Parul Tyagi's Blog, page 2

Talking to my 2014

I am seeing Red all around me. Nothing to do with my cold and cough situation though. It is Christmas time and my Facebook timeline, my friend's pictures, the roads till my office, the parking guy's head gear and the celebs I stalk on Twitter have all turned Red to keep up with the season. Now, I too had Christmas Parties and invites till a few years ago but age catches up with you sooner than you estimate. It is so freezing cold outside that I have politely turned down invitations, over the years, by saying- We have some other plans- and gradually people have realised, our plans are actually warm quilts and Big Boss! (Okay, the latter is more of my plan and my husband complying)
Since I stopped being an Enthu Cutlet for 'rocking' and 'happening' parties, I have to vent out my excitement somehow about everything that I am feeling amidst festivities and cheer around me. I have no messages or requests for Santa Claus. I rather have short and sweet messages for persons and things that had an influence on me in the year gone by and I have no hopes of any of them sparing me in the coming too :)
1) Open Letter Writers- Consider this my open letter to all those open letter writers who write more and more open letters to the ones who wrote open letters before them. First, letters are Dodos now so don't prefix an OPEN to them to revive them. They have no chance of resurrecting. Call them just letters and they will still read the same. Second, you wrote that open letter knowing that the one you are writing to, will never read it but instead it will become viral, make you look mature/concerned and enable you to have intellectual conversations in the comment boxes underneath. Yeah, we all know this but we still open them and help your cause. 2) Killers of Children- I know none of them will ever read this. So really what is the point in even addressing them? But I can tell you all who are reading this- I hate them. Too. 3) Selfie Takers- Uff that selfie smile of yours- I just love it. And that exclusive side profile? Killer! Oh how I can forget that pout. Yum! One day, I hope, this fascination will retire and people will start living their lives with real smiles and believable twinkle in their eyes. One day. 4) Radio Cab Drivers- I took a lot of Radio Cab rides in 2014. Yes, in Uber too. And I was my usual chatty self. Some drivers reciprocated my chattiness, others increased the volume of FM channels. The way my life remains unchanged in terms of salaries which cannot afford a Driver and the parking space around our house where our two cars win real battles to find their own ground every day, I am going to continue taking these cabs. Just that I am considering investing in a Pepper Spray which I am pretty sure I will not be able to find inside my overfilled handbag when I need it. I also intend to continue praying that I don't get raped as that's the ONLY thing we can do it seems in our country. 5) Travellers- Love you guys. I think you are the only people who are truly living. I am not addressing the kinds for who travelling means a twice an year ritual of going to Goa. Travellers are those who crave exploration- of new places, of food and of adventures. Hats off to that breed and yes, you guys are people I love to be jealous of. By the way, I love Goa. I go there every year. That's not travelling. That's hygiene! 6) Big Boss- Another year will begin and with it my favourite TV show will complete yet another season. I hate this thought but I live with it. I live with the hope that September will come again and it will bring with it the show, I live for... 7) V and N- These two are growing up really fast. I know this because they have started arguing with me, they have instructed me to not kiss them in their park, they have football shoes and party shoes and casual party shoes and cricket shoes, they have their favourite actresses and both have that one girl in their class who they protect from the mean bullies around them. So well, V and N are everything I am and I am everything they want me to be- at different stages of their boyhood. 

