#43 …when you look forward to his arrival

Sakshi, my best friend, dropped by my house one day. When she first asked about my brother’s arrival, I didn’t much notice the apprehension in her voice. I thought it was a random question put up because I am the one who keeps talking about him.

“Yes tomorrow.”

“What time?” she asked next.

“Midafternoon.”

“Hu. Are you going to pick him up?”

Irritated over her list of questions, I blurted, “Why? Do you want to accompany?”

I was surprised to see her blushing.

“No no. I was asking casually,” she said trying to cover up.

“Is it? But you seem to be more anxious about his return from hostel life than any of us.”

“Cmon now. Stop that. Ok I gotta go now. Will see you tomorrow.”

Though I had forgotten about the episode, Sakshi’s confession some months later as to her being in love with my Bro, brought back the scene to my mind. If only I had read her thoughts then, the relationship would have been on a different pedestal now. Anyway it’s never too late to bring together loving hearts!!

#42 …when you smile unnecessarily.

“Oh I am so sorry,” I said bumping into my cousin. She seemed to have been standing deliberately in my way but still unable to draw my attention.

With gestures of her hand she asked what was wrong.

“What?” I said pretending not to understand her mimicry.

“What what? You can’t fool me.” Suddenly someone called for her. It was my brother’s pre-wedding celebrations. The house was full of guests. I was about to look back and see who was calling when she hurriedly said, “C’mon out with it fast. Who is he?”

“Who’s who?” I said continuing to pretend I was not understanding what she was trying to ask.

“Cut the crap. You have been smiling unnecessarily by yourself ever since morning. Who’s effect is that?”

Before she could extract the answer out of me, a kid came running to her and took her by hand saying she was being urgently called for. I heaved a sigh of relief and wished I would stop thinking of him which brought the smile on my face. Suddenly I looked up and found him in front. Again a million-dollar smile on my face. Even he looked confused probably wondering why I smiled every time I saw him. Thank god he didn’t know I didn’t need to see him to smile. His thoughts were enough to do the wonder.

#41 …when there is no will to power.

“You know I have always wanted to rule this world!”

“Is it? Very ambitious.”

“Yep. But I have decided if you agree to become my life partner, I’ll rather choose the most secluded place on earth and settle down with you there.”

“You know that’s not possible. I am already engaged and I am going to marry him.” 

“I know. Well in that case be ready to serve. Here comes the King of Cosmos!”

#40 …when your mum says- kitna dubla ho gaya hai- on seeing you after a gap.

My husband had to go on a long business trip this time. He generally is the one who can take good care of himself. Be it at home or out, with someone or without, he is a happy go lucky chap who eats, sleeps and enjoys life at his own terms. So it was evident that when he returned home after this trip, he was as hale and hearty as before though a little homesick. But I was surprised when my mom-in-law said, “Kitna dubla ho gaya hai” on seeing him. It reminded me of all the movies in which the mom-son love is portrayed through the same phrase. I sighed, agreed with her, and moved on to do my household chorus.

#39 …when all your saved up wishes start coming out.

When my sister in law returned from college, she was a little sad. She dumped her bag in one corner and went and sat on the sill of the window in her room. Quietly I moved beside her and asked what was wrong.

“Bhabi nobody really cares for me.”

I was astonished. On further asking she revealed the reason behind her being annoyed. One of her friends in college was having all her wishes coming true.

“Bhabi whatever she has ever wished for, her so-called friend is fulfilling it. Ever since they became friends, they know where to put forward their wishes with the surety that it will soon be fulfilled. I also have many friends, but none that special. I am so jealous.”

Though I managed to pacify her, promising to fulfill her wishes, I knew why her friend’s wishes were suddenly coming out.

#38 …when reality is finally better than your dreams.

Tring tring. I suddenly woke up and checked the clock on my mobile. 1 a.m. Guessing it must be an emergency, I switched on the light and received the call.

“Hello. What happened? Are you all right?” I asked anxiously.

“I am perfect sissy. What are you doing?” It was Anish, my cousin.

I was a little amazed at his cool tone.

