To Dad, With Love

Dear Dad,

Today is Father's Day. I find myself being particularly melancholy about it this year. Probably because it's a big thing here in the US; I suddenly miss you more than ever.

I wish I had a pensieve (as used by Dumbledore to capture memories in the Harry Potter series) so that I could see every little memory of ours anytime. I just hate the fact that I don't remember anything about my childhood,when you were around me.

Whenever I listen to good music, I remember you...I close my eyes and imagine that we are listening to it together. I feel connected to you in that moment, I know you loved music a lot. What I miss the most is just talking to you and having you around me. I'm curious to know..do you miss me up there in Heaven? Anyway, I know you are with me in spirit at all times, whether happy or sad.

Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you.

Love,

Your Daughter

Manhattan Mania

After everything that has been said about New York City, I would still like to add my insignificant bit to it. Consider this a personal tribute to a city that brings out the best in most of us.
The first time I stepped into Manhattan about 4 years ago, I felt intimidated,awed,excited all at the same time. Those feelings are a constant,no matter how many times I've been there, I just never get bored of the it.

The skyscrapers, a witness to the genius that lies within us. The culture, an eclectic mix from all over the world. The pace, so addictive, it can make the laziest human being feel like running a marathon! The mood, always upbeat, my recommendation to combat depression, a walk down the streets of downtown manhattan..!!
The fashion, deserves a special mention. The आम आदमी is the trend-setter, always well put together, never trying too hard. The self-confidence of a New Yorker reflects in what he wears, unafraid to wear vanity on his sleeve.

There's all this and much more to love about this amazing city, but what I adore the most is the emotions it arouses in me,those of ambitiousness,hope and a sense that eventually,everything will be allright.

Life...Interrupted

दिल ढूँढता है , फिर वही फुर्सत के रात दिन
बैठे रहे तसव्वुरे - जाना किए हुए

As I am attending to Avni who's 2 1/2 , while Ariv, who's 11 months, is pulling at my leg, these beautiful lines penned by Gulzar come to my mind. I have never related to them as much as I do now, as a mom of two kids under the age of 3!

Come to think of it, when was the last time I did anything uninterrupted(apart from the time when both of them are asleep, which only happens at night!) I'm so used to these interruptions now that I navigate through them as if on auto-pilot.

How I miss those times when I could wake up at any hour, read a book for as long as I wished, watch movies(in a multiplex) and basically just go anywhere, anytime.
But just as I am lamenting the total lack of time, Ariv gives me a toothy smile, Avni hugs me...and I say a small prayer, to thank God for these precious interruptions.