Sunidhi Chauhan and the Delhi Crowd

We were lucky that we got the opportunity to be with one of our favourite artist-Sunidhi Chauhan- last evening. It was only for her that we broke the norm of not venturing out on a weekday (I am hopeless in sending kids to schools every day as schools start early morning). We knew it will be worth all the effort. So what if we were seated in the Balcony of the humongous Siri Fort Auditorium whose Balcony is at quite a distance from the stage. The show apparently was being done for a charity organisation (I don't want to name it as the charity is doing a good job and had nothing to do with what the organiser was turning this evening into!) So as people are still running here and there to take a seat from where they are closest to Sunidhi-which is impossible as we are hung in a balcony that Sunidhi wont even know exists, there is a video playing on stage. The video starts with the main organiser telling us how he had the brainwave of working for this great cause and identified this particular organisation to give money to by doing this concert. He is followed by his wife, mother, mother in law, elder brother and sister in law (that elder brother's wife) who appear one by one and praise the organiser for coming up with this idea. The elder brother even says how 'Chunnu ("we call him Chunnu pyaar se") is mature enough to do this social work. I am trying to look and feel absolutely serious as this cause is close to my heart too but the mention of 'Chunnu' ends it for me. I try to hide my giggle as there are people around and I could be mistaken for making fun of the feelings behind this event. My best friend and husband, though, is smiling back at me. The lamp is lit and the tight red dress host (who says Ladies and Gentleman like ledsnadgentlmun) hands over the Mic to Chunnu (he has a proper name but that's not important). Now Chunnu speaks for five minutes telling us why this cause is the cause for this evening. He then suddenly pauses for two seconds, turns away from audience, looks back like a hero and adds- "Sorry guys. Santi ho gaya". Anyway, to Chunnu his own, the evening begins. Sunidhi as usual rocks! Singing one song after another with all her versatility and oomph. After a couple of numbers she announces that since this is a charity event she is going to do something terribly different this evening. The audience wants to know what's that!! Me too!! "In front of the Delhi audience, that's known for dance and masti, I am going to do the unusual. I will only sing soft numbers. So are you guys ready for a serene evening? Are you guys ready to not dance?"  The rows right in front of her, clap loudly and roar with appreciation. These are the 'Reserved' and 'Gold Class' category who are real connoisseurs of soulful music (or so they tried to pretend). Up above in the balcony, where yours truly is sitting, there is deafening silence. The cattle class is shocked. Sunidhi wont make us dance? Its like Anup Jalota asking them if they are ready for a dance! And Delhi audience will even dance to Anup Jalota!! What was Sunidhi thinking?  Anyways, a couple of rows behind us get empty. She goes on to sing some wonderful 'soft' songs and trust me we are drenched in the serenity she promised. Just when she finishes two more such songs someone behind us shouts (knowing well that he can never be heard as Sunidhi surely doesn't know there is a Balcony too!) - "Madamji, Kamli" (in a humble, requesting type shriek). The entire enclosure laughs aloud. But no one, beyond the balcony, can hear us. We are the cattle class who stands up for each other but no one influential will ever hear our voices. Sunidhi goes on with her awesome renditions and one more bunch of friends behind us leave. Two men behind me are chatty and one asks the other-  "Kamli kaunsi picture ka hai bata mujhe?""Dhoom 3" his friend, who is playing Subway Surfer states, matter of factly. As Sunidhi finishes "Yaram" she has the audacity to ask the Dilli crowd- "Maza aa raha haina Dilllliiiiii" The guy behind me shouts: "Dhoom 3!!!!!!!!" Sunidhi ignores him once again, unknowingly of course and moves on to "Chura liya hai tumne" This time I guess the Delhite inside the elite crowd too feels the need to open up. At the end of this all-time- melodious-number, someone, who God has chosen to be audible to Sunidhi, shouts- "Beedi Jalai le" Believe it or not, this is when Sunidhi becomes Robert Vadra and asks: "Are You Serious?"  Yes Madam they were serious!!! Ask me, the cattle class, who lost many of her counterparts in the Balcony because they ONLY wanted to dance! Crazy dilliwalas we are but may I add- At least we love you even more :) 

The ONLY 5 things I know in Punjabi language!

Having lived in Delhi all my life, there is no way I could ever stay disconnected with this language. From Auto Rickshaw guys to shopkeepers in Lajpat Nagar to schoolmates to colony friends- I have always had adequate brushes with it. Still it is a shame that I never could pick it. I can understand few words but definitely cannot speak well. After my marriage, when I saw my Mom In Law speak decent full sentences in Punjabi she told me that since she has lived and worked all her life in Delhi, how could she not pick? Well, truly it is shameful that I did not!  Lately however I have enhanced my vocabulary of Punjabi. I still do not freely incorporate it in my fluent talks (except that one time when I told my husband how cute the 'nikke-nikke' dogs were looking while crossing the road and he was absolutely SHOCKED). Two of my favourite people in my family are Punjabis. My two Sister in Laws who don't speak the language(with each other or their parents) but know it still. Interactions with them and following them on social media made me sit down and draw up this list which is my ONLY knowledge of this language. Read on. Maybe you will find traces of your experience in them...  1) The Babydoll song- This is the maximum amount of Punjabi I can speak in one go. I have by hearted the song. When I am driving alone and this song is on FM, I sing along in full volume and feel so proud of my feat.  2) Honey Singh- Not just for me but for the entire nation this man is single handedly responsible for enabling humming of Punjabi songs so effortlessly. It is because of his songs like 'Lak 28 kudi ka' that I know many unknown words of this language. 3) Words- Some words are such integral part of my perceptions of people who know Punjabi. List:  Mausi = Maasi Namaste = Pairi Pauna Sagai =SaganTilak = Tikka. Paagal= JhalliGaadi=Gaddi Just love them! 4) Kirron Kher- No one works better than Kirron Kher as the typical Punjabi mum. I have illusions that all Punjabi mothers are like her. Her perfect use of language, stressing on the right words, expressions, laughter- Uff now that's a Punjabi Mum for me and her style of speaking! 5) Weddings- Seen Vicky Donor? Remember that scene when Ayushman's Mom asks someone to fetch Daaru from the Gaddi? THAT. The whole openness, largeness, fun, slim and fair girls, tall dulhas hugging their graceful Mums, laughter- That's my orientation to this language which may be loud but is so warm :)
 

