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"!