Adieu 2011.

Time to ring out the old year and ring in the new. Instead of trying to plan what I should do for 2012 and the clichéd resolutions like eat less and lose weight I decided to gather the crumbs of 2011 and carry some important learnings forward to 2012.

The year started with strong bonds and good times in the fast city of Mumbai. Living in variegated Colaba, sipping on draught beer to Marine drive just a stone’s throw away from the Marine Lines house sipping on tea, coffee or boost- life seemed perfect, with perfect people around me.  First birthday away from home and I missed home thoroughly. The college placements took place. How silly-ly ( if there is a word as such) I behaved for not making through to Hanmer MSL but God had his plans and CMCG happened. My first job. Crystal apartments my home in Bandra has made me rehearse well to become a housewife. Took me some time to get used this new life.

In the middle I came home. I have no regrets. Little did I know it would be my last dance with my late friend Debanjan Sen. Debanjan (Gulu) was someone who was simply ‘nice’.  A gentle, charming and caring person and most importantly a great friend whom I deeply miss. Your naughty smile, the special tea you used to make, the long conversations and many more. I have great memories of you darling. I drank to you, our good old monk for your birthday which you were to celebrate in Mumbai. The demise of Shilpa Bali came as a bolt from the blue. I remember discussing your wedding at length, your black and white saree which I wore, the pork vindaloo you got for me and our gossip sessions. I am glad I wished you on teachers day and managed to fill each other with our life stories and plans. I am here in Kolkata Shilpa, we were to meet. “God be with you both till we meet again”!  Hope you both had the time of your life.

To those who have been patient and all ears to my crying, whining, cribbing and nagging. To those who I have badgered to bear with the strange person I became. To some new and close friends I have made. To those who sat with me at Costa Coffee or Gloria Jeans drinking cappuccino over long hours of conversation. To those I spent drinking wine while  ignoring the world at large.

2011- I seemed to have had lost my head which made me say and do stupid things. Many a times I made a fool of myself, my amorous feelings, the fights, the arguements but in the end of the day I love all of you. I have no grudges whatsoever. Life is too transient for me to waste time being sad and being broken. People never live up to your expectations and maybe I don’t for many, so promise little and deliver more is the technique i plan to abide.

The most amazing and tech-friendly family I have who stood by me at every step (special mention to the closeness my little sister and I share now). The family whatsapp group sometimes keeps me going so far away from home. To the best Christmas party at home and great food. The coming back home to old friends I left behind in Calcutta. To the weddings I missed. To seeing the little kids all grown up and matured and feeling old. To secrets untold because some things are better left unsaid. Good riddance 2011. For all the tears shed, for all the craziness, for the lessons taught the hard way- now move out of my way so I can embrace 2012. Looking forward to bring 2012 with a bottle of champagne and the most important people Jatrik, Rajashri, Jayatri and ofcourse Buddy, my favourite canine. Then paint the town red with Betsy thats my car by the way.

So cheers to all. 

"For auld lang syne, my dear 

For auld lang syne, 

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet 

For auld lang syne!"