Top 5 cliches at a family get together...

Fresh out of Rakhi celebrations we are, aren't we? I can see on Facebook that almost everyone spent it with their extended family. There is always that one kind soul in all our families who volunteers to host these get togethers, so all tying of Rakhi and exchanging of gifts can happen under one roof- all so conveniently.

This is my tenth (Yeah!10th!) year of celebrating festivals with Saurabh's extended family. It is now that I am qualified to write the typical 5 clichés that happen at every, almost every family gathering. I am sure everyone reading this will say 'Oh yes' to at least three :)

1) Comment on weight: The minute guests start arriving in, they almost look as if the following words were sitting on their lips for the longest time and must be heard:
"Why have you lost so much weight?" OR "Why has ABC (host's husband or wife) lost so much weight?"
We must all understand that they are not asking this because they are worried. They just see the 'fit' you and wonder why!

2) Tea: So everyone has arrived and sitting in a huge family circle. Initial warm up has lapsed and the host will ask, "Chai Banaye?". This question in itself is wrong. Why ask? Just make it! But you have to hear the guests' reactions (they never change):
First everyone will say: "Arre rehne do" ; "Nahi nahi" ; "Not for me. I am fine" Just when everyone realises that to ease the host's burden everyone has refused tea and 'Oh my god I needed it' someone will say:
"Agar ban rahi hai then ill take."  5 more people will join in, as sympathetically as they can,
"Only if you are making it, I will take"
All those who said 'No' vehemently in the first lot will now be saying in their heads- 'Thank God'
The host then comes to everyone's rescue,
"Ok then. Will make for everyone."

3) Food is always awesome: Typical lines: "Ye kisne banaya?" followed by "Jisne bhi banaya, kamaal hai." Now whoever is saying this, has a wife somewhere in the same room sulking and taking mental notes.  But don't we all do this out of sheer compulsion. The host will invariably shove one more poori in our plate and ask: "Acha nahi bana kya?". Now what is the correct answer to this question? Obviously the guest will say: "Awesome hai!"

4) One person/family will always be stuck in a jam: Why is there always that one person who is late? Everyone who has arrived on time will mass-blame that one person (or family) by digging into their past perfiormance.
"Hamesha late aate hain!"
"Time se kyun nahi chalte?"
"Jam to nahi hai raaste main?"
And then after all the speculation that teenager of the family who has acquired the smart phone very recently and is seen playing candy crush is asked:
"Arre XYZ, phone laga ABC ko and check."


5) Testing children in academics-  Children enjoy these gatherings the most. Especially the children of the host as they are not being watched. Also they are somehow the centre of attention. How? They have to recite poems, show some dance moves, get their General Knowledge checked, let everyone who they love more- Papa or Mummy and also let everyone know if their Mum gives them enough food or not (duh!)! If there are more than one kid then guests like to play 'Comparison Games' with them. 'Who can say the alphabets the fastest' types. I don't know if kids enjoy this but their parents definitely get a complex!     

I am a Mum of two boys. But I am not carefree.

