Showing posts with label The happy riffs.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The happy riffs.. Show all posts

Saturday, 15 June 2013

Upside down frowns

I am happy.

Happier than I have been in a very long time. This summer has probably been one of my best so far, and not in terms of where we, as a family, went holidaying, but in terms of how things have shaped up for me so far.

I must admit, the whole guitar and music scene has suffered a bit for me, considering I decided to pursue my recent-found love for photography. Yes, a Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera. I joined the DSLR cult.

I need to figure out a way to balance both. And, a way to control my ADD tendency towards my hobbies. I have begun to multitask way too much. I know multitasking is good, yet, not really at times.

Hobbies can't make one happy, alone. Or maybe they can. I don't know. I haven't really made new friends as such. Just maintained the old ones, and probably realized their worth. However, I may have become familiar with people who were strangers a few months ago, to an extent where their presence has become a refreshing part of my mundane routine.

I sometimes wonder what happiness really means. When you're plunged in the depth of your worst nightmares  and when the world is an epitome of melancholy, happiness becomes an eclipsed entity, an idea that becomes so obscure that its existence is almost as good as gone. That's when one scrounges for it in every nook and corner, and probably assumes it lies concealed in rings of cigarette smoke or submerged in a bottle of liquor. Or maybe it could be stolen from someone and be unleashed through pure sadism and malice.

But at least you feel happy at the end of your pursuit.

 What about the time when you step out of a never ending dark tunnel and step into sunlight? The rays could be from a warm summer's sun or probably from that of a cold winter, but, it's sunlight all the same. It makes your path visible. It's a far cry from despair, and its bound to fill your heart with zeal. That's the sort of happiness which is well deserved. The kind of happiness that makes you want to gulp it, breathe it, and fill your lungs with.

Then again, happiness could mean reading Murakami's book one morning with a cuppa filter coffee and a plate of cheese sandwich. Or it could mean climbing a not so high hill, one rainy afternoon, with a dear one you meet after what seemed forever. Or it could mean just going to bed feeling content.

Who knows?

I'm scratching my head right now. It doesn't have a definition. Or maybe it has a multitude of them.

 I am happy :)

Sunday, 12 May 2013

Another Blog Award!

Firstly, I apologize for having replied so late!

And of course, THANK YOU LISA! :-)

These awards sure do make me happy. And inspire me as well. Yay!

The Leibster Award is for those blogs with less than 200 followers. I'm sure my blog (which has made it to a meagre count) has managed to please my fellow bloggers and friends, and heck yeah, I'm grateful! :)

The rules of the Liebster is to answer questions from the award giver and then pass it along to other deserving bloggers.

I'm ready to answer Lisa's questions!

Why do you blog?
Ah, well. I began blogging on a random impulse to cope with this rough patch I faced, two years ago. So it would be appropriate to say I used my blog as an outlet to release my pent up emotions. But, things are different now. It's not just about rambling pointlessly. My blog makes me happy. My blog makes me realise I can write and that I'm good at it. So yeah, I blog to feel happy.  :)

What is your advice to someone overcoming adversity?
Think of feeling relieved at the end. I firmly believe every adverse circumstance is followed by relief. Cliched or not, optimism has always helped me.

If a movie was made of your life, who would play you?
My sister. 

If you could have high tea with anyone living or dead, what kind of tea would you drink? (Caught you off guard with that one, didn't I?? ;)
Jeez. You sure did. :P Ummm. Ginger tea. We call it adrak waali chai in Hindi.

In one word, describe your feelings at this instant.
Chirpy

If you and I found ourselves in jail, what would we be "in" for?
For stealing books, definitely.

What is your favorite kind of donut?
 Chocolate glaze!

Mine is an apple fritter. Will you bring me one?
I will, only if you share it with me :P

If you could be any kind of athletic ball, what kind would you be? Why?
I would be a ping pong ball. Because I like the name. And ping-pongs are robust. :P

What's your favorite form of exercise?
Early morning brisk walks with good, good music :)


I (apparently) want a parrot named Pooter as a pet, what kind of pet do you have/want?
A pup named Swami and a kitten named Charcoal

And now, I would pass on this award to some of my favourite bloggers who post great stuff.

