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Brunch to Breakfast

They say, “IT Life Sucks!” True that.

I, being an IT material, have gone through the same. In fact the words, “Brunch” and “Lunner”, are introduced to me only after falling into the crowd – a group of people who lives their life like a saint, and yet smiling, socializing, writing, cooking, cleaning, washing and doing all “-ing works” – that’s exactly like me.

When I almost forgot the words, “Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner”, I shifted to a house next to Guptaji’s place, without knowing the speciality of their Nashta – the word I heard rarely in the past five years. Day one was no special. I dumped all my stuffs in a room, took bathe like a crow, dressed up in a formal attire, stepped out of the house, to face the day. An aroma lit up my mood, awakened my hormones, and made me feel hungry. I doubted myself for feeling hungry so early. I ignored the doubt like the bug in my code, and rushed to office.

The day was hectic. As usual. 100 lines of code – compilation completed – 1000 bugs – frustrated – had brunch – fought again with the bugs – 998 fixed – had lunner – rest two ate my head – left for the day when the last bit of light died in darkness. I slept like a dog.

The next day exactly the same replica happened and it continued for two weeks. By that time, I heard a lot of things about Guptaji’s Special Nashta – Cornflake Coconut Ladoos - Ladoo filled with goodness and sweetness, shaped like a lemon and tastes like heaven.

It excited me within, and I wanted to give it a try, but having had no interaction with Guptaji or his family, the possibility of Guptaji inviting me for having breakfast at his place was very less. In fact, I ignored such a thought, pulled my bedsheet up, and slept like a cat. Thanks to Easter Holidays, four day of bug-free and monitor-less life.

The doorbell rang. Once, twice, thrice and finally, continuously. I woke up with a start, dragged myself out of the room, and opened the door, only to be shocked. Wished it was not a dream. Of course, it was not!

“Namaste, I’m Gupta, living next door to yours, working as a LIC agent.” He said with a warm smile.

“Hello Guptaji… I’m Sid, working as an IT Professional.” I said in a sleepy tone.

“Happy Easter!” He said, adjusted his spectacles, and then continued, “Today, our chottu is turning five. We want to make his birthday special, so we have arranged for a simple breakfast at our place. Please join us if you are free.”

“Brunch to Breakfast? Nashta with Guptaji’s family. OMG! My pleasure, Guptaji, having heard a lot about your special breakfast menus, it is surely a blessing for me.” I spoke nonstop.

* * *

"For more Cornflake recipes follow the link: https://www.facebook.com/anaajkanashta" He smiled. I smiled. We smiled. Cornflake Coconut Ladoos smiled on my plate.


Intro 1



Happiness is

In our life, we tend to cherish simplest things that makes us happy. In fact, in day-to-day’s life, we care only about small and simple things that gives us immense happiness, and shed tears if we miss those things, though he definition of happiness differs for each of us.

For a newborn, mom is happiness.
For a kid, toy is happiness.
For a boy, gaming is happiness.
For a girl, makeup is happiness.
For a man, salary is happiness.
For a woman, independent is happiness.
For a husband, wife is happiness.
For a wife, love is happiness.
For a father, family is happiness.
For a mother, baby is happiness.
For an uncle, future is happiness.
For an aunt, security is happiness.
For a grandpa, grandchildren is happiness.
For a grandma, home is happiness.
Happiness is endless, it goes on.

Happiness is all about simple things that happens in our life. One such simple thing that make me happy is a madness I developed during my teenage period – Writing – happiness that has no bounds. I have so many reasons to write. I have even wrote a poem (Writing is Happiness) listing the reasons to write.

When writing itself is happiness, living a life with the character (Isha) I create in a story is merrier. At times, I get excited and even wonder what I will do if my dream girl walks to me, get down on one knee, and proposes me like I do in my stories. It excites me inside; even makes me blush and go mad.

