Live-ins - Pseudo Marriage??

live-in (l v n )
adj.
1. Residing in the place where one is employed: a live-in cook.
2. Residing together with another, especially in a sexual relationship.

This ones about the latter of the meanings.

During my stay in Bangalore for my summer internship last year, I got more acquainted to the funda of live-ins. It was really surprising how people belonging to opposite sexes stayed together in the same apartment. Yes this was the more traditional Indian side of me… And this forced me to know about them further….

Firstly, why live-ins?

• Less risk involved as compared to marriages (be it love or arranged)
• Freedom to exit the option without any loss or court appeals
• Litmus test for those unsure of their love
• And this one is the best I could think of- J Economies of Scale- in places like Bangalore where living expenses are high, live-in is a profitable alternative  (ha ha ha….) 

Well with all that risk involved in marriages, live-in definitely gives a chance to know the person extremely well. Even the best of lovers do not know how each of them would be able to manage a married life. Right from start of day to sleeping habits like snoring, all become known. The mood swings during the day, the smallest likes and dislikes, things can be faked for a few hours but one cannot fake 24 X 7.Thats the power of a live-in.

I think I shall definitely find many takers for this form of relation…but…will they be able to give due respect to this relation. Live-in means no set limitations, no set boundaries, not definitions, no restrictions…it means you definitely need two mature heads, a lot of trust, and true lovers.

Live-ins may have originated or rather may have become more popular in the Western countries, but will they be accepted in the Indian scenario? The Indian society, where sex is still not talked about in public, where marriages are considered sacred, where people marriage means a meeting of the souls, where even after the death of a partner one is expected to carry on respecting the relation… In such a scenario live-ins!!!!

Till the time live-in ends up in marriage its fine, but what if otherwise? Will the girl (more importantly) be accepted in the society, wont her character be questioned?

In case of love one gets sufficient opportunity to know the partner otherwise as well and not require the need to stay together before marrying. In case of arranged this question may not arise. It cannot be used as a compatibility check, or just a game to satisfy ones sexual needs. It is not a gamble…Its serious. It’s an important decision, its about two lives, two families, it cannot be just played around with. However, times are changing and so is the way of life, but I just hope that value of a relation does not change. For all other purposes live and let live

Love v/s Arranged Marriage

At the convocation we got the degree which was a license to set our footsteps into the corporate world. But it also made us eligible for a more risky and dangerous sport. 

These days I keep receiving marriage invitations from my friends - a few love and the remaining arranged and that forces me to think in one direction love v/s arranged marriages.

Right from childhood days, I have seen my cousins and relatives tie the knot with someone whom they knew only through a few formal meetings. It always surprised me and left me baffled as to how someone can make the decision of a life partner based on just a few meetings and references of some relatives. But that’s how it has always been, Indian weddings have always been equated with arranged marriages.

Now thinking of arranged marriage from the MBA perspective, its all about setting your 4Ps right. The product is presented well and promoted through various channels of relatives. We all know about the scene when the guy goes to the gal’s house for some focus group discussion. The price is which both the counterparts have to pay throughout their lives. The projects NPV is then calculated by a third party discounting the cash flows with the rate calculated as per astrologer’s judgements. The merger between two unknown companies is undertaken and the organisation’s culture undergoes a change. The policies undergo a reform to accommodate the new employees. And the story begins…A blind game which can go either ways….full of compromises….full of adjustments just to keep up the bond….just to be part of the society…Isnt this scary!!!

Thinking of love marriage, its more like an option which one can exercise at any date. In case the option does not turn out to be favourable, all that is lost is the premium. But it does not mean that it always is profitable in the long term. The decision for this stock may not be based considering all the shareholders. Hence in a joint family it often results into issues. Also when in love people try to be at their best. Its only after marriage that one knows the real person. This too is dangerous. After putting in so much of equity capital still you are not sure of returns.

Arranged marriages have the choice made through the experienced eye of the elders, but the information is only that available publicly. The insider information comes out well in case of love marriages. We also need to understand people who are influenced by cinema or peers to develop a love relation. Such often end up in a mess. The beauty of love is the feeling of having someone whom you know well and share similar thoughts. On the contrary, arranged marriages are like a challenge. It’s a high risk high return game.

Which format of the game do you support? What is your company vision and corporate strategy?

