Finish What You have Started

It had been about a year since Sia chose and started working on the 1600-piece jigsaw puzzle. The image, once complete, would be of a dog. Personally, I had never liked picture puzzles; they are expensive, pieces often get lost, and they test one’s patience to the limit.

Despite my advice to choose a smaller puzzle, Sia insisted on this one. It quickly became her favorite. She set up a special table in her room to work on it. Initially, it didn't seem like an insurmountable task, but creating the border alone took several days.

Sia spent her weekends and school breaks painstakingly placing each piece. We, as her parents, ensured she balanced this with her schoolwork and other responsibilities. Over weeks and months, we watched as the puzzle slowly took shape. Even with over a thousand pieces still scattered, Sia's determination never wavered.

Her patience was impressive. While I might have given up out of frustration, Sia persevered. Occasionally, pieces would fall to the floor, and retrieving them was crucial.

Nearly a year had passed, and the image of the golden retriever with its beautiful eyes was almost complete. Sia had just finished her Year 9 term exams, and her vacation plan was to complete the puzzle. She spent long hours sorting and strategizing. Sometimes, Shilpa or I would help by separating pieces according to their colors, but Sia never asked us to finish the puzzle for her.

Whenever I entered her room, my curiosity got the better of me. I would try to place a few pieces, though it was never easy. The number of free pieces dwindled, and the puzzle’s true image began to emerge. With about 100-150 pieces left, Sia’s excitement grew. She was focused on completing the puzzle, eager to experience the satisfaction of finishing it.

Then came today. Sia was revising math with her tutor in the living room when I entered her room to replace the lamp. My eyes fell on the nearly complete puzzle. Only about 25 pieces remained. My hands itched to place those last pieces. What began as casual curiosity turned into an intense desire to finish the puzzle myself.

I sat down and, piece by piece, completed the puzzle in about 25-30 minutes. The dog’s image was now fully revealed. I felt proud, imagining Sia’s delight at my assistance. I decided not to tell her immediately, wanting it to be a surprise.

An hour later, Sia walked into her room. She saw the completed puzzle and knew I had placed the remaining pieces. Instead of being pleased, she was sad. "I wanted to finish it. Why did you do it?" she asked.In that moment, I realized my mistake. Sia had spent months working on this puzzle, only for me to complete the final pieces and steal her moment of triumph. I had deprived her of the satisfaction of placing those last pieces, the joy of finishing what she had started.She didn’t show much emotion, but I sensed her disappointment. All this time, we had taught her to finish what she started, and I had taken that chance away from her.

I couldn’t undo what I had done, but I learned a valuable lesson. Perhaps to make up for it, I should buy her another puzzle. This time, it will be far less than 1600 pieces. 😀

From the diary of King Khan's die hard fan

I was just in Year one when I used to run into my neighbour’s house at night, then I barely understood Hindi as well. That didn't matter at all, for I loved to watch the tele serial 'Fauji' and its just for Lieutenant Abhimanyu Rai. Not having our own TV, didn't dissuade me.

When we had a TV of our own, I waited for Sunday nights just to watch the same Abhimanyu Rai, now in the popular tele show ‘Circus'. Then I didn't know what his real name was? I even waited till late night for watching 'Doosra Keval', his another TV flick. Sooner I realised that his name is Shahrukh Khan, but definitely not as "The SRK" or "King Khan".


It was also the time when his movie 'Deewana' turned to be a big hit. A new star was born in Bollywood who was full of life. The first hero who jumped around, laughed crazily, was versatile and filled the silver screen with energy. He became the reason for my pumping teen hormones and uplifting the mood. I loved him in all sort of dynamic roles, even in those horrid negative roles in 'Baazigar, Darr, Anjaam'.

His boy-next-door character in 'Raju ban Gaya Gentleman, Kabhi haan kabhi naa' hit my sinoatrial node (I mean my heart) straight away.



