To celebrate birthday with 'giving'

#CelebrateBirthdayWithGiving

It's less than a month to my birthday and I am already feeling excited. Sometimes too much of exuberance gives way to reflection and melancholy. On a quiet, winter afternoon as I was leafing through my stuff, I suddenly realised that I was going to spend the coming birthday too, in Mumbai, a city where I have lived for over a decade now.  And that brings forth the inevitable questions- the concept of time, the influence of a city on an individual's life, personal triumphs and failures, relationships and overall- the importance of giving back to the city and all those kindred spirits who helped you unconditionally. While this might not be the first time that I have pondered over these questions, I have certainly understood things better as the waves of the Arabian Sea splashed across the smouldering rocks by the Marine Drive. In an instant flash, every 'so-called' complexities in my urban life became crystal clear to me. And I walked back with a confident gait.

Nevertheless, birthdays are always special, for everyone. No wonder it reminds one about the waning hours in one's life. But it also paves the way to maturity, beauty, grace and compassion. We learn to get out of our selfish cocoon and relate with others and the universe around us. We understand that we are not alone in this struggle called life and livelihood. We realise that problems will always remain, despite the age and circumstances and the eternal truth that 'nobody's perfect.' In my journey to selfhood and independence, it was in fact my so-called greatest 'enemies' who pushed me to freedom and enlightenment. They made me realise that the greatest joy was in living out of oneself, to virtually do everything for others, to completely empty oneself of one's Self or any notion of it. Whenever I have succeeded in feeling this strongly, I have felt a surge of energy filling me up with joy and a sense of possibilities. It has also made me more aware as a person.

Now how does a normal person give? Isn't 'charity' only for the rich? I feel that's not true at all. Though this might sound cliche but we all are capable of giving in small ways, almost everyday. I try to give my maid small cash amounts as extra money as and when I can. Like so many other women, I give her clothes, books and newspapers for her children. Similarly, I try to help my old and ailing neighbour by giving company, inviting her to house parties, giving her small gifts that brings cheer to her lonely face. Their warmth and love fills my heart with gratitude and contentment.

But giving should never be confused with laziness or poverty. As we all know, it's much beyond that. It's a state of high vibration, spirit, joy and a great amount of wealth and prosperity too. The idea is to acquire wealth as much as possible for the sake of others, to improve the lives and lifestyles of people who are closely linked with us.

I hope I can truly give on my birthday and live in tandem with others.

Much love & sunshine

Meghna

B-103 restaurant- Mumbai

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Restaurant: B -103

Location: IC Colony, Borivli West, Mumbai

Recently I had been to B-103, the newly-opened pub and dining joint in western part of Mumbai. Here's my take on the place: 

Ambience: On the outside, B-103 looks like a place where intimate conversation begins over food and drink. But it was far from it. When I landed up at this newly opened restaurant on Valentine’s Day, this year, I was kind of curious about its railway station-like appeal, the reality of everyday Mumbai life. Thanks to its neon-lit signboard on a rickety lamp-post and its brick-lined exterior, the place did resemble a quaint little platform in a distant suburb.

However, as I stepped into the dimly-lit pub inside with my friend, we found it to be like a ‘cacophony’ box. It was only 7:30 pm but the restaurant was reverberating with deafening music played from the item numbers, Bollywood, mainly. We almost had to holler across the table to attempt any conversation. Repeated requests to the manager to lower down the volume fell on deaf ears.

There is a pub and a dining place, further inside. The pub has a very regular décor, with normal chairs and tables strewn across the area and a drinking place with glasses and liquor bottles. On the sides there are benches and tables. The dining place inside has a claustrophobic air, with no windows. Sofas, chairs and tables are placed all around in an orderly fashion.

Food: To start with, we ordered two glasses of Planter Punch prepared with orange juice, pineapple juice, topped with Rum. We found the presentation to be slightly tacky with just a sipper over it and a dry piece of lemon floated across. Also, it was not served in a highball glass. Nor was the drink poured over ice. The cocktail tasted a bit too tangy and bitter.

Soon enough the manager noticed our ‘exasperated’ expressions and politely told us to move to the dining section inside. And it was at least quiet there. Finally, we could start a conversation. The main course turned out to be pretty delicious.

Since it was Shivratri too, we stuck to vegetarian fare. We ordered ‘Veg Paprika’- assorted veggies tossed with paprika sauce served with pepper rice and mashed potato. And there was Gaewn Kiew Phak- Thai Green Curry vegetables with rice. Veg Paprika did have fresh exotic vegetables and the right ingredients in its sauce. Thai Green Curry too had the right amount of freshness and tanginess of kafir lime leaves and sweet, herbal taste provided by the other thai ingredients. We quite enjoyed the meal.

Overall Experience: Despite the noise, the waiters were prompt, friendly and the food was good. The restaurant must improve on its drink. The price is not too steep. Also, this could be now certainly counted as a decent food joint in IC Colony, Borivli West.

ENDS