Lalbagh Ladkis (Part 2)

I can't type right now. I want to swear. Like SO Badly. Unsafe to blog, Tata!

The Practice (Continued.)

Part 1 is here: http://moodymusings95.blogspot.in/2014/04/the-practice.html


Several uneventful weeks passed and Ayush was beginning to feel at home in the hamlet. The villagers were simple people; they respected him for his service and welcomed him with open arms into their fold. For his part, Ayush had grown quite fond of them and began spending his free evenings with the young lads over a game of cricket.

On one such day, He only had to work half the day and they began their game after lunch. One of the boys, Arjun, seemed to be in a hurry. He explained that his sister required his help that evening and excused him from the game. His hesitation and dalliance was sufficient to intrigue Ayush who questioned Arjun further.

"Need some help, son?" he inquired.

Startled that his discomfort was obvious, he quickly composed himself and gave an amicable smile. Ayush was not to be fooled, he insisted on accompanying Arjun and they proceeded a slight way off the main road.

Jamun trees lined the pathway and Ayush could see the rooftops in the distance. They walked quietly and Arjun stiffened as they approached the row of houses. The third house on the lane stood out among its peers with its clean frontyard, freshly painted facade and a small garden at the entrance with the customary Tulsi that is present in every Indian household. Arjun walked towards the house and ushered him inside. He motioned Ayush to have a seat in the verandah overlooking the garden and went indoors.

"Arjun, why are you late? Don't you know we need to go to the top of the hill? Hurry up!" a voice wafted from the interior. The voice grew louder as the owner approached nearer and though the woman sounded angry, there was a sweetness in her voice that overshadowed the anger.

Ayush perked up at the voice and looked around expecting a face to the voice he had just heard but none appeared. He wondered why he was here. He didn't have a strong reason and yet he didn't think it would matter. In the small world that he now lived in, very few things mattered.

"Akka, I'm coming. There is a guest in the house, stop shouting!" came a voice from another corner of the house.

Ayush smiled at this and wondered where this sister was. Her voice seemed intriguing enough. He thought about his college days; it all seemed like another era. Although he had waited through those years, the woman of his dreams never appeared, nor existed for that matter. He decided that work would be his companion and plunged wholeheartedly into healing people. He wondered if he would ever...

His reverie was cut short by the appearance of a young lady, presumably in her twenties. He stared in shock at the face. It was the Face in the forest. The face he had glimpsed just once, but etched forever in his mind. She was tall and beautiful without being imposing. Her movements had grace, fluidity and elegance. Her attire was simple and understated, yet she looked perfect. 

She smiled at him but a questioning look implied that he state the purpose of his visit. Ayush regained composure but realized the foolishness of his purpose. He was at a loss for words and managed a weak smile.

"I'm Ayush. I work at the local hospital in the village. I moved into the village about two months ago." he began.

"Ah, yes. We have heard about you. Arjun has mentioned you often. I believe you play with the boys in the evening." She replied. Her diction was perfect and she spoke with a refinement that seemed unusual in this region.

"Actually, Arjun seemed a little off-color today.. So I decided to drop in and make sure everything is fine." He explained, knowing that he sounded rather silly. He was still in a daze; he couldn't believe that he had finally found the Face.

She smiled broadly, as if she understood his predicament. It puzzled him, but she said nothing more and excused herself indoors to fetch refreshments. Arjun appeared at this moment, with a bagpack and sticks in hand. 

"We are leaving towards the summit of Indragiri. You may come with us" Arjun announced to a startled Ayush. Seeing that everything was proceeding in extraordinary fashion, he saw no harm in a trekking on the nearby hill. He seemed appropriately equipped for a short trek and he had nothing important to prevent him either.

"Sure, if you would like me to." he replied.

She appeared with a tray of biscuits and a glass of water which he gladly accepted. They ate in silence and then proceeded outdoors. He realized that in his dazed state, he had forgotten to ask her name. Being tongue-tied was a new feeling and he felt helpless. She sensed his gaze and turned towards him.

"I'm Aarthi. I guess we have met before." she said, with a glint in the eye that unmistakably reflected a smile. He could only stare wide eyed at this damsel.

The Storm Within.

The overcast sky reflected her turmoil,

The wounds were fresh and raw.