“Normal people are supposed to be asleep at this hour. I am normal,” I said a little harshly.

“Oh! I am so sorry, I just didn’t realize it was this late,” he said apologizing.

“What do you mean you didn’t realize?” I sat upright and added, “Anyway what made you call me now?”

“C’mon now calm down. I just wanted to chat a while and the first name that came up in my mind was yours. I didn’t realize it was this late.”

“And why are you awake this late?”

“I didn’t want to sleep.”

“Unless you sleep, you’ll not be able to see sweet dreams dear.”

“And who wants to dream when reality is finally better than dreams.”

“I am too sleepy to understand your thoughts.” I said good night and hung up.

Suddenly I knew what he meant. He was in Love! I smiled, switched off my mobile and went back to sleep.

#37 …when absence rekindles your feelings.

It is party at my aunt’s house tonight. All the newcomers in the family are very curious to know what the occasion is. Everybody was making guesses – Anniversary, Birthday, First date, etc. When nobody came up with the right answer, I decided to tell them the story behind this day being celebrated every year in their family. My aunt and uncle had first met in their teens at a common friend’s house and instantly developed liking for each other. The feelings had just started blooming when uncle decided to go abroad for his graduation and higher studies. They hadn’t yet formally expressed their love for each other and decided not to do it in any hurry. So he flew off without so much as a goodbye hug. Next few years passed like ages for both of them even though they weren’t even sure if the other was going to wait that long. Communication of any sort was not possible with mobile or internet not having developed by that time and letters not expected with no formal relationship. They were going through the most delicate stage of their life and very prone to falling in love over and over again. But surprisingly both held on to some dreams they may have seen once. The absence rekindled feelings rather than blowing them away. When uncle returned to India this day 30 years back, he went straight to aunty’s place to first find out if she was still available and then hug her before revealing how much he had thought of her all those years away in the foreign land. Aunty couldn’t have been happier, her wait paid. Since that day, this day is treated with utmost significant in their life and celebrated with great vigour. It is rightly said, Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

#36 …when someone is worth waiting for.

It was just the other day when Rohit was complaining for having to wait 15minutes before this guy who was to deliver him some stuff from the departmental store arrived. He started firing rounds of ill spoken words, so much so that the guy apologized in a hurry and ran off. Today 20 minutes had already passed. Rashi, Rohit’s wife, was still awaited and Rohit had no wrinkles on his forehead. Infact he had been putting up jokes all this time. We all were going for a movie together and Rashi was supposed to be ready some half an hour back. When I confronted Rohit on this, all he could say was, “Some people are worth waiting for.”  

#35 …when you need more than a lifetime to forget someone.

A new mall had come up next to the Main street. Having nothing better to do, we decided to go for window shopping. It isn’t frequent that I get to hang out with my cousin, Sheela. Once married, we both got busy with our respective lives. And then there is this brilliant piece of invention which has rendered face to face communication useless for catching up - Telephone. We chat a lot over this lovely medium but seldom get to meet. Once in the market, we got busy commenting or complementing as it applied to each and every merchandise. Suddenly a lovely pale green shirt caught my attention. I called out to Sheela to take a look at it.

“Isn’t it lovely?” I asked seeing her stare at it.

“That was Mohit’s favorite color. 5 out of 6 days, he would be seen in this particular color. No matter how much we condemned him, he wouldn’t try other shades.”

I took a few moments to realize who she was talking about. Mohit had once been his friend. A special friend. But 10 years is not a short timespan to forget someone who is never talked or thought about. Or is he?  

“Do you still remember him? I thought he was lost under the dust of past.” I said.

She stared another minute at that t-shirt and then moved ahead. Some questions are better left unanswered!!

#34 …when you can talk to her about nothing for hours.

