractive, or hideous. That maybe because I never gave much importance to appearance or beauty. I always believed if you are born with good looks it's not your achievement, you might be having attractive parents, grandparents, or ancestors. Yes, occasionally I do cover them up with make-up, not because I feel less beautiful or I'm vain, but I'm in a mood for little dress up. And one friend said scars give me a youthful look. There was no remorse or anguish in my life during the acne saga because nobody gave me hard time about the condition. Almost all I knew and cared were kind and supportive. And I didn't heed much to what others may or may not say. It may not be the same for others who are going through the same phase. I have heard people lose confidence, develop inferiority complex, and draw into a shell. If you are suffering from this condition definitely seek medical help. If that works you will be one happy person. If it does not it shouldn't matter either. It may all sound haughty and preachy when I say one should not let their looks define their personality. When we are able to accept our imperfection there is larger ambit for happiness.
Film: Raazi Directore: Meghna Gulzar Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Jaideep Ahlawat, Shishir Sharma Genre: Thriller I have heard rave reviews about Raazi. When mother-in-law expressed her desire to watch the flick we decided to go ahead with it. Orion Mall's box office floor was jam-packed with people. I have never seen these many crowd before here. It almost gave the feeling of being in single theater. We would be disappointed if the tickets weren't booked online. The next to best thing is sitting and watching the upcoming movies, cast, and their release dates on screen. The best thing is obviously people watching. In Nutshell: The film is an adaptation of Harinder Sikka's novel "Calling Sehmat", which is inspired by real events. Set during the Indo-Pak war of 1971, Raazi is a story of a young girl Sehmat whose father is a secret service agent for Indian government. He asks his daughter to carry on his legacy of being a spy when he learns he has lung tumor and a few days to live. He arranges her marriage to his friend, Pakistan's Brigadier Syed's son, Iqbal (Vicky Kaushal). Khalid Mir (Jaideep) trains Saimat to be a spy and she had to learn all the skills before the wedding, like code language, self defense, transmitting information, eavesdropping, and so on. Sehmat comes to Pakistan as a coy bride and dutiful wife. She starts working and passes important information without being suspicious. She gets required help from other undercover Indian spies in her dangerous endeavors. She had to ruthlessly eliminate two members of her new family. By this time Pakistan government gets message that secret codes had been transmitted to India from Brigadier's residence. Now Sehmat had to escape before she gets caught. Will she be rescued by fellow countrymen? Or will she die in Pakistan? My Take: As it is based on true events chances are that Sehmat gets killed. The story is gripping, thrilling, and totally frantic. It is out and out Alia Bhatt's movie. The girl is super talented. When I thought she couldn't do a better job than Udta Punjab here she is playing Sehmat to a T. You feel her vulnerability, you sense her fear and dread, you heave a sigh of relief every time she manages to pull off a scary situation, and you cry with her breakdown. Vicky Kaushal is endearing as Iqbal. People who criticize him for his role, I have only a thing to say, "Please go watch Masaan and Raman Raghav 2.0 first". Then you maybe able to understand what a brilliant actor he is. In this movie he has few scenes and he downplayed without going overboard, mostly he let his eyes do the talking. Jaideep as Mir is wonderful. He is another bright actor and I hope this film gives him much adulation he rightfully deserves (for unknown he was in Gangs of Wasseypur and Vishwaroopam). Meghna Gulzar handled a rather controversial subject with utmost sensitivity without preaching or badgering us about patriotism. I genuinely believe every countrymen/women is patriotic. It is just that they don't have to wear it on their sleeve every single day. The best thing I liked about Raazi is it takes no sides, that it shows humanity and ruthlessness exist in both the countries. Don't miss to watch it.
It's election fever in Karnataka. It is much more entertaining and engaging than any sports I would say. We had to go back and forth to the voting booth to cast the vote as the queue was long and I was working from home. After the work we had to stand in line for 30 minutes before we could do the honour. And I amazed to see Bangaloreans have voted only 52% in the evening news. For me it looked like the whole population is out there that day. The evening passed by discussing and speculating the results; dissecting the exit polls; voting trend; all and sundry. So, tomorrow is going to be very very thrilling, the counting day. Hubby even decided to work from home. Election always has been like a festivity for me since childhood. My father was politically aware person and his knowledge of State and National politics was wide and to the point. As long as I can remember it was our dinner table discussion. As a result, my mother is also now an authority on what is happening in the political sphere. Last week she asked me who is the candidate in my constituency for different parties. And surprisingly or not so surprisingly she knew them all, the candidates of major three political parties. It was the main topic in our daily conversations from a week at least. Hubby and I chat on politics most of the time even in off election seasons. In the evening I called my mother to ask to whom she voted and she completely changed the subject to an upcoming family event. Both my parents never disclosed to which candidate they have voted. They said it is confidential and one should never reveal the secret. I'm happy that my mother has not changed her principles. I'm sure my father would have done the exact same thing though I know to which party they are affiliated to. Why I'm saying this is because as we returned from voting, our neighbor lady asked to whom we voted. I said one is not supposed to reveal that. That didn't stop her. She proudly disclosed her alliance. She is as old as my mother. She maybe innocent or ignorant. However, I have noticed in the past few years people brazenly disclosing the secrecy of voting especially younger generations. Do they even know it is against the rules of Election Commission? I think not. I'm beyond horrified when I see their secrecy flashing all over social media. Well! these days you have to align yourself with one party, its like "Whoever is not with me is against me". You can't have a political conversations like two civilized human beings. It definitely was different in good old days. I remember because I have witnessed many thoughtful discussions among by father, grandmother, uncles, great uncles, aunts, relatives, and family friends. Now a days I make a point to keep my political and religious views to myself. Because larger population just don't understand the concept of Let's agree to disagree".
