Saved by a Shave

Image taken from here.

Finally the coveted day had arrived. I had been working in the same firm for over 3 years now, today was the day I was officially getting promoted. When my boss told me about the promotion I could barely contain myself.

As I drove to the office in my car, I became nostalgic and started remembering the day I first stepped into the office. The day of my interview.

The day started as any other. I woke up. Had a smooth shave with my Gillette Fusion blade and my Gillette Shaving Gel. I picked up my CV and left the house. Honestly speaking I had no expectation of getting the job. My batch-mate Rahul Verma (name changed to protect identity) was also short-listed for the interview. Now he was an all-rounder. He had almost as many degrees as Manmohan Singh and had just come back from foreign studies. I didn’t stand a chance.

I reached the office where I saw Rahul sitting on the couch. He wore a classy suit and had an expensive watch on. The only flaw in his appearance was the stubble on his face. But Rahul was confident. He knew he was getting the job. When he saw me, he looked at me with contempt, as if I was as nothing to him. We both gave the interview and went our separate ways.

Two days later I got a call saying that I got the job. I was ecstatic. At first I thought I got the job only because Rahul must have turned it down. But a mutual friend of Rahul and mine later confirmed with me that Rahul was never offered the job at all.

Back to the day of the promotion: I was standing before the entire office when the announcement was made. People came up to congratulate me. But I had something else on my mind. I dashed through the crowd, walked up to my boss and asked him why he picked me over Rahul all hose years ago, to which he simply replied, “You bothered to shave for the interview.”

This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette.

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A Close Shave!

“… my wife and daughter like it when I'm clean-shaven. If you see me with a clean face, then you know I'm in the kissing mode!”

-Patrick Dempsey

Image taken from here.

My roommate and I were sitting at the bar together, when we saw this amazingly hot girl, sitting all by herself on the bar stool, reading ‘Pride and Prejudice’. My roomate and I both decided to go and buy her a drink. He shouted “Dibs!”, and before I could say anything he made his way towards her, like a cheetah approaching a deer. He chatted with her for about a minute then returned to the table. He got shot down. Apparently, she told him that if she wanted to kiss a cactus she had one at home. She was obviously referring to his stubble. He hadn't shaved for about a week.

Image taken from here.

Fortunately, I had shaved that morning, so I decided it was my time to shine. I walked up to her and chatted her up. “Pride and Prejudice. Since you are already reading about two sins, how about a third?” I said, indicated towards myself. She giggled, and we totally hit it off. I asked her out for coffee, but she said she was busy. So we exchanged phone numbers and decided to meet some other day.

Unfortunately, whenever I called she was always busy. Weeks passed, and I called her less frequently, so as to not come off as desperate. Then one day, my roommate and I walking at Marine Drive in the evening, when suddenly I got her call. “Hey!” she said, “Can you meet for coffee in 20 minutes?” I answered in the affirmative. We decided on the café, which was a 10 minute walk from where I was at that time, and I promised I would be on time. After cutting the call I turned to my friend and told him what happened. He was happy for a couple of seconds then suddenly freaked out as if he remembered something. He reminded me about how he got shot down because of his stubble, and pointed out that I had more than just stubble, but an actual beard! He was right. I couldn’t go to her like this. But what could I do? She was expecting me in 20 minutes, and in that much time I could not go to the hostel, shave and reach the café on time.

Image taken from
Flipkart.com

Image taken from 
Flipkart.com

My roommate and  I looked at each other for a second, then we both had the same realization. We ran to the medical store near by and bought a Gillette Fusion blade and a Gillette Shaving Gel. I ran towards the café and rushed towards the washroom. I began shaving with less than 10 minutes left for my date. Fortunately, because of the Gillette razor and Gillette Shaving Gel, I could shave quickly without any pain or cuts. It was a smooth shave and I still had a few minutes to spare.

I stepped out of the washroom and waited for my date, who was exactly on time. She saw my clean shaven face, smiled, and the rest as they say….is history.

