Slander Games

Gruesome – shocking – scandalizing. These words summarize Aarushi Talwar’s death. She was too young to have any significant achievements to her credit – too old to not have any dreams for her future. What is it about her death that has caught so many eyeballs? I mean, murders happen daily – regularly – much crueler murders happen. Then why this chaos about this certain Aarushi? Maybe because she was just like anyone amongst us – regular – normal. Maybe because her death reminds us that we are perhaps not safe even within the confines of our own house. Whatever the reasons for the attention being given to her murder, what shocks me even more is the manner in which the media is highlighting and dissecting her life and character. Her conversations, emails, SMS'es and even her orkut profile is prime time news – her whole life is under public scrutiny – anyone who is anybody can have a say on what kind of girl was Aarushi – one doesn’t need to even know her personally for that.

Character assassination of Aarushi Talwar sure does look like a lot of fun – given how much the media is enjoying every passing moment of it. This just makes me wonder whatever happened to responsible journalism? Ethics? Morals? Values? Professionalism? When I switch on the television to watch news, I want to watch facts pertinent to her death and facts, that might help in nabbing the culprits – I am not interested in finding out unnecessary details about her friendships, family relations and phone transactions. I hope the media gives her some grace in her death and the journos behave like civilized human beings for once. Let’s not make a joke out of her death - draw a line somewhere and keep it professional.

Stray thoughts

Every night for the past week, I am searching for something when I look at the stars in the sky - answers - wonder when I will find them.

Things that make me smile :)

A smile on my ma’s face – I seriously believe that she is God’s special gift to me.

When pa falls asleep while reading his books – it is seriously cute.

Whenever any of my friends is smitten and in love – they are so happy and are ever-smiling like complete idiots.

Whenever I crack a really bad PJ and my friends go - "Oh Gawwwwwwwddddd!" :)

Seeing people talking busily into their cell phones – smiling – they seem so happy – makes me feel good.

Receiving hand-written letters – something so warm and personal about them – way better than any e-mail or gift.

Sipping buttermilk on a hot summer afternoon – actually anytime of the day – any day in the year.

Whenever my favorite song plays on the radio – when I least expect it.

Whenever I ride a cycle – seriously makes me feel like am back in school :)

Kids in my lane running after the ice cream van every evening – it’s chaos.

When I listen to the temple bells ringing in the distance every morning while I am waiting for my bus – makes me love God all the more :)

The garden in my neighbour’s house – she really loves her plants and flowers – it’s so sweet :)

The two kittens – hidden away behind that pile of sand opposite my house – they always keep peeping out – like naughty kids :)

The Mercedes parked 3 blocks away from my house – what a car! I want to own one someday :)

The stars in the sky which I see every night before I fall asleep.

Evening walks with ma on Sunday evenings.

Kids singing old-forgotten nursery rhymes in the day care center in my lane – every Saturday morning – I look forward to Saturday mornings only to listen to rhymes :)

The bus ride every morning from my house to office – I feel it’s the best time of the day – I love those rides.

Any mail from friends in my inbox

Serendipity, Notting Hill, Lagaan & Hum Tum – these movies make me smile – EVERYTIME.

Idli & sambar – I can die eating that combination :)

Oh ya – I almost forgot - shopping – coz lets face it – am just another girl after all :)

Note to self

Yesterday was a roller coaster of emotions. I vaguely remember the last time I felt so many emotions at once – that day was not a happy day – yesterday was not a happy day either – it was a mind-numbing experience. I just mechanically walked through the day – oblivious to the happenings around me. However, today is different – it’s a new day. Have you ever heard your thoughts speak to you – in complete silence. They speak to you – always – telling you the right thing to do – I decided to listen – now I know the right thing to do – smile – laugh – through the pain – through the tears. I know I will be fine – maybe not immediately – but over time – sometime – some day – in some way – because no matter what happens, life is always beautiful – always giving you a million reasons to smile – it’s always your personal choice to choose happiness over misery – and I have chosen happiness. Also, no pain in life that a good, old plate of dosa and chutney cant cure – so three cheers to therapeutic South Indian food, to good times, to friends and to life :)