Three Mistakes of My Life

about 

Written by an Indian writer Chetan Bhagat, the book is a work of English fiction.

rating

1/5 

up(s) 

The Only saving grace of the book is its cost; Rs.100 for the original copy, at least the reader does not end up feeling cheated on money, only the time.

down(s) 

The author has written this book with a clear intention of selling the most rather than writing the best.

the plot 
The story belongs to 3 friends, Omi, Ish and Govind and the last character doubles up as the narrator. The story is set in a small town in Gujarat, and is given as a justification for Govind’s incline towards making money in the early half of the book. The other 2 characters are shown as typical 20 year old, without any direction or concrete plan for the course of their lives. These friends share a common interest in cricket, a sport close to the heart of most men born Indian. The story unfolds onto some basic ideas – business, love-lust and Communism.

To make the first mistake of the life, the narrator invests all his and his friends’ savings in an over ambitious deal of a shop which is destroyed in a massive earthquake. This mistake makes Govind feel guilty for an incorrect decision made. The second mistake is made when Govind gives in to the persistent passes made by Ish’s sister, and sleeps with her. As both his friends find out one after the other, accusing him of crossing a moral boundary, the first point in the bible of code between friends, Govind finds himself falling in the eyes of both his friends as a show of lack of character and chastity. The last mistake is set amidst Godhra riots when to save one of the Muslim kids being trained to become a cricketer by Ish, both Ish and Govind become witness to Omi’s death, who is bound to a communal Hindu party, as payment for a debt taken from his uncle.

The glorified mistakes in the book lack strength – why would one blame oneself for a natural calamity which has taken away your lifelong investment? And there is something called insurance which the self professed intelligent Govind has chosen to ignore completely. Still, this is the only mistake which still portrays some life. The next mistake, when Govind falls for Ish’s sister Vidya, there is hardly any love shown between the two. The only facts mentioned are that the female is very beautiful, and is more than ready to get active in the protocol for making babies. Some intimate and first love moments are thrown in here and there, but I fail to understand who smiles these days reading that ‘she touched my hand gently’. The easiness of making advances at her maiden home for a girl lacks practicality, and is very story like. The 3rd mistake is not very convincing either, when one of the friends dies in the riot. This is a bit of a saving grace after the shallow second mistake, but I could not comprehend how Govind holds himself responsible. The narrator sustains the first couple of years with these mistakes, and one day after, overcome by guilt and grief, pops up sleeping pills, and is rescued by our dear writer, to whom he has been narrating the story. The story ends like all such novels do, all the live characters coming together and hugging each other, thus forgiving and forgetting the past.

The language of the book is plain English, with no difficult words or literary phrases. The ingredients of friendship, cricket, love or lust and the great Hindu-Muslim divide in India is used to touch the feel-good and feel-bad points of the common man. To add a lit of glitter, there is even a short trip to Australia, featuring a line or two about inexhaustible cricketers and topless women.

verdict 

A total thumbs down.

Love affair with a Saree

Known as the longest piece of clothing that can be worn without a single stitch, a Saree has become a symbol of Indian woman across the globe. In today's fast blending culture, as Indians move towards more practical every day wear, Saree still remains a go-to attire for all events formal and semi-formal.

Every woman in India, has a basic plain Saree with a simple border. In case you do not, ask your mom.mom-in-law. I am 100% sure they would own one. I shall style such a Saree today, and make it stand out for a variety of occasions.

Look One

Depending on the color of your saree, pick any other color to go with it. I picked hot pink to go with peach because this is my favorite combination of all times. Blue and Green (like the peacock), Turquoise and Brown, Yellow and Purple are some alternative color combos you could experiment with. Basically, pick a color different from your saree as a theme, and use it in everything - your jewellery, accessories, nail paint.

Look Two

The most important piece of this look is One Statement piece. It could be a necklace, a waist belt, or like I have picked a clutch. Style all other jewellery around this main item and you are sure to make heads turn.