This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette.

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Seriously- Kitna Chain Hota Hai Na Sachchai Mein!

“An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it. Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self sustained.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

My father always loved his antique vase. It was his prized possession.  So naturally, when he found saw it broken into pieces in the living room one fine morning, he blew the roof. An emergency family meeting was called and my mom, my elder sister, my elder brother and I were interrogated like criminals. However, after a couple of hours of 3^rd degree torture, we all dispersed.  My father simply chalked up the incident to a natural disaster that occurred by the strong wind blowing the curtain towards the vase, causing it to fall and shatter into pieces.

My mother went back to the kitchen and my siblings went back to using their respective smart phones. However, I could not forget the incident so easily. I went out for a walk, all the time replaying the incidents of the previous night.

I had woken up for a glass of water in the middle of the night. On my way back to my room, just for fun I decided that I would try to find my way back with my eyes closed. I managed to get half way there, with only one bump against the dining room table, when I suddenly dashed into something and heard a shattering sound. I opened my eyes and there it was- the remains of what was once my Dad’s favourite artifact.

I was sad and afraid. If my Dad found out, it would be the end of me. So I decided to keep the truth to myself and take it with me to my grave. When I went back home the pieces of the vase were still lying on the ground. My father had prohibited anyone from cleaning it up, lest the matter be forgotten. I slowly made my way towards the dining table, all the while staring at the pieces of clay that were at the centre of the room. I grew pale and my head started aching. I was filled with so much guilt that I felt like the leading character in Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’.  My chest got heavier and heavier. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I started sweating profusely. I was out of breath. It was as though all the oxygen had left the room. I couldn't take it any more!

Kinley: “Boond Boond Mein Sacchai"
(Image taken from here.)

“Dad, it was me!” I shouted. I then explained the entire story to my Dad. I was surprised to find that my Dad was not as angry at me as I had imagined. Yes, he mildly scolded at me and told me never to walk around with my eyes closed again, but that was it! I was grounded for a week but it did not matter to me. A weight was lifted! I never felt so alive!

A few years later my Dad passed away. Looking back now, I am glad I told my Dad the truth. Had I lied to him, the guilt would have remained with me my whole life. So I have imposed on my self a rule to always come forward, be true to others and myself and live a pure life.

Kitna chain hota hai na sachchai mein!

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#WillYouShave ? Because I Definitely Will.

"Shave off your beard and wear a dress. You would be a great female impersonator."

-Simon Cowell

As a matter of principle, I would only shave right before a big interview or a date with an attractive woman. But that was before the fateful events of 24th November 2014. You see I got into the craze of what was being widely spread as 'No Shave November'. So I was strutting around with more than just stubble. In fact, a few days ago a classmate of mine 'Mr. Roy Kapoor' (names changed to protect identity of those involved), who was always clean shaven, publicly ridiculed me in class for this very reason. I paid no heed to his taunts and comments, although in retrospect I wish I had.

One Monday (24th November), as I was on my way to college, I got a call from my friend  informing me that the Principal was holding a 'small' intra-college Fashion Show. What he said next made me realize that the intra-college show was not so small after all. Apparently, the Principal was using the show as a means of deciding who would represent the college at the National Level Modelling Competition.

Now, I was always into modelling. I had the built for it, and was well-trained in my movements. If I got to participate in Nationals it would open some doors for me. Also, our Principal was young and smoking hot, and this show could have been an excellent chance to get her attention ;) . When I reached college I registered for the show immediately. Since the competition was organized in a haste, and without prior notice, we were informed that clothes has no bearing on our scores. I also found out that my arch nemesis 'Roy Kapoor' was participating.

The show started and I was waiting for my turn to come up. I checked out the rest of the competition. A few of them had a built as good as mine, but none of them knew how to 'walk the walk'. Roy was good. But not better than me. When my name was called out I went on the stage and did my thing. I had bagged the competition. Or so I thought...