The other day when Airtel launched this interesting offer whereby you could talk for hours without the proportionate deduction in your prepaid account, the first person I thought of was Sachin. Memories rekindled. He was one jerk in our college, nicknamed BUZZ, for his special affinity to mobile. It was a privilege to get a chance to speak to him for he was constantly busy chattering on phone. And the most surprising fact being, he was talking to one person only. No guesses required – his girlfriend ofcourse. But the strange fact was that 90% of the guys in College had girlfriends and whereas the other guys repelled on seeing their girlfriends calling, this guy just wouldn’t stop. The only time he was off the hook was when his balance got exhausted and he had no immediate way of getting it recharged. One day my gang decided to find out what he had to talk about. Without surprise, he had nothing! A special token of appreciation must be on way from BUZZ to the service provider. I am sure many others will also appreciate this initiative on the part of Airtel for bringing loving hearts closer.

#33 …when your quarrels are like summer storms, everything is more beautiful when they have passed.

I don't even remember why we started quarrelling. It was one of those few times when pent up feelings grow up in such a magnitude that it becomes necessary to vent it out. Such built-up emotions do more harm to the vessel in which they are stored then on someone on whom it is poured. As always it had started with a few sarcastic statements here and there, but by the time we realized we needed to hold it back, we were admist a heated argument. After everything was said and done, we weren't even ready to face each other. We took our corners and sat down. Soon with the drop in temperature, we too cooled down. Then hints started to be dropped from both sides that we were ready to be pacified if the other party is also interested. Since there had been no conclusion it was difficult to determine who was at fault. So both of us took a few steps and met on the common ground. It was mutually decided to let go off those matters. Then followed some sweet gestures and romantic talks. This is the best part of a loving relationship. Not that couples don't fight. Infact its impossible not to fight. But love makes things more beautiful once the wind of animosity is blown away.

 

#32 …when your father speaks about your achievements proudly.

Last Sunday Soni Uncle had come to our house to visit dad. He had been a very good friend of my dad once but increasing responsibilities and changing priorities took a toll on their friendship. Still, they often try to squeeze out time for each other for old time's sake. Soni uncle's son had always been good in academics earning accolades after accolades. With time he also proved his worth in business and all other aspects of a successful life. Soni uncle just couldn't stop praising his son's skills. At first I felt he was bragging a little too much. Later my dad made me understand that he was not being narcissistic and that the pride spoke of his intense love for his child. On second thoughts I think I'll agree with him.

#31 …when you want your parents to like her.

                                           

I was chatting with one of my colleagues over lunch break. His usual hyperactiveness was overshadowed by apprehension. On inquiring he revealed he has asked his friends for dinner at his place. He added, “Malini will be coming as well.” I didn’t understand what he was implying so asked him to explain elaborately. He then mentioned his introducing Malini to his parents over dinner. “I hope they like her. It’s important for Malini to get along with them as well,” he explained. We had always known there was something going on between them but we always shrugged that off as a fleeting romance. If he was apprehensive about his parents liking her, there is definitely much more to this relationship than the casual enthrallment of office love stories. Asking him to update me on the developments that night, I moved towards my workstation.

#30 ...when someone becomes a part of your daily prayers.

Last evening I bumped into a friend after long time. It will not even be proper to call her a friend for we never bothered to keep contact once we left school. It still felt great to see her after such a long time, someone with whom I had spent some good times in the past, albeit a little. We often used to go to school together, for she lived very near to my house, and share all those school-girl tit-bits. While we were reminiscing the past, a guy, holding the hands of a 3-yr old, called out to her from behind. Instinctively I asked, “Is he the guy from your prayers?” She smiled and then nodded. My question related to a small episode from our school days. There used to be a temple on our way from home to school and it was a daily routine for us to enter and pray before carrying on. Later, just like any other 16 yr old, we would ask each other as to what we had prayed for that day. My prayers were very general – good scores in tests, a new dress, permission to stay overnight at friend’s place and the like. But she had an extra element in her prayers. Besides her own demands, she used to pray for Sujog’s well being as well. Sujog was her neighbor friend. Perhaps that time I was too small to understand its implications. But today, I know why she did it. As I waved her goodbye, I silently prayed for their conjugal happiness.

#29 …when you day dream a lot.

