The monsoons had finally arrived! A crisp freshness pervaded the air, which transported the mesmerizing fragrance of wet earth wherever it went, and the sky was strewn with clouds, which having shed their precious load had arranged themselves into white, fluffy patterns. The flowers and plants in my balcony glistened with the pure elemental touch of rain water, bowing down to it in welcome. The freshness which came with the first showers was captivating and the whole vista seemed to be rejoicing in the much awaited rains, the benevolent drops which alone dispel the scorching summers each year.

 

Like everyone, I had also been eagerly waiting for the monsoons, but as I stood in the balcony that rainy day, I was surprised to find myself unhappy, even in the breathtaking weather. Clearly, it was more pleasant outside than it had been for months, and yet, it wasn’t good enough to raise my spirits. I tried blaming everything, from my hectic work schedules, to boring parties, to the heavy Delhi traffic for my undue melancholy, but couldn’t figure out the culprit. Pondering further, I realized that lately, I had stopped enjoying life. Everything, from work, to relationships, to even watching my favourite show on TV seemed a monotonous drag. And just to make things worse, I’d discovered a fancy name for my emotional status- ‘ennui.’ I was not sure of how to get rid of this empty feeling, or even, whether I wanted to get over it at all! After all, there was a well defined word to express my state, proof enough that I was not the only one who found life just as meaningless as me. But then I also rememberedthe age old saying – ‘What appears without, is a reflection of what is within.’

 

 

I am sure that each of us has experienced that sometimes in life, even a simple meal shared with a good friend over monosyllables in the name of conversation, or a quiet walk on an old familiar path, or even a smile from a friendly stranger, has made our day, while on other days, however beautiful or gorgeous everything might be, it failed to impress us.

 

Faced by the latter phase, we desperately try to place a reason for our low moods on external factors, and even succeed in finding excuses to stay morose and brood. And of course at these times, nothing and no one has any appeal left, no task is worth the effort required in accomplishing it. Worst of all, the world moves at such a pace that one can hardly afford taking a break!

 

It is at these very instances that our contact with our inner self, the part of us which is innocent, playful and has the ability to cherish beauty, is blocked. At these times we really need to look within us, to once again draw inspiration from the limitless source of love, creativity, and beauty within us, to once again be ourselves and observe the great creation which we are. After all, it is a beautiful world, but we need eyes enough to perceive it. This is the message, which I was reminded of on that rainy day! Would you like to see if it works for you?

 

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Monica Tiwari is an English honours graduate from Delhi University. Writing, Reading, Photography, Movies and Music are her evergreen interests.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

 

 

Keith Bellows, once Editor-in-chief of National Geographic Society who visited India said, “There are some parts of the world that once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colours, smells, tastes, and sounds. It was as if all my life I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor.”

 

Historians, writers, politicians and other eminent personalities across the globe have eulogized India – its culture, its contribution to rest of the world, its spices, its people and lot more.  India is considered the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition.

 

But this India can only be found in books now. So if you want a perspective of this great land from a common man – an Indian, read along! It’s not as if there is anything wrong with the country or the ability of its people. In fact, in my opinion, we are one of the most intelligent and industrious people in the world. But what pulls us down is our lackadaisical attitude towards almost everything under the sun.

 

In India, today thousands of crores of rupees are issued and spent every year by the Government on making the infrastructure better in metros as well as smaller cities. But it just takes one heavy bout of showers (rain) to disrupt the lives of a sea of humanity across any metropolis or smaller city. Whether it is construction of new roads (even when they are back to being all bumpy in just six months post construction), bridges (we often hear about how many people died, because a bridge collapsed), or underpasses (these are mostly used by the homeless to sleep), a sense of apathy encompasses all – the Government, the Bureaucrats, and even Aam Janta (citizens) – ‘Yeh India Hai Meri Jan, Yaahan Sab Chalta Hai!’

