From My Travel Diary : Shillong, Cherrapunji and Guwahati

(File Photos - March 2008) It may seem odd to begin your story with the picture of a restroom. But strange though it may seem, it was the memory of this quaint little room that stuck to my head after that happy journey to the North East in March 2008. Posted below are images from my stay at Shillong, the little expedition we made to Mawsmai Caves in Cherrapunji and finally my graceful hosts in Guwahati.

I loved the white lace curtains and the B & W floor tiles - Shillong

The path leading to the Mawsmai Caves - Cherrapunji

Rakshu gazing up at stalagmites inside the cave

The remains of a sumptuous Khaasi meal in Cherrapunji.

Pa's kids strike a pose for me - Shillong

View point at Khoh Ramhah, Cherrapunji. Bangladesh is seen in the distance.

Pauli's mom (one of the few super moms i ve ever come across) seen with 'Zoo' and 'Arnold'.

Pauli seen fast asleep. Arnold had found a cosy bed for himself too!

Notes to Myself - Part II

To read Part I click here. Part II 11. I believe in miracles. I'm just waiting for them to happen. 12. I don't punish myself with anybody's company. Nor would i impose my company on anyone. I don't tolerate fools. 13. There are very few people i really care about. For them, i would forever stand by. 14. I switch my cell phone off on New Year's eve. I'm just scared no one would call. 15. I often wake up to the thought of an ugly face staring back at me in the mirror. I try to cover it up with some even more hideous make up. 16. I first read 'Pride and Prejudice' when i was 13 years old. I have read it at least 7 times since. I adore paperback heroes. 17. When no one's listening, i talk to myself (not out loud). I tend to confuse real conversations with figments of my imagination. 18. I love to walk in the rain. I have every word of Annie's Song (John Denver) visualized in my head. 19. I like change. I look forward to them. The book, Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) has been one of the greatest influences in my life. 20. I believe in the power of dreams. I just wish i could interpret them (Freud didn't really help!). 21. I love being pampered. I love being home. 22. I do not go to get along. I make/break my own rules. 23. I love the stillness of the night... And the sound of silence. 24. There is something i really enjoy about writing this blog. May be its the idea of talking to an invisible crowd? 25. I paint my sky red.

The 'Him' I Shall Never Forget

Fear

I had felt fear and a queer sense of empathy when i first saw him. I continued to click. I now realize that he was as scared of me as i was of him. He was mumbling to himself and then looked extremely pleased when i handed a five rupee coin to him. I set out looking for him a few months later. He was found dead. Lying on the streets of Coimbatore. He had gone in search of his son. Memories come back.

The Pepper 'n' Salt Cycle

I had found this fellow hidden in a dusty cupboard of a metal shop near Russell Market. The 'pepper' bottle was missing from the cycle's carrier. But i was happy with the ensemble the shopkeeper provided me. He made me pay a ridiculous price for it though (he obviously knew i adored it!). Now i know this little fellow is in safe hands. Image taken on Feb 24, 2008.

Episode I : Kruti Kothari

Name : Kruti Kothari Date Of Birth : 22 March 1983 Place Of Birth : Mumbai, Maharashtra Meet Kruti Kothari. When i first started looking for my subjects, i found that what i was asking for was permission to invade into their privacy. It is not often that we come across characters who are confident and comfortable in being the person they are. Well, i believe Kruti is one of those. Someone who has the courage to be herself. Kruti at her workplace flaunting her new hair-do. She has an obsession. Her mobile. Like the many hundreds of girls who are stuck to their mobiles chattering away sweet nothings to their boy friends, Kruti is seldom seen without it. I was taking her picture when her collegue decided he wants to be part of the frame too. Corporate meetings are (most often than not) a very informal affair. One of the best feeling one can have after a day's/week's worth of hard work is the prospect of getting out of the office building to spend the evening with a friend sipping cutting chai. Late shifts are part of the corporate life. Kruti waits for her cab to take her back home at 9.30pm. She has never really stopped explaining how wonderfully safe Mumbai is (or was). "You could be out at 2am, alone; and the taxi wallas will safely take you home without any fuss. I don't think i can say that for Bangalore." During a dinner with her friends Sowmya and Sony. (Note : She is too busy with her mobile to notice! ) To come back to an empty house, to the echoing rooms... to a home far far away from home...I wondered if she ever felt safe in that house. Whenever Kruti decides to be separated from her first love (her mobile), she is a transformed person. She is opinionated, independant, daring, observant, fun loving..... and reminds you that she is all of that even when she is on the phone. She can afford an apartment, but choses to sleep on the floor. Meet this Indian Woman. Meet Kruti Kothari.