I was scribbling in my notepad while sitting in the class and waiting for the teacher to arrive. Gaurav, sitting beside me, seemed to have been lost in his own world. Everybody straightened itself on seeing the teacher walk in, except Gaurav. He still was unaware of his arrival or of anything that might have been happening around him. I nudged him to bring him back to this world. He quickly sat up with a sheepish grin on his oblong face which made him look like the child from “Johny Johny yes papa”. Something was definitely amiss. After a while when I glanced on his notebook to see if he was taking down the notes, I wasn’t much surprised to find doodles and hearts all over the page. And a name in between – Tripti. I should have guessed that earlier. Only someone deeply engulfed in his new found feeling could be day dreaming. Alas! It didn’t last long, for the teacher seemed to have read his unattentiveness and warned him explicitly.

#28 ...when kahin na laage mann.

I had gone to visit a friend of mine. Poor soul was on bed rest because of ankle fracture. While I was chatting with her, I felt she was a little lost. Finding her constantly unmindful, I decided to ask her in case she was at some discomfort and was not telling me. She waved off my worry saying it wasn’t anything important but she continued to be inattentive to our conversation. I tried changing topics to rope in her interest, but to no avail. I even suggested playing some boardgame, or watching some movie, but she was not interested. I also offered to cook her favorite dish to cheer her up, but she said she wasn’t hungry. I knew my friend well enough to deduce something was definitely amiss. In order to draw her full attention towards me so that I could ask her what was wrong, I took the laptop from her. She had been holding to it for some time now though not working on. It was then that I understood the reason behind her inattentiveness. The screen of her laptop had revealed the secret. She and a guy, I didn’t know, were laughing heartily in that cute picture. Reading my questioning look, she herself spoke up. Being in bed for the last 10 days, she had not been able to meet or talk properly to Mahim, the guy in the picture. It wasn’t hard anymore to understand her heedlessness or her feelings for him.

Kahin na laage mann...

kya hai ye soonapan...

#27 …when the loss of even an insignificant gift from him matters.

I had just got engaged. Since mine was an arranged relationship many used to ask me frequently if i actually loved my fiance. It was difficult to answer for I myself didn't had the clue to it. Once I had gone out with him on dinner. While returning, he bought me a heart-shaped balloon with 'I Love You' wriiten across it. I had been holding onto it for my entire drive back home even though he suggested a few times that I keep it in the back seat and feel comfortable. On reaching my apartment, my Bro and Bhabi had come down to meet and greet him. All for us were chatting randomly when suddenly my bro burst my balloon. It was a mistake all right but I took it hard. I felt very bad and was almost in tears even though they were ready to go and fetch me a new one. Obviously I wanted My Balloon back. In disgust i went up to my room. My bro followed soon after, and apologized. He then said something which answered all my questions. He said, "I am glad to see you so in love with him."

#26 …when time seems to fly away.

I was waiting for a friend in CCD. Inadvertently the conversation from the table next to me was reaching my ears. Though in the beginning I didn’t pay heed, the idle time and human nature soon got the better of me. I had a newspaper opened before me but my attention was all diverted to the chat on the adjacent table. I turned around to give face to the voices I had been hearing. A cute couple in their teens was idling away, sipping coffee and conversing. Not an unusual sight for a coffee shop.

“I think I should leave now, I am getting late.” The girl told the guy.

“But you just came,” the guy objected, not wanting her to leave then.

“Just! Your time management must be poor. I have been here for more than an hour now,” the girl said, getting up from her chair to go.

“Haven’t you ever heard of time relativity? Sit, I’ll make you understand,” and with that the guy took hold of the girl’s arm and made her fall back into her seat.

“See, time here is a relative concept which for me is moving at a far slower pace because of the lovely company that I am enjoying. I just feel like having spent a few minutes as yet.” The guy explained.

“Ah! So its because of your company that I feel like having spend hours here. Time relativity is working in the opposite direction for me, you see. Bye.”

With a cunning smile she got up and walked off.

The guy kept looking in her direction after he waved her bye, long after she was gone. Even though his eyes weren’t hard to read, the girl may have missed it out. On another thought, she may be deliberately trying to avoid reading it. Who knows!!

A lot can happen over coffee :)

#25 …when your knees quiver in front of your someone special.

