Thank you for all the appreciation you have given me for this blog. I'm truly grateful.
***
My feedback on your feedback:
Reema was the first to read my blog and for that she has earned herself a place of honour on it. Despite the many miles that separate us, she has really been with me on every step of this arduous journey. Here's hoping that her life unfolds for her the way she wants it to!
Malvika echoed my exact sentiments for creating this blog: enabling people that matter to me to be involved in this new phase of my life.
Dhara brought another aspect to my attention... something I had done unintentionally. I was quite pleasantly surprised to discover there was indeed a conversational feel to the blog. It fulfils my purpose even more as it then allows me to remain in conversation with everyone without having to say a word!
Krupa, whom I have always believed to be artistically inclined, appreciated my writing. Not only that, she even bookmarked my blog!!!! Such an honour!
The fact that Sumedh commented on my blog was a most pleasant shock for me. For diverse reasons, he somehow managed not to be part of the Internet revolution that gripped the world years ago and is hence only now learning the ropes. It made me very proud to see him visit a blog without any hassles and even leave a comment on it!
Yadnya reminded me of just how far and close I was to my departure, a concept that made me deliriously happy and quite so sad all at the same time.
Last but not the least, my dear aunt Neetuki... she has been through hell and back in the last few months but that has not deterred her from giving me every kind of encouragement possible. For that I salute her! She's an angel in my life and her blessings count for extra ;-)
***
A roundup of the week that was:
Way back in August (it really seems like such a long time ago!), my parents and I had planned a trip to Ganpati Pule, one of my most favourite places on the planet. My visa situation until very recently has been so uncertain that I was wondering if my parents would have to go on without me. Thankfully, the arrival of my visa and the happy cascade of events that followed simplified everything for me. We not only went, but had an absolutely splendid little trip. It gave the three of us precious time to spend together and boy! did we make the most of it!
Everything seemed nicer somehow... I suppose, I was just in that sort of frame of mind. We came across such breathtaking scenery. In my mind's eye, I can still picture those rain-drenched (and at times pothole-filled) meandering roads, those lush green hills and those most spectacular waterfalls all over.
Another highlight of this trip was meeting Mr. Deepak Gadre and his wife Mrs. Meena. Mr. Gadre runs a huge company that processes fish and manufactures a variety of unique edible fish products. I had the privilege of visiting his processing units and I was left totally impressed with just how efficiently and systematically everything was being done. Hats off to this man who is in total command of his empire and is yet one of the most humble and socially responsible people I have come to know.
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On our way back, we visited our dear family friends, Mokashikaku, Charumaushi and their family in Pune. I also unexpectedly had some fun with her very cute year-old grandson Kabir. This small set of people has a unique place in my life, just as unique as their love and concern for me. The little time I spent with them and the poignant parting moments gave me more memories to carry with me...
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The very evening we returned to Mumbai, I met my dear friends Sushant and Sumedh over dinner. As usual, we had a rather enjoyable time. Despite crazy rumours flying around and frantic phone calls coming in, we managed to have quite a lot of fun and laughs : ) They both gave me an evening to remember.
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For a couple of days, I also helped out my friend Gitanjali with her applications for medical residency in the US. She is not only one of the most intelligent people I know, but also one of the most sincere and hardworking. Having seen her meticulously go about her business, I hope from the bottom of my heart that everything works out for her and that she is able to fulfil all her aspirations.
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I have always admired my father and his small group of friends for keeping in touch across so many decades. I was therefore extremely happy to attend a dinner party organised by one of his friends, Kishorekaka, as a farewell to me. I was touched that all his friends made time for me and their blessings and the happiness they felt for me was overwhelmed.
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Yesterday evening, I hung out with another dear friend of mine, Prashant. As usual we exchanged music, movies, books etc. and had a memorable, delectable dinner - Chinese - prepared singlehandedly from scratch by my mother. The choice of cuisine was Prashant's and for that I thank him as it gave me the opportunity to enjoy this relatively rare facet of my mother's incomparable cooking.
Through magical scenery, so many blessings, good wishes and good times, it has been a fitting farewell!
***
All important things are now taken care of, so also, most of the shopping. Packing is now the biggest challenge that remains. Saturday night, I depart en famille for the airport and then, in the wee-hours of Sunday, I take off into "my cool new life"...
The countdown begins...
Signing off,
Kay
5 comments:
A commendable effort... putting up regular updates about life, with pics and what not! It'll help me see your world while you are away :)
Good luck! -Sushant.
PS: Whats with the 'Kay'?
Hi! Reading the blog was like going on a journey along with you in your life. I should have started reading it sooner I feel. The pictures are awesome too!! Keep up the good work, as always!!
Lots of luv+luc,
Gitanjali.
I should thank you for inviting me over for dinner! :)
Thanks once again to mamma for that wonderful evening!
sunita said
First of all I should thank you for sending me a mail, secondly I should say sorry for not reading your mail for so long because still Iam not used to seeing my personnel mail. luckily i opened my sight i saw your mail and more curiosity availed I have taken out all print out which I am going to preserve I showed your mail to everybody in the office they read little but was quiet impressed by you i have taken prints so that sayalesh and siddhant too can enjoy the same. Siddhant will come back tomorrow from his trip and his school will begin from mon ie 10th I have read few pages in office due to lack of time i will read all the pages at home and monday I would like to communicate with you on the same. I hope you are fine, be happy, you are determined girl you will achive want you all the best & take care.
Hi Kshitija,
I told you that I will communicate with you on monday but I couldnt ressit myself from reading the same, I read the whole blog but I felt that as if I am reading your mind you went through so many difficulties but still your were so cool every time we saw you on net we never felt about it this is only your strength, to put everything in word is very difficult task but you made it so easy for us to understand you we could see Kshitija in the bus whose tyre got burst, Rainbow must be a true inspiration sent by god to pacify you as he cannot put everthing in words I know this mail is too late for you. you would have come out of all your negative things by now and must be heading towards a better one, You are a strong girl, One day you will impress all the people in Essesx by your good & helping nature, your studies and many more things which you have in you . What I will write more, I liked to communicate with you do write to me again and in this way I will get chance to see my E-mail too, Have nice time and enjoy your life. We are proud of and will always be, because you not only represent Ranes in U.K but also inspiration for your brothers. Buy and good night, take care
Sunita Kaki.
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