Desert Rose

It was in my 9th grade that I decided what I'd pursue as a career. I am not able to recollect when it all began and how I picked up Architecture as a potential profession. I remember my parents taking me to career counseling sessions and doing everything in their capacity to make sure I take an informed decision. When I look back, I believe I tailored the results of those sessions myself. In my head, I had that career implanted - so every questionnaire and every one on one interview - all boiled down to a career in design.  But what I strongly remember is that I never chose architecture because I wanted to run my own firm or work in an architectural studio - I don't believe I said that out loud! To be associated with the construction industry with a deep understanding of design so as to execute and get a project running was why I took this path. I knew it before I started my studies, but somewhere down the line, with the fraternity being inclined towards only the obvious career...

Bags were packed and they were all ready to go. But for her, it was so much more. She imagined the whole journey over and over again. She thought of the stolen glances, the giggles, intertwined hands, and all that this journey was about to unfurl.  The train trailed off from the station with a happy troupe. It did not go the way she imagined it in her head. It was happy but not how she pictured it. She distracted her mind and tried to stay focused on the chats and bustle among the friends.  But then she began to see clearly - yes, she was imagining it all. She was making it all up in her head and so fiercely defending and protecting her ideas because she wanted to.  She slowly made her way through the bustle to the compartment's door. She sat there with her eyes closed, imagining the stories untold and lips unkissed. She had to come to terms with the fact that they were not looking for the same kind of love. She needed to make peace with that soon before the train reached...

My heart has been beating a tad bit faster than many around me since I was born. It handles a little too much blood at a time and quicker than normal. Nothing major, but innocent murmur trouble. It is not the kind that needs any medical attention – thank God. But my stamina and control over breathing have always been a tricky domain. From my teenage, I’ve been conscious about fixing health in general. I’ve been doing something or the other in this direction for years now. This urge got stronger with some major milestones we encountered in Geolin (our family) through my undergrad years. Pappa George was forced to join the Parkinson’s party and Mumma Lin took her membership in the ‘C’ club as they call it (Cancer). Both are happy, healthy, and fighting odds like warriors to date  – thank God. My sister has also had her share of health hurdles since she was a little girl and is still figuring it out. So over the years, the obsession to stay healthy has been a constant thought i...