Nidhi Srivastava's Blog, page 6
February 2, 2022
Hello February
Are you excited about this month? I have had my share of COVID news in January. I had my share of sick days, but I would say last year I was worse. My heart was racing hard as February approached this time. Last year, I met with an accident confined to four walls of my apartment. I was in pain, and I cried every night till I gathered the courage to board a flight home. The doctor said I needed bed rest for a couple of months. Every day was a struggle; he gave clarity on home care requirements. I would see my parents teary-eyed when they saw me limp to the washroom. My sister gave up her bed without any complaints. Every night was a struggle as I couldn’t move. I am glad I took that bed rest. I am back on my feet to run and conquer my fears.
At our housewarming function, one of my relatives told me that my injury changed everyone’s life around me. Now, we have a home, and thanks to my injured leg.
Coming this month, I don’t have words to express my excitement for my travel diaries. I have taken a couple of trips with my friends, but this would be our first flight together. Life was a bit sad in January when everyone was sick. I hope with every month, the situation gets better. Hope you all feel better.
January 27, 2022
Running is therapy
I have one of the worst human habits of getting attached to people. I read a micro tale – “People leave, and that’s not poetic.” At some stage in life, you would get attached to a person. The feelings would be mutual, and there is no guarantee on that front. How do you deal with such heartbreak? Well, this applies to every relationship you valued and lost during adulthood. When I broke up with my first ever college sweetheart, I drowned myself in work. Early morning, I headed to the laboratory where I was an intern and returned home late at night exhausted. I was mentally exhausted, but no one was by my side to tell me about mental well-being. Later, I landed a job, and the struggle of corporate life hit me harder. Isn’t that a cycle? We get busy in our work life, ignoring our mental health, and one day, there is a breakdown.
Since the pandemic hit us, we learned the value of our mental well-being. We are no longer cautious of being offline with a status on Teams – “Taking a break.” For once, I want to thank social media for being a platform where people have been vocal about mental well-being. I take a break in the evening to go to a park. I started this to heal my broken ligament. But yesterday, when I started running at a pace, I felt my anger subside. ‘Running is therapy’ – I saw this banner during my marathon run at Women’s Day 2017. I truly believe this quote. If you are sad or angry, wear your shoes and hit the tracks. Trust me, this is the best way to channel your destructive energy to positive vibes. It would take ample time to develop a habit of running. Eventually, you will feel charged up whenever you hit the tracks. I hope everyone feels better wherever you are, and whatever you are struggling with. The power lies within you. Remember this!
January 26, 2022
India’s 73rd Republic Day
India woke up to its 73rd Republic Day, fluttering the tricolor at every nook and corner of the country. The parade and flag hoisting in the country brought immense patriotism to social media. This parade brings nostalgia reminding us of old school days when we dressed up in crisp whites for the school parade. Do you remember all the wars India fought? Do you remember all the dates we mugged up for our history exams? These questions found answers when we grew up. We found an answer with the news of Indian soldiers attaining martyrdom for the country. Do you know your heroes who are fighting at the borders? Do you know your heroes protecting your sky and water bodies? Watching the Republic Day parade gives immense pride. Many of us enjoy this day as a mere holiday, but the jawans celebrate the existence of the motherland.
Many people in our country aren’t aware of the difference between Republic Day and Independence Day. Much to the hypocrisy, they give vague reasons for skipping the parade. Many people think you have to watch the faces of corrupt politicians during the parade. What about the soldiers from different regiments marching in a cold breezy winter morning at the Rajpath? Armed forces have been practicing for over weeks to put on a show that would sing about the valor of the country and showcase India as a powerful nation. We are the nation when we talk with limited knowledge of our Armed Forces.
Everyone in the country should be proud of men and women in uniform. Be proud of the Nation for the Armed Forces. The soldier isn’t privileged enough to enjoy this day as a holiday. “It is an ordinary day for the soldiers guarding Siachen. It is an ordinary day for the soldiers flying jaguars saluting the National Flag. It is an ordinary day for a martyr’s family.”
