mohabbat mein deewangi ke charche bahut sune hai
ab deewana banne ki baari meri...
Friday, October 12, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Jaleel and I - A Story of stories
His eyes were happy but mysterious; welcoming and embracing; and became small when he smiled. They lit up like the brightest star in the night sky.
He was the brightest star for me that cold winter night.
Jaleel was an IT consultant and I met him at a newly opened Moroccon restaurant in Illinois. The restaurant wasn't particularly striking with pale yellow walls patched with apparently cheap, bright paintings on one side and small wrought iron mirrors on the other. It was primarily a take-away joint and probably explains the placement of only four tables with four plastic chairs each. Brightly coloured clay pots were arranged at the counter, behind which Jaleel stood working on the bills.
Placed alongside in a basket were colorful, apparently traditional shoes. I felt a story in the room within a few minutes of settling down at the table. I couldn't instantly figure out the narrative though. I grew curious but Jaleel was busy as he was the only one welcoming people, taking orders, serving food, cleaning tables, writing bills, collecting money and all the while, maintaining a warm demeanor with his steady smile and happy eyes.
I ordered a vegetarian combo. The food arrived quickly and was delicious, however, I could not savor it. I was growing restless and impatient to talk to him. I could then hold the musical chords wildly tugging at me and make a melody. Jaleel seemed welcoming, he wouldn't mind I speculated. I continued to reason and strategies my approach while I worked on my food.
In the very next moment, I found myself turning around to him and complimenting the food. He responded with the most genuine 'thank you' ever! Hereon, Jaleel only continued to fascinate me.
He always wanted to start a restaurant and so a few months back, when a Chinese restaurant was shutting down, he instantly grabbed on the opportunity. Then there was born 'Taste of Morroco'. I had read good reviews on Yelp! about it and so I informed him. He said there were others who had told him too but he was yet to read them. I could tell from his eyes and voice and smile that it meant a lot to him.
During the day, his wife along with a helper cooked all the items on the menu and Jaleel took over its serving in the evening. He said it was a passion they both shared. I could sense the excitement. The narrative was building. And while he kept describing a few more details about their operations, I grew heavy with my thoughts (about them) and floated on to another level. Second job for an IT consultant? It clearly wasn't for financial reasons.It was passion and I admired it. After all, the courage to follow one's heart is rare. For often this pursuit is sacrificed for the sake of practicality.
He went into the kitchen and asked us if we would like some mint green tea. He said it was on house. We nodded excitedly. Along with the tea, he offered us a Morrocon dessert, similar to a bread pudding, only better.
His generosity was humbling. His story too.
I have been thinking of him since that evening. There is so much more that I wanted to ask. I feel there is something for me to learn from him. I will visit him again. Hopefully, I get to meet his wife this time too. I wish I knew her name.
--
I love stories. Stories of individuals-- of their passion, love, conflicts and achievements. Of their fears, diligence, loyalty, careers and relationships.
I wanted to become a journalist since I was fourteen but I didn't really know why.
I guess I do now.
He was the brightest star for me that cold winter night.
Jaleel was an IT consultant and I met him at a newly opened Moroccon restaurant in Illinois. The restaurant wasn't particularly striking with pale yellow walls patched with apparently cheap, bright paintings on one side and small wrought iron mirrors on the other. It was primarily a take-away joint and probably explains the placement of only four tables with four plastic chairs each. Brightly coloured clay pots were arranged at the counter, behind which Jaleel stood working on the bills.
Placed alongside in a basket were colorful, apparently traditional shoes. I felt a story in the room within a few minutes of settling down at the table. I couldn't instantly figure out the narrative though. I grew curious but Jaleel was busy as he was the only one welcoming people, taking orders, serving food, cleaning tables, writing bills, collecting money and all the while, maintaining a warm demeanor with his steady smile and happy eyes.
I ordered a vegetarian combo. The food arrived quickly and was delicious, however, I could not savor it. I was growing restless and impatient to talk to him. I could then hold the musical chords wildly tugging at me and make a melody. Jaleel seemed welcoming, he wouldn't mind I speculated. I continued to reason and strategies my approach while I worked on my food.
In the very next moment, I found myself turning around to him and complimenting the food. He responded with the most genuine 'thank you' ever! Hereon, Jaleel only continued to fascinate me.
He always wanted to start a restaurant and so a few months back, when a Chinese restaurant was shutting down, he instantly grabbed on the opportunity. Then there was born 'Taste of Morroco'. I had read good reviews on Yelp! about it and so I informed him. He said there were others who had told him too but he was yet to read them. I could tell from his eyes and voice and smile that it meant a lot to him.
During the day, his wife along with a helper cooked all the items on the menu and Jaleel took over its serving in the evening. He said it was a passion they both shared. I could sense the excitement. The narrative was building. And while he kept describing a few more details about their operations, I grew heavy with my thoughts (about them) and floated on to another level. Second job for an IT consultant? It clearly wasn't for financial reasons.It was passion and I admired it. After all, the courage to follow one's heart is rare. For often this pursuit is sacrificed for the sake of practicality.
He went into the kitchen and asked us if we would like some mint green tea. He said it was on house. We nodded excitedly. Along with the tea, he offered us a Morrocon dessert, similar to a bread pudding, only better.
His generosity was humbling. His story too.
I have been thinking of him since that evening. There is so much more that I wanted to ask. I feel there is something for me to learn from him. I will visit him again. Hopefully, I get to meet his wife this time too. I wish I knew her name.
