The Lost Paradise : Book Review

The Lost Paradise
By Anjali Vaswani & Vikas Bansal
Review by Ila Garg

The story of the novel, The Lost Paradise, is set in the capital city of our country, Delhi. The beginning scene takes the readers in a usual household scenario where a mother is trying every means to wake her kids up. This scene in itself is very relatable and elaborated beautifully by the novelists, Anjali Vaswani & Vikas Bansal.

The story line, as I felt, is very challenging, intriguing, and, gripping. From the second chapter onwards, the story begins to enthral the readers and engage them in the process of reading. The way in which Anjali & Vikas have crafted themselves into the story is notable too.

The 167 page book comprises of 15 chapters. Each chapter compels the readers to engross themselves into the story. The story gave me goose bumps as I continued to explore in the details. The novelists have tactfully placed Riya’s history in front of the Readers.

Riya is a small town girl who comes to the city with big dreams of becoming a politician and wiping out all the evils from our society. She meets Vivaan and falls in love. Every scene is marvellously written and is therefore believable.

The lead protagonists, Riya and Vivaan, are a made for each other couple. The romance, the way Vivaan proposes Riya, the intimacy between them, the love, is so well expressed that it actually makes you remember your lover!

Riya and Vivaan are shown very much in love, and yet it is not just a common place love story. It deals with society at large. Rapes, Drugs, MMS scams, Murders, etc. comprises of the underlying themes. I personally recommend this book for all the youth of our society.

Moreover, what is striking about this novel is the fact that it is a debut novel and yet the subject chosen is quite matured. Proper justification is done to the content without any loop holes.

A common picture is placed amongst the Readers of the increasing number of girl victims, seeking justice at the India Gate, candle light marches, etc. but when it comes to Government, they are just acting like Douchebags. The intrinsic reality is portrayed magnificently. And for this, I highly appreciate the novelists.

Vivaan is a dedicated lover who wants to ensure Riya’s safety all the time. When Riya decides to help her friend Kamini to lead a normal life again without any fear of being killed, she doesn’t even know what effect it will have on her life and Vivaan’s ofcourse.

The moments of separation of Riya and Vivaan are created well too. You can actually see all the scenes running before your eyes like a movie. It left me all choked by the end.

The too many complexities of Riya’s life is just one of the reasons you want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens in The Lost Paradise. I finished the novel in one go as it is very hard to put it down once you start the journey. Vivaan tries hard to persuade her innumerable times that she should cease the battle and not involve herself much, but Riya is determined to fight for the right things.

To find out whether she comes out as a fighter or surrenders to the societal evils, she is able to bust the sex and drug racket or not, her dreams are fulfilled or shattered, she gets a happy ending or not, what happens to her future with Vivaan; you will have to read the novel, The Lost Paradise.

Because... Every Raindrop Is a Hope : Book Review

Because... Every Raindrop Is a Hope
By Sankalp Kohli & Mansi Sharma  
Review by Ila Garg

I’ve never been to Mumbai, but novelists Sankalp Kohli & Mansi Sharma made me feel as if I had been there for a long time. The picturesque descriptions in, Because… Every Raindrop Is a Hope, of the Mumbai railway station, monsoon, beaches, etc. makes you feel that you are walking on Mumbai streets with the Protagonist. 

The story is very touching and belongs to the romantic genre. Protagonist, Raj, with his two friends, Rohan & Rahul enters the college and explore a different phase of their life. Raj looks for a distraction initially to overcome his recent break up with Shruti.

The 192 page book comprises of 15 chapters, followed by an Epilogue. The use of poetic verses in the beginning of every chapter is the main reason I loved this book, because they prepare you for the chapter ahead and adds clarity. The story on the whole is quite meaningful. The novelists have tactfully used nostalgia to narrate most of the events occurred in Raj’s life.

The story keeps moving in past and present. One can easily find a lot of quotable lines beautifully interwoven within the novel. Overall it’s a fantastic read and gives a lot of insights to help you know and understand the various facets of love.

Besides love, hostel life and friendship are an integral part of the story line. Ragging, Manipulations, college politics, betrayals, add to the drama. College elections and fests are also included.

There are some intriguing events occurring in the course of the novel too. For instance, there’s a man mentioned who guides Raj, the protagonist, at times when he gets off-track or seriously deviates from the right path. The description gives the novel a metaphysical touch!

