We

You know what really connects me to a stranger...just plain human emotion. No differentiation on where we are from, no cultural baggage, no unnecessary formal behaviour.

Inside we’re all just the same without realising it. When all the make-up is removed and the perfume gone, it’s just skin that breathes and feels.

We can raise walls all around and eventually get lost but there are some moments when they break, without much effort.

For me this is the affirmation that there are good people out there whose paths have not yet crossed mine.

This doesn't happen too often and when it does I just cherish the moment.

Almost home

When you are away from home the nearby restaurant becomes your kitchen. And when that kitchen reminds you of images from back home its all the more special. Some parts of London have a distinct Indian flavour like Wembley where we went out to eat yesterday.

Getting down from the all too typical red bus you are moments away from feeling desi. And the transformation starts soon, as the mangoes sold on the street (yeah just like back home) seem to look Indian. Enter S's and you can just about forget London except for the English speaking waiters and the white customers.

Small place with just the basics-tables and chairs. The fat boss who runs the show with the thinner boys who perfectly fit my description of bhaiyas make you feel you have crossed the continent and landed on the country famous for its spices.

I have been a little wary of eating out because some dishes gave my stomach a bit of a tough time. But now in London where the food is not even salty, the chances of a bad stomach do reduce a little bit.

So we place the order which bhaiya takes down on his little notepad and moments later I am just too delighted that I came. In the wait for the food, three Asian looking men sit at a table next to us and stare quite evidently. Good food, almost friendly neighbours, now isn't that a deja vu of sorts.

But hey I paid in pounds. Then I remembered dad saying no compromise on food, so I was happy again.

The morning after the paneer gives my stomach a slight ache. That felt like home, almost..

The way to a woman's heart

My friend seems to think that the way to a woman's heart is through a shopping mall. Hmmm...

When I am low with only me to my rescue, I have been able to cheer myself up with old tricks that work well even now. Yes it does involve clothes and shoes at time but not necessarily shopping.

When the moods drive me insane and I need to shut every voice that isn't mine, I try on clothes. Some of them I have never worn or will probably never wear or I put on that (red) lipstick that the world cannot be allowed to see or those pair of shoes that are lying in wait of a party where I don't have to walk at all...

I spend time with myself and can make me smile in a way that no boy can.

I let my hair down for those precious minutes because no one is looking and I pose in front of the mirror...for me.

Only I know which clothes make me look absolutely wow. And that I will never wear them in front of another human being. That's because I can still see that love(ly) handle showing but it doesn't matter as only I know. Just the fun of this exercise is good enough to get over a silly mood.

Second best to that is sharing such moments with girlfriends. Only girls can understand other girls, in some things particularly.

There's a reason we go to loo in pairs, and there are reasons why we hug so much, and we have lots to say to each other in the ear. Only we know what our best features are, why we cry, what pain really means, why we get upset when boys talk of porn and that we don't like naughty jokes after a point.

From where I am looking at it, only a woman knows the way to her heart. Men can try to find out. Men should try.

I'm over my silly mood. Just hope my swollen eyes don't give away my little secret tomorrow.

****
Dedicated to all the women who can connect with the thought and those who helped me get over my moods.

Bollywood does it again

I recently watched Bhootnath.I had been looking forward to it because it seemed like a fresh concept. A story about ghosts that isn't scary is good for viewers like me who don't like to pay to get scared.

But this one again is just typical funny first half and then an emotional ride. At least the ghost could have been spared from being emotional!

My thoughts about the movie-

I laughed at all the naughty things Banku bhaiya did and I am old enough to not try them out but what about kids who watch the movie?

What are we telling children-there are ghost?only good ones aka angels?they are friendly?

I am an SRK fan but I am disappointed like I have been for the past few movies. Were his emotional dialogues with the ghost's son necessary?even in a guest appearance?

But to an extent I guess the movie reflects our present times. Parents are just too busy to look after the kids so we need divine intervention.

All I now understand about Bollywood is never go after the trailor. Even a movie that had potential went down that all too familiar Bollywood path of a family drama.

Anyway the kid was adorable. And the first half is bearable.

Homecoming

Seeking a release I came. I saw and was conquered again.
Found the treasure but it slipped through my finger.
My silence didnt need a listner, my mind forgot fear.
I revisited my self and I was me once more.
Familiar faces, familiar touch, but only for a moment, only this much.

****
Coming home does all this to you and more.