 

I remember that years ago if a girl walking on the road was addressed ’sexy’ it was considered as an offensive gesture; but with changing times, many girls love to be called ‘hot chick’, ‘babe’ or even ‘mast mal.’ And if a college going boy does not use such terms, he is considered an individual devoid of manhood. But kya kahen…‘Yeh India Hai Meri Jan, Yahaan Sab Chalta Hai!’

 

Another development that spread like wild fire across the country was the brazen display of certain celebrities looking to get married through a television show with a large section of the nation tuning in to watch such shows on the idiot box. The shows did attract a very high TRP, but left a sense of disbelief and abasement of Indian culture and traditions that once made “marriage” a hallowed institution. It is the emerging Indian mindset of creating ‘popular’ shows, which are not worth watching. But…‘Yeh India Hai Meri Jan, Yaahan Sab Chalta Hai!’

 

A tragic situation outplayed itself when Mayawati was presented a garland replete with currency notes. This happened in a poor state like Uttar Pradesh where over half the population is below the poverty line, living in abject conditions. But…‘Yeh India Hai Meri Jan, Yaahan Sab Chalta Hai!’

 

The other day while I was behind the wheels driving, I saw someone giving a bribe to a traffic police constable, and that got me feeling disgusted. I was fast to pass judgment and told myself, “The answer is simple, the man is corrupt.” Tring Tring! The phone ring disrupted my thought process and as I took the call, the very next minute I started narrating the incident to my friend. I continued to talk while driving, and at the next signal light, was asked to pull over by a traffic police constable who reminded me that I was breaking the rule, “Madam, you are not supposed to talk on the mobile phone while driving.” The next minute he handed me a challan (fine) of Rs. 1,000. I panicked, took out a Rs. 100 note and handed it over to him. It worked. He smiled and let me through. At that movement, I realized it is easy to accuse and preach, but hard to follow rules…But “Yeh India Hai Meri Jan, Yaahan Sab Chalta Hai!”

 

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Charu Khera is a journalist by profession and passion, and is currently based out of Delhi.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

 

 

SOMETIMES in life we create a deep relationship without the power of words, it happens because of the ’serenity of expressive silence.’ Although it takes time to make us realize what it means to us, when understood it provides us immense pleasure.

 

Perhaps, it was a call from one such relationship, which was about to begin that would make me jump at the thought of going to the market. As a five year old, I could never tell why I liked the sojourns to the nearby bazaar. Holding my mother’s hand, I would visit all the shops because I was always on the lookout for stuff that would interest me. Though I had little clue of what items she perused, observed or purchased, I would invariably find something to keep myself indulged. And one of those attractions would be the “Gubbarewala Bhaiya” who passed through the streets with different coloured and shaped balloons tied to a bamboo stick in one hand and a whistle in the other. The “Gubbarewala” a middle aged man, probably in his early 50s had a slouch in his walk. What caught my attention most was his unique way of blowing the whistle….children would happily come out of their homes at the sound of the whistle. He would make them play around him while he enthralled them with the music from his whistle. But I never had a fascination for balloons.

 

Every time I used to go to the market, I would spot him and every time he saw me, he used to smile at me. As a kid I thought that it was the nature of his business that made him smile, therefore I never returned a smile back, but within a short period, I realized that his affectionate smile was not a part of his business tactics to augment sales, because he never lured me into buying a balloon. This self realization made me smile at him first, whenever we met.

 

As I grew older, my trips to the bazaar reduced. However, I would occasionally spot “Gubbarewala Bhaiya” around my street with the same affection in his eyes. I have always been an open and talkative child, but something always stopped me from gathering the courage to speak to him. Perhaps something unspoken was binding us, even as each day my eyes yearned to catch a glimpse of “Gubbarewala Bhaiya.”

