Road Trip 2!!

Still riding high on the enthusiasm of the first one, as soon as we joined in the third term at IIMA, we were ready to go ahead with Road Trip No. 2! So one Friday in early Jan this year, it was decided: We would go to Nalsarovar, a nearby Lake and Bird Sanctuary. And so, on Saturday evening we all fixed our respective riders and pillions, and 4 bikes and 8 people got ready to start off early on Sunday morning, before day break, to reach the destination in time, to see the birds wake up at sunrise. So we all slept early, or atleast tried to, excited at the day ahead.

At 3 am, Vikas came over to wake me up. I quickly got ready and by 3:30 we were ready to leave when BV gave us a call to let us know that the trip is delayed by 45 mins and we would leave by 4:15 am. Faced with 45 minutes of no plans, we knew we could not sleep: Vikas would feel very sleepy while riding. So we sat up, watching some arbit movies etc. Finally at 4:15 am we went to the maingate, to be faced by the first difficulty of the day (yes there are more to follow): Apparently some egg-head was driving very fast and crashed his car into our friend Manac's bike. Thankfully Manac was alone, however the bike was very badly crushed, and Manac's foot was hurt badly. After some quick first-aid, we arranged for another bike (Poor KG, we woke him up at 4:30 am on a Sunday morning!) and decided to leave. Manac insisted he would also come, and tried riding for a while, but the pain gave way and he had to return to the campus. The rest of us: Pepsy and BV, Mishti and Chandru, Sid and Vishnu, Vikas and I continued; one after the other, headlights shining, riding on a coooool winter night.

Although none of us had ever been there before, nor anyone had perfect idea where it was, we could do with whatever little instructions we had, and thankfully did not get lost because the road was pretty straight. (Unlike Lothal!!) Finally at about 6:30 in the morning we approached Nalsarovar, parked the bikes, sought permission to enter (one needs to pay money to get in) and settled down for the boatmen to come. It was a cold but beautiful morning, and we sat there, sipping hot tea, and watching 100's of men carrying curiously loooooong sticks. Later we found out that these were the sticks used to row the boat and navigate, by the boatmen!

Suddenly, as if from nowhere, a 100 boats appeared: all colourful, with names like Haseena et al; and so did a throng of people: Localites, people from across Gujarat, and ofcourse, some foreigners to complete the fanfare! (Seriously, do people have nothing better to do on a cold Sunday morning than to come to Nalsarovar, something important like sleeping? Only we poor sleep-deprived students know what a luxury it is... Enjoy it while you can, kya pata kal sona ho na ho!!) All around us people started to negotiate fares in Gujarati, while we stood there clueless about where to begin. Finally a sweetlooking couple standing near us gave us information about fair fares and helped us get a good deal. Finally after much haggling, all 8 of us got into one boat, and started sailing with 2 boatmen.

Dawn was breaking, birds were waking, and it was a sight to see. Though we could not go to the banks of Saurashtra where the Flamingos are, we still got to see Seagulls, Herons, Egrets etc. These boatmen knew the species of all kinds of birds, their eating habits, hibernation etc. It was an awesome sight, and we enjoyed every moment of it.

Apparently these boatmen also fished in the lake: the waters were very dirty, but very shallow and had some fish. So there were a lot of nets embedded on the lake bed. In fact we saw one net and enquired about the kind of fish, and got lucky (or unlucky) to see that a fish was caught in the boat. A fisherman came with a boatful of dead, stinking fish, and proudly showed us his haul, while we all sat there cringing our noses and feeling sorry for the fish! Its quite a horrid sight I tell you, seeing a dead fish, with eyes wide open... Yuck!

