“I don’t know where to start from”… Boom… “Here, Let us start this one for you”
“I don’t know how to reach out to people to promote my dance classes”… Boom… “Don’t you worry; it’s been taken care of”
“Brrrr I am cold”… Boom… “A warm hug for you”
“That is such a pretty costume”… Boom…. “You can have it”
Sounds like a fairy tale? Well, it is. Only difference being, the girl in this story is not a pretty, fragile, porcelain skinned, tall, thin, red headed Barbie; but it’s just a simple, pretty Indian girl ;) and That’ll be me ;)
This fairy tale is about me and my magic wand. When I refused to stand in the long queue outside God’s door for our wishes to be granted, God himself came out and asked me what I wished for. No, he didn’t walk to me because I was the noisiest little kid, but because I am God’s favorite child. It has nothing to do with the fact that devotees standing close to me were born deaf.
That’s when I asked God for his Magic wand. Now, he couldn’t give me the one he carries himself as that would create riots on mother earth (He’s smarter than we think ;), so he instead gave me a bunch of friends. Friends, who not only accepted me in their very happy families, but guided me through every walk, supported me when I needed the most, celebrated with me, shared sorrows, loved me, pampered me, and most of all, helped me set myself up in a completely new country.
This post is dedicated to MY magical Friends in Ottawa (Tracey, Erika, Katherine and Catherine).
Like every normal individual, I was scared and anxious when I first landed in Canada. Didn’t know a single soul around (except for my anti-social husband), didn’t know how and where to start from, didn’t know how it worked here, the cultural difference, accent difference (not mine, but theirs’ ;)) and above all to cope up with the freezing winters. I got connected and finally met with this lovely bunch of ladies on a cool Thursday night. They were friendly, they laughed, and they passed on their warmth with a huge group hug.
I remember, Ashish and I celebrating immediately after our meeting, (even though it was -30 and wasn’t gonna get any better). I was so happy after meeting them, that I called my folks in India at 3 in the night and told them that I’ve found my magic wand Ever since that day, everything seems to fall in place.
Be it working towards my dream of starting my own dance classes; to finding a perfect job for myself; to adjusting to the culture; to going out of their way promoting me; to designing my website; to help me house hunt; to introducing me to Cherpumple; and to accept me as a part of their lives; these gems have made me teary and overwhelmed with love at every instance. Sometimes, they would surprise me with a congratulations card and celebrations on getting my new job; or sometimes leave me stunned and shocked with a surprise B’day party; or sometimes leave me astonished with unexpected gifts, or just surprise me with a facilitation in front of the entire auditorium.
Over the last one year, we have had endless laughs, parties, camping, gatherings, celebrations, dressing up, dances, dances and more dances. And god willing, there’ll be many more to come.
Not everyone is lucky enough to get such loving friends everywhere. I guess I am the CHOSEN ONE :)