An early spring evening. ‘Just another day’ as yet. I was on my way to meet the last client on my day’s schedule. As I entered his building’s compound, I crossed by Someone. It took few seconds and a few more steps before the impact sunk in and I stopped short. I didn’t want to look back and realize I had been envisioning. I also didn’t want to lose the opportunity incase it was one. With a slow turn, I looked back. It was Him, apparently going through the same phase as he kept staring speechlessly.

“Are you not recognizing me, or you don’t wish to speak to me?” I was the first to break the silence, realizing it was getting awkward to stand dumbfounded in the middle of the compound. I was with a colleague, who was also waiting for something to happen.

“Hie. What a pleasant surprise! How come you here?” was all that came out of his mouth at that time.

“Am I not a free individual with the liberty to traverse this land at my own sweet will?”

“Ofcourse,” he said.

By this time my colleague had received a call and had walked away talking on the phone.

“Aha, you must be here to meet a client,” he guessed seeing the folders in my hands crossed in front of the body.

“Yes.” I squirmed as I said, don't know if it was due to the cool weather outside or the sensation inside.

“Bunk it yaar. Let’s go out, sit over a coffee and chat. Its been ages since I last met you. I have lots to tell you. I am getting married this month.”

“Wow! Show me her pic.” I said with mixed feelings at the sudden news. The great beginning was seeing a mundane final inning.

“I am not carrying one,” he said.

“You think I’ll believe you?”

“I know you will not. You never did.”

I ignored the metaphor.

“C’mon show it yaar. You are carrying blackberry, you even have access to mail.”

“Ok I have one on gmail. Let me find it.”

“The pic’s not very clear,” I said on seeing the pic. “Is her name Priya?” I asked on seeing the pic captioned with that particular name.

“Yes. She’s my Mom’s choice. I had no option after you ditched me.” He said with his disarming smile.

“What?”

“So, are we going somewhere?” he said, changing the topic.

Each one of us looked at the watch. I was running late. It was difficult to make the choice. Finally I did what I always do; listen to my mind and not my heart.

 “I think I’ll go meet my client,” I said a little incoherently.

“I knew it.” After a pause he added, “I am quivering. In the entire world if there is someone I feel weak in front of, its You. Yaar the feeling’s just unexplainable.”

I was a little astonished to hear that for my heart had been pulsating too. I was holding myself stiff, not to show it. I really wanted to chat more with Him. But like always I didn’t listen to my inner voice and waved Him goodbye. Once again with no promises but lots of hope, we parted.

#24 …when there is a sparkle in the eye.

Oceans have always caught my fantasy. We were driving to Chandipur, famous for it’s DRDO and amazing beaches. First look at the ocean, and there was a sparkle in my eyes. The vastness seeming to end in horizon, the never ending hush with occasional roars, the indecisive waves moving back and forth, the sun rising and setting every day in its awning, the beautiful shells all along the shore – its impossible to go for relative analysis. It was difficult to stay on the bay and just watch and adore it. I immediately wanted to be a part of it. As I walked barefoot on the sand, I felt assimilated into it. The moment my foot touched the cold ocean water, a shrill ran down my spines. It took a few minutes to adjust my body temperature to the coolness of the ocean water. Then there was no stopping. No matter how much everyone warned me to stay near the shore, no matter how long I had been in the water, I just felt like drifting in and in. The senses always beckon at the wrong time. I suddenly was aware of the time and warnings. As I took each step towards the shore, the feet felt heavier. I imagined the waves wanted to hold me back, to play with them for some more time. I imagined the microfishes wanted to chat with me a while longer. Even the sand craved for some more foot prints. But imaginations are what they are!! Once back at the shore, I looked back. With or without me, the ocean had decided to be as serene and as lovely as one can IMAGINE.

#23 …when you like everything about him/her.