Song: Gudilo Badilo Madilo Movie: Duvvada Jagannadham Composer: Devi Sri Prasad Singers: Chitra, MLR Karthikeyan Lyricist: Sahiti The song looping in my head right now is the "Gudilo Badilo Madilo Vodilo" from the movie Duvvada Jagannadham. This catchy tune composed by Devi Sri Prasad is almost a year old and I'm assuming it broke the chart-buster. I'm late to the party. This number is melodious, hummable. The lyrics is combination of Sanskrit and Telugu. My knowledge of both the languages is half baked. When I love a song I have to know the meaning. That is what I did. Oh! girl you're in my heart and lap; at temple and school I dwell in you thoughts and dear you're face resembles the beautiful moon. A besotted loves praising each other in all the way possible. The choreography is graceful, stylish, and make you groove. Allu Arjun danced so effortlessly with panache and attitude that one wants to watch the video again and again, at least I did. Well, everybody knows he is one of the best dancers in the business. Mohenjo Daro actress Pooja Hegde did her best though no match to Arjun. I'm partial towards him, so you don't have to believe my say here. The chemistry between two actors is palpable. I'm not a great fan of Chitra, but loved her rendition. And who is this MLR Karthikeyan? I need to go and find more songs of him now because he is that good.
I couldn't be more happier and refreshed after an amazing holiday. Yes, we had been to Greece to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary. Go ahead and be jealous. I would be if I was you. Greece is one of the top 3 countries in my bucket list. We wanted to go to this country for our honeymoon;however had to cancel it for various reasons and settle for Kerala, God's own country. After six years of wait we could make it. The country is gorgeous. As we all read in history it's one of the cradles of ancient civilization. We had zeroed down on Athens, Santorini, and Naxos. Updates coming soon in milesandtrails.com Month had been busy both professionally and personally. It's really a task to maintain two blogs even though travel blog is co-authored by Hubby. It takes a lot of time and effort. In the meantime I'm also thinking about starting another blog in Kannada. I used to write pretty okay many moons back. Now when I sit and start writing I couldn't even form a sentence. I'm ashamed beyond words for neglecting my mother tongue. Hubby and I converse in Kannada, but it's limited to that these days. It has been ages since I read any Kannada book. So, to brush up my language I picked Shivaram Karanth's Mookajjiya Kanasugalu. This award winning novel is heavy and not an easy read. In fact I was glad when holidays started to just leave the book half-read. So much for brushing off... Surprisingly reading was good, altogether I finished 4 novels, i.e., Murder on the Oriental express-Agatha Christi; Big little lies-Liane Moriarty; One breath away-Heather Gudenkauf; Guilty Wives-James Patterson. And I liked them all at different levels. The movie list is long; Padmavat, Love Per Square foot, Sarainodu, Rukh, Farzeen, Front of the class, Coco, Murder on the oriental express, Anandam, Darkest hour, Kodi, Teri, Duvvadu Jagannatha, Brother, Sonu Ki Tittu Ki Sweety, Angry Indian Goddesses, Babu Bangaram, Iru Mugan, Nenu Raju Nene Mantri, The Commuter, Den of Thieves. We were home most weekends in preparation for our trip, so that is the reason we get to watch many movies. We continued with "How to get away with murder". Though it's painstakingly racy, the grip on the story is fast and addictive. Third Sunday we had to attend the wedding of Hubby's distant cousin. As mother-in-law couldn't travel we had to give our attendance since their family attended our wedding and so on. I hate summer weddings. I know I had one, but I totally detest them. In this blazing heat how could anyone dress in silk saris, jewellery, and the accessories? Having said that I dressed up a bit too as I would like to call them my show and my behavior all fake and silly. I may sound like an old hag but I cannot stop whining about the heat. I'm restless, dehydrated, and sleep deprived for the most part. There were few scattered thunderstorms and showers, but they failed to bring the temperature down. I hope these are pre-monsoon pours and we get to see the monsoon pretty soon. With a family function in pipeline May looks brighter. Let's see how it goes. How was your April folks?
