Oh Meri flimy Maa !!

I don't know where to start and end but when I talk about my mom it just fills me up with joy and happiness. Today when I write this blog she is not with us but in a happy place in peace dancing and signing to the tunes which she would love to .

I am induanted with so many messages of love, respect for her. Asking me not to feel sad and be strong ,but along with those feeling , i am also feeling the exact opposite.  I am filled with joy and happiness for she lived her life ..mostly for us. She had so many kids to take care of....Baba, didi, Me, yash, jay, deepa, kyra..and even after that she enjoyed watching movies, series, eat Macdonald, dominos or any chat items. Oh I remember watching Santa Barbara, Bold and beautiful with her . She was crazy enuf to play cricket with me in the house and if I broke anything used to shield me from any scolding.  Ahh...that does not mean she was not strict, tough taskmaster based on years of experience as a teacher and made sure us kids drinks 2 glasses of milk everyday.. Yes making us drink milk was her biggest objective in life ..ha ha..

Oh her filmyness used to shine with Deepa and Kyra and the way she used to say Kaise Ho.. and the only time she drank tea in her entire life was when Deepa requested her. Some of her dialogues would have been in prime time serials with all the masala cooked by her.

My school and engineering friends whenever used to come at home...and yes there were plenty of them..she used to tell them that I was most soft, kind, quite kind of boy and they should help me grow.. infact I was exactly like what she said irrespective of all the boys say...she has fed us all so much...I will not miss her modak or puranpoli for i will cook them with Kyra

She loved travelling and with Dad she has covered most of India, Europe and USA. Best memory of travel was to enjoy the hot tub I  lake Tahoe with all of us. First and last time she went in water which was more than her toe. Only thing she missed is the snow in new jersey.. Kyra and me will plan to make a snowman for you this winter 

Her 50 years of marriage and 70 years of life was not picture perfect but I believe she lived it to the fullest . I might have hurt her a lot with stuff sometimes which I did not meant to stay but she forgave me and I am trying to learn that from her. To be a better human being.

The season One of her life is overu but that is just beginning of Season Two with all us taking her memories alongside.

Love you lots Aai forever 💗 💓

 

My tryst with destiny !

It's been a whirlwind last 24 days in India and been bit overwhelming and maybe reality has still not sunk in yet.

My planned PTO for India to check up on my mother health and celebrate dad 75 birthday took a complete U turn the day i reached Kolhapur. My mom an patient of Parkinson for last 8 months started having hallucinations which became uncontrollable and then had to admit her to hospital .Upon investigation an infarct, small blood clot was found which might have been the root cause of detoriation in health.

With 4 days in ICU and total 11 days in hospital she is now back home. Her mobility has completely reduced and now under heavy medication.  She is on path to  slow recovery and may regain 20-50 percent of her mobility with time.We have setup 24x7 care for her so that my Dad is not burdened with everything. 

During this period I interacted with 10-12 doctors locally and internationally with support of friends and relatives. Also took second opinions to find a solution for her health. As one of her doctors said Parkinson’s is treatable and not curable.  So we need to provide best care for her with right medications.

In the end today when I leave back for US,  I am taking comfort in fact that she was 24x7 care at home with support from my Dad, sister and nephew. We were able to celebrate Dad's 75th birthday together and spend quality time as family.

The guilt of leaving her and asking dad/sister to manage her care will always be there and there are some choices we have taken and we will have lo live with that fact.

When I moved to Mumbai/USA , my mom/dad fondly known as Kaki/Kaka maintained my friendship with my friends more than I could do. So if you are ever in kolhapur please visit them to relive the memories we had together.

I am thankful to my friends and family who supported me last few days. I had not informed everyone but I know I can count on your support whenever I call you. Thank you and love you all.

RJ-Prerana - Best wishes for a fun-filled future together !!

 

Today was a day of celebration, when my best mates RJ hitched to this beautiful lady Prerana and well, we were all thinking whether he deserves her . But in the end, it was his lucky day . 

The day was beautiful, cold and windy , but brought in a lot of warmth by the people who joined for the vows . It was such an audience that the mayor was amazed by the gathering which (as per him) was one of the biggest he has seen in his lifetime .

I have known Rajiv - RJ since i came to US 6 years back and started playing cricket for the club founded by him.  .He is just not another team mate but much more than that. RJ has played cricket from his Kolkatta days and yes he is not worlds greatest batsman, one loopy slow bowler and decent fielder (if he would be able to hold on to the catches). But he is one of the grittiest, focussed and best captains i have played under. Last season was one of the best seasons for him and wish him many more such seasons to come.