Now and again I have tried analyzing why I love him or if I at all love him. But I could never come up with solid reasons. I have had experiences before, with smarter people, but he is completely different. His very thought brings a smile on the face. I look forward to talk to him. I love debating with him. I love defuting him. I love understanding things his way. I love his way of making me realize when I go wrong. I love his pride in himself, his self contemptuous ideals. I know what’s deep inside his heart; I know what he is going to say before he opens his mouth. I know what he exactly means before he has explained himself. I love gossiping with him, I love rebuking him. I love listening to songs in his coarse voice. I love his views on life, I love his life. I love the way he doesn’t show how much he cares for me, I love the way he allows me to take every decision. I love to see him get cold when it's 4 degrees out. I love that it takes him an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that he gets a little crinkle above his nose when he is looking at me, I love that after I spend the day with him, I can still smell his perfume on my clothes. And I love that he is the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. 

#22 …when even though she gets you frustrated, you can never be mad.

I was excited when Deepak told me about our upcoming weekend trip to Chandipur. A thought of holiday always brings a smile on everybody’s face. I was no different. I immediately started planning and packing even though we had a couple of days in our hand for all those. Deepak had just returned from work and was not so much into the mood for all those. But seeing my adrenaline rush, he decided to stay quiet. I kept nudging him for this and that, kept asking him all sorts of stupid questions. Though I could see he wasn’t in the mood for all those right then, I just couldn’t help myself. My Sis-in-law who has been sitting in the same room had been a quiet spectator to everything that was going on, occasionally answering my questions in monosyllables. When she couldn’t resist my madness, she walked out of the room.

 Later that night she told me – “Bhabi you are lucky to have someone who doesn’t get mad at you at any cost. I could clearly read the frustration building up on his face this evening, but he kept his calm throughout. Hats off to him.”

I always knew he loves me, but it feels good to hear it from other’s mouth.

#21 …when you do all the crazy things that you can't explain

I remember my brother suddenly joining yoga classes once. When asked he said, “I have always wanted to try it. The next thing we knew, he was in shorts trying to contort his body into positions that God never intended him to achieve. After some days, I found out it was all because of her girlfriend who loved going to yoga.
Another time he was ready to travel all the way to Udaipur to follow that woman. He was ready to forsake his career. When confronted he said, “Love will be my greatest pension plan.”
Later he himself told me about some of his other crazy acts –
He would sit through a movie he hated and tell her that he “loved” it.
He was wearing that multicolor shirt he looked platoon in, just because she had gifted him.
He once ate a piece of pie that tasted like sand. Why? Because her girlfriend had stayed up late the previous night to make it.

Krazy kiya re…

#20 …when you'd give it everything you got and won't think twice.

When Ragini first revealed to us about her liking for Alfaz, we had mixed feelings. We knew they were good friends, but the fact that her friendship is evolving, went unnoticed. We knew Alfaz well enough to agree he was the right guy for Ragini. But the problem cropped up when it was time to inform their parents. She was well aware that her relationship wouldn’t be accepted. She was trying to do something out of the box, something that would strongly identify generation gap. It was commendable the way she tried to make things up. But when events turned brutal, she decided to leave behind everything for Alfaz. She had no second thoughts. It was not at all easy – giving up your maiden home, your parents’ love, your siblings company and that too with a bleak hope that things will turn out fine in the near future. Only Love could give her this will power and conviction to stand undeterred in the face of violent storm. Otherwise it was difficult to imagine her doing something like this 13 years back when I had first met this diffident teenager.   

#19 …when you feel lonely amidst a crowd.

Last night, I was watching this 1989 movie, Harry met Sally. Though I have seen it before, I was surprised to realize I had missed some love signs earlier. I’ll mention one here, seen towards the end. Its New Year eve – the much awaited time for reunion, peace and joy.
                                   
Though Sally is attending a party with many around her to chat with and find company of, she is feeling alone without Harry by her side.  
                                             What is it, if not Love?
Meanwhile, Harry is also shown spending New Year's alone. As Sally decides to leave the party early, Harry appears and declares his love for her. She couldn’t have been happier. Neither couldn't I!!

#18 …when you can't stop talking about your partner.

