Inferno - Dan Brown

Inferno - Dan Brown

“Remember tonight...for it's the beginning of forever.”

- Dante Alighieri

Another master piece from Dan Brown staring the famous Prof. Robert Langdon. Langdon has to solve an ingenious riddle inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Inferno in order to save the entire world from the invention of a fanatic scientist. As always, no one can guess the twists and turns in the plot.

One negative point for the book was that since the backdrop was based out of Italy, it had a lot of Italian language which I could not understand. (In some places, the meaning was not at all clear.) Overall,  an AWESOME BOOK!!!

“The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.”

- Bertrand Zobrist , Inferno, Dan Brown

Chilly Sausage

This is the first recipe in my blog. This label “RECIPES” is dedicated to my dearest hubby who just loves good food.

I hope you all will try it out and like it. J

Chilly Sausages

Ingredients :

• Sausages (I had used chicken sausage, but you can try it out with the other sausages) – 4, sliced
• Onions – 2, medium size, sliced finely
• Green Chillies – 3-4, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4-5 cloves, finely chopped
• Tomato – 1, finely chopped
• Black Peppercorns – 7-9, coarsely ground
• Soya Sauce – 3 tbspn
• Green Chilly Sauce – 2 tbspn
• Oil 

Method :

1. Heat little oil in a shallow pan.
2. Stir fry the sliced sausages for around 3-4 minutes. Add part of the coarsely ground peppercorns. The sausages should be partially cooked. Remove the sausages.
3. In the same pan, add little more oil. Add the finely chopped garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes.
4. Then add the onions, green chillies and the remaining pepper. Cook till the onions are caramalised (they should not be burnt, but should have reduced)
5. Add the soya sauce and green chilly sauce. Stir.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes. Stir till the tomatoes are tender.
7. Add the partially cooked sausages and mix well.
8. Taste and if needed add more sauces and pepper (according to your taste needs).
9. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes or till the sausages are done.
10. Serve and garnish with spring onions. Enjoy your chilly sausage J

To the Moon and Back - Jill Mansell

To the Moon and Back - Jill Mansell

“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.”

-Maya Angelou

Am really happy that I had picked up a Jill Mansell book last time. I must say, she is wonderful. Totally lived up to my expectations. I just couldn’t stop reading it, and the times when I had to, just couldn’t stop thinking about the characters in the book. Just fell in love with Zack and Ellie.  Not to mention the other characters. This book too, like “Take a chance on me” had many characters whose lives were intertwined. At the end, all had a happy ending. J

“Sometimes you just had to take the risk. Maybe it would be a brief but wonderful romance, maybe it would last a lifetime”

- To the Moon and Back , Jill Mansell

"Wrong Number"

     It was the day of my son's XII results and I was so tensed. I sat beside him while he logged on the website with his registration no.

     "Ma", he screamed in excitement, "I scored 1191, with cent numbers in 4 subjects." I can't believe it." I kind of became numb in my excitement. My eyes became wet. I kissed him on his forehead and smiled.

     Soon we realized that he stood first in the state. Oh, my joy knew no bounds when reporters and media persons soon swamped my house for interviews and photos. I was so honored to join him in the snaps.

     I wanted to call my "wrong-number-friend" to tell him the news...... I was so excited. He was someone whom I have known for more than 20 years.

     I still do not remember when we became friends, but certainly cannot forget the first day he called me when I blasted him for giving me so many wrong calls..... After that he had called up a week later asking apology, for he had now got the right number of his friend whom he wanted to talk to .We spoke for an hour that day...even without knowing each other's names. Though he kept pestering me to reveal my name I never did and so he kept a name...Sweety!! I used to get so shy whenever he called me 'Sweety'. I was doing first year of BSc. Maths then, and he was a Computer Engineering student.

     From then he used to call me very often. We almost discussed everything.

     By the final year of my college, we probably were in love, but I had been cautious. I was in a dilemma whether to tell him. But what if he was of a different religion? Do I have the courage to talk to my parents about it? ........All these questions ran through my mind.

