Day 13 : The Other Side of Sowmya

I was just going thru this very website, and I realized that all of us have written so much good about Sowmya. In an attempt to make her feel nice, we forgot ourselves. Yes guys..!!! Is this what we generally did when we were with Sowmya..?? When we are together, its her job to make everyone around feel nice and we are only there to harass her, criticize her and pull her leg (all for fun of course). Then how, when and why did we get into her shoes and take up the task of making her feel nice..??

Anyways, now that we've done it, I think she’s had enough. Let’s get back to what we are best at... After moving forward and reaching halfway through this blog, today we’ll try and unwind ourselves. Let’s go back and complement the good things said for her with some reality checks. Yes Sowmya, you’ve guessed it right. Today this blog has negatives about you, more than your positives.

Any ordinary person after reading the first few paragraphs would have been afraid that his weaknesses were about to be disclosed. But yet again, we are not talking about any ordinary person here. I know what this stupid girl’s reaction must be. She ll say the way I ve accepted good things, I ll accept the bad also and try to improve. Wrong….!!!! You should confidently stand up and say that there's nothing that you can write about if you tend to write bad about me. But then the humble and down-to-earth person that she is, she takes compliments lightly and criticism seriously.

Having written about the delicate darling, a perfect friend, a thorough professional and the beautiful angel, here is the time to do something different. Don’t worry dear I m not gonna be very harsh on you. These are just a few things which I think can make me more than the perfect self that you are. SO lets get started.

One… There have been times when I ve seen you real confused, confused on what decision to take, confused on what to do, The best example that comes to my mind is the incident when we have to go to eat and when all of us are busy doing our own work. That is the time, you take such a lot of time to decide that we end up waiting and waiting. Mind you, I m not blaming you here for it. And my intentions will be more clear once you read the next few lines. Actually the thing is this female is so busy trying to get everyone together that sometimes she forgets what’s going by. She wants all of us to do things together, which my dear, is not possible sometimes. But this girl is so patient that she does not want to accept this.

Ok lets see some other instance where I can pull out the bad in her. Suppose she has to do some work and we as usual are not letting her do it just like that without a rhyme or reason; like sometimes we are just in mood to waste time and she has loads of work. If its anybody else, I m sure they would walk off and do their work. But she wont. She ll sit with you even if you are just wasting time avoiding her very important work as well. Can anyone be that stupid..?

I have been trying hard here but have not been able to really point out anything bad in this female. Actually even if I start with something bad (after thinking for a really long time), eventually it turns into something good. Now you see the magic. That’s what you do. Anything, no matter, good or bad, which is directed towards you always turns to something beautiful. The same way this article has turned out to be. So now I hope you ll stop being thankful to me for everything. I hope you realize that its not me but you who has made this entire idea a beautiful one.

Day 12: The journey so far...

Since we are half way through this entire process of making Sowmya feel special, today I’d like to talk how this entire process originated and where are we heading towards in this world of ours - Sowmya-land…..

Lets get into flashback….

19^th April 2008: Exams were on and so we couldn’t find that empty space in our minds which we could utilize to think about what could to done to make Sowmya Ponnada feel special on her birthday. Each one of us was tense. And every one of us wanted to make that little angel feel really special on her birthday.

You know though we had thought of things in a group and did make a plan (including a few back ups too) but then owing to the fact that you held a special place in each one of our lives independently, all of us thought of making it different and special in our own little ways.

Unaware of what the others were planning, I sat down late night to think. I wanted to make you feel special and I wanted to give you something that would touch your heart. There was something on my mind. Since this was your 21^st birthday and you were very excited about it, I knew I had to do something related to the number 21. So the first thought that crossed my mind was, let me write to her 21 mails. But then I didn’t want to send you the mails all at once. I spoke to a lot of people and tried to find out whether there was any way I could pre schedule the mails and they get delivered later. No one could find a solution.