Raj confuses love with infatuation at many points and thus keeps shifting from Shruti to Mehak and to Shruti again, only to realise that he is better left alone. This aloofness brings more pain to him than peace. He betrays his best friend by making out with his girlfriend, Debby, and thus reaches downfall. 

Readers get the message loud and clear as they go further down the novel, “You Love, You Lose, Still You Live.” The larger theme of the story is “Love never ends, Hope also shouldn't”. 

Ultimately, Raj indulges in drugs, alcohol, frauds, and moves away from the people who really cared for him. His world turns upside down. He is now guilty of many crimes together and struggles hard to save his identity but fails miserably. 

The real Raj dies inside him. A virtual Raj is born instead. The Raj who is a loner, has no friends, is used by his girlfriend Debby only for monetary and carnal pleasure, gets tired ultimately and finds it difficult to recognize himself. 

The too many dilemmas of Raj’s life is just one of the reasons you want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens in Because… Every Raindrop Is a Hope. Raj tries to persuades himself innumerable times that he is doing the right things, till the time he gets tired and is doomed to destruction.

To find out whether he comes out as a saviour or surrenders to his doomed fate, he gets his love or not, he is able to discover or not the mystery man who always helps him in the time of need; you will have to read the novel, Because… Every Raindrop Is a Hope.

Movie Review: Aashiqui 2

Its a blockbuster out of a string of songs sung by fresh voices. And a pair of new faces, artfully hidden under a jacket, for the purposes of a poster. The songs came first, the movie followed. Aashiqui's soundtrack became the new trend; the rage. So did that instantly-recognisable image of young-lovers-under-jacket. 

Though its a fact well-known that the movie's story highly resembles that of Frank Pierson's 1976 drama 'A Star Is Born'. 

Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor get their big breaks playing the romantic duo in this flick. Aditya is cast as Rahul Jaykar, a wasted rockstar who is battling alcoholism. He spots the incredibly talented Aarohi Shirke (Shraddha) crooning at a bar and decides to take her to the heights and let her touch the moon; the stars. The narrative unfolds their blossoming romance and a couple of soothing numbers make it a quintessential romance. 

For their love to be liberated from all the rituals of competitiveness, one of the lovers must make a huge sacrifice before the end. For love to live the lover must die. It's carried off in this film with an exuberance of emotions.

One thing that is really disconnecting about this movie is that reason for Rahul's alcoholism are never explained anywhere in the whole movie. Aditya Roy Kapur has mettle and Shraddha is beautiful too. But their chemistry fails to create any overall spark. Aditya's earlier movies like Action Replayy and Guzaarish failed to bring out his real potential to the fore. 

'Aashiqui 2' is a film with its heart in the right place. There are many moments of pure cliché between the lovers. And these moments, so deeply entrenched in the conventions of our cinema, blossom into fresh statements on modern love. 

Rahul : Aarohi

Aarohi: Kya?

Rahul: Kuch nhi..Bas yuhi.

The way Aditya looks into Shraddha's eyes is magical and enticing. It actually made me as an audience, fall in love with Aditya. The dialogues too reach out to the audience. Some of my favourites dialogues from the movie spoken at different points of time:

Aarohi: Itna pyar kab hua mujhse?

Rahul: Pyar, Mohabaat, Aashiqui, Sirf lavzo ke alava aur kuch nhi. Par jab wo mili toh inn lavzo ko maine mil gaye.

Rahul: Lagta hai mujhe ishq ho gaya hai.

Aarohi: Ye aadat tumhare saath reh sakti hai, main nhi?

Aarohi: Agar itna hi darr tha, toh itne paas kyu aaye tum?

Aarohi: Theek hai, main jaa rhi hu, tumse aur iss kamyaabi se dur.

Aarohi: Mere burey waqt mei tum the mere saath, ab agar ache waqt mei tum nhi, toh ye waqt bhi mujhe nhi chaiye.

Rahul: Dukhi ho gayi na tum mere ishq mei?

Last but not the least, I loved the way Aarohi wants to drown herself completely in Rahul's world and immerse herself in his love and further describes how she wishes Rahul to come to her and say that he has got bored of drinking and then they both will return back to the usual world.

I must admit this film does a very competent job of making us believe that true love still exists in this world and its a bliss. Man, woman, music, ambitions, dreams and despair, this movie has it all. 