Look Three

In case it is an occasion you wish to play safe on, the conventional look can never disappoint. Pick either gold or silver (depending  on whether any of these two hues are present in the saree). In case there is neither, pick the one which looks more in tune with your saree's base color. Use different pieces in same (or similar) color. The one-set look with same earrings-necklace-ring is extinct with the dino's, and is a total No.

 Look Four

Best for day events, this is an easy-breezy look when you wish to stand out, by blending in colors in one look. No piece is big enough to attract attention, and the look is minimalistic, yet classy.

Look Five

If drama is what you like, this is your look. Big chunky pieces in contrast colors, each breathing a life of its own. Word of caution - This look may need a lot of panache to carry.

Look Sixx

 Best for those who love to experiment, this look may need some thought to create from your existing jewellery. Pick the pieces you like and connect them in color or style. For example, here, both the cuff and the clutch have hues of peach or orange (which goes with the saree). The blues in each of these pieces are connected to other jewellery (ring, earrings).

Someone, Somewhere - Really?!

About a month ago, my first ever published work went online for DW's blog Women Talk Online.
 

Because birthdays are a perfect time to recall of experiences and lessons that life brings along, what could be a better time than today to re-post this on my blog. A first in its history, the blog is going to post written out of experiences of a purely personal kind.
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As I pick my tablet, the glass surface reflects back a familiar face. A “been there, seen that” expression has crept in. Wisdom has arrived, a little each day.

I am completing my last year in the twenties next month, and if I were to ask everyone for their reactions, they’d see me as unsettled- unsettled in a womanly way, without marriage or children. Having a job for which I had slogged from my kindergarten days until around my twenty first birthday is a side-dish: good to have, but not all that important.

Over time, I have realized that marriage in India is not seen as a choice you make, or a chance that you stumble upon. It is a rule you have to live by, whether you believe in it or not.

Today, I shall tell you about the lessons I learnt during my encounters with six potential husbands.

Candidate One - was at a time which now seems like ages ago. I was still a junior at work, struggling to find my feet in an industry steeped in recession. I met him when both our families were present. I was in traditional attire holding a tea tray (yes, it is difficult to believe that it indeed was me) and as you may have guessed, there was hardly any time to talk or get to know or for that matter, even get comfortable. Forced to give an answer based on the brief five-minute encounter, a “No” from my end seemed like the easiest escape. No one involved, including my mother, was amused. 

Lesson: I need more time than five straight minutes to decide on my life partner. 

Candidate Two - was at the oh-so-right-age of 25. Everything seemed right at the surface, the background, the education, the flair. Only the guy was a suffering from commitment phobia and it took too many meetings to figure it out. 

Lesson: Just because someone is meeting potential partners, does not mean they really are ready for marriage. Spot the phobic ones early. 

Candidate Three - met him through our familiar circle- very sharp and sophisticated, but totally self-obsessed. Thankfully, did not take long for me to figure this one out. I think it was our second meeting, when he ordered a dessert, only for himself, totally forgetting he was not dining alone. 

Lesson: While a knight in shining armor is what we may really want, compassion is what takes life through, especially when two people are not in love. 

 

Candidate Four - never met him in person. This is how the phone call went:

He – When can we meet?
I – Saturday?
He – I was wondering if we can meet on a weekday, en-route to work.
I – (Really!) Hmm, sure.
I suggest a place.
He – Oh, that place is off-route.
I – Ok, then you tell me where we should meet.
Suggests a place near the Metro station.
I (deflated) – Ok, I ‘ll see you there at 7.
He – Can’t make it before 8 30.
I – Silence (already made up my mind against him)
He – Hello, you there?
I – I don’t think this will work out. 

Lesson: Being liberal in “bigger” aspects like education, work and responsibilities is the easier part. It is the smaller, everyday things which matter. 