Half an hour later, the Principal went on stage to declare the results. As she said "And the winner, who will be representing us at Nationals is ...", I was half up my seat, ready to walk up on stage. "...Roy Kapoor.", she exclaimed. 

Image taken from here.

I was heart-broken. i sulked for the next few days. November passed and I decided my beard was getting a bit too much. On the morning of the 1st of December, I shaved using Gillette Fusion, since that's the only blade with which one can get a good, clean, smooth and quick shave.

That day I went to college as usual, when the principal spotted me. She asked me if I was a student of the college. I nodded, trying all the time not to look down her blouse. "Why didn't you participate in the Fashion Show last week?", she asked. "But I did ma'am. I was the one in the blue shirt and cargo shorts." She thought for a moment and asked, "Did you have a beard back then?". I answered in the affirmative. "Oh. I wish you had come with a clean shave. I would have definitely picked you." Then she lightly stroked my smooth cheeks and walked away, leaving me both, confused and aroused.

But more importantly, I was upset. I lost only because of my stubble. I sore from that day that I would shave regularly. And from that day on, thanks to my Gillette Fusion, my life has never been better.

As for, how things went between me and the Princi, that's a story for another day. ;)

This post is a part of #WillYouShave activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette.

I tag: Monica's Corner for the #WillYouShave Challenge 
I tag: The Solitary Writer for the #WillYouShave Challenge 
I tag: Dare to Think, Beyond Horizon for the #WillYouShave Challenge 

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Quintessence of Quality: - MatrikaS Paper Products

"There is no friend as loyal as a book."

Ernest Hemingway

 Pen    -        Rs. 5

Book -        Rs. 100

Mood to study/work…..Priceless!

So how does one get into the mood to write? Believe it or not, but the stationary we use, the feel of the books we write in, the whiteness, texture and thickness of the pages, all effect the quality and efficiency of our work.

  

Notebooks Redefined

See the Texture of the Cover!

Allow me to illustrate. I am a student of law and an amateur writer. A few weeks back, however, I was suffering from writer’s block. I was half way through writing a story, when my mind suddenly refused to give me any further assistance. Then a few days later MatrkiaS’ Chanakya Journal [JRNL-STD-CHANAKYA] was placed in my hands. The very feel and texture of the cover, along with its overall look and colour tok me back to ancient times. It was as though Chanakya’s mind surged from the journal , to my hands, and finally to my brain. Ideas flourished in my head like a water fountain about to explode. I opened the journal to find a perfect stack of thick and white pages, the pleasures of which are known to many. I picked my quill and successfully completed my story.

MatrikaS Deluxe Notebook

After writing my story, I realized it was high time to start my studies. In this regard, MatrikaS’ Paper Products have never let me down. I remember the first time I was handed MatrikaS Deluxe Notebook [DLX-STD-A]. It was love at first sight. I had found my soul-mate, my life companion. I carried the notebook to my college and even to the office where I work part-time. Every time I took the notebook out of my bag, I was attacked by office colleagues, classmates and even teachers asking questions about where I obtained the notebook. Some were envious, and rightly so. The sturdy and strongly bound companion was a class apart. While it is normal for journals to have ribbon-bookmark, Team MatrikaS has been thoughtful enough to provide one even in a notebook.

Check Out the Page Quality

Bored? Play Tiger and Goat

MatrikaS also provides Game Instructions

After I was done with my studies I decided to take a break. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, no? That’s why it is important to have fun while you work. MatrikS’ 6-subject Notebook [6SUB-A4-B] has six divisions for 6 different subjects. Yes, an all-in-one book which can cover a student’s entire semester. The book has an extra special feature being a groovy cover. Look at the front-cover of the book. No, it is not just a stylish design, but also a board game. Team MatikaS has gone a step ahead and also provided the instructions of the game inside the Journal.

Yo! Check out the Bling!

