Surprise!

This is a fiction that cropped up as I saw this berry mousse picture in my pile of photos.


Comforting herself on a couch in the drawing room Kritika picked the remote control lying on the glass tepoy by her side.She changed the regional channel that was constantly running the past hour while she was busy with the preparations for supper. There was a reality game show about to start in few minutes.It was one of the many shows she never gave a miss.

Kritika worked as an HR executive in one of the most reputed industry in the city. She had moved into the new apartment with her husband Vaibhav the previous day. The locality was pretty new for the couple. They had been married for 6 months now. Adjusting to a new life , new lifestyle and now a new locality with new neighbours, new faces was on their cards. One thing that still kept them smiling was that their work place was just about ten minute drive on the outskirts of the city from their new home.

That evening Kritika picked some exotic fruits from the market on her way back home. She knew Vaibhav loved berries in any form you feed him with.It was their 6 month anniversary of their wedding and she was all happy and enthusiastic to celebrate the day with a beautiful berry delight surprise.

It was a recepie that was on her mind from quite sometime. She had started the preparations for this special day, a week before. She took her leave about an hour early from her work that day. Paid a visit to the Local market. Shopped all that was needed from the list prepared.Made sure Vaibhav was totally unaware of what was being planned. He was to return home by 8pm -the usual time unless he is caught in some dead traffic jam.

Kritika had started to know better of him and his traits over these days of living together. Their's was an arranged marriage. Kritika's distant aunt whom she had not seen all her life , one fine day, out of nowhere landed in her dad's house. Aunt Meenakshi Khanna had a son who had finished his masters in Computer Science and grabbed a top notch position in a multi national company. Mennakshi had come home for a reason. She had seen Kritika's profile on Manju Aunty's facebook at one of their kitty parties. Meenakshi brought along a proposal for marriage of Kritika with her only son Vaibhav. And that is how this marriage happened. Of course yeah, they had met like any other couple , shared their views, likes and dislikes. It started off with a few ocassional messages which turned to a couple of calls a day and that changed to long hours of talking in the night which culminated in a happy wedding.

After taking the blessings of family and friends they travelled to the city with a hub of Electronic companies where Vaibhav worked as a Senior Associate.Soon Kritika found a job for herself and they were happy happy and happy.

As she lay on the couch watching her favourite program she heard footsteps approaching the door.The clock showed 10 past 8. She was jumping with joy and was eagerly waiting to surprise her dear husband. She ran to the door and before Vaibhav laid his fingers on the switch to ring the bell, there she was dressed in a cozy white silk shirt which had a line of shiny white buttons with a matching sliky night pyjama , opened the door to welcome her darling home.Kritika stood by the door, she sported a beautiful smile, her soft hands held his tight. As she walked him in laid a small peck on his cheek before she whispered "I love you" in his ear. He
pulled her tight into his arms, moved his fingers through her scented strands of hair and eventually locked his lips onto hers.

She softly said " Darling, I have a surprise for you."

Vaibhav was startled , he persuaded her to tell what it was?

"Guess, what I've cooked for dinner?"

"Something special?"

"Don't be smart. I need an answer for a question , not another question dear.."

"Well... mmmm Let me guess. Its smelling of spice and flavours. I can also feel the heat of the chilli, and the sweetness of the ghee, the crackling sound of papad......"

"Vaibhav, It is not a restaurant menu I have asked for. Ok be that aside, Do you know what is special today?"

"Today is November 16th, It is not your birthday, neither mine. It's not my mom's birthday neither your parent's. Did you get a promotion? Well are you pregnant ?"
He pulls her onto the couch , unbuttons one button of her soft and silky shirt.

He moved his hands slowly creeping in.

"Shut up ! ha ha ha .. If you dont leave me now , I'd need to get another dinner ready to celebrate my pregnancy. Dear its our wedding 6 month anniversary. can you believe it ?"

"Time flies. I really did not know about it. I would bought a present for you if only you had reminded me of it before.Never mind. Am hungry now"

"Ok lets have dinner baby, freshen up and I'll make the table."

The music channel turned on as the clock struck 9 -
"Nothings gonna change my love for you.
You ought to know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
.....


....
....
Hold me now Touch me now
I don't want to live without you"


As she brought over the dishes to the table Kritika was humming the tune and a few lyrics here and there. Vaibhav came close to her ,joined in chorus "I don't want to live without you"..

