Life, Love and In Between

 Life, it seemed, always had a bucket full of surprises to drench her enthusiastic yet confused little mind in all forms of adventure, known AND unknown.

You must be wondering which aspect of her disastrously amazing life am I stressing on today.. 

Wanna guess?

Okay so.. here's your clue..

What's the first 4-letter word that comes to your mind when I say— "the sheer necessity for the survival of humanity in a living being"?

Okay! Okay! That was indeed a rather nerdy and scientific clue for probably the simplest word ever!

Yeah.. that's LOVE!! <3

So this sweet, innocent little angel was actually a devil inside. An unstable mind with a lot of excitement to explore what the world has to offer. From the very beginning, a stable commitment and uniformity was far from "her type". But isn't it obvious for a person who had weekly attraction updates and who got bored of stuff real quick?

Sounds mean though, right?

The thing about love? — You may be a typical ice maiden warrior or the biggest winsome coquette, but once that 'real' kind of love collides with your instability, all you look for is steadiness. 

All you need to do is "believe" that you will find it one day.. to "believe" their actually is a thing called 'TRUE LOVE' and no it's not just some cringey, 'gotta-stay-away-from-it' stuff to make rom-coms and romance novels go rainbows and unicorns!

SO WAS SHE A "BELIEVER"??

OH! You have no idea! Her beliefs sufficed to lengths that could make heavens fall for her. She was a tomboy personality on the outside with George ("The hopeless romantic" of Georgian Stories) being her spirit and soul!

Yet she believed in not to bide her time for that love to come to her, rather her pixie- dominant side made her popular and way distant from real affection, closer she was to momentary flings and hence, the weekly updates!!!!

Sad, how a believer didn't find her belief right?

The story doesn't end here..

One fine time, her fling seemed to last a little longer, that affection seemed to be much more realistic, the things appeared clearer, her bored-self was no longer bored and weekly crushes? Well they stopped for the first ever time! And there it was- her 'belief', with a shining bright smile! 

Guess she did find her love afterall?

Well..

The sun was brighter, 

The pain was gone

That pure lil heart now

Was ready to be owned

She strongly believed, 

Life would be at ease

That the moon- lit nights

Will now bring her peace

She was well known

That she deserved it all

Unaware of his competence 

She couldn't help but fall

For a guy who maybe,

Tried his best

Impressed she was,

But never felt blessed

For he who she thought 

She would love forever

Just left mere memories

Her heart would treasure!

.....

So our little devilish angel still had a long way to go. Her forever in thoughts was left to whenever and the burden of that heartbreak was too much to not drown in!

BUT....

(TO BE CONTINUED....)

(Ps. This series of blog is dedicated to a person very close to the writer, a special thanks to them for existing!)

RESERVATION- An approach demanding alteration

Sitting by my desk this fine day, my thoughts led to me feeling sorry for EQUALITY for its theoretical approach never reached practicality in our system.

Which system? You must be wondering..

I'm talking about our very own regime!! 

As "proud" (note that the adjective is purely relative) citizens of India, we often find people in different age groups sniveling over disparate issues. That child who couldn't get into the college of his choice because his marks didn't match the "creamy layer" cutoff; or that postgraduate who couldn't make it to the job because the vacancy ought to be occupied by the reserved category chap; this list will go on and on..

Now the must question here is-- Why so??

Answer?-- RESERVATION!!

What is reservation?-- The act of withholding a special place or position for someone is called as reservation. Reservation in India is all about reserving access to seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures to certain sections of the population. It also is known as "Positive Discrimination" by a few. 

Its a government policy marked by the Constitution of India. It has its roots embedded deep within our legalities. In India, reservation is provided in:

1. Government Educational Institutions (like IITs, IIMs, etc)- as per Article 15-(4),(5), and (6).

2. Government Jobs (like IAS, IPS etc)- as per Article 16-(4) and (6).

3. Legislatures (Parliament, and State Legislature)- as per Article 334.

The basic aim of reservation, started by the founding father of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for 10 years after the adoption of Constitution, was to bring social and economic equality in our society. Indian constitution primarily defines caste-based reservation. 

So I guess this much briefing of the word reservation would be all that we need here. Coming back to our take on this.. why am I stressing on the fact that reservation KILLED equality?

Before moving to this answer, I'd like to first acknowledge the statement that goes like- "Reservation ensures "EQUITY", not "Equality"!; Okay.. well? What is the difference? Equality means everyone is treated the same exact way, regardless of needs or any other individual difference; while equity means everyone is provided with what they need to succeed. Sounds good right? It's all that we need. Then why am I opposing it?; My argument to this will follow along the text..

If we begin with equality, in laymen terms, equality is the state of being equal, specially in status, rights and opportunities. Considering reservation here, it brings an obvious gap and a definite violation to the very definition of equality, ensuring that a few might get a more privileged life than others.

