Welcome to Mumbai!

India’s city of dreams. The city where people move to in throngs and fall in love with. A few days old in the outskirts of this throbbing city, I am full of excitement, laced with a smearing of apprehension. It is a time of changes. New job, new place and new friends.

After a hearty dinner, I suddenly remembered that I had to buy something from a pharmacy nearby. As I was walking to the shop, the skies opened up to a sudden downpour of rain. I hastily took shelter in a small shop nearby, manned by a father and daughter duo. I smiled at the child who was about 10 years old. I was continuously peeking out of the shop to see if the rain was abating as I wanted to get to the pharmacy before it closed. The little girl caught my eye and asked sweetly, “Do you want an umbrella?” I was surprised and pleased at her kindness. I took the umbrella, hurried to the pharmacy and returned in 5 minutes time. The rain had stopped by then. I thanked her and offered her some chocolate, which she promptly refused, with a smile. I removed the wrapper and gave it to her, saying that she has to accept it now. She let out a giggle and took it.

Walking back to the hotel after saying goodbye, I had a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. I knew Mumbai has welcomed me!  

Vani as a Fresh Scientist,

Pallavi Avida days , will always cherish those 19 days!

Water Under the Bridge

Take me along, oh dear Wind

Take me along oh dear stream

Do not leave me behind

I belong on the move

My mind can’t rest

Unless I’m with you

And on the move

They say it’s water under the bridge

So forget it and let it go

But I am the water under the bridge

The cause and the effect

Have to keep moving

So that there’s new water under the bridge

And I can keep moving

I don’t want to see the bottom of the bridge anymore

Let me see new valleys

And new flowerbeds

Let me make my way

And let me reach my sea

Don’t know which one

Let me flow, let me move

And let me reach you

I'll know when I do.

Vani Venugopal

30th Aug, 2015

Glass top table and leather sofa At the 'House of Dhamaal', where I'm nesting these days

Mumbai

Quest

Is the weather confused or is it just me?

Is it raining outside or is it just the storm inside?

Mind over body, Longing over reason

When logic fails

But you don’t see yourself fail

Gazing up into the clouds

Caressing the prickly grass

Trying to peek behind each fluffy cloud

To steal a look at what’s beyond

Is there a beyond?

Is that what I believe?

Is there anything at all that I believe in anymore?

The era of God has gone

Mother’s love is there but that’s a given

Walking shoulder to shoulder with friends

Sipping cups of tea

Are those bygones too?

Is the laughter too loud?

Or just the memories too strong?

The sun too bright?

Or am I just burnt raw.

Is it too late?

 Or did I run out of time?

Did I lose everything?

Or did I just lose myself?

All of me, 19-05-2015