Pappablogs

It was 8:35 AM on 18th Feb 2017. I was waiting for them to call my name. What would they call me. "Aashish "," Mr Aashish" ," Mr Agrawal".....i hope they come all the way to the waiting area and let me know. I hope i do not miss the call. Those were the doubts i was dealing with sitting there; in the waiting hall of Hiranandani Hospital, maternity ward OT. My left hand was swollen and was getting a fair bit of attention from others in the hall.  What happened - an uncle asked.  Oh, I met an accident last night.  It must be paining a lot.  No, in fact, it is not, just swollen a lot. Please take care and see a doctor. Sure, thanks. The clock struck 8: 45AM, and I was becoming impatient now. Does it take this long? Did i miss the call? Should i go and check? I Think i should. I went inside the ward and rechecked with the attendant if my name was called. It was not. And i went back to the waiting area.  ...

I remember being scared of the thought of becoming a father. Loss of freedom, travel, individualism,me time, we 2 time etc etc. And the onset of so much work to do, always being on the toes, sleepless nights, absence from work and what not. Tell you what, all my fears have come true. parenthood is the toughest thing which can happen to a person. It will send you in a  drive of round the clock work which none could forewarn you enough about. It is also the most amazing thing which can happen to a person. It will send you on a drive of gratitude, no one could explain ever to you. The first thing that i feel grateful about being a father is the realization that we are capable of bringing life on earth. We know this almost as general knowledge. But to actual experience, this is what empowers you and humbles you at the same time.  It was 8:30 AM on the February of 2017. I was sitting in the waiting area of Hiranandani Hospital maternity ward - operation theatre. I had a terrib...

I started this blog 2 month back to capture my musings as a pappa. Things which were not directly related to me being a pappa will find their place elsewhere, was my thought. However, when i think of it today - it does not matter. My primary identity today is that of Dhaani`s father. Or maybe i like that to be my primary identity. That does not take away my secondary identities. Yes, secondary identities. I believe that there are multiple identities within me which need to be given their space and time - a man in love, a son and brother, a real estate corporate guy, a photographer, a poet, a singer, an architect, a traveler, a foodie, an investor. Apart from these existing personalities, there are some new ones which i am trying to imbibe - a vegan, a minimalist, a yoga enthusiast, an experimental chef, a reader. Did you count? It is 18 of them. In 1. Is it just me? I don't think so. Almost everyone i have met in my life has at least 10 different personalities within.. Most...

हम दो पहियों की गाडी थे मस्ती में खूब अगाडी थे फिर तुम आई हम घूम रहे थे जग सारा हम भूल रहे थे जग सारा फिर तुम आई हम दोनों खुद में पूरे थे एक दूसरे संग समूचे थे फिर तुम आई तुमने फिर  बचपन बरसाया मन बांछे भर भर हर्षाया जब तुम आई तुमने यूँ मौसम किया जादुई धानी धानी हुई पुरवाई जब तुम आई तुम गीत मधुर , जो हमने गाया तुम नृत्य हृदय का,  जिसपे झूम मन भर आया हमने फिर से खुद को पाया जब तुम आई आज हुए है साल दो , तुम्हारे आने को है कृतग्य हम उस क्षण के लिए, जिस क्षण हमारे जीवन में धानी बिटिया, तुम आई

Dear Dhaani, in our tradition, the elders have always been right. And the children are supposed to listen to them and follow what they tell. More specifically the parents have for long decided what is right and what is wrong for the kid. It's a wonderful way to ensure how a child treads the right path in life and does not fall astray. We tend to follow this protocol throughout our lives; at least until we get married. Compare this with the western societies, especially American, where also the parents love their children equally and hold them to their decisions till a particular age. However, after the child reaches that  age ( 15 +), the decisions of her life are mostly hers ( with the agreement of parents as a bonus) Both the school of thoughts are wonderful and work well for their own set of societies, culture, and people. However, what we have experienced is its a mix which has worked best, for us ( your Mumma and pappa)  and for many of our friends. We are ...

As the new year arrives, Pappa is tempted to walk down the lanes of 2018 and list what was the highlight of every month of 2018. So here goes: January - The month took us to a long-pending destination, Tarkarli. And we got to stay in an out of the world Farm " Machhli". Dhaani had her first experience of farm stay and her first steps towards organic living. The food, the flora and fauna and the hospitality of the place guarantee future visits from us. Also, I overcame my fear of diving and went for Scuba Diving. Feb - This was Dhaani s first birthday month and dhaani took Pappa and Mumma to yearly pilgrimage to Goa. Along came Dhaani s Nani, Nana, and Mausi. It was a vacation full of frolic and fun with a lot of Vitamin Sea. Mar - Dhaani got her first tooth. And we traveled to Delhi to attend Mrinalini `s wedding. It was about time we attended a wedding having missed many of them in the last year. April- A month of new celebrations and challenges. Himani`s got a pro...