Anyhow soon after that we approached what looked like a lost island from Lalooland! I mean it: there was dirt and huts, with lotsa flies around everywhere. Open food kept here and there, little naked children running along, buffalos tied outside each hut/shop... We asked the boatmen, who answered that this was an island famous for desi food, as well as bird feed. While we were very hungry, none of us dared to eat food from this place, and instead settled for 10 rupees worth of bird feed. With that we took a turn and sailed back towards the shore. Halfway there, we saw a flock of seagulls nearby, and at that opportune Moment, the boatman threw the feed in the water, and it was sight to be seen: Millions of seagulls appeared from nowhere... And dove into the water to get a bit of the feed. It was marvellous, one of the most enchanting sights I have ever seen!

After the feed finished and the birds departed, we started to approach the shores: we saw horses running along the shores. Apparently this was another tourist attraction, rather a commercial venture: people bought a ride along the shore, galloping away on horses, early in the morning. It was quite popular, judging by the crowd there. Finally we touched base, and disembarked, paid the money, and dragged our feet towards our bikes. But before we left, we bought conches (shankh kinda thing) which some little children were selling for Re 1 apiece! Such beautifully coloured, soft and clean conches.

With heavy hearts, and hungry tummies, we then left Nalsarovar, having captured whatever magic we could in our cameras. On the way back, Vikas and I got lost, but we finally reached Sankalp restaurant, dying to have some South Indian food. Unfortunately it was closed. So we proceeded to Mysore Masala, and had a lazy, sleepy, tired breakfast; and rushed back to IIMA to crash in and sleep off; only to wake up late in the evening, that too only cuz it was a Monday and we had to study something!!

All said and done, tho we spent hardly 2 hours there, it was a beautiful place, and a great Bike trip!

FIDOE... No more alcohol and drugs for you!

It all started with an acute pain in my stomach. I felt nauseatic, lost my appetite (yes I really did!) and felt sick very often. A coupla days later, I threw up in the middle of the night. Our batch's Docs came over to have a look and gimme some medicines. However, the next day I was sick again. But I dreaded going to the Institute doc.
Ask me why? Every time you go to him, irrespective of what problem you have, he will first play the game of 20 questions with you, and then irrespective of what answers you gave, he will give you 3 different coloured nameless tablets. I could not bring myself to trust him, so after a number of colourless tablets and references to other doctors and lotsa tests, I went to the best hospital in Ahmedabad: SAL hospital.

I met up with the doctor, explained my situation, and he diagnosed enlarged spleen and accordingly prescribed some medicines. After consuming them for 2 days and not feeling any better, I returned, to find that he was not there. So another doctor had a look and diagnosed that its actually viral infection and gave me a different set of medicines. I took them for another 2 days, but, as you might have guessed, I was sick as ever. I was missing classes in the beginning of the term, and when one day I had an unbearable pain, I knew it : something had to be done, and done quick. So I went for the third time. This time I insisted on a good Gastro doctor, not just anyone available. So I met Dr. Tripathi: a smart, goodlooking middle-aged doctor. I felt better already! :)

I told him about the situation and after prolonged discussion he said " We have to look into what is wrong with you Aditi, and so I recommend that you stay with us here for a couple of days. Nothing major, just a few tests and you will be free to go in 2-3 days."

And so it began. My stay at SAL. I changed into the hospital clothes and shifted to my room: a double room which I shared with a lady who had just undergone Hysterectomy. She was a sad sight, and her husband was a quiet, morose man. I was there at 12 noon, and was beginning to feel hungry. But they kept me hungry cuz they wanted to take some tests. Finally at 4 I got a sandwich to eat. And at 7 I got my dinner: 1 lil cup of dal, chawal, sabzi, 2 tiniest rotis, exact 2 pieces of cucumber. And that was all I had.

But my worst moment ever was the time when they inserted the Drip . Now why one earth did they have to put one in the first place, I dunno. I am able, on regular diet, and don't need one. "Doctor's Instructions" is all what the nurses said, while they prepared to insert the drip. I was sweating buckets all this while. All my life I have been dead scared of needles. I hate the very thought of any needle piercing my skin, so much that if I am made to get an injection, I cry my eyes out... I mean it! And here they were... inserting a huge needle in my arms... I lost all senses and started to cry and beg for mercy. But these nurses I tell you: they have no compassion: they just laughed at me and caught hold of me and put that darned thing in my arm!!

