As you like it.

" Hey ! It's been a while since we've had some time together. I am so happy you could finally make it today. So tell me how's life been ?"

"Well, I've had a good share of the highs and the lows."

"Now, that doesn't sound very happy to me. You want to talk about it?"

"I don't know. I am so confused."

" Its okay. Go on tell me. Lets figure a way out."

"Its just that you know, I have to do so much to keep this person happy. Sometimes, I don't recognise myself anymore."

"What are you saying? There is always a limit to how much you are willing to compromise. I always thought that you were a bold, outspoken and frank person. Why are you doing this to yourself now? Why not just tell the truth?"

"I just feel that, to keep them happy, I am willing to go to any level. But I do see what you mean, I feel lifeless now. I end up spending so much time in the company of people I cannot even stand the sight of. It's crazy. I also end up doing so many things that I don't like, and also not doing some of the things that I just love."

"See, every friendship, or relationship requires a little understanding, and adjustment, but this is way too much. I personally feel, that we live just once. We mustn't spend too much time doing the things that we don't like, or spend too much time with people we don't like. You just have to realise that, a person who doesn't have the ability to understand you, as you are, doesn't even deserve your time, effort or attention in anyway. So, in turn you don't actually need to compromise so much. It's not too late, don't lose yourself now."

"You know, what you're saying is so true. I realise what I am doing to myself right now. It's not even worth my time and energy. "

"It's better late than never ! I am happy that you at least are in the position to understand what is happening. See, life is too short to spend it in misery. Life is a gift, use it well. Live it well, use your abilities to the best possible end, wholeheartedly serve those who are in need, indulge in some spiritually enhancing activities. Don't waste your time on people who fail to see your worth. Happiness is a state of mind, feel consciously happy, and that's when you'll be able to spread it to people around you. Always only indulge in activities that keep you happy. Simple rule in life."

"I understand, this is just what I needed to know. Thanks so much for being there."

" Don't say that ! It's for things like this that, friends like me exist."

Thoughts.

Everything happens for a reason,
they say.
Mind, nevertheless,
constructs, and destructs,
fantasies, like no other.
If, only we had lasted.
What, If we hadn't met?
If, I was younger.
If, I was older.
If, I had only known, back then.
Would, life be any different?
Can the mind predict?
Did, I really know back then?
If, I had,
would I still have done the same.
Things would change, If I hadn't?
Am I happier?
Was I sadder?
Am, I lying now?
Was, I lying then?
Regret? Pain? Suffering?
Contentment? Love? Happiness?

Stop!
Think straight.
The Truth.
What am I feeling?
I know,
Relief.

Is it worth it?
Totally is.

Dreams in Prussian Blue- A Review

It is breezy, light, and meaningful. It is an excellent read, and an absolute page turner.

I am talking about Paritosh Uttam's maiden novel 'Dreams in Prussian Blue'.

Naina is the protagonist of the book. The book revolves around the lives of Naina, and her live-in boyfriend, and college art genius Michael Agnello.

Naina and Michael are both students at the Fine Arts college in Mumbai. Head over heels in love with Michael, Naina drops out of college with him, leaving behind her family and way of life. It is only after a while that she realises that life is not at all a bed of roses. All Michael is interested in doing is painting through the night. He refuses to share any of the other responsibilities at home, cranky and irresponsible most of the time. Naina struggles with many odd jobs, providing everything for Michael, including his painting supplies. Naina also works hard to get Michael some kind of recognition as a painting genius. The lack of Michael's cooperation on anything leads to failure in every aspect. Just when Naina's patience wears thin, and she is all set to leave Michael, tragedy intervenes. Michael loses his eyesight in an accident, and Naina is back to where she began in the first place. As she struggles to make both ends meet, and Michael happy, she has transcended to becoming a liar, and a cheat.

Will Michael ever forgive her for what she has done to him? Will she be able to forgive Michael, for pushing her to such ends? Or will there be two separate personal tragedies?

The novel is fast paced, and breezy. It delivers just what it promises to be, a Metro read. It goes to show the various nuances in the lives of live-in couples. It shows the consequences of rushing into any relationship without rational thought. It efficiently displays the sorrow, and despair prevailing in such life. It showcases the fact that a person with a passion, like art cannot be capable of adjusting in any other occupation. Blue seems to be the central theme of the book, as it is evident in the title. Whether it is Naina who is blue with sorrow, or Michael who in his blindness, cannot see anything else.

Almost throughout the book, the reader is sympathetic towards Naina. Naina has put all her dreams on hold for Michael's sake, who is insensitive to her needs, feelings or dreams. It is commendable that a male writer has been able to empathise so well, with what a woman goes through in such situations. What one must remember is that Michael is also a victim here, but merely of the circumstances. His views on life and materialism, though indifferent, ring the bell of truth.

The narrative technique is good. The time frame constantly shifts from the present to the past and back. It is something fresh, but definitely not something that is unheard of. It is character central. The characters have been dealt with very well.

It is fast paced, and leaves you dwelling upon the realities of life, as we know it. A good read.

Happiness :D

I never knew this feeling.

mind racing,

almost giddy,

almost heady,

my fingers tingling,

shivering a bit, but mainly tingling.

Stomach upside down,

light, full of butterflies.

eyes laughing,

twinkling all the while.

Feet, tapping to the music,

dancing to the music,

in my ears!

My lips streched,

into something more than a smile,

less than a laugh.

My heart seems full,

yet utterly weightless.

Is this what they call happiness?

I have heard so,

now, believe its true.

Sorry?

I had been a little apprehensive about the use of the word 'Sorry'. It is usually used very flippantly. People believe that one word is enough to erase all the hurt, and misgivings. Unfortunately, it takes a lot to say 'Sorry' and actually mean it. There are hardly any people left on this planet who say it, only when they mean it.

Sorry, is a word with a truck load of value, was my perception all along. But then, a thought struck me recently. By saying 'sorry' if peace is attained, or if 'sorry' saves a relationship, what is the harm in doing so? A story to demonstrate the same.

My best friend is like any other best friend. She is my confidante, and my guide. I turn to her for every problem that takes place in my life. Now, it so happened, that me and her had a huge argument about a play that we were to stage in school. We both said a lot of hurtful things to each other. Each of us was very upset by the other's behaviour. I kept my feelings to myself, and felt guilty for days together. Me, and her had stopped talking to each other, and even if we did, it was just some niceties. It was she who made the first step, she came to me one day after class, and gave me small 'sorry' card. That was it. We were back to being friends again. It was then that I noted that, both of us were guilty of hurting each other, but her thoughtfulness, had helped us get back together again.

It was then that I felt that in a disagreement it doesn't matter who apologises first. Friendship, love, and relationships are more important than the act of apologising. As long as peace in the relationship is brought back, 'sorry' is a very small price to pay for it.

There is a very beautiful quote I read, " Words are like bricks, you can build a wall or a bridge, the choice is yours." It is so true in this case. Holding onto one's ego, and refusing to apologise, can do more harm than the original fight itself; it leaves an impression of indifference.

Using our words well, and apologising are very important. Infact, apologising requires a lot of courage. Only acceptance of one's errors, can make a person apologise in a heartfelt manner.