Hello and Welcome back!
February is the month of love and romance in the air. And, most of you are geared up preparing for the most awaited day of the year esp. for couples or people ready to fall in love - the Valentine's day. Many have already picked up the gifts for their beloved, many have prepared good looks to impress someone, many have matched their stars to find how would their love life shape up this Valentine's day or will they be lucky to find their lovey-dovey this time.
And, their are also many among you who have grown tired of this so much a-do. Many feel frustrated to see all café chairs with two on either side, and they having a solo feast. Many have generated self-doubts about their potential to even find someone in life - either they think their looks aren't that great to attract anyone or they just can't be that lucky or may be many curse cupid for not striking them at all.
Well, here is a unique story, that would inspire you fall in love - with someone 'who loves you and wants your company and for whom, you are their world yet, they would never complain even if you cannot afford time for them'. Love is a great and the most precious word to exist on this planet. And valentine's is the occasion to love and feast breaking barriers. Then why to restrict ourselves and gorge in the same old story. Lets read on and find a new meaning to Valentine's day!
And, the most pathetic part of all, I couldn't even share it with anyone at home. My mom and dad were at sword ends over mutual differences. Adding fuel to the fire, my aunts and uncles from my dad's side provoked him even further. And, my mom - a lady who was my best friend initially but had turned to be a religious idealist could think of nothing related to practicality, beyond her visions of a society with ultra-conformation to hindu versions. Instead of solving or even listening to my problems, all she had was either a speech glorifying traditions or merely passing everything as impacts of my past life actions. And my dad - he had lost all his morality, and in order to have a support for his extra-marital affairs, wanted me to align myself in the same lines. His daughter meant nothing to him. And, the most pathetic part of all - both my parents assorted to superstitious means like exorcism to attain their goals which were against each other, and ultimately against me, as I felt like a looser condemned in suffocation.
My granny was greatly overjoyed by then. And, as per a tradition, she even offered flags to be hoisted on shrine top. It is believed that it brings prosperity in the life of the person, for whom such act is done. What was remarkable was how the men carrying the flags climbed up such heights to hoist the flags, with no additional ladder or support, except the walls of the temple designed to enable climbing. We witnessed such act with great enthusiasm.
During this entire period, I had promised myself not to spend much time with my mobile. So, I chatted a lot with granny. And, I discovered a lot more about this lady, and I found she was not just a grand old lady, but someone whom I had begun adoring and in whom I began seeing my best friend. I got to know a lot about her childhood, her adventures, and my mom as well. And, the more be spoke, the more we bonded. Finally, 14th February arrived.
But, now, instead of feeling gloomy and cursing this date, I felt the magic of 'Love'. I booked a table for me and granny and with the support of the hotel authorities arranged for - 'A unique Valentine's date celebration', exclusively for me and granny. Suddenly I felt I am no longer lonely. Because, with all the conversations I had, I realised, it's not the people you desire, but the people who love you and would stand beside you through every thick and thin, who would not complain how little time you share with them, yet - who would celebrate whatever you have for them, who would not think twice before giving up something for you even if you had never cared to do something for them, - would make your life worth living.
My granny treats me like a princess. And my grandpa didn't think twice before letting granny come along with me. For them, how I look like isn't really important. But what they would make me feel like - in reality with no hidden agenda, is what matters the most. My granny cracked all sorts of bad jokes - in a bid to make me laugh. She tried to match up my dance steps with her arthritis affected feet and waist. She indulged herself in ice-cream, in a bid to make me have big scoops of it. And, even being fragile, she cared for me in the crowd, holding me tight and worried about my safety in her unique way.
I had read that travel opens opportunities and possibilities and builds relationship. Travel rejuvenates and detoxes. Indeed, this trip helped me celebrate my Valentine's day - with the valentine of my life - my granny, who would be mine always. Indeed I felt lucky and great. My Valentine would be mine forever. And, I would not have to stress up myself anymore. She would not betray me, neither would she leave my side even if she retires from this planet. Her blessing would be Mine, forever.
Later.............
I participated in the dance competition with my Valentine - my partner - my Granny. And we stood second.
