Lost in an unknown place

A rash decision, I misjudged the surroundings. It wasn't my bus stop yet and so I found myself in an unknown neighborhood.
"I'm no good at travelling to new places", I thought as I paced on the sidewalk. I walked the whole way to my right till the next signal and then walked back where the bus had left me.

The smell of vehicle smoke tingled in my nose. And the eyes of strangers followed this obviously confused girl.
"Don't approach me to help me please. I rather be lost forever than to ask you for help. I'll figure it out eventually" I said to myself softly assuming everyone around would think I'm mad for talking to myself in public.
I didn't care... Just wanted to see something familiar..... At least slightly familiar so I could find my way.

Some find their way back so easily. Within mintues they're at their destination even if they took a wrong turn. Must be it's the GPS that helped them... May be I just don't know how to travel.

I now remember all the times people have told me, quite out of habit to get lost. And wow, here on this dusty road with the traffic so loud... Those words are really annoying.

Some people I know have gotten lost several times, very casually and asked for directions before getting more lost or finding their way. And if you're a girl who's not confident in her local language speaking skills or is too scared to talk to strangers.... You can see why I get so anxious when lost.

The whole world feels cold and unfriendly now. My friendship circles are in a dimension I have been locked out of.
Is this the same country? Is this the same city? I wonder.

Finally, I decide to take a bus whose number I'm familiar with...to the stop I was initially supposed to get down on. When I'm in the bus, I mumble the address to the bus conductor hoping he didn't find it weird that I peeped into a tiny paper from my bag where I scribbled the name of the stop.
It's fine... Here's to new experiences and getting lost in new places, right?

As my eyes search for something familiar outside the bus window... Some landmark... Some known face... Something.... Anything....I finally see the big sign board... The only one I perfectly remember from my mind. I'm relaxed now.... I'll find my way now... So sure of it.

Now, I'm confident when I get down. And I walk in victory. I made it out alive. I made it back to the people I know and love. I survived... Let's just hope I do so the next time too!

I hate Indian serials

No, I'm not a fan. Is it a big surprise?
I don't like my heart in the strings of a master puppeteer who doesn't care about me.

I have enough drama in my own life, thank you very much.

The thing I most dislike about Indian serials is that they go on for years, decades and even centuries maybe. I don't know, has any ever come to a satisfactory ending?

If you have ever observed me at places where I'm forced to watch serials because someone around me is a fan... You'll find me either leave the room if I can, ignore its existence or negatively commenting on how unrealistic and melodramatic everything is.

All serials/series aren't bad, of course, but most Indian ones are.
Here's a list of traits I especially hate:

1. Prevalence of stereotypes, biases and cultural evils
And you wonder why so many old aunties and uncles are so rigid in their traditions that are obviously ruining everyone's lives.

2. Antagonists are always after power, property and money
Oooooh! And most of them are borderline sadists who indulge in deeply hurting people.

3. People have no work and are always plotting against each other
I'm amazed at how free people are in serials. I didn't have that much free time even in primary school. The bad people plan traps for the good people and the good people do the same. It's a never ending cycle.

4. Police and law only come into the picture when it's convenient
When I say "convenient" , I mean, when it's used to frame innocent people.
There are so many unacceptable activities done in serials that would easily send one to jail including violence against elderly and minors, domestic violence, kidnapping, etc. But are the police ever called? Nope. These things "Remain within the family" but why? *no response*
And even if said people go to jail, they are given easy bail and sent home within days.... Unrealistic for most of such offenses.
Also, the way most police are shown reinforces the notion that all of them are corrupt and useless to actually take care of law and order in society. And then you wonder why even with so many social reforms and laws in our country... We're still so backward and not progressing at all. It's because we don't trust the police, the law and the peace they're meant to bring.

5. Unnecessary extending of episodes
Indian serial writers and production directors are great.... Very great at this.
I absolutely hate it when they repeat the same drum beat while zooming into everyone's face as they make some dumb shocked expression. It's so lame.
Also, those weird "romantic" scenes where the couple is looking into each other's eyes for what feels like hours. That's so strange and unrealistic. I mean I know you love her... But at least have a human conversation... What are you trying to accomplish? Telepathy?
And those scenes that tense everyone up... The people that are not supposed to meet, almost do... This happens around 10 times, in different locations and in different ways. Stop it! Please.

