I couldn't make it in time to write my blog for Saturday. The events are still fresh in my mind. I got up a bit early @ 8:30 a.m(that's early for me on a Saturday..:))

There were several tasks to do for the day. I had to meet up with my friend Priya from New Zealand, also had a meeting with the HR manager of my new company. Things went a bit haywire as suddenly some of the pest control guys landed @ our flat.

They started drilling holes in the corner of the rooms and then filled it up with a white liquid. We were told that these were permanent measures to get rid of the white ants. The drilling made all the rooms messy with the floors sprinkled with dust. I had to hurry up as I was already behind schedule.

I prioritised my tasks. So met the HR guy first and then met Priya @ In-orbit mall, Malad(E). I had to apologize to her coz I was one hour behind schedule. She was very happy to see me after a gap of 2 years. Last time we met was in New Zealand.

She had a list of things to shop for. We went to the Cross-word store where we browsed through the books section. While Priya was busy I helped myself to some of the books in the Travel section. There was this picture book by Raghu Rai. You can say its more of a coffee table book with nothing but pictures in it. Going through the book, I realised what makes Raghu Rai one of the biggest names in photography.

The pictures were so realistic and startling, it traversed the length and breadth of India. It really strikes you that there's so much beauty in India with all its poverty. After I finished reading the book, I felt as if I have just completed a journey across India.

Then I went over to the Health & Fitness section and my eyes fell on the books regarding the much taboo topic "Sex". One book which aroused my curiosity was "How to enjoy Life without having sex". That was something which goes against the grain of what many people think..that sex is something which needs to be enjoyed and is a part and parcel of any relationship.

Anyways I read a couple of chapters in the book and found some of them quite hilarious. Now I glanced on another book..I cant'remember the title however it was something like "How to make Love..." There was a chapter on the positions one can choose when making love as per kamasutra. I was amazed when I flipped through the pages, there were so many positions to choose from while making love. All the while when I was browsing through the book I was quite conscious of people moving around me and so tried to keep a low profile.

After we were done with the shopping, Priya and I went to watch a movie "Babul". I was not happy with the choice coz I had read the review and it wasn't too great. However we had no options left as Priya had watched some of the movies I wanted to watch and it was the same with her. As we entered the hall, I could see that more than half of the seats were empty which was a bit of surprise. I never expected the movie to be packed to capacity however I didn't expect such a poor response as well.

Anywayz the first half of the movie takes a lot of time building up the romance between Salman(screen name: Avinash) and Rani(screen name: Malavika). The story picks up from the second half after Amitabh wants to get Malavika remarried to John Abraham(screen name:oops..I forgot the screen name). I was so moved by some of the scenes that I began to weep. Priya who was sitting beside me could only laugh seeing me cry. I responded by saying "Real men don't cry..right".

There are some redeeming scenes in the movie like Amitabh coming face to face with a furious Om Puri who plays his elder brother. Om Puri is quite belligerent and one thinks there is going to be a show-down. However Amitabh despite the provocation keeps his cool and makes his point. He doesn't backtrack and with all humility conveys his message to his brother. Rani as usual excels. John and Salman are average. Rajpal Yadav provides some comic relief. Sarika plays a cameo and she leaves a mark.

However the real stars of the movie are Amitabh and Hema Malini, their chemistry still crackles and it lights up the screen. By the time the curtains came down, my hanky was totally drenched. I was struggling to hold up my tears as priya watched me with amusement. I wasn't ashamed @ all that I was crying, it felt good that I cried after a long time and the emotions were so strong that it tugged @ my heart strings.

Priya and her family are staying in Mumbai @ kandivili with some of her relatives. For the first time she had the first-hand experience of travelling by a crowded local train. I wanted to escort her back and then leave. However I ended up having dinner @ her place. I was quite overwhelmed by the hospitality. There was samosas, soup, alu bondas, raitha etc..my diet plans really went for a toss..:)

When I was finished I was really stuffed..and my main worry was to get back home. It was around 10 p.m and the heavy dinner made me even more drowsy. Thankfully I reached home just before midnight. It was really a long day..:)

Coming back to Sunday morning..it was quite a lazy start. I ironed my clothes, read the newspapers, had a chat with my flatmate. Rahul is going to give his last exam and I wished him all the best.

I have these food coupons from Accor and the expiry date was December 2006. In the evening I quickly made a dash to the supermarket and brought a pack of apricots, cashews and almonds.That will keep me going atleast for a couple of weeks..:)

One of the things I enjoy doing is polishing my shoes and cleaning the loo. It makes me more humble and rooted to the ground.

It's the end of another weekend and the beginning of a new week ahead. As the countdown starts with each passing day for my stay in Mumbai, I become more nostalgic..:)