Sleep Baby Sleep

There is no better sight in world than seeing your child in a sound sleep. Every mother and father would bid their head in agreement that sleeping child is the most gorgeous face one can ever witness. Also, if the child is sleeping properly, it is also an indication of his or her good health.
There is a popular saying - "Sleep like a child". Those who can sleep properly, give a number of diseases big goodbye automatically.

I have two kids in my house. Elder one is three years old and younger one is just over a month old. Both of them have different sleeping patterns. While thankfully the younger one is sleeping most of the time, I really have hard time getting the elder one to sleep. Both the kids have different sleep requirements. The suggested hours of sleep for kids from birth to 1 year and above are given at the article - shhhh they are asleep.

Sound sleep is important for the babies as it is said that the brain keeps on learning while in sleep as well. The fact that babies learn while sleeping has also been scientifically proven. Details of benefits of those beautiful closed eyes are listed at - Why is sleep vital to your baby's development
 if that is not enough, try watching a baby while he sleeps. The best of smiles come to their faces during this period. My kids, both of them, even laugh their wits out while dreaming! Yeah, I have pictures and luckily even the videos of elder one while smiling and laughing in their sleep. Believe me, they are the best of all.

For the infants, many parents have hard time getting their kid to sleep specially after the bath. I am not an expert, but have a little advise for the rest hours after the bath. Try and notice the pattern of their play time. My mother in law never forced my kids to take a bath early morning. She patiently waited for them to get a bit tired after good play and then gave them nice warm bath. The kids go to sleep a bit easily then. I still remember once a neighbour commented her that the babies in our family sleep after bath, but their kids never slept after the bath. The answer of my mother in law was same - "You bath your kids right in the morning when they have just woken to finish your household chores. We let the chores spreading around till its time for them to sleep."

The articles linked are picked from the section - Child and You on reward me website.

I am participating in the ‘Ready For Rewards’ activity for Rewardme in association with BlogAdda.”

What Women Want

It is said that it's impossible to understand a woman. 

What makes women happy?

How to keep  a women contempt?

Why do women overreact?

When would women grow up?

These are some million dollar questions that have remained unanswered for centuries. 'To treat a woman equally or specially' can actually be the most difficult and entertaining topic of a debate ever.

I think that the confusion presists because of various practices followed with or by women. Not only evil practices, but also customary pursuits such as daily worshiping of gods at home, watering the sun and taking care of children are all done by women in the family. However, exceptions are always there, but I have not seen men doing such chores in everyday life.

Some of my friends complain that what's the fuss around this elated International Women Day. I have only one answer to them - "International Men Day also exists; onus in on oneself to celebrate it.”

About social issues, women need to be treated equally as there are many practices whose virtue make women feel insecure and insulted. When the husband dies, lest the jewellery and normal wear, the soulmate is supposed to sit and sleep on floor for some days. No such sadistic practicies is expected from the other soulmate when wife dies. If a woman is unable to manage her home and family at the same time, family and friends advise her to quit her job and it is considered absolutely normal. However, if it comes to men labeled as incapable, he has to face humiliation from society, family and friends per se! 

Image source

Special treatments feel blissful. Opening the door, pulling the chair, giving a hand to step up or down  - all these are of no use to display respect when the same woman is treated as a secondary choice for jobs and the man are abusive at his own house. Expensive gifts from someone special are worthless without his or her precious time. 

Following are some lines which might help answer the question - "What women want?".

She gets excited

All by a tiny flower

She feels honoured

All by a little pamper

She goes happy

All by some time

She flies on clouds

All by a quick hug

She hits the high

All by a modest achievement

She feels blessed

To have a parent

To have a sibling

To have a lover

To have a child.

She - The Woman

Want just some space

Space in family

Space in society

Space in HEART. 

I’m blogging for the India Today Woman Summit 2015 #WomenPower activity at BlogAdda.

Tale 0' 12 by Biranchi N Acharya

The Author:

Biranchi Narayan Acharya published his first book 'Encounter with wisdom' in December 2014. He writes in various platforms including newspapers and blogs. He can be reached at infobnacjarya@gmail.com

The Blurb:

Every life event is a story. In fact every moment of our life is part of a story being happened. We always ignore those because we think stories have no connection to real life happenings. But when we read stories or fictions suddenly we connect ourselves to the story-line or some of the characters emotionally or otherwise. That's why stories always fascinate us, entertain us & give us some lessons of life. 'Tale O' 12' is a collection of twelve stories inspired from real life events written in a fictional narrative. One would definitely connect to the characters of the stories someway or other because all the stories have something that's related to everyone's life.