After a lot of hullabaloo, things quietened down. Many of my friends came to visit me. Just when things were looking ok, the needle in my drip moved, and instead of the glucose going in, blood from my veins started coming out in the tube!! I screeched and screamed, and Paro, who was with me, lost her senses too! Both of panicked and only when the nurse came and fixed it, did we settle down. We could see how much of a nuisance this was for the lady and her husband, so I changed my room in the middle of the night.

The next day I was to go for X Ray and ultrasound. I got up and was ready to walk out when they insisted I sit on the wheelchair. Wheelchair? I told them it was stupid, cuz I am able to walk and all. But they did not listen: they made me sit on it while they wheeled me thru the corridor, into the lift, down to the clinic. And all this while, I, with my coloured hair, painted nails, flower wali chappals, sat on the wheelchair, grinning away while people around me stared.

And so the story continued. Every day they would start streaming in at 6 in the morning, gimme injections, medicines, food.... and people from my college would keep coming and going. The best part of the stay was that I was perfectly healthy, and could move around, not much pains... and yes... lotsa CHOCOLATES!!! (Not to forget... no classes/quizzes/studies for 3 days!!) But this also earned me the title of "Fraud Patient"... people came to my room, and were shocked to see me smiling, moving around etc. They actually said " FIDOE, behave like a patient. Lie down with a sad face." But I just could not do that. I would talk, watch Friends on the lappy, read books... chitchat with the nurses (they taught me gujja n I taught them hindi)...

But there was a problem,: Every time someone asked what happened to me, I would not know what to say. Finally after a million tests they said that my liver was malfunctioning. Later they told me that some medicine I was taking, had resulted in this malfunction, and they asked me to discontinue that "DRUG". So whenever I told this to someone, they immediately quipped "FIDOE stop drinking and taking drugs!!" Bahut khinchayi kari. They put my screaming-at-the-sight-of-the-drip incident on Dbab. But all in all, my friends were a great help, and did a lot for me. And I am very thankful to them for that.

that's all... After 3 days I paid up the hospi and came back on Friday, back to the rigor: which started with the WAC report due on Saturday! Tho hospital trips are usually not very nice, I sure did enjoy this one!
;-)))

A Quick Headsup on Whatsup with me...

Hey there everyone!
I know I havent written in a while, even though i promised... but I'm getting there. There will be lots coming up, now that we have an extended weekend!
As for whatsup with me, I am thru with exams (finally), have become a tuchchi (hopefully) and have started my internship at GENPACT, Delhi.
The office is 15 mins away from home, people are nice, my boss likes me, the work is chilled out... and I am enjoying!! The only problem is that I have an afternoon shift: 4 pm to post midnight! But even that is not a problem: after spending one year at IIMA, I am freshest and most productive at night only!
Baaki sab great, some more posts coming up... keep visiting!
Tkae care have a nice summers! CIAO!

Crushed!

Cute looking boy, hair falling on his face, drop dead gorgeous smile, always surrounded by lotsa frenz... yes, such was the guy I had my first crush on... way back in school....

Its an amazing feeling to have a crush on someone! You wanna start you day looking at him, your heart is thrilled when he looks at you, and more so when he smiles! You are totally floored if he comes to talk to you, or gives importance to you by spending lunch time with you instead of his frenz.

You eye him surreptitiously, wondering if he is looking at you. When he answers in class, you look up at him dreamily and proudly. your copies are full of hearts with your and his initials, and so is your desk: full of scratches and scribbles!

When you hear from someone he was talking about you, your happiness knows no bounds. An electric shock runs down your body when he accidentally brushes against you, shakes your hand, or holds it during some sport/event etc. (or winks with a naughty grin).

