Day started as usual, after morning errands I switched on the laptop and made my way towards kitchen to brew a cup of coffee. Smelling aroma of fresh brewed coffee sipping it slowly I made my way to my laptop picking up some cookies.
I minimized the updates, offline messages and news feed to open Outlook. Looking at 24 new messages I heaved a sigh only to see one email from Terry, my MBA program director. Yeah, it was first after a long time, I opened the email, it said "Congratulation you have been nominated for the MBA"
Masters secured!
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Norwich Calling!
Days flew by, and it was time to pack bags, Norwich was calling back, the cold air filled me in the warm room.
My father rushed in the room with his check list to ensure all was packed. My aunts, uncles, cousins and scores of friends had flocked at our place since evening to see me off. Our large size family house which generally seemed too big for our nuclear family was packed. I came out and joined the flock, and laughter filled the air.
The time ticked again and watchman loaded my bags in car with drivers help. I came out with my parents and sister and bade byes to my extended family, friends and neighbors.
My father rushed in the room with his check list to ensure all was packed. My aunts, uncles, cousins and scores of friends had flocked at our place since evening to see me off. Our large size family house which generally seemed too big for our nuclear family was packed. I came out and joined the flock, and laughter filled the air.
The time ticked again and watchman loaded my bags in car with drivers help. I came out with my parents and sister and bade byes to my extended family, friends and neighbors.
Thursday, 1 January 2009
New Year with folks!
Back to India, reunited with my family I was glad as following the tradition set years back this new year also I would be with my folks...
As the clock ticked we got together crouching on sofas in the living room, which was turned to dinning room for the occasion with the center table full of roast chicken, liver fry, green salads, mint chutney and my favorite Biryani. It was past a week since my arrival but even after days of chatting and catching up there was still so much to talk.
It was my mother tonight, she was filling me with her stories, as I saw her standing by the kitchen platform cooking and a small boy of 10 stooping by her side on the platform keen to listen to his mom's stories, the boy grew up in front of my eyes as his mother got old and he was now not only standing and stooping to listen but also talking and helping her as she got slow, and then I saw the boy disappeared as she stood there alone, my eyes prickled, the boy was back!
I heard my father laugh out loud and I looked intently as he started to fill me with his part of stories, his hair showed streaks of gray, and he looked tired. This time I saw a kid almost 6 years old filled with joy as after days of persuasion his dad was finally taking him to his office.
I saw the awe he was filled with when he saw the massive building, huge guards, grand war canons and the biggest Indian flag he had ever seen, he was amazed at the grandeur of the place his father worked. The office was filled with loads of people, his father got busy as his peon took the boy around the big building showing him big offices and bigger rooms finally to the very big canteen where he ate chocolates. As the day of treat ended I saw father buying the boy a red fire brigade toy from the shop on the way back home, his souvenir of the day. The boy was filled with admiration for the father who was tall as the building he worked. Days passed again and boy grew now, a bit taller than his father and filled with the mammoth of admiration. Finally, I saw them at the airport as his father bade him bye. I gulped down the last sip of fanta, the boy was back!
As my glass was empty, my younger sister came forward with the bottle to refill my glass. I now looked at her as she stepped back, I remembered the nights when we slept in our room, how she kept on talking till late night, telling me all the stories of the day, till I told her to be quiet and sleep. I saw the time flying back and I saw a five year boy peeping at his new born sister, as she waved her tiny hand and even tinier fingers at him, now I was smiling!
As I was lost in my thought, my sister announced that it was last minute of 2008 and as the new year came I wished my parents and sister a Happy new year!
Happy new year to you all too!
As the clock ticked we got together crouching on sofas in the living room, which was turned to dinning room for the occasion with the center table full of roast chicken, liver fry, green salads, mint chutney and my favorite Biryani. It was past a week since my arrival but even after days of chatting and catching up there was still so much to talk.
It was my mother tonight, she was filling me with her stories, as I saw her standing by the kitchen platform cooking and a small boy of 10 stooping by her side on the platform keen to listen to his mom's stories, the boy grew up in front of my eyes as his mother got old and he was now not only standing and stooping to listen but also talking and helping her as she got slow, and then I saw the boy disappeared as she stood there alone, my eyes prickled, the boy was back!