The Cover Page:

The cover page is not bad. It very clearly gives the message that the book has twelve stories. It could have been better if some other background related to stories had been used instead of the clock. Yet, as I said it’s OK, I might pick it up from the book shelf and read the blurb to find out more.

What I Felt About the Book

Short stories are always a gem to read and many times, they do leave a lasting impression on the reader's mind and heart. When I read the blurb, I was excited to read the stories which were inspired from real life. No doubt real life is much more dramatic and adventurous than we can ever imagine or read about.

All twelve stories actually looked very much from day to day life events and thus justified the summary.

What I liked about the book:

1. Language – The simplicity of words and language makes it easy for the reader to connect with the stories.
2. Ability to connect - All the twelve stories narrated by the author Biranchi N Acharya are very ordinary and any ordinary person would definitely relate to some or the other.
3. Choice of morals – Each story very clearly shouts some moral to the readers. The lessons thus sent across are very much needed and appreciated in present era.

What I did not like about the book:

1. Too much wisdom – Personally, I read books for pleasure. This is the reason I prefer fiction. Knowledge and wisdom if gathered along with the entertainment is like icing on the cake. So, the long and detailed insights about various topics did lead me to a bit of boredom.
2. Spelling mistakes – I can recall two instances of a misspelled word (“clean ‘saved’ face”) in two different stories. This can always be because of the auto-correct feature in all editors, but then editor and proof readers must have come to the rescue.

Out of twelve stories, I have following two as my favourites:

‘Why Lesson For Lessons?’ – Absolutely simple story which can me a remake of one of the classic moral stories titled ‘The Greedy Woodcutter”.

“Fear and Danger” – A decent read which leaves the reader to decide the lesson learnt upon himself. I did felt like reading a short story in newspaper though.

‘The Story of Snehalata’ and ‘An Accident I Never Forget’ both had a bit of emotional quotient silently giving a slap on cruel and selfish mindset of society.

The stories might interest readers who like reading about politics. The readers looking for some inspiration on various topics like politics, religion, society etc. would definitely like it. Insightful debates over different subjects would also be interesting for their target audience.

Even after few favourites, but I am disappointed with the book. Some stories had so much scope but just ended up being predictable. I so hate to write this, I did not even finished reading some of the stories. May be, they did not fit into my cup of tea.

The Book can be brought from following links:

Amazon Paperback Edition                  Amazon Kindle Edition                 Flipkart Paperback

This review is a part of the biggest "Book Review Program" "Indian Bloggers". Participate now to get free books!

Dear Life

Dear Zindagi,

I am Amita - your carrier. Yes, I am the person who breathes you and live you.

You must be wondering why I am writing to you when I follow you each and every tiny moment. Well, I must confess that a blog contest prompted me to do so (:P).

Ok, like everyone else, I love you babes. I know there are many who claim that they do not love you. Believe me, they all lie. Some of them even do not realize that they are bluffing. So, don’t mind them.

Through this letter, I officially thank you for everything I have.

You choose me to be the eldest and thus most pampered baby of the family.

You made sure I had the best set of brothers and sisters.

You choose amazing friends for me.

You taught me different hardships of yourself.

You brought smile to me.

You tickled me hard to laugh and cry at the same time.

You exhausted me to cry.

You gifted a piece you yourself to me – my kid.

You did everything you could to make me Live.

I am sure you have many more surprises to be unfold before me. But I can only than you for the chapters you have made me turn. This might sound funny that I am thanking you for all like I had any choice other than accepting your moments.

There have been times and a lot of them when I absolutely hated you. Be it the smallest scolding from mummy/papa, minor & regular health issues, failure in exams, heartbreaks or the moments which changed yourself – I literally abused you numerous times. I got bored of you sometimes. I wanted a change in you every now and then. Still, I love you more than anything else.

I love you because all that I have is because of you. I want you because there are people who love me, want me and most important, need me. Now when I am talking to you, I have an important message for you.

Laugh Always

Nothing beats a smile or a laugh. A genuine smile is always returned with a smile – be it sarcastic or actual. However hard the time may be – one smile is all that’s needed to nail it. So, always keep laughing.

