Mesmerizing Memories @ office

Wonderful journey of three and a half years comes to an end. Today will be my last day in Capgemini Mumbai office. I'll be relocated to Bangalore soon and the reason is, I'll be turning 'Mrs' from 7th July 2014 onwards. :D

Just as the feeling of embarking on a new life is exciting, leaving all of you is equally disheartening :( It is a weak moment for me and in this moment, I would like to first thank you all for everything that you gave me.

It is saddened to leave behind friends who have become like my dear families. I will always remember and treasure the time we have been allowed to share together this past years. 

It all started in the year 2011 when I first joined Abbott. My team lead tried so hard to convince us about the goodness of this project :P Then it was an April fool's day prank, which was so scary and made me feel like asking for a release from the project right away. But it did not take much time to change my nervousness to a fun filled excitements. Soon strangers turned into one of the best buddies. Our first trip to Matheran- a wonderful start to the most beautiful days of my life.

And the fun, excitement, celebrations and laughter continued  :)

It’s truly been something special, and as witnessed in above photographs, I have loads of fond memories of this company that I’ll always take with me.

As I bid farewell, I want to give few shout-outs to those who really made a great difference to my day to day office experience.

NB-  Right from the beginning of my career in Abbott till today's transfer, you have been a HUGE support to me and  I owe you a BIG thanks :) I feel lucky to have a Boss like you ;) though the word Boss never implies to you.  He takes a lot of time to remember names but can never say no to someone who asks for help. Your positive attitude and the level of patience you maintain has always inspired me..Your UFO's will be always remembered :P

VR - Happy go lucky person. Enjoys every moment of his life. He is been our Master Planner /Organizer for all the exciting trips. He'll be always there when needed and can talk any nonsense to him :P It has always been fun working with you and to manipulate your defects :P Want to thank you for the unlimited fun that we shared over these years. Am glad that we have gotten some great work done ;)

PS -  Too much talent in one person.. This can guy can make you laugh so hard  until your belly hurts.
Can talk and sing nonstop :P Any trip is always incomplete without you..Thanks for making the office a fun and funny place to be.

My Girl Gang (MoC, AG, JP) - Am gona miss you all very very much.. Even though it's been just few months that we all shared same cubicle, the time spent with you girls were truly enjoyable. Can't forget our tea time breaks, our cubicle snack time, and many in between breaks with loads of gossips ;)

MoC- My best bud.. This gal although joined the team a year ago, has managed to gel up very soon and you have become so close. Special Thanks to you for being there always during my ups and downs. Am gonna miss you terribly but I hope we shall remain in touch. You have been so caring and encouraging from the time we know each other. Though we would not work together or rather share same cubicle but this certainly will not be end to our friendship :) Your nasal voice would be always ringing ;)

JS- Admire your Care free attitude. Never seen her panicky. Always maintains' her cool :) Its was good to work with you and shall miss for not solving your tridion doubts :P

AG - My best 'Chai buddy'. Need less to say, shall miss those moments. Your level of maturity has always inspired me. Thanks for all the Gyaan that you kept giving me and kindly continue to do so ;)

GAMA- In Abbott I have enjoyed my time in phases. And GAMA is an equally important phase of that.

AS - Its always been good to share things with you and am glad we had some great time sharing many topics while waiting for train while back home. Will definitely miss your incredible PJ's :P

 VG - Will miss arguing with you about South Indians and North Indians :P Your famous dialogues and cafeteria moments shall always be remembered ;). Its been nice working with and knowing you more in the past few years. Always keep smiling!
Please note even we South Indians are Indians :P

AnS- Our one woman army lead :P You are an inspiring example for all the married woman out there working in corporate world. Shall soon ask you for  more tips. Its been great working with you and thanks for your co-operation and support.

Similac (SD, KS, PK) -  You gals are doing a great job. Keep up the good work. Am really looking forward to work with you all in the near future.  SD thanks for inspiring and encouraging me for online shopping :P KS - Your talent is way to go. Keep writing awesome poems :) PK- We haven't worked together yet but I know you are Domestic's one of the important resource now.

Email (KA SP) - Your creativity to the team is always required and has helped in team bonding. Abbott's HTML champions.

