Rediscovering Love Through Travel

 There are moments in every relationship when the humdrum of life overshadows the magic of togetherness. Adrian and I had spent the better part of the last year tethered to responsibilities, leaving little room for the travel that had always been our shared love language. Personal reasons kept us grounded, our usual travel plans shelved, and our spirits yearning for a break. It was in one of our late-night heart-to-heart conversations that we decided enough was enough. 

A one-day trip, we agreed, was the perfect antidote to the monotony. Initially, the plan was modest—a quick getaway within Mumbai. But as the idea brewed, we knew we needed something more. Somewhere quieter, somewhere nostalgic. That’s when Matheran came to mind. 

Nestled in the Sahyadris, this car-free hill station had witnessed the bloom of our love 14 years ago. Revisiting it felt like revisiting a chapter of our lives that never lost its charm. This time, we skipped the iconic toy train. Instead, we hopped onto Matheran’s new e-rickshaw service, a convenient alternative that gave us more time to take in the verdant forest around us. The ride was smooth, the air crisp, and the quiet murmur of the forest set the tone for what was to come. 

Matheran holds a special place in our hearts. It’s where, over 14 years ago, we first ventured out together, making clumsy yet precious memories. Revisiting those familiar trails, giggling over steaming cups of chai, savouring hot Maggie at roadside stalls, cuddling fur babies that followed us, and wandering aimlessly into the jungle felt like stepping back in time. The foggy mornings wrapped the landscape—and us—in a gentle embrace, reminding us that the most beautiful moments are often the simplest. 

 The magic began right as we stepped into Matheran market. Amid the bustling crowd and vibrant shops, two sales executives approached us with a scratch-and-win contest. We were skeptical but curious—after all, with our check-in delayed, why not? Adrian scratched his coupon and got a cheerful “Better Luck Next Time,” while I, to my surprise, uncovered a prize! It was such a whimsical, movie-like moment that had us laughing all the way to our hotel.  

This trip wasn’t about grand gestures or ticking off bucket-list items. It was about finding joy in the little things—holding hands during long walks, sharing silly stories from our early years, and rekindling the connection that sometimes gets buried under the weight of daily life.  

That serendipitous moment led us to discover a holiday planning service. Though intrigued by their offer, our years of travel had made us seasoned skeptics. It wasn’t until after thorough research and plenty of discussion that we decided to try their plan. But, naturally, the real test lay in how well it worked for our next getaway, or would it turn out to be a scam!

  This month, we set off for Goa through World Endless Vacation. The planning was blissfully simple—one conversation with our Relationship Manager (RM), a quick review of curated hotel options, and voilà! Everything was sort
ed in a few days. For someone who once became a travel planner and spent countless nights comparing reviews, tracking price drops, and switching between apps, this newfound ease was a revelation. I found myself enjoying the process of holidaying rather than dreading the planning phase. Their efficiency and professionalism made me realize how much easier life becomes when someone else handles the nitty-gritty, leaving you with nothing but pure anticipation for the journey ahead.  

As we sat on the sandy shores of Goa, sipping chilled beer, watching the sun dip into the sea, and listening to the rhythmic lull of the waves, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. For the journey that brought us here, for the love that grows stronger with each passing year, and for the ease of travel that we were gifted.  I realized how much these escapes mean to us. They’re not just getaways; they’re the threads that weave together the fabric of our relationship.  

To all the couples out there, let me say this: Travel is not just about seeing new places; it’s about rediscovering each other. Whether it’s a short escape or a grand adventure, make travel a priority. Let it be a resolution for the coming year to explore more, laugh more, and love more. 

As someone wise once said, "The best journeys in life are those taken with the ones we love." 

Happy New Year 2025!

Here’s to more journeys, more memories, more moments to treasure, and endless love. 💖

A Memorable Encounter in My Early Days as a Journalist

 Back in 2013, I was a struggling journalist, eager yet unsure, trying to carve out a path in the competitive world of journalism. One day, I was covering a press conference hosted by the State’s Social Justice and Welfare Department. The Maharashtra Government had just announced that the renowned Marathi actor Siddharth Jadhav would be the brand ambassador for its ambitious de-addiction campaign. Despite the significance of the event, only a handful of publications were present. The reason was clear—highlighting such news could jeopardize their ad revenues from powerful toxin giants.