Ignore Dislikes

There have been and would always be people and their feelings with and towards you. Some would like you while many others would try to mould you as per their convenience. Never ever pay a heed to them. Do only what make you smile and eventually lead to a good laugh.

Fear Nothing

You are a little fragile soul. You are frightened at tiny thoughts of loss. Remember that the fear of loss is the greatest strength of all. Never ever let it go away to upset you.

Enlighten yourself

Every time you feel that I am taking you away from laugh, thumbs ups and strength, feel free to hit me hard and get yourself back to the light. Sun or the candle, all sources of light have to burn themselves to shine above others. Those who illuminate with external sources, only glow temporarily.

Your Soul,

Amita,

Note; I am writing a letter to life for the #DearZindagi activity at BlogAdda. Thank you team for the thoughfull opportunity.

Happy Anniversary Promises

Asking my man to make promises! Which better day than the WOMEN's day and most important, our WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. Yeah, it's our anniversary today. Here goes the open letter to my husband about the Kasams I want to take for me.

Happy Anniversary dear…
I wish that we stay as loving as always and even more and more close tom each other with each passing moment. Love you to the moon and back Mr. Sehrawat!


Remember the first anniversary, when I gifted a poem to you? Here is what I have to say to you today (It’s not that good as last time – your brother in law edited that and he is one hell of an editor)!

Dear Husband,

We met with families,
We talked with anxieties,
We laughed with surprises,
We married with rituals,
With all the passion, We fell in love.

The rituals that were,
Some promises which bore,
Most we kept,
and broke many more.
We laughed, we cried,
We fought, we sought,
We gave up, we made up,
We did it all, but together.

Today, the same day which tied us,
I want you to promise me again,
Not the traditional,
Not the emotional,
But little things,
I PROMISE,
To make you Smile...

Promise me, you would never believe in the famous quote – “Promises are meant to be broken!” You know what; all quotes and proverbs are not true. There are some which are meant to be forgotten. 

Promise me you would let me get that tattoo done - the most difficult one.. It’s one of my crazy dreams everyone have.  I know you absolutely hate them. May be that’s why it’s on top of my list. 

Promise me you would take me to scuba diving once at-least. I do not know to swim, but still, I have to do it. I absolutely love the mere thought of going under the sea among those beautiful creatures.

Promise me you would continue letting me shop nonstop anytime anywhere.  Yes, he has never ever stopped me from buying anything any time. This is one thing, all women wish for secretly!

Promise me you would pamper me like your new girlfriend always - especially when we grow old - those old couples look super cute and awesome holding hands and romancing freely.

Promise me you would stay as loving and as sexy as always.

With Love,
Amita...

Husband dear is not going to like it, but how can any girl not love love Ranveer Singh. Watch him below as he take some sexy vows for his lady...


I’m blogging about the kasams I want from my man this Women’s Day with the #SadaSexy activity at BlogAdda

Sibling Love

Siblings - the only two or more enemies who can be your best friends ever.

I still remember the fierce fights I used to have with my brother. The horrible fights among my cousins also now seem fun. Today, I myself have two sons. When I conceived my second baby, everyone kept telling me that the elder one (2.5 years then) would become very possessive and would throw tantrums as he would feel jealous of the attention given to little one. Thankfully, by grace of God, little kiddo is not showing any of the signs many people warned me. In fact, he loves his little brother and boasts that he is his "Big Brother".

We did not work very hard but just kept in my few things in order to do the magic:

PREPARE HIM: Let your child know that the baby is coming well in advance so that it's not a surprise for him. This would also help you keep him cautious about the baby bump. My son was so excited about the baby in my tummy that he even used to play doctor-2 with me and pretend-cure the baby in mummy's tummy.

TELL HIM HE IS GOING TO BE BIG: All babies want to become big boys and girls. Teach him that he would become big brother as the baby come. Ask them that the little baby would be very small and he would need to help mummy in keeping him safe. It would also reduce your work a bit as he:she might help you pick those things when you do not want to get up.

ASK HIM TO TALK TO THE BABY IN WOMB: We all know that parents are advised to talk to baby in the womb to make that bond stronger. The same applies to elder sibling. Ask them once in a while to recite that new poem he learnt in school to the baby and tell him that baby liked it very much as it moved inside. My son used to ask me very frequently if the baby is moving and used to kiss my bump every now and then. He also used to assure the baby that he would be there to take care of him.