But, we were happy. I actually won over the greatest fight imposed by the society called implied reality. Indeed Valentine's day is the day of feast and expressing love breaking all imposed barriers. But love doesn't necessarily have to be between a man and a woman in romantic terms. But, we in our fast paced lives, have implied versions of everything, and hence, consider that if it is related to Valentine's day, it should have just one meaning. However, living in a society still plagued with jeopardised notions, loving our grandparents - especially maternal grandparents also has barriers. And they do not want hi-fi care, despite the fact that they deserve it. But, just to be with them invites a lot of hassle, keeping them with you invites trouble. However, no body ever ponders that they had a huge role in bringing up, either us or our parents. And winning over imposed rules and notions, living up for the sake of your grandparents, accepting responsibility towards them, loving them is a challenge indeed. And, for me, to enjoy this day with them is the true celebration of Valentine's day.
Thereafter, I began living and celebrating everyday of my live with the two most precious jewels in my life - My grandparents.
We all thank Prativa Bhatt for sending in such a wonderful story. We wish you and everyone of our readers a very happy Valentine's day, and inspire everyone to seek out - the unique notion of love in your life and not fall prey to depression by merely following the ' implied' track.
February is the month of love and romance in the air. And, most of you are geared up preparing for the most awaited day of the year esp. for couples or people ready to fall in love - the Valentine's day. Many have already picked up the gifts for their beloved, many have prepared good looks to impress someone, many have matched their stars to find how would their love life shape up this Valentine's day or will they be lucky to find their lovey-dovey this time.
And, their are also many among you who have grown tired of this so much a-do. Many feel frustrated to see all café chairs with two on either side, and they having a solo feast. Many have generated self-doubts about their potential to even find someone in life - either they think their looks aren't that great to attract anyone or they just can't be that lucky or may be many curse cupid for not striking them at all.
Well, here is a unique story, that would inspire you fall in love - with someone 'who loves you and wants your company and for whom, you are their world yet, they would never complain even if you cannot afford time for them'. Love is a great and the most precious word to exist on this planet. And valentine's is the occasion to love and feast breaking barriers. Then why to restrict ourselves and gorge in the same old story. Lets read on and find a new meaning to Valentine's day!
A Valentine's date - with Granny dear
- by Prativa Bhatt
I woke up in the morning. It was 5th of February. And, I had a severe headache. The morning was pleasant, yet, I had a dull feeling within. Frustration seemed to set in. I felt - lonely and devastated. And I dreaded the fast approaching date - February, the 14th.
All began a month earlier, with our college cultural community announcing the annual valentine's day dance competition. Being a dancer myself, I wanted to participate in it, since my sophomore year. but, got disqualified every year just because - ' I did not have a partner ( or a boyfriend ), which was the necessary criteria. However, I was determined to have a partner by my penultimate year and win it. And, finally I had managed to get a boyfriend and a dance partner for me. The guy was charming, handsome, and I was so impressed with him that I could pour in almost all the good adjectives in the dictionary on him. He swept me off my feet and placed me on a pedestal in the seventh heaven. I began dreaming myself as the most stunning diva to ever exist on this planet. Indeed my self image too got a huge boost. And, all I thought - ' how lucky am I, being a girl of no great physical beauty and an ordinary appearance, with pimples and facial hair, being plummy and not size-zero, having a not-so-pointed nose, bushy eyebrows and a short stature, I still have got a man in my life who is indeed a prince charming.'
But, my dreams were shattered very soon when on 31st Jan, I spotted - 'my extremely handsome prince charming' teaching my moves to my arch rival - another girl in my class. Upon confrontation, I was merely ridiculed over my look-books and mocked at by the duo stating - ' I should have judged the person I am before dreaming big and reaching out for the stars'. They even proceeded to kiss each other in my presence, in a bid to insult me further. Later, the same day, he even withdrew his name from being my partner, and they - he and my arch rival, registered it together, afresh.
I felt cheated and heart-broken. Grief-stricken, I wondered what had happened to my logical senses, and questioned my self how could I not see through that guy's real intentions of copying dance moves from me. How could I not understand that he was cheating on me. But, what happened had happened. I desperately started hunting for a new partner from among the people I considered having dancing potential. Yet, that dragged me into further depression, as most of them were either taken, or they mocked at me for rejecting them earlier. Many even questioned my dancing abilities.
And now at present, by 5th of February, with no partner and no time to rehearse a new item, I understood that I will not be able to participate in the competition, even that year.