Candidate Five - was three hours away by flight from where I stay, he was good, but not good enough to leave my whole life behind. 

Lesson: Just because I am a woman, does not mean I am really ready to leave my life behind. 

Candidate Sixx - knew him since our days at school. There was hardly anything to think about, or doubt. Only, our horoscopes did not match.

Lesson: No one wants to take a risk, when it is about a lifetime. If the stars call it a bad match, it is for the best to believe so. 

The last lesson surprises me, as much as it makes me smile. Like the famous Indian actress Shabana Azmi says in her movie, Fire,”We’re so bound by customs and rituals. Somebody just has to press my button, this button marked tradition, and I start responding like a trained monkey.”

The latest I hear is that it will happen when it has to.

I wonder who has asked the world assume that it matters. May be deep within, it doesn’t.

Lesser known Hindu Festivals

Diwali, one of the most important Hindu festivals is tomorrow. 

Diwali is a name which has evolved over the years from the original 'Deepawali', meaning Festival of Light. This day celebrates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita, younger brother Lakshman, post his 14 year long exile to his homeland Ayodhya, after vanquishing the demon king Ravan of Lanka. Because the day of return was no no-moon night, the residents of Ayodhya lighted the entire kingdom to welcome back them back. Since then, Diwali is celebrated across India. The day is marked by decorating the home and eating sweets in the day, and lightening lamps during night. Through the years, fire crackers have made their way into the celebrations too. 

 

While Diwali is now known to one and all, there are other Hindu festivals which surround Diwali, which are not as popular across the world.

• Dussera Marks the beginning of  festivities, and was the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana, thus marking the end of his exile, and acquiring Sita ji back. This day is marked as a win of the good over the evil, and even today, the win is repeated in every nick and corner with mannequins of Ravan being burnt. The day is celebrated by eating motichur laddus, and jalebis.

• Karvachauth The most difficult fast in the Hindu tradition is observed by married women to pray for her husband's long life and well being. The fast is observed without food and water, that can be had only after witnessing the moon after it rises in the sky. 

• Hoi Ashtami Similar in some ways to Karvachauth, Hoi Ashtami is observed by mothers for the long life of their sons. The fast is observed without food, though water and fruits are permissible. Food is had when the first star becomes visible in the sky.

• Dhan Teras Celebrated two days before Deepawali, it is the day when buying metal (gold, silver, utensils et al) is considered very auspicious, as this is the day when during churning of the ocean by Gods and Demons, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared with a jar of elixir in hand.

• Govardhan Lord Krishna, defeated Indra (the Lord of Rains), and protecting Vrindawan from fierce rainfall, by lifting the mountain called Govardhan. Since then, this day is celebrated by praying to Lord Krishna, and eating his favorite food, 'ankut' consisting of yogurt curry, and egg plant veggies.

• Bhai Dooj Observed the second day post Diwali, this fast is marked by sisters praying for their brother's long life and safety. The brother too showers his sister with love, blessings and gifts.

Satyamev Jayate, and 13 weeks hence.

Its been exactly 13 weeks since the last episode of Satyamev Jayate (translation - Truth Alone Triumphs) aired on television on August 4, 2012. Looked up as one of the most promising programs ever targeting to bring a change taking up  13 issues in 13 weeks, here we are 13 weeks after the show actually came to a close. The question before us, now, is, that if we are all reminded so many times of the issues paralyzing our society , what makes us still not fight them?

Who can fight the system – We are people, who are either too shy or too scared to stand out against the system. In the current conditions, the fear factor is quite natural. But we need to realize, that the problem is fewer people compared to issues. The day we have more people fighting issues than the number of issues, we’ll be a better nation.

No time for the Country– With inflation and thus the cost of living increasing by the day, we’re too occupied accumulating the basic needs for our family that we are left with little time to ponder or worry about the issues prevailing in the country.