--
I love stories. Stories of individuals-- of their passion, love, conflicts and achievements. Of their fears, diligence, loyalty, careers and relationships.
I wanted to become a journalist since I was fourteen but I didn't really know why.
I guess I do now.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
I dream Delhi ...
.. and there is a constant ache to experience it once again.
That city intoxicates me in a nice way.
Soon, I hope.
That city intoxicates me in a nice way.
Soon, I hope.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Like coming back home
Coming back here to lighten myself after a long time, probably two months now. I guess this is how I would feel when I next come to India. I miss home!
The first three weeks here were a dream - happiness and love all day, everyday and I was in Chicago then and soon after that, I shifted to where I should belong - Bloomington, Indiana.
It isn't anything like I had imagined. It is pretty but the small town lacks the vigour and excitement of a city and I am such a city-person. Weird thing this life is, I always thought myself to be a country person, the quite hinterlands always charmed me but then looks like I am not made for that sort of life. Coming back to the first sentence, I don't remember what I had imagined after all and what expectations I had. Well, no one told it will be easy after all. So, guess I really can't complain but I do!
I can feel and sort of realize that a major shift in my priorities have happened sometime now. It messes me up to think of it sometimes but then ignoring it wouldn't be a wise thing to do too. Struggling to find that balance. It is hard.
And yes, miss home like crazy. I dreamt of Delhi last night! How I love that city!
I've made a very good friend here from the Netherlands. Always with a patient ear and a warm heart. Thank God for her and then I of course, have good "Indian friends" too and Oh! yes they are so important to keep sane.
But there is something amiss. I guess there always is and especially with me, I don't really understand why this feeling is so frequent. Happiness looks tough sometimes.
I am learning so much about myself and about others in my life at this point. It is a crazy realization of a million important things all at once! I fear it will kill me someday soon though!
I know I am being discreet about many things here and I wish I could just write down every single word that comes to my mind the first time but then not being instinctive is a part of my learning here.
Introspection happening BIG TIME. Crying happening BIG TIME. Realization (of a million things all together!) happening BIG TIME. Nostalgia happening BIG TIME. Hope happening BIG TIME.
Life is....
(I don't know anything anymore about it. Trying to figure out.)
The first three weeks here were a dream - happiness and love all day, everyday and I was in Chicago then and soon after that, I shifted to where I should belong - Bloomington, Indiana.
It isn't anything like I had imagined. It is pretty but the small town lacks the vigour and excitement of a city and I am such a city-person. Weird thing this life is, I always thought myself to be a country person, the quite hinterlands always charmed me but then looks like I am not made for that sort of life. Coming back to the first sentence, I don't remember what I had imagined after all and what expectations I had. Well, no one told it will be easy after all. So, guess I really can't complain but I do!
I can feel and sort of realize that a major shift in my priorities have happened sometime now. It messes me up to think of it sometimes but then ignoring it wouldn't be a wise thing to do too. Struggling to find that balance. It is hard.
And yes, miss home like crazy. I dreamt of Delhi last night! How I love that city!
I've made a very good friend here from the Netherlands. Always with a patient ear and a warm heart. Thank God for her and then I of course, have good "Indian friends" too and Oh! yes they are so important to keep sane.
But there is something amiss. I guess there always is and especially with me, I don't really understand why this feeling is so frequent. Happiness looks tough sometimes.
I am learning so much about myself and about others in my life at this point. It is a crazy realization of a million important things all at once! I fear it will kill me someday soon though!
I know I am being discreet about many things here and I wish I could just write down every single word that comes to my mind the first time but then not being instinctive is a part of my learning here.
Introspection happening BIG TIME. Crying happening BIG TIME. Realization (of a million things all together!) happening BIG TIME. Nostalgia happening BIG TIME. Hope happening BIG TIME.
Life is....
(I don't know anything anymore about it. Trying to figure out.)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
A new blog
Its been three days since I landed here in Chicago and yes, America is overwhelming, especially with respect to food and shopping!
I thought it would be interesting to start a new blog to record 'all things American'. Here is this link: http://postcardfromamerica.wordpress.com
:)
Friday, July 6, 2012
*I dunno*
It is almost 1am and I cant sleep. Sitting in my living room, on the extremely comfortable black sofa I love with the tv playing some music. I have kept it on just for company. As a distraction, in case my crying becomes too loud to wake up my parents.
Why am I crying? Just a day more and almost two years without having my parents and my brother (half my life dwells in him) in vicinity is at the moment, unbearable. I have stayed away from home before at Australia, Delhi and Pune but Australia trip was short enough, just 6 weeks, and Delhi and Pune are within comfortable travel distance from Mumbai.
But this time, it is for a longer time and farther than any of these three places. A progression of sorts. I hope.
It will be tough, I know but I also know I will be fine and settle down fine and make peace with the arrangement. But right now, just a glance around the house makes me cry. It could never be easy. Going away.
I love my mom, dad and brother. They know it, I know and I will know just how much soon enough.
Why am I crying? Just a day more and almost two years without having my parents and my brother (half my life dwells in him) in vicinity is at the moment, unbearable. I have stayed away from home before at Australia, Delhi and Pune but Australia trip was short enough, just 6 weeks, and Delhi and Pune are within comfortable travel distance from Mumbai.
But this time, it is for a longer time and farther than any of these three places. A progression of sorts. I hope.
It will be tough, I know but I also know I will be fine and settle down fine and make peace with the arrangement. But right now, just a glance around the house makes me cry. It could never be easy. Going away.
I love my mom, dad and brother. They know it, I know and I will know just how much soon enough.
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