It was 12:30 a.m. I was sure I had to write things to you but then how was the question still unanswered. Now here comes a new person in the story (who is worth a mention). I told Abhinav about it. The first thing he suggested was that I take you somewhere out, do shopping n all. But then we had already done that today. I explained my idea to him and told him I want to do something that touches her heart and this could be one. Then came something from Abhinav, which I thought was a brilliant idea. He suggested that I make a blog and write things there and give it to u. I added on to it that since I wanted to do something related to her 21^st birthday, I d write 21 articles.

Adi was online then so I shared this idea with him. He liked it and so he too decided to be a part of it. I was more than happy because I knew that this small thing, which I had started to work on, would become only better with this. He suggested the idea of having artwork along with the article. This was like icing on the cake and I just couldn’t resist it. I went ahead to write the first article. After finishing on the rough draft I mailed it to Adi. He sent it back to me with a few modifications, for the better of course, and it was just perfect.

Then Adi started working on the artwork. Since the article meant to give a welcome message for the blog, the artwork had to be on similar lines. And let me tell you, the name Sowmya-land was also given by Adi and when the artwork came to me, I just felt it was perfect – in sync with what the article had to say.

But then the plan was to write 21 articles. I had already started working on the next one. Wrote that and before I could finish Adi was all ready with his artwork. Both of us were so involved, we didn’t find time to look at our watches. We kept going with all enthusiasm. After some time when we suddenly peeped into the watch, what do we see? It was 4:00 a.m. and we had hardly finished 3 articles. We had not realized this because we lost in creating this Sowmya-land and making it as wonderful as possible for our princess. But now was the time, we had to get out of this fairyland and think logically. Sitting for the entire night would also not be enough to complete 21 articles. And we didn’t want to rush because both of us unanimously agreed that Sowmya deserved nothing but the best. Eventually we decided to compromise on quantity for quality.

But then when it’s us, there’s always a way out. I had an idea. Initially we were actually very confused on how should we place the articles. Because if we posted the second one after the first, it would come on top on the first one and that way Sowmya would see the last one first. So now we decided that we would post one article at a time. That I think was what made this idea unique in itself. You know Sowmya; I always keep talking about something. That it feels really bad when the day of your birthday gets over. And that’s what made me come to this. We decided to post one article for you everyday so that you didn’t have to go through this feeling. This way not only would the excitement of your birthday could continue for more than 1 or 2 days but you would also remain curious about what’s coming next. Now that’s what we call doing something different and special.

This the blog came into existence. And I still remember the moment when we had shown this to you. You held my hand while you read this. And I could feel the warmth that you felt deep inside. Your eyes were filled with gratitude but then you couldn’t get words enough. But sweetheart those beautiful eyes said it all.

That was the day we started on a new mission – mission to make you feel special. And then we had Avishkar and Avinash who joined in. I was really really happy to see both of them take the initiative themselves. Again, I felt proud to have friends like you all. Everybody was so enthusiastic about the blog that one day if I didn’t write people used to wonder what’s happening with the blog. And then later on came a completely new and completely different person – Anupam, who wrote for it. And he did complete justice to the idea of the blog. He wrote an amazing article thus adding to the beauty of the blog.

After the efforts of so many people, I was just forced to believe that each one of us would never let the other be alone. In case if someday I am not able to upload the blog, there is always someone around who is going to do it. That’s the kind of bonding which we have developed and now you see Sowmya, you’ve given us one more reason to support each other.

Now when I look back, I feel happy. The objective is satisfied. You feel special and nice. Everyday you wait for your blog to get updated. The same curiosity still exists which we saw on your face the very first day. And the most important thing is this manages to bring a smile on your face while we are not around. So I think the blog is doing just what its intended to do.

And the new thing that we’ve started with now, well that keeps me curious.

All the time I see you being thankful to us. You don’t need to be thankful for anything Sweetheart. Because as Nikhil says – What goes Around Comes Back Around. And this what is coming your is a minuscule of what you’ve given to others. It’s just a small gesture for you to let you know that you are really really appreciated.

