Appraisals kab hai, kab hai appraisals?

It’s April – and it’s that time of the year which a Corporate Employee recognizes as an important milestone in one’s career. Yes, its Appraisal Time!

 Appraisals – the one word which creates more suspense than an entire series of Sherlock Holmes books put together or garners more attention than any IPL season or Bollywood blockbuster release.

So here we are, all set to receive the news of a pay hike either through an envelope indicating that extra money you have slogged for or awaiting the month end for your salary account to disclose the same.

Having no high hopes of my own increment, I was wondering about the type of people we encounter in this phase of ‘high-undue-tension’.

Source: Internet

Mr. Chintamani (always the bothered and worried):

No matter what, Mr. Chintamani is out looking for chinta (tension), even if it’s not due in his account. He is the one who will initiate the ‘appraisal’ conversation right from November and will go on asking people what they think about the pay hike this year and the market condition for the same. He will crib and cry till the last day of his knowledge about the salary raise and then keep mum after he is appraised. And mind you, no one ever comes to know how much increment he gets!

Source: Internet

Mr. Chillpill (always the cool and may appear a fool):

He’s the cool dude of the gang and is not worried about boring things like salary hikes. He is unfazed about the company’s decision to rate him and is content with everything. If at all corporates thought that he is the right person for their organization, since he is not bothered about money matters, then they need to rethink. Mr. Chillpill is usually the one who job-hops and makes attrition rates in a company to soar.

Source: Internet

Mr. CCTV (always on red alert):

The name suggests it all. He is the watchdog of the boss and the company in general, who is majorly appointed for his skills in accumulating and giving up-to-date news about other employees and what business they are up to. So even if you’ve had a manicure or plucked out your eyebrow, or you take numerous trips to the loo (yeah, seriously – someone keeps a tab on it as well) to the hours you spend on phone calls, it’s sure to appear on his list of ‘to be informed’. Be wary about him, since he can make peanuts more appealing than your salary if you mess with him. And as far as his own appraisals are concerned – by the way who is concerned about him!

Source: Internet

Mr. Chaato-till-your-tongues-are-parched (born with a silver spoon for all that chamchagiri):

He needs no introduction. He exists in every organization, in every department and in every team. God! Does he ever feel thirsty with parchment due to the continuous ‘chatofying’ and ‘lal-tapkofying’? He is the one who will notice your boss’ silly haircut and compliment it no matter what. He laughs at the boss’ PJ and will also contribute to it. However he is less dangerous than Mr. CCTV, since he is concerned more about his own business and does all this for pure self – interest.

Source: Internet

Mr. Chupa Rustam (the guy who no one knows):

Yeah, he’s the same guy who neither shows his anxiety about assessments nor his happiness on getting a good one. He pretends to be Mr. Chillpill but he is similar to Mr. Chintamani. You will not even know if he’s married, has children, is a gay or simply not interested in anything. But he is the most clever and cunning out of the lot.

Source: Internet

Mr. Dhamkau (always the warning bell ringer):

‘If I’m not appraised well enough, I’ll resign’, ‘If I’m not given a bonus, I’ll quit’, ‘If I’m not given a comfortable chair, I’ll put down my papers’. You got it right. He’s the one who is ready to resign at the drop of a hat if things don’t go as he wishes. And he’s the one who will be with the company to collect his gratuity. Whether his demands got fulfilled or not, nobody ever knows, but all we know is that he will not quit till your 2^nd generation joins the company.

There would still be more characters to the list but I’d like to end it here, so as to not hurt any more sentiments.

Now go look out for characters similar to these in your company and have fun at their expense and stop worrying about appraisals, since I believe what is due to you will always be due to you! So why worry!

As far as what my character resembles – I’m not dumb enough to put that down on a blog   :-D

Adios!!

(PS: About why all characters is a ‘he’ – what else can you expect from a female writer :-P)

The person I’d miss the most!

Source: Internet

I barely remember the time when you occupied the place of a mentor, inspiration and motivation. All I know is that you were something I looked up to even though I never admitted it.