International (RV, KC, CS, ST, RG ) - I'm glad that I was also a part of this team and feel proud about it. It was great working with you all though I could not personally work with each one of you..

QA- I did not get a chance  to work with all of you but glad that at least I have interacted with everyone. Its good to be a part of such a huge team. In case in future we work together kindly don't log many defects to me :P

Wish you all the very best for New Joinees. I'm sure you all will have a great time in Abbott :)

There are many more amazing friends(KM, KuS, GM, AW, BP, SwK, SuK, JoP  ) with whom I have shared such many happening moments and lots and lots of laughter. Thanks to all and  I'm grateful to have spent time with you.
Miss you all very very much..
Do Stay in Touch!

25 Reasons Why You are Awesome and My Besshht Friend

1. Your simple ‘Hi’ and ‘How’s everything ‘is worth hearing or seeing when you watsapp me.
2. You always inspire me with your never give up determination. After everything you have been through, the challenges you have faced, you are still there. Be Proud.
3. You are an amazing dancer (Can’t forget our college fest). :D
4. You have seen my worst and still have been with me, trying to make me positively charged.
5. You were always there when I had tough times and made me strong.
6. You are a great singer (Our conference calls for Birthday wishes where you dedicate songs)
7. I can call you anytime and you will never be bored to listen to me.
8. You are a Foodie and I love to explore food with you.
9. You surprise me with your newly coined words viz Hoodibaba.
10. Such a soft spoken person you are which I always wish to learn from you.
11. You are NOT crazy about chocolates.
12. You are the most perfect person to share a secret with. 
13. Undoubtedly trustworthy, impossibly loveable and kind.
14. Friendship means a lot to you and for me it is incomplete without you.
15. You are incredible in giving the best advice at my life’s crucial situations.
16. You never hesitate to ask me twice if I fail to open up.
17. You are trendy and fashionable. People always want your help in shopping.
18. You don’t like Mattar (Green Peas) but still would bring it for us. 
19. You are brilliant in cooking but not as good as your Mom’s handmade schezwan fried rice. ;)
20. No one can ever take your place.
21. You love going on long drive and equally good at driving.
22. You never say No to treats, and we don’t miss any opportunity to celebrate in each other’s happiness.
23. You don’t fake your emotions or rather you can’t.
24. You amaze everyone with your sincerity and dedication in whatever you do.
25. Of all you are not perfect. You are awesomely imperfect. 

Above whatever I have scribbled (typed) is nothing but trying to say that you are awesome in your special way. Shall end up with these beautiful lines

I don't have to be with you, to know you're there,
We don't have to see each other, to know that we care.
We could be apart for years upon end,
and still remain the best of friends.

 Did I miss to tell you that your warm welcome HUG always makes me feel so special. Thank you. : ) 

Dark Knight Dreams

Everyone has their own dream world, the ones which we see with our eyes wide open and the other which we usually see in our deep sleep. The day dreams are usually those, which we wish to come true one day but the same is not always true for the latter. This is because the dreams which we visualize with our eyes shut are not always pleasant. We don’t often see super heroes saving us from aliens or the fairies from the fairy land who with their wand can make you look prettier in a matter of seconds ;)

This is one such unpleasant dream that I experienced recently. I remember I had fallen asleep just like the other days and no sooner I was in my so called dreamy world. The sun was shining bright outside my window and I was hoping for a better day ahead. My alarm clock snoozed; it was half past 9 am. Oh God I had to rush now and that’s when my phone bell rang. With no more interest and in much hurry I picked up saying Hello The voice from the other end came “How are you Ithraa?”  I was totally traumatized and went paranoid hearing the same voice. Yes it was them again. I was standing still with my body frozen.  Sometimes what your mind knows already is not accepted by your heart. But I knew I can no way turn this down and have to go now. I brushed my teeth, took a bath, quickly changed into a pair of jeans and T-shirt and rushed out of home.