When readers appreciate such things, it uplifts my confidence because receiving feedback is unlimited happiness to me. Words cannot express the feeling of winning a heart through my words. It makes me fly to Seventh Heaven or Cloud Nine (if they exists) and can change an ordinary day into an extra-ordinary day. Such is the power of a positive feedback!

When all of these are happiness, winning a prize for what I wrote, is an added happiness booster that motivates me to write better and better. It could be a simple badge or a handsome cash prize; it doesn’t matter. It is a recognition for my work and that is what real happiness is to me.

To be a winner one has to be a good writer. To be a good writer one has to be a good reader. To be a good writer one has to be a good judge. To be a good judge one has to know how to write a correct feedback. To write a good feedback one has to be good writer. If you can wear all these hats, then you can be the happiest person alive in this world.

Writing about happiness is real happiness. Writing about “Writing is my happiness” is a gift for a creative heart. To get such chances, I need blessing from God. I am happy to have them. I celebrate my happiness in my own unique way.

If you are happy and want to celebrate the happiness with your family and friends, drink a coke and eat a cake, like I do, because life is all about simple things that makes you happy.




If you feel happy to read this post, then watch Coca-Cola TVC - http://CokeURL.com/96jnc - the inspiration behind expressing my happiness.

Together is Better

Home is not a house built with bricks and cement, or a shelter. Home is the place for love, affection, care, and togetherness that gives you the strength and motivation to go out optimistically and perform well. I am happy to have a home to support me endlessly, no matter whatever be the situation, motivate me to perform better, and help me produce better results.

There was a time when every single thing went wrong in both professional and personal life. I was feeling low – probably the worst time in my life so far – wondering what I should do and how to bounce back. Blank space. Empty mind. Hollow Life.

It was the month of Aadi (Tamil Month), when families get together to offer prayer to Goddess Amman, and celebrate Koozhu (fermented ragi porridge) festival. Since our family was large, it used to be fun, the real fun. Right from Thatha (Grandpa) and Patti (Grandma) to Kollu Thatha (Great Grandfather) and Kollu Patti (Great Grandmother), mama (uncle) and mami (aunty) to athai payan (nephew) and mama ponnu (niece), every one used to be present in the festival. The amount of koozhu and karuvadu kolambu (dry fish gravy) made must weigh more than 10 KG and the amount of noise made must be more than the allowed decibel levels. Not just that… we could listen to at least ten love stories, twenty-five quarrels and some wonderful memorable stories of our childhood. It spreads out positive energy amongst us and that was the power of a family festival.

Even in that kind of environment, that year, I sat alone, always looked at the ceiling and wondered if I could get some clue or a way out of the sticky situation and perform better. My great grandpa, noticed me, came to me, and spoke in his usual cheerful way.

“So is the girl still in love with you?” That was how he initiated the conversation.

“What girl ah thatha (Great grandfather)?” I was confused because I was never in love before.

“Okay, then is your company closed?” He shot out the next question.

“No… no, I’m still working in the same company. It is one of the India’s Top Ten Companies.” I said with pride gleaming in my eyes.

“Oh then is the sky coming down or the ceiling?” He looked up and pointed his index finger to show the crack in the ceiling.

I smiled. He smiled. Together we smiled. Then I explained about the project deadline and things I was going through. He listened to it patiently, and then narrated a small story to me. It made me realise the power of family, and so I thanked him. He patted me on my back and said, “You will do better. Stay positive and keep smiling.”

Sooner all our family members joined the conversation and we had a fantastic and memorable time.

After the Aadi Koozhu festival, my life changed dramatically, it gave me the strength and motivation I needed to go on with optimism, perform well in my project and look up in life. “Together… a better place to live life happily”.

Thank you for reading the post. I drawn the inspiration for penning down this post at https://housing.com/. Follow Housing on Twitter or Tweet the link using the hashtag #Together and stay motivated!

Start A New Life

There will be a time in your life when you will be standing at the crossroads of life, thinking which way to go. In such situations, take a bold step to bring a big change in your life.

