Love is also like this..

This title might be a little confusing for y’all. But trust me, you will know.

To Love and to nurture Love are two very different things ... When a couple start living with each other under the same roof and are still mad for each other even after their 100s of pronlems, I think that is closer to real love because that's when the two really find a reason to love in every moment. 

So according to me, this is my new tried and tested definition of love... Just read out and enjoy ( do laugh and giggle if you find similarities with this...

Real Love happens...

When he promises to reach home early from work; and comes at 4:15pm instead of 5..

When she asks him for a cup of tea and then says him to make it instead

When he snores non-stop while sleeping and she is awake for the whole night

When he surprisingly brings groceries which were pending from so long

When she agrees to watch his favourite film which she has no idea about

When she wakes up in the middle of the night and kisses his cheeks and tugs him tight

When he buys her the VIP tickets to her favourite artist’s concert

When she keep looking at his expression and tries to find out if the dinner is made properly or not

When she wakes up early to cook his favourite

When he lets her win the UNO game

When he goes all the way from office to bring Amul Buttermilk only because she loves it

When they laugh with each other for no reason

When they binge watch Masterchef because they just love to watch it together

When she farts and he still bears the smell while kissing her

When he makes the best Sunday breakfast for her and she just stand there and watch him cook

When they decide to go out on a long weekend just like that

When she makes bad food just to see the irritated look on his face

When they play board games from morning to evening

When he hugs her tight and say I Love You before leaving for office

When she takes away his blanket while sleeping leaving the poor man cold

When he wears your favourite shirt while going out for meal

When he tries too hard to look for her kind of clothes in an online store
When they fight with each other only to make out post that

My Father’s Grand Retirement from NTPC

 Today will be etched into our family’s history forever!🥰💕

September 30th, 2024 marks the end of an era. My Papa, Shri Atul Gupta is officially retiring after almost 40 years of dedication, hard work, and passion at NTPC ! It's hard to put into words how much he’s accomplished throughout his career and the incredible impact he's made on everyone around him. He's been a source of strength, wisdom, and love, not just to my family but to everyone who has had the honor of working with him. 

After 40 years of unwavering dedication, my father is finally hanging up his badge (or should I say, his NTPC safety helmet). It feels surreal to even write this because, for as long as I can remember, my father and NTPC have been synonymous. If you ever needed a book on 'work can be a love affair', my father’s career would be a Bestseller novel

A Work Ethic Like No Other

My father’s relationship with work is something out of a legend. While people treat paid leaves like treasure, he treated them like a liability. He genuinely believed that if he took a day off, NTPC might just switch off! Colleagues joked that he had an invisible power switch hidden in his pocket, which he refused to turn off, no matter what.

Over the decades, he played multiple roles—meticulously balancing the responsibilities of an employee, a leader, and a mentor. He was never just ‘doing his job’; he was deeply invested in the future of the power sector in India. Whether it was new technologies, sustainability initiatives, or strategies for a greener future, he was always ready to explore, learn, and implement.

His leadership was never about delegating; it was about doing. He led by example, never hesitating to roll up his sleeves and get into action. If a junior made a mistake, he would mentor them and enable them to follow the right direction themselves. If a teammate was in distress, he wouldn’t just offer words but solutions. There’s a saying: “A great boss can change your life.” I know for a fact that papa has changed many.

One of the hardest times in his life was when he was suffering from Sciatica for almost a year; he was completely bedridden just after COVID-19. My mother stood by him like a rock and gave him all the right things to make him stand on his feet again. She made sure he has his nutrition and medicines on time, do his physiotherapy, and gave instructions to papa's driver to make sure papa isn't overstressing at work. His colleagues gave him so much support at the office base so that his work became easy.

You’re a true fighter papa… 

Now that he’s stepping into retirement, the real question is— How will NTPC cope without him? (They better have a contingency plan!). For a man who has spent four decades ensuring the lights never go out, it’s finally time for him to switch off and relax. But knowing him, he will likely find a new passion, a new mission, and a new way to keep himself busy. Because powerhouses don’t just shut down—they reinvent.

💫My beloved Papa, I’ve always admired your drive, your ability to lead with compassion, and the way you gave your all (and I mean YOUR ALL) no matter the challenge. You’ve shown me what it means to truly be passionate about what you do, to always be there for those who need you, and to never stop learning. 

