2007 Ki Jai

2007 is gone. I'm sad that it has, but you really can't hold on to anything for long, can you? I have to agree that it was an amazing year,and maybe more memorable than the last few.
When the year began, I really was expecting a lot from it. Firstly, because it's the last year with section F and also because I believe 7 is lucky for me. You all must have read in the newspaper how 9 occurred again and again in Benazir's life. It's similar for me. I'll tell you the gatha in another post.

This year was simply amazing. We got Lakshmi ma'am as our class teacher, and though we hated her sometimes, we loved her too, and couldn't deny that she taught us a lot. Then, the French exchange trip was too good. I was a bit baffled at first by the speed with which the people spoke French, but began to enjoy it too. I was lucky to have my host in Cognac (yeah! Cognac!), as I got to see Cognac, as well as Angouleme and Paris. Paris was pretty, but quite small, and the Eiffel tower was huge! There weren't cute guys in France at all, unlike what Meha had predicted (well, except for my host's boyfriend. Damn.). I also discovered (even though I expected it) that the French thought us, like, VERY backward, expected we slept on the floor and gasped in surprise when they found us using the Net or Hotmail. It was also hilarious sometimes, like when Vidisha's host turned out to be lesbian and when Utkarsh showed us the video of the theme park he went to, where the background of a kids' ride had pictures of nude girls. (Read all posts in May)

I sadly had to miss our assembly,which I can guess from descriptions, was horrible. Because -
a) very few were allowed to participate and
b) Sambhav was apparently selecting the songs (sheesh.)
c) etc.

Then, I also loved the time spent at my grandma's place with my cousins in the summer holidays, though it was a bit cramped in the 4-bedroom house. Everyone in the immediate family was staying there and it was one of the most wonderful times I spent with my family. Everyone was so caring and loving. Out of the 9 cousins, I'm the middle one, 4 older, 4 younger. It made me feel good inside to see how everyone cared about me. I wasn't left out of anything. I went with the adults to the hospital, I played with the little kids, I went shopping with the older kids, but, it would have been nice if we all hadn't met because my aunt was sick. We all used to laugh and smile around her, make plans how we'd go for a whole family trip to Shimla or some place, when she got well. She didn't. God bless her soul. (Read post She)

I had to work hard to catch up with work after the holidays and man, was it tough!
Since then, till now, I've been discovering work I haven't done and was supposed to do in the holidays.

My aunt died soon after the assessments, and my reaction to the news wasn't unlike the one I had on hearing that Benazir had died. I went "Huh? What? Are you serious?" It's a pity she left with dreams in her eyes of getting well, going for family trips and of one day showing me her home in Lucknow. I haven't been there yet. I don't think I want to go.

Then, I fell in love again. No, not that way... I fell in love with life. I don't know why I felt so happy and thankful for everything. This happened exactly after the half-yearly's. There was Saturday after the last test and Id on sunday. I spent the next few days visiting places around Delhi where I hadn't been before, and suddenly felt very thankful for being here, where I am. I realized that life couldn't get better than this. Well, it would be good enough if people stopped wanting more. That time, there was nothing I wanted and felt happy just looking around at the things I have. I kept smiling without a reason, being nice to the worst of people and was sooo happy for around one month till when it began to wear off a bit. I mean, seriously, we're so lucky! I go to Asia's best school, am born in the world's most culturally diverse country and live in the capital! Delhi is amazing, extravagant, diverse and I'm some of the lucky ones who live in Delhi, but not on the road. I was thankful to my great-great grandfathers for not going to Pakistan and to my parents for coming to Delhi. I have a father who is ready to blow a couple of lakhs so I can see the world. My mom is so lenient with me, (unlike other Muslim mothers who want their kids in burqas) and allows me to wear anything except the sleazy dresses. I have a loving brother, who only recently turned into a preacher, (after going to college). I don't know about you, but I love my country of a million different views, of billions of ideas, of thousands of languages, of a crore examples of hope and faith, of the everyday exercise of democracy and freedom, of people with the strength to stand up for their rights, of the many accommodated cultures, and I'm proud of my country who is willing to change without losing its roots from the past. Here is a country willing to keep you no matter which religion or caste you belong to. I've never not been accepted or made fun of because I'm a Muslim in a country where majority of people are Hindus. This general acceptance isn't found in all countries. And I really love my life because of all that.

Thanks a lot 2007, thanks a lot.
And oh yeah, Adi is still an ass. Time won't change my view about him.