Be the change – Hypocrisy has its roots deep within us all. Okay, let me be a bit more reasonable, at least 70 percent of us are plagued with double standards. While we want the best for ourselves, are we actually giving it back? From the simplest things such as while you expect a clean city around you do you really make an effort not to litter the place around you to while you expect your daughter to be treated well by in-laws, how well do you treat your daughter-in-law.  So basically we need to revisit what Mr. Gandhi had to say – “Be the change you want to see”

Not exercising our right to Vote - Most of the people I know, don’t exercise their right to vote. Reason- “Sab hi chor hain, kya farak padta hai kaun jeete”. We need to act a bit more responsibly and screen the profiles of people nominated from our constituency. I am sure, you will find at least one candidate worthy to be elected.

Ignorance isn’t bliss, it’s a curse – While Thomas Gray asserted “ignorance is bliss”, the fact is that ignorance and illiteracy is one of the biggest reasons for our country lagging behind. What can you say of a nation where people blame “Chowmein” for increasing rapes in a state rather than curbing the issue.

Lack of Patriotism – While most of the readers would disagree from this, but trust me we aren’t patriotic. Patriotism isn’t just about standing straight up to the National Anthem or listening to a few songs on the eve of Republic or Independence day. It is something to be observed each day. Patriotism is not always about bringing a big change. If you are making a difference in the life of one more fellow Indian to make it better in whichever way, you are Patriotic. Are You??

While I understand, that this post like 13 episodes of Satyamev Jayate and many other articles/programs may make no difference, but a little ray of hope that I have in my heart is that at least one reader of this post pledge to bring about some change. Again it can be as little a promise that “Never ever again, will I litter my city”.

JAI HIND.

Today's guest post is brought to you by my friend Mayank. You guys have met before too, here.

Every Sunday, the forum is open for you all to share your views to the rest of the world through this blog. The arena is unlimited, the theme similar - anything that touches you, and can help someone else, in six points should make up a post. 

I will look forward to your emails to keep the guest series going.

Deepawali Decor

• Perfume your home using scented candles.
• Decorate with real flowers - making a flower curtain for the main entrance or a window is a great idea.
• DIY a Candle Rangoli.
• Use little lights to light up statement pieces in the living room.
• Colored diyas surely can light any corner they adorn.
• Serve sweets in a traditional pattern - may be a Swastik or Diya.

Side effects of the Wedding Season

The Wedding season in India and I have a lover's quarrel. While I would miss out on the zing weddings bring to life's otherwise mundane routine, there are many other side effects which are very tough to put up with. Here is a look at each of them, one at a time.

• To get a Salon appointment is an achievement

• And so is getting your laundry from the dry cleaner on time

• Impossible to watch diet or follow fitness principles

• Clumsier closet with managing both winter wear and wedding wear- reiterate the closet organization tips to self.

• Higher car spend  - sum of both fuel and car washes

• No Much lesser Me-time, thanks to the amount of preparation that attending a wedding takes

Is there any other way in which the Wedding season gets on your nerves. Share with me how. 

Bring in the Festive Spirit

The festivities have already begun. Dussehra is already done with, and it is less than a month to go for Deepawali. Let us take some extra steps this festive season. Further to decorating our homes/offices and dressing up, let us do something from within.

• Resist from buying that one (very) tempting thing that you would not anyway use (even for a day).

• Use that thing you bought some six months or more ago! May be that iPod (or the lipstick or similar) you bought with so much excitement?

• Stop using your credit/debit card for a week, except for food. Of course, we don't want to see you starve. 

• Resist from watching any movies (or Saas-Bahu TV serials) for a week! You won't miss much, trust me.

• Say hello to your neighbor at office or home, who you usually just walk through.

• Finally, look at yourself in the mirror, take a deep (very deep, let your lungs fill up to the fullest) breath & smile at yourself. :-)

Today's guest post is brought to you by my mentor, Prasanta. He is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met, and was lucky to be his trainee in my early years in the IT Industry. 