Now you may argue that the very aim of reservation was upliftment of certain sections so that this very gap shuts, but for how long was it needed? We say that Dr. Ambedkar introduced it for 10 years but truth is that it wasn't stated to abolish it after that period of time, infact it was asked to be "reviewed" every 10 years; this created a ready-made made bait for the political parties to raise at the time of election, thus tempting in lower caste' votes. Over the years, the scheme penetrated deeper in the system reaching extremities. 

Now the question rises that if it ensures equity then what's the harm? But I ask, Did It? Did it ensure equity? Did it ensure upliftment? 

Time and time again, we've found instances of how riches got richer and poor got poorer. People with weak financial background, belonging to the creamy layer continue to live in poverty because of the dejection they face as a result of reservation; while those very vacant seats are filled by "not-so-deserving" riches from the reserved category. There are instances where the true abilities and talents of an individual go unnoticed because everyone tends to believe that he secured the position because he belonged to the "category". Day after day, we encounter caste groups getting together to ask for their share in reservation but to our disappointment no one ever takes a step towards curbing the process. What everyone fails to understand is that it was meant to be a temporary solution and not something everlasting. What once was supposed to be a step towards initiating upliftment became a lifelong spoon-feeding process. Yes, equity means dotting on to the needs of individuals but then this would be truly met when reservation isn't caste based.

Wait! did I just support reservation? Yes! I did. I'm not here to say that reservation should be removed. My point is that the issue on which it is based needs to be changed. It should now cater to the need of the hour, which is upliftment of the financially poor population of the nation. Caste based reservation is as old as our constitution. It is a major reason keeping back the economic growth of the nation and setting aside talents that ought to be recognized. 

Today, a vast number of high positions are occupied by lower caste candidates, thus the issue of caste-based discrimination is long lost here. The section who does face discrimination is the economically weaker section which needs to be taken care of, for only then will India be truly developing!

The human race in itself is a living and breathing proof that with time, things need to be altered to curb any anomalies or difficulties. Then why stay bound to that decades old tradition?  

Perhaps, we are the beginning towards the change..

  

Court of Love- Part 3

 https://singlavanshika.blogspot.com/2020/10/court-of-love-part-2.html

(....continued)

The helpless Mr. Mind and trapped Mr. Heart one after another presented their witness in the court and to everyone's surprise, not a single soul could pick a side, let alone the muddled lady on the chair of honor.

There was chaos all around and the scene turned blurry as if water sprinkled all over a shooting lens. 

Wiping off the moderately dry tears from her swollen eyes, the girl woke up to a bright new day. Bright, because it wasn't an uncertain usual morning. To her, today was different since the little battle of justice in her dream world made her puzzled little head adept at deciphering the biggest scepticism of her current life.

So, she went running to the guy, she believed to be the other end of her forever. As soon as her eyes discerned him, the world around faded; her voice mumbled and her legs trembled, her heartbeats raced; it was as if she saw him for the very first time all over again but she knew this was the first time which also was the end. Her face didn't show the looks of impression, rather it was intimidating. 

But anyhow, she pulled together every ounce of her strength and confronted him- "Hey! Can we talk?"

And in response she heard- "So do you finally have a verdict for US?"

To this, the girl's heart swirled. Her entire dream flooded back into her mind from her subconscious. However, her inner strength made her tough enough to say the parting words.

"Umm.. So are we really.. I mean is this the end? Are you really....?", the guy's heart sank, he was out of words, though he was wonted to this.

"I know none of us thought that this day would come.. Yeah, it's hard to accept but we're like that season which did not get a fair chance at completion because disasters came in it's ways.. Disasters, the ones which completely destroyed its existence..", the girl sighed.

"But for every such season, a new fresh year comes to serve it with the chance it always deserved..", the boy tried to reason.

"Yeah, maybe another year would come, but now that season will either be long lost or never ever come back in the same form with the same beauty; with that heartwarming essence. You were the person I wished to spend a lifetime with, but I no more long to wake up by your side every morning, to rant about my days to you, to go for evening walks with or to admire night skies together. You were the one who broke into my vulnerable sides and showed me what the outside world was like, but I never found reasons to why it all faded; you never assured and I just felt taken for granted. You once knew me inside out, you were the sole reason for my smiles, but now all I find are voids in my sleepless nights, voids of the chaos you left.. without really leaving. You were the first ever person I fell for, but I guess this fall did have a rise afterall."

"Do you think.. you'll.. I refuse to believe this.. I know somewhere in the future our paths will cross again and you'll be mine again, this.. this ain't the end.. it can't be!! to be honest, there's no one who can replace you.."