Day 11 : Professional at its Best

We’ve already spoken a lot about Sowmya as a friend, Sowmya as an angel and we have no second opinion over the fact that she perfectly fits the role there. Today I’m going to switch to something completely different. Of course it’s going to be about Sowmya herself, but today leaving aside the personal self of hers, we are going to look at the professional self of Sowmya.

I’ve got a chance to work with her quite a few number of times. But even when not working with her, I’ve been a spectator, a silent observer to her most of the times. And even if she doesn’t need it, the kind of person that I am, I always keep giving her suggestions on everything that she does; owing to which, she consciously or subconsciously is now used to look up to me for feedback and suggestions. I’ve always been observing her while she works, she talks, she advises, or even when she’s just quietly listening. And that is the reason why I can take this stand and comment about her professional personality.

One has to be really lucky to get the chance of working with her. And once you do, there’s no looking back. The work has to be nothing but perfect. She’ll put her heart and soul into the work she is doing. High amount of dedication personified, is what you see. No matter what kind of work it is, whether it interests her or not, but she is the first one to take the initiative. She never shies away from doing any kind of job. And I can say it with 100% confirmation that she has never missed deadlines. You’ll never find her struggling last moment with the work that she’s involved into. She does everything with so much dedication.

And don’t even ask me what happens when she talks. She mesmerizes the audience with her speech. And I’m talking this not only out of personal experience and but also out of experiential learning. Yes I’ve seen her catch attention of the worst of audiences. That’s the magic this girl can create when she is on the podium. Her flawless speech topped by an awesome delivery and that soothing smile on her face while she’s talking. None of us could ever escape this enthusiastic package of energy.

Let’s suppose you need advice on something (I’m talking about professional advice here). What would you expect?? Someone who listens to your problems patiently, analyses it, empathizes with it and then suggests or gives advice. But how many people do you know will be able to do this at a professional level?? There’s hardly any time. Your friends will definitely do it for you. But it’s only your friends who do it for their friends.

But this particular female, she does it for everyone; whoever approaches her for a suggestion over anything, be it as small as a script of a presentation or as big as a decision for a project. She’ll very calmly listen and give genuine suggestions, be it positive or negative but they are logical. I can bank on her anytime for a feedback over whatever I do, big or small. And I’m pretty sure that she’ll never say good to something I’ve done badly. She makes sure everything becomes perfect, a thorough perfectionist that she is.

She does not force her opinion on others. But the way she puts her point across, you are bound to listen. Such is the convincing power this particular girl has got. She’ll not scream and reiterate her point again and again. In fact she doesn’t need to do that. She very well knows how to get her point across. And that’s a quality found in a very few. Actually this completely contradicts the sweet personality that she is, all the time listening to others, but when it comes to making her point, she very clear and very precise. She knows how to make a mark.

In fact anyone who looks at her will get a feel of the immense confidence that she has. It shows on her face. She is a very confident and a very focused female. She knows she has a long way to go, and at the same time, takes it one at a time. No work, absolutely nothing can bring that ray of despair on her brow. She is all lively all the time to do anything that is required and finish it to perfection

Day 11

Day 10 : The Ideal Friend

I didn’t have anything to do (for a change) and so I just type these words in Google n tried to see what comes out. The words were: ‘Ideal Friend’ This is what I got:

“Its not easy becoming a friend or making one because a friend is not a state of mind. It’s real and it’s in your face. A friend is someone who makes your life worth its while a little more than yesterday. To be an ideal friend, there should be honesty, give more than you take, be supportive, forgive, have faith, express yourself, have fun.”

All these words reminded me of you. And so I left all my work and started to pen down whatever was coming in my mind. Because I didn’t want to miss the flow of thoughts. You know Sowmya, I don’t feel after writing the first paragraph I need to write anything more. If you have a closer look at yourself, you would also agree with me that you are the person who perfectly fits this ideal friend image. Or I’d like to put it this way. The qualifications for an ideal friend have come to being, keeping you as a benchmark.