 

After that my life went on a fast lane. School and studies took over. I rarely went to the market and over a period the “Gubbarewala Bhaiya” ceased to cross my mind. However, destiny had some other plans. A year ago I volunteered to drive my mom to the market to buy some groceries. She was inside the shop and I was waiting for her in the car. Precisely then I heard the ever-so-familiar sound of a whistle. There he was – MY “Gubbarewala Bhaiya,” looking a lot older. His clothes were dirty and torn. I was surprised to see him after so many years, and could not believe what my eyes just saw – yes it was the balloon seller whose whistle would allure the kids to happily come out of their homes. This time nothing stopped me from taking the initiative of talking to him, so I called out to him and said, “Bhaiya!” He did not stop. I walked towards him, tapped his shoulder and once again said, “Bhaiyya.” He turned around and looked at me, perhaps, with no surprise. Almost instantly, he had tears of joy in his eyes and exuded the same warm smile that I received as a child. I was pleasantly surprised that he had recognized me even after so many years…he still loved me.

 

I took out some cash from my purse and gave it to him. He gently stroked my head with his hand as if it was to bless me and left unspoken. I wish he did not cry, wish he did not leave and wish he stays fine, because he is the man who taught me the essence of unspoken connections.

 

 

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Harpreet Kaur a Graduate in Statistics (H) from Delhi University.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

 

In this globalized era where serving customers or clients around the globe across the clock are an expected practice, the grass is not greener on the other side. The hectic night shifts, which are governed by hard to hold back yawns and general lethargy have been a catalyst for the increase in frequent smoking sessions among people working during night time.

 

Somebody rightly stated that a cigarette is a pipe with a fire at one end and a fool at the other. For smokers, a puff of nicotine takes their mind away from “heartbreaks, possibility or disappointment of examination failure, family problems….the list is endless." Whether a myth or a fact, a well accepted notion, particularly with a large number of people working in night shifts is that smoking to a great extent is a stress buster. As a result, they are more prone to chain smoking and frequent smoking breaks.

 

 

Delhi based psychiatrist, Akriti states, “The level of smoking is approximately seventy percent higher with people working in night shifts.” Pointing to the change in their normal biological cycle, she is of the opinion that nicotine provides this segment a push factor, which keeps them actively awake and rejuvenated, but only for a short duration.

 

Besides being a stress-buster, the social connectivity attribute during night shifts within demarcated “office” smoking zones is an alluring factor to enjoy the puff of a cigarette while sharing a joke with colleagues. “There is nothing better than sharing a drag with your friends while gossiping off-line. It relieves you for at least sometime, if not for a longer duration,” confesses Amal Gupta, who is working as an IT specialist in an international organization in Noida.

 

Apparently, smoking gets more intense during these shifts as there is less accountability and social stigma ‘fear’ that would otherwise keep the nicotine levels restricted. “I smoke more during working hours as there is really nobody watching me or there to complain about me,” opines a supervisor working with an international BPO in Noida.

 

Dr. Deepali Batra, a consultant clinical psychologist at Batra Hospital extends the discussion – “Young people are high on risk taking and those working in night shifts tend to experiment more as there are no restrictions. Nobody is there to observe you, as people are sleeping and passive during those hours.”

 

She also considers boredom as an important factor that leads to night shifts folks taking to smoking that starts with a cigarette or two and later increases to five. She suggests, “Playing online games during the leisure time can be a good diversion instead of smoking.”

 

Peer pressure is also a reason for ‘young night shifts boys and girls’ to start with a ‘Fag’ as ‘No Smoking’ would be considered as ‘uncool,’ a reason big enough for them to feel out of place. Dr. Sameer Parekh says, “Peer smoking has more impact on individuals. They should try and concentrate on work to keep them away from smoking.” He also emphasizes that nicotine, which is a major component of a cigarette does not reduce stress, on the contrary its intake is the cause of severe anxiety and enhanced stress. So, acceptance of this fact is the first step towards refraining yourself from smoking.

 

Dr Batra is of the view that ‘individual assertiveness’ is the best way to keep away from smoking. For people working in night shifts, it is imperative to understand that the delusion pleasure of smoking may become the pain or poison of a lifetime.