DO LET HIM KNOW THAT HE IS YOUR BEST BABY: Let your kid know that he is till your best baby and you live him the most. Kids always want to be the most loveable person on planet. I have been hugging my son and telling him that I love him. After the birth of his younger brother, I tell him that he is my most gorgeous baby and I love him most. Surprisingly, he then replies that the little baby is also my best baby and love him also. He looks so cute when he says that mummy now you have two boys.

PAY HIM A LITTLE EXTRA ATTENTION: While you are busy taking care of little one, do not let the elder one feel neglected. Actually, he now needs a bit extra attention. I now play more with him whenever I get time. He should know that nothing has changed with the arrival of another baby in house. Let him know time to time that he would have a friend to play with once the baby grows a bit big, all kids love friends.

While the above tips might not work all the time, some tweaks here and there would definitely make new parents life easier. With time, those innocent souls would become best of friends - remember, best friends are the ones with whom we quarrel the worst!

More articles on the subject can be found at link - Child and You

I am participating in the ‘Ready For Rewards’ activity for Rewardme in association with BlogAdda.

Book Review: Ramayana: the Game of Life - Book 2 (Shattered Dreams)

Review of first book: Ramayana - The Game of Life: Rise of the Sun Prince - Book 1

About the Author: A spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker, holds a degree in engineering and law with specialization in Patent Law. Read more about him at - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7705105.Shubha_Vilas

Book Review ★★★★1/2

The Blurb:

Shattered Dreams is the sequel to the national bestseller, Rise of the Sun Prince, in the new spiritual and motivational series Ramayana - The Game of Life. Twelve joyful years have passed in Ayodhya since the wedding of Rama and Sita at the end of Book 1.

Now, in Shattered Dreams, Shubha Vilas narrates the riveting drama of Rama’s exile. Through tales of Rama’s unwavering and enigmatic persona, the book teaches us how to handle reversals positively; through Bharata’s actions, it teaches us to handle temptation; and through Sita’s courage, to explore beyond our comfort zone. This complicated family drama provides deep insights on how human relationships work and how they fail.

With Valmiki’s Ramayana as its guiding light, Shattered Dreams deftly entwines poetic beauty from the Kamba Ramayana and Ramacharitramanas, as well as folk philosophy from the Loka Pramana tales, to demonstrate how the ancient epic holds immediate relevance to modern life. Experience the ancient saga of the Ramayana like never before.

About The Cover:

I must give a high five to the designer of cover. I loved the cover of first book and second one is no exception. The cover is very much detailed and I was bound to go back and have a look at it whenever I found a reference to it in the story.

What I Felt About The Book:

Second in its series, Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 2 (Shattered Dreams) definitely lives up to its expectations. The author continues his trademark of narrating the story all from an angle we would never imagine it. All stories I have ever read of Ramayana have been centered on Lord Rama, Sita and Laxmana. But then there is this spiritual soul who made me realize it’s much more than that. All other characters - Dasaratha, Kausalya, Sumitra, Kaikeyi, Bharatha, Shatrugna, Urmila, Manthara, Sumanthra, Guha, Anasuya, Vasistha and others have their own share of importance and have something or the other to learn from.

As I have already mentioned in my review of first book, irrespective of if one has read Ramayana earlier or not, the book has a lot to get from. There are new insights and turn of events we generally fail to notice.

What I Liked About The Book:

1. Concentration on unseen events: There are several events described in the book which never came across my mind when reading or watching Ramayana before.

2. The Foot Notes: Those pearls of wisdom cannot be missed at any cost. These small notes also help he current generation reader to connect with the events and story.

What I Did Not Liked About The Book:

There was anything hard to find that I did not like. But, for the readers who are not into mythology reading (like me!), the teaching and preaching might go over the top. That’s a personal choice. Thankfully, the author has done a great job in not presenting the book in religious manner at all. That was because the stress is more on characters, their nature and actions.

It’s a must read for people who love mythology. The series might also serve as one of the best gift for mythology lovers.

Title: Shattered Dreams (Ramayana: the Game of Life, Book 2)

Author: Shubha Vilas

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Language: English

ISBN-10: 8184955316

ISBN-13: 978-8184955316

This review is a part of the biggest <a href="http://blog.blogadda.com/2011/05/04/indian-bloggers-book-reviews" target="_blank"> Book Review Program </a> for <a href="http://www.blogadda.com" target="_blank">Indian Bloggers.</a> Participate now to get free books!