I know after so many articles, you are just getting used to reading all good about you. And you’d again react the same way… saying we are exaggerating and stuff. But dear had it been exaggeration, we’d already be short of words and this would have got over by now. But we still haven’t lost interest in writing this blog and we still do it with the same enthusiasm that we started it with. This, I think, is enough evidence for you to believe that we are never gonna get tired writing for you and words and feelings will never die out.

You know when I started today I had decided I won’t write much. I thought I’ll make it a small one because now I think even you must be fed up of reading all sweet things about yourself everyday. (I know u don’t like a lotta sweets). But then you know I just couldn’t stop myself and see how much I’ve written. When it’s about u, I just can’t stop. That’s because you carry such an important place in our lives.

In a friend, I find a mother who nurtures me, a father who tells me what’s right and what’s not, a sister in whom I can see my reflection, a brother who protects me, a kid who I sometimes need to pamper. Your friendship means all these relations to me. Seriously you’re a complete package and that is why I hold you so close to my heart. Everytime you are busy playing some role or the other in my life and now I just feel that you are undetachable from me.

Day 9 : Wish I Could Be Like YOU

Before I start writing the next article, I want to thank all of u – Adi, Avi, Avishkar, Anupam, (specially) for carrying this forward so well. I introduced the idea and you guys just keep adding on to it to make it more n more wonderful and better with every passing day.

N Sowmya I really apologize for keeping this on hold for some days. You know what the condition was. Anyway let’s get going again guys….

After so many beautiful things that have come up in these few articles, I don’t know what should I write that would impress you..

Not only you, but all of us have been really really impressed by the articles which have come up from all the master minds in the last few days. So today rather than starting up with writing something new about you, I’d rather extend something that’s written before. As Avishkar has already mentioned in his blog “you have set the standards for how a nice girl should be”, lemme take it forward from there. For me, yes you are the standard of how a girl should ideally be… You’re a beloved daughter, a loving sister, a caring friend, a thorough professional, a dedicated worker n what not.. And the best part is that you manage all these roles so well. I always believed that it’s impossible for a person to keep everyone happy. But then when I look at you, I give this a second thought. You force me to believe that what I believe is not true. You keep everyone happy n that too without putting in any extra effort n this is what makes me think.. “Wish I could be like her…!!!”

And now, since I’m writing all this, let me admit it today Dear, that I’m really jealous of you. I seriously am.. But then there’s a saying – ‘You are always jealous of people you like.’ N you toh I just love you. But then you know you‘re so nice that I really wish I could be like you. Wish I could keep people happy like you do, wish I could be there for everyone like you are, wish I could do justice to all my roles in life. When I look at you, I realize that you are just perfect with every role that you play in life. And that makes me look at myself and say that I am so much into a mismanaged state.

But you know what Sowmya, I sometimes wonder.. Don’t you get fed up with doing things for others all the time..?? I mean how do you manage to take out time for yourself, when all your time is dedicated to others. But then I get the answer too. What gives you happiness is the happiness of others. And that’s why u don’t ever need time for yourself. That the huge difference which exists between you and the others. People do things for others so that others r happy. You do things for others so that you be happy.

That’s your USP and that s the reason which I come to understand now.. That’s why nobody can be like you. Even though you see me mirror yourself many-a-times, but I know for myself that I can never be like you. You are too little human for any human to imitate you. The perfect word for you still remains “Angel”.. And I’m sure none of us can find a better word to beat that one.. No one can ever take this away from you.. But if in my next birth God gave me a chance, I’d love to take away this title from you.. J.. Thank you Angel for being there…

Day 8 : Beautiful Angel

I, totally agree with u Adi. “The truth is that you simply exist. And us. We try and live up to you”. And that is why we recognize u to be, and that is what you are.