I heard my father laugh out loud and I looked intently as he started to fill me with his part of stories, his hair showed streaks of gray, and he looked tired. This time I saw a kid almost 6 years old filled with joy as after days of persuasion his dad was finally taking him to his office.
I saw the awe he was filled with when he saw the massive building, huge guards, grand war canons and the biggest Indian flag he had ever seen, he was amazed at the grandeur of the place his father worked. The office was filled with loads of people, his father got busy as his peon took the boy around the big building showing him big offices and bigger rooms finally to the very big canteen where he ate chocolates. As the day of treat ended I saw father buying the boy a red fire brigade toy from the shop on the way back home, his souvenir of the day. The boy was filled with admiration for the father who was tall as the building he worked. Days passed again and boy grew now, a bit taller than his father and filled with the mammoth of admiration. Finally, I saw them at the airport as his father bade him bye. I gulped down the last sip of fanta, the boy was back!
As my glass was empty, my younger sister came forward with the bottle to refill my glass. I now looked at her as she stepped back, I remembered the nights when we slept in our room, how she kept on talking till late night, telling me all the stories of the day, till I told her to be quiet and sleep. I saw the time flying back and I saw a five year boy peeping at his new born sister, as she waved her tiny hand and even tinier fingers at him, now I was smiling!
As I was lost in my thought, my sister announced that it was last minute of 2008 and as the new year came I wished my parents and sister a Happy new year!
Happy new year to you all too!
Friday, 26 December 2008
Back 2 India!
1.40 am I drag my huge suitcase to reach Chancellor's Drive, its dark, quiet and cold, Michelle's with me!
As I reach the stop Sheetal appears from the fog, "All Set" She asks and I smirk. Whole year I was filled with this burning desire to be back to my homeland, united with my family but today when I am on my way I feel warm with 5 degree celsius... Its strange!
I inquire of my other two pals Salil and Nikki who were supposed to be back from London to see us off. They must be on the way, but sadly won't be here to say 'byes' before I leave. 'Byes' it won't be easy the city, university, people, and this cold all had crept under my skin over the year they were a part of me now. It felt like I was going back to home away from another home, weird!
Bus no. 727 arrived, my heart jumped I was going back, hey!
The driver helped me and Michelle with our bags as we bade bye to Sheetal; Salil and Nikki weren't around I wished her Merry Christmas in advance, squeezed her hand and stepped in the bus. Joy and sorrow filled me at the same time as I thought of my friends at Norwich and my folks in India, from corner of eye I saw two familiar images running out of fog towards the bus, smile crossed my face...
I stepped down as I saw Salil and Nikki they'd made to see us off, we had loud cheering and Merry Christmases exchanged and stream of byes loud enough for the bus driver to shoo us!
Filled with joy we embarked on 727 to heathrow, Back to India!
As I reach the stop Sheetal appears from the fog, "All Set" She asks and I smirk. Whole year I was filled with this burning desire to be back to my homeland, united with my family but today when I am on my way I feel warm with 5 degree celsius... Its strange!
I inquire of my other two pals Salil and Nikki who were supposed to be back from London to see us off. They must be on the way, but sadly won't be here to say 'byes' before I leave. 'Byes' it won't be easy the city, university, people, and this cold all had crept under my skin over the year they were a part of me now. It felt like I was going back to home away from another home, weird!
Bus no. 727 arrived, my heart jumped I was going back, hey!
The driver helped me and Michelle with our bags as we bade bye to Sheetal; Salil and Nikki weren't around I wished her Merry Christmas in advance, squeezed her hand and stepped in the bus. Joy and sorrow filled me at the same time as I thought of my friends at Norwich and my folks in India, from corner of eye I saw two familiar images running out of fog towards the bus, smile crossed my face...
I stepped down as I saw Salil and Nikki they'd made to see us off, we had loud cheering and Merry Christmases exchanged and stream of byes loud enough for the bus driver to shoo us!
Filled with joy we embarked on 727 to heathrow, Back to India!