You can show your respect to the armed ones fighting for you without even knowing you. They made the most difficult choice of their life: ‘Service before self.’ Go, watch the glimpses of the parade and feel proud of the soldiers.
Image source: https://www.financialexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Vijay-Chowk-Republic-Day-2022-PTI-photo.jpg
January 24, 2022
Love Laugh Live
A few days ago, I heard an interview on a social media platform. This interview inspired me enough to write pointers for my blog content. Everything else took a back seat in the hush of New year. During the weekend, I was tracking my progress for the month. I came across the interview details mentioned in my planner. Well, it may sound like one of the pro points of carrying a journal or planner everywhere. Let’s jump to the interview which aired on YouTube sometime in 2021. ‘Love Laugh Live’ is one of the shows hosted by India’s powerful anchor Mandira Bedi. She interviewed India’s most loved comedian and poet, Zakir Khan. I love him for everything he speaks. You realize that some people have a heart of gold. Zakir Khan quoted, “Every place has a different sky.” As poetic as it sounds, this statement stands true. I analyzed this statement putting it right there in my life. I have been madly in love with a place that brought joy to my life. I have been miserable for about six months and cursed my existence. Another statement made by Zakir Khan was, “A person is always in love – You love your passion.” Do you feel the depth of this statement? We are a generation who failed to love. Zakir justified his passion for poetry. To write a poem, you don’t have to fall in love with a person, be in love with your ink. Another statement quoted by Zakir was – “Filling in silence is not important.” We tend to talk and share endlessly with people we love. The day the person understands your silence, you have found ‘Your home.’ Have you ever been comfortable in silence with a person? Try thinking on this ground once. We always blame poets and writers for making the breakup phase miserable. However, no one can save us from a jobless scenario, heartbreak, or grief. You have to be your cheerleader in all walks of your life. Till the time destiny brings in your loudest cheerleader in the stand.
January 23, 2022
Mighty Monday
It has been a while since I wrote a blog. Even though I have zillion thoughts running in my head, I failed to write a piece. I blame it on the weather and, of course, the virus. Coronavirus has been killing all good vibes, forever it seems. We are nearing towards completion of the first month of 2022. How’s it going for everyone so far?
I have had my share of worst days for this month already, where I was sick for days. One day, I had optimum body temperature, and for all the other days, I slept with a thermometer by my bedside. Being sick is such a bummer. You don’t feel like eating, but you are hungry. I slept the whole week to overcome my energy. I resumed reading even though I am still suffering from a reading slump. This year I want to read everything from my TBR. It’s an unrealistic goal; every reader is well aware of it. Though, there is no harm in trying to fulfill unrealistic goals. This month, I was also looking forward to a vacation. All plans in vain. A girl can’t dream of reading in peace amidst the mountains! Heading for a vacation is becoming a distant dream.
Till the time, I visit some landscapes, I am busy reading some non-fiction books. I hope I will be a regular this year with my blogs. Let’s hit the activation button on a beautiful Monday morning.
“Failure was in history and not herself, where she did not read the wrong writers”
January 18, 2022
Maybe, Forever!
At the end of my workday, I always watch an episode of FRIENDS or a vlog on YouTube. It’s become a ritual for years I have lived alone, starting from my low paydays in Hyderabad to a stable career now in Bangalore. I never regret my decisions in life or pity myself for that matter. I have built myself stronger by dining alone at office canteens, having coffee dates alone, a walk to the bookstore, or even shopping solo. Though on days when I fall sick with a high fever and parched throat, I miss a comforting palm on my forehead. The last couple of days, I suffered from viral and more than the viral fever my loneliness made me weaker.