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Vidushi Bhatia is a Journalism Graduate and a fervent writer. An extrovert by nature, she loves to spread smiles around.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

 

It was the same routine for her these days. She woke up at 7 am, got ready, ate breakfast and then hastened to get to work. Whether it was rain or sunshine, her routine hardly ever changed, except for the time taken to commute to office.…Mumbai traffic was infamously unpredictable. The day was usually filled with meetings, reports, articles to read and edit, people to interview, events that needed conceptualizing and executing…so much so that time just flew. Soon, it was time to head back – to the empty space she called ‘home.’

 

Avantika, 39, medium height, fair complexion and good looking – the answer to most “Wanted Bride” ads. Strangely (to the utter incredulity of all her family and friends) she was still single. On being grilled (and this happens fairly regularly) about her relationship status (or the lack of it); she would go into lengthy explanations of how she was looking for the perfect person – mad, passionate, sentimental, heart-warming, all-consuming; not your filmy cross-the-seven-seas and bring-stars-from-the-skies kind of love, but the Catherine and Heathcliff kind of intensity. To which the response would invariably be ‘this kind of stuff exists only in books, movies and love ballads.’ Being the romantic that she was, she hadn’t given up and life being what it is – she hadn’t found him yet.

 

Just as she got the key out of her handbag to open the apartment door, she heard her landline ringing. It was her sister from Delhi – her parents had met with a car accident and hadn’t made it. She was barely able to grasp the meaning of the words…. when she found herself in an airplane heading home, her parent’s home. Delhi had changed so much and yet it was still the same. The brashness, the aggression, the impatience, the lack of civility and culture… but this was not the time to dwell on the city’s drawbacks. She could hear the wailing and howling as she alighted from the taxi – friends, family and neighbors had all gathered to express their condolences. She could see her sister, jijaji (brother-in-law) and their kids – all huddled together trying to put up a brave front. She joined the melee of grief…. The next few days were an amalgam of ceremonies, community meals, condolences and people. As things settled, everybody began to go about the business of living and left them to sort out their lives.

 

Sitting in her parents’ room, Avantika was going through the files containing their insurance, medical and bank records. Possessions had to be sorted and divided or disposed off as decreed. It was a tedious job, but some things just had to be done. She came across an envelope with her name – Avantika Pratap Singh. The writing on the envelope was very familiar – Yes it was from ‘Rahul.’

 

Like a really slow waltz, her mind wandered back to her college days. Rahul and she were a couple then, spending a lot of time together after classes – grabbing a bite at the numerous canteens the University had to offer, strolling and chatting in the winter afternoons, catching a movie, watching a play or listening to a musical performance. They made no plans or promises but lived on the hope of seeing each other every single day. They spent hours together exploring the University, its myriad facets and each other. Life was good while they were young and in love. Towards the end of college life they had a terrible fight and broke up in a fit of rage. He went on to further his career with ambitious intentions, while she tried her hand at the Creative Arts. Although they did not see each other, talk to each other or even write to each other; she waited for him patiently, silently praying.

 

A girl likes to be pursued with devotion, she likes to be told that she’s loved passionately and is needed to make life complete. She wants to be wooed with poetry and romance till she comes around …. But she was left to mend her broken heart all by herself. She thought of him off and on till her career consumed more and more of her time, leaving her with no room for nostalgia or tears. Even now when she thinks of college, she is aware that she hadn’t learnt much academically, but she would never trade those three years for anything.

 

She opened the envelope and took out the letter. It was from Rahul’s parents and said that he had passed away. She felt her chest tighten and something sting her eyes till they blurred with tears – she could barely read. Avantika let her pent up emotions take over – regret, desolation, loneliness, broken heart, fading youth, and tragedy – she cried for all those bottled up emotions. When her eyes could focus again and the mind could comprehend, she began reading – Rahul had lived alone, just like her. Despite their attempts to find a suitable bride for Rahul, he did not find anyone compatible enough to share his life with. That set Avantika thinking – how would life have turned out if she had made another attempt to reach out to Rahul or if he had given up his false pride to woo her back? Would they have lived “happily ever after” or fallen out of love eventually? Had she lost her only chance at happiness? Guess she would never know now.