In one word, I can summarise the movie as - 'Cute!' :)


Source: Internet

Holi Diaries : 2

Holi without songs and dance? Are you kidding me? Well, let the boring people stay grounded. This world is crazy, and I'm a part of it. So, here's my playlist for this Holi :

1) Aaj na chhodenge

2) Holi khele raghuveera

3) Do me a favour

4) Rang barse

5) Ang se ang lagana

6) Holi ke din

7) Mujhe rang de

8) Taal se taal

Enjoy the colours.

Love & Laughter,

Ila

Holi Diaries : 1

Lath maar holi? Hahahahaha..seriously lath maar holi...wowww sounds so freaking awesome.. *can't stop laughing* 

Aisa hai jaise bhi khelo..par holi jarur khelo. 
Bura na maano bhaisaab...happy wali holi hai jee. :P

Lath mar Holi is a local celebration of the Hindu festival of Holi. It takes place well before the actual Holi in the town of Barsana near Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The name means "that Holi in which [people] hit with sticks" (lath is a thick traditional staff).

Legend has it that Lord Krishna visited his beloved Radha's  village on this day and playfully teased her and her friends. Taking offence at this, the women of Barsana chased him away. Since then, men from Krishna's village, Nandgaon, visit Barsana to play Holi in the town which has the distinction of having the only temple dedicated to Radha in India.

In the sprawling compound of the Radha Rani temple in Barsana, thousands gather to witness the Lath Mar Holi when women beat up men with sticks (laṭh or lāṭhī) as those on the sidelines become hysterical, sing Holi Songs and shout Sri Radhey or Sri Krishna. The Holi songs of Braj mandal are sung in pure Braj Bhasha.

On the first day of Lath Mar Holi gops ( shepherds ) from Nandgaon come to Barsana to play Holi with the gopis of Barsana. The festival begins with a ceremony at the Radha Rani temple. After this ceremony gops then march out of the temple on the Rang Rangeeli Gali where they stop to play Holi with the gopis, who stand in groups along the street. The second day gops from Barsana go to Nandgaon to play holi with gopis at Nandgaon.

Holi played at Barsana is unique in the sense that here women chase men away with sticks. Males also sing provocative songs in a bid to invite the attention of women. Women then go on the offensive and use long staves called "lathis" to beat men folk who protect themselves with shields.

During intervals, participants sip 'thandai', a cold drink that is sometime intoxicating because it is laced with a paste called bhang, made of cannabis. Bhang and Holi go together. After drinking bhang, people react in different ways, some crave for sweets, others cry or laugh. It is an ecstatic experience, which is heightened by the revelry. It is a great way to de-stress and bond.

The air is thick with the scent of flowers and perfume. Rose petals and coloured powder rained on the pilgrims as they visited the deity sitting on his throne of flowers.

The women of Barsana start preparing a month in advance. 'The mother-in-laws feed their daughters-in-law rich food so that they show off their prowess on the Holi battle zone. It is a show of love, fun and equality.

Source: Wikipedia

Finally a 'Goodbye' !

I never intended to fall in love, but somehow I did. An year down the line, I just could not imagine where am I headed towards! But now that I realise that its love; a forbidden love, I choose to take my steps back. Back, not because suddenly am afraid of the purest feeling, but because he has refused to listen to his heart. While am all armed to go against the world and to face all the dire consequences to have him with me. All through the phase of falling in love with him, I was aware that he will end up hurting me, and then may be I will do the same. I will hurt him with much more intensity. I will leave him perplexed, in utter mess. Love, as I know is meant for happiness. But this love almost killed me. The 'real me' died in the process of loving him, caring for him, and making him realise that the feelings are mutual. Now, its the 'virtual me' that is tired of pleading with him all day and night. They say that 'the most special love is the most difficult one'. And our love, well its beyond words, its real. Yet it tears me apart every time I look at him or wait endlessly for a loving message from his side. I never (even in my worse dreams) had thought that of all people, he will be the reason for my endless tears. Anyway, I guess, I gave him much power to hurt me, ruin me, make me weak, and kill me. Enough of it has happened so far. So, I will pause here and take an about turn. And I promise not to leave without saying a 'goodbye'. Its really hard to bid adieu to someone who means so much to you. I am sure this pain will cease after sometime, but if I continue to fake a smile in front of him while I am dying inside then this pain will be with me for a lifelong. I love myself way too much so I can't expose myself to more pain. I have suffered a lot and I am not blaming anyone for that. May be its all a one-sided thing. May be he never felt that we could be anything more than best friends. But today I told him that I can no longer be his best friend and I wished him all the happiness of the world. How can I be best friends with someone I am in love with? Hope he understands and moves on. I am doing the same and I have no regrets. I am borne to be strong. I know that I will fix my heart again with tape and glue. Too often, the thing you want most is the one thing that you can't have. And so am letting my most precious thing go. I believe its for the best, and therefore finally gathering all the courage, I said the final words, "Am sorry, I can no longer be your best friend. Wish you all the happiness of the world. Here's a song especially dedicated to you -