Amruta at Iamamruta
Kanika at Sensitive Chaos
Sangita at Skaypisms
Saudamini at BeingSoda
Uttara at Billions of Blue Blistering Barnacles

And here are my questions !
  1. Is your blog an integral part of your life? 
  2. Do you regret having posted anything in your blog?
  3. Do you get embarrassed reading your initial posts?
  4. Crayons or paints? (because I felt like .. :P)
  5. Which is your favourite book character?
  6. If you were a musical instrument, which one would you be? And why?
  7. Your favorite day-dream?
  8. Which is that one song that has been stuck in your head of late?
  9. A stupid movie you watched recently?
  10. Which one of these inspire you to write - beaches or mountains? Why?
  11. Name a song that would have suited the most poignant moment of your life so far.

Don't forget to follow the rules - Pass on this award to 5 of your favourite bloggers (with less than 200 followers) along with eleven questions!

Thanks Lisa, once again!

:)

Friday, 2 November 2012

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.





Friday, 7 September 2012

Going solo

Confidence is a sexy feeling

I sang Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain" for our intercollegiate fest. Today.

I have gone solo in the past, but I somehow end up compromising on that 100% effort I usually put in during the practices and rehearsals. It unfortunately diminishes to a mere 50%, leaving me feeling quite dejected by the end of it.

Today was different. I feel sort of...erm..proud..of my performance. Credit goes to my friend, who provided an excellent keyboard accompaniment. I didn't want to bungle up and douse all the enthusiasm that had been an integral part of our practice sessions.

Okay, I'm making it sound like it was something very crucial, almost a life-or-death situation. It was actually just a solo singing competition for a usual college fest, that I assumed I might eventually forget.

But, looking at it now, I guess I will cherish this day. My voice didn't waver. I didn't quiver. I hit the high notes. The words flowed smoothly. I worked at the expression. I know I did it. I feel happy with myself, something that is very rare.

I think I gave my 100%. I don't care about the competition. I think the stage is lovely. The euphoria after a good performance lies at a higher level than triumph, though I did feel triumphant for having gotten over my fear.

I think I just tasted confidence.

Saturday, 18 August 2012

Overwhelmed

The best reassurance that you could get from someone is that he or she loves you. And love doesn't necessarily have to be romantic; it has its aspects.

I feel overwhelmed by this reassurance given to me by my friends. I have seen them go out of my way for me, and I just want them to know that I do value every bit of it.

It is good let even the closest ones to your heart, that you appreciate their efforts in bringing more light into your life. Yeah, while some emotions are implicit and some words unsaid, their expression takes the relationship one notch higher.

I notice how everyone wants me to be happy. I feel loved. Plus, this is the best gift I could have asked for, on my birthday.

I love you guys.

<3

Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Bachhpan

Learning to let go is hard. But when you do, the relief you experience is fabulous.

But I’m still in the process.

I miss Bombay. I miss Goregaon East - Vishal Housing Society. 4th Floor.

I miss how my grandparents exclaimed, “ANJUUU!!” reflexively, when I rang the door bell.

I miss their eager, excited faces on seeing my family and I, after months.

I miss the verandah. Especially Aanchal’s ayah glaring at me from her window.

I miss the smell of filter coffee wafting into my room at 6.A.M.

And the aroma of lemon rasam emanating from the kitchen.

Birthday cards arranged on the shelf behind the television.

Karishma's phone number scribbled on the white label stuck on the receiver.

The bathroom tiles.

"Goodnight" mosquito coil plugged in Thatha-Paati's room.

The detachable bed rest.

Sun TV playing on the television.

I miss watching Paati doze off while watching the television at night.

And thatha resting on his bed (his throne, so to say), gazing at the window opposite him  - a crushed cigarette butt on his ash tray, an empty tumbler with dabara on the side table.

I miss the smell of Paati’s closet, the dressing table ke neeche waala cupboard, and her numerous hankies.

I miss the halls, rooms, bathrooms,windows, grills, vessels, empty Bisleri bottles, showcases, and the unused crockery arranged in those glass cupboards.

So many small things. The inhabitants. Details.

And all those infinite memories attached to them, and bonded to that house.

Thursday, 19 July 2012

Drops of Earth

"Baarish kabhi bhi ho, apna dil gaata hai."
- Puru (Lambutang from Tumblr)

It rained yesterday, finally! And I had earlier cribbed about mucky bike rides to college and all that. I can bear with them for the time being.

Because, it’s a wonderful feeling when the raindrops touch your face; a cool breeze blowing from all sides that make a whooshing sound as you ride.

Because the smell of Earth is tantalizing.