As the event concluded, my photographer Kaka and I lingered in the lobby to get a quote from Siddharth Jadhav. While we were speaking to him, a gentle voice called out my name, "Pradnya... faqta Siddhu shich bolar ahes ka amhala pan yeun bhetnar ahes?" (Pradnya, are you only going to talk to Siddhu, or will you come and meet us too?). I turned around to see a warm, radiant smile from a lady dressed in a pristine white dress that mirrored her pure soul. That lady was none other than Varsha Gaikwad, affectionately known as Varsha Tai.

I had encountered Varsha Tai twice before at press conferences, but I was taken aback by her ability to remember my name. Her genuine warmth and friendliness caught me off guard. She mentioned that the next press conference would take a while to start and suggested we grab something to eat before it began. She graciously joined us in the refreshments area, chatting amiably.

From that moment on, Varsha Tai became a reliable source for me. Whenever I needed an opinion piece or a byte on any civic issue, she was just a phone call away. Unlike many politicians, she never displayed any arrogance or ignored calls. When I asked her about this, she simply said, "I am a public servant, and I will always be available for them."

Her words and actions reminded me of a quote: "You will always be remembered by the way you made someone feel, not by how you look or what you wear." Varsha Tai truly lived by this principle. She treated everyone with respect and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on me.

Though I typically refrain from expressing my political opinions, I am genuinely pleased to know that Varsha Tai is contesting for Mumbai North. Her dedication, approachability, and genuine care for people make her a commendable candidate.

Please note, this is just my personal experience, and I do not intend to influence anyone through this blog. I am simply sharing a memorable encounter that profoundly impacted me.

As I reflect on this experience, I urge everyone to take time out to vote on 20th May. Your vote is powerful and can make a significant difference in shaping the future. Let's ensure our voices are heard and contribute to the betterment of our community.

What Is Love?

Valentine's Day, a day of love, passion, and tender emotions, has become an annual celebration of affection and romance. It's a day when the world seems to adorn itself with shades of pink and red, and love stories unfold in myriad ways. But amidst the commercialised displays of affection, there lies a deeper essence of love, one that transcends material gifts and grand gestures.

 

 My journey with love has been a profound one, spanning over 13 years with my mate. We've traversed through highs and lows, laughter and tears, and in the process, discovered the true meaning of love and companionship. This Valentine's Day, as I reflect on our journey together, I am reminded of a poignant incident that encapsulates the essence of our bond.

It was a typical evening after work, and as we bid adieu to the bustling city streets of Mumbai, I found myself waiting for my partner, who was running a bit late. Surrounded by the rush of commuters, my gaze fell upon an elderly couple, perhaps in their seventies, looking lost and bewildered amidst the chaos. It was evident that they were unfamiliar with the city, and their apprehension tugged at my heartstrings. As someone who didn't have the opportunity to spend much time with my grandparents, I empathize deeply with senior citizens when I see them facing challenges or feeling distressed. They mistakenly got down at Marol Metro Station, and they had to go to Powai. During the peak hours, it sure is a task finding a rikshaw on this route, so I started looking for a rickshaw for them, but there was no hope. 

The love of my life arrived moments later and gave me the brightest smile, his presence a welcome relief. We shared a quick exchange before his attention was drawn to the elderly couple. I told him about the situation, and without hesitation, we set out to help them, navigating through the sea of cars, smoke and traffic. We pleaded with rickshaw drivers, explaining the plight of the elderly couple, but to no avail. I was almost tearing up as we were failing in our efforts to help them but then, I saw my tall, fair, handsome man drenched in sweat waving at me from a rickshaw that he managed to get from the other side of the road. The elderly couple appeared visibly relieved as they settled into the rickshaw, ready to embark on their journey. It felt like they were finally homeward bound, their faces beaming with contentment. I'm certain my significant other employed some form of threatening and domineering tactics to ensure the rickshaw driver carried them, lest it would have been impossible. 😜

As they drove away, relief washed over our faces, and a warmth spread through my heart, making my eyes flood with tears. As we rode home, the city lights flickering in the distance, my partner's question lingered in the air, "Happy?" In that moment, enveloped by the chaos of the city, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his compassion and love. That significant day was Valentine’s Day for me. His small acts of kindness and understanding for something that I feel deeply about made me realise that, "THIS IS LOVE"!

Savouring Life's Little Joys!

 As a senior copywriter, on my first day at the office, I was introduced to a quaint yet heartwarming tradition that had been a part of the workplace for as long as anyone could remember. Around 4 PM each day, the office would come alive with the arrival of the "chai wala uncle." It was a jolly time for everyone, a short break from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world.

