From Smelly to Smiley

No smell in this world can escape my husband's sharp nose. He will catch any smell in the air and never hide his disgust if the smell is pungent.

We had an argument over a petty issue one morning over breakfast and it turned into a big fight. I was so mad that I considered taking an auto to work than going with him. All would have been fine if I'd gone to office with him. But I din't. And that rose his temper. He did not call me till lunch.

My impatience grew and finally I gave him a call post lunch. Two rings and he disconnected the call. Damn!

I thought he might be held up with some important work.

I called him again during my tea break at 4:30.

No response.

I instantly knew what was in store for me. I will have to deal with his anger back home. I gulped my tea in 2 big sips and went back to my seat. He was the one who always made up for a fight but I guess it was my turn now. I looked for some tips online but none caught my fancy. Then suddenly, the old saying about men popped into my head - "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach". And then I knew what I should do to cool him down.

I took permission to leave early from my boss, left the office at 5, picked up groceries from a supermarket and went home. I went to the kitchen, made all arrangements to prepare a lip-smacking dinner. I made fried chicken, pudina rice and raita. Chawal ki kheer is my husband's favorite sweet dish when I make it. Hence, I thought that should make a perfect dish for dessert. I put some milk to boil when my phone rang. It was my friend. I spoke to my friend for sometime and went to take a shower.

I put on his favorite perfume, wore a simple pink saree, a strawberry flavored gloss and few bangles. As I sprinkled some perfume on my hand and smelled it, another smell caught my nose. SOMETHING WAS BURNING!

Goodness gracious! It was my kheer!

I rushed to the kitchen and stared at the burnt container in horror! I dumped the container in the sink and opened the windows to get rid of the smell. But it din't help. I heard the doorbell and peeped to see who it was. It was my husband!

"Oh my! This smell. What am I gonna do!"

And then, I knew what I should be doing! I went to the kitchen and unsealed the newly brought bottle of Ambi Pur - Lavender and sprayed it all over the house. In a span of few seconds, the burnt smell disappeared. I breathed a sigh of relief and opened the door to find my impatient husband losing his cool and ready to shout at me. And then, he saw me.

He checked me out for a few seconds and came in silently. I shut the door and went to the kitchen without saying anything. I pretended to do some work when I felt his arms around me.

"The house smells as awesome as you my love." he said planting a kiss on my neck.

"I am sorry for not answering your calls today.", he said handing over a gift wrapped box to me. "And I am sorry for picking up an argument over a petty issue."

"I am sorry too", I said giving him a tight hug.

That way, a bit of cooking, a bit of looking good and Ambi Pur freshener helped me make up to my hubby darling! :)

This is my entry for the Indiblogger contest, Smelly to Smiley from Ambi Pur India

From Ms. Mahalingam to Mrs. Reddy

I am married!
To the man who has shown me what it is to feel "loved".
To the man who has made me fall in love with myself again.
To the man who has shown me I am worth a lot more than what I'd thought.
To the man who believes in me more than I do.
To the man who became a friend when I wanted one, lover when I felt unwanted, critic when I needed a reality check and now who is my husband promising to never leave my side till his last breath.
To the man who never gave up on me and kept trying.
To the man who loves me for what I am. .
To the man I can daringly be my worst with.
To the man who knows me more than anyone else does.

To the man who laughs with me at my stupid jokes, grabs my hand when I cross the road, holds me in his arms when I feel cold, dances with me to a song only we both know, and above all loves me without conditions, truly, madly, deeply like the Savage Garden song! ;)

A Tale of Inhumanity

Silently, I witness hundreds of passerby's daily, some using me as a temporary home to rest, some as a place to booze and some as a brothel. Being an abandoned old cottage for so long, I enjoy watching people using me as a number of things not knowing that I hear every word they utter and I watch everything they do.

This night wasn't normal though. She seemed to be barely 14 or 15. Her hands were tied behind and her legs were tied too with a rope which left bruises on her fragile skin. Her eyes were swollen. She was fully clothed but only for sometime. I had seen these 5 men before. They had come on a number of occasions with a bottle of alcohol cleaning me temporarily and boozing whole night.