The wind howled and the trees swayed,

She couldn't stop herself anymore.

A clap of thunder followed the bolt of light,

The memories flashed by,

Each stirring the emotions she had stiffled so far.

The rain fell long and hard that night.

She smiled sadly at the good times gone by,

Bitterness she felt at the raw deal she had been dealt with,

Anger swelled inside her at the mockery she had borne,

And then the Pain consumed her.

The damp earth chilled her toes and she rose,

The storm raged on but her internal battle had just begun.

She wanted it all to end, she wanted the matter to close.

But to Him, she didn't exist, She was one among none.

Shine a Light Through An Open Door.

Unlike most people, I didn't leave right after the exams got over. The mass exodus began on 9th itself when people began leaving without any inkling (IDC) and 11th July was a field day for the autodrivers of Shimoga because most of the people were leaving then.

After Biochem we went out to the city and hogged as usual. (Mathura is actually pretty good for evening snacks) Then on 10th we all went out for the *last time* before college ended. I really hope we're all together again soon. Then again, Fate can be a friend or a foe, and you've got to deal with what you get. It was a fun day (Pizza @ Cafe Chillax, Boring Kulfi and Vadapav @Goli) and I was happy. We all had a nice time; leg pulling seems to be the order of the day during any outing and good food is necessary to satisfy us.

It's funny how things change in a matter of hours. The very same afternoon, Athi was giving me a piece of her mind for my lacklustre disposition and that evening I felt really good. Until then, the events of the past week kept crashing in, wave after wave with increased intensity. Little things can leave you dejected, you fight for reasons to be happy, and fail. You try to forget it all and put on a facade for a while and then you wonder why bother faking the happiness you don't feel. 

But I guess you've got to look at the good things that come your way in Life and try to forget the unpleasant memories. What's the point of latching on to hurtful incidents? What's the point of remembering the things that only leave you hurt and angry? The sweetest revenge would be none at all. Move on from the bad memories, let it mean nothing to you. 

Being happy is your birthright. :) Don't let anybody take that away from you.

All of us. :) Ehra was out shopping at More, though.

11th was the send-off day and Nammu, Deepu and I spent our day helping people with their luggage and bidding adieu. The evening was breezy (that's an understatement. The wind was howling.) and we had looong chat (3hours. :P ) about nothing in particular. Nobody could complain, the exams were over. The wardens could only look helplessly and try to find a reason to get us going.

We took the 11.30 Airavat back to Bangalore and I slept amazingly well on the bus (after all I had been warned to do so. :P ) Athi was at our place for the weekend and we all had a good time. (Although to be frank, I failed in my promise of 'showing her around Bangalore' given the paucity of time.) CCD Sandwiches, Night walks in the park, Pizza Hut Gopalan Mall so that she could meet her dearest friend (:P) and a quick visit to Omkar Hills. Di loves having guests at home (Can you believe it, she gets EVEN more hyper than she usually is! -.-) and she and Athira bonded really well (over Rock-Paper-Scissor). I really hope this happens more often. (MaPaDi happy, me happy and also roaming around B'lore just got a valid reason!) I guess Athi saw Bangalore during its drizzly days but all in all I can hazard a guess and say that she didn't have too bad a time. ;)

So we booked a Cochin ticket in a Volvo AC at 8PM and went to Omkar Hills (just in time for the 6PM bell). Post dinner (at Adyar) we went to the bus stand where we discovered that the bus was nearly empty. Only 4 people had booked tickets and another lady was expected to board the bus at Madiwala. Everybody was hyperventilating, Di didn't like that nobody was paying her any attention so she began crying and the bus was about about to start. Appa decided that MaDiMe should travel with Athi in the bus till Madiwala where hopefully the lady would board the bus. So we had a free ride to Madiwala and thankfully the lady arrived and we left soon. (Appa came via car to Madiwala) Later, she informed her brother about the matter and the panic subsided. But it was also a lesson for us to check all details before making reservations. :)

 Clockwise from L-R: Trying on clothes you'll never buy, Autoselfie, Nightwalk in the park.

