A know-all list to become the "Shonar Chele" (Literal English translation: Golden Boy)

Well, it has been documented over and over again. It has been illustrated with apt pictures and equally apt examples. However, none could really light up that 1000 Watt bulb in the cerebral cortex. And so I thought why not. Something that has already been written can always be rewritten, so says the wise man.

Things have changed more or less too much over the years. The waves of globalization have struck the shores of India and Bengal has not been left behind and the effect has been catastrophic (and this is no exaggeration). The stereotypical images that have been painted over the years hold good no longer. A Bengali girl’s “Knight in shining armor” is no more the “Feesh” conquering, bespectacled frog prince in bad shape and the thinking cap put on in great panache. He got to be little more (yes, Bengali girls love to play with paradoxes) than that. The following is an extensive list of what Bengali girls look out for in their potential partner. So, if your eyes are on that sexy bong babe (Yeah, Bengali girls are sexy in their heads) in your office or your neighborhood, you now know what to do (Yeah, of course, learn this list by heart, to begin with).

1. If male chauvinism is your forte you are straight away out of the race (If you still gotta try you sure gonna retire hurt).

When it comes to relationships Bengali girls love to be bossy (Yeah, don’t fall into the trap of their more-than-required innocent eyes and start presuming a thing or two). They can go back home with equality, but chauvinism will never ever go down their system.

1. If you aren’t a fish enthusiast you are still bearable but if you aren’t aware of the magic of fishes you are dead.

Bengali girls have learnt to pardon guys who cannot tell “rui” from “katla” over the years (with a heavy heart though) but those who cannot understand their larger-than-life emotions attached to this particular aquatic species are heartlessly butchered (Yeah, Bengali girls don’t mince their words really when it comes down to fishes.)

1. If you haven’t heard a single Rabindrasangeet in your life you still have your chances notwithstanding how miserable you are but if you are not prepared to hear it over the years to come you better hang yourself (before she does).

Well Rabindranath Tagore has been the heartthrob since time immemorial. He had been a woman’s man in the true sense and a Bengali damsel will not let you go without filling in your Rabi Thakur (that’s what they lovingly call) vacuum.

1. If you cannot hold a political debate your existence (in her life) becomes debatable on the spot.

How I wish things were different but with a lady ruling the state the situation has worsened for you guys. You gotta get your political stats in place before you want other things to fall in place.

1. If you don’t understand the power of red and white together she will refuse to understand you straightaway.

Bengali bombshells always have this enormous fetish for anything white with red borders, be it their sarees or their suites or even their ever glorified “Sakha Pola”. You never mess with their “red and white saga”. You dare not.

1. If you remain bewildered about the entire hullabaloo over a female deity with ten hands and all the crazy shit that starts even before she arrives, well, remain so. Don’t you dare question.

Durga Puja a Bengali’s religion and you don’t question anybody’s religion right?

1. If you are a control freak and you have this fetish to control everything in your girl’s life you can let the Bengali mademoiselle of your dreams stay just there. In your dreams, that is.

Well, Bengali girls are a tad bit independent than their contemporaries. They are a bit on the wilder side and that is what makes them so covetous. You cannot agree more.

1. If you are not very comfortable conversing in the heritage the British people left behind, you need not. But don’t you try too hard. Because you will not like the booby trap awaiting you once you start.

Well, Bengali girls know their ABCDs a little too well and they don’t mind if you are ignorant. However, don’t piss them off with unnecessary display of wrong English. Let me tell you it isn’t helping your case in any which way.

1. Bengali babes aren’t the money types. They are more the art types. So when you are trying to impress her with gifts, you got to spend less of money and more of time.

Well, I am not saying that Gucci bag or a Zara dress won’t go down well. However, all said and done, she will rave more over a well-written letter, a wisely chosen book or a hand-made card. So guys, now you know. You got to have a little art in you.

1. If you got to know her better you got to appreciate her fancy for sweeter things in life. Like a bhar of misti doi or piping hot nolen gur er rosogolla, or anything for that matter.

 You cannot overrule any ‘mishti’ that takes you to heaven and back. It cannot harm much right? Yes, I know you are screaming ‘Diabetes mellitus’, but who said too much?

And I would probably end on a sweet note.

Before I sign off, the numbers are all same because they don’t indicate priority. Like you know, we all set our own priorities and I cannot take such a huge responsibility on my tender shoulders. And if the list above does not work, don’t blame me because at the end of the day, girl, no matter where they hail from, will remain this mysterious species, eluding and enchanting you to ecstasy.