 

She resumed reading the letter, which said that Rahul always wanted her to have the contents of the black valise. Avantika wondered what it contained as she looked around for it in the cupboard. And finally she found it tucked behind some bed sheets. Taking it out, she balanced it on her knees and stroked it tenderly… where he would’ve touched it once. She snapped the lock open, and almost immediately, lost her balance. The valise flew open as it dropped on the floor and out tumbled a thousand envelopes, addressed to her, in the same handwriting….

 

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Anuradha W Ramachandran is a graduate in English literature from Delhi University. A homemaker and fitness enthusiast, she uses the creative medium of writing to voice her feelings and thoughts.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

 

 

Small changes are easier to accomplish than large changes. Given that a large section of India’s population is denied basic fundamental rights, even prominent B-Schools are recognizing the need to contribute towards the welfare of the society. Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB), which is inspired by the Jesuit spirit of Magis (i.e. doing good for Christ and thus for society), also believes in making a difference by encouraging its students to indulge in welfare activities for the nearby society. Hence, XIMB promotes not only academic excellence, but also personal values and good social citizenship in its students, hoping to produce ’social managers.’

 

A team of 11 XIMBians inspired by the value system of XIMB started an initiative named “Koshish – An Attempt” under the guidance of Fr. Tony Uvary (Dean Admin). Koshish identified the actual problems of the underprivileged segment and provided a platform to the various members of society, irrespective of their personal and professional standing. The team was driven by a strong desire to give back to the society and to participate in building a community that would provide basic requirements to the underprivileged (children and adults).

 

Communicating the importance of clean surroundings and hygiene can go a long way in reducing the possibility of the outbreak of an infectious disease. Team “Koshish” identified a slum area “Samanta Puri” in Bhubaneswar where a health and cleanliness drive was carried out to create awareness among the dwellers about the importance of living clean. The health camp was monitored by health supervisors. The problem of water and sanitation was solved with the help of executive engineers. Special care was taken to clean the gutters, open spaces, and vacant sites, and potholes turned into breeding spaces for mosquitoes were filled. The team of 11 XIMBians also undertook AIDS awareness sessions among various colleges in the vicinity (in collaboration with Youth Red Cross) and encouraged them to spread the word.

 

The whole endeavour was a success; it brought a sense of relief for the residents of “Samanta Puri.” Hope this feeling of making a small difference within the ambient society can get students and citizens to believe and act on the fact that a “Koshish” at their end can make the world a much better place.

 

Team Koshish - Fr. Tony Uvary (Guide), Pankaj Arora, Sarmistha Padhi, Nikhil Agarwal, Prakhar Aggarwal, Samir Roy, Pratima Rao, Amrita Purkayastha, Mayank Sharma, Pratik Ranjan, Kanchan Kumar Dutta and Gurkirat Singh.

 

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Sarmistha Padhi is currently pursuing an MBA from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar. Writing seems to be a way of debunking her beliefs and deepest thoughts.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

 

 

This is a tribute to the nice guys. The nice guys that finish last, that never become more than friends, that endure hours of whining and bitching about what ‘despicable guys’ are. This is dedicated to those guys who always provide a shoulder to lean on, but restrain themselves to tentative hugs, those guys who hold open doors and give reassuring pats on the back and sit patiently outside the changing room at department stores. This is in honour of the guys that obligingly reiterate how ‘cute, beautiful, smart, funny and hot’ their female friends are at the appropriate moment, because they know most girls need that litany of support. This is in honour of the guys who respect a girl’s every facet, from her privacy to her theology to her clothing style.