You are willing to go an extra 100 miles to hang out with, talk to or help him. You consciously keep checkin your appearance in the mirror, hoping your clothes and hair look fine, and you look cute enough!

Listening to his voice is heavenly. You run to receive every call that comes, and wait by the phone impatiently for hours if you are expecting his call. When you hear about rumours of you having a crush on him, you feign surprise or anger, but are secretly thrilled, especially if he doesnt mind! You leave anonymous notes and cards for him, and think all sweet anonymous cards/notes for you are from him. (Who else could it be? ;))

In true bollywood style, you have already started to think you are in love and will marry him. You imagine being Mrs XYZ, name your kids, dream up your future!

Until one fine day you see him walking hand in hand with another girl. At first you dismiss her as another friend. But then you see them kissing at the end of class. That is when your heart breaks with a clatter, and you wake up to reality and get back to your mundane life. Swearing you will never indulge in all this crap again...

But soon enough, this really sweet and cute guy comes along... he is a new guy in school, all lost. And who should he come to for help? You of course! His killer smile and the twinkle in his eyes take your breath away.. and your heart skips a beat... There you go again!!!

These are a few of my favourite things!

these are a few of my favourite things... some sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings... some of them i have experienced, some of them i havent, but would love to. thay are not in any order... i kept writing as and when a thot came to my mind... what are some of your favourite things? do lemme know!

1. winter morning sun
2. sunrise/sunset colours
3. rippling waters of the ocean/calm lake
4. waves splashing on your feet
5. birds flying in a formation over the horizon
6. dewdrops on plants in the morning
7. walking on the wet grass barefeet early morning/late night
8. beautiful colours of flowers / butterflies
9. voice of cuckoos, dancing peacocks
10. birds feeding their lil ones
11. kittens/puppies playing with each other... in fact all baby animals
12. smile of a baby... or a sleeping baby
13. cute lil toddlers wearing cute shoes n dresses, running around, shrieking with laughter!
14. toothless smile of the old
15. the glow on the face of a couple in love, a pregnant woman or a new mother!
16. sunlight streaming in teh room late afternoon/ moonlight late night..
17. the smell of your favourite dish, just when you are damn hungry!
18. finding money unexpectedly in your old jeans pocket
19. running into your old long lost friend and realising that you can still pick up from where you started
20. a sweet smile or compliment from a stranger
21. your guy unconsciouslyholding your hand while you both are crossing a road
22. no queues!!
23. no quizzes at IIMA!!!
24. Saral Da's OM classes
25. a song dedicated to you on tv/radio
26. soeone calling/messaging/mailing just to say they miss ya
27. someone admitting they have a crush on you
28. Sanjeev Kumar... oooh!! [too bad he is dead :( ]
29. mountains covered with flowers!
30. scooping up snow in your hand
31. bathing in the rain, then having hot tea and samosas!
32. the feel of a baby's skin
33. losing weight, however little! ;)
34. earning your first salary, and getting gifts for your loved ones
35. being proposed in public, unexpectedly, with the guy down on his knees, a ring in hand...
36. walkin on the beach at night, barefoot, in teh moonlight
37. sound of the bell announcing the end of day at school/college
38. tasty sams, aloo parathas, mangoes, lichis...
39. kadhi chawal, rajma chawal, chhole bhature... and the likes!
40. my doggie when she licks me on my nose!
41. floating in a pool, on your back, under the sun, with a drink and a book in your hand..
42. squirrel nibbling on nuts
43. a cheetah charging towards his prey... running smoothly and gracefully
44. winning a contest, game, lottery..
45. your best friend's / your own wedding
46. your best friend/you yourself in love! :)
47. sitting on the couch, with your legs propped up on the table, with a pack of popcorns and a glass of chilled pepsi, watching your fav movie!
48. riding a bike, gliding, with teh wind in your face..
49. your best friend's shoulder when u need to cry
50. BLOGGING!! :))