World Remade Which I Am Proud Of

When I read the words "Creator of world", my mind immediately went to the image of Lord Shiva. It might look too mythological, but I still remember that episode from some television serial when Lord Shiva created this world. He was portrayed as half man - the Shiv and half woman - the Durga. He not only created this universe, but also the two other mighty gods - Bhrama and Vishnu. All those spiritual studies and everything must have been really required at that time.

Now, if I were the creator of this world, I would obviously have the mindset of current generation.

There is one thing that I would want to continue as they are currently supposed to

THE CYCLE OF NATURE

There are living beings of all kinds and I would not ever want to change their way of living. Some eat others, but then it's nature and very much required. I have read at many places - "Nothing goes waste or without a reason in nature.".

The seasons are there for a purpose and all have they own charm. The plants and trees, well they come under living beings only.

I really had to think hard when it comes to changes. After banging my head for hours, I choose only two points:

NO GENDER BIAS

I must confess that I had the so called Women Empowerment in mind for this point. I am sure if there was no gender bias; no one- woman/man would have been ever used as an object.  People would not be looked down on choosing their sexuality. There would not be any woman's or man's job.

NO RELIGION

People are killed in the name of god - the creator. Being the creator myself, I would not allow anyone to misuse my name/identity. I would make sure that no one is hurt emotionally or physically in my name. Evaporating religion form the existence itself would help me do so - or that's what I think!

I can go on and on with a big list. Then, I remember - "There would not be a smile if there were no tears". Thus my world would not be all happiness. Failures and setbacks at are definitely as important as success. I would surely leave some room for improvement.

If a new world with no gender biasing and no religion would be created, I would definitely pat my back and shout at top of my voice - "Here is the world remade. This is my world and I am proud of it".

I am participating in the #TheWorldRemade activity at BlogAdda in association with India Today #Conclave15

Perfect Valentine Destination

Snow white moon

Shining it's half

Resembling a necklace

Almost invaluable.

Thousand diamonds

twinkle around

Dotted canvas

Embrace me warm

Cotton soft hands

Hug me tight

My eyes close

As you kiss my cheek

Another cheek

Kiss my forehead

And the nose

I lift you in my arms

The necklace is now your smile

The diamonds are now your eyes

Your love is PERFECT

Your arms my DESTINATION

Happy VALENTINE day

My little prince charming

With Love

Mom

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Sound Of Love

Disclaimer: This is a writing of fiction. I wanted to write a cute puppy love and this is what I came up with. Read on and listen to the sound of love.

It was valentine's day and as usual the school teachers were extra strict on students. Obviously they did not want any romantic stories building around. Love was and is still considered a taboo during school days.
Kids, specially the senior section had their secret gifts and cards hidden perfectly in their school bags. The only things students were interested that day were stories and gossips of proposals, rejections and confessions.
I being one of the shy and studious - above average girl was favorites among the obedient students who never created any complaint. The final exams of 11th grade were around the corner and it was submission time for lab files. Mine file was all ready and I gave it to out chemistry teacher who kept that on her desk to sign later. Suddenly, some kid entered into the classroom and announced that I was called upon in chemistry lab. I was sent straight and thinking that there must be some corrections required. As I entered the lab, I saw the mam all red in face. The moment she saw me, she shouted at top of her voice - "What is this?". I replied that it was the practicals file. "This...", she showed a valentines day card with red roses and some cheesy lines written in proposal and was signed with love by the guy named Saransh in our class. I immediately burst into tears and said that I had no idea about it. I tried to convince that I did not even talk to that boy except a formal hello in the morning. Saransh followed me to the lab and was as clueless. He did his best to explain that it was a prank by some mischievous students. But obviously, we were not listened upon and had to listen scoldings of teachers starting from the chemistry teacher to principal. Luckily, the principal showed some mercy and the mater was not reported to our parents. Both of us hated each other and never spoke again till our school lasted.