"There's no one who can replace you either. You're my first love and that place can never be outsmarted. You sure did teach me the definition of love but along the process I lost myself. I had to go against every single thing that formed me to hold on to you, to keep US strong, but maybe it was never supposed to be. And for once, I need to put myself above this world! A part of me will always love you looking at those roses, that favorite fast food place of ours, those notebooks we played stupid games as kids and every such thing which carries your essence; the spot in my heart you tenate, will never get altered. But, the truth is I've to let you go to bring myself back..", tears rushed through her eyes as she poured her heart out.

"I don't know what you're saying, I don't know what's right or wrong, I don't even know if the next thing I'm gonna do is correct but I would just say that you have my support in what you need to do, be it leaving from this bond of ours"- cried the boy.

"Can I.. Can I atleast get a hug?"- he asked sobbing.

The girl rushed into his arms for a long heartfelt tearful hug for every inch of her body craved for it.. One Last Time!

"I love you!"

"Until our stars meet again... "

And so, they parted.

Court of Love- Part 2

https://singlavanshika.blogspot.com/2020/10/court-of-love.html?m=1

(hearing continued......)

The witty Mr. Mind brought forward another statement to the court putting another theory from his side—

"Your Honour, It was the extent of the issues that trust initially had, which stopped her to fall for Love, else Love would have destroyed her way before in its most toxic forms known."

To this, the Heart calmly reasoned—

"It was these issues of Trust that Love encountered, understood, and calmly took upon to the responsibility of wiping them off with full consent and utmost honesty. It was only then that Trust started to build up, taking baby steps; From simple single texts turning to late night long chats; from talking just business to sharing secrets; from being just 'someone' to being 'the only one', these issues were completely eradicated. 

"Point to be noted M'lord, Yes! the issues were eradicated, and that is exactly what gave way to Love being capable enough to break Trust!"

By then, the eyes of both the lady and the pale-faced man were soaked in tears because it's not everyday that both parties make sense in total sanity leading to some insane conversations.

"Does the defence has something to say?"

"No, Your Honour."

"The prosecution may proceed"

Mr. Mind now called upon his witness, the memory of doubt in the witness box. As the doubt stood there, though it sided Trust, but faced a significant hatred look from Trust as they were no friends, rather enemies to a single person- Love (for now). 

"Mr. Doubt, can you please tell the court your side?"

And so Doubt spoke— 

"Your Honour, being distant from people show you their true colours and that is precisely what happened here. Love and Trust were known to be each other's compliment before distance separated them. They were bestest of friends, the most reliable and the coolest allies. Love, however jumped upon to making things a bit complex, jumping to the road of feelings, it made Trust blind-foldedlly walk on the path to destruction at a very tender age. Though it appeared he had the best intentions, he was never certain of his part in Trust's life. He made her dream with open eyes, dreams which he himself devastated due to his lack of involvement and communication. Maybe that's what let Trust to see me(doubt) as a rather reliable ally at that moment." 

The Mind smirked ;)

"The defence may question the witness"

"Thank you M'Lord", said Mr. Heart and stepped forward asking Trust— "Before reaching to Doubt and considering his conclusions, did you try to get Love's side of the matter or is the issue of ego so important to outcast any feelings?"

Trust replied instantly— "I did! I looked for every possible conversation, grabbed upon every possible opportunity, I asked, directly, indirectly, with affection, with hate, in every existing and non-existing way; all I looked for was a re-assurance. A sense of security that Doubt isn't right. But to my disappointment, all I received was Love's silence and disinterest in whatever I was going through!"

Mind now spoke— "Point to be noted M'Lord, an issue where a single reassurance of faith could do wonders was simply ignored. As a matter of fact, maybe Trust was right to fall in the words of Doubt.

Love knew this wasn't true but now he realised, his slight explanation could've done wonders. Hearing this, the man in the courtroom felt numb and he sank for he knew Trust was right....

(.....TO BE CONTINUED)

Court of Love

 " 'Court of feelings' is now in session, please be seated. 

CASE: Mr. Love vs. (well literally everyone)"

And.. so began the world's most controversial hearing ever. 

Sitting behind the raised bench on the chair of high honour was the lady who was to decide the upcoming fate of masses involved in this case.

In the witness box stood the petitioner, Mr. Trust, pleading the court to prove the accused guilty through the prosecution advocate Mr. Mind, who gave a wild chase to the defence lawyer Mr. Heart defending the respondent Mr. Love, who believed he deserved a chance at redemption. In the courtroom sat some evidences, we commonly call "memories" and a person who's pale face with head bent down and puzzled eyes constantly gazed the courtroom floor without blinking. 

Ironically, none from the petitioner or the respondent were to be affected by the verdict today. Rather it was meant to throw light on the future of the law-bound judge and that uncertain man who seemed as innocent as a newborn!