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Bus Route 727
Everytime I see Bus Route 727 standing near the chancellors drive,I can see myself emerging out of this bus green jumper, black trousers, two overloaded suitcases and the confused looks!
Haha, feels like yesterday, but whenever I see this bus I feel a bond with it, feels like this is the bus that transported me here and will take me back feels like it's a thread that binds me with my roots back in India...
Times flew by and its almost time to go back. I've booked my tickets and the ties with the bus are getting thicker....
Haha, feels like yesterday, but whenever I see this bus I feel a bond with it, feels like this is the bus that transported me here and will take me back feels like it's a thread that binds me with my roots back in India...
Times flew by and its almost time to go back. I've booked my tickets and the ties with the bus are getting thicker....
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Winter Calling!
Clock are ready to roll back one hour as winters knocking on the door and summers all packed up to say a good bye! Slowly the chill has started to settle in!
It's been almost an year now in this city away from warmth of Mumbai.
It's been almost an year now in this city away from warmth of Mumbai.
Monday, 14 July 2008
6 Months, 13 days, 16 hours, 30 minutes....
It's 6 months, 13 days, 16 hours. 30 minutes and 40 seconds that I have been in this city, life's changed!
Equations have changed relations tested, developed and so have evolved. If I look back I see loads of changes in me I see a more patient, composed and responsible facade of me.
Day starts with cell phone ringing, sometimes alarm, sometimes call from friends and family. I tear away the duvet covering me in its warmth and the day begins. I walk through the day meeting loads of faces whom I know better now and call friends sometimes.
Dusk comes and the thought that all this will end sooner and I'll be back in my own world sooner seeps in, brings smile on face heart lifts up, but all this will come to an end and friends will be far makes heart sink a bit again!
Equations have changed relations tested, developed and so have evolved. If I look back I see loads of changes in me I see a more patient, composed and responsible facade of me.
Day starts with cell phone ringing, sometimes alarm, sometimes call from friends and family. I tear away the duvet covering me in its warmth and the day begins. I walk through the day meeting loads of faces whom I know better now and call friends sometimes.
Dusk comes and the thought that all this will end sooner and I'll be back in my own world sooner seeps in, brings smile on face heart lifts up, but all this will come to an end and friends will be far makes heart sink a bit again!
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Sweet Little Angel, returns!
Springs on its way and the evenings are getting warmer, so I set out to stroll yesterday with a good friend of mine. Sun had touched horizon and and the sky was gold with darkness set to take over. I felt walking down paradise. Sun went down and I was back on my way to accommodation as chill started to set in. I was walking down the sports park admiring the Olympic size swimming pool on campus as a beautiful, small, fragile, girl in black walked by me hooded in black. I turned around looking at the familiar face, it was Elisa, the Sweet Little Angel!
I gazed open mouthed, and told my friend that she was Elisa, (trust me by now her story with me is known to most of my friends here) and as she came near, I said "Are you Elisa?" she nodded and I said "Do you remember me?" and her lips parted and widened for a full smile and she said "Yes, but my name's Elsa and not Elisa" and I bit my tongue "Oops! E L S A Elsa and not Elisa, oh so sorry!" and words kept on going to and fro with me and my friend discussing with her about studies, campus, course and finally accommodation.
We talked for good fifteen minutes and I promised to introduce her to my friends on a course she was willing to go for, as our meeting was about to end, she asked for my number and I readily took out my cell, as she dint carry her cell phone to sportspark, I saved her number on my phone. We exchanged byes and walked off through the car parking area promising to call her sooner!
I think I will go on my knees and seek blessings from almighty thanking him, once again!
I gazed open mouthed, and told my friend that she was Elisa, (trust me by now her story with me is known to most of my friends here) and as she came near, I said "Are you Elisa?" she nodded and I said "Do you remember me?" and her lips parted and widened for a full smile and she said "Yes, but my name's Elsa and not Elisa" and I bit my tongue "Oops! E L S A Elsa and not Elisa, oh so sorry!" and words kept on going to and fro with me and my friend discussing with her about studies, campus, course and finally accommodation.