And, the most pathetic part of all, I couldn't even share it with anyone at home. My mom and dad were at sword ends over mutual differences. Adding fuel to the fire, my aunts and uncles from my dad's side provoked him even further. And, my mom - a lady who was my best friend initially but had turned to be a religious idealist could think of nothing related to practicality, beyond her visions of a society with ultra-conformation to hindu versions. Instead of solving or even listening to my problems, all she had was either a speech glorifying traditions or merely passing everything as impacts of my past life actions. And my dad - he had lost all his morality, and in order to have a support for his extra-marital affairs, wanted me to align myself in the same lines. His daughter meant nothing to him. And, the most pathetic part of all - both my parents assorted to superstitious means like exorcism to attain their goals which were against each other, and ultimately against me, as I felt like a looser condemned in suffocation.
And, my maternal grandparents were not allowed to live with us. And, although I loved visiting my grandparents during my vacations, even I considered them to be a burden at home as I doubted I would have no privacy at all, and my granny would act as a reporter for my mom. So basically, I was all alone, and even more lonely on Valentine's day as most friends of mine went out on couple parties or dinners and I had to sit all day hearing my mom's lament at degrading morals of the society with Valentine's day.
So, on the morning of 5th February I sat on my couch and wondered - what is to be done. Just then my Whatsapp notification buzzed. It was a message in my college group which read-
' It is notified to all concerned that due to some administrative reasons, the Dance competition is postponed and the college will remain shut for 3 weeks for the same. The dates would be notified later.'
Tired, wounded in a lost battle, I decided to visit my granny and grandpa in Kolkata. That way, I planned to escape from everything, and the most dreaded date - Valentine's day. I knew it for sure, that if I stayed back, I would feel more miserable over my mom's laments, or would have to be harrowed by my friends' queries about my split up. So, I felt the safest means would be to stay away.
And, I planned a trip to Jagannath Dham, puri, one of the four Dhams and an important pilgrim place, with my granny. My grandpa was unwell, hence, he couldn't accompany us, yet he said it would be a refreshment for granny and urged us to go ahead with the plans.
So, I reached Kolkata on 7th and by 10th, we were in Puri. Although I felt listless, yet, being a traveller and photographer, it took me no extra effort to set into my role. I booked a room - the most expensive one in The Chariot Hotel - which is a beautiful hotel specializing to host marriage parties and celebrations. Our room was in a spot overlooking the Puri beach and the hotel garden and swimming pool. It felt splendid, and ideal for photography. The room service and overall service throughout our stay was excellent. I felt relaxed and my granny was overjoyed. They also had a spa facility with the hotel, which we utilised fully.
Booking the car service provided by the hotel itself, we visited Puri Jagannath Temple. Upon some prior research and stories from my granny, I knew about the fact that if you do not have your own 'panda' ( priest ) many would lure you into trusting them, or merely accompany you, and extract huge amount in the name of facilitating 'good darshan'. So, I spoke about it with the hotel staff, and they referred a priest named - Shyam sundar mahapatra, who is a Rajbhogi priest. Indeed the man was helpful, kind and pious. And, he took full care of my granny especially while inside the shrine to prevent any injury to her in the crowd. Also, he positioned us such that we could have excellent view to Lord, from the first row. The most important part - he did not seek any amount for 'dakshina'. Rather, we offered ' bhog' and puja as per our wish to the temple office, which he guided to us. Later, he even arranged to deliver bhog and prasadam to our hotel room.
And, I planned a trip to Jagannath Dham, puri, one of the four Dhams and an important pilgrim place, with my granny. My grandpa was unwell, hence, he couldn't accompany us, yet he said it would be a refreshment for granny and urged us to go ahead with the plans.
So, I reached Kolkata on 7th and by 10th, we were in Puri. Although I felt listless, yet, being a traveller and photographer, it took me no extra effort to set into my role. I booked a room - the most expensive one in The Chariot Hotel - which is a beautiful hotel specializing to host marriage parties and celebrations. Our room was in a spot overlooking the Puri beach and the hotel garden and swimming pool. It felt splendid, and ideal for photography. The room service and overall service throughout our stay was excellent. I felt relaxed and my granny was overjoyed. They also had a spa facility with the hotel, which we utilised fully.