The kind old man looked at me with a warm smile and asked, "Would you like to have some tea, madam?" I politely shook my head to say no. You see, I wasn't much of a tea or coffee person. Busy with my work and wary of the acidity these beverages often brought, I usually preferred to stick to water.

As weeks turned into months, I noticed that the old chai wala uncle would not interact much but often exchanged smiles with my colleagues while serving them their favourite beverage. He had become a beloved figure in our daily office routine. One day, out of the blue, he asked me, "Would you like to try some lemon tea?" I hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

The next day, he placed a steaming cup of delicious-looking lemon tea on my desk. I took a sip, and the burst of flavour surprised me. It was absolutely delightful, a perfect blend of zest and warmth. From that day forward, 4 PM became a sacred time for me. I eagerly anticipated my daily cup of elixir, lovingly prepared by the old chai wala uncle.

Time flowed like a river, changing the landscape of our workplace. Places changed, designations changed, and people came and went. But amid all these transformations, one constant remained - my cherished cup of lemon tea.

One day, a new joiner arrived at the office and curiously inquired about the lemon tea. "What is this? Can I have one too?" she asked the old tea vendor. With a knowing smile, he poured her a cup of coffee and replied,  "I prepare just one cup of Lemon tea every day only for madam."

My heart swelled with joy at his words. I felt truly special, cherished even for the little ritual that had become an integral part of my daily life.

This heartwarming experience taught me a valuable lesson. It reminded me that in the busy rush of our lives, we often overlook the small gestures of kindness and care that others extend to us. We fail to recognize the love and effort behind these seemingly insignificant acts.

It's a reminder that we should never take these acts of kindness for granted, no matter how small they may seem. We should always be grateful for the blessings, seen and unseen, that people knowingly or unknowingly bestow upon us. In the end, it's these little things that truly make life beautiful and meaningful.

Have You Become Slaves To Smart Phone And Social Media?

Growing up means bidding adieu to your childhood and disconnecting with all the childish activities that once made you comfortable. Shouldering the burden of being an adult sometimes gets on your nerve and then your childhood friends are the ones who come to your rescue. Speaking to them is a sort of antidote I inject in my lethargic body which instantly gives out positive results. During one such occasion one of my school friends initiated a conversation of how we have become slaves to social media.  No doubt that is a self evident truth but he had something more to add. According to my insightful friend it is social media that make us blindly believe any fact without cross checking for details. May be we are too lazy for it!! Hence we came up with a fun activity when he wished me “Happy Birthday” on a Whats App group. In no time I received several wishes also from friends who personally wished me just 3 months back on my birthday. Now should we blame social media or else the fast paced life we live?? I would not deny the fact that it was fun receiving all your heartiest wishes for the second time in the year.  Furthermore it is appalling to know that we get so much occupied with our daily life that we forget the recent happenings.

Speaking of being slaves to social media or smart phones, we’ve all had that experience in which instead of taking a moment and using our brains to try to come up with an answer we google it. There was a time when we remembered not less than 10 contact numbers of our near and dear ones at the tip of our tongue. Nowadays our contact list does that for us and therefore we are left with only relying on it. Same goes for birthdays and important events. The users remain at the mercy of the notifications for reminders .  Have you ever though what if we did not have reminders??? There is no dividing line between rational use and addiction, which results in stress and decreased productivity. Our brain can store a vast number of memories, so why can't we find these memories when we need to? That is only possible when we give it quality fodder to churn it into important information. Most important factor you need to cut off the clutter for at least 10 minutes in the entire day for yourself so as to be calm and refresh your memory.

So instead of making your smart phone smarter why not we make ourselves proactive!! Despite of depending on your social media notification why not spend more time with your loved ones to understand them better? What’s your though on it friends? 

The Vacant Chair

One task that I am being bestowed with every alternate month is to fill the vacant chair lying next to me. The delusions behind the chair are those that one sitting on the chair adjoin only to vacate it; they do not stay in the position at length. I don’t believe much in the superstitions that come along with it. Moreover, I feel it is ones adjustment to an underlying situation that he or she goes through during the course of his stay in his position. But I cannot blind the grim fact that, it is difficult to sustain in the harsh realm of the tyrant.

Loneliness chops you into pieces, and gulp you down its putrid throat when you have no colleague to share or discuss your work with. I would compare my condition to the Disney princess Cinderella in the golden castle; the hollowness of not having an associate ripped me off each day.