He opened the lid of each dish and was very happy to see a dessert - Very Berry Mousse. Hugging his darling wife he said " Thanks baby. I am so blessed to ..."

She interrupted" Vaaaaibhaav, Comon.. lets start eating. Am hungry. Aren't you?"

"Am hungry too. Am hungry of you lady charm"

"You'd never change. Okay very berry delight on you plate".

The dinner was yummy. Kritika was a good cook , no doubt, but today she was excellent in her culinary skills. There was extra love that went into the cooking you see :)

She finished washing the dishes. Vaibhav helped her clean the table. It was a tiring day for the duo. They head to the bed room when she heard the door bell ring.

It was pretty late. 10:30 pm.

"Who could it be at this hour?" She questioned as she opened the door.

There was a parcel in her name. It was a small packet nicely decorated. She signed the courier and walked in with the parcel. The packet did not contain the sender's name. She opened the red glittery packet to see a gold chain with a locket that had Initials V K carved in style. She saw Vaibhav. His smile said it all. He remembered the day. It was exactly a year ago that his mom had asked him to check Kritika's profile on facebook. He had fallen in love the first time he had seen her in that simple photo. And yes it was the 6 month wedding anniversary too.

There was romance in the air. He picked her up, walked to the room and laid her gently on the bed.
He unbuttons her silky shirt, her breathing gets heavy and fast, the lights turned down.


Disclaimer: All characters in this post are fictitious. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely conincidental.

ಯುಗಾದಿ!

Wishing you all a very happy Ugadi/Gudi Padva[Lunisolar New year].

ಚೈತ್ರ ಮಾಸದ ಮೊಟ್ಟ ಮೊದಲ ದಿನ ಚೈತ್ರ ಪಾಡ್ಯಮಿ ಬಂದಿದೆ
ಹೊಸ ಚಿಗುರು,ಹೊಸ ಚೈತನ್ಯ ಹೊಸತನ ಎಲ್ಲೆಡೆ ತುಂಬಿದೆ !

ಮನೆ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ ಸಡಗರ, ಹಸಿರು ತೋರಣದಲಂಕಾರ,ರಂಗು ರಂಗಿನ ರಂಗವಲ್ಲಿಯ ಮೆರಗು,ಅಭ್ಯಂಜನ ಸ್ನಾನ, ಬೇವು ಬೆಲ್ಲ ಸೇವನೆ,ಹೊಸ ವರ್ಷದ ಪಂಚಾ೦ಗ ಶ್ರವಣ - ಇವುಗಳೇ ಈ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅಂಶಗಳು.

ಮುಂಬರುವ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಖ ದು:ಖಗಳನ್ನು ಸಮನಾಗಿ ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆನ್ನುವುದೇ - ಬೇವು ಬೆಲ್ಲ ಮಿಶ್ರಣವನ್ನು ಹಂಚಿ ಸವಿಯುವ ಸಂಪ್ರದಾಯದ ಸಂಕೇತ.

ತರಹ ತರಹದ ಒಬ್ಬಟ್ಟು, ರುಚಿ ರುಚಿಯಾದ ಅಡಿಗೆ - ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಯುಗಾದಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ವಿಶೇಷ ಭಕ್ಷ್ಯ ಬೇಳೆ ಒಬ್ಬಟ್ಟು ಸವಿಯುವುದೇ ಒಂದು ಗಮ್ಮತ್ತು.

ಮಾವು ಚಿಗುರಿದೆ,ಕೋಗಿಲೆ ಕೂಗಿದೆ - ಯುಗಾದಿ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ ತುಂಬಿದೆ.


ಖರ ಸಂವತ್ಸರ ಕಳೆದು "ನಂದನ" ಸಂವತ್ಸರಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಲಿಡುತ್ತಿರುವ
ನಿಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಯುಗಾದಿ ಹಬ್ಬದ ಹಾರ್ಧಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು .

"ಈ ಜೀವನ ಬೇವು ಬೆಲ್ಲ
ಬಲ್ಲತಗೆ ನೋವೆ ಇಲ್ಲ "

Photo Fiction 1: Struggle

[A fiction inspired by a photo]

Muniyamma was leading a normal life with her husband KaaLappa and had delivered 4 wonderful kids by age of twenty four. They were a happy family though KaaLappa's daily wages met day-day meals and other basic ameneties.He moved from his village to the nearby town after he got a supervisor job in a Garments company.