Did I disappoint you or let you down?
Should I be feeling guilty or let the judges frown?
'Cause I saw the end before we'd begun,
Yes I saw you were blinded and I knew I had won.
So I took what's mine by eternal right.
Took your soul out into the night.
It may be over but it won't stop there,
I am here for you if you'd only care.
You touched my heart you touched my soul.
You changed my life and all my goals.
And love is blind and that I knew when,
My heart was blinded by you.
I've kissed your lips and held your hand.
Shared your dreams and shared your bed.
I know you well, I know your smell.
I've been addicted to you.

[x2]
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

I am a dreamer and when I wake,
You can't break my spirit - it's my dreams you take.
And as you move on, remember me,
Remember us and all we used to be
I've seen you cry, I've seen you smile.
I've watched you sleeping for a while.
I'd be the father of your child.
I'd spend a lifetime with you.
I know your fears and you know mine.
We've had our doubts but now we're fine,
And I love you, I swear that's true.
I cannot live without you.

[x2]
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

And I still hold your hand in mine.
In mine when I'm asleep.
And I will bare my soul in time,
When I'm kneeling at your feet.
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

I'm so hollow, baby, I'm so hollow.
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so hollow.
I'm so hollow, baby, I'm so hollow.
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so hollow.

Goodbye!"

Together Someday!

You love me, and I love you,

And I swear this love is true.

You say I'm your smile,

And you make my life worth while.

Yet our love is a difficult one,

So many problems and solutions none.

While am still ready to fight for us,

You choose to run and take a bus.

I don't understand what's scaring you,

For me, the only joy is seeing me and you.

I know deep down you want to hold my hand,

Once in a blue moon, will you try to understand?

You say you wouldn't ever say a goodbye,
But then why do you always make me cry?
If you want me in your life, then have the courage,
Don't treat me like a mere puppet on your stage.

Neither you let me go nor you hold me,
Am dying each day, can't you see?
Why is it so difficult for you to be with me?
Can't you just be in a relationship with me?

I keep on asking such random questions,
Questions sway in my mind without answers.
I wish someday soon you will realise,
And you would come to me with tears in your eyes.

You would then admit your love for me,
And then all the walls will break free.
I just hope you express soon and it does not get late,
I pray the fate remains on our side; the fate!

And then all around there will be joy,
'cause we will be together someday!!

I found his diary!

I found his diary underneath his pillow,
And I started reading the words that I always wanted to hear.
The words he had written took me by surprise,
Though I had already read them in his eyes. 
The words said that he had found the love he waited for. 
But the girl would never know it, he wouldn't show it. 

When he confronted with the writing there, 
And simply pretended not to care. 
I tried to ignore the fact that I felt the same,
He loved a girl who loved him too.
And still he tried to hide his feelings for her,
The love that he denied, for some reasons of his own.
But the girl would never know it, he wouldn't show it. 

And as I go through my life, I will give to him all my love.
All the sweet things that I can ever find. 

I found his diary underneath his pillow,
And I started reading the words that I always wanted to hear.
The words began to make me feel morose and tears began to flow,
His meaning now was clear to me, and it left me heart broken.
The love he'd waited for was always me but he wouldn't ever say it.
But I would now pretend that I don't know a single word that he wrote.

I will keep his secret in my heart,
Though its tearing my heart apart.
I know the reason now, I know why he wouldn't ever say,
Though the reasons are irrational, But I have no options.
But this secret love of ours is hurting us both,
So tonight I will let him go, we can't save 'us'.
Because loving him and faking not to, is killing me each day.

And as I go through my life, I will wish for his happiness. 
All the sweet things that he can ever find.

My Jaipur Diary - When the City of Palaces 'dated' Literature!

Journey through pictures :)

The Art of Flirting!

Flirting is an art that some girls have, and some girls don’t.

One has to have a complete understanding of a man’s mind in order to articulately enter and rule it. Usually men are attracted to women who are confident about themselves and not too easy to get.