We talked for good fifteen minutes and I promised to introduce her to my friends on a course she was willing to go for, as our meeting was about to end, she asked for my number and I readily took out my cell, as she dint carry her cell phone to sportspark, I saved her number on my phone. We exchanged byes and walked off through the car parking area promising to call her sooner!
I think I will go on my knees and seek blessings from almighty thanking him, once again!
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Culture Shock
After a week in new homeland, I made friends, brand new ones, but as always close to heart....
It was Indian Society Social, I was introduced as person from India, Mumbai; Everyone gave a very warm welcome anxious to strike conversation. Every second person I met asked "So are you in cultural shock?"
I raised the toast and shaked booty till midnight with all, while having a go at Indian food, not cooked by me (I prefer food cooked by me). When I was returning home "Cultural Shock" creeped in my mind, and I was filled with thought, what was this fuss all about, free culture-smoking, drinking, sex, lifestyle?
Is lifestyle so different back my home, I see even school children smoking openly, bars are on steep rise and government even thought about free sale of wine with soft drink, on any fine day atleast thousand couples will be snuggled ever closely on Bandstand, and live in relation is on ever rise!
And I was asked of cultural Shock!
It was Indian Society Social, I was introduced as person from India, Mumbai; Everyone gave a very warm welcome anxious to strike conversation. Every second person I met asked "So are you in cultural shock?"
I raised the toast and shaked booty till midnight with all, while having a go at Indian food, not cooked by me (I prefer food cooked by me). When I was returning home "Cultural Shock" creeped in my mind, and I was filled with thought, what was this fuss all about, free culture-smoking, drinking, sex, lifestyle?
Is lifestyle so different back my home, I see even school children smoking openly, bars are on steep rise and government even thought about free sale of wine with soft drink, on any fine day atleast thousand couples will be snuggled ever closely on Bandstand, and live in relation is on ever rise!
And I was asked of cultural Shock!
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Sweet Little Angel
"Whenever you are in true need God sends his angels to help you out" I was brought up reminding this, but time and tide had blurred this, until that day I happened to meet my angel!
Alone, clueless, I was stranded on bus stop after union express left me in the maze of UEA, I managed to pull my two huge trolley bags, carrying a huge shoulder backpack, but was clueless about where to reach. This continued for some time , till a sweet little girl passed me she turned back twice deciding something and finally reached back to me "Are you new here?" "Yes" I replied promptly taking my gaze up from bags. "Can I help?" "Yes, Can you tell me where to report?" and the ball rolled she told me that she dint knew anything but she can help me carry one of my huge bag unless I reached desired place.
I was more than grateful for having someone to guide me, I said no need to carry bags but just guide me to right place, but she insisted and carried my bags!
It took us good 2 hours to reach my desired place searching it on campus, she stayed by me, guiding me and carrying my bag, I was more than grateful to have a helping friend on unknown campus in unknown country. I couldn't thank her enough before she left me.
Its been almost month but I had no chance to see her again, my angel came down, helped me and went away without clue, just her name "Elisa", Thanks dear you will always stay in my memory as my sweet little angel God sent to me!
Alone, clueless, I was stranded on bus stop after union express left me in the maze of UEA, I managed to pull my two huge trolley bags, carrying a huge shoulder backpack, but was clueless about where to reach. This continued for some time , till a sweet little girl passed me she turned back twice deciding something and finally reached back to me "Are you new here?" "Yes" I replied promptly taking my gaze up from bags. "Can I help?" "Yes, Can you tell me where to report?" and the ball rolled she told me that she dint knew anything but she can help me carry one of my huge bag unless I reached desired place.
I was more than grateful for having someone to guide me, I said no need to carry bags but just guide me to right place, but she insisted and carried my bags!
It took us good 2 hours to reach my desired place searching it on campus, she stayed by me, guiding me and carrying my bag, I was more than grateful to have a helping friend on unknown campus in unknown country. I couldn't thank her enough before she left me.
Its been almost month but I had no chance to see her again, my angel came down, helped me and went away without clue, just her name "Elisa", Thanks dear you will always stay in my memory as my sweet little angel God sent to me!
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