Happy...Happy...

Today I became a proud owner of ….. in Lucknow. Finally I have taken a small step towards completion of one of my wish lists.

I am too HAPPY today :) :)

An interesting journey by train

Last weekend, I went to Delhi for two days. Although it was an unplanned trip for me but I loved the quality time I spent with my friends. After a long period of four years we celebrated Saba’s birthday in a rocking hostel day’s style. I met many college mates and seniors too and lived the college life again in those two days.

I will never forget this short trip in my entire life. Not because of the time I spent with my friends but because of many new things I did during this trip.

My returning ticket to Pune was not booked. I planned to book air tickets. But at the time of booking, the lowest available ticket fare was 13000. My credit card bill already reached 25k this month and I didn’t want to increase it further to 38k that too for a two hour air journey; so decided to opt for train travel.

Despite of giving extra money to the agent, I failed to get a ticket. So left with only one option i.e. traveling without train ticket and pay fine.  I never believe in breaking rules (joke of the day). But it was an exceptional case. I didn’t apply for leaves in the office and due to critical work; I couldn’t extend my unplanned trip.BTW money was also an important factor for breaking this rule ;-) ;-)

I have taken Sai baba name and boarded the train which was early in the morning from the Nizamuddin railway station. First I went to sleeper class. But seeing the worst condition over there I decided to break some more rules and entered the third AC coach ;-) ;-)

I have chosen side lower seat to sit because in front of it, two elderly people were seated. I don’t know why but I felt that it was the best seat for a general ticket holder girl in the AC compartment :-) :-)

By God grace, I got the ticket and the same side lower seat from the TT without paying any fine and extra money.

This train voyage was immemorial for me, First time; I interact with so many people in the train. I normally travel alone in the train/flights and never prefer to talk to anyone. But I got good company there. In those seven seats (excluding me),the people who were seated belongs to different backgrounds. There was a girl of my age group who was doing PhD from Pune University, two guys one was preparing for IAS examinations and another guy just returned from the USA and going to Pune to meet his family and two old age uncles who were ex-army persons. 

During the entire journey I couldn’t stop laughing and showing my teeth because they were non-stop sharing interesting incidents.

Also by seeing the fatherly attitude of both the uncles, I realized that I have missed a very important relation in my life. But it’s ok. It’s not necessary that you will get everything picture-perfect in life :-) :-)

First time, I also watch real time fight between two other passengers in the train. It was really pathetic to watch people fighting that too for silly reasons. I firmly believe that shouting on another person in a high pitch is a highly unacceptable act. One can put his/her points in a decent manner too. It is not necessary to shout/ fight with the other person. Also I don’t know why we Indians fight using English language... I guess, by using English, they want to show other people that they are educated and well-brought-up :-) :-)

Today in the morning, I came back to Pune but I am still missing all those interesting talks and jokes....

Diwali 2012

Diwali is the biggest and brightest of all Indian festivals. I simply love all the rituals associated with this festival, especially illumination of homes with diyas and candles, colorful Rangoli and traditional Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja.

This year I have celebrated Diwali in a different manner in Pune and its credit goes to Anky Bhaiya.

In the evening we went to one orphanage to give some groceries. That orphanage was meant for the AIDS infected children. I always read about this disease in books, newspaper, but first time I saw the people infected by this deadly disease. All children were in the age group of approximately 4-15 only and there was no fear of disease on their faces. 

Some were busy in making Rangoli; some were busy in playing hide and seek game.  I will never forget the beautiful smile on the face of one of the kids when I said Happy Diwali to him.  

We spent some time there and from those children I learned that no matter what happens to us, we should live our life in the best possible manner!!!

I also realized that festivals are not about expensive gifts or the show off. It’s all about being with our loved ones and acknowledging their importance in our life. 

Though I didn’t burst any single cracker, this Diwali was the best Diwali for me.