And that brings us here, to the present. 
Plans for the holidays are plenty but they shall be revealed only in installments. I hope to give regular updates on them and I'm SURE that they'll be interesting. I intend to do a lot of things these vacations (considering the fact that our seniors warned us not to expect any more holidays of lengthy duration in the coming years). Let's hope it all works out! :)

Travel plans are being made as I type this and we're embarking on a new adventure. Thrilled to bits about seeing new places, new culture and nature at its best.

Here's a clue:

*Smirk Smirk*

The black pavilion built during the early part of Jahangir's reign (1569–1627), in the top terrace of the Shalimar Bagh, has the famous inscription in Persian, which says:

Agar Firdaus bar rōy-e zamin ast, hamin ast-o hamin ast-o hamin ast.

This is a couplet by the Persian poet Amir Khusrau, which is inscribed on many other buildings also in India and Pakistan.

Translated to English, it means.

"If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this."

OH AND BTW:

A year ago, I began following a blog because I liked the concept. But I swear I hadn't bothered to read it after the first day. Today seemed like an auspicious day for such an activity and I was amazed at the information available.

For all those interested in reading about medical cases and the life of a medical superintendent working in a community hospital in Jharkand, do read this:

http://jeevankuruvilla.blogspot.in/

Here's an example if you're willing to look at pictures of medical cases.

http://jeevankuruvilla.blogspot.in/2012/03/photo-post-28-march.html

Community Medicine never seemed interesting until now. :)

And That's What Happened. (Atleast that's the version you're going to hear about.)

Picking up where I stopped yesterday,

Nammu ma'am and I boarded the bus back to Shimo and I reached at the crack of dawn and made our way back to the hostel. I met Vindhya before she left for her 'mini vacation' and she prepped me up for what to expect in the practicals.

• During Viva, try to steer the topic towards a more comfortable area. (Of course this is an art and can't be tested on all examiners.)
• Sometimes, if you don't know something, just say so. Instead of making up your own Physiology or Anatomy that might horrify the person at the other end.
• Stay calm, take your time and present the answer well.

Actually our practicals were scheduled to be held '10th July onwards [tentatively]' so most of the students had gone home post the theory exams. They began arriving in trickles by Sunday night and by Tuesday most people were back.

Anat Department had kept the Histo slides and gross specimens on display so we all had a good look around. Then Vasudha ma'am gave us another orientation on Radiology

[Basically there are different views: AP, PA, Oblique, Lateral.. and you've got to identify if its a Plain Xray or a Contrast Xray (one had with a Barium meal (oesophagus) or a pyelogram (kidney) or a hysterosalpingogram (uterus and Fallopian tubes).. you've got to mention the bones you can see, the shadow of the organs you can make out, any fractures present and so on..]

And the Embryology models that we might be questioned on..

• Paramesonephric Duct (My favourite!!)
• Placenta Praevia 
• Oogenesis and Spermatogenesis
• Foetal Circulation (:D)
• ... Lung development (Surprise Package of this year's Anatomy Paper I )

Barr Bodies formed by 'lyonisation'.

Yeah. These are Genetics charts. 

PMND and MND

Lung Development Model

*(Minor fainting episode overcome by Bournville)*

So we all had a good look at everything that we might possibly be questioned on during the 3 days prior to the exam. The cold and cough that began after I reached Shimoga manifested itself into a more virulent form and I realized that medication was essential if I didn't want to scare the examiner with my frog-like croaky voice!

Physio department allowed the students to practice on the the Clinical and Human experiments and we again had a look at the possible Case Study questions that we might face.

We peeped into the Biochem Department to have a glance at the spotters that we might be asked to identify. (Ryle's Tube for GFTs, Albuminometer, Urinometer, Hand Spectrometer) 

What ensued next can be explained in various versions but the basics are:

A slightly higher than recommended consumption of Benadryl (Idiopathic reasons) + 
loss of Birthday ring + 
Benadryl crosses blood-brain barrier + 
Sleepless night + 
Lacrimal activity commences + 
Morning walk in which my speed is 10cm/s + 
Anat revision in library + 
hyperactivity of Lacrimal glands + 
Chetan Sir delivers words of wisdom + 
Bournville consumption without rhyme or reason + 
Back to Library to read up on Radiology and Surface Markings.

Appa arrived around 3:45 and the rest they say.. is a series of *cough*- cry *cough*-cry *cough* until I was too exhausted and slept peacefully after a seemingly long time. 

