A Talk about You & Me - Its about Us

“She always camouflaged herself as a crowd. I've never been lonely, she said, but sometimes it's hard to think above the noise.” 
― Brian Andreas

Hi Friends & Readers! As I start writing this blog my mind is cluttered. Lately one of my good friend told me  there are stories every where when you notice.However although I know it well, but nothing intrigued me enough to write on it. Until last day when I went to a salon for a spa session on my hair and the helpers were on lunch break so I decided to grab a coffee in Gloria Jeans Coffee Shop. It is located at Turner Road, Bandra.  I was sitting outside area with my mug, I see there a very little baby boy hardly 1 - 2 years old or possibly malnourished was moving around and was begging for money...he had a running nose and with his gesture he showed how hungry he is. There were 2-3 gentlemen who he followed around the lane and was fretting for money while couple of them kind of ignored him, one of them went ahead and promised to get him money once he is back from ATM. But as he turned back he saw me sitting there and observing him. A kid's innocence never remains unnoticed irrespective of culture, background classes and other irrelevant things that the society boasts of and is believed to be divided in various social parameters. The essence of purity and innocence is always a kid and I could not ignore myself from the very fact. I just could not take my eyes off that little boy who kept running around asking for money to buy himself some food. In Mumbai these kids are every where in almost all the traffic signals and are believed to be a part of a racket. SO most of the time people refrain from helping them as they are believed to not being able to use the money and also been tortured. But when he came to me I was completely glued to his innocence and the way he was asking me for money. So I took out 10 bucks and gave it to him. He jumped right in front of me out of joy and then cheerfully ran a little ahead of me. On the other side of the road was his entire family. They are ideally from Rajasthan could say with the kind of clothes and the "Abhushan" they were wearing. Not very expensive but clearly reflects the cultural heritage They were also selling junk and antique inexpensive jewelry on the other side of the road. I realized to live in the City of Mumbai everything that they do is work for them whether it is selling of jewellery or begging. The child was so excited with his earning that he flaunted that 10 rupee note to his family from the other side of the road and was dancing in joy. I felt glad and blessed that I made that poor kid happy. As for him it was his first earning at a tender age. 


Then another baby boy arrives in the car in his granny's lap and his Mom driving the car. His Mom got down to get something. he was sitting at the window with glory on his Granny's lap. Suddenly we had a eye contact and he started waving me, I waved him. Then he got excited and started jumping and pointed his finger towards me to show his granny. As his Granny saw me she opened the window. He kept waving me and couldnt stop laughing in joy, I was kind of surprised with his gesture but he was so very cute that I also kept smiling at him and waving. Then before I could get down to get closer to him his Mom came back and started the car. To my sheer surprise he even gave me flying kisses. Although that time he was a baby boy for me, as he left the only thing that came to my mind is "Boys will always be Boys" and I kept laughing in my mind. But then suddenly that comparison came into my mind of the poor boy and the rich one and I felt that both of them are happy and at peace in their life as their needs are there with them which is their parents. They do not have understanding of money or classes but they just understand their needs are met and that is all they want, and sometimes it is little things like their father's protective hand and their mother calling out their name and cuddling and pampering them that matters and makes them feel protected and loved. While the richie rich is allowed to enjoy his childhood at the tender age this little boy is taught the art of begging which possibly can be the only greatest difference I could think of. While thinking about all this I can only thank God for what I have for I dont know what is the best life but I have a life in which I am doing what I ever wanted to do. '

When I see Abir I feel he is so blessed too. He is protected by 3 female in his family and all the needs that he has is also met by all of us collectively as we always feel he has been deprived of the fatherly affection so we kind of double our affection to not let him feel the absence of it. He claims to love only 3 female in his life and he hates all the other females if we believe his words however I wonder why he hates such a wonderful specie like woman when he has been never taught the same. :-) However when he came to Mumbai this time, with my good friend Yogesh's help he went to get a friendship band done and he wrote his good name which is Shoham and my nickname which is Jini and it is so touching as he did it of his own and surprised me. My readers and friends you wouldn't believe but he is all the time wearing it day and night. It is really touching to be so loved by this little boy. I feel we always have grievances and sadness but honestly in our life there is so much to be thankful for. I could be thankful of the work and the way it keeps me busy and on the go every time so much so that I search for time to write my blog these days, then my kick boxing and work out. I feel so passionate when I run and I never do want to give up for it gives me so much pleasure and happiness and makes me feel so powerful, I feel positive and so much in action and highly charged. When I have time I read or watch the movie collection that I have. Thanks to my friend Tanush and Dimi who has given me this huge collection which always keeps me involved and never let me feel I have nothing to do. Then I read, I have so many half read and untouched book which I am aiming to read even one page everyday when I have a little time. I am not empty of options, moreover discovering myself at every passing moment, God makes me feel I have so much in me and in my life. There is so much to be thankful for. Seriously not everybody has this life. So Count your blessings my readers and friends than only gazing on your sadness, failures or disappointment. There is so much in you, that you are yet to discover. You are never Alone!