Today as I reached work, my timeline was flooded with anguish of mothers over the rape of a 6 year old in her school. I read a few but couldn't go beyond three. They were all full of so much helplessness that it irked the mother in me. But what was interesting in all of them was that they were all from mothers of girls.   I have sons. Two. Though both are aged around the little girl who was assaulted in Bangalore, they are boys. Does that mean I am less sensitive to these news items on rapes being carried out to little girls? I am not even saying that ideally I should feel the pain of those parents as a woman because I am as prone to rape as this little one, in this country. My point is that I am equally worried about my sons today. Hear me out all you parents of girls, who feel so insecure while bringing up daughters in our callous country. So what if I have boys? I am equally scared for them as you are for your daughters.  I am scared because being boys, I cannot technically tell them what is rape, at least not now. I am scared because someone who is sick in the head can assume that touching my sons is lesser a crime than touching someone's daughter. I am scared because they are naïve, just like a girl of their age, and can get scared of someone overpowering them. I am scared because everyone assumes they are safe, or safer. I have taught them good touch and bad touch. I have told them they cant be alone with a stranger anywhere in the school or in the  bus. I have told them that if anyone says that they will cause any harm to their parents if they tell  the truth, Papa will teach that person a tougher lesson than he can imagine. I watch over them every minute when they are in the park. I call them every 3 hours when I am at work even though they are safe with their Grand mom because there could be something that they would like to share with just me. I have a secret password with them which they can use in case someone tries to give them a message through me at an unfamiliar place. Mind you guys, I am not a helicopter parent. I am just a parent in the times where my child needs me for a plethora of exposures he gets and needs answers for. I am doing everything in my might and senses which can keep V and N away from crime. But I know I can never do enough. I have to send them to school, to their dance classes, to friends' places, to the park, to swimming. Can I be around them all the time? I cannot. And what irritates me is that ideally I shouldn't. I am responsible for their safety but I cannot suffocate them over it.  So what is it that I can do? I can only pray it seems. I can pray not just for them but also for every little baby who doesn't deserve these crimes. I don't intend to join a candle march at India Gate to register my protest. This, because I am not stupid enough to not realise that this mentality is so deeply ingrained in our society that my candle will never last enough to burn down this disease of some brains. I don't want to pray for strength for those parents whose daughter was raped. That's so futile. I pray in fact for a miracle where this girl's example can let God put an end to our miseries. Yeah but I am game to join a pressure tactic which insists that schools do everything they can to ensure that our children are bloody safe with them as I am not assuming that they truly are.    Every morning when I send them to school, I kiss them and say- "Have a nice day." When they smile back, I look at them in the eyes and assure them that they will.  V and N- you are the reasons why Saurabh and I exist and we promise you that we are doing our best to keep you happy and healthy including saying our daily prayers :)   

As you retire from work Papa......

They say your heart doesn't beat inside you, it beats inside me. But do they know that your love never managed to spoil me?  They say, I can make you do anything under the sun. But do they know that you've never let me do anything that was wrong.  They say you are partial, just too soft on me. But have they seen how much you scolded, when I acted weird. They might see you detached, glued to your TV. But they haven't heard our everyday phone calls that last eternity. They say you are short tempered, hot tempered too. But they don't know your patience when I rant endlessly about my life with you. They may say you got it easy and you took it easy too. But they didn't see you down and out for most of it too. They have seen you having a good time with your friends, till date. Wish they had seen those friends stand besides us, through thick and thin too.  They have seen your laughter, your guts and your will. I have also seen your advise, wisdom and hope behind it all. They have seen me and Rahul grow up to be what we are. I have known Saurabh and Nish, look up to you too.

She comes across like your shadow, quiet behind you. I know but,  Ma is your anchor who has sailed us all through.

 They say you will retire from work Papa, in a week,They don't know, it is so you will be around me, for me, with me :)

 

On a Break or Break Free on Mothers Day?

Yesterday is gone. I mean the dust over the marketing gimmick around Mothers Day has settled. We are all now going through a mundane Monday that even our mothers cannot save us from. I belong to the school where no specific day can make me remember my husband or children or father or mother or brother. The result: I didn't get any gift yesterday AND I didn't even complain :/ However, since I am part of the top 4.7% of this country's social media consumer base (imaginary figures used for impact), I did get a lot of messages reminding me that I am an amazing Mom and that because my Mom is also amazing, I should do A B C D for her. As I retired for the night I scanned all messages once again and the winner of the most common thought running in all of them was: Since it is 'Happy Mothers Day', we mothers should be given a day off to relax, head for massages, get pampered and that our husbands should step into our shoes for this one day. This thought doesn't work for me at so many levels. First, as I have mentioned many a times before, Saurabh is a hands on Dad and there is nothing special that I do for V and N which he doesn't/cannot do. Secondly, how the hell does one step out of being a mother for one day? By stepping out I mean- Relax for a day when you are a Mom! Let me tell you how my day looked yesterday and you will know how meaningless this wish was for me. 1) I insist on making V and N's meals by myself each day. I do it with a lot of passion everyday hence there was no way I wouldn't have done so yesterday. I did. It gave me so much happiness.  2) They fought over trivial things as usual. They wanted me to be the Judge of their disputes like every other day as I know best (at least they think so) which is the most fair way to settle them. I resolved their differences all day. I was so happy. 3) I was on top of their mischiefs all day long as that is my way to teach them how to behave. I scolded them with equal vigour and kissed them with equal warmth (Not lessening the former and increasing the latter is what I mean) 4) Like on every other weekend, Saurabh and I took off for an evening out with just each other. When we return, I see a huge cotton ball with lots of red Betadine taped to V's forehead. My heart stopped for a second. Thankfully the bruise was a very small one, result of a fall which he could have easily avoided, had he listened to Dadi. It was his fault but my baby was hurt. As I wiped his tears, scolded him for being careless, hugged him with all my might and assured him that he is absolutely fine- I knew-  Mothers can never be anything else. We don't need to relax. We don't need a break. Our kids are us. Can you forget yourself for a day and relax? If you can- Happy Mothers DAY! [image error]