***

I took admission into college and was enjoying it throughly. That was when a new boy was admitted into our section as the lateral entry to second year. My jaw dropped on seeing him. "God! He is damn good looking.", I recited within myself. He saw me and came straight to my desk - "hey! Same college! Hope we would be friends now".
"Saransh!", I said and my inner voice shouted, 'You are not only good looking but have a sexy aroma'. We shook hands and were given corner eyes by many others. This happens to all boys and girls who hit upon well on the very first meeting. Over the time, some maturity had gone into our heads and we laughed upon out hatred story towards each other. We were immediately declared a couple by the students. From the shy obedient students, we had transformed into open and chit-chat youngsters. May be because of bad experience, both of us hated valentines day. Although both of us had really strong feelings towards each other, but we never expressed for the feeling of loosing the friendship.
In the farewell party day of college, the mischievous organizers had a competition of proposing your love in the stage and we being known as open couple (at-least in crowd) were requested to give a demo presentation to the students. Saransh did not tell me his plans by saying that the surprise would bring real expressions from me. On the party, I was being handed over a balloon and a flower in every  minutes. I knew what it was, but still blushed because of all the 'aww', 'so cute' sounds from all around. Finally just before the start of competition, The dance floor was covered with curtains an everyone was wondering what's up. As the curtains opened, every other girl had tears in her eyes. The floor was all decked up beautifully with love quotes and our pictures - solo/duet/group. I did not had an option to say no since that was supposed to be a demo. So,
There we were officially in love at college. We confessed gradually and decided to inform our parents. We were sure that since it was no interacts, out parents would agree.
Again, we were wrong. Both families went fuming at the mere thought of love marriage. Being good children, we parted our ways.


**

I was working in an MNC and at the peak of marriageable age for girls. My parents looked for a perfect match and fixed our meeting. My puppy love was fresh in my memories, but had made up my mind to move on.
That morning, the family came to our house - to see the girl! I was trapped. The prospective mother in law gave a nod of approval and I was sent to our lobby in the back of house to have a talk with the boy. He was seated with his back facing the entrance on traditional slide we had in the centre. My slippers made some voice as I stepped and he looked behind to acknowledge.
"Saransh!", my eyed popped out in surprise. "How in world did you manage this?", I asked trying to keep my voice low.
"Amita! God, I should have looked at the picture. I came to say no!", he had tears in his eyes.
Our families had choose us! Love and destiny is truly unpredictable. We somehow managed to hide our excitement. There we were, engaged officially by families. The family pandit, gave the date of wedding we hated most - 14th feb.
Whatever it was, it was definitely some concrete plan of the supreme power to bring us together. It gave us hints right from that fateful valentine's day in college. All we had to do was believe.
***
Ten years after our first valentine day - The day we hated to celebrate is memorised as the grand fat north Indian big fat wedding we had.  We are now happily married and most looks upon couple among families. Only two to three very close relatives know our big secret.
The sound of love made its way Ito our lives. The more we muted it, louder it echoed.

I am participating in the #SoundOfLove activity atBlogAdda in association with Bluestone

Also linking to Wings Of Change Prompt - Love is in the air

And Thus I Blushed In Love

This expression of love is not that crazy, but left me pink and red in my cheeks in front of my parents….

This story goes back to almost exactly five years. I was about to get engaged to a guy whom I barely knew, Well, that's how arranged marriages are supposed to function. My fiancée was trying his best to get me mingle in and open up. He wanted us to be at-least good friends before marriage. I on the other hand was a bit reluctant owing to my so called non-talkative nature (only initially!).

One fine day, my to-be husband called me and offered me to drop home. This was how most of our dates went by - he picked me up from office, we spent some good time in the malls, restaurant etc and then he would drop me home. As I sat in the car, I was surprised to find one more girl sitting at the back seat. She introduced herself as his friend in need. She had to visit the nearby mall and buy a watch for her sister's birthday. We agreed to help her out. Both of us tried almost each and every watch present in Lifestyle and finally choose two. Now, the task was to select between best. I gave my verdict that if I had to buy, which out of the two I would buy. With this, we bid goodbye to his friend and left for home. While we were driving back, I saw a packet on the back seat and asked if he had brought anything. He said that nothing, it was just some packet which was lying below and he placed it over. We chatted all way and he dropped me home safely.

After some days, I was going to visit the holy mountain - 'Vaishno Devi' to offer some prayer my mother had offered for my job. She wanted it to be completed before I get married. So, there we were - me and my brother chanting "Jai Mata Di" just two days before my first official Valentine's Day. We had planned to return on 14th Feb, but missed our flight owing to my strained leg which refused to move even at reasonable pace while coming down. There I was - Visiting mata vaishno devi with my brother on my first valentine's day. Anyways, we returned back on 15th Feb and I was handed over a bouquet of red roses and a gift from my parents. My fiancée had sent it for me. I asked if he came home to give it, to which they replied that he sent his friend.