She screamed as hard as she could and cried for help. No one came to her rescue. The big hefty man slapped her hard several times and she passed out. They did not showcase a hint of humanity. They tore her clothes mercilessly and took turns forcing themselves on her. She could hardly do anything to save herself. I could feel her agony and my heart went out for her. Her bare body was bruised and I witnessed red marks all over. I blinked my eyes several times thinking it's a nightmare but it wasn't. The men's laughter pierced through my ears and I wanted to crush their bones for hurting an innocent girl but I could barely move. I never felt as helpless as this before.

One of the men untied her legs and held the rope in his hands staring at her and smiling a crooked smile. The big hefty man instructed him to strangle her. She begged them not to kill her but her plea fell on deaf ears. She was strangled to death. The five men left the place leaving the lifeless naked body on it's own not turning back.

I had never witnessed such a brutal act before and cursed for not been able to help that poor little kid. Her body began decomposing and was noticed by a villager after few days. Taken aback by this inhuman act, he called the police from his mobile and narrated what he saw. The police came in a few minutes and examined her body. She was covered, photographed and then taken in a stretcher to the ambulance parked outside. Police questioned the villager asking him if he knew anything. I shouted at the top of my voice that I could help them find the culprits but my voice was unheard. I was after-all a cottage. An old, abandoned cottage.

This post is part of the contest Tell a Tale on WriteUpCafe.com

The joy of owning a dog.....

Dogs, the companions who are by your side all their life only expecting love and nothing else. I always had this craving towards owning a dog and when the long cherished dream became a reality with Dusty's home coming, I regret for not having bought a dog long ago.

The love and affection that a dog has for it's owner is beyond the love between humans. The innocent gaze of your pooch, the wagging of tail, the endless licks, the morning walks can't be exchanged with anything else. You can be quietly sitting on a chair with a book or a newspaper and your dog will patiently sit beside you occasionally licking your feet. They wait for you for hours looking at the door only to jump on you when you come home. Once, we all, except my Mom, had gone to a nearby place and had been a little late than usual. Dusty sat near the door waiting for us to come silently and refused to come in even when my Mom called her! Such is a dog's love for it's owner!

From the time Dusty came into my life, I feed the dogs in my colony with small treats whenever possible. Never a day passes when we do not talk about our princess! She's on our mind all the time and I feel my life would be so incomplete without her!

The Perfect Relationship

Two hearts united
forever in love strengthened
by trust deepened
over time unaffected
by the world

Two bodies ignited
in passion numbed
by sweat provoked
by an ardor desire lusted
in sinful appetite

Two souls wedded
in marital bliss bound
by customary rituals looking
for a happy life together
Forever......

Let's stand up for her......

It's 2013. A new year filled with new hopes, new aspirations, new goals and of course resolutions which we tend to break at the drop of a hat. However, this year is different.

The brutal gang rape and murder of the innocent 23 year old girl in Delhi reflects our society's actual state. Sexual assault on women at workplace, schools, private vehicles, public transports, roads and almost all possible places shows the carelessness of not just our Government but of us as well. Most of the time a woman has to deal with eve-teasers all by herself as we merely spectate the whole scenario without uttering a word in her support.

What do we, as the responsible members of this society, do when we watch a woman being sexually harassed in a public transport? Do we stand up for her or leave her on her own as if we do not care? What if back home our sister or mother or wife or daughter narrate a painfully helpless situation to us about the kind of humiliation and assault they were subjected to by their co-worker or a roadside romeo? How would we feel if we happen to know that absolutely no one raised their voice against this shameful act? I don't see a reason for us to feel bad as we din't raise our voice either when someone else's sister/mother/wife/daughter was being eve-teased.

I happen to recall an incident which happened a few months ago wherein some bastard on a bicycle hit my Mom hard on her bum as he rode away. My Mom shouted at the top of her voice running behind him and asking people to catch hold of him. No one did anything and that jerk, despite being on a bicycle, escaped. Such is our society. And so are we. We love being spectators.

Instead of taking resolutions like quitting smoking or drinking or any such resolution which we know we will never follow, let's take an oath to raise our voice against any offense that we witness. Let's promise to safeguard a woman's self respect by being by her side even if she's a stranger. Let's resolute to stand up for a woman in need and object any kind of obscene behavior and lewd comments passed at her.