On a Break or Break Free on Mothers Day?

Yesterday is gone. I mean the dust over the marketing gimmick around Mothers Day has settled. We are all now going through a mundane Monday that even our mothers cannot save us from. I belong to the school where no specific day can make me remember my husband or children or father or mother or brother. The result: I didn't get any gift yesterday AND I didn't even complain :/ However, since I am part of the top 4.7% of this country's social media consumer base (imaginary figures used for impact), I did get a lot of messages reminding me that I am an amazing Mom and that because my Mom is also amazing, I should do A B C D for her. As I retired for the night I scanned all messages once again and the winner of the most common thought running in all of them was: Since it is 'Happy Mothers Day', we mothers should be given a day off to relax, head for massages, get pampered and that our husbands should step into our shoes for this one day. This thought doesn't work for me at so many levels. First, as I have mentioned many a times before, Saurabh is a hands on Dad and there is nothing special that I do for V and N which he doesn't/cannot do. Secondly, how the hell does one step out of being a mother for one day? By stepping out I mean- Relax for a day when you are a Mom! Let me tell you how my day looked yesterday and you will know how meaningless this wish was for me. 1) I insist on making V and N's meals by myself each day. I do it with a lot of passion everyday hence there was no way I wouldn't have done so yesterday. I did. It gave me so much happiness.  2) They fought over trivial things as usual. They wanted me to be the Judge of their disputes like every other day as I know best (at least they think so) which is the most fair way to settle them. I resolved their differences all day. I was so happy. 3) I was on top of their mischiefs all day long as that is my way to teach them how to behave. I scolded them with equal vigour and kissed them with equal warmth (Not lessening the former and increasing the latter is what I mean) 4) Like on every other weekend, Saurabh and I took off for an evening out with just each other. When we return, I see a huge cotton ball with lots of red Betadine taped to V's forehead. My heart stopped for a second. Thankfully the bruise was a very small one, result of a fall which he could have easily avoided, had he listened to Dadi. It was his fault but my baby was hurt. As I wiped his tears, scolded him for being careless, hugged him with all my might and assured him that he is absolutely fine- I knew-  Mothers can never be anything else. We don't need to relax. We don't need a break. Our kids are us. Can you forget yourself for a day and relax? If you can- Happy Mothers DAY!

You vote. I Vote. We all vote. ENOUGH on VOTE!!

