A Perfect Day !

Crawford Place, Newbury    27 Feb 2010     8:40 PM     Saturday  

I get up and start my day in the best possible way, speaking to the best possible person, with the best possible wishes,  on the best possible occasion. It's my mum's birthday. Little sister is with her doing the best what she can do to make her feel happy and light-hearted and feels proud in flaunting her own birthday presents that she got a few days back from her beloved brother on her 25th birthday. And the mother is mightily pleased. And delighted. Such a moment is just a sheer bliss ! An ecstasy, which I just can only conceive being here... 

The day progresses and the british weather continues to wobble conforming to its reputation. One moment sunny, the next one rainy and then again sunny. Mr. Nayar and I decide to go down to the kitchen to make some "pakoras" for ourselves and for our dear friends. Shalar and his wife, Swaliha join us in this feast and put up their own contributions. Shitiz, as always only messes around and does nothing ! I go out next door to Mitesh's house to borrow the tea sieve and coriander leaves needed for pakoras to complement the missing delight in our Saturday afternoon's exuberance.

The fun wasn't over. We switched on our television to see "Meet the Parents", a nice comedy flick, which seemed to have entertained Mr. Nayar much more than anyone else. He's no different than Mr. Sidhu who can laugh at virtually anything, and you eventually start laughing not necessarily over the stated joke, but over the boisterous and wild laughter erupting out of their throats... Just kidding! So, the day has been pretty fantastic - nice food, light movie and a great fellowship !

If you ask me the best moment of today, that connects to one of my best mates - Varun. He got officially engaged today, to a very sweet, pretty and lovely girl - Shaveta. I've known him for years now, and can literally read his mind, his thoughts and his emotions. I still remember the day when he first broke this news to me and i was just absolutely thrilled. It's such a great feeling which you struggle to communicate either in words or in expressions, and which you struggle even to contain either in your heart or in your mind. You just love the way it is !

Varun and I have talked about this subject and our aspirations so many times in the past - in school, in college, after college, sometimes online, many a times in person.  We have been in different situations over these past few years and all i can say to him now is - Bro, I am proud of you... and literally dying to meet you ! You've got all my best wishes and love and i really hope you have a great time ahead !

Between, A very Happy Holi to all of you ! Let's see what colors this Holi brings into our lives...

Ta
Gaurav Gupta

I wish i was there...

Crawford Place, Newbury      11 Feb 2010      6:30 PM       Thursday

I sit in my living room, legs sprawled across the center table, Pringles and Pepsi within my arms' reach, Mac on my lap, soothing music touching my ears... having all the time in the world, with no more bumpy hassles, just relishing the joy of this beautiful evening ! Oh boy, I missed this, missed it big time !!!

Last three weeks have been pretty exciting. And exhilarating. 

A lot has happened in between. New home, new life style and a billion new complications... No broadband, no internet, no electronic communication. No furniture, no bed and no sleep ! Service launch at work under massive pressure, iPad introduction by Steve Jobs, endless political controversies in India, cousin's marriage, blah blah blah and Apple MacBook Pro. No, i din't buy one, but eventually i got one ! 

It's a beautiful thin machine which fits perfectly on your lap, doesn't weigh much and its sensational graphical experience just blows you away !!! I've had my luck working on Apple machines in the past as well - way back in 2004, when they used to run on Motorola PowerPC processors, and i still remember they'd always looked stunning, perfectly sparkling with their elegance and style !

Coming back to new home. With new home come new neighbours. And eventually, new rules for new society. But rules were broken and a severe reprimand was received in turn. This is it. This is what i don't like here. You just can't do what you are used to do. What you have been doing all your life. Listening to high music, dancing in home, loud chats and deafening laughter :) ! Ok i agree you've got to avoid that, but can't they just be a bit more tolerant, or they have to admonish their neighbours for the mistakes the very first day and that too in a very impudent way ! 

A lot is going to happen as well in the coming weeks which i shall discuss as and when it comes. February has always been very special and kind to me. It has got quite a lot of my personal attachment. And emotional connection. I reckon it is one of the most beautiful months of the year. Not only because the weather remains fantastic throughout, but also because I get a chance to celebrate lots of anniversaries in my family - marriage, birthdays. 

Every time I think about this month and the corresponding events, I experience a great sense of nostalgia. And deep gratitude for Almighty who has given me such a wonderful family. So lovely parents and an adorable sweet sister. And here I am living alone miles away from them only to realise that there is nothing more worth than being with them in person in these special moments. Your physical presence is just so much required. And desired. You've got to live these moments with them to make them feel even more special. To express your thanks and gratitude for their eternal love which has always been taken for granted. To make them smile. And to see that lovely smile on their faces which will spark an immediate stream of tears in your eyes. And then their eyes. To go near and hug her to say "I love you Mom...". 

Sometimes, I wonder what is more important in life - career or happiness !