@Hyderabad, 20th Aug 2014... clock reads 12:15 am.. Sleep has betrayed me, so I decide to capture the flurry of thoughts and emotions before catching up on some sleep..

I never thought that I would live as many years in Hyderabad, as I did - nearly a third of my life! As I now leave this city, looking back at the years spent, brings back cherished memories - of the wonderful people, the places, the food and the journey.

...seems like yesterday when I found myself in this city of strangers, naive and coy just out of my college. As with most girls, my parents too accompanied me when I moved - to have me settled as I joined my first job in the city. A week of frantic search for accommodation, joining formalities and I was all set to get started with my professional life... Few days later, I was on my way back from the Company's Training center, when I got a call from my parents that their they were en-route to the train station. Still remember that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when I realized that I am on my own in this big city. Having always led a sheltered life, I was so unsure how I would cope. Had lived away from home since my Engineering days, but that was different. The only sign of relief was a couple pals from college and a handful of acquaintances. Thus began my journey in this city with unfamiliar names, places and routes, super spicey food and the language so different. Even the familiar sounding Hindi spoken with the Deccani accent was hard to comprehend!

Gradually all the unfamiliarity gave way to fondness and comfort. So much so that I developed a deep bond and sense of belongingness in this city. I don't know how much life would change after moving to a new city, but leaving Hyderabad behind isn't easy. This city will always be special for me.

@Pune, present day...

It's been little over a month and we've kind of settled down in the new address 'Pune'. So far it's been fairly nice in this new city. As it happens, after a while things turn routine (read monotonous) - travelling through the same routes and seeing the same places, going for dinners at the usual favorites, and doing the same activities. After a point, you aren't excited to do the same stuff anymore. Having moved here, has been such a welcome change in that respect. It's exciting to travel through the streets wide-eyed, discovering and making a mental note of things to do, places to go visit (read Shop!). Although I don't highly rate my social skills, but so

...and after a long hiatus, I'm back!

2014 General Elections are round the corner and I for once, have decided to exercise my electoral rights after all these years. My reason for abstinence all this while? A big confusion whom to choose out of evil and bigger evil! Crimes ranging from looting the tax payers money to planned encounters, from extortion to murders - the list is endless. And as a hapless citizen, all I do is just see the nation to go waste. Sad but true. I think "Absolute Power Corrupts". No matter which party comes to power - arrogance and corruption are bound to seep in, unless they are strong enough to fight those tendencies. But wait, that's after coming to power, what happens before it? Is everything fair and square as to how the campaigning is done, or for that matter elections are fought? Starting from criminals given tickets to contest elections to purchasing votes by giving cash, gifts or liquor, and ultimately rigging poll booths, The Great Indian Tamasha (read Elections) violates all norms and practices laid down for fair elections. And once the eletion results are out, foes turn BFFs and vice versa. All this to stay in power for 5 years and bring prosperity

There are countless number of blog, forums and debates on the www with a simple yet unanswered question are we doing enough to save this nation. The answer is a BIG No.