How do you live life calmly when you are clueless about the person who would be sleeping beside you for the rest of your life? How do you prepare yourself for the life after this pandemic, planning for holidays with an unknown face? I have looked around for comfort in friends who thought I was hitting on them. I have looked around for solace in acquaintances who thought I was a transit location. I have looked inside my soul to find a spark to love again, I failed every time I gathered courage in the word ‘love.’
People often tell me that I have raised my standards by reading novels. I question often, “Shall I stop reading about the perfect love stories in an imperfect novel?” For the generation of Tinder, I might sound like a sonnet of the 60s. I forgot how to fall in love, I want to fall in love once again and this time, maybe Forever. When I was down with fever, I always thought, “What if I died alone in an apartment?” My soul kept screaming that, “You would die after hearing those magical words, never lose hope.” I want to trust my heart even though it was sedated that night. I want to be someone’s forever in this world full of “Maybe.” Love as magical as it sounds, can be my cause of loneliness. Love as joyful as it sounds, might break my strength. Maybe someday, someone would save my drowning soul. Maybe I get to hear my share of “I love you.” At the end of my story, there will always be a “Maybe.”
January 16, 2022
Book Review – The Lone Wolf
Book title: The Lone Wolf: The Untold Story of the Rescue of Sheikh Hasina
Author: Neha Dwivedi
Publisher: Ebury Press
ISBN: 014345272X
ISBN13: 9780143452720
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
Blurb: The Bangladesh Liberation War was nearing its bloody end when Colonel Ashok Tara, then a twenty-nine-year-old major, was assigned the task of rescuing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family which was being held hostage by the Pakistani Army. Ashok Tara, unarmed, entered the lion’s den, and negotiated with the hostile soldiers for the release of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation and his family that included a young Sheikh Hasina.
The Lone Wolf is Ashok Tara’s story, charting the course of his celebrated yet quiet life as a member of the armed forces. Neha Dwivedi’s writing expertly captures our hero’s humble beginnings, his life-altering experiences, and offers a blow-by-blow account of a seminal event in South-east Asian history. As much as it is the story of Colonel Ashok Tara’s bravery, it is also the story of a bleak-yet-victorious period of Bangladesh’s quest for freedom.
My Rating: 5/5
My Review: I was suffering from a reading slump for the longest time. On my birthday, I made a promise to return to my world of happiness. Yes, books make me happy and less lonely in life. I picked up Neha ma’am second book to overcome my reading slump. I placed an order for the book from Bahrisons booksellers located in Delhi. The next day, the order was at my doorstep. I have read a few books on the Bangladesh Liberation War 1971. However, this book is unique in itself. The book elaborates on the untold story of Sheikh Hasina’s rescue. In an internal feud of Pakistan, India became the war front. Indian soldiers fought to restore peace in the nation and borders.
Colonel Ashok Tara, one of the Indian Army soldiers, played a crucial role in the rescue of Sheikh Hasina. In the book, two parts are running in parallel, where the author describes the life of Col. Ashok from his childhood to the time he got inducted into the Officers Training Academy. The other part described the war-like situation in Pakistan, genocide in East Pakistan, refugees entering India, and guerilla training under the Indian Army. I read the narrative a couple of times where (then) Major Tara went ahead unarmed to rescue Sheikh Hasina and her family. Soldiers have trained for unexpected scenarios, but this fearlessness was in his genes. As described in the book, a young boy Ashok stared hard in an encounter with a wolf. ‘Fear is a state of mind.’ The book speaks about the soldier’s experience in a lifetime. Their presence of mind for every situation is commendable. The book highlights the role of war and how it changes the life of a soldier. This story leads by example of a decorated war hero, still being praised for the rescue of Bangladesh’s first family.