It was the same venue, one of the biggest plush hotel in the city. With curiosity taking its front seat, I drove as fast as I could. But to my surprise everyone had already arrived much before. They gave me warm greetings with wry smile saying welcome back. I was still wondering why I was being called up again to be a part of this group which I left behind ages. Soon we all were clearly instructed with our assignments to achieve. My heart was refraining to accept the fact and was still struggling with my mind and heart clashes. Suddenly, shattering sound of thousand glasses deafened our ears. It took some time for me to realize that those thundering noise was nothing but a gun shoot. My ears drums crackled, my heart pounded and craved for oxygen, and that’s when I barely heard someone saying the Killers are back. We need to start our Revenge. C’mon here are your weapons. Go and Get Started. The words hits me like a rock. No longer could I see the brutal violence, I rose like a warrior and the war began.

I was equipped with a heavy gun and a sword in case I’m left out with the bullets. I quickly ran to the other side of the room and hid behind the pillar. I positioned myself with heavy gun in my hand.  Sounds of gunfire filled the air. Amidst the gory of bloody dead bodies, I could see a deadly killer running for his life. He could not run faster as blood was oozing out of his badly wounded knee. I chased using my speed, to the other room where I wanted to fight like a warrior so threw away my gun and took my sword out.  I swayed like a professional sword fighter. But he too did not give up, took his steel sword hung on his back and swung in all possible directions to stab me. The blades of our swords clanged together, the sharp sound echoing off the stone floor. I concentrated on his sharp eyes and prepared for his next move.

Sweat glistened on my forehead as I wiped it off with the back of my hand. He started swinging his sword violently throwing off my sword to the other end of the room.  I tried regaining my position and fetching my sword from where it had fallen. Meanwhile his blow over my left shoulder sliced off the flesh and I groaned with excruciating pain. I knew I can’t give up until I finish this game. I raised my sword in front of him preparing for combat. I swung my sword at his neckline, but he ducked to miss it. He came flying towards the rear end and swayed in speed. I hid behind a pillar blocking myself for an attack. I had to angle my left hand differently as blood was already dripping out of my shoulder.

With an unexpected attack I kicked his wounded knee knocking him off the floor and stabbed him hard onto his chest. Blood oozed out and he collapsed. Breathing heavily, I repeatedly stabbed him until his sword fell off his hand and breathed his last. There he lay DEAD. Wiping off the bloody stains over my hand I turned back and could hear someone screaming A-A-R-T-H-I-I-I-I…

My Body ached and vision blurred, I tried to look out in the direction of the voice I heard. I was astonished to see a familiar face. For clear visibility I rubbed my eyes and was taken by surprise- My Mom??? From where on earth did my mother join this battle? It took me few seconds to realize that I was lying on my bed and it was my mother screaming for me to help me awake. Phew. I checked my left shoulder for any stains of blood but I was completely fit and fine.  Alarm snoozed again it was half past 9 and my phone rang once again. My hands trembled, wondering was this a call from those group. I picked up with no courage and a voice which was kind of familiar saying –“Don’t be late as usual. Today is our site launch so be on time. No excuse.” With this, the call was disconnected. Yes you guessed it right. This voice is much dangerous than the gangsters. It was my Manager. Oh God I need to rush to office otherwise I will have to face a real battle with my Manager ;)

  

My Travel Diaries

Traveling to new places, meeting up new people and interacting with them gives you whole lot of new energy. It also provides you with a wide range of opportunities to explore more about the nature as well people's nature. Travel has always fascinated me. By travel I not only mean going to different cities or countries but also our day to day travel.
 Be it just going to my office by Mumbai's famous local trains or the times when I used to take bus services to reach my college or traveling by long route trains for my cousin's wedding at Chennai and last but not the least where we get convenience at a huge pay - Flight services. I enjoy it. At least these are the maximum mode of transport I have experienced so far (Cruise is next on my to-do-travel-list). Although traveling in a public transport is annoying but may be I would try to make it sound like finding happiness everywhere you go..