Booking the car service provided by the hotel itself, we visited Puri Jagannath Temple. Upon some prior research and stories from my granny, I knew about the fact that if you do not have your own 'panda' ( priest ) many would lure you into trusting them, or merely accompany you, and extract huge amount in the name of facilitating 'good darshan'. So, I spoke about it with the hotel staff, and they referred a priest named - Shyam sundar mahapatra, who is a Rajbhogi priest. Indeed the man was helpful, kind and pious. And, he took full care of my granny especially while inside the shrine to prevent any injury to her in the crowd. Also, he positioned us such that we could have excellent view to Lord, from the first row. The most important part - he did not seek any amount for 'dakshina'. Rather, we offered ' bhog' and puja as per our wish to the temple office, which he guided to us. Later, he even arranged to deliver bhog and prasadam to our hotel room.
My granny was greatly overjoyed by then. And, as per a tradition, she even offered flags to be hoisted on shrine top. It is believed that it brings prosperity in the life of the person, for whom such act is done. What was remarkable was how the men carrying the flags climbed up such heights to hoist the flags, with no additional ladder or support, except the walls of the temple designed to enable climbing. We witnessed such act with great enthusiasm.
During this entire period, I had promised myself not to spend much time with my mobile. So, I chatted a lot with granny. And, I discovered a lot more about this lady, and I found she was not just a grand old lady, but someone whom I had begun adoring and in whom I began seeing my best friend. I got to know a lot about her childhood, her adventures, and my mom as well. And, the more be spoke, the more we bonded. Finally, 14th February arrived.
But, now, instead of feeling gloomy and cursing this date, I felt the magic of 'Love'. I booked a table for me and granny and with the support of the hotel authorities arranged for - 'A unique Valentine's date celebration', exclusively for me and granny. Suddenly I felt I am no longer lonely. Because, with all the conversations I had, I realised, it's not the people you desire, but the people who love you and would stand beside you through every thick and thin, who would not complain how little time you share with them, yet - who would celebrate whatever you have for them, who would not think twice before giving up something for you even if you had never cared to do something for them, - would make your life worth living.
My granny treats me like a princess. And my grandpa didn't think twice before letting granny come along with me. For them, how I look like isn't really important. But what they would make me feel like - in reality with no hidden agenda, is what matters the most. My granny cracked all sorts of bad jokes - in a bid to make me laugh. She tried to match up my dance steps with her arthritis affected feet and waist. She indulged herself in ice-cream, in a bid to make me have big scoops of it. And, even being fragile, she cared for me in the crowd, holding me tight and worried about my safety in her unique way.
I had read that travel opens opportunities and possibilities and builds relationship. Travel rejuvenates and detoxes. Indeed, this trip helped me celebrate my Valentine's day - with the valentine of my life - my granny, who would be mine always. Indeed I felt lucky and great. My Valentine would be mine forever. And, I would not have to stress up myself anymore. She would not betray me, neither would she leave my side even if she retires from this planet. Her blessing would be Mine, forever.
Later.............
I participated in the dance competition with my Valentine - my partner - my Granny. And we stood second.
But, we were happy. I actually won over the greatest fight imposed by the society called implied reality. Indeed Valentine's day is the day of feast and expressing love breaking all imposed barriers. But love doesn't necessarily have to be between a man and a woman in romantic terms. But, we in our fast paced lives, have implied versions of everything, and hence, consider that if it is related to Valentine's day, it should have just one meaning. However, living in a society still plagued with jeopardised notions, loving our grandparents - especially maternal grandparents also has barriers. And they do not want hi-fi care, despite the fact that they deserve it. But, just to be with them invites a lot of hassle, keeping them with you invites trouble. However, no body ever ponders that they had a huge role in bringing up, either us or our parents. And winning over imposed rules and notions, living up for the sake of your grandparents, accepting responsibility towards them, loving them is a challenge indeed. And, for me, to enjoy this day with them is the true celebration of Valentine's day.
Thereafter, I began living and celebrating everyday of my live with the two most precious jewels in my life - My grandparents.
We all thank Prativa Bhatt for sending in such a wonderful story. We wish you and everyone of our readers a very happy Valentine's day, and inspire everyone to seek out - the unique notion of love in your life and not fall prey to depression by merely following the ' implied' track.
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