I would like to appreciate Neha ma’am effort in bringing this untold story to the literary world. We have so much to learn from the Armed Forces. There are stories where have been restricted to war fronts or LOCs. I am glad I picked up this book to start my year of reading in 2022. I would recommend everyone to read this book on the 1971 war. It’s a tribute to our heroes protecting our borders since forever. The epilogue is one of the best parts of this book, where Col. Tara narrates his feelings. On a rare occasion, you would find a soldier speaking his heart. I have been a fan of Neha ma’am ever since I read her first book on Captain Vijyant Thapar. I would continue to look forward to her authored books in the future.
Review Goodreads
‘The hardest walk is the one you make alone… But that is the walk that makes you the strongest’
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January 10, 2022
Jeet ki Zid
I am suffering from insomnia and readers block at the same time. It is one of the rarest things happening together. To kill time, I watched a few series and movies on OTT. Anyone who has been following me for a while knows my obsession with the Armed Forces. I watched a couple of movies, after which I became crazy about the olives. Yesterday, I watched the web series called ‘Jeet ki Zid.’ The series is about the life of an injured war soldier, Major Deependra Singh Sengar, an Indian Army Special Forces officer. Major Deep is a Kargil war veteran, and also India’s first blade runner. I read numerous non-fictions of our Armed Forces. However, I have loved this series for the motivation.
We often give up on ourselves but our parents always bestow trust in our capabilities. The story is about a soldier who has lost the zeal of living. Indian Army has spread a strong message with this OTT venture, that they don’t give up on any of their soldiers. The trainers and commanding officers always show trust in their officers. “They can die in a war, but they cannot lose in life”. A motto that stands true for every soldier posted at the Indo-China border, or Siachen, or even at the borders of your city. I would urge everyone to listen to the TEDx by any war veteran or an Army officer. I think that would change your perspective towards life.
January 9, 2022
Birthday post
It has been a week into the new year, and we are still fighting the pandemic. How long will this pandemic last? Well, no one has a clue to that question or even the slightest hint. We have hit the panic button with travel plans, new year parties, and shopping shenanigans. I hope we find a ray of hope at the end of the darker days this pandemic has brought.
The new year always brings joy to my life for a while. I turned another year old two days ago. When you grow older, you start getting lesser calls from people. Thanks to social media, people take the pain of writing HBD. Well, I have no problem with any of that. I know all my friends who have always stayed by my side will be there forever. I am glad to be born to amazing parents who have raised a warrior. I hope this year brings joy to my life. I want to spend quality time with my friends, making for all the lost time. Well, far more importantly, I want to spend time with myself. I want to live the purpose of my life. I am glad that so many of you read my blogs last year. I was busy with an incredible amount of work. But I promise to come up with my blogs and stories from my life. Thank you so much for always supporting me.
Brought flowers for myself on Birthday morning after a morning walk
Beautiful flower shop in the neighbourhood
My cupcake story at 12 midnight – 7th Jan
January 5, 2022
Page 1 of 365
Writing my first blog of 2022: It feels like it has been a week since we entered into the new year. One day, we were posting party pictures and the next day, we are busy sharing the rising statistics of coronavirus cases. I would take a moment here and pray for everyone suffering from this crazy-ass mutating virus.
Every year, you make promises to yourselves, and take up resolutions. At times, these resolutions are unrealistic. Imagine, I take up a resolution to control my anger and the next day, a trainee (out of college) is thrown at my face. How can I even think of controlling my anger, when I am barely getting my work done amidst thousand training calls! Promises and resolutions are meant to be broken! We have been cheating on ourselves since forever, with these cheesy statements. This year, I did not make any damn promises to myself. I have left everything happening to me on destiny. I might be the person making the right or wrong decision. But if destiny decides to throw me infront of a person, well I am ready to take the bullet or dodge one.
I started my New Year with an epic escape, where I convinced people to head out during the curfew. Yes, we were headed home to sleep. Adulting is reaching for own bed and sleeping your ass off. I wanted to write a blog about the escape, but I was trapped in sleep. I hope to keep you entertained this year, which my blogs. Do let me know about your New year parties or even your resolutions? I would try my best to blog regularly starting 2022.