Because it’s lovely to hear the sound of drops on your windowpane when you wake up.

Because you know that finally everyone is happy. Yes, including the birds and other creatures, that have been craving for moisture.


Because after a spate of rainless months with the black clouds playing hoax, the drops of earth have finally arrived.

Happy Monsoon! :-)

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Appreciation!

http://versatilebloggeraward.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/versatileblogger111.png Blog Button
Thank you Betty, Phoenix Once Again, for encouraging me with this award!

7 random things about me huh? Ummmm..
Here goes -

  • If my house were to collapse, the first thing I would grab is my guitar!
  • I love bubble water baths.
  • I'm dying to visit Texas, New York and Las Vegas.
  • I love dogs and looking into their beautiful warm eyes makes me feel fantastic.
  • I get along with elderly, old people and frankly speaking, they are loving and awesome.
  • I would treat you to paani puris if you came to India!
  • I like wearing glasses with nerdy black frames.

    Also I would like to give this award to 4 of my fellow bloggers!

    It feels great to be appreciated! Like finally. Means a lot to me Betty, lots of love! :)

Sunday, 1 January 2012

"Let the jokes begin. It's 2012."

29/12/11, 12:51 pm on WhatsApp:

Me: Arey you idiot, come here next year. The world will end and I won't get to meet you. Miss you loads.

Saif: Lol the world is gonna end! I'll be so pissed if it does I don't even have a baby yet! :(

 

On that funny note, Happy New Year!

The year did end on a great note with the people who make me smile and some things that are close to the heart -

Family
Friends
Strings
Music
Homemade chocolate cake
Ice-cream
Clover Heights


2011, is now a previous year. The sudden twinge of sadness coupled with a mini flashback, as the last few minutes of the dying year ticked away, was not really intense this time.
It's odd.

Maybe because some moments and experiences were still in the process of being forgotten. I might as well let them go now, along with 2011. :)

Hope this year brings with it some awesome moments and experiences that exceed the regrettable and unpleasant ones and dominate over them.

2011 has taught me to be less impulsive. To ponder and brood less. To go with its flow instead of going against it. To worry less and to enjoy more. To quit wasting time of over stuff which are not in my control. To accept the inevitable. To expect less and let surprises do their thing. To enjoy the present. To screw the past.

So hello 2012. Here are some resolutions and all the jazz.

  • Learn to make an authentic South Indian lunch. Rice, sambar, rasam and sabzi.
  • Take an active part in the kitchen and make Mum proud.
  • Learn to drive without freaking out on the road.
  • Get myself work experience to build my academic resume.
  • Buy myself an Ibanez or a Gibson electric with my own earnings, if God wills. Which sounds super far fetched, I know. Wishful thinking after all.
  • A stint at social work.
  • Stop procrastinating. (Haha hope that happens this year)
  • Quit underestimating myself.
  • Quit getting affected by those who don't give a damn about me.  
  • Resume reading.
  • Remain loyal to blogging.

    So far, so good.

    Till then,

    Peace.


    P.S : Yes I mentioned WhatsApp. I'm using an old Nokia. For the time being. Corby recuperating.



Thursday, 29 December 2011

Words that make you smile :)

Those old message archives containing those smile-inducing conversations, always have their place in your heart.

An invisible hand hits the Rewind button in your head.

You go back to the time, place and situation when that particular conversation took place. You compare it with the situation now. A wave of nostalgia washes over you. You laugh if it's funny. But you become sober, once you realise you are not in touch with the person anymore. The reason for that could be anything. Academics. Job. Misunderstandings. New friends. Changes, in general.

I chance upon a year old chat conversation on the Yahoo message archive.

I smile. I laugh. I smile again, because I know in this case, nothing has changed. It's the same situation. I hope it remains the same. I hope we stay in touch for a long time to come.

Cheers to our friendship.

This I dedicate to one of my really close friends, Saif. :)



Wednesday, 28 December 2011

Goodbye 2011

With only a few more days left for the year to end, I'm confused. Do I feel glad that this year is finally coming to an end? Or do I feel depressed and plead it to rewind, in order to undo all those instances of foolishness and probably change some decisions too? Not that it's gonna ever happen. Just wishful thinking after all.

