That half an hour into the enchanted Forest (Sanjay Vans)

Yesterday I took a tour into a city forest. Sanjay Vans, a sprawling forest lying just next to Qutub institutional Area, is such a visual feast away from the commotion of traffic. I had heard so much about this thickly wooded area but couldn't make myself go inside and check it out for real. Maybe because of the negative rumours of it being one of the most haunted places in Delhi. However Yesterday, I actually convinced myself to go inside. To my surprise I got the most positive vibes when I went in. I took a moment to breathe in the freshest air and the Smell of Geeli-mitti (it was actually a moment for me). It is one of Delhi's largest green spaces, with vermillion and fuchsia boughs of bougainvillea, trees spreading, curving and twisting in yogic poses. There were different species of vibrantly hued butterflies, a peacock which disappeared into the foliage upon seeing me and sang all the time we were there, and leaves and flowers falling all the time. It was very pleasant to be out of the metropolis and its mundanity and chaos to be inside this serene natural wonderland, soaked in a very light rain, listening to the birds chatter with each other from their respective tree points. As I sat there now, recalling what I had read about the southern Ridge and its history which stretches back to Pre Sultanate Period, it started to drizzle. And as it was getting darker, I came out, determined to come back again to get immersed in the atmosphere.

Chai ki Chuski

My best friend's mother, Huma Aunty is very fond of chai just like all of us, and she takes it to a very next level by having such a beautiful collection of Chai ke pyaale and teapots. It makes me think of having my own collection of delicate tea cups and variety of Chai-patti too (someday definitely). Last week when we visited the cottage emporium in Janpath, I remember her picking some very interesting chai pattis like Kawa and Orange pekoe Darjeeling tea.

Tea is comfort for me, a lot of you will agree with me here.  We Indian are the most fascinating when it comes to Chai, everyone has their own taste of tea and the way they like their tea differs from person to person. Moreover, how is it that every Indian house has an evening Chai session and each family, each house has its own Chai recipe!? The evening chai ritual for me is something, I only enjoy at home. I should tell you that during winters and ofcourse when I am writing or studying, a cup of Chai is like an extension of my hand. But right now I am more into Coffee. actually there are phases, somedays i want coffee and somedays I am only drinking tea.

For me the most important thing is how the Chai is made. I share the exact same taste for Chai as my mother and my chachi. We like it simple. Starting with boiling the water with chai-patti and lot of adrak and then a dash of milk, with right amount of sugar (a super sweet cup of tea is a total no-no)
At home it is made so often that we end up drinking three or four cups a day. But you know what my favourite part is? (apart from drinking it, and definitely not making it) I love the smell of Chai and Coffee. Such a warm and uplifting smell. The moment I bring the cup close to my lip and smell the chai before taking first sip, (yes I judge chai with its smell) that is my favourite moment. The perfect concoction of tea reminds me of rain and pakoras and the roadside dhabas and the chai break we took during classes and the family funtions at home with cups of sweet chai being passed around. Basically it reminds me of home. Funny thing is however hot it gets still people do not give upon their Garam Chai ki Chuski. Right?

A week ago, we were admiring the dressed up interiors of Qutub Minar complex, the wonderful Jaali work (Lattice work) flooding the space with its beauty. Believe it or not you can never have enough of Qutub Minar in one visit or two. Each time I visit this place I observe something new which I couldn't  from the last visit. 

These two Besties in the Hills

This picture really makes me happy. Such a perfect frame. There are hills, there is cool breeze (that’s the need of the hour in Delhi) and there are tiny pebbles which I adore, its positive, its green and most importantly its cute (cuteness and positivity rules in my world just by the way). Moreover, these two fellas got me thinking about a lot of things. They look like companions waiting for better things ahead. May be they are Best Friends looking for the next meal they can get (why? because food is awesome). They definitely look like they are made for each other.

Too we are made to believe that our soul-mate is someone that we fall head over heels in love with. We believe that a soulmate is someone who will be by our side always, the one that we will spend our lives with.

Well, it is not entirely false.

Except, lately I have started believing that maybe our soulmates are not the ones we get romantically involved with? Sometimes you just find one heart that you connect with. Believe me, the best relationships are the ones who you do not seek for and they are already there. You can find your soulmate in your parents (like I do), your siblings, and your friends. Moreover, in my belief your passion can become your companion in life too. And you can come across several soulmates in your life. Your soul does not limit you to aligning with others like you, others who feel like home to you. The people who you don’t have to put in much effort with but just naturally click; those are the relationships you know will last a lifetime no matter how far life takes you apart.

Your best friends easily make the best soulmates because even though you most likely will lead different lives, but in the end you will always be together (and forever) I am so glad I have found my magical relationships, my very own Soulmates. Have you?