Too much of me is made from what I have learned from you

From the times I squealed to the time I left on my own path,

From the times I whined to the time when I pine for you,

From the falls of failures to the peak of success,

You have been my inspiration.

From the gallows of fear to the crest of confidence,

You held my hand throughout.

Today when I look back,

I realise, that you were the epitome of my journey.

As unfair as it can get, nature played its ploy,

You are not here.

But, too much of me is made from what I have learned from you.

And I’ll owe you this all my life.

Dedicated to someone who spread love selflessly and was a great source of support for life.

An update : Life in Chennai

I am loving my new life.

The college part, the hostel, the friends, the late night talks, the microwave maggi and the whole idea of being a journalist. This new phase is exciting and extremely challenging. But, yes I'm loving it.

The course is well structured and very detailed. More about it later.

First about the city, it's a perfect blend of traditional and modern culture. You'll find a short skirt and spaghetti top wearing girl in the same street as a lady wearing a fully covered traditional 9 yard Saree. I like that. Otherwise, Chennai is relatively adverse to immigrating crowd. It doesn't accept you easily. On strictly comparative terms, Mumbai as a city accepts you instantly and I have heard this from 7 out 10 people, apart from experiencing it. I agree Mumbai and Chennai are two different cultures altogether, but in Chennai you'll have to blend in and then you'll start loving it, while Bombay is more spontaneous. I am still blending into Chennai. Hopefully I'll accept Chennai and Vise-e-versa.

About the hostel, its my first time. So, the feeling is nice. I love my room and my roomies are amazing. We have gelled in so well that the room is home. And I look forward to coming back. The other hostelites are fun too, some are giving me culture shocks though. But, yes as told by a friend , ACJ is a melting pot of cultures.

About the course, its strenuous but fun. My first two weeks went in learning about TV tools and techniques. I know how to use a camera and report from a place. After the first week we were given an assignment of going around the city to get news and report about it. Later we had to put all the news together and present a news show. So, a group of 17, was divided into three per group. So, my all girls group first went to Anna arivalayam ( DMK headquarters ) to report about a press meet that was to be held regarding the presidential polls. 


It was a life time experience. I was the only girl holding a camera in my hand and running through the crowd just to catch a glimpse of Karunanidhi and gain marks. The whole set of ministers who were siting in the hall found it amusing that a girl was holding a camera and shooting them. I loved it though. The next news was the launch of new jersey for the Indian cricket team. And yes, I saw the cricketers. The jersey was horrendous, it was neon green in colour. Still, for a first timer the experience of shooting a big politico and players of a cricket team is freaking awesome. The pre production work was tiring and the final shoot was good.


Apart from that, a truck load of happiness crashed into my door. And it felt amazing. Details coming soon. 


Otherwise, I have learnt to take things in my stride and move on.


Hoping for some more amazing experiences. 
   

Khuda Hafiz Hyderabad. Vanakkam Chennai.

Finally, its time to bid good bye.

I always had a very negative attitude towards change when I was young. I remember when my Dad came home from work in mid 1999 and made a big announcement of being promoted and transferred to Hyderabad. I was all of 8 years old and did not give much thought about the transfer part. I was only excited about the travelling. So, when days to move came closer I did not react much to people saying emotional words. I was only too happy to receive the gifts. ( Ignorant and materialistic, nah, I was only 9 and loved gifts and dinner parties.) The day when we finally bid adieu to Mumbai, I was numb and didn't want to leave.

After the travel in 2 tier A/c compartment for the first time, we landed in Hyderabad. I hated it at first sight. It was too messy and people were rude ( I come to conclusions a little too quickly ). We were then escorted to our new house, and boy! I fell in love with it. It was BIG. I had a room of my own. I didn't need anything else. Then the first day at school and I realised Hyderabad is not that bad after all. I was showered with praises and awards the first year itself. Slowly, Hyderabad became home and Mumbai a summer-vacation-at- grand mom's-home spot.

Now, another change after 12 years. This time I'm going alone. Leaving home is difficult, but moving is inevitable.

 I'm going to miss a lot of things.


My room and its cozy bed, the smell of freshly cooked food and nagging by amma, the everyday scoldings and making up by appa, the typical Hyderabadi Hindi , the fight with autowallahs almost daily, the long drives at tank bund, the greenery of the colony, the mirchi bajji, the pani puri, the irani chai and some amazingly awesome friends.


Yes, I'm going to miss this like hell. But all good things come to an end. 


Its time to say Khuda hafiz Hyderabad. And Vannakam Chennai. :)