Cliched but true, you can't really dwell on the past. I'd prefer keeping a backup of all the good memories and overwrite on the bad ones. :)

THE AWESOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
  • The twelfth grade farewell party (the after party technically speaking :P), in February. The eagerness to adorn a saree, the overwhelming compliments, the excitement that hung about the air that evening, escaping the school grounds right under the teachers' nose, dancing to Sheila Ki Jawani over and over again, hooting, screaming, going hysterical, clicking photographs, tears and goodbyes .I realised I would miss school, especially Junior College, my friends, the campus and the teachers (to some extent :P). The sudden pang of sadness I felt after it ended, was unforgettable.

  • Of love, hearts and the like.  February, 3 A.M in the morning, a phone call and an extremely sweet message which will always remain in my head. The beginning of rosy days :).

  • Bye Bye BOARDS! The sense of freedom I felt once the gloomy cloud of Board examinations had cleared, was awesome. Sunshiny days of April. :)

  • Watching India win the world cup! Oye Balle Balle Shava Shava!

  • Discovering my writing skills. Credit goes to Akoustik! :)

  •  Sàwàtdi Thailand!
    A well deserved, week long getaway to Pattaya and Bangkok, in May. Family time, para sailing, underwater sea walk, safari, SHOPPING and Tom Yum soup.

  • Madness with Sammy and Vedant! I had fun babysitting my extremely cute cousins who flew down to India from Seattle this June. I love you both! :)

  • A successful treatment :). Nothing could more relieving than seeing my grandfather respond well to Chemotherapy. Less stress, more smiles and gratitude to God's grace.

  • New friendship and the craziness that lasted from June to August. Adding the Buge twins on Facebook, actually meeting them when they flew down to Pune from Minnesota, was a great experience :). More friends, more fun, Coffee, Pictionary, prank calls, hysterics, clicking pictures and other random stuff.
    I miss you both!

  • Turning Eighteen!
    The most memorable birthday ever. I can't thank my family and friends enough, for making my day so special.

  •  Dio :D
    My biggest birthday present was my bike (scooty sounds lame), Dio. I feel relieved to be freed from the dependance on rickshaws and buses. Whew!

  • Friendship
    I found a best friend in Saudamini Oke, my school buddy. Ironically, we got to know each other after school ended. College hunting, late night chats, jamming, singing, coffee, writing, break ups and other such ups and downs, played a major role. We found comfort in each other's company and all I have to say to her is, I love you Sodapops! :)
     
  • The Weekender!
    November 18th. Amazing-paisa-vasool-rocking experience which ensured that everyone, from the artists and audience to the volunteers, had a blast. Check out my post on this one. :)
    http://ak-ou-stik.blogspot.com/2011/12/live-gig-at-last.html

  • The Girl from Australia
    My best friend is back! Well at least for two months. Hello happy days! :)

  • The best Christmas weekend
    I don't celebrate Christmas, but, the festive air, a house packed with relatives, movies, shopping, wine, cake and delicious food was indeed some sort of celebration. :)

    The year isn't over yet. New year's eve is yet to come. Another addition to the happy list. :)

    P.S : 2012. The year when the world comes to an end. Gaah to Roland Emmerich. Let me graduate before that happens.




Monday, 31 October 2011

Small joys :)

It's just one of those days when I sit thinking about those things that actually bring a smile on my face. :)

1. Strings, especially the fifth and the third. Don't ask me why.

2. Random messages from friends. Depends on the extent of randomness.

3. The taste of South Indian Filter coffee

4. A fully loaded wallet

5. Digging my feet deep into sand

6. Drinking tea out of a porcelain tea cup

7. Reading an engrossing book on a chilly night, cuddled up in an extremely cosy blanket.

8. Blue ink pens

9. Yellowed pages

10. The smell of old books

11. The hair-style transformation after I step out of a beauty parlour.

12. When my favourite song plays on the radio..

13. Unexpected holidays!

14. Staring into a dog's eyes. The warmth and the friendliness radiating out of them.

15. The feeling after having had a good cry

16. The smell of Pear's soap. It's my favourite. :)

17. The early morning breeze

18. The stillness and quiet of the house when everybody else is asleep.

19. Mornings minus the frequent tantrums thrown by my sister.

20. Playing with Mum's hair.

21. Blogging haha :)

22. Crayons and sketch pens

23. The smell of Dad's cupboard

24. The shadows that my bedside lamp throws on the marble floor

25. Clean windows

26. The smell of chocolate

27. Red sweaters or pull-overs

28. Road trips!

29. The sudden crazy temptation to buy everything, on entering a mall.

30. Airports :)

31. Take off! Zwoooooosh!

32. Landing! Thuddd!

33. Watching B-grade movies in a flight out of sheer boredom. Ironically, they stay in your head!

34. The smell of burnt matchsticks

35. A good hair day

36. Birthdays!

37. The satisfaction after resolving a misunderstanding

38.Passing by particular places and remembering the memories associated with them.