Guys as we all know are always excited to see a charming girl and therefore they love the idea of flirting. However, this doesn't mean that they will outrageously flirt with every girl they come across. Some guys are even cowards to the extent that they avoid making the first move. Obviously, they wouldn't want to be called ‘perverts’.

Guys always look out for the signs from the girl before proceeding further. So, it’s very necessary for a girl to make the right moves to attract a guy’s attention. You as a girl have to let him know that you’re approachable and open to healthy flirting.

Make sure to read his body language before giving him any signs. Don’t be scared to be the first one to approach or you may lose your chance! Go with the flow and let your natural feelings show. Be yourself, don’t imitate.

# BE CONFIDENT ABOUT YOURSELF

Whether you're fat, skinny, black or white, you are all beautiful. In my eyes, there are a lot of you who don’t use yourself to your full potential. You need to start believing that anything and everything can happen to you, you're a princess in your own way, you’re all beautiful, just smile because you deserve to. Be confident and comfortable in your skin. Loving yourself is the first rule to charm a guy!

# THE CURVE ON YOUR FACE IS ESSENTIAL

Guys are bowled over by a happy girl. Smile is the best make-up you can put on to naturally charm a guy. Be sure to smile and laugh occasionally while conversing with the guy you want to flirt with. Don’t give cocky comments as it usually makes the guy stay away. Just a little blush on your face when he compliments you, will make his heart skip a beat.

# EXPRESSIONS

Shot him a coy smile as you pass by him. It would act as a friendly gesture. Eye contact is another key expression to show a guy that you are interested in him. It’s basically finding a guy you have an attraction to and holding that gaze. Remember, the next time you’re having a conversation with a guy you like, look into his eyes deeply and smile as he’s talking to you. It may confuse him or make him feel awkward, but a deep eye contact and a happy smile will definitely leave him weak in his knees. Spend a few minutes in front of the mirror every day and work on your expressions. Learn to use your eyes and your facial expressions to your advantage, and you won’t really need words to impress a guy and make him flirt with you.

# LAUGH AT HIS JOKES

It shows you’re interested and have a good sense of humour. Plus, humour is a personal characteristic, which shows him you’re comfortable around him. Laughing at your crush’s jokes will make him comfortable around you as well and give him an idea of your interest.

# COMPLIMENT HIM

Who doesn't love compliments? And compliments are one of the stepping stones of a happy flirty conversation. If you like something about a guy, make sure you compliment him for that. He would love the fact that you noticed something nice about him, and furthermore, he’d go out of his way to have a flirty conversation with you. Also, if he’s being rather courteous or chivalrous, thank him with a warm smile.

# BE EXPRESSIVE

Open your heart to him. Talk, talk and talk. Guys love to hear your sweet voice. Though make sure you don’t overdo it. Try to keep your conversation on the topic of his interests. You can run your hands through your hair to show off your confidence or tuck your hair behind your ears with your fingers to show off your sexy cuteness. But whatever you do, it’ll only make a guy’s jaw drop in awe. So don’t be afraid to express yourself.

# PLAY ALONG

You should learn to put him down in jest, or make him work harder to impress you. You can’t always put him on a pedestal using happy words. Don’t be too easy to get or the guy may lose interest. Guys love adventures. If you want to successfully flirt with a guy and make him like you, you have to make him feel special. But the flirty game still has to be in your control. If you don’t like his joke, say it. Make him feel good, but play along during the conversation.

# BE GIRLY

A brash or loud girl is actually more of a turn off for guys than anything else. Try to be subtle and feminine, be it in your voice or the way you dress. You need to make him feel like he can protect you. Men simply love it. If you want him to be drawn to you, you need to let him take the lead at least for a few minutes. Men like to take the lead, be it asking a girl out or flirting with her, so just play it easy and wait for him to start flirting with you. After all, you don’t want to start flirting before he does and risk a chance of getting blown off, do you?

# THAT MAGICAL TOUCH

The touch is essential. Guys are forever drawn to a girl’s touch. It’s involuntary, but every time a girl touches a guy, either on his arm or his shoulder, the guy opens up more and feels more comfortable to talk to the girl or flirt with her. There’s a subtle difference between healthy touching and making it seem vulgar!

# AVOID BEING DOMINATING

Guys don't always like being dominated by a girl. It gives them a subtle happiness to know that they command over their girls. Also, sometimes if a girl tries to dominate and get on the guy’s nerves, she might just end up hurting his ego. 