     I decided I'll not talk to him thereafter. When he called the next time I lied to him that I was going to Delhi for my post graduation. He gave me his office number and asked me to ring him up once I reach there. I never called.......

     A couple of months later my marriage got fixed with a guy of my parent's choice. I was not happy but I did not complain; rather accepted it as an obedient daughter. At times I felt I missed my wrong- number friend.......

     My hubby was a moody person; I have hardly spent any good time with him, but he was genuine indeed and never bothered my personal space. After 2 years we had a boy...Yet, I was not very happy with my married life...One day I happened to browse through my diary and found I still had my old friend's office phone number that he had given me. I dialed it and spoke with him. He said he was married and got a kid too. I was happy for him though in the bottom of the heart I felt bad that I could not marry him.

     From then I used to occasionally call him on that number. I never gave him mine as I felt that would put me in trouble... And till today I almost shared everything with him including my relationship with my hubby.....Today I was so happy and I wanted to call him.

Just then I got a call. "Your husband met with an accident and died on the spot"

     I banged the phone down. I broke. I did not call my friend.....I somehow started feeling guilty. I have never tried to talk to my hubby properly when he was alive or moved close with him.... I felt I had been a bad wife........

     A couple of years passed and one day my son brought home a Bengali girl and said they wanted to get married. I got them married as I did not want my son to go through what I did.

     I decided to give my son his father's room and started clearing it.There was a phone book. I gently opened it to find,

"Wrong Number Sweety - 26579785"!!!!!

God always puts the right numbers together. It's us who interpret it wrong!!!!!

Fax From God

Fax From God

To : YOU

Date : TODAY

From : GOD

Subject : YOURSELF

Reference : LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling ALL of your problems for you. I do NOT need your help. So, have a nice day.

I love you.

P.S.

And, remember...

If life happens ro deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do NOT attempt to resolve it yourself!! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (Something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work ; Think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad ; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and to be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend ; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror ; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities ; Remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Should you decide to send this to a friend ; Thank you, you may have touched their life in ways you will never know!

Now, you have a nice day,

God

Have You Ever Missed Someone???

Have u ever missed someone and felt terrible because u think that he/she doesn't miss u?

Missing someone is terrible but at the same time, a sweet feeling.

U will be sitting around wondering if u meant anything to him/her.

Thinking if he/she ever cares about u.

Rushing to the phone once it rings hoping that it's him/her.

Looking out of the window hoping that he/she will surprise u by appearing downstairs.

Sitting in front of the television but thinking of him/her, missing the final episode of your favorite show.

Laying on your bed, thinking of the last time u were out together.

Thinking of how nice it will be to sit under the stars again, talking about everything, your dreams, plans, future.

Logging on to the internet hoping to see him/her online.

When u realise that he/she isn't online and did not return your mail, u will start worrying if he/she is okay.


Missing someone is a way of growing up i guess.
It exposes u to loneliness.
It teaches u how to cope with being lonely and let u know that there is actually a feeling known as emptiness.

Sometimes it feels good to miss someone. U know that u really care and u indulge in the
feeling of loving/caring for him/her.

But missing someone and not knowing if he/she is feeling the same is terrible.
U feel as if u are being left alone.

So if u miss someone, tell him/her and let them know.
At the same time, ask if they miss u.

Don't let the feeling of missing someone become jealousy or paranoia.

If u are the one being missed and u know it, let the other party know.
If u miss him/her too, tell them. Don't let them wait.


And if the one you are missing can't/doesn't reciprocate, MOVE ON!!
Life is short, so instead of being hurt & waiting around - Move on!!
Belive in Urself & life, there's someone out there waiting to miss U too!!

Safe Haven - Nicholas Sparks

Safe Haven - Nicholas Sparks

“I don't want expensive gifts; I don't want to be bought. I have everything I want. I just want someone to be there for me, to make me feel safe and secure.”

- Princess Diana 

                                                                           

The movie “Safe Haven” was released and I wanted to read the book before I see the movie. That’s how I started reading the book. It is a good read. I didn’t enjoy it as much as other Nicholas Sparks books. I wished the ending was a little more clear.  Though the twist about Jo was a surprise. It was refreshing.

