XOXO

Sometimes, the cliched some-words-are-unsaid quote doesn’t apply all the time. Sometimes, an expression of affection, yeah those random i-love-you(s) or you-are-awesome-dude(s) are definitely worth the delight they infuse in a person, once they are uttered. Even corny lines to console your girlfriend who has chipped her front tooth - “You still look so pretty, babe.” Sweet lies, I know. Nevertheless they are effective.

They don’t require effort. Just a mere movement of your lips. Say them. Let those words flow.
And if words can’t be uttered, then quick hugs or cuddles or a peck on the cheek work, because they are innuendos of love.

Then you have those subtle gestures, like staying up late at night, waiting to dine with your significant other who has been held up at work. Or reassurance that signifies “Hey, I’ll take care of this mess. You better hurry up and get going.” Or just simply saving a bar of chocolate for your young sibling. Or helping him or her with a boring Science project. Or assisting Mum in the kitchen. Or watching a horror flick with Dad. Celebrating New Year with your family instead of your friends. Or aiding your old neighbour to lift a heavy load. Or placing a pint of Kingfisher before your best friend who is a victim of a torturous breakup, the ultimate chal-daru-peeten-hain option.

The Homo Sapien has been blessed with the ultimate power of articulation, of words and facial expressions. So why veil all that under a hermetic shell?

Say it. Show it. And make sure the smiles exceed the frowns.

The girl behind the curtain

She stood there, tensely. This moment before the consecutive moments that would follow, gave her ample time to think. And re-think.

She couldn't believe that she was questioning herself, at this point in time, with only five minutes left for her to step onto that polished, glistening floor, surrounded by a multitude of strangers almost.
Her fingers felt sweaty and moist.

It was her time to seek release from the monotonous background into the limelight. Her moment. Her moment to sing zealously, or croon nervously, but nevertheless, HER moment to do whatsoever she desired to. But here she was, thinking. Hesitating. Second guessing.

"I'm capable."

These words had kept her going for a long time. But their effect seemed to have faded, that too, at the opportune moment. All that so-called confidence that had been burgeoning, or at least had seemed to have burgeoned, all this while, seemed to be diminishing. At an alarming rate.

The impassive velvet curtains seemed to envelop her into their grasp. At one point she felt as though they would twist her and choke her . How can curtains do that?

No, it was this fear. Baseless fear that was feasting on her spirit, and was preventing her from proving her worth.

Hadn't she loathed being considered as an option? As a mere backup? Or as a substitute?
She had never reached that zenith of having achieved that one goal, which would ultimately satiate her.

But, here was that chance. It had arrived finally, in all its glory whilst she was on the verge of flipping out.

The incessant murmur of voices was growing louder by the second.

 Mac was waiting on-stage, with his fingers poised on the keys. As she peeped through a crack between the sturdy upholstery, she saw her guitar placed on the side, waiting to be lifted. It looked at her beseechingly.

Hold me, it said. I will help you.

Nh7 time. Hello, Weekender!

India's happiest music festival is back!

Last year, it had been pretty spectacular. Unfortunately, I  managed to attend only a day out of this awesome three-day wingding, thanks to my semester-end examinations.

This time, it's different. And I'm extremely grateful to my University for chalking out a peachy schedule, that ended a week prior to the Weekender.

It begins today, and boy, can I wait?!

Eighty artistes, spanning three days can be quite overwhelming. But, that's the whole point. It's a treat to the ears and the eyes.

Energy overload. A lot of jumping and romping. Headbanging. Moshing. Pigging out on food. Screaming oneself hoarse. Photographs. A keen look-out for one's favourite artiste. Backstage sneak-peek? Yeah, probably.

OMG. I haven't been this excited in a very long time.