The Appointment of an associate would give me more happiness than the candidate himself. For finally, I was about to have someone to talk to, to share a bond and churn the duty hours into a fruitful outcome. Along with the happiness came the guilt of betrayal that stared deep into my eyes. As I knew about the atrocious circumstances, he/she had to go through. But the happiness of having an associate, a friend, a partner in crime surpassed it all.

Two years of my tenure led me to experience different kinds of people. It also taught me a lesson that unity is strength, and it cautions us to submerge and overcome our differences, in the quest for common goals to strive, with all our combined strength against that one malefactor. Though funny but true!

Every person has different peculiarities. Good or bad you get so much to learn from them. Their thoughts, ideologies, likes, dislikes, reasoning about various facts, opinions on issues that takes you through a different world. However, one thing that remains intact is hatred for the system which you tend to survive somehow.

I got to experience the world of five different people high on aspiration and plum with vigour. I would describe them as an effervescent dreamer, a chirpy go-getter, an exuberant storyteller, a sound effect aficionado, Daredevil Jatt (Identify yourself with the names that match your personality ;) ). Unexpectedly, two closest aides broke free due to baseless accusation. Their presence meant a lot to me, one was courage and other the hope; hope to sustain.  

Each one had a diverse area of interest to dive. Different topics to talk about, movies, likes of songs, manner of talking and the most interesting thing being a rebel to the draconian policies and rotten rules that changed according to the status and qualification of the person suffering from it.

Though we were associated for a short period together, but the memories that we share together can never be forgotten. I am happy to be a tiny part of your voyage. The moments shared with you will always be cherished and through the tough times one thing will always be remembered to be a shield for each other to protect during critical situations.

Here comes the time to break free. I know you are all out there hoping and praying that I combat the situations and come out of the den safe and secure. You all are right there to inspire me with the riches of the world outside. I cannot express my happiness to soon be the part of my luminous flock and experience the plunge of liberation soon. The moment that we all were waiting for is right here.  A new life, a new opportunity calling at the cold doorstep. 

At this euphoric moment I would like to thank all you rebels for the support and inspiration you bestowed upon me. I am grateful to you to have implanted the right pressure to the magma of vengeance which resulted in the outbound thrust as Volcano; for making me realise that the rags of the golden castle is not the place where I belong. I belong to the open skies, under the shining sun, merrily swaying on the green grass to achieve my resonant dreams.

By making a move for a better world and a better place I leave behind 4 vacant chairs. The number shall exceed because clever people are less likely to be victims and at the end good always triumphs over the evil.

Here's to the new beginning!!

Is Rock at your Priority list or Sand?

Prioritise your goals is what we have been learning since we reach at a stage where we could understand life and its bitter-sweet strategy. Looking at the past experience you had or the future you are planning, do you really think you have effectively planned your goals to achieve the desired outcome and success? Spare a thought at it!

We want to achieve a lot in our lives but all our plans lie in heaps at a corner. Achieving them is not so simple. You need to be firm and rigid to yourself. Making a plan is easy but following it is like climbing the highest cliff.

Planning, initiating and implementing those ideas is a later part first you need to understand what your priorities are. Which one to put forth and what can be considered secondary.

One fine day while attending an inspirational lecture at the University, I came across this story where the speaker explained the priorities of our life in a remarkable manner.

Now I share the story with you to understand and choose between the important things in your life.

This story holds a very important message regarding appropriately setting priorities in our lives.

A professor of philosophy stood before his class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches in diameter.

 He then asked the students if the jar was full.

They agreed that it was full.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked the students again if the jar was full.

They chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar. “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar signifies your life.

 The rocks are the truly important things, such as family, health and relationships. If all else was lost and only the rocks remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand signifies the remaining “small stuff” and material possessions.

You will only achieve your goal if you meticulously follow the path of your priorities. And your loved ones top the chart of priority.

Nurture your important relationships in such a way that when you tell the people that you care about them, you’re simply reinforcing what they already know based on how you have prioritized them into your life. 

Your health and happiness is as important as your family. You not been in good health will only hurt and concern your loved ones so take care of yourself to be available to participate in others happiness and sorrows. Dreams can be achieved with your passion and perseverance and most importantly support of your family and loved ones.  

Within you there is a formidable and undeniable sense of purpose. Happiness comes from making a solid and persistent connection to that purpose.  When your intentions are supported by a “why” that has meaning, you will find the “how” to bring them to life.

Make the people you love a top priority, always. Help them discover their own greatness in your presence. Everything else will follow.