39. Family vacations!

40. Staying up till 3 in the morning, chatting with a close friend. :)

41. Stalking cute guys on facebook

42. Catching a cute guy staring at me

43. Saying hello to kaamvaali bais :)

44. When gulps of water relieve my parched tongue and throat

45. The perfect facebook profile picture

46. Bathroom singing

47. Strumming random tunes

48. The effect of inspirational books, movies, songs ,blogs etc

49. Resting my head on my Paati's (grandmother) lap

50. The smell of Paati's saaris

51. Ponds talcum powder

52. Getting excited to meet an old friend after ages!

53. When someone replies instantly to my SMSes

54. Storing memorable messages in my inbox and reading them when I feel low.

55. Wearing new clothes for the first time!

56. Salivating on seeing my favourite dish when I'm ravenous

57. When pimples recede from my face

58. Satisfaction on scoring well in my exams!

59. Being punctual on rare occasions

60. Raindrops on my face :)

The above list follows no sequence.
 Shall be updated, time and again
.
Cheers!

Sunday, 30 October 2011

the musings of a wannabe star: Life is too short to be anything but happy.

It's good to feel inspired :)
It's all about one's mindset actually.
Life sucks, everything seems to be going against you. What should you do?
You feel downcast.You are not able to enjoy anything wholeheartedly. But what are you to do if things are beyond your control?
Be stubborn. Convince yourself, your mind, that nothing can cheer you up.
Else try to lighten up your mood.
Be happy.
It isn't as difficult as it seems.
You just have to try :)


the musings of a wannabe star: Life is too short to be anything but happy.: I saw this quote while I was browsing Tumblr today: "life is too short to be anything but happy." It was one of those inspirational quote...

Wednesday, 21 September 2011

Where Rainbows End

"You deserve someone who loves you with every single beat of his heart, someone who thinks about you constantly, someone who spends every minute of everyday just wondering what you're doing, where you are, who you're with and if you're OK.You need someone who can help you reach your dreams and who can protect you from your fears.You need someone who will treat you with respect, and love every part of you, especially your flaws.You should be with someone who can make you happy, really happy, dancing-on-air happy. Someone who should have taken the chance to be with you years ago instead of becoming scared and being too afraid to try."
- Words from Alex's e-mail to Rosie.
(Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern)

It's true. Oh God. It is.
I'm turning into one of those much detested hopeless romantics.

I wouldn't label this book to be one of those stereotyped, sappy, passionate novels. Cecelia's choice of words, her unique approach to a much-beaten-to-death genre and the creation of absolutely heart-warming characters, definitely makes me want to read more of her books!

Reading this small extract, many are bound to think it is cliched. Cliched no doubt, but true.

I'm just eighteen. I haven't seen the world. I haven't experienced what they call, 'true love'. Infatuations, strong affection and attraction is something I have,obviously, felt. (Should it be obvious? Ah.Well.)

Impatient to feel every emotion, I forget that I have a whole life ahead of me. I still have all the time in the world to bump into Mr.Right , visit new places, live independently and well, experience those materialistic years of my life. There are so many memories yet to be created. So why hurry?

However, chancing upon some memorable lines in a book, does make one feel good, whether the reader is eighteen or fifty. I wouldn't call myself a hopeless romantic. I think I have changed my mind. It's good to feel all lovey-dovey once in a while, especially when you relate to the story.

"The end of the rainbow holds a pot of gold, or is where all your dreams come true. It is the place of fulfillment of your fondest goals."
- Anonymous.

There is still a long way to go till my rainbow ends. :)

Monday, 19 September 2011

Everything happens for a reason :)

So it has indeed been four months since I have blogged! Inspiration definitely comes along but, usually at night when slumber threatens to descend on me. Sigh. Also my laziness accounts for the long interval. I switch on the computer and Facebook screams, "COME CHECK YOUR NOTIFICATIONS!". What about blogging? All that is forgotten. Oops.

Probably this happened for a reason. Don't know what that is.

