The Alluring Anecdotes

I never understood the phrase “Heaven on Earth” until I saw my paternal house in a small town near Mangalore. This house is just a few kilometers away from a small place called Aladangadi (Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India). The beauty of this place is surreal. Many years back, my grandfather moved to this place which was a forest back then. He converted most of the forest land into farmland for agricultural purposes, to grow areca nut, and also built a small house in the same land.   I was indeed lucky to listen to the various stories about my grandfather that my dad often shared. Grandpa considers every tree in that land as his own child. It not only reflects the amount of hard work but the love that has been invested to develop the vast area. Those were the years with no electricity and absolute zero transportation. Walking kilometers to reach the town for school or trade and managing household activities with immense difficulty, they have seen it all. But this n...

  My first experience on a flight was at the age of 6. We were on our way to Delhi via Goa. It was such an exciting journey for both my brother and me. It was December and Christmas time.  Airways back then always offered gifts for children on board. Being a keen observer, I noticed the warm welcome by the crew members. The width of their smile differed when they turned towards the kids when compared to the adults on board. I never missed an opportunity to look at the vibrant lipstick and the amazing outfit they managed to wear. The next best thing was the amazing food which was free considering the fact that this was way back in 2002. I was always waiting for the snacks to the optional meal which was served minutes after the plane took off. We received a cool bag, different kinds of chocolates, and all those goodies that would possibly attract every kid. We normally traveled  to cities like Goa, Cochin, and Delhi. The pictures justify more than I can possibly explain...

It was  my 6th-year birthday party  and a treat to my tiny eyes. While being the center of attraction to absolutely waiting for the numerous gifts I would be receiving on a grand day , the feeling was unmatched . Friends and family members were invited. This included a  mind-blowing cake, colorful decorations, delicacies, and amazing food. There was everything you need for a grand celebration. The best part was the royal blue C inderalla dress I was wearing that my mom stitched. I felt like a princess in that dress with the small veil constantly falling off my shoulder. My mom was the stylist for the day and she made sure I looked no less than a bride. My grandparents were there to bless me on this occasion and I couldn’t wait to unwrap the gift they got me. It was a box of Color pens. The conventional birthday party began and ended with a happy meal. Friends and family members gifted me a yellow bicycle. The picture of that bicycle is still fresh in my mind. Most of us...

The very first thing that comes to my mind when I say childhood is undoubtedly the green and cream shade uniform with a tiny belt along with perfectly oiled hair and braided plaits. This goes back to the time when my family was living in Kumta, a small town in Uttara Kannada district. My dad’s job often exposed us to new cultures, diverse traditions, and environment. It was always a learning experience for my brother and me. Our house was surrounded by lush green trees and every shade of flower you could possibly think. Our only companions were a dog named Tommy and a bunch of friends from a nearby locality. Memories of my stay in Kumta include the mini-gun fights that we used to have in our neighbor’s house, the hide and seek games under the huge jackfruit and mango trees, and w alking all around my locality with my doggy . Tommy was the only dog with whom I felt safe considering the fact that I am not a dog lover. Sunday afternoons were always engaged in dancing to ‘I’m a Barbie Gi...