 

This is for the guys who escort their drunk, bewildered female friends back from parties and never take advantage once they are at her door, for the guys who accompany girls to bars as buffers against the rest of the creepy male population, for the guys who know a girl is fishing for compliments, but give them out anyway, for the guys who are accredited as boyfriend material, but somehow don’t end up being boyfriends, for all the nice guys who are overlooked, underestimated, and unappreciated.

 

The nice guys don’t often get credit where credit is due. And perhaps more disturbing, the nice guys don’t seem to get seduced as often as they should. And I wish I could logically explain this trend, but I can’t. From what I have observed, the only conclusion I can form is that many girls are just illogical and manipulative. Many of them claim they just want to date a nice guy, but when presented with such a specimen, they say irrational, confusing things such as “Oh, he’s too nice to date” or “He already puts up with so much from me, I couldn’t possibly ask him out!” or the most frustrating of all: “No, it would ruin our friendship.” Yet, they continue to lament the lack of datable men in the world, and they expect their too-nice-to-date male friends to sympathize and apologize for the men that are jerks. But one thing I can say is that the nice-guy-finishes-last phenomenon doesn’t last forever. There are definitely many girls who grow out of that train of thought and realize they should be dating the nice guys, not taking them for granted. The tricky part is finding those girls, and even trickier, finding the ones that are single.

 

So, until those girls are found, I propose a toast to all the nice guys. I know you’re sick of hearing yourself described as ubiquitously nice. But the truth of the matter is, the world needs your patience in the department store, your holding open of doors, your party companion services, and your propensity to be a sucker for a pretty smile.

 

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Madhusmita Sahoo is employed with India’s leading media company and is based in Mumbai.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

 

 

Opposites attract is not just a scientific theory there is surely something more to it.

 

I like coffee. You also like coffee? Oh wow!

 

I love playing guitar, you too? Okay, this is unbelievable!

 

More often than not, when we find people who have similar tastes or interests like ours, there is an instant connection, which eventually melts down to attraction. However, what will you say if two people who are almost oxymoronically different still find themselves as an appropriate fit for each other? You may reply, “Opposites attract.” But just beneath your seemingly simple and perfect answer, have you ever wondered why is it that opposites attract? I am not alluding to elementary physics that says, “Unlike electrical charges pull each other,” and yet whosoever introduced this theory surely knew what he was doing. Rather than encapsulating the entire mystery into two words (which I will do later) and then giving a sophisticated definition weaved around the not-so-easy-to-understand vocabulary for the same, I will begin with quoting some examples that pop up in my head as a result of my day to day observation of diverse people who are not exclusive to my vision, but are actually shared.

 

I frequently see a ‘Just Married’ husband in my neighbourhood, who is more than willing to obey his wife’s orders – “Honey, will you please go and lock the door… meanwhile I will take the car out of the parking lot. Is it clear? And don’t forget to get the newspaper… alright honey?” And the poor guy with a benign smile on his face says -’Sure.’ Infact, there is no need to look around for my neighbours to demonstrate a ‘dominant-submissive’ pairing. Almost every day, I see my father deciding almost everything – right from choosing the car to buy, which paint color should the dining room’s wall adorn…to sometimes even deciding what my mother should be wearing on a particular occasion!!

 

Even though I find all this very intrusive and suffocating, my mother seems to be quite content. My last example is the most extreme and rare, but very real. I recently watched this movie ‘SECRETARY’ where there is an eccentric attorney who derives pleasure from ruthlessly inflicting pain on his secretary, who in turn is rather submissive. And yes….the pair marries and happily continue their ‘dominant-submissive’ relationship.

 

So, underlying these examples is the same theme – ‘dominant-submissive’ relationships get us closer to answering ‘WHY opposites attract?’ And for a larger question – how can relationships and marriages work between two people who are so different? The simple answer is NEED COMPLEMENTARITY- that is; two people, who have dissimilar personalities, still manage to work their relationships, primarily, because these differences allow one partner to fulfill more effectively the needs of another. Simply put, my father’s need to be dominant complements my mother’s need to be submissive and hence, the relationship works!