I once managed to slip out from my boarding school, faking for a dental check up, just to watch 'Dil to Pagal hai'. And what a feat it was to achieve this! I was in year 9 by then, SRK had reached my dreams. 'DDLJ' was a phenomenal. Temperatures soared. He colonised my dreams and filled my mind after I watched any movie of his. He became my stress buster, my ray of inspiration for next crucial years of my academic phase. 'Phir Bhi Dil hai Hindustani, 1,2 ka 4, Dil se followed.....

When I entered the professional course to be a medic, college life  began. It was then 'Kabhi kushi kabhi Gham, Kuch kuch hota hai.. I said 'Squeeze me 😉' during my dissection classes. With 'Kal ho na ho', I imagined myself treating him putting on Sonali Bendre character! His charm was different in 'Swadesh, Veer Zara and Chak de'. I loved them all! 

I always made it a point to watch DDLJ at all the valentine days. The romance would then be rich in air. The moment to relish and relive was in Switzerland on mount Titilis, my date with Shahrukh's cutout. 

For the 1st time, I hated the SRK character in 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (KANK)'. He appeared to be a failure showing infidelity. "Its just one off movie" I said to myself. 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' seemed to be the ultimate movie for that moment of life when I was getting married. My love for SRK was still lingering fresh through his movie 'Don'. His 'Don' character, I debated and vouched that its is much better than that played by Sr. Bachchan! 

Then came 'Billu, Om shanti om' which anchored him towards being the tsar of bollywood 'The king Khan'. I didn't favor that image of SRK, where he proclaims himself as 'I am the best". Slowly his presence in my dreams began to fade. He was no more my 'Shahrukh'. His choice of movies started making me wither within. 

After so many years of being glued, the 'Sharukh' mania wouldn't go easily. His movies' 1st day 1st show rendezvous continued. I never missed his next flicks...'Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Chennai express, Dear Zindagi, Happy New Year'. Even watched one while in London on a tour. The movies 'Dilwale, Fan, Raes'.. all sang similar tunes. Promoting "The King Khan' brand. 

As the "King Khan' brand echoed, Ranveers, Ranbirs, Akshays slowly etched the corners for me to see. The feeling of being SRK fan, began to shy away. The last nail in the coffin was when I watched 'Jab Harry Met Sejal' 😭😡😫. I was devastated. I felt very sorry for myself. How could the person whom I dream't as my inspiration, whom I adored, whom I looked for him in my fiancée/ boyfriend has taken me on a ride.

I don't know what kind of fan following he has now from the younger generation. Doesn't he see the debacle in the script, while narration, editing, during the premiere?  Do they take the audience for granted? I was once upon a time a biggest fan of his... now no more, don't even want to talk about his movies!!

"Meanwhile... an hour later Shilpa was heard asking "When is this Shahrukh's Don 3 releasing"?

The Rickshaw ride that was...

Journey back to Chennai. 3rd Aug 2017.

Wow what an excitement and finish that was...

I had not booked my return tickets to chennai from Bangalore. Had plans to visit Sia and Ishu, spend some time and then decide how to get back to Chennai.

It was almost 2 pm, and options for me was to book Shatabdi at 4.25 pm or take a Volvo bus around 5 pm to Chennai. I spent the good afternoon time with Ishu and Sia. Fed him, played with her and put Ishu to bed.

When I decided to get ready, I managed to book the Shatabdi train at 3 pm. It was instant, thanks to Paytm app. 

Relieved of this planning option, I decided to leave house for train station an hour in advance. 

Had tea, chatted with Aunty, Sia and it was time to leave. By the time, the OLA cab arrived, it was just 45 min to train departure. 

I was tensed. There could be heavy traffic towards the city. Google map showed that i would arrive at Majestic Train station just 5 min early. I didn't want to take the risk. I Changed my destination to Bangalore Cantt and told the driver to head there. 