But my friends, if you want to truly want to spoil yourselves I have the perfect item which will transcend you to another world. If you really want a royal or antique feel, wait till you see MatrikaS Antique Journal [ANTIQUE-JRNL-A5-MAROON]. A Journal fit for Kings! Actually, forget kings, the journal was not meant for man, for no mere mortal can truly be worthy of it. Ah! You may think I exaggerate, but you have probably not seen this journal. I was surpised to see how such a journal had entered the realm of man. Perhaps it was dropped from the heavens by an angel, because it can only be described as divine. To call it a ‘journal’ would not be appropriate since it is so much more than that. It inter alia has seven sections for one to write, organize and plan:- Account Summary, Contacts, To Do Lists, Action Plan, Ruled Pages, Index Pages and Personal Data. Apart from that it also has 256 solutions for office, studies, or practically anything! SFA Print (P) Ltd. and Team MatrikaS have truly outdone themselves. Bravo!

Thus my friends, like I have gone MatrikaS, I urge you also to put down your notebook and journal. Now I must bid your farewell. I have become weary typing the post and my fingers tremble to go back to my pen and my MatrikaS PaperProducts.

To see MatrikaS various Products go to: www.matrikas.co.in

Follow MatrikaS on: https://www.facebook.com/MatrikasPaperProducts

https://www.blogmint.com/

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Dabur Chyawanprash - Protecting Our Future

"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven."

- Henry Ward Beecher, reverend and social activist.

Kids are the future. But are we protecting our future to the best of our abilities? How can we train them to face life’s problems, if we cannot even help them overcome day to day infections, pollution and common bacteria and viruses?

They say that there is no cure for the common cold. And even if there was, isn’t prevention better than cure? When a child falls sick, he loses out on essential school-time, play-time and time in general. A weak immune system can also lead to other serious health problems.

By now most of you must be asking, ‘So what are we to do?’. Let me tell you about a a time-tested herbal preparation derived from 2500 years of old Ayurvedic formula and made from 48 trusted ingredients – Yes, Dabur Chyawanprash! Its true guys, consuming Dabur Chyawanprash regularly increases immunity by three times. Just half a teaspoon, twice a day, enhances your child’s (3 to 12 years old) immunity and helps to keep them mentally and physically fit. [Have milk after it, to get an even more happier and healthier child.] And wait, there’s more! Above everything else, Dabur Chyawanprash is nto just for kids!. Yes, even adults can enjoy its numerous benefits. (Dosage for adults: 1 teaspoon-full twice a day).

I remember in 8^th grade I used to keep falling sick. A simple weather change and I would be bed-ridden. My doctor suggested my mom to give me Dabur Chyawanprash. I did not give his advice much importance at the time. I thought, ‘I need a miracle and he is suggesting something which is available in every general/medical store.’ But my Mom complied and I was given a teaspoon of Dabur Chyawanprash everyday. In 9^th grade I got a 100% attendance. Only two people in my batch managed to do that, me and another kid. After collecting our certificates for achieving 100% attendance, me and this kid got talking . I asked him what was his secret. At first he refused to say anything, but after considerable persuasion, he reluctantly recvealed the truth. He only said two words: ‘Dabur Chyawanprash’. I said ‘De talli!, even I’m a Dabur Chyawanprash boy!’

Ek Chamach, Zindagi ki

Lastly guys, compulsion is not going to work. For kids to make a habit of having any health supplement, it must also be yummy. If its not yummy, its not going to go in their tummy. Above all else, Dabur Chyawanprash is also extremely delicious. But what if your kids don’t fancy its taste? No worries! Dabur Chyawanprash also comes in three yummy and exciting flavours: Mango, Orange and Mixed Fruit.

So my friends, go get fit, get healthy, get Dabur Chyawanprash!

To know more please go to:   https://www.liveveda.com/daburchyawanprash/.

Use Apps and Social Networking Sites to Wake up Potential Voters!

Despite various campaigns to encourage people to vote, the actual turn-out of voters was quite low. The biggest flaw in holding actual campaigns and events to encourage voting is that you can only reach out to a few hundred at a time. We need to shake the public at a mass-level.