I never can resist the rising of nature.
What’s more rewarding than seeing both the sun and moon simultaneously, is capturing both in the se frame. And boy, am I thankful to the wonderful invention that is Panroma! I got countless sloppy shots, but luckily I managed to get this before time ran out.
I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo. And so do a whole lot of other people. But the problem is, from where I come from, anything you want to do to with your life, or to yourself should first be approved by your parents. And the extended family, and then the neighbours — cats and dogs included.
Only after everyone’s had their say, are you allowed to do what you want. That’s the way it is. From the subject you choose to major in, to the guy you wish to marry — everything has an approval workflow.
Knowing all this, makes me dread the scene at my house once I tell my parents that I plan to get myself inked.
“Why would anyone pay someone to scar their body for life?”
“And— what if it doesn’t come out right?”
Well, what if nothing went wrong and the tattoo turned out great? I can still do stuff.
But my parents don’t remember Friends analogies. When I say tattoo, there’s only one thing in their mind: self-inflicted pain.
Which, weirdly enough, is true.
But that won’t stop me from wanting to get tattooed.
Wonder why that is.
Tattooing is an ever-green trend — but that’s not why I want to do it. It looks cool, and makes you appear tough. Perhaps a little tougher than you’re feeling — but that’s not the reason.
Ink art is beautiful. Even on paper — I prefer on skin though.
I can come up with loads of reasons to not get tattooed. But not one that’s sensible and acceptable.
There is just no reason not to get a tattoo. Just like there’s no reason to get a tattoo.
But wait. There might just be one good reason I want to get a tattoo. The fun of it. Not the process, but what comes after — the reaction of the people around me. The sense of satisfaction you get when someone’s eyes widen with a mix of envy and disbelief.
Ha! Nothing beats that!
But it’s wrong, isn’t it? To get a tattoo — a permanent one at that — just so you can annoy someone? I mean, it’s just momentary satisfaction — and I’m the one who’s going to have to live with the tattoo for the rest of my life. Is it really worth it?
You bet it is. And by the way, I know they do it with needles. ;)
It all comes down to perspectives, don’t it?
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
It’s such a momentary thing, isn’t it? Happiness? We hardly seem to know what might make us happy.
From something as small as an acknowledgement from someone who matters a lot, to something as big as winning a million dollars, happiness is everywhere.
But the weird thing is that despite being such a ubiquitous emotion, a lot of us spend so much time and money looking for it elsewhere.
Such a paradox. So typical of us humans.
So I decided to make a small list. What makes me happy? It was harder to list out that thinking of listing it out. Anyway, here goes.
Caffeine: Who doesn’t love coffee? Or caffiene perhaps. I’m an avid tea drinker as well. Depending on my mood, I reach out for a cuppa or coffee and it keeps me happy — until the next cup. There’s something about a hot beverage that nothing else can compare to. It doesn’t matter that I live in the Southern hemisphere where the current temperature is 75 degrees with a forecast of over 100 degrees for the whole of next week. Despite the heatwaves, sometimes some caffeine brings happiness.
Good reads: The first drug is for the body, the second one’s for the soul. When both combine, it’s the perfect weekend. It’s so satisfying to enjoy a well written book with some well brewed beverage. With those two, I’d need nothing else. And happiness is everywhere.
Family: This one’s tricky. Parents can be tiring to be around with. But at the end of the day, nothing matters as much as spending a flawless day with family, sharing homemade lunch and a conversational afternoon tea.
Friends: Much like family, only younger. And noisier. When I’m in the mood for some reminiscing, my friends are my go-to solace. Personally, it rarely happens to me, but when it does, it brings so much joy.
Food: In a line of comforters, food is always a priority. It’s amazing how a well-prepared dish spreads warmth and makes you feel satisfied with yourself. A candy bar, or some ice-cream. Better yet, an all time favourite home made mutton gravy, or soup — with salt and pepper in perfect proportions. No hotel can ever get that right. I’ve always ended up disappointed in a restaurant — not spicy enough, too salty, or sweet.
But when made at home, with care and precision, a few kitchen lessons – and for once, you’ll enjoy your own cooking. The real happiness in eating, comes when you indulge in a dish you made from scratch. Ah, the pride! Doesn’t matter that it lacks your mother’s touch, at least you’ve learnt to master your own happiness.
There’s my list. What’s on yours?
He was certain that this time there would be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. – Today’s Author
“Mr Kumar, they’re here!”
They heard shuffling noises from within and a moment later the flustered Kumar appeared at the doorway.
“Come in, come in. Sorry to have kept you waiting.” he wet his lips nervously as the boy’s parents had tightly pursed their lips.
Leading them inside, he called out to his wife, “Meena, ask Priya to get ready quickly.”
The custom began.
The tall, bespectacled boy wore a crisp full sleeved shirt and a pair of freshly laundered pants. He sat in between his parents who looked around the room critically.
The maid served hot snacks and tea. They ate in silence. Kumar fidgeted in his chair, and kept wringing his hands. He stole glances at the broker, whose smile was fixed.
“So,” the boy’s mother began, “how long should we wait for your princess to get ready?”
Kumar stumbled out of his chair. “Er — she’s ready, I’ll ask her to come out.”
Twenty minutes of Q&A, a vocal test and a walking test later, “Well, we’ll let you know in a couple of days.” Saying so, the mother walked off. Her husband and son followed mutely.
The broker followed them, and Kumar heard them quietly whispering at the entrance. And then, they were gone.
The broker lingered. “Don’t worry, Mr. Kumar. They like your daughter very much. They will call you tomorrow to finish off the deal.”
Kumar’s face lit up for the first time in weeks. “That’s so good to hear! Here.” He shoved five thousand rupees into the broker’s hands. “Have this as a bonus.”
“Thank you so much, Mr. Kumar. You’re so kind. Call me when you’re ready to marry off your second daughter as well.”
The Chaos Within 