"Sometimes, starting over is exactly what a person needs. And I think it's admirable. A lot of people don't have the courage it takes to do something like that.”

- Safe Haven, Nicholas Spark

Take a Chance on Me - Jill Mansell

Take a Chance on Me - Jill Mansell

“Just because you've been hurt doesn't mean you should stop loving someone else. Take a chance on love.”  

                                                                           - Unknown

This is my first book by Jill Mansell. I was searching for authors like Sophie Kinsella and I came across this book. I took a chance on Jill Mansell and it was rewarding. I couldn’t put it down. It is a fun, romantic and thorough chick-lit.

Many a time, the scars you get in your teens affect your entire life. Our personality is moulded accordingly. Phobias and fears are instilled. Similar is the case with Cleo, the main protagonist in this plot. The book also shows the lives of Abbie (Cleo’s sister) and Ash (Cleo’s friend and neighbor).

All in all, a good read. Looking forward to reading other books by Jill Mansell.

A Bend in the Road - Nicholas Sparks

A Bend in the Road - Nicholas Sparks

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; All that we love deeply, becomes a part of us.”

- Helen Keller

The death of your loved ones leaves you blank…. With the need to prove something to yourself…. It maybe to find the reason of their death…. Were you somehow responsible for it?  Were you not meant to be together forever? Was your love not true? Unless you find the answers to these questions, you cannot make peace with yourself and move on in life.  It feels as if life remains stuck at that point…..

A Bend in the Road has depicted these emotions of Miles Ryan very beautifully. Like all Nicholas Sparks novels, this too is a love story positioned in a small town. But the suspense in this book, makes you want to turn the page and read just the next page even when you are tired, your eyes are drooping.

“If it’s over, then don’t let the past screw up the rest of your life.”

- A Bend in the Road, Nicholas Spark

Love & Life

This story tells us something about LOVE & LIFE.                                  

                                                                                                                                                            

My husband is S/W Engineer by profession, I love him for his steady nature and I love the warm feeling when I lean against his broad shoulders.                                                                                        

                                                                                    

 Two years of courtship and now, five years into marriage, I would have to admit, that I am getting tired of it. The reasons of me loving him before, has now transformed into the cause of all my restlessness.                                

                                                                                                                                                          

 I am a sentimental woman and extremely sensitive when it comes to a relationship and my feelings. I yearn for the romantic moments, like a little girl yearning for candy. My husband is my complete opposite; his lack of sensitivity, and the inability of bringing romantic moments into our marriage has disheartened me about LOVE.                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

 One day, I finally decided to tell him my decision, that I wanted a divorce.      

                                                                      

 "Why?" he asked, shocked.                                                         

                                                                                    

 "I am tired. There are no reasons for everything in the world!" I answered.       

                                                                                                                                             

 He kept silent the whole night, seemingly in deep thought. My feeling of disappointment only increased. Here was a man who was not able to even express his predicament, so what else could I expect from him?                                

                                                                                                                                                           

 And finally he asked me: "What can I do to change your mind?"                     

                                                                                                                                                         

 Somebody said it right.... It's hard to change a person's personality, and I guess, I have started losing faith in him.                                        

                                                                                                                                                                 

 Looking deep into his eyes I slowly answered: " Here is the question. If you can answer and convince my heart, I will change my mind. Let's say, I want a flower located on the face of a mountain cliff, and we both are sure that picking the flower will cause your death. Will you do it for me?"  

                                                                                                                                                            

 He said: "I will give you your answer tomorrow...." My hopes just sank by listening to his response.                                                        

                                                                                                                                                             

 I woke up the next morning to find him gone, and saw a piece of paper with his scratchy handwriting underneath a milk glass, on the dining table near the front door, that goes....                                                               

                                                                                   

                                                                                   

 My dear, I would not pick that flower for you, but....please allow me to explain the reasons further.....                                                          

                                                                                                                                                        

 This first line was already breaking my heart. I continued reading.               