During my engineering days as I said before, we used to wait in a long and never ending queue for the Buses. Everyone would badly wait for just one glimpse of the so called ST Bus (State transport) and finally when our Red lady would arrive we will have that Ahhh.. here she comes and we can rest our legs soon feeling. The most disappointing moment is when you come to know Ouch I need to stand once again for an hour, now not in the bus stop but inside the bus. Yet if luck favors you, and you are seated comfortably, then probably you are the happiest person but if the same is a window seat then you can proudly pat your back and say 'Can't ask God anything better than this' because you gonna surely enjoy your next one hour of this journey. This is how exactly I spend my four years of engineering bus travel. Window seat and my two best friends Music, and Books - Wow Life is awesome. Most of the times, I would prefer traveling alone especially when I just want to get immersed into my thoughts. The other side of the enjoyment is when I am accompanied with some of my best buddies who will really make that one hour journey so joyous. Playing antakshari, dumsharaaz, and entertaining others too. (That’s what we think but it must be a complete non sense for them :P ). There is yet again one more phase of bus traveling that I have experienced, which I term as the most tensed moments-The Exam time, forcibly studying all the way till your destination. While returning home, the scenario changes completely despite the exam goes off well or not, I will doze off :) Most wonderful few minutes I would say, since it makes my mind relaxed and refreshed.

It’s so true that you need to be skilled enough if you want to enjoy Mumbai local train traveling because if not it can be the worst experiences of your life. Being brought up in Mumbai since childhood, I can proudly say that I am one among those skilled travelers of Mumbai. Getting into the Local train at peak hours (morning 8am and evening 6pm) would be the biggest achievement for a Mumbaikar. So getting a window seat, or should I say, getting a seat is totally far out of reach. But again I was lucky to having no need to travel in peak hours so getting a seat and fewer times a window seat was quite possible. So that makes my experience quite delightful many times. Train traveling gives a lot of social interactions and which help you build up your contacts. I have made some real good friends. It also happens that you get to meet some of your old friends whom you have not met since ages so train travel - Connecting People Now :)

When it comes to long train traveling, it has to be either with your family or friends. The best part in this kind of travel would be food. Yes am proving again I am a foodie. Cuisines which are specially cooked for travel purpose include Puliodharai(tamarind rice). My mom prepares it so well that you can't just simply say no to it. Spicy and tangy yummy. Oh ok ok I know am not writing about food. So back to Chennai Express. Besides food I just enjoy the scenic beauty of different locations. You can actually witness the culture differences gradually as you travel along.That's Amazing right? I remember one such travel with friends, when we have been to Chandigarh as part of our Industrial visit. Those were one of the best trips with night long chats, playing cards, nonstop singing and disturbing the whole compartment, getting down at some random stations and having tea and bhajiyas, endless fun. Good old Memories :)

Everyone wants to fly high. Who in this world don't want to be like a free bird. Flight services gives partially you this satisfaction but at times, happiness comes only with price. Now that I started earning, shelling out huge amount to meet your loved ones at the same time save your leaves was not a big deal. I remember how I was scared on my first flight trip when I had to travel all alone from Mumbai to Bangalore. I was so excited at the same time and a proud feeling of going all alone by yourself. It’s like I have achieved something really big. I made myself to appear as if I am a frequent business traveler by hiding all my inside fears ;). I can honestly say that I was trying to show off that how busy person I am and want to check my emails as soon as the air hostess announces- you can now switch on your mobile phones. Lol. As a beginner I used to peep outside in awe that I have reached such a high altitude and look around for air-hostess and simply wonder about their costumes and how lucky they are. But now as I am a real frequent traveler I spend time reading books :P

I want to fly, I want to run, I even want to fall ... I just don't want to stop.
- Courtesy Yeh Jawani hai Deewani Movie :P

Everything Happens for a Reason

And what is that reason God only knows. Off late I started believing or rather struggling to believe that things do happen for a reason and hopefully that reason is always for good. This is applicable at many junctures of our life. Often we experience that  in different phases of our life many people would touch base with us and of that some become your close friends. It really feels so good to have close friends and sharing each and everything. But the game doesn't end here. Life gives you so many surprises some times good and many times bad. Having close friends is such a wonderful feeling at the same time losing them? 

Drifting apart from the loved ones makes you feel lost. I don't know why but this bitter fact has made its way many times in my life. I can proudly acknowledge that the most amazing people have made their footprints in my small world. Some friends make it till the end of your life and some only for a period of time. At times those who appear for short period of time seems to be like an angel to me just to make you lighter in your difficult times. And when you are up again to face the challenge they might disappear and make space for the new one to arrive. But saying goodbye to a person who played an important role in your life is not easy. Its so sad to lose someone with whom you have shared the deepest secrets, laughed till your stomach starts aching, fought over silly things, talking crazy stuffs. For me losing friends was either due to them having new responsibilities, change of place and ultimately losing contacts, change of priorities, or perhaps some unavoidable situations. Since school days, college and until now this process in still on. Any ways partially it was a natural process and sometimes it was fate. But Life goes on and sometimes letting go makes life easier and gives peace. In my opinion letting go doesn't finish everything, in fact those bonding memories are so precious which are to be cherished for lifetime. As 'We part to Meet and Meet to part' isn't it?