“ANGEL”

Now lets take it from here in a different style, how about, HINGLISH BLOG…something new. Lets try..
Kehte hai jab jab dharti pe paap badha hai.,.bhagvan ne alag alag roop me janam liya hai.
Aur is dharti ko adharm, anyay.sankat, moha maya se mukt kiya hai..
Example: - Shree Krishna, Gautam Budhha..etc..
Lekin aaj ka ye yug, kya kahoo me ab , na din me hosh, na raat ka thikhana..
Phir inflation , badhti abadi , aur mehngayi ka zamana.
Bhagvan ne socha, I can’t handle it Dude, the pressure is too much, let my Farishtas, my Angels take care of it.
Jate jate bhagva ne Farishton se kaha,
O Farishte tera kaam karta hoo mai aasan,
Dharti pe maine chuna hoo kuch Bhoole bhatke insan,
Jinka dil hai saaf Irade hai Nek, tu jaa aur unki taklifo ko dekh.
Unki zindagi mai hai mayusiii, umeedo me Kash,
Ek hai “Adi ” duja “ Avinash ”
(Note: - Sorry Shazia & Avishkar not included, because Moti, you are already an Angel, no discussion, and Avishkar you are H.R)

Isliye… arz kya hai
Paap se dharti phati,
Adharmse aasman,
Atyachar se kapi insaniyat,
Raj kar rahe hai haiwan,
Aur jab bharenga inke papo ka Ghada.
Tab tab paida hogi “Sowmya Ponnada”

Ok jokes apart, I know this entire thing is totally vague, and has very minor relevance with todays blog.
But with this I want to convey, the state of humans, and the world which is almost drowned, and in such condition, we are so lucky to have you (Angel) around...
I think you are not just an “Angel” but also a “Masiaha” for Me, Avishkar & Adi. Sorry Shazia not included again (angels not allowed)

You know Sowmya,
There is no fairy godmother,
To make my wish come true,
No genie in a bottle, & nothing new,
No prayer on fallen star,
No magic potion in a jar,
But I can dream, pray & thank
And when I do
I dream, pray, and want to say thanks to God,
For a beautiful Angel, that`s YOU

Sowmya,
For the first time, when I met you, then came to know you, and later talked to u,
I felt,
Something which has always puzzled me in my life is “why”,
When I am in a special need of help,
The good’s deed, is usually done by somebody on whom I have no Claim,
And today I realized, these good deeds can only be done by “Angels”
Whose heart is pure & Soul is true.

Sowmya
During these days,
Your smallest act of Kindness had such an impact, that it was,
Worth more than a grandest intention ever showed for me,
Because,
Kindness is the language which a Deaf can hear and Blind can see,
And you actually made me realize,
How beautiful a Day Can Be,
And for this I would like to Thank You from Bottom of My Heart,
But for you My Heart has No Bottom,

I know after this you will say the same thing which Adi has mentioned in earlier blog i.e

“But I don’t do anything; you guys do everything on your own. I didn’t have to do anything extra or different to help you, it was all you. I was just there.”
“I am not an Angel, I’m Sowmya Ponnada.”

I agree, you are sowmya ponnada, and just a human like me,
But dear it’s your deeds, your kindness, and ability to give, what makes you a,

“BEAUTIFUL - ANGEL”

Acha agar tu is taraha se nahi managi, to mera pass ek dusra zaria hai, to make you realize you are Angel.
Jaise har Pagal kehta hai, Mai Pagal nahi Hoo,
Har Chor kehta hai, Mai Chor Nahi Hoo,
Waise
Har Angel kehta hai, Mai angel Nahi Hoo!!!

Ok so we don’t want to listen what you have to say, we know Who You Are,
Before ending,
We promise we won’t let anyone know that you’re “Angel”
For two reasons:-

1:- The world is cruel and not made for you,
2: - We don’t mind being selfish, and keeping your love and care just for us, because in this world, friends are many, “Angels Are Few”

Love you, my Beautiful Angel, be the same & Dare you change... hehehehehe…