Thursday, June 26, 2008

Chandni Chowk

Helloji, and namaste from NRV Travels [Pvt.] Ltd [Committed to service of traveler always] We are the best travel-bhraman guide service in Delhi, sirji. For non Hindi speaking traveler, we have non Hindi speaking guide [Nik], for culture-crazy traveler, we have singing-dancing-stripping guide [Rad], and for intelligent, sane and normal traveler, we have intelligent, sane and normal guide [Miss V]

Today, sirji, we are in Chandni Chowk, showing rich, diverse traditions of India. First, we are getting off from Chandni Chowk Metro Station. Look left. See the beautiful, golden piece heralding our architectural great? The lovely-feeling inducing arcs? Ah, yes. McDonald's. And now just behind that, you will see the Red Fort, also called Lal Qila. If you get up on time and Doordarshan is your preferred mode of entertainment, then this is the place from where the PM gives his speech on Independence Day every year.

Its great to know that such an awe inspiring monument is part of our cultural heritage. Like you're the co-owner, even if you own only a 1/1,000,000,000th of the place. Gives you this confident stride, and makes you saunter proudly though the security check.

"Arre, madam! Ticket kaha hai?"

Uh oh?

So..uh..uh... yeah! You see, its not a good idea to go without tickets. We only tried so we could report accurately, ji. Hamein toh pata tha.

Once andar, Miss V says to skip the memorabilia shops [in manner of hoity toity serious explorer on frugal budget who cares not for material pleasures] Radhika says, "Achha saamaan hai, par Janpath par yahi sab aadhe daam main milta hai." Nik says she doesn't understand what Radhika said.

Don't take any of those fake tout guides, who'll ask for 200 rupees to tell you a broken history of the place in broken Inglis. Just call us, ji. We are committed to service of traveler. We will show you the Diwan-e-Aam, Lahore Gate, Mussaman Burj and the shallow waterways in the midst of all the imperial apartments, that used to have Yamuna water flowing through them, presumably to soak in your feet after a hard day's work of meeting the aam junta. We also show you the best place to take a Khwaja Mere Khwaja photo too. We are best, no?

Now if your pet [stomach, not dog] says gud-gud, let us go to Parathewali Gali. We take you to no running mill place, we will take you to Pt. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan Parathewala. All celebrities like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Akshay Kumar and the three of us have eaten here. It also won the best parathewale place award at HT's Eating Out Awards 2007. Here, you have to have the Hari Mirch paratha, if only to see if you would survive in Fear Factor. Come with big appetite though. Nik and I had one paratha each. The guy serving us looked shocked and asked if had not liked the food. Ah well. I would have loved to have more parathas, but ji, I have delicate stomach, so..

After this, we take you shopping. Rad will show chamki shops in Kinari Bazaar, where you can get sequins, stones, jewelled patches, and feather boas. Or you can buy pretty chamki sarees for Minakshi ke bhatije ki behen ki shaadi. Saste main kaam bhi ho jayega.

But what if you're an uncle and don't like wearing sarees? Not to worry sirji, we will take you to Dariba Kalan. While bhabhiji buys silver jewelery, why don't you get an IIFA award made for yourself? Sabki seva karte hai hum. We are committed to service of traveler.

Aww, Pappu toh reh gaya. No problem Pappu beta, engineer banana hai na? We'll take you to Nayi Sarak, where you can get all Pradeep, Modern, Primitive, sab. But Pappu is all rounder, no? Books bhi, looks bhi. And if you study all day, ainak toh lagegi hi. Ballimaran chalo! The best goggles and glasses in town, even Pappu's girlfriend [shh!] will approve!

Ab poora parivaar is sukhi parivaar, so let's make Bhagwaan happy too. Sisganj Gurudwara is our last stop for th day. As you eat kada prashad and feel blessed, we will make sure your shoes are kept safe. And when you are chaatoing the last daanas from your palms, we will not even laugh. We will only smile, and drop you at the Metro Station, and as the doors of the Metro close, we will say ta-ta. For we, Sirji, are committed to service of traveler.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Tag do

1. What have you realised recently?
That the best way to zap summer zits is not Garnier Yellow Tube Facewash but simply taking off your specs and looking at the mirror.