To all those amazing people out there who made my life beautiful. I owe special Thanks.. to make me smile, to make me laugh, to bring out the best in me, to make me love myself, to make me self confident, to tackle my worse, to make me cry and bring out the sadness in me, of all to make me Strong like never before. Thanks for being there. I wish our paths might cross again. Now I am sure things do happen for a reason, it was because of this unknown reason I met many angels and will also meet many more in the future :)

Food is Awesome

Its been long time since I wrote. My mind always keeps flowing through as to write about many stuffs but its always some priorities that pops in. So does that sound as if am too busy? No not at all its just that I keep on postponing my activities. Whatever it is but there is something that I can never give up, in fact many of us won't, because we are Food Lovers. Someone truly said 'There is no love sincerer than the love of food'.  Exactly. So Yes I am a true Foodie.
Being a South Indian and growing up in a typical TamBrahm culture, food is so simple yet so delightful. The moment I say South Indian food, what hits our mind is filter Coffee sorry Kaapi, Idli and Dosa. Mouth watering no?

Nothing can make you so charged up than a cup of steaming Filter Coffee in the morning as it turns out to be a Fuel-booster. My mom is famous in making the most aromatic magical filter coffee. Sipping this gives me a blissful satisfaction. :)

A Lot can happen Over a Filter Kaaapi :) 

When comes to breakfast, we have N number of varieties. Crispy Yummy Dosa with fresh coconut chutney and sambhar cannot beat anything in the world :) My all time favorites and never ever be bored of this. I thank a ton to whomever have invented this combo. I remember having one such best dosa in our native with homemade ghee. wow it tasted amazing. Idli Dosas are our saviors. ;)

Photo courtesy Google Images

Thanks to my Mom who makes the best Idli and Idli podi ever. I wish I can learn atleast 10% of her culinary skills. ;) The breakfast list just does not end here. Endless varieties of Dosa, uthappa , pongal(somwhat like north indian khichdi), KuliPaniyaram(fried idlis), Appam, Idiyapam(rice noodles) and the list goes on...So can anyone ever think to skip such tempting breakfast?

Photo courtesy Google Images

What?? You are full? No ways abhi toh main course baaki hai  (Subtitles:P The actual meal starts now ) You are not supposed to give up that easily :P
One more important savior for us is Rice. South Indians have a vast amount of delicious rice delicacies. Yet there is nothing much more heavenly than a simple curd rice with mango pickle. Once again pure Bliss! 
Main course has a countless number of dishes being served in traditional banana leaf. Someone needs to very careful for not being missed out any of these. This kind of special meal can be relished specially on weddings. Few to mention are Payasam(kheer), Wadai(Daal wada), Sambhar, Rasam Potato Fry, Aviyal.. Burp..

Photo courtesy Google Images

I can just go on and on. But I think I should stop here.
 Are you wondering that I missed the dinner. Sorry am too full so will end up wonly with a glass of More(ButterMilk or Chass ). Hope you enjoyed the meal. :)

Awakening the God Within

Hi Readers, Welcome to Mirrored Mind! 

This one is going to be my first mind reflection. So Readers please bear this not so skilled writer yet want to be a blogger and here I go…

 I would like to share an incident which happened a year back when I had been to Pandharpur - Maharashtra’s one of the important pilgrimage city situated in Solapur district. It was one kind of family get-together and few of my maternal relatives gathered up for this not so exciting but lately turned into an unforgettable trip. Me and my cousin were wondering how our friends would react when you say them, I had been to a pilgrimage trip for this vacation and obviously their reaction made us unhappy. But we all were together after a long time and this indeed created a fun-filled moment. 
 