It was a proud moment for us to witness this moment with my entire family ♥

As you step into this new chapter, I hope you take time to relax with maa, enjoy every moment, and do all the things you've always dreamed of. You’ve earned it more than anyone I know! Here’s to your well-deserved retirement, to more family time, more laughter, and more memories to be made. 

I love you, papa. Enjoy every second – the best is yet to come. ❤

Yaad to Yaad hoti hai...

Sochti hoon to dil bhar aata hai
Ki shaayad kuch rishte mukammal nahi kar paayi
Kuch log aaye aur Kuch log chale gaye
Maine unko jaane kyu dia?
Anjaane mein maine dil dhukaaya,
Magar anjaane me mera bhi dil dukha hai...

Ye to chand saalon ke baad samaj me aaya
Ki rishton ki bhi toh apni ek expiry date hoti hai...
Ki har kisise har kisi ki dosti zaruri nahin
Ki rishte har baar banaane nahi padte..., wo to bas ban jaate hai..

Apne aapko bas yahi tasalli de deti hoon
Ki unme se kuch logon ko mai apni jaan se bhi zyada pyaar karti hu
wo meri zindagi me har roop me mujhe mile hai
Par kuch log bas ek yaad banke reh jaate hai...
Ab ache ho ya buri
Yaad to yaad hoti hai..
Hai naa....?

Societal Chauvinism: Challenging Society’s Bias Against Weight

Let’s start with a question—Is being overweight truly a curse? Society certainly treats it as one. I’ve seen people spend their entire lives obsessing over weight loss, dieting, exercising, and chasing an arbitrary standard of beauty. But does beauty really come from being slim? Isn’t it more about having a kind heart, an intelligent mind, and confidence in oneself?

Yet, time and again, people face rejection—from friendships, careers, social circles, and even marriage proposals—simply because of their weight. The effort overweight individuals put into their health often goes unnoticed because society equates body size with intelligence and discipline. And honestly, I despise this word: “society.” What is it really for? To support each other or to tear people down for being different? The hypocrisy is staggering.

Yes, I am overweight. I have battled this since childhood, and yes, I love food. Does that make me unattractive? Probably, at least in the eyes of society. Even if I accept my body, the world refuses to let me. We spend fortunes on slimming treatments, avoid certain foods, struggle to find well-fitting clothes, and navigate daily judgment—yet none of this effort seems to matter. For overweight women, the world is especially unforgiving.

Look anywhere—TV, movies, advertisements. The narrative is the same: slim women find love, success, and happiness. Overweight women? They are either invisible or reduced to comic relief. Even in family gatherings, slim individuals wear fashionable outfits and indulge freely, while we monitor ourselves, both in dress and diet. The unspoken rule is clear—our presence is tolerated, but only if we are trying to change.

Yes, being overweight can lead to health issues, but so can many other lifestyle choices. And yet, why is it so hard for people to respect and accept us as we are? Are we less human? Less capable? The truth is, overweight individuals are often some of the most resilient, hardworking, and intelligent people. The constant struggle we endure requires strength that few can match.

I call this Societal Chauvinism—the deep-rooted bias against body diversity, particularly in India, where weight discrimination is almost as divisive as casteism. Even my own family suggests I move to the U.S., where, at least in some circles, body inclusivity is more accepted.

And then there are the so-called “plus-size” clothing stores. Why should we be segregated into special sections? Are designers so unimaginative that they can’t create inclusive fashion? Instead of forcing people to conform, isn’t it time we reshape our attitudes toward body weight?

This is more than a personal grievance—it’s a systemic issue. It’s time we stop treating weight as a moral failure and start acknowledging people for their character, talent, and perseverance. Society needs to evolve, and this conversation is long overdue.

'NO' is not just a word; it is a complete sentence

 The Liberating Power of No: Breaking Free from 'Ji-Huzoori'

Do you often find yourself nodding along to requests, even when they drain your energy and derail your priorities? Do you struggle with the guilt and anxiety that comes with saying no, fearing that you'll let others down or damage your relationships? You're not alone. For many of us, 'Ji-Huzoori' or people-pleasing has become a deeply ingrained habit, one that can lead to burnout, resentment, and a loss of identity.

But what if you could break free from the weight of constant yeses? What if you could learn to say no without guilt, and instead, say yes to yourself and your own needs? Imagine the sense of liberation and empowerment that would come with setting healthy boundaries, prioritizing your own well-being, and cultivating meaningful relationships built on mutual respect.
We don't need to add "I'm sorry" or "I'm busy" or "Maybe later" to soften the blow. We don't need to justify our decision or provide a lengthy explanation. We simply need to say "NO" with confidence, kindness, and conviction.