Flirting isn't a difficult task but doing it the right way is what makes the difference! Use your talent to best suit yourself. Good luck girls. Get yours guys. Cheers!

Love,
Ila.

How I visualise Life...(A journey through pictures)

What is 'life'? The answer to this question may vary from individual to individual. I believe that life is unique in all its aspects. Life as I visualise is an opportunity to see things differently and do things differently. Some see life as an 'ice-cream' which is ready to melt, while others say life is like a 'hot fire ball' full of miseries. Life is full of failures but without failures would we ever be able to value the successes? No. Just like darkness of nights are necessary to appreciate the brightness of days, and tears are essential to realise the importance of a smile, similarly failures are indispensable need. We should learn from them instead of regretting them.

Being passionate about photographs, these days I love to see life in my photos -

Life is like a stage where you come for a while and perform. Make sure you prepare well and make your performance unforgettable as there are no retakes! Good luck! :)

Life is short so why let the differences of caste, creed, colour, sex, etc. spoil the fun of it? The differences in us act as flavours. Like the food is tasteless without the various spices added in it; life is incomplete without the variety. Lets pledge to live in unison and love each other for what they are.

Life is like an unknown journey full of mysteries. Be sure to enjoy all the twists and turns of it. Never let a moment of sadness engulf the entire happy life awaiting you!

Girl with a Handbag!

Hi all the lovely people out there!

Am sure at some point of the time, you must have tried guessing what’s there in a girl’s handbag that she never lets you touch it? She compromises on most of the things, and share every bit of gossips She tells you everything, loves you and is loyal to you too but when it comes to touching her handbag, she gets offended. I think of myself as a perfect example for a 'Girl with a Handbag!' I just cannot leave home without a handbag! So, a little eye- opener for you, here.

While sitting at a coffee shop recently, I and a friend of mine were literally fighting over the importance of a woman’s handbag in her life. I know that's a lame topic to discuss but then we are a little crazy. He then shared this mini story about his lecturer trying to categorically differentiate between a man and a woman. According to him, a man, carries things which are only useful (mostly, just money); the no-nonsense stuff, so whenever he needs to find something, in a matter of seconds he’ll find it. But, when it comes to women; situation is totally different. They have to search through their entire wardrobe (well that's the word that he actually used for my bag, Gosh!) and only after looking into each and every pocket twice, they manage to find the needful. Phew! No way! It’s not always the case, is it? No! *pouts*

What’s so laughable about the insides of a woman’s handbag? Why do you think the connection of a women with her handbag is weird and funny? Do you think each and every item in there is useful or does not have a worthy cause? A cherished memory? A purpose? Well, I personally believe that all the items in there are highly significant. Let’s take a look at the contents as we spill out Miss X’s purse onto the examination table. Her name has been kept under wraps to protect her from the unnecessary harassment.

Here we go, 3 - 2 - 1. -

1.  A BEAUTY BAG

So the thing that almost all the ladies have in their bags, is a tiny little make up kit. It actually varies from woman to woman depending on how much makeup they wear in their everyday life and how prone they are to makeup brands. So based on this, the makeup kit can be a little coin clutch filled with a lip gloss or two or it can be another small bag filled with everything from a lip gloss to primers and foundations.

2. LADIES PERSONAL EFFECTS

The next item on this list will be the ladies personal effects. Every known woman on the planet is sure to carry their personal belongings with them for the simple reason that it is unknown when they might be needed or some friend might end up needing one. These again can be carried around randomly and some women who like being organized might carry them around in a little purse of their own which I personally think is very cute!

3. A CHIC WALLET

This item, in which men apparently carry all their stuff, is also one of the ingredients of the mysterious bag of a woman! Every girl or woman would surely be carrying a wallet of sorts. Now there are some who are so brand conscious that their wallet would be nothing short of a Prada, or Chanel, or Coach. Then there are others for whom anything would do and so they carry around stuff in a pencil-case! I cannot say for sure but I think carrying a proper wallet is much more appropriate!

4. A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES

Kind of like the others, sunglasses is another must have ingredient. Every female would be found carrying one at least and again, branded or not is totally dependent on the chic in question. If you do not believe me you can ask your lady-love if you can have looks in her bag and find out for yourself! Although beware before you ask this question because it depends entirely on how close you are with her. Women are very possessive about their bags as it is, and peeping into one is considered very rude.