That Special First Meeting....

First meeting and you are already head-over-heels? Love at first sight, but hell you don’t believe in all that shit, huh? You are rational and you really hate being impulsive, don’t you? You are in two minds and you really don’t know whether you want to rush with things. But then you don’t want the fire to blow off just like that, isn’t it? You are desperately waiting for the other person to wave the green flag to take things to the next level, aren’t you? Read on because this is exactly what you have been looking for.

Following are the ways to give you a fair indicator whether the person on the other side is really thinking on your lines:

·   Immediately after that wondrous meeting (the one that you had been waiting for since your bed time story days) while you are still brooding over the person who you thought just launched (Love is rocket science, if you did not know) from your dreams, when you log into your Facebook profile you see a friend request from that special person and you immediately know the other person is just as interested. It’s like that super excited BINGO moment.

    In other words, the person would really take a lot of interest in your social life. He/she would really      like to know a lot more about you. He/she would burn the midnight oil to track you down somehow. And you know you are on the right track.

·   He/she would look out for any possibility (however small it may be) to meet you up again and continue the magic. Any little chance and he/she would grab it like he/she would never let it go.

Get the clue and play along. You too would cherish all the magical moments (They are treasures you would like to store in cool, dry place, maybe).

·   And once you meet up he/she would never let it end as if there is no tomorrow. Let’s go for a coffee would finally turn out to be a let’s end up with a fine glass (or two maybe) of “Sex on the Beach” and those extra succulent grilled prawns.

How does it matter really? Cocktails and prawns taste great anyways.

You should sit back and let things happen. That way you can give yourself the much needed time.

·   You only thought looks could kill? Hell no! He/she isn’t thinking on your lines. Some little glances can cause some serious heart malfunctioning. And he/she wouldn’t mind stealing a hell lot of them.

Those eye contacts would make so much of sparks fly that you would think its Diwali. Every day is Diwali in love and all that shit but you would love to believe it for once, wouldn’t you?

·   Oh! And you thought only credit card bills don’t come to an end, did you? Now you would find out really different things. Like, conversations don’t come to an end. Once you are talking you would keep on doing just that. It’s like you he/she has nothing else to do in this world.

·   And you thought nobody cares! And how you will be proven wrong all along. Your tiniest of words will be heard, minutest of expressions will be noticed, your pint-sized needs will be taken care of.

I know you are not going to complain at all. Who doesn’t want to feel important all the time and bask in the glory of undivided attention? I do and I know everyone else does.

·  Those excuses to come closer. That intentional brief brush of hands, that momentary arm on the shoulders and then a volley of sorry coming across. Silly, really, but then sometimes the silliest of things makes you the happiest of being.
Yeah, like wise men say, “Love isn’t about the biggest of things about the zillion smaller ones”.  I know you are yelling loud in your head, “No, it cannot be love.” But sweetheart, you are trapped (already) like those million butterflies in your stomach.

Sometimes things aren’t that simple. Sometimes you don’t have a clue what’s happening. Sometimes this list stands null and void.

Because after all love as I said my friend is rocket science.

Do get the copy of my first novel delivered at your doorstep.....
Do let me know how you liked it....
http://www.infibeam.com/Books/search?q=me+and+that+extra+n

The first press review of my book....

I am so damn excited.... I could not help but share.... Thank you "The Hindu" for giving a push in all the right direction....

http://www.thehindu.com/books/books-authors/girl-next-door/article5045030.ece

My debut novel

Guys
Good news awaiting all of you out there.
My debut novel will be up for sale at the end of this month.
Here I bring you a special pre-release glance at my book.

The cover of my book

I am sure you all gonna like it.

Like the Facebook page (link given below) for this book to keep yourself updated about the release date.

https://www.facebook.com/MATXN

Ten Most Beautiful Beaches of India

I am a trekker at heart but God I have a blood relation with beaches. My friends call me the "Sunshine" girl. Rightly so. My love for the sunny beaches is no secret. I give you the ten most beautiful beaches in India that are a must visit. 

Tarkarli Beach: : A long, narrow stretch of Beach with pristine white sand and azure blue water in the coastal area of Maharashtra is just what to you are looking for on a quiet weekend getaway. It is located at Tarkarli which is a village in Malvan Taluka, district Sindhudurg. From the beach, one can see the famous naval fort Sindhudurg built by Shivaji Maharaj together with the other sea fort Padmagarh. You can also indulge in water adventures like Snorkeling, Scuba diving and Boating.