One such incident happened two years ago in my life.

It was a lazy afternoon. I received an invite from my Primary Supervisor for an emergency one-to-one meeting. I accepted the invite and just ten minutes prior to meeting, I left to his place situated at a different location inside my campus.

I knocked the door. He asked me to come in, and I went inside his room.

“Hey Sarav. How are you doing man? How is your newly married life? How is your wife?” He said tapping my shoulder.

“Hi Sam. Life is cool. My wife and I are doing great. How about you?” I said looking into his eyes.

“It’s going on.” He said, looked at the clock and then continued, “We’ve just eight minutes left. Let me come to the point. There is an onsite opportunity for you. It is for a long term. The country is Germany, so you might have to learn a bit of German.”

I was not sure how to react. To be true, I was confused.

“I would be happy if you go. It is a volatile environment, so I want my best resource to be there.” He said.

I sat silent, thinking what to do. More than hundred questions were running inside my head. “I’m newly married. I am yet to find a proper house in Bangalore. I am yet to get my marriage certificate. I am not sure if my wife, my parents or my in-laws will be okay with my travel.”

“Sarav… I know that you are newly married, and you are yet to start your life. You might be wondering how your family would react if you say about your onsite opportunity.” He stood up, and then he continued, “Think positively. Newly Married. New Country. New House. New Project. Start A New Life in Germany.”

I agree with you Sam. I need some time. I want to discuss with my family before taking any big step.” I said without having any eye-to-eye contact with him.

“Okay, I understand your position. Take your time. But tell me your decision before EOB. (End of Business)”

He smiled. I smiled.

Standing at the crossroads of my life, I was wondering what to do. I never wanted to be left out in the crowd. Instead, I wished to be unique by taking the right path.

I asked myself three questions:

“Is my Mom going to be sad if I say I’m going onsite?” The answer was NO.
“Is my in-laws going to curse me if I say that your lovable girl has to stay alone for a month or two?” The answer was maybe, or may not be.
“Is my lovable cute sweet wife going to slap me if I say that I’ll be going to onsite alone, find a good house there, get the visa for her, and fly her?” For sure, the answer was a Big NO.

I knew what I had to do. I spoke confidently. “I’m in Sam. I am always up for challenges. The harder the challenge, the better I perform. I’m sure my family members will be happy if I say that I got an onsite opportunity.”.

He appreciated me and initiated the visa process.

I stepped out of his room happily for making a BOLD move that would bring a BIG CHANGE in my life and pave way to Start A New Life!

Thank you for reading the post. Now get ready to experience 96 seconds of awesomeness. Watch the Video:


Let's Start A New Life. Follow the link: https://housing.com/. Follow Housing on Twitter or Tweet the link using the hashtag #StartANewLife and stay tension free!

An Unsent Letter Written By A Girl



 



 


An Unsent Letter’ won BRONZE BATOM in 52nd edition of Blog-a-Ton.



 


This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 52; the fifty-second edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. In association with Metro Diaries by "Namrata". To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton.

 


Unsent Letter by a Girl Who Was Gang Raped
Unsent Letter by a Girl Who Was Gang Raped
Unsent Letter by a Girl Who Was Gang Raped
Unsent Letter by a Girl Who Was Gang Raped

 


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: 35

 


This post is also a part of IndiSpire Edition: 55.


An Unsent Letter Written By A Girl




An Unsent Letter’ won BRONZE BATOM in 52nd edition of Blog-a-Ton.

This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 52; the fifty-second edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. In association with Metro Diaries by "Namrata". To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton.

Unsent Letter by a Girl Who Was Gang RapedUnsent Letter by a Girl Who Was Gang Raped

click on the image to enlarge
image source

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: 35

This post is also a part of IndiSpire Edition: 55.

Dry Baby Happy Baby

This is indeed a nice topic, which I would like to pen down my sister experience.