Without your presence I wouldn’t have known what it feels to have a head in the family. You were there to guide us through tribulations and to bring that extra zest to any occasion.

Was it not yesterday that you told me how much you love me – your first grandchild – and that I bring a certain joy and pride to you? Why is it then that I do not find you anymore to share the joy?

How can I forget the numerous trips that you took me to various temples in the south, giving me a sense of our culture and heritage? The fables and legends about various temples, Gods and Goddess’, history and myth that you would tell me on these journeys still resonate in my ears.

Your generosity and love, independency and dignity, ethics and morals are something which is sculpted within me and will always remain there.

The struggle that you endured all your life is a lesson for the weak and downtrodden. It’s an inspiration to me in my times of difficulties.

Your valor and perseverance taught me that we take charge of our own lives and not the other way around.

Yet you chose to leave this beautiful life and took a place up above the sky, twinkling amongst one of the stars.

Would you still remember me? Would you still know that I love you and miss you above all other things?

How I wish you were there when I bore my children to teach them about love and life and be a part of their childhood as you were a part of mine!

How I wish things went back to those days when life was with you!

You would truly be missed but remembered in every walk of our lives. You were a benefactor on earth, now you are an angel in heaven. Hope to continue my life with the sweet memories I shared with you.

Love you Nani!

My Sunglasses, My Style

Source: Internet

“Amma, what do we gift Appa for his birthday this year?” I shrieked from the upper floor of our compact little row house. My mom, busy in her kitchen, yelled back “why don’t we gift him yet another ‘his-all-time-favorite’ sunglass?” 

That sounded like a good idea. Not a novel one, but definitely a good one, since my dad is known for his love and obsession for eyewear that makes him go ‘Ohh La La’.

I’m like my dad in more than one way. My love for reading and writing, my ability to lose temper at the drop of a pin, my likeness for food etc. are all a boon that I inherited from my dear dad. And one of these boons includes my fetish for sunglasses.

Two pieces of glasses framed accurately for my big, bright eyes, perched on the slender bridge of my nose and the rims supporting the glasses flowing to the back of my ears – the thought of them makes me go crazy and leaves me gasping for more (*pun unintended*).

It can’t be denied that, as an accessory, it’s a must on everyone’s closet.

I’m proud to be the owner of 5 exclusive sunglasses which I use on different occasions. But it was not until I started working four years back, that I could possess my own eyepiece.

Even though dad offered to gift me on several occasions, I denied accepting it since I firmly believed that certain things in life (which are truly dear to you) need to be earned and not simply get it.

(In that case, you may ask as to why I chose to enter this competition where you get to win a sunglass for free. I would again repeat that I am here to earn it and not simply get it J)

Coming back to the subject of this blog, GKB Optical is truly a one-stop shop for sunglasses, since it’s loaded with brands, types, varieties, price range and unique options.

Their website even offers a ‘virtual trial room’ by way of their tool – Try-It-On, which gives you the liberty to try the sunglasses either on one of your pictures or on one of the available ones, sorted according to face types. This is a better bargain, since I believe that sunglasses need to suit your face, for it to bring out the personality in you.

The two most favorite sunglasses which I chose from GKB Optical website and why they take this position can be explained below:

Source: GKB Optical

My first choice is the all-time-favorite Classic Aviators! (Brand: Ray Ban. Model no. RAY-BAN RB 3025) I loved the shades of this piece and I’m sure it will frame my face beautifully with a touch of elegance and chic. This classic eyewear will be accentuated with my choice of another classic combination of white tucked-in shirt over blue jeans.

Just as a wardrobe is incomplete without a pair of blue jeans and crisp white shirt, a sunglass collection will be imperfect if it does have the aviators (again, one of my many beliefs!).

With this combination of apparel and sunglass I’d like to make my fashion statement as classy, stylish, and smart.

Source: GKB Optical

My second choice is the sporty Ray Ban piece (Brand: Ray Ban. Model No. RAY-BAN RB 2132).

Why this choice? Well I’m an outdoor person who loves to explore and travel. Trekking and adventure kicks my adrenaline rush.