Now that I was reaching Cantt around 4 pm, I was much relieved and had a relaxing drive. Spoke to Shilpa, checked emails, pondered over the traffic.

When I reached Bangalore Cantt at 4.06 pm and headed towards the platform, an auto wala stopped me and asked if I am traveling to chennai on Shatabdi?

Why should I respond to him? I don't need an auto now, nor a cooli. What for is he asking me 'where I am heading to?'

Reluctantly, I nodded in affirmation. He instantly said, "Sir, Shatabdi train will not stop here". You will have to go to Majestic train station.

I am in denial. I have re-routed my ride from Majestic to Cantt and this auto fellow is telling me to go to Majestic.

Why would I believe him. I know that Shatabdi stops at Cantt, B'lore East... (rather I thought it would)...I moved on. He shouted at my back " You may ask at the counter". Other auto walas also played his tune.

I wanted to check the display boards. Went to ask the ticket counter staff. The counter staff said "Yes sir, the train will not stop here". For a moment, I was in jiffy. Didn't want to ask more. I knew that the auto wala was the only person who could take me there to Majestic station on time.

I Saw my watch. It's 4.11 pm. Train departs at 4.25 pm. Auto wala said he would take me and asked me to rush. I asked him the price. He said 350. 

I lost 1/2 min in Haggling. Back of My mind I realised that I am wasting time. I offered 300 and sat in his rickshaw.

He started driving. It was not the best auto which could speed up. He had confidence in his voice. He went on explaining that he need to ride through 1 way and cut signals and that's the reason for high fare.

He drove as he spoke. He was amazing in cutting the vehicles, went through wrong directions, cut the red lights, went in one way lanes, squeezed through the gaps. No where did he honk or showed frustration. For once he swore at another vehicle driver "Shata... $&@$&"

It was a thrilling ride. Over the edge, nail biting and heart thumping. I enjoyed the whole ride, rather felt thrilled that I am going through this. As I eyed my watch.. it was appearing the we wouldn't make it on time.

He drove through lanes and road which I have never been. Many lanes probably not existed I guess. Like the Harry Potter imaginary roads!! There was some slow traffic, but he made through it.

As we neared Majestic train station, it was just 3 min to 4.25. I almost assumed that we will miss by a frisker. I saw a train leaving the station. I said... oh, here it goes. He said "Sir, that's Marikuppam express, don't worry, we will

Make it on time"

As we drove, he showed an engine backing up. He said "Sir, that's the Shatabdi engine, it will take surely 10 more min to join the engine and we will be there on time"

As we neared the station, I kept Rs 400 in his shirt pocket. I didn't want to waste seconds, paying him after I alight.

I said... "You drove so well, I am giving you 400 for getting me here on time". If I miss the train, you take me to the bus station. 

He said, "You will Get the train sir, leave it to me"

He drove to the back entrance and showed me the 7th Platform and said that the train would be waiting. There. I got down the auto and made way towards the platform. A cooli offered me to rush to the train. I declined him and ran with the bags.

There it was on 7th Platform, the train was getting engine fixed. I ran to my best ability and got into the C1 Coach. Mine was C6. I finally made it into the train. In 4 min, the train started moving.

Wow what a ride it was. Truly, the extra amount paid worth for the adrenaline rush.

I forgot the capture the auto ride on video or take a pic with the auto wala. Now It feels so strange, I am the only witness to this. There goes an exciting story!!

31 best tips for a fruitful and memorable pregnancy

1. Pregnancy is a physiological process. So firstly don't become a patient carrying on life in slow motion. Enjoy this change in your life.

2. Start off the pregnancy with folic acid medication everyday

3. Maintain a diary. In that jot down feelings with your little one as how was your day and everything you want to share.

