Seashells

 What relationship do we have with the sea? Why do I always fall for smooth talkers? What makes me love Chennai so much? Why is the film '2 States' so close to my heart? Why does Thangamey from 'Naanum Rowdy Thaan' make my heart glow? Why are endorphins released after taking the first bite of a croissant? What is my mother's idea of 'romance'? What is the 'honeymoon phase' in any relationship?  Why do people flirt even if I do not reciprocate? How does banana walnut cake hit the right spot always? Why do I not see Gujarati taxi drivers in Mumbai? Why does crying feel therapeutic? Why do some girlfriends understand you so well? Why do some people leave an impression so hard, it haunts you in dreams? Why does Jesus seem cool? Would obituaries be rap songs someday? Will the LGBTQIA+ community someday become a majority? Why is 'At My Worst' from Pink Sweats so relatable?

Dressed in a bright orange bodycon dress, with subtle makeup, my hair all over the place but in a sexy way, not-so-large hoops, and the perfect gold studded heels, I looked my best.  This was a lowkey family dinner to celebrate a very special someone's birthday. We chose a pan Asian restaurant and were seated as couples across from each other.  My boyfriend called for a screwdriver, Aunty and I had pina coladas on our mind and Uncle called for rum. The drinks were in various colours and the waiter was a little too confused. He was under the assumption that the boys won’t call for a yellow colour screw driver drink, nor would they drink pina coladas. In a confused state, he served the drinks. Through the course of the dinner, we exchanged smiles, he asked me several questions, took my feedback, and clicked a few pictures for us. It was time to pay the cheque and leave. Our very naive waiter slid the bill next to Uncle and just casually walked away. Sexism exists, yes but why ig...

She chugs pints of beer, She grooves to Bollywood numbers in cheap clubs, She’s nothing but bare bones and skin with a huge glowing heart, She often likes to keep herself and her lighter a little too “high” She holds each guy close, but not too close enough that they get to see her crazy and oh-so-dazy. She likes all things fried and fancy, With painted nails and an infinity band on her ring finger, she tries hard to conquer it all.  She’s all things you and me, but just miles away from being you and me.   

#MeToo is one of those campaigns that I witnessed unfold, bloom, and fade off. Although I heard about it and read quite a lot about it, I did not get the chance to hang around with someone who was accused of or was a victim of it. My ex-boss would always corner girls, call them mean things, and then say, 'Please do not add me to the #MeToo campaign haan!?' Only recently did I get the privilege to be around someone who was called out for molesting girls.   One of my bosses made headlines during this scandal as news about his pursuits came to light and oh, the media loved every bit of it. Apparently, he was thrown out of the prestigious organization he worked for and is now working with a small-time firm as compared to his previous stint. After spending a substantial amount of time around him, I sat myself down and wondered how does this work?  I was around this person for over 5 days in a different city and he did not seem weird. He treated us like kids, was around all th...

Away from home, strangers become friends. Colleagues become confidants. The first face you see when you get up, the only people who pass your towel when in the shower.  Away from home, you have a new found courage. An alien environment pushes you to explore places and people. You fine dine, crush and roll, eat a cookie or two, exchange glances, run errands, discover unexplored spots with people unknown.  Sharing a smoke, stolen hugs, and kisses in nooks and corners keep you going.  Girls and boys become partners, lovers. You promise to meet before you fly back to your respective cities, your respective partners. You smile, you share a secret or two, you gleam, you walk away.  Away from home, promises weaken, boundaries blurrr.  Crossing the line seldom counts as a crime.

I come from a Bombay that boasts an ever-growing skyline I come from a Bombay where electricity cuts are alien  I come from a Bombay where grabbing ice cream at 2 AM is a thrill I come from a Bombay where 10 ATM kiosks can be found on a single road I come from a Bombay which gives you weed, speed and expects you to keep up with the 'bheed'  I come from a Bombay where chutney sandwich and chaiwallas are the talk of the town I come from a Bombay where cabbies not only drop you at the airport but also wish you 'Happy Journey.' I come from a Bombay where clicking pictures on the most picturesque Bandra Worli Sea link is NOT allowed I come from a Bombay that uses the airport to ramp walk, pour emotions and go on dates with cab crew workers I come from a Bombay where every fourth kid flaunts an iPhone.  I come from a Bombay that looks beautiful in every picture. 

Postcards from Fort, Bombay⚡ Standard Chartered Bank St Thomas Cathedral Atmasing Jessasing Bankebihari Municipal E.N.T Hospital The Cathedral and John Connon School JCT Limited Concept PR head office, Fort Flora Fountain The Trafford House One Forbes CANDIDS