Saying no is not about being selfish or uncaring; it's about being honest and authentic. It's about recognizing that you can't pour from an empty cup, and that taking care of yourself is essential to living a life that truly reflects your values and passions. So, take a deep breath, and start practicing the liberating power of no. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

Building Emotional Resilience for Tough Times

Hey, friend! Let's get real for a second. Life can be a wild ride, full of twists and turns that can leave us feeling battered, bruised, and utterly bewildered. One day, we're cruising along, feeling like we're on top of the world. The next, we're drowned in our problems, wondering how we'll ever find our way out.

But here's the thing: we're not alone in this journey. We all face tough times, and we all need to develop the skills to navigate them. That's where emotional resilience comes in – the ability to bounce back from adversity, to adapt to challenging situations, and to emerge stronger, wiser, and more wonderful than ever.

How do we build this strength? How do we develop the coping mechanisms that'll help us win over the fear of the unknown? Here are some tools to get you started:

Self-Care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Get enough sleep, exercise, and eat nutritious food. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, like meditation, yoga, or reading.
Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment. Focus on your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and centered, even in turbulent times.
Positive Mind: Challenge negative thoughts and reframe them in a positive light. Instead of "I'll never get through this," try "I've survived tough times before, and I can do it again."
Social Support: Surround yourself with people who uplift, support, and encourage you. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it – that's what friends and family are for!
Emotional Expression: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions in a healthy way. Write in a journal, talk to a trusted friend, or engage in a creative activity that helps you process your feelings.

The Power of Vulnerability

Here's the thing: building emotional resilience requires vulnerability. It requires us to be honest with ourselves and others about our struggles, our fears, and our doubts. It requires us to take risks, to face our challenges head-on, and trust that we'll emerge stronger on the other side.

So, if you're going through a tough time right now, know that you're not alone. Know that you have the strength, the courage, and the resilience to get through this. Remember to be kind to yourself, to take things one step at a time, and to trust that better days are ahead.

Keep in mind that building emotional resilience is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and practice, but the rewards are well worth it. So, take a deep breath, square your shoulders, and remember that you are capable of weathering any storm that comes your way.

We are in this together, hai naa!

Nothing can Compare my Love for Savita Gupta - my late Mother-in-law

Some relationships take years to build in family… one of them is between mother-in-law & daughter-in-law. It’s a gradually developing, mature bond, it doesn’t happen overnight 

For me… it was a divine connection. One week after Sahil and I got married, Sahil left for the USA, and my visa was under process. I stayed alone with my in-laws for the first 2.5 months.

My mother-in-law is a private and quiet person, but she broke the ice with me & gave me so much comfort that was beyond my mind. She always called me Beta & I called her Maa. After marriage.. we talked daily because I loved sharing everything with her & vice versa. Our bond strengthened, and we became inseparable.. but it was short-lived...

On a sunny Saturday morning of 18th February 2023 (Maha Shivratri), she had a massive cardiac arrest & the next we know is that Maa is no more.. ! No medical history and no prolonged illness. How can someone go in seconds just like that? 

Shocking for us, and for everyone who knew maa.. I can never imagine what papa and Sahil were going through, but this is also true that it’s so hard for me to be without her. This is going to take years to heal. Our rock is shaken & life has changed. It’s an extremely difficult loss to handle. She had so much positivity and zeal to explore new things. It felt like a part of me died that day.

Today marks one year of absence. The absence of someone who loved me, encouraged me, cheered me on, told me I could do anything, and gave me the grit to follow through. I can’t believe she’s gone, and I still feel lost without her.” I wish I could sit down and have our daily 10am endless talks. Make you chaai by your 'official chai maker of the family. ' I wish I could do all the little things with you again, just like we used to do. Go out on random shopping sprees in the streets of Mumbai. We still miss you like crazy. I don’t think time will ever take that away..

People ask why am I so upset for my mother-in-law's passing even after so long. The answer simply is that I chose her before Sahil. I always wanted my husband's mother to be like my mentor, my guide, and overall my friend. She was all of the above. I feel I didn't learn a lot of her recipes (she used to do a lot of fusions which are now as good as lost); didn't take those lessons seriously. 

Maa, we pray that you’ve found peace with God and that you bless us every step of the way💕🙏🏼