A great sense of humor camouflaged under witty sarcasm, he exemplifies 'simple living and high thinking'. Welcome Prasanta, it is an honor to have you write for AllThingsSixx. :-)

Every Sunday, the forum is open for you all to share your views to the rest of the world through this blog. The arena is unlimited, the theme similar - anything that touches you, and can help someone else, in six points should make up a post. 

I will look forward to your emails to keep the guest series going.

Drive your way to Safety

Personally, am too fond of driving and for obvious reasons this has become an inseparable part of my life as I drive to and from Gurgaon, which is about 60 kms(~35 miles) from where I stay – Every F-R-E-A-K-I-N-G day.

On any given normal day you are bound to encounter at least one crashed vehicle, irrespective of the magnitude of damage, you’ll surely find at least one. Based on my daily observations, enumerated below are a set of six things which if avoided can certainly help reduce such scenes on the road and thereby making them a better place.

• Phones: You can’t control all those beautiful and not so beautiful women out there nor those handsome guys around(for all you beautiful ladies). But you can definitely avoid your cellphone. Statistics reveal smartphones related accidents are increasing by the day. And trust me these phones are smart enough not to let your messages vanish in the air and keep the call details if missed. So avoid using the phone while driving.

• Drunken Driving: Once again the most common reason for chaos on road. Being drunk and driving, no ways certify you are a great driver. All it certifies is you are a callous human being. Be responsible if not towards yourself towards the people on the road at least.

• Being a Spectator: This is the funniest thing that you get to see on road. When you don’t intend to help, how will it make a difference slowing down and looking out of your window trying to manipulate “What could have been the reason for that accident on roadside”. Rather concentrate on your vehicle, you might just end up giving the same breed of spectators two reasons to ponder about.

• Driving too slow: Traffic hours is no time to learn/practice driving. If you aren’t confident enough to maintain the minimum basic speed of 50-60kph on a clean road, better stay off it during peak hours. You are just adding to the agony of those already suffering on the road.

• Smelling the bum: One of the prime reasons for most deformed bumpers, broken fog lamps and twisted front grills. Let your car breathe fresh air than the exhaust of the car ahead of you, driving too close will only reduce the time you have to react. I read somewhere, if while passing a static object the time difference between you and car ahead of you is less than 3 seconds you are too close. Make that six in bad weather.

• Zooming at the sight of green: Will the real Usain Bolt please stand up!!! Traffic signals are no sprint races that you have to zoom at the very moment the starter pistol is fired. Be a bit more watchful as you move off a traffic signal. For this one point, you can safely assume all others on the road to be idiots who might not be following the signal properly.

Even after all of the above if you happen to bang your vehicle, fighting on the road won’t get that dent off your car. Trust me it wouldn’t but your insurance company and service guy might certainly be of help. So just LET GOOOOO GUYS ('n GALS ;-)).


Today's guest post is brought to you by my friend Mayank. He sure has a great sense of humor, and loves to sing and write. He loves to drive, as he already told you. Welcome Mayank, to AllThingsSixx! 

Every Sunday, the forum is open for you all to share your views to the rest of the world through this blog. The arena is unlimited, the theme similar - anything that touches you, and can help someone else, in six points should make up a post. 

I will look forward to your emails to keep the guest series going.

Happy Birthday, Bapu!

• You must be the change you wish to see in the world.   

• Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.

• An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

• Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
  

• First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

• A 'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.

Tomorrow, October 2nd is Gandhi Jayanti in India. Some names are so great that they evoke respect at the mere mention. Gandhiji, fondly known as Bapu is Father of our Nation. He lived as an example, practicing and professing peace and harmony at a time when the country was witnessing violence all across in the angst against the British Raj. 

Today, he is the biggest brand ambassador for my country, India. I have seen his teachings at numerous places in my visits outside the country.

I dedicate this post to him today. Happy Birthday, Bapu!