A tale of two people

Two incidents over the last fortnight, left me disturbed and wondering about how people think and their minds function. Both the incidents were bad and most of all unexpected. They came as shockers. Amusingly, they made me realise the unpredictability of life. Two people whom I have been nice to, behaved strangely. One obviously due to innocence and ignorance or can say due to circumstances and the other due to over-maturity. Its quite strange that exactly opposite qualities can hurt people to similar extent. But, such is life.
I have been thinking about it for quite some time. But, there are some questions for which you never get answers and all you can do is leave it at that. In both the incidents, I didn't forgive the people concerned, not because I didn't wish to but because they didn't mean when they apologised. I have gotten over both the incidents. After a few days of introspection, I have also realised that I am not to be blamed for the other person's behaviour. They are conditioned to behave in that fashion. Irrespective of the person in question, they will behave in that manner. But, saying that I was not hurt, would be a blatant lie. I was hurt and was very hurt. The individuals concerned are now out of my life forever. I don't know how I'll behave if I ever confront them. Whether I will ever be able to behave normally with them. But, the fact remains that they betrayed my trust, misunderstood me to the core and hurt me deeply.

Manjiri

God bless me

This post is essentially written with the idea of putting across what is going on in my mind to make me feel better. Right now, am going through a gruelling time wherein am dealing with my apprehensions and self-doubt. New beginnings always leave me with such thoughts. Till I get something, I want it. But, once I have achieved it my focus immediately shifts on what should be done to maintain it. Yes, I will be getting on to my new activity from tomorrow. The work is something am aware of. I am hoping and praying that I better be able to live upto the expectations all those who have invested their faith in me. And most importantly I don't let myself down. Over a period of time, my belief in myself has strenghtened. For it to remain intact, I will have to better myself. So, am wishing myself all the luck in the world. I am telling God please bless me and be with me.

Manjiri

Not really iconic

For the last few days, I haven't been able to write. I was quite shocked and disheartened by the whole scene of events which unfolded last week.
The images of several sections of the Taj set on fire, the airdropping of commandos at Nariman House and the rescue of people from the Oberoi will perhaps haunt every Mumbaikar for a very long time. But what I certainly disagree with is constantly referring to Taj as the icon of Mumbai and India. I don't agree with the media reports that Taj represents India or Mumbai. Yes, it is a heritage structure which does represent the elites or the crème-de-la-crème of India or Mumbai.
Even today more than 80 percent people in this country have not visited the Taj. Spending time and chilling out at the various joints in the premises is a luxury which only the rich and famous in this country can afford. Even today references of having a cup of chai in Taj are being made in train conversations as though it is ultimate luxury one could dream of. I did read several analytical reports which questioned the usage. I too strongly agree with it. Unlike several people who have been coming on air and talking at length about the time they spent at Taj, I don't really have memories of Taj (except for one stray assignment which involved meeting the head chef).
The icon of Mumbai if one has to name one would certainly be the CST station from where most of the people ply to their workplaces and back home. It is this place which is iconic. Because neither the bomb blasts nor the terrorist attacks can deter the spirit (pardon me for using the word). More so for these people, because it is not the spirit but the urge to make ends meet for them. Not reporting to work for a day for a middle class person (including me) means losing out on one leave which could be encashed either at the end of the year or while resigning. And for daily wage workers it means their bread and butter or vada pav for the day.
Not that I wish to nullify the difficult times which the hostages had to go through or that I am insensitive to the harrowing conditions that they witnessed. I do sympathise with them and wish that our government and security forces provide answers to our questions at the earliest. My heart definitely goes out to all those people who lost their family members - saviours as well as victims. I am as enraged as any other Mumbaikar is.
But Taj is definitely not an icon of Mumbai for the average middle-class Mumbaikar in me. It is like a dream which most people wish to accomplish but don’t manage to do so in their life time.

Manjiri