Considering that i am writing this blog i will have to give some words of wisdom as my role of Guruji

• Never forget Rule no 1: Wife is always right and if not refer to rule 2 : Check rule 1
• Never go to bed with argument..
• Always remember to get along with MIL.. if not you are not getting any food at home
• Experience is like a comb that life gives you when you are growing bald.
• Wives are like wickets, you never know which way they will turn!

 

On a serious note,  It was just an honour for me to be part of this special day. I am so happy that you met a woman as wonderful as Prerana . You are a smart , funny and attractive couple. Prerana and you are a perfect match who compliment each other. Always remember that Love is circle , never ending and goes on forever.

Wishing Prerana and you have wonderful life ahead. Cheers !!!

Chirag, we will miss you !

When i joined Somaiya college for my MBA, i was not sure what will i expect and how will this Kolhapur boy adjust to the Mumbai life. First few days in class were terrifying. I used to observe all the folks , localities especially who were from Mumbai or metros and one person who stood out for me was you Chirag Shah, full of energy , masti and always pulling someone legs or playing pranks on someone.

 As i got to know you, you one of the crazy kinds and loved the energy you used to bring to any room. Those 2 years of college, some time studying together or trying to find different ways to pass, catching up at local bars, some of trips to Daman/Lonavala and your antics in the pool :P , were the craziest time ever. I remember we both stood for the Alum committee representation and when we went out as the class was voting for us, you said, that i should become the Alum comm for our class After college ended, you said that losing to me was good as he would not have put in that much as me. Thank you for your honesty and frankness.

 You were the first ones to get married first from the gang, i remember dancing in your baraat and having a blast. Even after joining Times of India and then ICICI bank, we used to catch up and still you were the same. Never changed. I missed the epic Thailand trip with you guys and wanted to go on next trip with the gang. 

You were heart of any party/occasion and used to entertain us with your antics. As Anam used to say, you were the boy with golden spoon so i ask you  how can you leave us so early? I have no words to describe the emotions after hearing the news but the only way to honor your memory is by remembering all the good times we had and being there for Neebha, Nitya, Sholk at all times .

Will always cherish you memory dost !!

💓 Be my valentine 💓

💓Be my valentine dear
As you married the man of your dreams
and 12 years later still surprised to see you with him
Be my valentine

Be my valentine dear
I love being married
And to annoy the special person for life is priceless
Be my valentine

Be my valentine dear
As my partner you always have 2 choices
to be right or be happy , Cant have both ways
Be my valentine

Be my valentine dear
As Love is being stupid together
That makes you stupid too
Be my valentine

Be my valentine dear
Be like an underwear
Some support and some freedom
Be my valentine

Be my valentine dear
Remember i did not fall for you
You tripped me
Be my valentine

Be my valentine dear
Be friends for life
and also i love you
Be my valentine 💓

Bye Bye Vibhor !!

We just heard yesterday about Vibhor leaving us and we  wanted to write something to remember you by and all the good times we spent together and celebrate his life. 

You were one of the most amazing person we ever knew. You were free spirited . You were enthusiastic about anything you did especially outside work which involved friends and family.

You were so passionate about cooking and had always someone invited over. Your pictures of cooked food were so tempting. Wish could have tasted few more of those dishes.

You were disciplined. During TCS times you controlled your food intake. We still remember your old over weight pictures and how you  had managed to reduce your weight and continued to do so over the years.

You were jaan .. shaan..life  in any party .  Loved the conversations we had and  your love for music especially Jagjit Singh. Anyone who spent even little time with you was an immediate fan of you. You were like a friend magnet.

You were good family man, a good son , good husband and a great father.  Wanted always the best for them.

Last few years we could not be in touch. Last time we spoke we were going meet to have dinner at your place. Alas that remains a dream.

We will always cherish your memories as our ever smiling buddy. Cheers buddy and  love you always!!

Deepa and Santosh

Tin-Tin Happy Anniversary Deepa !!

Is it already ten years

Being with each other

Feels like yesterday

When we tied the knot

So on this day

I want to thank you

From the bottom of my heart

I want to thank you

For the good times

For the fun times

For all the surprises

For amazing memories

For those moments of bliss

For making me feel loved

I want to thank you

For being a great mother

For being more than a daughter in law

For being my  friend

For being my coach

For being my anchor

For being together

For being always on my mind

I want to thank you

For all the arguments we have

For all the arguments we don’t have

For all the tears of joy

For all the tears of sadness

For all the food you cook

For all the food you don’t cook

For watching movies with me

For watching movies without me

For letting me play cricket

For letting me not play cricket

I want to thank you

For holding my hand

For sticking with me

For keeping me grounded

For being my passion

For being you

For letting me be me

For loving me

For me each day is a celebration of our love

Happy Anniversary Deepa  and cheers to many more to come !!!