Bookworms shall inherit the Earth.

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies but a man who never reads lives only one."

It all started in year 2007 when I first read 'Alchemist' and the general mags such as Reader Digest, India Today. It seemed useless then but now when I realize that no one from my class has read 'The Kite Runner' or 'Sherlock Holmes's series', I feel proud and sad. I pity a man (or woman) who has never read a book. A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies but a man who never reads loves only one.

Have a look around, after all these selfless friend can bring meaning to our lives. They can do so much for us just by being books- all the more than what is actually printed inside. Below is what I think!

Person like me, would prefer to interior decorate my house on my own, rather than paying hefty sum to an interior decorator. And yes, i have loads of books for that decoration part. Oh! I just love the sight of that overflowing bookshelf. Come on, won't you agree that they convey a sense of intellectual depth to its owner :-)

And, what about personal décor? Sitting in a waiting room at a recent interview, I noticed the lady next to me was carrying a copy of a play by Shakespeare. Being casually acquainted with works of Shakespeare myself, I was impressed with this young lady, until couple of moments later, it was revealed that she was actually carrying the cover only with few pages inside to take down notes. Phew! I am still laughing out loud!

Patience. Reading makes us patient and curious. Anyone who has survived fifty pages of odd 2000 pages novel, will testify for this.

I am often asked: What do u like reading? Pat comes my answer, "I love reading what gives me joy"...and I say that shamelessly. Experiment. I experiment a lot when it comes to reading. I don't make anything my steady diet, its just like eating at restaurants, what's the fun if you don't try new cuisines every time you eat there.

For me, it's like that nothing can beat the fragrance of a new paper book (yeah! I sniff them, I am weird like that!), the glossy look, the feel of its spine, the musky smell of print and the hidden promise. That, that...aesthetic appeal of a stacked bookshelf.

Better to have your nose in a book than in someone's else business, isn't? :-):-)

P.S. i just finished reading Chowringhee by Sankar and I think it's a nice, quick, hilarious read. 

Kirpya Khulllle paise de!

... कॄपया खुल्ले पैसे दे ।

The words, loud and clear on the Chandigarh-Ambala toll bridge, made sure that you don't miss noticing the extra emphasis on letter L in Khulllle. I have heard of khule, but khulllle!

That's the kind of effect Punjab has on you. :-)

The first thing I noticed about Punjab, on that first day post marriage, was the smell of different air. I was excited and delighted by it, in that first Punjab minute. It smells of ten thousands dhabas, with even walls coated with desi ghee, rather makhan. The spurts of dhabas lining the highway still amuses me. Of course, till that day I used to think that the ever so humble idlis and larger than life dosas comes under main course menu. Here, it tops the list of fast food menu. Amusing!

Then there were people. Otherwise where else on the Earth will you find turbaned heads held high in air with rolled up thick moustaches at edge! I have been living in the city for almost two years and believe me, the sugar coated punjabi accent can beat even sweetness in rusgulla by miles. Personally, i have never been a big fan of ever so pompous sardars, but here, in almost two years i have realised that no one can escape the charm and chauvinism of the community.The land which we better know as land of desis boys, thanks to the likes of Honey Singh, Yuvraj.

And, yes, yes, of course, I would commit a crime, if mention of Chandigarh's architecture is not done. "Oh, so u have shifted to Chandigarh. It's beautifullllll!" :-), Just heard that 209th time last week. Like any other big city, traffic moves at snail's pace here too, but the scents of spices undulled by diesel and petrol fumes is prevalent everywhere.

The city seems never sleeps. Howsoever new you are to it, it will make sure that it makes you feel at home in a jiffy.

As i hope to stay here for years...the conversations and bonhomie, the flowing food and celebrations just at the drop of a hat will surely keep my spirits high!

                                        ..............................

P.S- The city has given me a lot, including my streaked hair. Now this one is interesting. My bosom buddy, Shilpi, ".....finally yours hair streaked, now u r typical Chandigarh kudi" ! ;)