I glanced at the roses - they were dark red and smelled miraculous. Then as I opened the gift, I immediately called my fiancée. He received the call and even before he could say "hello", i exclaimed - "Ye to wahi watch hai!" (This is the same watch). Yes, that watch was bought for me only with my own choice. It was packed in a cute heart shaped pink box which still stays safe in my cup-board. He then asked me if I liked the roses. To which I replied - Very much. He asked me to count them and try to guess the reason behind number. I counted them and they were 31 in number. Never in my dreams had I thought for the reason he gave me - "Darling, we had our first date exactly 31 days before. There is a rose for each day". I was totally into it and smiled big. That's when I noticed that I was blushing and trying to hug myself.

Alas! I do not have any picture of those roses. The watch, I wear that almost every other day and have got many complements from people. Every time someone complements that watch, I blush within with the sweet memory.

We are now about to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary and I have a simple plan – check it out Fifth Anniversary Plans.

I am participating in the #SoundOfLove activity atBlogAdda in association with Bluestone

Dream Vs Nightmare

This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 51; the fifty-first edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. In association with Red Ink Publishers and "Curse Of The Red Soil" by Durgesh Shastri. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton.

"humpty dumpty sat on the wall"
She repeated after her - "Huty dety sat a wall".
Sneha burst in laughter as her angel jumped behind her. They were headed to home after daily visit to nearest play park.
"All the king horses..."
Sneha did not get any answer. Sneha looked behind to call Nikki. Her eyes widened. Nikki was no-where to be seen.
"NIKKI", she shouted at the top of we voice. She looked all around. There was no tree, no pot, no wall till almost 500 meters. She had no idea where to look. Her heart sank. She ran in all directions.
Sneha has brought her love into the world all alone. She had no choice. After those heartless drunkards left her bleeding and lifeless. She took the decision against all odds. There was no mistake of the new life in that. If god wanted to have her the motherhood this way, she accepted it. 'Love makes you complete', she had heard. Nikki's love made her life complete. She was the reason for her to smile in all odds.
"NIKKI, baby where are you?", She trembled in terror. Her face was wet with tears. "NIKKi, please call mumma...".
She suddenly sat breathless and looked at her side. Nikki was sleeping with her hand held tightly into her. Sneha kissed her forehead and held her with care. Why do people call them dreams. They are nightmares. No other word can replace them. She wiped off the sweat from her forehead and her eyes closed by themselves in a while.
Within minutes, she was again seeing something - this time, it was a dream. She whispered  - "You are my life and love Nikki. My first and last love.".

The fellow Blog-a-Tonics who took part in this Blog-a-Ton and links to their respective posts can be checked here. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton. Participation Count: 02

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Curse From Heart

His life had been cursed

His friends have left

His paths have closed

His luck has turned

His eyes refuse to sleep

His health has declined

His wealth has vanished

He wonders why

So harsh is life

Little did he know

Because I prayed

Because I Said So

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

A Letter To Myself

Hey Amita,

Do you call yourself an artist?

You do not! I know you have thousand inhibitions about the term. You have several answers to this-.

I am not a dancer. I am not a painter. I am not an actor. I am not a writer (at-least not published yet!).

 Your list of "I am not" is quite big. But, dear Amita, it's time you realize what all you are and what all you are capable of. If only creative stuff count as an artist for you, remember your drawings which got placed on notice boards in school, your sculptures which sir liked most in the class and your drawings/portraits which you had hidden from your father (for he would be angry to waste so much time). That's not enough? Revisit your poems you have written. Have a look at the small bookshelf you have made for yourself.

It does not matter how the art is. Remember there is no bad art; there are only good and better arts. Do keep in mind that

Every artist was first an amateur. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am sure your head is rising in confidence up now. I know that smile  you adore on your lips.

In addition to above,

Do not forget that-

You are a daughter,

And you are a niece, a granddaughter,

And you are a wife,

And you are a daughter in law,

And you are a sister in law,

And you are a mother,

And you are a software Professional,

And you are a blogger,

And you are a reader.

Thus my darling,

You are an artist too!

To be an artist is to believe in life. ~Henry Moore

Recite above lines daily in the mirror and mark to not add any 'OR' in your life; just keeping adding 'AND'. Believe in yourself.

 ~With Love

Your Inner Voice

“This post is a part of #UseYourAnd activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette Venus“.
Also linking to #MondayMusings @ Write Tribe