2. Have you given your first kiss away?
Tauba, tauba. :P

3. If you were to be stranded on a deserted island, who are the 11 blog buddies you would take?
Three's a crowd. Eleven's a deserted island no more. Mayhem! :D
Er, the question. Yes.
Inflict torture of self's company on them all.

4. Where is the place that you want to go the most?
Betelgeuse.

5. If you can have 1 dream to come true, what would it be?
Fly, oh so high, into the sky, I shall try, kar diya na bheja fry? Sigh.


On second thoughts, 6/6 vision wouldn't hurt.

6. Do you believe in seeing a rainbow after the rain?
I'm half blind :|

7. What are you afraid to lose the most now?
Do ghante baith kar banaya trial balance. :|

8. If you win $1 million, what would you do?
Stash it in a bank, and go backpacking.

9. If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to him/her?
Hmm. I'd be afraid to botch up things, really. :/

10.List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you.
Kya zyaadti hai, har tag par achha likho? Bah, I can't be that good. Not when I'm talking about others. Boohoo.

Here goes.

Dish
: Writes fabulously when she's in her element, can express emotions so well, and is always game for a Gelato outing. :D

Shailja
: Spunk, character, and individuality. You go, girl.

Abhilasha
: Brimming with story ideas, has this striking persona thing going for her, and does what SHE wants.

11. What are the requirements that you wish from your other half?
Sanity?

12. Which type of person do you hate the most?
Hate is a strong word [and I really, really, really...uh.]
Hard to find someone I hate. I can dislike at best. I know, I'm so good. ^_^

13. What is the one thing you cannot live without?
Positive cell phone balance.

14. If you have faults, would you rather the people around you point out to you or would you rather they keep quiet?
Rather they point it out.

15. What do you think is the most important thing in your life?
Moi, who else? :D

16. Are you a shopaholic or not?
*grins guiltily*

17. Find a word to describe the person who tagged you.

Dish : Writesfabulouslywhenshe'sinherelement,canexpressemotionssowell,andisalwaysgameforaGelatoouting. :D

Shailja
: Spunk,character,andindividualityYougo,girl.

Abhilasha : Brimmingwithstoryideas,hasthisstrikingpersonathinggoingforher,anddoeswhatSHEwants.

That'll do, right? :P

18. If you have a chance. Which part of your character you would like to change?
I'd wish to be a harder worker. I'm a lazy ass.

19. Whats the last shocking thing you've seen or heard?
Ooh. Not telling. Classroom gossip. Possibly Breaking News. :D

20. Would you rather have love but no money or money but no love?
Lazy, and greedy too. Both. I demand both! Mwahahaha!
[Deja vu?]

Tagging time :
Aanchal, Aku [Three good things? Omg. Two weeks at least? :P], Anahita, Bharat, Ishmeet, Kika, Kishore, Nidhi [when she returns], Nik [Ha. This is going to be fun.], Shayeri, Shruti and everyone else on the blogroll. I'm just a bachcha. Kill me not. ^_^

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Tag ek

Last movie seen in a theatre:

Khuda Ke Liye. Waaay back in April. Great movie, btw.

Going for Aamir tomorrow, maybe. :D

What book are you reading?:

Airman by Eoin Colfer.

Favourite board game:

Scrabble, Monopoly, TWISTER!

Favourite magazine:

Griha Shobha. Fantastic fashion spreads, oh yeah. And gorgeous, drool worthy mehendi tattoos. Mmm.

Favourite smells:

Freshly baked cake. Rajnigandha. Nyaazboz leaves rubbed between palms. Raat ki Raani. Mogra.

Favourite sound:

The gurgle and subsequent charging of sudden rain showers.

Worst feeling in the world:

Hopelessness. Giving up.

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?:

Why didn't the alarm ring?!

Favourite fast food place:

Er. Subway? =P

Future child’s name:

Slartibartfast, god bless him/her.

Finish this statement, “If I had a lot of money I’d…” :

Barter it for a lot of time. *sigh*

Do you drive fast?

Drive people mad fast, very fast.

Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

Yeah, its a life size teddy bear with a red satin bow around his neck. He's called Chocofudge. Nirula's Chocofudge. Because he's chocolate brown like the HCF, and the red ribbon is symbolic of the red cherry on top of it. Red for love. He loves me. I love him.

Bless you if you believed that.

Do you eat the stems on broccoli?

I hate broccoli. I like vegetables. Just don’t like eating them.

Storms - Cool or Scary?

Cool. Love being drenched and jumping into puddles. ^_^

If you could dye your hair any colour, what would be your choice?

I've already tried copper, red and purple, separately of course. And non permanent. I'd say electric blue next. Block highlights. :D

Name all the different cities/towns you have lived in:

Delhi.

Favourite sports to watch:

Tennis, Kirkut, and sometimes, football.

One nice thing about the person who sent this to you:

Dish: V. empathetic.

Kika: Gets the sarcasm just right, everytime

Lasha: Meri boss? :P

What’s under your bed?

The actual Vasudha, bound and gagged. I'm Polyjuice Potion generated.

Would you like to be born as yourself again?

Sure.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person and night owl, in shifts.

Over easy or sunny side up?

I don’t like omlettes much, really. I veggie.

Favourite place to relax:

Anyplace where I can walk.

Favourite ice cream flavour:

Chocolate chip. Belgian Dark Chocolate, if its gelato. :D

You pass this tag to –

Next bored person in queue. I be bored. I be boring you. Spread the bore. Mwahaha!
*yawn*

Monday, June 16, 2008

Say what?


Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Argent

[Old draft : 21/04/08 : Do not take time references seriously.]

As a kid, I used to have this great fascination for charm bracelets. It would be the only part of the then-tomboy me that really pleased my mum. She's always been this stickler for looking glamorous/pretty [and in recent times - ravishing :P] and seeing me look wistfully at those thin silver chains made her way happier than seeing me muck around in the mud playing football with the guys.

You can't blame me : I was in love with the concept and still am - getting a plaid little bracelet and putting one charm on it every birthday to commemorate the year gone by. Like collecting time in a vial, and offloading a year's worth of memories into an intricate piece of argent. And having it around your wrist to gift a sudden unconscious smile at an inadvertent glance.

Yesterday, I went to Karol Bagh, probably after two years. Strange how fleetingly perspective stays, as does childish excitement. As I walk through the dingy lanes, I see huge, 20 feet+ banners put up by jewelers, clothes shops, car mechanics, and er..pakodawallas. I know this place vaguely. I recognize names. Bu the facades evade me. My mum's talking to me, unaware I'm lost. I catch an exasperated sigh, and she steers me to a dilapidated staircase with a survivingly familiar stench. And suddenly, I'm the exuberant 9 year old again, the one who wanted an anchor on her charm bracelet, because her favorite restaurant had a sea voyage theme. I look at mum incredulously, and she says, " I thought you'd like a new one, in lieu of the old that broke." I gape, and then I grin, in a broken sort of way.
An hour later, I'm catching the sun in the story woven around my wrist. There's a miniature convertible, hanging for the Britain trip where my dad drove us around, trying his darnest to unlearn standard Delhi honking routines. There's a tiny hairbrush - "Since I nag you enough about your hair." A sole stilleto - " A reminder that beauty with brains includes beauty, and that is NOT chortling around with mud streaks on your face," and a traveling hat [for the vacation to Singa, Malaysia and Thailand, where my sister and I fooled around wearing touristy hats and orange paper umbrellas] glint gleefully. So does a little beer bottle crown - "Papa, Vasu!" she says, not realizing that my dad hates beer. ["Plus, it'll be you soon enough."]

We're walking back, and the streets are lit up, barely recognizable. Bright and agog, this could be anywhere. Unfamiliar faces, unchartered paths; and storehouses of memories might be locked inside the cupboards of those shops, tightly bolted- away from my sight. I'm beginning to wonder if this is the place I once knew, when I see another mirror. The corner park, and the tree I used to climb, fighting for sole rights to the top most branch. The by lanes are still filled with shady characters and swirls of smoke. And at the back of my cupboard, lies a charm bracelet with an anchor dangling from it lopsidedly. Broken, but yet quite whole.

 

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