Have you ever imagined the world without light and power? Nowadays it is not possible for anyone to live without power. Electric power has become a primary source to lead our day-to-day life. The same way dry pants has become very essential for every mom's with little one. It is the simplest way to keep the baby happy.

I wonder how my mom managed 3 children without using diapers and it’s unbelievable to think how my grandma brought up 9 children without using diapers. Earlier days before diapers came into existence; our ancestors faced many unavoidable irritating situations. Once diapers were introduced we all felt happy and started using one for our babies but still we had issues like leakage and the diapers also failed to keep the baby dry inside which resulted in skin rashes. Even I had such instances that I would like to share.

Once we went to a birthday party with my little one and she had done loose bowel movements before we returned home. Though she was wearing a diaper, it started leaking outside and my little girl dress was messed up. Moreover it doesn't absorbs the watery substance inside and failed to keep my baby's soft skin DRY inside, so she got disturbed completely and the joyful situation changed into a worse situation. Though I changed her diapers my little one felt uncomfortable and started crying constantly and because her dress was also messed, that's the end of our happiness in the party, so before the party got over we urged to return back home to make our girl feel comfortable.

Another instance happened when she was 11 months old. One day after potting, she felt uneasy and tried to pull out the diaper and the strip was opened. She kept her hands and spread the shit in her body. When I saw her, she laughed as if she found some new thing. She looked very dirty and I gave her a bath again to make her feel fresh. Hope many of us came across such situations. So it’s very important to keep our baby dry both inside and outside to keep them happy. Generally, babies hate changing diapers often as it irritates them, this action of repeatedly changing diapers spoils their happy mood, and even a happy baby turns into a tear-filled baby. Mostly my little girl gets irritated soon if she feels wet inside and starts crying constantly that in turn makes me helpless to calm her down and that shoots up my Blood Pressure, which ends up in shouting either at the baby or with the family members. Many times trouble starts here in families if I am not wrong.

Now we are tension free because Pampers introduced Pampers Baby Dry Pants, which not only ensures dryness outside like other diapers but also ensures keeps the dryness inside the pants because of the magic gel technology used in this product. This magic gel technology locks in the moisture and keeps the baby soft skin dry to stay happy for long hours. There is no need to change the pants for at least 12 hours or unless it is soiled. For a day out or even for a long journey all we need to carry is "Pampers Baby Dry Pants" to keep our baby happy. Moreover if you have a new born in your family without any second thought get Pampers Baby Dry Pants and you will feel the magic done by the magic gel to make life easier.

It's really a blessing to have Pampers Baby Dry Pants at home to keep our baby happy. As rightly said "Dry Baby is a Happy Baby" and "Dry Baby Family is a Happy Family".


Happy Parenting!

Check out Reward Me Website for more exciting deals: http://www.rewardme.in/tag/Pampers

My Favorite Story

Life is all about moments. It can be happy or sad. It counts. A moment filled with optimism can change your life for a better present and future.

One such incident happened five years ago.

Bangalore weather was fantastic. It was drizzling. As usual. I was at my friends place. She prepared coffee for us. We sat on the couch and spoke on various topics.

“Blogging is super fun. You should enjoy it.” She said.

“Blogging is fun, I agree.” I paused, complimented the coffee and then continued, “But comments are boosters that is much needed for a blogger.”

She thought for a second and then defended my point. “There are many writers who write for their own happiness because that’s what they need.”

“I agree to you, but they would write in their diaries, and not on blogs or public forums.”

“No. I know people who write on public forums, blogs, and websites, but they do not care for comments. They will be happy with or without it.” She winked.

“Okay. Don’t you need an encouragement to write more?” I said flashing a smile.

“Are comments, page views and flag views considered as an encouragement?” She asked as if she wants to slap me.

“Why should not we consider them?”

“Then you will end up worrying about comments count, page views, flag views, and not about what content you write.” She said after completing her coffee.