All dreams of a better life and great future were shattered with the news of Muniyamma's husband, KaaLappa's demise. It was a fire accident caused by a short circuit in the garment factory that took his life. Compensation provided by the company was meager to lead a life with four little kids. Muniyamma lost interest in life and even tried to end it, but unfortunate enough the poison she consumed was adulterated and thus the hospitalization ate up the compensation amount.

Now with four little kids and a sick bed-ridden mother-in-law, Muniyamma had no choice but to face the reality and move on in her life. They had an acre of the ancestral land which was not ploughed in years. She did not give up. Life challenged her and she challenged life. The battle continued.


Photo copyright rests with [© Unveil the Other Side]

Routine was set from many years now for Muniyamma. She was the breadwinner of her family. She had been struggling all her life to the welfare of her children. Mother-in-law died in the course of time battling with a kidney malfunction disease.


Komala, the eldest daughter was not good at studies. Dropped out of school in class 9th and started helping Muniyamma in household chores. She was now ready to be married and Muniyamma has already started the hunt for a prospective groom.

Krithika was sharp in arts and was now pursuing her graduation in fine arts and music.

Youngest of the lot - Mohan and Madan - were twins who were now in class 7th. The naughty kids the village school had ever seen. And of course they had the best scores on intelligence scale.

Muniyamma will struggle till the end. She is determined to fight her life to bring the best for her kids.

This story is purely fictional. But aren't such scenarios common in India? The picture I captured a while ago made me post this fiction. [Reality of course names is all imaginative, if any resemblance it’s purely co-incidental].

On a personal note, I hope and pray that such families completely struggling to face day-day life see some ray of light as soon as possible. If you ever come across any such family if not monetary donation/support please do not hesitate on providing moral support. Here Muniyamma was lucky enough to escape death but same would not be the case in real. It does not only cost one life, it costs the lives of the rest who depend on them and need them more.

Colorful Women's Day!

"Woman is the one who knows the "Ways Of Marketing, Advertising and Networking love ;)"

Came across this wonderful meaning for a "Woman" while I was searching something unique about being a women. It is apt and sounds absolutely true. Ain't it beautifully worded?

Today at office, in a small all-ladies-get-together, I was asked to talk on "why I feel special being a woman?" Interesting question but was not prepared for it. You know, I am very bad at giving lectures and on top of it - this was an impromptu speech. :/ I blabbered whatever was on top of my head at the moment. Later when I returned back to my seat, the question was still lingering in my brain, from the hardest corner of my cerebrum came a reply though and I thought I'd share it with you all.

"Woman is tough, she is capable of achieving what she dreams, excel in all walks of life, confront the challenges along the way. She is stronger than the hardest diamond unerathed so far, she is so soft and so gentle that the finest silk woven by mankind stands way below on the scale. Humble and talented , promising and a go- getter are her unique qualities. The same "She" is once a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother. I cherish being a woman not for the fact that I get all attention but I beleive in two things - I can, I will. No matter what I'd try and try till I succeed."

Colors and festivity in the air makes the day even more special this year. Have a colorful holi and all you wonderful ladies - wishing a very happy women's day!

March 2012 - Calendar shot!

March marks the start of dry months. Hot weather , sweaty feel. Oh god the summer is here.

* March is the third month of the year and has the honor of the name of Roman God of war - MARS.

* One of the most associated flower with the month of March is the Wild Dafodill[Narcissus].

* Julius Caeser was murdered on March 15th , 44 BC.

* March 31st 1889 - Eiffel Tower was officially opened.

* 11 march 2011 Northern Japan 9.0 Earthquake anniversary.[Lets pray for all those who lost lives and their belongings.]

* Ugadi , the festival marking the new year in south usually falls in the month of March and this year its gonna be 23rd of the month.[Some festivities round the corner. Sure to add on a few calories.:)]


Here's a click for the calendar of the month to follow.


Schoolhouse in the nature~ Fiction

 In a quaint rural village nestled amidst the lush greenery of Karnataka, there stood a small schoolhouse where Teacher Radha imparted knowl...