I am coming to something extremely sad and heart breaking now. A 23 year old girl got raped in the most posh area of Mumbai in South Mumbai, Lower Parel. The place is Shakti Mills Compound where she being a photo journalist goes for a shoot of her magazine's anniversary issue. The offenders influenced her and her colleague saying they will help while the boy with her was tied up few feet away from the place,  this girl raped by 5 men continuously if the news source are to be believed. Mumbai was considered to be the safest place. I can remember of days when I would finish my official events and return home really late. I was never scared as I have always felt safe and secured in the city. This news has shook me inside deeply. Where is the humanity gone of such people for whom women are just a commodity of pleasure. Men really need to know few things I do not know if they know and if they don't then they should consult a doctor..

#FOR THE OH SO COOL DUDE MEN!

1. If you are interested in a girl not necessarily she has to be interested in you just because you think you are perfectly cool

2. Not everybody wants the same thing as some men feel like. SO KINDLY STOP PURSUING IF SHE TOLD YOU CLEARLY "I AM NOT INTERESTED!"

3. A girl has to decide if she wants you to let her touch, you are not the one to decide. So please make your move carefully or get ready to be slapped.

4. If a girl is drunk she isn't available and it isn't cool to take advantage but prove you are a true friend and show her some respect by dropping her back home safely.

I have seen lot of men having stereotypical point of view so this is a must read for all of those to tell you its high time to change your typical point of view. If you still do not change your view and is still willing to go overboard and to any extent then I believe hanging you in public is the best option!! YOU SHOULD DIE!


#FOR ALL THE GIRLS!

You know I have posted this before but again who are my readers know that there are some simple and easy steps to defend yourself from all threats and please do read it and do what you feel is necessary and easy for you at such point

Tips for Self Defense for all women against Sexual Violence:

1. Never be unaware of the situation around you. Do not be deeply involved in your mobile that you don't know whats happening around.

2. Don't be afraid to make a scene and fight back if they make a move. Bite, scratch, kick, tear, pull, twist, stab with anything on hand. Make it very hard for them to cleanly get away with you. Keep Police numbers handy.

3. Even if predators do not target women in provocative clothing, Walk with confidence & awareness.

4. Never walk alone in an unfamiliar place. If a sexual predator has you targeted and there's no one to stop it, it will be hard to get away safe.

4. Always keep your cellphone with you. Make sure it is fully charged so you don't have to experience the misfortune of being in a bad situation and your phone is dead.

5. If you feel like you're being followed, fake a phone call. Say something like "Hey dad, I'm at the curb, I'll be there in just a second." Be loud so they will know that if you aren't there in a second, then they know something will be wrong and will be following them or calling the police quickly.

6. If someone is making you uncomfortable, such as touching you when they just meet, following you, doing things without your consent, get into a group of people or you can go up to another woman who is alone, start conversation and tell her what's going on. She'll probably be happy to stay with you and walk with you. The more the merrier.

8. Never drink when it is offered to you by a stranger or someone whom you do not know well enough

9. If you feel a taxi driver or rickshaw driver is taking you through a unknown route. Stop in a public place, take guidance if you do not know the place well and change your route.

10. Do not board a local train which is not guarded by a police.

11. When travelling nationally ask the TE to change your seat if you find it uncomfortable.

12. Save numbers of family members or trust worthy friends as short cuts in A part of your phone book list like A Saumya A Deepak etc.

With this particular event my very good friend has raised a point where he says that sending a woman in a place like that with just one male companion is not safe. Company sending a female for such assignment has also shown a irresponsible attitude towards their employee. I would say in this Country everywhere a female is in secured and lives life in fear as she don't know if she is the next prey. Leave the Organization the Government's measure towards protection of woman's dignity is also shameful. So woman you are anyway quite strong. It is only you who has to say it to yourself. Please learn some self defense techniques if possible. We are strong enough to defend ourselves. It is only our belief that makes us who we are. If the Men who are supposed to protect their country women becomes the predator, it is you who have to fight back and stand for yourself. DO carry few things in your bag that can possibly help you escape the situation.  Woman you are strong! lets do our bit every time we can for ourselves. It is all about us! it is all about womanhood! 


They come from north, south, east and west
They are marching throughout this land
It's something that women call Sisterhood
That's beginning to take a stand.

They are women from every race and creed
They are women from all walks of life
They are beginning to realize who they are
Besides a mother, a lover, or wife.

They are waking up with a mighty voice
Against things that some go through
Be it abuse, shame, or just the 'game'
They are shouting they are through!

They're taking a stand against violence
Against discrimination everywhere
They've found the 'system' may fail them
And society may no longer care.

By Melin W


P.S- My writing will be always a dedication to Former Miss. Universe and Talented Actress Sushmita Sen for her motivation. Thank you Mam for the inspiration!

Authored  by,

Priyanka Saha
Date- 27.08.2013