Bullets, Bullying And Bullshit

I don't think there's anyone who hasn't heard about the "crazy kid" who shot a guy dead in school. If you haven't, firstly, you're a big geek, and secondly, here's what happened -

All these people studied in Euro International School. Abhishek, the guy who died, was a big bully who often bullied the guy owning the gun, Akash and his friend, Vilas. Abhishek had bullied them for 3 months till getting shot. On December 10, the two, Akash and Abhishek fought again, and then, Akash decided to fix him. He got the gun to school and hid it in the restroom, challenged the guy during Break, got the gun and shot him. Akash and his pal fired 5 shots between them. They both were 14.
OK, That's Very Freaky. I was 14 until 3 weeks ago and really can't imagine myself being so irritated by anyone as to shoot him(or her). I mean, what the hell? The school didn't notice the bullying, the parents didn't notice anything wrong (which I find strange), and they actually kept a fully loaded gun on their TV trolley! What the hell?
I really can't believe that Akash had been bullied for 3 months to such an extent and his behaviour did not change. Everyone gets bullied, verbally, or physically. The poor guy being pushed to such an extent is weird.

Well, ok, even I didn't know how to handle being "bullied" until last year, when I got some sense. Whenever someone said something mean to me, I got very angry and started hitting, or cried. Both the reactions are very dumb, I know, but I felt bad about even the tiniest of jokes and took everything to the heart, something that no one should ever do. Now, if anyone cracks a joke on me, I laugh along and take it easy, but if it gets too vulgar or abusing, I ignore the person for days on or stare at him as if he's shit, if it can be handled that way.

I searched, and came up with this list of cases of weird violence in schools -

# In West Bengal, a teen stabbed a girl for refusing to marry him.

# I don't get what this means,but I'm quoting it for the benefit of those who do - "... then, there's the case of a Mumbai schoolboy who strangled himself in an apparent asphyxiation fix gone sour." Well, I know what asphyxiation is, but I don't get the line.

# A guy killed his classmate 2 years ago and has recently got a life sentence. (No more information was provided)

# Quoting - "a student of a prominent south Delhi school (who was being constantly bullied) hurled a stone at his tormentor, injuring him seriously." No, I understood what this means well and guessed that they were referring to our dear school. I couldn't remember such an incident, but then vaguely recalled what I'd heard from a senior. This took place after school during some band competition. The guy apparently threw a brick at another fellow, and thanks to this incident, our schools band, which was last, wasn't allowed to perform its last 2 songs. I heard about the incident only cause it stopped our band from playing and winning, and that's what everyone had been actually been worried about. This happened sometime this year only.

# Everyone must have heard about the weirdo who jumped off the A block, cause he was challenged to, and broke a bone or two. (Wah! Poetry without even trying! Wah!). Thankfully, even though we were in the block right opposite (C), i didn't see the guy cause we'd gone for a picnic. The guy had apparently twisted his leg in a weird manner. Ewwww!!!!!
The funny thing is, the bullies, who try to act really coo and behave like bonds, are supposed to do so cause they're insecure. I find that weird, because they seem/ show themselves to be so popular, powerful and great. Also, if you want to know, the Faridabad Juvenile Home,which houses k(ids)riminals, has 55 kids! Ooh, krime is on the high.

Fish Water Of Queen Is

People really teach their kids a lot of shit. I mean, seriously.

Take as an example, the nursery rhyme that all of us learnt at one time or another - " machhli jal ki rani hai" (fish water of queen is- translating seedhe). This poem is full of falsities and dumbness that we shouldn't at all teach, not even to innocent kids, for that matter. I seriously disagree with each and every line. Here is the reason -

Machhli jal ki rani hai (fish water of queen is) - how can fish be the queen or king for that matter of water/water bodies? Almost all water bodies are owned by the government and those not belonging to any country, the oceanic resources beyond 200 km of exclusive economic zone do not belong to anyone. I also do not know of any monarchy by fish.
Jeevan uska pani hai (life its water is) - hey, we should be promoting democracy. Each and every fish should have a right to decide what its life should be about.
Haath lagao to dar jaegi (hand putting so frightened becoming) - you know, some pet fish like dolphins, etc do like to be touched and petted. This line is not at all applicable to them,and thus is false. It is also not applicable to sharks and other fish,who,far from being frightened,want to rip your arm off.
Bahar nikalo to mar jaegi (out taking so dead becoming) - since the time period is not given, I do not agree with the statement. Also,flying fish fly out of the water regularly and don't just drop dead when they do.

By the way, no arguments allowed.

Baap Re! Pre-boards aa rahe hain!