We boarded the Siddheshwar express from Mumbai at around 11pm and the journey began. It was Christmas time and no wonder Mumbai failed to show any instance of winter arrival. After almost eight hours, our train journey came to an end and we reached Solapur at 7 in the morning. To our surprise the climate was freezing cold which is otherwise usually dry and hot. Me and my cousin were finding ways to get draped into our mother’s saree pallu but nothing could save us from shivering. That chilling weather and garama garam chai.. Needless to say that was heaven!!

We headed to take dip in the river Bhima" also called as "Chandrabhaga". Though it was a holy dip for elders but for me this river bathe gave a kind of satisfaction of having my so called expected vacation that is because the ice cold water and beautiful scenic view was just beyond my expectations. Our hopes did not end here as our trip came with more unexpected, thrilling and adventurous incidents or rather we all experienced the real truth.  Finally we had a chance to get a glimpse of Lord Vithoba. We felt our souls rejuvenated with His divine serenity.  
 

It was around 5pm in the evening and the whole city was crowded with devotees seeking the Lord’s divine blessings. We could hear the devotees singing “abhang”- Marathi bhajans awaiting their turn to get darshan of the Lord. There were many other temples situated in the banks of the river, we all geared up for one of the temple which is located in the other side of the bank. The only way to reach the location was using the boat service and once again this made me happy and I was no longer regretting this trip. The wooden boat was large enough to accommodate our whole family. We were guided with two boatmen with us who were so kind and knowledgeable.  They told us much information regarding those temples and their history. We reached the destination, but by this time sun was sinking below the horizon and sky was slowly turning dark.  This did not drop our energy levels even by that much and had a peaceful darshan of Goddess AmbaBai, but what awaited us while returning was horrifying. The roads were complete dark and there was no sign of lights from anywhere but thanks to my Smart phone, it saved us till we all reached near the bank of the river.  What we saw next made us stand still. No Boat Service! Yes that’s what the local people told us as it was now complete dark. Hearing this, a horrible chill went down our spine. The two boatmen did not accompany us to the temple and nowhere could we find them. We all felt lost and a sense of fear pervaded all. Each one of us started praying hard for our safe reach.

And there came the surprise, the two boatmen made their sudden appearance with their genuine smile. Without any hesitation they were ready to take us in their boat and dropped all of us safely. We had no words to thank them and offered them with some extra money apart from their usual fare for saving our lives. Much to our surprise was their denial to this offer and their sincerity towards their profession.

Now it was time for us to return to Mumbai and we all were badly in need of some rest. So we all dozed off for a while in a dharamshala. That night we had to board train from Solapur, so we all left the holy city with much contentment because the two boatmen had won our hearts. We took a car for reaching Solapur junction. It was almost 10pm and we were late as we had to catch the train at 11:30pm. The driver speeded up well and we were confident about catching the train on time. After a while, my niece wanted to get her sweater so my uncle had to stop the van and get his bag above car luggage storage.
 

He couldn’t believe his eyes as there was no bag above and again a sense of shock and sadness made all of us restless. We couldn’t leave it and move ahead as uncle had some of his valuable items and most importantly our train tickets. We were already running short of time and couldn’t think much but some instinct made us believe that the bag must have dropped somewhere on the way. So we ordered the driver to go back all the way and search for the bag. As the roads were not very good we definitely came to a conclusion of the bag fallen off the car. There was complete silence as all were unhappy about such an ending to our trip and hoping things turned out other way. We all were scanning the roads to get a glance of the bag. For several minutes the tension mounted and our curiosity was rising every moment.

Tringgggg!! Came a sudden phone call to my uncle saying, is it Mr. Srinivasan? I found a bag near the petrol pump and got your name and phone number from the train tickets. Am waiting here can you please collect it?  Dumbstruck by what he heard, my uncle had a huge smile and said Thank you so much sir. Soon we spotted the Godlike person who was looking simple and humble. His name was Tukaram.  Again just thanks were not just enough for this great human being so my uncle asked if he could take some money. To this he simply replied No Sir Thanks. It was my duty. We all were overwhelmed by this young lad’s gesture. I felt thankful for being a part of this unforgettable journey.
 

Both the incidents made me realize the same truth – there exists God in the form of human beings. Let's try to awaken the God within us.

Jai jai Vithala Hari hari Vithala!