Karaikal Beach: Calm and tranquil water, glittering sand, the much needed seclusion and resorts and cottages providing a brilliant sight of the sea, this is what Pondicherry beaches are all about. And the Karaikal beach is just the ideal package of all of these. It has a breathtaking view of the confluence Arasalar River and the Arabian Sea. If you panoramic view of the sunrise then this beach is a must visit. You can also enjoy the boating club on the beautiful backwaters of the Arasalar. The nearest airport to the beach is Trichy (Trichirapalli), the nearest Railway Station is at Nagore and regular buses ply from Pondicherry. 

Light house Beach: The Lighthouse Beach is a part of the famous Kovalam Beach. It is the southernmost beach and the one most frequented by tourists. It got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a rocky patch amidst the beach. The beach has not pristine, glittery sand, or it does not have vastness to boast of, a kind of unnatural commercialization has taken a toll really but that is not an end to the story. The sight of the lighthouse and those mighty waves beating against the rocks kind of makeup for everything.

Agonda Beach: If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing me-time you sure got to visit Agonda Beach, Goa. It isn’t as majestic as Bagha or Calangute but it definitely is much less frequented by tourists and your bonus surely is that it looks heavenly and inviting. Palolem is just 15 minutes by motorbike (10 km) away - but Agonda is generally cheaper, quieter, hassle-free and has much less "touristic" feel to it.

Varkala Beach: Also known as Papanasam beach, the Varkala Beach in Kerala gives us a wide angle view of the Indian Ocean. The word Papanasam means wash away sins. It is believed that a dip in the waters of Papanasam Beach washes away all the sins in one's life. Varkala beach is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea, a unique geological feature in an otherwise flat Kerala coast. The beach is a paradise for tourists looking for sun-bathing and swimming. Sunset here is must-watch event every day.

Radhanagar Beach: One of the popular beaches located at Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Radhanagar beach is the favorite among all nature lovers who love to explore. It offers a wide range of fauna and flora for one to explore. It's calm and clean surrounding offers a soothing sensation. To make you feel great I have this little piece of info for you; It was named "Best Beach in Asia" by Time in 2004.It is ideal for sea bathing and sun-basking. Radhanagar Beach is situated at a place which is 7 kilometers away from Dolphin Yatri Niwas at Havelock Island.

Rushikonda Beach: The lovely Rushikonda beach in Vishakhpatnam with golden sands and vast stretch of water is the best beach in Vizag. Rushikonda Beach, an ideal location to engage in water sports, is spectacular with its golden sand and the tidy waves of Bay of Bengal. It attracts a huge crowd of tourists day by day and many of them enjoy swimming, water skiing and wind surfing. 

   

Mandarmani Beach: Yeah ok I am being a little partial here but most of the other sites are too. They do write a lot about the southern beaches but miss out on the West Bengal and Orissa beaches. But you surely should know some of the resplendent beaches of Eastern India and Mandarmani definitely top the chart. Mandarmani is an isolated beach located in East Medinipur, one of the southern districts of West Bengal. It is almost 180km from Kolkata airport. Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, this newly developed destination has become a tourist hotspot. This 13 km long sea-beach on the Bay of Bengal coast offers a breath-taking view of the sea.

Gokarna: Gokarna is a town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state, India. Gokarna is the smaller, cleaner and less frequented version of Goa. Now you must have already guessed that it is the seventh heaven. It surely is. Gokarna has four beaches the most popular among them being the Gokarna and Om beaches having religious significance. The other secluded beaches are Paradise and Half-moon Beaches, but beauties nevertheless.

Vagator Beach: It is the northernmost beach of Bardez Taluka, Goa. It is located on the opposite bank of the Chapora River from Morjim in Pernem. Vagator Beach has dramatic red cliffs looking down on the shore and two fresh water springs within a stone's throw of the sea. Vagator Beach is split into two main beaches by a seaside headland which holds the car park and lots of stalls selling trinkets, clothes, soft drinks and snacks. As you face the sea, on your right is North Vagator Beach (Big Vagator) and on your left Ozran Beach, more commonly known as Little Vagator.

A secret entry:

Bangaram Beach: Bangaram beach in Lakshadweep is synonymous with Bangaram Island. According to Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Bangaram beach is among the world's ten topmost secret beaches. Bangaram island in the midst of Indian Ocean is inhabited by the employees of a luxury resort and its guests. Silvery beaches with swaying coconut palms, coral reefs and turquoise blue lagoons make Bangaram a heavenly escapade for travel enthusiasts.