 

Moreover, even if both the partners hold the same personality traits, for example – dominance, but in different degrees i.e. husband (lower-dominance) and wife (higher-dominance), they are more likely to get along, because the needs of each fit together in the total context of the relationship.

 

Observe couples around you and you will realize why the aforesaid explanation is the answer for the inquisition ‘Why opposites attract? After this you may well be compelled to say- “I’ve seen a lot of couples where the rocks in her head seemed to fit the holes in his.”

 

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Lalima Chhabra is pursuing an MA in Psychology. She is also an ardent theatre person who has an appetite for music, movies and dance.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

 

Good Morning Madam. Where you go?

 

Oh.. Gurgaon… Where?

 

Accha accha. I know Gurgaon well. Driving 12 saal se you see. Born in Agra, but making living in Delhi.

 

Yes Mam, living permanently here now.

 

After years of mehnat, I managed to buy a house madam ji. Close to Sarita Vihar. Maine to paanch main liya tha. But metro ke aane se rate double ho gaye.

 

Madam, gaon main sab kehte the ki kya kiya dilli aakar. Ab kehta hu ki house toh maine bana liya…

 

Haan, sahi keh rahe ho aap. Ghar banana sabse mushkil kaam hai.

 

Par maine toh apne baccho ke baare main socha aur mehnat kar li. Doh boys hai mam mere. And ek ladki.

 

Boys ki toh mujhko koi tension nahi mam. Yes Madam, boys toh kuch na kuch kar hi lete hai. I’m more tensed about ladki ki education. Pata nai kaise parhegi woh. Bade school main daal toh diya, pata nai kaise kar payenge.

 

Kaunsa school?

 

Madam woh DPS main hai- RK Puram waale.

 

Hahaha… Surprise mat ho madam. Mai jaanta hu- mai toh nai parha sakta itne big school mai. Yes mam, hu toh mai driver hi. Actually mai na pehle embassy mai job karta tha- South Korea ki.

 

Wahan jo madam thi na, woh bohot interst leti thi mere kids main. Unhone mere kids main bohot interst liya. Unko meri beti hi bohot bright lagi, woh unke diye hue saare puzzles kar leti thi.

 

So phir un madam ne DPS ki principal se baat kari and meri daughter ka admission karva diya. Woh jaanti this uss principal ko.

 

And when madam (the Korean woman) going back to Korea, ek baat bol gayi- apni beti ki parhai mat rukwaana. Bas itna karna mere liye. I keep calling and checking.

 

Bas Mam, mai toh wahi promise nibha raha hu, kissi bhi tarah.

 

Humari beti english bolti hai mam. Humare liye toh yahi sabse badi baat hai. Jab hum village jaate hai toh sab usse letters parhwate hai…mere liye toh wahi sabse badi khushi hai.

 

Problem toh hai mam, woh english boti hai, aur humse bohot gussa hoti hai kabhi kabhi. Humko toh usse darr bhi lagta hai. Mai aur meri wife uske saamne zyada nai bolte…

 

Par mam, usko bade school mai parhana jaise ek mission sa ho gaya hai mere liye. Meri wife ne bhi job shuru kar de hai. Woh bhi Cab chalati hai ab. Driving classes liye usne.. Bohot save toh nai kar paate hum but manage kar lete hai hum…

 

Humara sar toh uncha bacchon se hota hai. Bas woh kuch ban jaye toh.

 

Ok mam…Mam, thank u…Yeh aapka bill…

 

P.S. – Why did I chose to narrate this tale? Because this story of a cab driver, made me realize that behind every ordinary man lurks something extraordinary. Some action, one story, one circumstance, one minute, even a second…that sets everybody apart from every one else. This man, a cab driver like thousands of others, is still unlike them, for he has a mission, an extraordinary cause, and is going on struggling for it under ordinary circumstances.