Since I go out often for various treks, this sunglass is sure to add that extra zing to my personality and the activity. I would pair it with a simple tee and jeans, the rest will be taken care by the glasses.

Also pairing this sunglass with a saree or a kurti will provide a different dimension to the Indo-Western avatar and will make you look a class-apart.

As to how I would use both the glasses as an accessory – I like the classic way of resting it on my head, which sweeps back my free flowing hair and serves the dual purpose of a hairband as well.

These are my choices and my style! And I have yet again proved that I’m a Ray Ban loyalist!

Over to you Mr. Judge!!

This entry is a part of the contest at BlogAdda.com brought to you by GKB Optical Sunglasses

His eyes said it all…

Picture Credit: Internet

The room was in total silence as Deepa carried a tray of specially brewed filter coffee for the guests who were waiting eagerly to devour the hot beverage as well as Deepa herself.

With trembling hands she delivered the coffee to every guest seated on their freshly prepared sofa (keeping the event in mind).

Clad in a crisp peacock green Kanjeevaram saree with braided hair and jasmine flowers to adorn them, Deepa marched into the room like a goddess. Only that she didn’t feel like a goddess and was nervous to the hilt.

After providing the performance of the day she was made to sit next to the woman who seemed to be the family matriarch.

Deepa was strictly instructed by the elders in the family to be seated with heads bowed down and not to look up or in the eyes of anybody who might ask her questions.

Until now she was nervously installed in her bedroom as the guests chattered about the ‘boy’, about how well-mannered and well cultured he is, his education, his job, his income and on and on.

Deepa hanged on with baited breath for the house to call upon her and the moment arrived too quickly with Deepa handling the tray of coffee and her aunt carrying the evening snacks.

Now sandwiched between the mother and the sister of the prospective bridegroom she awaited the impending storm.

Amma was waiting in the room nearby, with her ears completely focused on the happenings in the living room. She was advised by the same ‘elders’ to stay put at the adjoining room and to not come out of the room. What else do you expect a widow to be doing on such an auspicious occasion!

Deepa’s uncles and grandparents, who had taken charge of her future on account of her Appa’s absence, occupied a minuscule area of the room, with most space occupied by the boys’ side, who had come out on a rally.

Deepa was yet to look at the boy who was sitting opposite her and who she felt was equally nervous, what with the sound of his feet thumping the marble floor continuously.

There were other activities happening in the room. The women were discussing the saree design and color and the amount of gold the girl had on her, the men were ogling at her perfect figure and beautiful structure, the elders were trying to munch on the snack with difficulty without their dentures and the kids were running around the room.

Everybody seemed to be lost in their own musings, when suddenly an elderly voice awoke them abruptly and brought them back to the room.

“… So child, you completed your graduation and currently working with an accounts firm?”

Deepa nodded to approve their knowledge, with her head still bowed down.

“What will be your height beti?” chirped in another voice who was awaiting a chance to talk.

“Hmm, 5.2”, no I think 5.3”” said Deepa meekly.

“Oh, you don’t know your height” chuckled the voice finding a reason to laugh and be heard of.

“Why don’t you stand, so we can have a better look at you?” volunteered an uncle, anticipating a better view of her sculpted body.

Deepa went red in the face, but that was not to be seen, since she was bowed down and in any case they didn’t care about it.

She stood up tensely, clutching the hem of her saree. All eyes were fixed on her and roved nonchalantly, as if examining an item on sale.

“Just walk around the room in your beautiful saree like a model, won’t you beti?” pat came a voice urging the girl to walk around the room so they are confirmed of her ‘way of walking’ and to scrutinize if there was any problem with her gait.

Deepa did as she was ordered. She came back and stood next to her allotted place in the room, between the mother and sister. She waited to be told to sit down. But the moving eyes had not yet stopped.

Seeing the situation, one of her uncle came to rescue and asked her to sit down in a polite way, not wanting to affect their sentiments.

As soon as she was seated, a string of questions followed soon, some answered by Deepa, some by her relatives. The guests tried to access information about the quantity of gold to be given, wedding preparation expense, property details in name of Deepa, and many other materialistic topics.