"The accused is charged of murdering, rather breaking the petitioner. The defence can now present it's side."

Listening to this, standing in the forum, Love's soul filled up with sorrow, silently cried, while infront of him, Trust filled up with a rage of equal measure. 

Heart stepped up to call upon his first witness, the first memory of Love building up Trust, helping him grow, at a tender age of friendship. 

"So how did it all start?"- the first question was raised.

Now the memory guy wasn't well versed with the manners of court. He did greet the judge but inclined towards directly talking to Trust, and so he began..

"Do you remember the day Love and you came together to unite those two beautiful souls? Do you remember how you were cherished; how you were brought into existence at the mercy of undeniable efforts of Love?"

At this the Mind interfered- "Does giving someone birth makes it a forgivable excuse to kill them?"

The memory felt numb and silenced.

Trust, though broken, went back to that blurred memory in his thoughts wherein he remembered the sweet moments, each embraced by Love. When it made her believe his every action was true to the core. When his smile made her heart skip beats, when his words appeared diamond-like pure, when his touch gave a warmth of security, and just then....Trust snapped out of it!..

TO BE CONTINUED...

(https://singlavanshika.blogspot.com/2020/10/court-of-love-part-2.html)

Know How to Think- The rudest book ever

Recently, I was reading this book by Shwetabh Gangwar titled 'The Rudest Book Ever'. No, I didn't know about this book at all at first and neither was I planning on reading it but like most of the people who do not know this genius author, I found the title rather appealing so I sat down to read it!

In the very first impression, the author addressed himself as the reader's friend and to my surprise I found myself connecting to him real fast. 

What caught my attention was the cover page of the book but what kept me reading was the fact I admired in the very beginning. 

The author says Children ought to be taught "how to think" and not "what to think". Yeah this is a bit tricky and confusing but when we think upon it, it's actually right and so I found this as something worth sharing with everyone. The author very clearly states this with various instances how 'what to think' differs from 'how to think'. 

When we are taught What to think we walk upon an already well explored and exposed path of life, every step of which is well known and has a predefined solution to it. We serve as the copies of an already existing human being whereas our true motive on this land of living is to find out new ideologies and form new methodologies to deal with our life in our own way and not to walk on the worn out footsteps of others. We are to discover new possibilities and make amends to what already subsists. 

Progress is practically impossible without changes and that's why it is rightly said that 'Change is a part of life'. The imperfections in the already existing 'what to think' chart can only be perfected by knowing 'how to think' and bringing it into practice.

CBSE results and us

An Open Letter to All Those Students Who Feel That They Aren't 'Satisfied' With Their Results

Every year, when the final examination result comes out, students across the globe go through a series of varied emotions. While some feel overjoyed, some seem to be extremely disappointed.
The ones who say they're disappointed, guys, who shall you blame for your disappointment? The school? The board? The subject? The teacher? Or you??
The answer is 'no-one'!
Yes, it sounds pretty #easiersaidthandone kind.. but the reality lies in the fact that once we start this 'blame-game', we deviate our focusses from things that actually matter.
I know most of you aren't satisfied with your marks but you can't blame anyone for this. See the most important thing is to achieve the aim ofyour life and not to achieve some numbers. This blame- game will only shade the beautiful soul in you while the jealous part of you starts taking over your personality.And then ask yourself if it is okay that some numbers starts changing you for bad.
Basics are something we stand upon but forget eventually. Like how many of us never tend to forget the real motive of examinations..Why are they held in the first place! To compete? No! They are to check how much knowledge we've acquired. They're an assessment of oneself rather than a community competition!
There's this fact that no one knows you better than yourself, which is acknowledged by almost everyone but ends up being ignored. So considering this, no examiner has the power to sign your failure sheet, rather it's just a guide to a new way of learning. It's we, ourselves who decide whether we've to move further or take a turn backwards.
'Satisfaction' is a strong word but often misused. If you're not satisfied, then it's because you ought to work more to make your inner self satisfied. Not that you have all the rights in the world to lose your hopes and give up.
Yeah being competitive is good but keep this in mind that you need to honour others effort while taking pride in what you achieved. Life is all about shaping a better future while learning from your past.It's never short of opportunities for you to get yourself to success. Failures aren't to be scared of, their mere existence is to make us learn.
So stand up, look in the mirror and question yourself "Did I give in my 100%?" If the answer 'Yes!', you're inner soul is already satisfied, go with the same flow. And if by any chance, it's 'No!', then what are you waiting for? Just knock it off by showing what you're capable of!
Remember, it may be a bad day, a bad week or a bad year, but after all it's not a bad life!
Rather than staying positive, stay REAL and work for what you aspire with every breath of yours...until the end..