The night was long and I had Coffee and biscuits to help me through. If I could write the Anatomy Exam on 4th July it was only thanks to Appa who listened to every word as I read aloud. I didn't want to give up without a fair attempt so I did what I could. What happens now is beyond my control and I'll have to accept whatever the outcome is. 

The spotters were fine and I identified the slides correctly (Kidney and Large Vein) but my diagrams could have been better and the 2nd examiner took great to be sarcastic about the size of the glomeruli in the kidney. Gross also passed uneventfully because the HOD didn't ask anything tricky. The other examiner seemed receptive. Surface Landmarks were the best because he decided to quiz us theory questions for some strange reason. :')

Post lunch was Viva and we were questioned separately by four examiners on different aspects. Radiology was a flop because the HOD didn't want to believe anything I said about the Cruciate ligaments. 

After Anatomy all I did was sleep. The next day I began Biochem but fell asleep for half the day (later the  cause was revealed to be 'ChestOn Cold' which is known to cause drowsiness). Appa left in the afternoon and I moved into Athira's room for the remainder of the college days. I spent an hour or two listening to Sumana chant the procedures for the Biochem experiments and slept uncharacteristically well. 

The Practical part was pretty much a fiasco due to so many reasons. Topography, Memory and Lucky had deserted me. The Examiner #1 clearly saw what was going on and questioned me accordingly. Examiner #2 was extremely interested about my Dad's occupation and other such details but that seemed to work in my favour. Prior to viva I had a coughing episode that distracted me from the forthcoming viva fear.

After this was Physio and most of us merely glanced at the books in the day before the exam. One of the examiner deserved a medal for his bitingly sarcastic responses. 

*If I kick you, you'll go fall in Chitradurga*
*Become a cowherd*
*Aren't you supposed to be a good student? Don't embarrass your teachers*

 But the same people were docile during viva. The externals were okay and only the internal (Vasanthi Bhai was having fun.)

*Plasma proteins. Name and function*
Me: (Blabbers)
*What happens if Plasma proteins decrease in the blood?*
Me: Osmotic pressure exerted will decrease : Hypoproteinemia and edema
*Ok. So what's your name?*
Me: Jayashree
*Oh, so you're Jayashree!* (evil cackle) *difficult questions follow*

And after this, we were officially FREE. B)

I can't type in my sleep. Unsafe blogging may occur. :P

After What Seems Like Forever.

I fervently hope that I haven't forgotten how to blog. But in case I have, there's ample time to re-learn the art. :)

The past two months have been eventful to say the least. I could go on and on about it but for now, the less said, the better. I'm going to focus on the positive aspects.

Exams came and went by. Those days were hectic, sleepless and tiring. Prior to the exams, the 'fear' of the exams caused a breakdown among most people. But once they began, there was no time to get scared. We had to do what could be done, there wasn't a moment to be wasted. 

As you probably know, Libu has been my haunt for most of the year. But towards the end, I finally mastered the art of studying in my own room (but then I had the company of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.. ;) )

The tension on the night before the exams.. was written large on every student's face. We all just gobbled something down and hurried out of the mess. To sleep or not to sleep.. that was the question.

The bus journey to SIMS Government College was a terrifying one, especially on the first day. On the first exam, we literally had no idea what to expect. The avalanche of possibilities was overwhelming, the consequences weighed heavily on our shoulders and people seemed to forget the most basic things in the tension.

As we were walking through the corridor towards the exam hall, people were shooting questions at each other. 
S: "Hey please tell me the sympathetic and parasympathetic roots of Ciliary Ganglion!"
Me: Whaaat?! Plexus around Ophthalmic Artery I think.. And Parasympathetic is Nerve to Inferior Oblique...Wait... I'm confused. Let's ask somebody else. And tell me about Diploic veins please!
R: ....... Ok, don't worry you'll remember in the exam.

And before Physio exam:
Me: Dude, Olfactory Pathway!! Tell me the highlights.
Ap: Don't ask me anything!
Y: Striae, Bulb, Tract... Opercular Insular.. No sorry that comes in Taste Pathway.. Ask Somebody!!