Some special entries:

You must understand that choosing ten best beaches is particularly hard when you are in no dearth of choice. You have your own preferences and that kind of reflects on the choices you make. However I want you to know it all and hence I note down some beaches that I find amazing yet I could not include in the top ten spot.

Udupi, Karnataka: One of the cleanest beaches I have seen. White sand and blue water gives you a heady concoction of awesomeness. If you are around Karnataka this is a must visit. And your perk? It is the St. Mary’s Island.

Ullal Beach, Mangalore: Karnataka, with its 320 kilometer coastline, has many popular beaches. Among the many beaches in Karnataka, Ullal Beach is arguably one of the best. Stretched out in a hue of blue and green, this beach is a prime tourist attraction of the state.

Marari Beach, Alappuzha, Kerala: Little known Marari Beach, not far from Alleppey in Kerala,India is perfect for those people exploring the Kerala backwaters who feel like some time at the beach as well. The name Marari is shortened from from Mararikulam, a small and sleepy fisherman's village.Marari Beach is located in Kerala, a short distance from Alleppey and 60 kilometers from Cochin.

Gopalpur and Chandipur Beaches, Orissa: Gopalpur is a town and a Notified Area Council on the Bay of Bengal coast in Ganjam district in the southern part of Odisha, India. Once a commercial port, it is now a famous sea beach and tourist destination around 15 km from Berhampur. 

Have you seen the sea disappear in front of your eyes? A unique phenomenon rarely seen anywhere else, the sea recedes by as much as five kilometers every day on the Chandipur beach in eastern India, not just enthralling the onlooker but also offering an opportunity to literally walk into the sea.

Goa serves you a plethora of beaches. I will mention the most beautiful ones.

North Goa: Candolim, Sinquerim, Mandrem and Miramar Beaches.

South Goa: Palolem, Varca, Mabor, Cavelossim and Colva Beaches.

Kashid Beach, Maharashtra: I will come up with an article featuring the best of Konkan coastline and you will get a more detailed description of this Beach there. So look out for my next update.

Have the most of your sea fare. And do leave a comment if you find this article helpful. For more updates do join my blog. Stay tuned for more beautiful and unexplored places in India.

A Review of the book “Keep the Change” by Nirupama Subramanian

Chick lit transmogrifies into my favorite genre when I am really bogged down with a hell lot of work or when the blue bugs bite me hard. And on one such bloody blue (no I am not a cricket fanatic and it isn't bleed blue), almost a self-imposed remorseful day with a whale of a hole in my pocket when I went on a book shopping binge I picked up this delectable looking chick lit by debutante author Nirupama Subramanian beckoningly titled “Keep the Change”. I was absolutely looking forward to a bewitching escape from the gloomy mood I had called upon myself.

I was all geared up for the go with a tub full of strawberry ice-cream and a macro Milky bar.

While I was rotting here in my room, B. Damayanthi, the protagonist was rotting somewhere in Chennai, the reason being slightly more serious in her case. The menacing sound of the impending marriage bell was ringing hard and the greasy-haired, sambar-fed suitors (suckers would be more apt though) weren't making it any easier for the 2 year old poor Damayanthi (her age wasn't doing any good either). But when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. And so did Damayanthi. To save herself from the catastrophe she resorts to finding a voguish job befitting her “consistent track record of achieving academic excellence”. And soon enough she lands herself a sassy banker job and off she flies to Mumbai to put an end to her fight with marriage. And soon began the fight with herself.

The 356 page saga is at times racy and at other times downbeat; a mix of very good, good and not-so-good moments. Some gory details could have been omitted. A 250 page action packed novel could have done some real wonder. However, the ending did some wonder of course. It made up for all the sluggish pages that I could not wait turning. It was one of the high (the highest really) points of the entire story.

The characterizations were vivid. I could almost see Damayanthi and her team of soldiers. The language could not have got any better; a perfect balance of artistry and lucidity.

At one or two occasions the facts got jumbled up; natural when you attempt to write a 356 page epic. Justifiable and forgivable too.

Overall a good read. You really don’t keep anything back when you finish page no 356. But you have no qualms either. B. Damayanthi is forgettable but enjoyable at the same time. I wouldn't suggest you to go for the plunge and neither will I stop you if you eventually decide to take it.