4. Begin the day with cool, relaxed mind. So its better to meditate for at least 10 min.

5. Chant gayathri mantra. You can do it while taking shower as I did. So you don’t tend to forget.

6. Perform simple yoga like surya namaskaras, butterfly pose, squatting pose, tree pose, warrior pose ( shown above)

7. Walk atleast ½ hr. Brisk walking is allowed if you are used to regular exercise before getting pregnant.

8. Listen to music which is soothing and comforting. I listened to Ustad Zakir hussain’s tabla.

9. Don’t miss out any motherhood expo. You get to meet lot of pregnant moms with whom you can share experiences and get exposed to many things which you don’t know.

10. List baby names both of both genders whenever you are free. And you can wish your baby welcome to the world & happy birthday with their name.

11. Make sure you are not eating for two which is BIGGEST MYTH. Eat healthy and small meals whenever hungry.

12. Maintain hygiene throughout pregnancy. Use better quality panties. Make sure you use the disposable toilet seat covers if you are using public toilet. Avoid urinary tract infections (UTI) by washing after everytime you use toilet. And also drink water liberally to avoid dehydration ending up in UTI.

13. Use loose and comfortable fitting bra.

14. Don’t worry if your haemoglobin count is not improving inspite of gulping all those iron tablets. Its because of blood dilution your Hb count is still low. But continue taking your iron tablets. Relish on mutton if you are non vegetarian. Otherwise green leafy veggies & egg will do.

15. Watch videos on different ways of delivering babies. Choose your way of delivering. Prepare your mind for C- section if something goes wrong at the end.( Like mine)

16. Make your birth plan and discuss this with your obstetrician.

17. Watch videos on breast feeding techniques if you are 1st time mothers. Attend any simple sessions on breast feeding, latching techniques, holding babies, routing reflex etc. It will be useful and breast feeding is not as simple as we think.

18. Take photographs every month so that you can admire on glowing looks because
of your changing hormones.

19. Drink DHA contained milk and take pregnancy milk supplements. Dont know if it helped me, but I got some good gifts from product manufacturer for being a loyal customer.

20. With your increased body metabolism, you tend to perspire a lot. So use good perfumes

21. Eat high fibre diet and drink water liberally to avoid constipation during this time.

22. Be regular on monthly prenatal check ups. Have a check on your blood pressure, urine, sugar levels & pedal edema.

23. Don’t forget to share your 3D ultrasound image with your family and friends. Avoid 4D as it uses a lot of ultrasonic waves. 4D is new and no proper study done yet.

24. Drink milk with saffron for a fairer baby.(Usually we Indians prefer fair skinned baby although we are dark skinned)

25. End your day with light shower with lukewarm water.

26. Don’t forget to put on stretch crème from early pregnancy. DO NOT wait until you get ugly stretch marks. Also put on the breast crème as your breast are also growing big. ( I started from 12 weeks) . Any crème which contains vitamin E would do.

27. Look at baby pictures like whom you want your baby to look like.. In my case, I looked at my own baby pictures since my hubby said there cannot be more cute baby than me!!!

28. Talk to your baby. Make sure both partners talk to baby & virtual goodnight kiss.

29. Keep some fruits and flavored milk handy for those midnight hunger cries

30. Read a book when you slip down into bed after a tiring day.

31. Try as much possible to sleep on left side. Atleast 10hrs sleep is recommended.

Post Delivery moments

I could see the joy on my husband's and mother's face when I was wheeled into my room after delivery at 1 am. Meanwhile, my baby was taken into nursery and was kept there. Why nursery?? It's beacuse my little angel didnt cry immediately and needed a couple of strokes on BUM.

I was so eager to hear from mom and Arun about the baby, how it looks, was it crying, was it pink, is evrything ok...... I was so eager to hear more about the baby. I continued... What's her blood group, Apgar score, birth weight, length etc. Listening to them..., the very next instant was my sister (from Bangalore, India) on the video chat and said, the baby looks just like me. She had heard from my mom over phone. All these brought a big smile on me after undergoing painful C section.