And the epic one before Biochem exam:
Sumana: Salvage Pathway!!
Abhi: APRT and HGPRT are the enzymes right?!
Me: Yeah. Wait. What does it convert?
All 3: *Freak out* 

So that was us during exam week. 
Coffee has been my savior and soul mate in the past one year. But any health issues can be attributed to the same drink, unfortunately. The day before Biochem was a day of internal battles. And the exam by itself spread a pall of gloom that dampened the post-exam euphoria. 

Following these exams, I traveled home for a few days. Met my mad caps (Anjali and Medha). We had a lovely, loony day. I'm not sure which was the best part; being goofy and spazzed out or the food and beverages. (Tough choice, considering how people like me aren't sure whether they 'Live to eat' or 'Eat to Live') Anj gave us an introductory course on Korean pop which is pretty radical to say the least (All I remember is BigBang, Exo and a couple of guys grooving amazingly well). College stories were exchanged, Deeksha memories were recaptured and plans were made for future meetups. All in all, the company of fellow insane fools gives a warm feeling of comfort that one cannot gain anywhere else. 

And THAT REMINDS ME: I purchased books!! :D

• The Water Babies (Charles Kingsley)
• Gideon The Cutpurse (Linda Buckley-Archer)
• If It Is Sweet (Mridula Koshy)
• And.... My first M & B (Don't give me that surprised look. One must read all genres in their lifetime. I can only read it as a nineteen year old, not a ninety year old. ;) )

Plus, Medha has been kind enough to donate:

• Fly By Night (Frances Hardinge)

Looking forward to restart my reading habit. It's been about 4-5 months since I read any novel and I'm eager to voraciously read as many as I can these hols. (Hello JustBooks!)

Following this, was the customary and cool visit to Vnagar. Hogged, chatted, went out with Nidhi, hogged some more and had a nice time.(Blueberry and GreenApple Mojito B) )

As has become a standard practice, Nammu ma'am and I boarded the bus back to Shimoga and I froze in the chilly air that night.

World Cup's begun, readers. I'll seeya soon. :)

Lost.

It takes very little to slip off the edge of an iceberg, but a lot to clamber back to safety.
Back at college. Practicals and viva pending.
I miss the uncomplicated times. I miss the way music could heal all wounds.
Apprehensive about what lies ahead.
Social networking might be fun,but contentment comes from within. It stems from internal bliss satisfaction.
I am convinced that I have the uncanny ability to decipher emotion.s inspite of attempts to conceal them.
Have faith they say. In whom I used to wonder. In myself would be the best option.
In testing times, it is our resolve to remain true to ourself, to our values and principles that will get over the bad times.

Unconditional love is rare. I miss Pings. :'(

LubbDupLubbDup.

I am scared. I am terrified.
I have been soo foolish, naive and gullible.
I need to clamber out of the web I have spun around myself.
I must go now.

It was a phase. A horrible phase. It shouldn't matter anymore.
Exams in one week.

ManiaMoodiaMadia

Cats. :)

I have officially forgotten how to study.

Or my pea sized brain has calcified.

Or my hippocampus has degenerated leading to memory worse than a goldfish.

Or maybe the phoneswapping has affected me.

Or maybe I'm thinking too much about things that don't matter right now.

Or maybe this is the price to pay for watching Telugu movies.

Or maybe eating Maggi everyday is causing Monosodium Glutamate to form killer proteinaceous particles that cause atrophy of neural tissue.

Or maybe its a phase.

Or maybe is a neurological degenerative disease.

Or I'm having a nightmare and will wake up soon.

Hey There.

Things have changed so much, so drastically that it all seems so unreal.

Back in Bangalore post 3rd internals. Will be heading back to hostel over the weekend. 

Di no longer seems like a little kid. She's taller, stronger, sharper than before and now there's a little girl blossoming in the house; one who gets cranky and hyper, but also one who can play quietly and make people laugh with her words of innocence. She plays chess well for a beginner (learnt under Appa's tutelage) and can swim a few basic strokes as well. Doodles, drawings and artworks adorn the household, Pogo is on 24*7 and a mound of toys, trucks, dolls, ducks, building blocks, bubble guns, teddy bears and tigers are stacked at every inch of free space.  On the whole, she's in a different world altogether, Chota Bheem is her hero, summer camps, daycare centres and swimming pools are her world, weekends are at Innovative, Snow City or YemmenKay Park, Ma and Pa run around in circles to make sure she's happy and it's very similar to how things were before Di's time..