20 signs that show that the pre-boards are coming-
1) Nerds start taking leaves.
2) The number of people present are less than half the class's strength.
3) You see people studying during free-periods.
4) Everyone starts worrying the teacher about finishing the syllabus.
5) Everyone has a look in their eye like a sheep has before a butcher.
6) 'Kitna syllabus ho gaya', becomes a FAQ.
7) When refering to the pre-boards,the tense changes from future to immediate future.
8) Syllabuses seem so long,they could fill a telephone directory.
9) Heartless teachers take your P.E./ library/ free periods.
10) You start researching about the current bribe rates.
11) Your parents glare at you whenever you leave your study-table.
12) Your parents suddenly agree that taking off is better than going to school.
13) Every senior becomes a wise-guy imparting knowledge on facing the pre-boards.
14) The pre pre-board horror stories become strangely frightening.
15) Whenever you tell some one you're in tenth they give you the pitiful look that is usually reserved for beggars.
16) 'Just hanging around' becomes one of the most rare things to do.
17) You suddenly envy your juniors.
18) You see a beggar with a placard saying 'the world is going to end soon', and you agree.
19) Completing the syllabus becomes an act as amazing and impossible as living after jumping from a 100 story.
20) You wonder about how pointless school is and why you shouldn't just be an illiterate cabbage farmer in UP - And then you actually find the answer in your eco text-book.

Saat disambar-mera jamndin

The day started with me accidentally squirting my eye with perfume like an idiot and howling in pain. But it wasn't so bad. I didn't spend as much money as i expected as payal (whose birthday is one day after mine,on 8th dec) and i clubbed treats. I paid for the food and she paid for the drinks. Everyone got more than usual and we paid less than usual. And suprisingly,more people,even from other sections remembered my birthday. Not that i mind. The people in my bus sang the birthday song rather drunkedly both times,when going to school and when coming home. On the way back it hurt more as someone remembered about birthdaybumps. Everyone slapped of a dozen times more than sixteen while counting to sixteen. Though noone knew the point of it or how the bumpy tradition of kicking/punching/bumping/slapping started, everyone agreed it was fun.
So much for treating them.

i hate dripping taps. Presently, the flush tank above the toilet is dripping away. It started dripping in fat drops last night, by itself. Since the plumber couldn't come at nine in the night, and we were afraid the dripping would empty out the water tank, my mom tried to do something about it. Now, its water is falling in sheets! The eat slumber came (why are they fat?), stared and stared, and said some new parts had to be bought and left to buy them. The tank is still dripping away. And the worst part is, i hate the sound of dripping water. Its very irritating.
another thing i hate is the sound of people chewing. That loud, chewy noise is terrible. I've threatened many a times to leave the room/put the phone down he the person doesn't stop chewing loudly or eating. Call it dictatorship or anything, but its terribly irritating.

I'm Too Good.

Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah!
*Does a little jig*
I won! I won! I won the poetry writing competiton! I came second. I'd have posted the poem but I actually threw the rough sheet in the dustbin after the competition cause I thought it was horrible and that I wouldn't win, so what's the point.
But I did!
Hahahaha.
Sam had gone for the Geography quiz the same day, but they came last. And I, on the other hand, won. Hahahaha.
I'm tooooooo good. I'll put the poem up when I get it back. I've asked my English teacher for it.


P.S. It was on-the-spot. I'm too good. :)

Unfair, unfair

'Lutyens' Delhi', the term, is used indiscriminately to include the work of all other amazing architects who worked to build Delhi. Only 4 bungalows were build originally by him in the security zone of the President's estate. Robert Tussel built CP, Teen Murti House, the airport in Safdarjung and over 4000 houses, but he's the one forgotten. Funny, eh?
Lutyens actually loathed Indians. He apparently disliked all things Indian. He called Indians niggers and said that they were dark and ill-smelling and that their food was very strange and frightening.
Why then, did this asshole live down in history and have his name attached to a part of Delhi, which mostly others built? Tell me if you know.
I found this out while researching for my history project. So it DID teach me something. Pity that after all the hard work we do, the teacher barely glances at it. Unfair, n'est-ce pas?