Her words struck the chord to create perfect rhythm. I drank the last drop of coffee left in my cup and said, “Okay, I understand your point. I write because I love to write life and am passionate about it.”


“That’s what I want to hear from you.” She flashed a smile. I smiled.

She looked at the laptop kept on the table. Few Miles was kept open. She looked at the page views, comments and flag views and then she said, “One day your blog will be read in more than hundred countries, your blog will get more than ten thousand comments and your blog will be viewed more than one hundred thousand times.”

The cute curve on my face curved a little and then fully. Her words filled me with optimism and hope for a bright future. I thanked her from the bottom of my heart because all I needed was one optimistic heart to support me endlessly no matter if I fail or succeed.


Today, I am glad that all her words came true. To be true, she is always ‘there’ for me right from day one of our friendship to push me towards victory. Not just in blogging but also in all the aspects of my life, she is there to help me to stay optimistic, perform better, win colourfully, and for a better future.

Thank you for reading the post. If you wish to read more optimistic "Look Up" stories follow the link: https://housing.com/lookup. Be a fan on Facebook or Follow Housing on Twitter and stay optimistic!





You complete me, idiot!

This post won 'Indi Happy Hours Voucher' in #MyFamilyMyPride campaign organized by IndiBlogger in association with HDFC Life.

“To breathe is to write!” My life is like that. I write because of many reasons. I publish them in my blog, but I never had courage to get into print. In short, I made myself, the obstacle to chase my dreams. I felt bad for myself.

One day, when I was organizing the folders in my computer, my wife Vidhya asked, “Have you completed writing the book LOAS?” and opened the folder first, then the word document.

She was surprised to see a completed book in draft. “40K+ words and still, you are not getting it published.”

I kept mum. She insisted me to publish the book. I then narrated the untold pain of my book robbed by an author. She could not react. We sat silent for next few minutes.

She broke the ice, “You should start anew!” and then she added, “I’m there with you.”

I saw positive vibes in her words. I promised to start fresh. That’s when one of my friends shared about an anthology contest on Facebook. The theme was “Love”, my forte, so I quickly penned down a story, gave it a title, and showed it to her.

“The Last Date… good title, but I could guess the story from it.” She said and read the story.

“Impressive story, but definitely not the story of my guess. It is different and the ending is just amazing.” She said giving me a hug.

I sensed the positiveness in her words. I drafted an email, attached the doc, and was about to hit ‘Send’. Bad memories of my past encounter flashed inside my mind, I said, “Should I participate because I’m afraid?”

She gave me a hug, and praised the story that instilled the confidence back in me. Those words of encouragement helped me to take the first step in my publishing journey. The story “The Last Date” was selected in the contest, and was published in the book, “Kaleidoscope: Different Strokes for Different Folks.” I was the happiest man and she was the happiest woman!

She encouraged me to participate more. She was the main reason behind me being selected in “Uff Ye Emotions” – the grand platform that every budding writer dream of! She suggested me to write about the hurdle of getting home on a stormy evening in Hamburg, Germany. In fact, her smile was the first reason behind penning down the story, “120 Minutes” published in the book “Uff Ye Emotions 2”.

After “Uff Ye Emotions 2” whenever I wrote, she became the first reader. Without her constant encouragement, positive and negative feedback, I would not have managed to come this far in the publishing world. Today, I am happy to be a part of 6 wonderful anthologies, “Kaleidoscope, Uff Ye Emotions 2, Seasons of Love, The Zest of Inklings, Love Stories Around Us, and A Little Chorus of Love” and one short collection “BSTOL” penned solely by me.

Thank you my dear wife, for the constant encouragement and guidance, that helped me grow into a better, self-reliant person. You complete me, idiot!


Always Keep Smiling!

This post is a part of #MyFamilyMyPride campaign organized by IndiBlogger in association with HDFC Life. For more details visit: http://www.hdfclife.com/