Di Posing at the Upkar site.

Bangalore is as heavenly as ever. The weather is out of the world. Unlike most people, I happen to love those cloudy, slightly drizzy days when all you want to do is sit on the terrace and watch the wafting clouds, ponder about life's endless possibilities and enjoy a slow Bollywood track.

Yesterday some of the Subbaiah Bangaloreans (Likki, Nammu, Govi, BP and I) met up in Mantri for a movie 'Million Dollar Arm'. The movie was surprisingly good and we had a nice time and as always we hogged. (3 small pizzas, 1 Medium size pizza, 1 Birizza, Garlic bread, Potato wedges and drinks)

The movie is based on a real life story about sending two Indians to major league baseball teams. Unlike most sports movies, the human aspect dominated over the technical details of baseball. The movie depicts how the opportunity changes all the characters as people and they discover more about themselves in the process. Familiar faces include Jon Hamm (Don Draper of Mad Men fame) and Suraj Sharma (of Life of Pi). 

Coming to Bengaluru is always an unplanned fiasco. This time it was because I didn't want to write the practicals post the theory exams and remaining in the hostel would be a difficult thing to do, hence Nam and I hopped onto the Airavat on Wednesday evening and that explains how I'm here right now.

The evening after Biochem theory, Likki, Kruthi, BP, Sahana, Deepthi, Nammu, Abhi and I went out with the sole goal of HOGGING. And hog, we sure did! Golgappas, Vadapaos, Sandwiches, Masala cokes, Masala Dosas (dipped in oil) and so on! B) Enroute we met HKM and Rakesh and they too joined the Noble Cause that we had embarked on. It was a fun evening (legpulling/ amputation was the agenda for the evening or so it seemed. ;) ) and we reached pretty late by Shimoga standards. (8:30)

Abhi and Me @ Goli

Hostel food exponentially expand one's appetite. I speak from personal experience and I also speak for my fellow nocturnal snackers in the hostel. Midnight maggies and fruitsalads are catching on in Subbaiah and they're a lot of fun as well. The other day we had the most delicious, nutritious and lipsmacking salad that was wolfed down in minutes. 

Mango+ Apple+ Pomo+ Mosambi+ Grapes + Sugar and Spice= AH-MAZING.

Exams are approaching, revision plans are being made, old chapters are being reopened and the library is filled to the brim these days. In the midst of all this, friendships are being strengthened and bonds are being formed. It feels different, surreal and new, but it is a wonderful feeling, I must admit.

Kruthi, Abhi, Ehra and me. :)

Sometimes the things you hear can break you. Sometimes you decide not to care. And that one little decision can make a lot of difference. 

Sometimes you put up with crap, not because you care endlessly about them, but because they're anything but that. So their good and bad is the same to you. It's a feeling of detachment that prevents disappointment.

Sometimes you look back and yearn for the past moments, the way people were before they changed, the way you were before you changed. But then, you've to look ahead and deal with the present. Clinging on to the past is no good. 

Sometimes you've got to remind yourself about the things you want to achieve, the goals you want to reach, the people who need you, the commitments you've got to honor, the places you want to see, the people you want to meet and most of all, the person you want to be. Because, often we tend to get sidetracked.

Musicophilia:

• Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse : Now that I actually understand the lyrics, this song has potential to become the next PNM. 
• Sahib (from Bhoothnath Returns) : One of those songs you will always love listening to.
• Mast Magan : Not sure if this will last the test of time or if it will become another 'Locha E Ulfat'. But for now, the joy that this song resonates makes it one of my favourites.
• Baby Doll: Stop getting psyched. I heard it for the first time during the cultural day. Curiousity prompted me to get the entire song a few days ago. The interest is bound to be shortlived, I assure you. It's similar to how a long time ago, I was hooked onto 'Lucky Boy', 'Kambaqt Ishq' and even 'Lat Lag Gayi'.
• Offo : Peppy, mood-uplifting and the Yeh Ishq Hai of the current times.

Here's something I found on Instagram. But I'm still very ambivalent over it. What d'you think? :P

Cya soon!. <3