Tired is the state of my mind right now. There is no other word that describes it more aptly. Just so goddam tired of opinions, views, convictions, graphs, blogs, videos, rallies that I have never been so, ever before. Facebook and Twitter have shown their true colors. So much so that I miss those people on my timeline now who posted Birthday pics, mundan pics, housewarming pics, bought-new-fridge pics, had-an-accident pics, babyshower pics and I used to crib. Wont crib again people. Come back! Because when your posts look silly to me I choose to ignore your 74 pictures album and move on to more logical updates. However for the past few days where do I move on to? Everyone- each one of these guys- are ONLY and ONLY talking about politics. It stresses me out. I hate it. I......am tired! I know most of you are too!!  But if you thought that all will be over soon. Hey hey NO. Tomorrow is the polling day. Tomorrow, my friends, is the Baap of all these bleeding-from-my-nose-updates days! As tomorrow is when the below stated updates will beautify my timeline. And mind you all- anyone who does even one of these, well...what can I do about you guys? Ill pray that sanity will prevail and I pray that soon you will be convinced that Yes, you have made your point!  So fellow Indians, brace yourself for the following- all of tomorrow:  1) Photos of fingers with the black ink. Those selfies. Along with the words- "Proud"My Take: Get Manicures done girls. Some pictures really look ugly. Boys, ill be ogling at your fat fingers nonetheless! 1.1) Sticking to photo uploads there will be many with people with their families and friends (all wearing aviators) showing their inked fingers in a selfie- smiling and proud.My Take: Hahahaha... 2) Status messages: "Just voted. Have you done so?" (Along with the picture of the finger with the black ink)My Take: I will mind my own business with  my own head with my own time with my own convenience. How can you blackmail me to vote NOW just because you voted? 3) Check ins at fancy cafes with description- "Relaxing after casting my vote. Have you voted yet?"My Take: Finish your coffee and get going. Pay the bill. Be a good citizen! 4) Status updates with complaints like "The booth was poorly managed" or "Saw XYZ party goons around the booth. I smell something fishy"My Take: Do not disguise your ballooned pride by holding the same nose from behind. We know that you want to tell people that you just returned after voting. You know whats better? The picture of that finger. 5) Constant boosters. Oh reminders- "Get up people. Go out and Vote" or "Don't forget to cast it"My Take: OKAY!! 6) Guilty posts where people could not cast votes and are feeling useless but still wish to be part of the big party on Facebook- "Away from Delhi on work. I wish I was there to make my country proud! Miss the fun. But hey, all of you vote!"My Take: Somewhere in your comments you will be successful in letting the world know exactly where you are away. Wasn't that the whole point? My last word on all this mania- We have all understood it. Let us breathe and bring back the exotic holidays and food pictures! [image error]

You vote. I Vote. We all vote. ENOUGH on VOTE!!

Tired is the state of my mind right now. There is no other word that describes it more aptly. Just so goddam tired of opinions, views, convictions, graphs, blogs, videos, rallies that I have never been so, ever before. Facebook and Twitter have shown their true colors. So much so that I miss those people on my timeline now who posted Birthday pics, mundan pics, housewarming pics, bought-new-fridge pics, had-an-accident pics, babyshower pics and I used to crib. Wont crib again people. Come back! Because when your posts look silly to me I choose to ignore your 74 pictures album and move on to more logical updates. However for the past few days where do I move on to? Everyone- each one of these guys- are ONLY and ONLY talking about politics. It stresses me out. I hate it. I......am tired! I know most of you are too!!  But if you thought that all will be over soon. Hey hey NO. Tomorrow is the polling day. Tomorrow, my friends, is the Baap of all these bleeding-from-my-nose-updates days! As tomorrow is when the below stated updates will beautify my timeline. And mind you all- anyone who does even one of these, well...what can I do about you guys? Ill pray that sanity will prevail and I pray that soon you will be convinced that Yes, you have made your point!  So fellow Indians, brace yourself for the following- all of tomorrow:  1) Photos of fingers with the black ink. Those selfies. Along with the words- "Proud"My Take: Get Manicures done girls. Some pictures really look ugly. Boys, ill be ogling at your fat fingers nonetheless! 1.1) Sticking to photo uploads there will be many with people with their families and friends (all wearing aviators) showing their inked fingers in a selfie- smiling and proud.My Take: Hahahaha... 2) Status messages: "Just voted. Have you done so?" (Along with the picture of the finger with the black ink)My Take: I will mind my own business with  my own head with my own time with my own convenience. How can you blackmail me to vote NOW just because you voted? 3) Check ins at fancy cafes with description- "Relaxing after casting my vote. Have you voted yet?"My Take: Finish your coffee and get going. Pay the bill. Be a good citizen! 4) Status updates with complaints like "The booth was poorly managed" or "Saw XYZ party goons around the booth. I smell something fishy"My Take: Do not disguise your ballooned pride by holding the same nose from behind. We know that you ou want to tell people that you just returned after voting. You know whats better? The picture of that finger. 5) Constant boosters. Oh reminders- "Get up people. Go out and Vote" or "Don't forget to cast it"My Take: OKAY!! 6) Guilty posts where people could not cast votes and are feeling useless but still wish to be part of the big party on Facebook- "Away from Delhi on work. I wish I was there to make my country proud! Miss the fun. But hey, all of you vote!"My Take: Somewhere in your comments you will be successful in letting the world know exactly where you are away. Wasn't that the whole point? My last word on all this mania- We have all understood it. Let us breathe and bring back the exotic holidays and food pictures!