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I reached Chicago on the 3rd and not a single day passed without remembering my last few days in Bangalore. I never missed it this much in my previous trips, probably because I am here for a longer duration this time.

I decided to list some of the things that I am missing the most..:(

1) Listening to my mother's voice 5-7 times a day on the phone
2) The jumps and hugs by my dog friends on seeing me return from office
3) My maid's daily question "didi aaj kya khayega?"
4) The pleasant weather and cool breeze in the evening
5) My long and heavy phone bills!
6) My golgappa treat in Indiranagar after a tough day at shopping...:)
7) Daily fights with the autorickshaw driver for charging me double!
8) The credit card, insurance and job offer calls on my cell...noone disturbs me here..:(
9) Rushing to the office every morning so that I don't miss the hot idli and vadas
10) My daily soaps on "Color"
11) The Kaju Katli and Gulabjamun birthday treats in office
12) My "hindi movie on dvd" and "Pizza on order" treat after my last exam on sunday evening
and lastly,
13) The unified barking and crying of the stray dogs when the domestic Retrievers and Labradors entered their area while on their daily evening walks!

The Rat Race!

Gone are those days when the whole family came together for the evening tea and daily gossip. Now, one feels lucky to get home for dinner! Weekdays are spent fulfilling our coporation's dreams and weekends just pass by in a jiffy, completing the leftover activities of the preceding week. Each one of us seems to be running after something...a higher degree, a promotion, a better job, a larger house or even a better lifestyle. Some people want to be better than their friends or colleagues while others want to upgrade their current standards. Even at the personal front, the race is on for who is happier or richer or leading a better life. No one wants to stop for a break!
I have no complaints on this new approach that we have unknowingly adopted in these new times. I am just concerned about the pressure and stress that comes with it. The time that is disappearing like sand from our palms worries me everyday. Unfortunately, this realization generally dawns on most people when they drop out from the race. While some stop after reaching a targeted milestone, others just give up out of fatigue. Sadly, the world no longer looks inviting then and the energy and enthusiasm is all used up. The small dreams are lost somewhere on the way and a whole new world remains to be explored.
I used to fight with my mother whenever she cribbed about this new lifestyle. I always ignored her confident claims that the current situation will reverse to the old times very soon as that was the ideal way to lead a well balanced life. Though I continue to disagree with her on this point during our telephonic conversations (just to maintain my ego..;)), a small part of me keeps hoping for that day to arrive soon!

"Two States"

I am a big fan of Chetan Bhagat's writing. I always end up connecting with the characters of the novel...whether he's the IIT student from his first book "The Five Point Someone" or the guy in love from his new addition "Two States". His simple writing style, touch of humour at the appropriate places and "closer to life" stories make his books stand out from the rest.

I just finished his latest book -"Two States". It's been said that this story is based on the author's life...Well, that makes it all the more interesting..:)
"Two States" is a story of how two people who hail from different states in India, fall in love and struggle to get their parents/soceity ready for their marriage. The states portrayed here are "Punjab" and "Tamil Nadu" and his book has covered the intricate details of each culture perfectly well. I could associate myself so easily with the Punjabi guy's family. Although, the initial chapters did not grasp my attention, the latter made up for everything! Getting both sets of parents together for the marriage was the best part and I just couldn't stop myself after that.
It reminded me so much of my marriage..btw, that's another reason for my biased review..:)

A very simple and commom plot...delivered beautifully! A must read!