 

And of course, its heartening to see a girl child being the center of a parent’s world. Parents who belong to some remote village and are living hand to mouth. They have all the reasons and the conditioning to want and nurture their kids, but….its true after all…everyone does have a story worth listening to…and you shall find the best of the lot out on the streets.

 

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Mehak Chawla is a journalist by profession, a poet by passion and a fiction writer by choice.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.

 

“Fortune favours the brave.”

 

If you are an entrepreneur, then you fall under a different cohort. If you are a successful entrepreneur who has achieved success against all odds, by virtue of three essential facets that are unequivocally present in any act of perseverance and success i.e. Cause, Operation and Effect, then you belong to a an even more distinguished legion.

 

Entrepreneurship encompasses the small, medium and the big. However, if you wish to achieve the pinnacle of success, then it is rather important that you first know yourself. Once you become aware of yourself, your strengths and weaknesses you can work to hone important ‘aspects, skills or attributes’ that are required to do well as an entrepreneur.

 

Successful entrepreneurs broadly fall into three categories:

 

• Talented.
• Genius.
• Hardworking and Persistent.

 

Talented

Dictionary meaning – “people possessing high aptitude or skill.” A talented person is able to achieve and deliver high standards within established parameters or existing circumstances. An extremely talented person who lacks perseverance and patience can wither away, but a balanced and patient mind with talent is likely to reach the top, despite adverse circumstances or not so easy a ride. Sachin Tandulkar and A.R. Rehman are the immediate examples that come to mind.

 

Genius

“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius.”- Arthur Conan Doyle.

Dictionary meaning of genius – “exceptional intellectual or creative power or ability.” The value of a genius is in his actions. Talent may fade away, but a true genius realizes and adds to the existing. He or she adopts a new and better approach to the tried and tested. A genius can spot an opportunity where none exists; at least none exists for the ordinary mind. They live through the same circumstances and times as others, but bring about change of immense magnitude by their sheer brilliance and diligence.

William Shakespeare, a true genius of his times wrote what many had already said, but the difference was in the usage or communications of the material. That’s what a genius does – he or she adds their own touch on things that have already been said and done. A word of caution – many a genius has been termed as insane or absurd. In the words of Jonathan Price, “The difference between insanity and genius is success.”

 

Hardworking and Persistent

Thomas Alva Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

There are no shortcuts in life and people who truly realize the power of hard work and persistence will not give up or give in; they will not quit; they will always find a way around the obstacles. In essence, they do not take NO for an answer.

If you think you fall under this category, then you will exude energy levels far exceeding your conscious intellect. This infectious energy can be an alluring factor for others who get drawn in by the triumvirate of hard work, persistence and commitment that you delineate as an individual.

 

I will share with you my own experience when my husband and I started our very first entrepreneurial endeavour in 1994. To start with, we managed to get a trial order of 14,000 pieces of leather garments from one of the biggest hypermarkets in Europe. The real challenge that confronted us was managing the labour and supervisors in our unit (the shipment date was 30 days) in order to achieve the deadline for the shipment date. We set up an inspection table on the shop floor that initially did not go down well with the workers, but gradually they understood our commitment and observed the arduous work we put in with them (as a team) that at times exceeded the hours they gave to their job in similar working conditions (without the air conditioned office). This out of the box thinking ‘then’ helped us not only complete our order within the time frame, but also got us our next order for 22,000 pieces of leather garments.

 

“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary,” wise words by entrepreneur Vidal Sassoon. In essence, know yourself – which category do you belong to and march on as an entrepreneur to emerge as a successful entrepreneur. Always remember the difference between success and failure is in the choices we make. We also have a choice to pursue or give up. But before that please do keep in mind this beautiful quote – “Many life’s failures are the people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Alva Edison.

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Seema Chaudhry is a graduate in history from LSR, Delhi, who after a brief stint in insightful writing joined her family business. After 12 years and at the peak of her career as a business entrepreneur, she has moved back to her passion for writing.

 

Disclaimer: The views and contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media. VCherish.com, its Editors or VCherish Media will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.