6. It never gets over
I've heard of serials that last 300 episodes. And I wonder what hellhole the viewers have been through waiting for so many episodes to see a happy ending....

7. ...That's not even there
Very rarely do serials have a good ending. It's like you've waited for so long and then they murder your heart. What is this?
This happened to me once while watching an Anime too.... What do these writers think of themselves? Well, never again. Never watching that anime ever again.

I sincerely dislike watching Indian serials. They play around with stereotypes too much. I have learnt to joke about the entire plot in my head and I comment about it outwardly too many a times. People need to know how they're getting toyed around because of these serials. People need to be more socially aware and not encourage such biased opinions to be so easily broadcast in our country. If we really love our country, we'd care about the lives of our Indian people. And that means the healthy social lives of all people....not just ourselves.

Indian entertainment industry, I'm keeping my eye on you and I won't support your work if you don't respect social harmony, tolerance and national integration.

Morning madness

(My classmates will recall how I got inspired to write this)

Most of the Mumbaikars, living in or near the city are early birds... Or at least, have to be. We are awoken by our alarms, a sound we've learnt to hate. Waking up before the sun has risen is tough and we dislike it dearly... Unless there's something spectacular to look forward to during the day. We, the Mumbaikars, not fully awake without a hot cup of tea or coffee and a delicious good breakfast.

And so my journey begins the moment I step out of my door and walk towards the lift. I exit the building and the cold morning air hits me. Some are washing their cars, splish-splash, and there's water on the concrete ground as if it just rained. Making my way to the bus stop, I keep an eye out for coming buses, if there are any. I speed to the bus stop anyway. I then see a bus coming from a distance. Half a minute passes and it still appears to be afar. Is it stuck in time or just coming in slow-motion? The bus finally arrives and so, I hop in quickly and choose a good seat by the window. I take out the money for my ticket, the coins are all warmed up in my hand by the time the bus conductor comes to take it. He gives me my ticket. I look at my ticket for a few seconds before keeping it in my bag... Just another one for the already existing pile.

The wind is gushing in through the window. The bus driver has always wanted to be a racer. But at least I'll reach college faster if I'm alive at the end of this. Who am I kidding? I'm thoroughly enjoying the speed at which he's driving at.

I make "the sign of the cross" as I pass by the Church. I relax a little. But then I get anxious when I look at the time on my watch. I try to calm myself down by counting the numerous dogs on the sidewalk. They're out for their morning walk, along with some others jogging for a fitter lifestyle.
Most of the stores are closed, though many are beginning to open and set up for the day. I cover my nose and mouth at the sight of the garbage dump. And after it's away enough, I let out big sigh. I look out for my landmark building a little before my destination stop. Once I've passed it, I get up and get down.

I, then, walk across the junction, on a serious lookout for cars and bikes...To reach the other bus stop. As I'm waiting there, I try to observe and notice other people in the area who are on their own morning adventures.

A lot of us are anxious and in a hurry right from the start of the day. Our worry reflects on the clear expression on our faces. We're easily troubled by even the slightest of delay by any of the transports we rely on. Even the most trivial of extra space in between the 2 dominoes could spoil the chain reaction. Besides, a day begun well puts us in a good mood throughout the day. Or so, we believe.
Still dazed by the dreams of yesterday, we take on a new venture today. The first mission of the day being, of course, to reach on time to our schools, colleges or workplaces.

Waiting at the bus stop sometimes feel like forever. And to get to college, I mostly have to wait twice. Finally! I see the bus. I get in, pay for my ticket and get down. There isn't time to look out of the window and let my mind wander anymore.
From here on, it's by foot....a walk that lasts 3 mintues if you can walk at my pace.

On entering the college lane, I wear my ID Card and go through the college gates. I make a quick stop to the chapel and go to my class...Where I see my friends already seated at our desks. My class is the finish line to my morning madness.