Let's not let some insane sadists take away a woman's innocence and self respect and leave her only to be humiliated by the society till she lives.

Is this hard to do?

Picture Courtesy: Click here

Delhi - A Woman's Nightmare

More than 500 rapes (reported) in our so-called capital city in 2012. Where is our country heading to? Sexual assault, domestic violence, eve teasing, torture, what else should we women go through? What do these assholes have in their minds when they put women through such gruesome torture? If going out in the night after 8:00 PM means I am not coming back in one piece, then I do not want to go out at all! If despite such gruesome act the criminals are acquitted, then why is there even a law in our country? If that innocent girl would not have boarded that bus, some other girl might have. It could have been anyone. Someone as young as 16 or as old as 30. It could have been anyone. That very thought scares the hell out of me.

What possibly could be a rapist's state of mind? Do they enjoy it? Do they like it when a woman begs for mercy? Do they feel it's their birth right to sexually assault any woman they want? Where do they get such courage from? We all know the answer. It lies in our weak law and order. The endless court trials which eventually bury the truth and silence the victim. The doubt on a woman's character when she screams out loud that she was raped. The questions and humiliation she is subjected to by the police as if they doubt her statements.  The poor male-female sex ratio. When a woman is raped, there is every possibility that she won't be accepted in the society with the same dignity she held earlier. Why is that not the case with the rapists? Why ain't they looked down upon?

Will the rapists get away without being punished like always? If they are indeed punished, will it be just jail for a few years? Is 7 years of jail the enough for a crime as grave as rape?

If a woman is this unsafe in our country's capital, then I dare not ever put my foot there. I always knew Delhi is unsafe for women but I never heard of such a gruesome incident before. High in crime rate especially against women, why doesn't the police ensure maximum security is provided? Crimes happen in Delhi even in broad daylight and go unnoticed. Lewd comments are passed on the fairer sex in public transports like buses and people keep quiet. It's said that "Dilli dilwalon ka shehar hai". Sahi mein?

Delhi indeed is India's Rape Capital in true sense!

Not a Complicated Life anymore!

Life isn't as complicated when you have a beloved life partner to live through. Someone who strives hard to make you feel as special as possible. The ups and downs can never break you when you have a sweet heart who never leaves your side. When mutual trust and respect fills a relationship, insecurities take a back seat.

It's been almost 2 years since I've had that someone special in my life and my life just feels so good. Unconditional love, respect for one's individuality, understanding of one's wants and desires without really having to say anything, these are few things which are needed for a beautiful relationship to blossom further. I can hardly ask for more since I'd got more than these from my man!

I can barely wait for the day when I would settle down with my hero in what's considered to be the most purest relationship, marriage. When we would share a relation which is beyond physical intimacy. When all it takes to break a cold war is a hug. I can't wait for the day when I would be waking up with him in the morning only to fall asleep in his secured arms in the night. When we would spend an entire day together in silence and still feel like we had the best time. I can picture our life as perfect as it can be. Late night movies, weekend trips, surprises, kids, silly fights etc.,

I can't wait to grow old with the man of my dreams.

Life Goes On

My Dad left us midway without giving a prior warning 3 months ago in a road mishap. Aged 55 then, no one could actually guess his age right. Lot of people thought he was in his early 40s owing it to his high energy and youthful looks.

He had his own way of living life. He lived for the moment. He would tell us that tomorrow is uncertain and throughout his journey with us, I saw him following this principle. He believed that Life Goes On no matter what. Whether you had money or not.

He had a lot of friends. While passing by from our street in just about a kilometer radius, he would wave at 10 different people. He used to stop atleast 3-4 times to talk to someone or the other. I felt he knew almost everyone. I used to get so bugged when he did that and would plead to him not to stop anywhere. I feel now I was so wrong. All those people came to offer their last goodbye to him at his funeral. They were all there, feeling equally bad for our loss.

He loved kids. All the kids of our society loved him too. He would call them 'dost' and raised his thumb to them everyday as a sign of friendship. He would become a kid with them and shower his love upon them. How much I wish he showered his love on my kids too. How they would call him 'Nana' and go around sitting on his shoulders just like I did as a child.