As cliched as it sounds, I have also been busy. Admissions, College, Goodbyes. Adjusting to the various changes that occurred over such a short span had seemed tough initially, but hey, I passed that stage eventually.

When I couldn't make it to the college of my choice, I was pretty much disheartened. Fergusson seemed to be the ultimate option as it offered the course I wanted. Moreover, I would see a lot of familiar faces out there. Highly popular,  it boasted of a great campus, surrounded by eateries, shops selling almost everything, from books to footwear and clothes. Commuting was the only drawback because travelling 11km, to and fro everyday would be tiresome.

I was confident I would sail through the entrance test and see my name on the first list. If not first, then the waiting list would surely reassure me. After appearing for the examination, I felt quite happy with the way I had fared. As the result-declaration day neared, I started getting the jitters. I began considering the other consequence. The growing anxiety on my face didn't go unnoticed by my mother. She decided to take a day off from work and go college-hunting with me. Of course I needed to keep my options open. Not many colleges offered Biotechnology as an undergraduate course. I knew she didn't mean to scare me, but thinking of the negative scenario was nerve racking. However, relying on just one college would be foolish, hence I went along with whatever Mum had in her mind. It was also distracting and definitely made me feel optimistic.

Ironically, the day we went college hunting coincided with the announcement of results. Since the latter was scheduled for the evening, we chalked out our agenda accordingly. Visiting Bharati Vidyapeet University was one of the major highlights of our hunt. (I won't mention the others, as I found none of the other colleges we visited, very appealing.) Somehow, I had always had my qualms about that place. The name itself sounded so 'uncool'. Had I voiced my opinions, mum would have cancelled our plan out of pure irritation. I kept my inhibitions aside and entered the University with my mother.

Call it the breeze blowing in the campus or the vibes of the location, but somehow the atmosphere out there lured me to explore the place and infused some hope into me. We visited the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for IT and Biotechnology, which was our main objective. The office staff were welcoming and pleasant. Details for the entrance examination and a brief over view of the course were given. There was something good about this place, after all. The cloud of apprehension in my mind cleared and I rejoiced to think that I did have another option as a back up.

Our mission was successful. But the moment we stepped out of the college, the persistent worry returned. It was time to check my results in Fergusson. All though I was tense, I couldn't help but think about the other option which gave me some relief.

Scanning frantically for my name in the list, I could feel disappointment creeping up slowly. Where the hell was my name? I checked the waiting list as well, but  it wasn't to be seen. My worst fears were confirmed.

I was upset. I had already imagined myself bunking lectures, giggling with my friends, participating in Oorja, the college festival ; in short having the time of my life out here. Mum consoled me by reassuring that my name was sure to be in the lists that followed. 'You still have a chance to make it through to another equally esteemed college in hand. Don't let go off that now.'she said. All hope wasn't lost. I cheered up a bit.

Over the next two weeks I worked hard to achieve what I wanted. Meanwhile I didn't give up on Fergusson. I would ring up the college office daily, to enquire about the upcoming list only to get a negative response.I didn't lose hope. Keep working towards your next goal, I told myself.

I was rewarded, of course. Fergusson wasn't meant for me. I passed the entrance examination with flying colours and was granted immediate admission into RITBT, Bharati Vidyapeet, the place with soothing vibes. A new place, new teachers, new friends, a new start. The first day wasn't interesting considering everyone was unknown to me. However, making friends wasn't a challenge. A large percent of the students comprise hostel-ites, especially immigrants from Bihar, pleasant and friendly. Getting accustomed to a new surrounding with new elements hardly took time. Everything about this college appeals to me.

Irony was yet to play a role. The day my name appeared on the final merit list of RGITBT, I received a call from the main office of Fergusson, offering me a seat in the Biotech course.  The woman was impatient. She wanted me to decide immediately and answer her. This was something I had waited for desperately. Calling the main office daily, only to get disappointed, had been unpleasant. But, Fergusson was finally welcoming me into its premises , promising exciting college days. What was I to do?

I kept the line on hold and dialled my mother's number. Her answer was simple. "Just follow your heart. I will support your decision, whatever it may be."

"Hello! Aap ko admission lena hai ki nahi?" questioned the shrill voice, once I had retrieved the line. I declined the offer.

I don't regret having made this decision. I can say, without a trace of hesitation, that I'm happy studying at RGITBT. Cool? Yes it is. College is fun :)

Everything happens for a reason. Yes.