My Sister had come down to kolkata to stay for the vacations. After her marriage, this was the first time she was getting an opportunity to stay at her maiden home for two weeks in a row. Only married girls would understand its importance. After a long time, we had this opportunity to chat undirected and undisturbed. It continued to the wee hours of the night. I remembered nothing the next morning except that she kept talking of my brother-in-law endlessly. No matter what I spoke of, no matter what I asked, she would somehow fit it in his context. At last I had to tell her that I knew she is deeply in love with him and she need not prove it, that she felt a little embarrassed and tried to avoid his stories. But it was out of her hand, because it was not a conscious effort that she was putting in. She was evidently thinking continuously of him and therefore could not avoid giving words to his thoughts. Who knew love could even make you garrulous!!
Someone rightly deduced - Kiss is designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.

#17 …when your heart skips a beat on seeing someone around.

I was cleaning my wardrobe yesterday when I stumbled upon some old photographs, from the days when digital cameras were unheard of and photos had to be washed before you could see what you had clicked. My heart once again skipped a beat on seeing Him smiling out of that picture. The last time when my heart had missed beats was when I had seen Him for the first time. The picture made me walk down the memory lane. I vividly remember he was wearing a white shirt, my favorite color, and looked way too cool. We both were attending a common social function. I was too shy to approach Him. The most I could do was find out about his identity and wait for Him to notice me. I have been waiting ever since. The next few times that we happened to cross each other didn’t pave a better way and I simply kept missing beats on seeing Him around. Its been ages since I last thought of Him. And I am surprised to know he still makes my heart have premature ventricular contractions!!

Do you also miss beats sometimes??

Now you know going to the doctor wont help you!!

Oh, My heart skips a beat, when you walk down the street...

Well, I did a double take the day i met you,

My heart turned a flip as I stood next to you.

And I knew right there I never could forget you,

For you are my every dream come true!! 

#16 …when you enjoy what you are doing.

An excerpt from a commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computers -

At an early age of 17, Steve naively chose a college that was almost as expensive as Stanford, and all of his working-class parents’ savings were being spent on his college tuition. After six months, when he couldn’t see the value in it, he decided to drop out. The minute he dropped out, he stopped taking the required classes that he didn’t enjoy, and began dropping in on the ones that looked interesting. Some of these classes didn’t even have a hope of any practical application in his life. He was just following his curiosity and intuition. But ten years later, he was designing the first MAC computer and the rest is history.

In his words - “You have got to find out what you love. And this is as true for your work as it is for lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

You love what you do only when you enjoy doing it. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.

#15 ...when you dedicate your victory to others.

After 28 long years, India finally won the World Cup once again. The match was nothing short of a thriller by RamGopal Verma, nor the celebrations later, that of a crowd ecstatic with unbound joy. What was markedly different was the way each player took the victory in his stride. Yuvraj, in particular, was eloquent in mentioning the names of a chosen few as the rightful owners of his “Man of the Tournament” Award for his spectacular performance. Why would someone want to share his glorious moments to the extent of dedicating it not to his hard work and passion but to someone else? Yes, for Love! The Indian cricket players made us see and acknowledge this very fact. Sachin dedicating his magnificent score of 140 off 101 balls - in the match against Kenya at Bristol, England - to his Dad, just after his Dad passed away in the middle of the 1999 cricket World Cup, speaks for the same value of Love.

As Tony Dorsett said – to succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.

#14 …when you drool on seeing Puchkas.

Deepak had just reached home. Though dinner time was approaching, he was in mood for some road-side tit bits. When he proposed, I didn’t wait for deliberations. Slippers worn, wallet in, and we were heading down the staircases. Sometimes its fun to act on instincts. We were still thinking what to munch on, when we crossed a puchkawaala. I was saying something to Deepak, but he was suddenly lost in some other world. He simply could not put his eyes off the puchkas. Though I usually ask him to avoid puchkas, I couldn’t do that then. He was drooling, figuratively.

As he devoured puchkas one after the other, the satisfying expression on his face was not the one to be missed out. He was thoroughly enjoying every moment, rather every puchka. At that instance, he would have rejected offers from the best chefs around the world to taste their best cuisine. He love Puchkas and so does many others in India. Those who were giving company to Deepak at puchkawaala, had similar expressions. I realized how cruel I had been in asking him to stay away from his prized sustenance.