Gory Story(/ies)

Gory stories are on an all time high thanks to SOMEONE.
Ever since Someone tried to cut her wrist, everyone has been going around telling stories of blood, gore and love. And those stories aren't very nice cause they're about some people I know and some people from school. It's not nice knowing that they're true.
I myself saw this really horrible thing. There is a guy from the EOK sections in my sculpture class. He's one of those bigda hua kids who never attend classes/pass by the look of it. I don't know his section or name and had never even noticed him, but that day I did. He was fiddling around with the pottery wheel and had his sleeves pulled up so that they didn't get dirty.
That's when I noticed a roundish scab on his lower arm. It was around a centimetre in diameter.
Then I saw more.
Like, literally dozens.
Some were just un-healed sound pale marks, some were proper black-ish scabs. They were present all the way upto where his cuffs were. I wonder if there were more under the shirt.
It was freaky, very freaky. At first, I thought it might be an illness, but I had this gut feeling that it wasn't. I wasn't the only one who noticed.

Kunal went upto the guy and asked, "Kya hua?" I pretended to look away. The guy replied, "Cigarette se kiya."
Eeeeewwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!
I felt like puking, so I walked away. Later Heena came and asked if I had seen the guy. She told me what he said after that. He said that "Woh nashe mein tha" when he did it. He used the burning cigarettes to do that.
Eww. Eww. Eww.
Nashe mein? I don't want to know how or why.
And then, Jonaki ma'am told me how another guy, Paras had cut himself with a blade. Ew.
Then Jangu knew about this guy who cut a girl's name into his arm. Like, for real. Too filmy, I thought, to be true. But ma'am supported him and said that it was true.
And then, there's our very own Someone, now officially MWW, or the Mad Wicked Woman. She cuts away for the fun of it (apparently).
Talk about stupidity.

Weird, With a Capital W

Very weird things are happening. I mean, VERY weird things, more weird than the normal weird.
Here's a list-

1) The Earthquake.
I mean, can't it have struck at a better time? I was sleeping so soundly, kya yaar ... It was freaky, we went downstairs from our third floor house. I mean, I was standing BAREFOOT on the road, cause we went down in a hurry. Then I went up to get my slippers and we went for a walk around Munirka. We met a guy taking his dog for a walk (at 4:50!), he said that the dog had woken up a while before the quake and started to bark. The poor dog was still freaked out. A lot of people were on the street. Then we went home and I listened to music until it was time to go to school.

2) The Cooker.
I don't know how, I don't know why, a cooker in our house just fell off the gas. Like, just tilted off. It had been on a low flame for ten minutes or so, when it fell onto the marble floor with a thud. No one was in the kitchen. I have no idea how it happened. I'm just happy it didn't burst on falling.

3) My friend has gone craaaaaazy.
My friend is (apparently) trying to suicide. For some reason. Some hell of a reason it must be.

4) Strange people.
I don't know why a lot of people are getting intimidated by me. They just come up to me and take panga. Here are 3 incidents from today only-

A) A guy just goes up to his friend, points in the direction of Sam and mine, and says some thing to him. He clearly points at me, stares, and keeps on talking. I walk up to him.
Me - What? Are you doing some research or something?
He mumbles something to his friend, who is pointedly looking away.
Me - Didn't your mom teach you it's rude to point at people?
He - What rude? Kya rude? Kahan ka rude? Ye kya rude-rude kar rahi hai?
He looks hopefully at his friend, expecting him to laugh at what he said. Friend pointedly looks away.
Me - You know, tumhari besti ho rahi hai.
I walk away. Loser. Later, he comes up to me, points in my face and goes "Haha", rude". Sam and I lol into his face.
Big time loser.

B) we were standing outside on the stairs leading to the AVH, when a group of guys (who I'd never seen in my life) standing on the skywalk in front of CB yell to me - "Blue Coat!"
I know it was me, cause there was no other blue coat in that area, Sam was missing and there were a lot of green coats around me. They went again, "blue coat! Kitna padte ho!" Then they started yelling "Blue Coat! Blue Coat! Blue Coat! Blue Coat!" in a chorus as if they were cheering. Suddenly a teacher appeared behind them and they shut up.

C) I'd gone to the blossoms seminar room for the poetry competition, but there was no one around except for a couple of sixthies. I don't say anything to them when they just start off. To me, that is.
Kid 1 - Oi!
Kid 2 - Hamare pas permission hai.
Kid 3 - Head mistress ko complain karegi? Ja kar. (???!!!)
Kid 4 - Han han, kar ke dikha.
Kid 2 - Yeh to pagal hai.
They all were saying something as I scanned the room. When I stopped looking and heard exactly what they were saying, I was irritated. How the hell can these sixthies talk to me like this? I leaned forward and slapped the nearest kid neatly on the head. The rest of them shut up by themselves.

5) One of my dreams came true. I had once dreamed of this circular corridor type place with vendors selling pots and things. I seriously saw the same thing in the trade fair, in the UP pavilion! I'm serious!
Well, life is weird.