5. GUMS AND CANDIES

You will hardly find a girl who is not carrying some sort of candy or bubble gum in her purse. I have known girls to carry two same brands of gum in their bag, both of them unfinished and both of them open. There is something about girls and candy and chocolate that men just cannot seem to figure out. Perhaps having so much candy is why they are so sweet.

6. HANKIES

No girl in my circle of acquaintances can be found without hankies. There are women who like carrying around small containers of tissue papers along with them because of health issues. Then there are women who carry around wet tissues for that moment of freshness whenever and where ever it is needed. Some carry around tissue papers because public restrooms are normally out of them, also, in case you sneeze and you do not have a tissue on you, it would seem very anti-feminine. This little fact that girls have tissues on them, is so known now that a man is surely bound to assume that a woman has tissues in her purse, if not, they are just amazed if nothing else!

7. LOTIONS AND SANITIZERS

I would personally find it hard to believe that a woman does not have a lotion or a sanitizer in her bag. Lotions because whenever hands are washed, they tend to dry up and that is just hateful and uncomfortable. Also, the skin tends to dry up sometimes for which a lotion comes in very handy. As far as the sanitizers go, well assume that you are riding on a bus and accidentally put your hand on someone else’s boogies, EEW! How would life be without sanitizers! A night mare for sure! I for one would not want to have my hand smelling of something disgusting and finding out that there is absolutely nothing I can do about it till I find a washroom!

8. PERFUME

Ever wondered how women smell so nice all the time! Well that is because, even if there is nothing else in the purse of theirs, there is bound to be a deodorant, an antiperspirant, a body spray, a body mist, or a perfume! One of these items is surely lying around there somewhere. It might seem that women are pretty high maintenance, but to be honest, they just like being neat, clean, and presentable at all times. After all, they are expected to be aren’t they?

9. A COOL PHONE

Another very cool accessory is the phone! The I-phones are the latest trend and if not that, it certainly would be an android phone. The phone category basically covers all the electronic gadgets that can be found in a woman’s purse and please feel free to include an iPod or a similar music thingy, headphones for sure, and perhaps an iPad too! What will a girl do if she did not tag her whole life around with her.

10. KEYS AND A NOTEBOOK/PLANNER

So guys have a single key to their car with which they hang their room key and that is nearly it. For women, it is a whole other story. They have these blingy key chains in their bags, most probably with something furry and pink, and also a notebook or a planner. Apparently, women would be lost without these items. I think all of these add up to make women the women we know them to be. Cute little human beings with little things that cause them to be happy!

Oh! And this is not all. Some other things found are -

11. A dozen bandages- Okay, sometimes I get frustrated trying to find a bandage, so I buy a new one. Who knows I could get hit on something hard and be poor. I’ll surely be glad I have a year supply of bandages then, won’t I ? Just kidding! But you agree they are essential, right?

12. Unfinished chocolate bar- What? Nothing’s wrong with it. You know, if your bus’s late and your probably starving, you might just wish you had something to eat.

13. 7 pens,3 pencils and a glitter pen (Stationary) - I have a phobia, I can’t help it. I must carry multiple writing instruments. You never know, what you may just need to complete a project.

14. Photos -  Yes, you heard it alright! Photo of me and my close friends. Well, I may just need to remember them. And sometimes, photos on your phone may not be sufficient! Aww.. I know am super sweet! *wink*

15. Umbrella - you live in Delhi, too. Don’t you? You know the heat! Umbrella is a constant companion for a woman be it summers or monsoons. Imagine, what would have happened to woman’s race without it?

Miscellaneous-  Water bottle, daily planner, office papers, college notes, money (if any space is left) etc. depending upon the weather for instance, summers- cotton gloves, winters- woollen gloves etc. What?! It’s important at times.

I have my sympathies with Miss X and her handbag. I personally, don’t find anything that should be discarded or left out. I mean, just take a look at everything listed above has so much usage in one’s life.

As for men, they have always been and will always be clueless about the complexity of a woman’s life. A woman is a miracle of divine contradictions. It’s easier to clean a woman’s mind than her handbag, because mind changes but no matter what she likes to keep her handbag same as always.


As the saying goes, "To generalise on women is dangerous. To specialise on them is even worse". So, be careful,friends!

LOL

*Cheers!*
Stay blessed!
Love & Laughter,
Ila
xoxo