The baby was brought in after a clean wash and given to me for her first feeds at 1.30 am. The moment she was put on my breast, my little lamb started to suck. Its was though she was programmed well to seek the breasts, suck milk and relish. My biig nightmare was how to allow the baby to latch on.. what if the baby is not sure of how to suck. Further, I was bit unsure whether I provide adequate milk for her, although the baby was clinging well. She took her first feeds and was put in her cradle next to me. All wrapped around. All the while, I couldn’t get a proper view of the baby since I couldnt move or sit because of surgery and pain.

I slowly started to feel the pain as my anesthesia effect was coming down gradually. I fell fast asleep within no time with a top up of Bupivacaine. Waking in between, I saw the contended papa of my baby standing next to the cradle and admiring his doll all night. He was feeling her toes, touching her tender skin, soft silky hair and just smiling with joy. He did not care that he had to rest for a while although it was midnight.

That morning .. I was not given anything orally. I could barely get up and walk to the bathroom. I was put on strict observation to avoid any infection. Early morning, like the house keepers in hotel the nursing staff came in cleaned me up and made me comfortable. When the room was cleaned, the matron walked in with my obstetrican. The matron brought in balloons and decorated the room pink. My obstetrician said we shall observe for 1 day and discharge you the next day. He also looked at my baby and said. She is one of the prettiest baby I have ever delivered and she has beautiful nose just like mother. This was first time my doctor spoke something outside his subject. I still hadnt seen the baby properly.

My baby was taken to nursery again for wash and warming up. She was the cute "Sayang" ( meaning "Darling" in malay) among the nurses. She was noticed for her sharp nose and wide round eyes. Compared to her all other babies (the chinese) had a narrow slit below the eyelids- Eyes and the nose was not be be seen!

She came back after her BCG vaccination on her bum. No cry no sound. She was simply looking around with her eyes wide shut. She looked at her papa and began to smile. He waited for nothing... quickly pulled the camera to just grab some good smiling pictures. We had photo session for a while until she fell asleep. My hubby immediately printed few pictures with thank u note to give it to nursery staff and doctor’s clinic as memory. We had shared the good news with almost all our friends, colleagues, relatives and family by that time.

Later in the day, I went for breast feeding and baby care classes. I could walk like a snail and once bursted out in tears when my husband asked me to get up slowly turning to one side which dosent need anyone's support. He was trying to make me strong and I couldn’t do it. After a while he walked in with a pink teddy and a ear ring and pendant set from 'Poh kong' diamonds. I was so touched.

By next day that is 16th January I was back to normal. We had few friends who visited us especially Sri, Priya and Priyanka. They really meant a lot to us since most of our family and relatives were far away in India. All those visited us signed up in the baby journal.

I was officially discharged but my husband asked for another day extension. We also wanted to enjoy the hotel.. er..I mean the hospital facility. And more so, his surprises were still on the way.

Next day I got up and dressed. We all went to the nursery with my little one. I was given a lot of goody bags, diapers before we bid good bye to all the friendly Gleneagles Intan hospital team.








Here are few important things a first time mother should never miss before going back home.







1. Clear all the doubts about umbilical cord care
2. Dont forget to get baby's feet and hand stamp before stepping out.
3. Ask for the samples of milk supplements or formula which are rich in iron- Some hospital have plenty of them to give away
4. Ask your obstetrician when you can really start exercising
5. Buy a feeding pillow- Its very convinient.
6. Dont forget to thank everybody who helped you during your stay in hospital. Buy some gifts before hand.
7. Give something memorible to the hospital staff ( I gave a big photograph where my baby is with all of them. I also wrote a thank u note). They loved it.
8. Dont forget to get the maternity leave signed.
9. Decide on your paediatrician.
10. Clarify on breast feeding techniques, breast and suture care.
11. Dont leave behind anything which is good to keep as memory like hospital tag, first name tag on cradle, birth announcement news etc.






So, now going home with a complete family!