Three months passed just like that and with each passing day, I feel he's become even more close to my heart. He isn't there physically. I long to hug him tight and cry but I don't feel his arms. I long to fight with him for no real reason, pick up a debate with him on a silly topic, laugh with him watching Dusty's naughty acts and above all sit with him in deep silence not uttering a word. How I wish he fulfilled my kanyadaan rituals and wished me love for my new life.

There were a lot of things maybe he wanted to tell us but he couldn't because death took him away even before he saw us. I know that I would still live my life and in a matter of few months, everything will get back to normal like nothing happened at all. In a few years, his memories would fade away making way for new ones.

Like it's rightly said, Life Goes On....

A wrong arrangement...

Dressed in a beautiful red lehanga, embellished with gold and diamond jewelry, the blushing bride sat on a bed decorated with flowers. She could hear the chatter batter and laughter of the teens & kids outside and Rajeev, her husband trying hard to keep them away from the room. He was finally successful and closed the door after he came in. Ananya's stomach twisted and her heart raced at almost double the speed when she felt Rajeev coming close to her. They had been engaged for around a month until they tied the knot in a grand affair. Rajeev had treated her well during their engagement days and she fell in love with her fiancee after a couple of meetings.

Rajeev sat on the bed beside her and held her hand. Ananya looked into Rajeev's eyes and her heart skipped a beat. She was tensed, restless and her stomach ached. She wan't sure how Rajeev would take the next step. 'Will I feel good if he touched me', she thought.

It was quite a day. I am tired. Let's go to sleep, Rajeev said interrupting her thoughts.

He said that and went straight to bed. She told herself that maybe he's just tired and everything would be fine the next day. She realized that she is tired too, changed and went to sleep.

Nothing changed even the next day. Not even the day after. Infact nothing changed ever.

Rajeev would come late in the night and go straight to bed. He seemed like a normal person when his parents were around but in their bedroom he was different. He showed least interest in her and never even looked at her. Ananya wasn't sure what to do and whom to talk to. Even Rajeev chucked their honeymoon plans saying that he can't take any further leaves.

She felt it was high time she broke the ice.

I have to talk to you Rajeev, Ananya said closing the door.

I've to head for a meeting. Can we talk later?

No. It's important. I can't wait to talk to you later. I need some answers and I need them now.

Rajeev knew what's coming. He understood he can't run away from Ananya any further. It's time to face her questions.

Wh....what's it Ananya?

I want to know why did you get married to me?


What kind of question is that, Rajeev said avoiding her eyes.


Well, that's absolutely a valid question considering how you treat me in our bedroom.


What do you mean by how I treat you? Did I ever do anything wrong with you?


That's precisely my point. You do nothing. You come, change and sleep. Forget about making love, you never even come close to me. Why did you marry me then?


Look, Ananya, I am really getting late. I need to go.


Answer me Rajeev! Now! Before I scream and you parents know what's happening or rather not happened between us.

Rajeev just stared at Ananya not uttering a word.

Do you love me Rajeev? Don't you find me attractive or beautiful? Don't I ever turn you on?

Ananya, you certainly are beautiful, competent, attractive and the perfect marriage material. But you ain't the girl I am in love with. Infact, it's not even a girl I am in love with.

The newly wedded bride gave her husband a puzzled look.

I like men Ananya. I am gay.


What? What did you just say?


Yes Ananya. I am gay. Women don't turn me on. It's men who get my hormones running. I tried telling this to my parents but could not gather the guts. I am sorry but we can't make love for sure.


Then why did you get married to me? You had no right to play with my life! You could have told this to me before getting married Rajeev. I would have said no to your parents. You telling me this now! What do you expect me to do?

I don't know Ananya. I am feeling guilty too. I could have told you earlier but my parents would have found another match for me if you rejected their proposal. I had to marry someone and it happened to be you. I an sorry.

Rajeev said that and left.

Ananya stood at her place dumbfounded not knowing what do to......

Conclusion: Well, so, arranged marriages have their share of risks. So, I had rather have a love marriage ;) You already know the person beforehand in a love marriage, but in an arranged marriage, the man could be a gay, impotent or in love with someone else. So, my vote goes to Love Marriage :)

This is my entry for the Indiblogger Contest, Love Marriage ya Arranged Marriage, the new TV show on Sony Entertainment Television. Know more about the show here