In all these chaos, nobody gave a thought to Deepa and her opinion, whether she wants to marry Sudhir, whether she is happy with the alliance etc.

And as if as an answer to all these questions, Sudhir cleared his throat loud enough for people in the room to shut-up and listen. He stood up, walked across the room, came in front of Deepa, went on his knees, took her shivering hands in his own, lifted her chin up, made her look at him and whispered softly – “I’d like to marry you. Do you want to marry me?”

The room had gone dead silent.

Sudhir’s mother opened her mouth to protest, but he simply silenced her with a wave of his hand, without taking off his eyes from Deepa.

Deepa forgot her anxiety and worry when she looked into Sudhir’s eyes. Is this what they call as ‘love at first sight’?

After 15 rejections in the last 2 years, here is someone who not only approved her but also wanted to be approved by her. Nobody in her family ever cared to ask her if she liked a particular boy. It was always the boy’s preference which was considered.

But these were not the only reasons for her decision. The warmth of his touch, the serenity that engulfed her in his presence and the love that she saw in his eyes played a major part in this saga.

Deepa lowered her eyes, this time blushing and not as her elders had commanded, and moaned a soft ‘yes’ to Sudhir, who savored the moment before breaking into a blissful smile.

Love Happens! And his eyes said it all!

And yes, They Lived Happily Ever After!

Picture Credit: Internet

Ek Shaam Doston ke Naam

Source: Internet

I sit at my usual place at our regular ‘adda’ but see no familiar face.

I remember a long forgotten joke and laugh but hear no sound other than the birds chirping and vehicles honking.

I remember with pain, the days when we fought and cried, hugged and forgot.

I remember days spent in college canteen for food and time pass. 

I remember the college library which we visited for things other than studying. 

I remember the college verandahs and compounds, where the chatter and the laughs, the fights and the tears still reverberate.

I remember the days spent inside classroom walls, chatting behind the books and awaiting the lecture to end.

I remember college term exams and our anxieties to pass them. 

I remember our last minute notes and trips to the photocopy centers. 

I remember teaching accounts and learning economics. 

I remember early morning calls on exam day to wake up each other for studying. 

I remember the first question we asked before the exam “Kitna padha?” and the first question after exams “Kitna likha?”

I remember college projects and presentations done collectively at your house, where snacks and coffee breaks occupied an upper hand.

I remember our gatherings, lunches and dinners. I remember our picnics and vacations, movies and outings. I remember our night-outs and parties.

I remember trying our first booze together and the taste of the first smoke still lingers in my mind.

I remember our link-ups and break-ups and how we blushed and cried for each occasion.

I remember sharing our first job news and the impending party which we are yet to give each other.

I remember losing track after we got busy with our career and jobs.

I remember everything, but forgot how we drifted apart, forgot how other things occupied our time and space, forgot the beginning of separation, of long lost relationship!

I sit at my usual place at our regular ‘adda’ but see no familiar face.

I feel like a loner in a strangers land. I’m lost in this alien world. 

And my heart yearns for the people I used to know and call ‘Friends’!

This is what Blogadda had to say about my post, on selecting it as one of the 'Spicy Saturday Picks' on Feb 25th, 2012:

Who: Vasumathi Rajamani

What: Ek Shaam Dosti Ke Naam

Spicy: I sit at my usual place at our regular ‘adda’ but see no familiar face. Vasumathi writes a poem, remembering the college days, which most of us can identify with. We loved this line: I remember the first question we asked before the exam “Kitna padha?” and the first question after exams “Kitna likha?” Read on.

It’s Valentine’s Day! So what?

(*This is purely for fun. It does not resemble any entity--living or dead.

All statements and incidents are purely coincidental and not aimed to hurt anybody)

“So, what you doing today?” begins the trademark question on every special occasion. Be it a birthday, anniversary or a festival. And today is no different. 

Today is Valentine’s Day! And here is the evident question:

“So, what you doing today?”

Mr. single-desperately-wanting-to-mingle-but-never-got-a-chance looks on angrily.