                                                                                                                                                   
          "When you use the computer you always mess up the Software programs, and you cry in front of the screen. I have to save my fingers so that I can help to restore the programs.                                                                    

           You always leave the house keys behind, thus I have to save my legs to rush home to open the door for you.                                                         
          You love traveling but always lose your way in a new city. I have to save my eyes to show you the way.                                                              

          You always have the cramps whenever your "good friend" approaches every month. I have to save my palms so that I can calm the cramps in your tummy.                
          You like to stay indoors, and I worry that you will be infected by infantile autism. I have to save my mouth to tell you jokes and stories to cure your boredom.                                                                         

          You always stare at the computer, and that will do nothing good for your eyes. I have to save my eyes so that when we grow old, I can help to clip your nails and help to remove those annoying white hairs. So I can also hold your hand while strolling down the beach, as you enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful sand...and tell you the colour of flowers, just like the colour of the glow on your young face...                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                                 

 Thus, my dear, unless I am sure that there is someone who loves you more than Ido... I could not pick that flower yet, and die ..."                             

                                                                                                                                                         

 My tears fell on the letter, and blurred the ink of his handwriting...  And as I continue on reading...

"Now, that you have finished reading my answer, and if you are satisfied, please open the front door for I am standing outside bringing your favorite bread and fresh milk...                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

 I rushed to pull open the door, and saw his anxious face, clutching tightly with his hands, the milk bottle and loaf of bread....Now I am very sure that no one will ever love me as much as he does, and I have decided to leave the  flower alone...                                                                          

                                                                                   

                                                                                   

           That's LIFE, and LOVE. When one is surrounded by love, the feeling of excitement fades away, and one tends to ignore the true love that lies in between the peace and dullness.                                                                     

          Love shows up in all forms; even in very small and cheeky forms. It has never been a model. It could be the dullest and most boring form ...                         

          Flowers, and romantic moments are only used and appear on the surface of the relationship. Under all this, the pillar of true love stands... 

                                              AND THAT'S LIFE!!!!

Mom's Love

I was a just-born and she was Twenty-Five, 

Though we were we, we were one. 

I would cry out in Latin and she would respond in Greek, 

I would learn nothing but she never got tired to teach.

I was surrounded by monsters eager to pull my cheek, 

But they would vanish the moment I was wet and weep. 

She would come running and hold me in her arms, 

As if I had won the contest of the charms.

Now I was able to walk and chew, 

Hey, I was two. 

I and she could now understand each other, 

I was her everything and she needed no other. 

I would try to walk and fall down, 

But knowing she was with me, the fear of getting hurt was now gone.

We still could not converse that effectively,

But she would understand my needs so easily. 

I could now roam about free, 

because now I have turned three. 

I was ready to join a new world,

My academic life was now gonna mould. 

She would dress me as best as a prince,

But when I would come back, she would need at least an hour to rinse. 

I was now able to talk, 

I was a ferry and she was my dock.

I still remember the child, whose shirt I had tore, 

Hey buddy, I have turned four. 

I now came home a little late,

Nevertheless finding her waiting at the gate. 

She would hug me and carry me in her arms, 

It felt like flying through the farms.

We now did the homework together, 

I would spoil the home and she used to work.

Years passed and now I was fifteen, and with each year I would forget to lean.

I wouldn't care for what she said, because now I had become mean.

She would ask me to study for a good future, 

But I was busy in a different culture.

Now I had many she’s in my life,

I dreamed of having one of them as my wife. 

I changed a lot which she did not teach,

She would try to hug me but I was out of reach. 

She still waited for me at the gate,

but I would look at her with utmost hate.

She would be awake till late in the night, 

because I wasn't home, I was in a fight.

She had so much to scold, but she never did say, 

hoping to find me better the next day.

Time went on and now I am grown,

lost in the world of my own. 

I and she, between us have a river, 

I have left her for my career. 

When I was young, for me, she sacrificed her ambitions, 

but I don't care, I now have my own mission.

I am not with her now, I am in a different city, 

she is so old now but I don't even pity. 

She needs me now but I am nowhere to find,

in the race for appraisal, I have become blind. 

In a few years from now, I will be two,

there will be in my life someone new. 

Then i'll forget even to bother, 

I am her son and she is my Mother.