There are some other classmates who just got here too, panting for breath. And when I see other students like me who made it on time, all I can tell them in my mind is, "Way to go, fellow racer, you've completed the race."

Answers to your questions

Few days back, I asked my social media friends what questions they would like me to answer, and well, here they are:

1. What's your philosophy on moving abroad? ~ Asked by Vishnuja Nambiar

When I was younger I used to hate everything about my country and dreamed of the day I would be finally able to leave this place for good. But recently, (a few years back) I realized how much I loved my country's culture and how used to the urban Indian lifestyle I am at this point.
My country has lots of issues that I can't ignore. But if all the people who actually love this country, leave, how will this country ever see any hope for development?
My philosophy about moving abroad is to try fixing the problems first and if the people of India deny responsibility to be better than what we are now... Repeatedly, then it's best, people like us do leave the country. It's sort of like a toxic friend who you try confronting about their issues and offer solutions too, but if they're not willing to listen, then it's best we leave them instead of damaging ourselves.
That said, I also think the whole world is doomed anyway and no country is devoid of any flaws. I guess you just got to pick and choose which problems you're willing to deal with on a daily basis.
And finally, I do sometimes worry about the potential problem that could arise if I do leave this country and settle abroad... Like racism, discrimination cause I'm different and not finding people who's family and community values are as strong as mine since I'm an Indian. Then again, I'm not sure, I've never set foot on any other country but India.

2. Are you ready for exams? ~ Asked by Ruth Quadros

Yes. I mean, to the best of my ability.
I don't like the dread of anxiety that comes as the exam season approaches so I prefer to study a little right from the start of the term. This may shock most people but I'm a slow learner so I allow myself to take my own sweet time when it comes to learning. I cannot even finish whole chapter in one day, I get too distracted. I read a few pages, watch videos on the subject, hangout with my friends, sleep on it and try to find similarities of what I'm studying verses reality.
I cannot cram studying everything under one/two nights. For those of you'll who can and still manage passing a subject, I just want to say, you'll are super humans.
So yes, I'm ready for the coming exams, except for French, no one ever feels ready for French.

3. Why so calm? ~ Asked by Saakshi Upadhye

It's around the same answer as the previous but yeah, since I study throughout the term, when exams actually come around, I'm mostly very chilled out. Emphasis on mostly, I'm still a regular human.

4. How's your crush? ~ Asked by Joel D'sa

He's great, Joel, thanks for asking.

5. Are farts explosive and flammable? ~ Asked by Samson Fernandes

You're so funny. I don't know about human farts, but cows produce lots of methane while farting. If compressed... Yeah, they probably will be really explosive and inflammable.

Thanks to all who asked me these questions....bye for now!

My blogging experiences

This is a post on my experiences as a blogger so far.

It's almost been a year since I started to be more regular in publishing posts on this blog. I began taking my writings more seriously after I read a couple of my old articles and realized, "Wow, these are actually very good. I want more people to read these."

The things I began as a hobby ended up being an important part of my identity. I started blogging for fun and had decided that all of my best writings would go here.

Blogging has enabled me to have a voice even though I'm pretty sure I underestimate how good I was and am at writing.
I'm more confident now, having shared my heart with you, dear readers.
No, this is not a goodbye.
Just wanted you to know that I'm glad many of you are people I know and value in my life.

All the agonizing over finding a good topic and anxious editing of blog posts again and again because "It has to be perfect" is made worth it cause of you'll sweet people who support me. The anxiety of not knowing who all are reading my posts was made negligible by many of you'll reaching out to me and telling me you'll like to read things here.

Even though I wish I had taken more opportunities to expand my audience, which I will somehow try doing in the future, I'm glad you'll made it here. All the different articles and sites on the internet and you chose mine, so thank you very much for your support.

My experience here has been great and I hope to learn more things about the world, writing and you'll, sweet readers.

So cheers to you making this far, and cheers to this friendship that we share. Here's to many more articles, experiences, drawings, guest writers, friends and opportunities. 

Here's to the future. * clinks glasses *

(I should probably go back to studying now)