Adjusting his spectacles on his rather crooked nose he rattles on – If you are in a relationship, people don’t agree when you say you are doing nothing on this day, and if you are single they don’t believe if you say you are doing something.

So my question is, why ask a question, when you are about to refute whatever I’m going to say!

To me Valentine Day is nothing but an overly commercialized event. Valentine Day is featured with roses, chocolates, teddies, gifts and nonsense.

And even before the D-day arrives, the week preceding it is celebrated as ‘Rose Day’, ‘Propose Day’, ‘Chocolate Day’, ‘Hug Day’, ‘Kiss Day’ and so on.

Can we ever have a ‘Regular Day’?

And what’s with the name fetish that couples refer to each other on this day? ‘Sweetheart, darling, chickoo, jaanu, bachchoo, shona, mona and on and on…’ I’m pretty sure you don’t even know the real name of the person you are with.

I’d rather die, than fall in love and do such crazy stuff!

One year later….

“So, what you doing today?”

Mr. last-year-single-now-newly-in-love blushes and grins.

Going gooey and utterly mushy flashes a set of freshly brushed teeth and opines – I have loads of surprises planned for my sweetheart, my darling, the love of my life.

Firstly, I’ll wish my babboo valentine’s day with a beautiful red rose.

 A box of chocolates and teddies will follow soon after.

I have already celebrated ‘Rose Day’, ‘Hug Day’, ‘Kiss Day’ and all other days with her and the finale will also be a grand affair.

My darling girlfriend will be adorned with gifts and wishes. Valentine’s Day is the most sacred day for lovers and it should be treated with reverence and respect. It’s a day to make your girl feel special.

I’d rather die, than live without love!

Two years later….

“So, what you doing today?”

Mr. last-year- newly-in-love-now-frustrated-in-love looks on frustrated yet tired – It’s the middle of the month and I’m completely broke. I have no money to spend on my food, yet had to borrow money to buy the good-for-nothing (his girlfriend) a gift.

I couldn’t take leave from office last week when I was ill because I had to take holidays this week for all the crazy days that she expects me to celebrate. What’s with the ‘Rose Day’, ‘Chocolate Day’, ‘Hug Day’ craze? Can’t I have a Holiday for self?

It’s just another wasted day in my life. I would have preferred to sleep the whole day and enjoy a late night beer party with my room-mates, than go out mall hopping with this manic shopaholic. I really wonder what enjoyment you get by looking at hundreds of items and choose nothing at all in the end.

Such days should be completely banned and I support political parties who wish to do the same.

I will definitely die if I continue to be in love!

“So, what are you doing this Valentine?”

A Promise to Keep

She stared into her deep blue eyes, mesmerized. It held innocence and purity and exhibited an ocean full of happiness and eagerness to live life.

She held the tiny fingers in her hands counting them and smoothening out the lines as she did. The bright pink nails stood out against her pale skin. She kissed them one by one.

Lovingly she caressed her forehead, pulling back strands of hair which came in-between her beautiful face.

Yes, beautiful is the precise word. She was outstandingly beautiful.

It was a spiritual and peaceful experience watching her sleep on her lap. She held pride in her existence.

She felt the world melt away at the slightest smile her lips created or became devastative at the slightest hint of tear her eyes formed.

She was her world. Her body, mind and soul.

She was her daughter.

A moment of pride and honor that only a child like her could give.

She heard her mother-in-law grumble in the background about not delivering a boy child, about what will happen to the family legacy, about family reputation and respect and on and on.

She ignored her ramblings and put the little bundle of joy to her chest and hugged it affectionately. She cared about nothing in the world right now.

She relished the moment alone with her daughter when the nurse ushered the visitors outside the room and particularly her grumpy mother-in-law who was creating a nuisance.

With the noise dying down, she put her lips to the tiny ears and whispered a vow to her daughter, that come what may, undeterred by the current situation, she will bring her up with utmost love and care. And that the world will look up to her with respect and dignity.

With glistening tears of satisfaction, she carefully put the baby into a cradle between her folded arms. She sang a lullaby and set her baby to sleep, silently preparing her for the world outside.