I prefer to be an entrepreneur all my life…starting new ventures independently without any partners…

I ask only one question…’Why is marriage so damn important?

Hungry Kya.. ? In Calicut

After the mega city Ahmedabad and IT hub Bengaluru, its now time for Kozhikode (Calicut) where I pursued my MBA. Two years of MBA in IIMK just flew by and this ones for all those belonging to the IIMK family.

Coffee Beanz- A nice hangout where you will always be served with a smile. Paneer Dosa and Triple Decker Sandwich are my favourites. The cold refreshers like Give me Blue, Choco iceberg offered are also one of the best.

Kahaa.. Cherooty Road

Kitne kaa.. Rs 40 - 100

Sea Queens- The location of this restaurant is its USP. Though the main course is not all that great but the open air dinner is enjoyable. A typical hangout on weekends coz this place serves liquor as well.

Kahaa.. Near Calicut Beach

Kitne kaa.. An average meal costs Rs. 150-175

Kadavu Resort- It is the place with the best location...over looking the  backwaters, an early morning breakfast is really memorable. Apart from that, the track upto Kadavu is a bikers paradise.

Kahaa.. On way to Airport

Kitne Kaa.. Breakfast Rs 140 and Dinner Rs 300

Mezbaan- This place serves nice north Indian food. Though you may get pissed off with the speed of service, but the food is decent. 

Kahaa.. Mavoor Road

Kitne kaa.. Rs 100-150.

Dakshin- A pure veg family restaurant is rare to be found in Calicut. It serves nice north as well as south Indian food. South Indian food is however its speciality.

Food Court @ Focus Mall- This is nearly a year old but has been able to attract huge crowds on weekends. There is lot on offer here – dosas, biryani, chaat etc. One can enjoy the food thoroughly.

The Gateway- The buffet here is definitely not worth the money. But the ambience of Taj is on offer and it makes the place a preference over others. Moreover this place has a 24 hours restaurant. A visit at around 2 in the night is worth it.

Kitne kaa.. Rs 325

Fortune- Buffet @ Rs 170 with good food is what Fortune offers. Morning Breakfast @ 7 for Rs 120 odd is also worth after a night out.

Pizza Corner- there is no Domino’s or Pizza Hut in Calicut, so this is the only specialised pizza outlet. The pizza’s are not all that great but then something is better than nothing.

Kahaa.. Focus Mall and Kunnamangalam

Mere IIMK ke dosto....add info about other food outlets in Calicut

Hungry kya? .. In Bengaluru

Continuing from my previous blog

This one is for all those visiting the so called 'IT Hub'of India-Bengaluru. Though my stay there was very short, I tried to make the most of it.

Mast Kalandar – Well this is a must visit place...it is a chain of restaurants around 6-7 branches in the city..well spread out....I had been able to visit 4 of them CMH Road, Indiranagar, Near Sony World, and the one on Outer Ring Road ...The best combo offered  the full Indian meal- this is too heavy and is filling for  people like me......Balle Balle pindi chhole server with amritsari kulcha is one of my favourites....Rajasthani meal is also great for those living away from home and would like to have dal baati and bajri ki roti....Apart from that rajma chawal and paneer are also fine...Starters here a bit too expensive but who would think of starters having such filling meals.

Kitne kaa.. Rs 80-150

Dhaba- this is a theme restaurant with the ambience of a dhaba. Food is decent. 

Kahaa.. Outer Ring Road

Kitne kaa.. Average meal for 2 would cost something like Rs. 350-400. 

Golconda Chimney- Located on Kundanahalli Gate this is an excellent place where one can take a treat. The food is nice both veg and non veg. Here you can order any kind of dishes.

Kitne kaa.. An average meal for 2 may cost around Rs. 450-500

The Village – This is another theme restaurant situated next to the Innovative Multiplex. With nice food this place offers a nice ambience.

The Legend of Sikandar - Garuda Mall is one of the few places in Bangalore worth spending an evening. On its 4^th floor is the Legend of Sikandar. The name itself sounded very different. When I entered the restaurant, the ambience had a different appeal. Each table had a bowl of rose petals and a candle floating. The menu read of items named in a very stylish manner. The menu does not have many items but is sufficient to satisfy one’s taste buds. And yes, if wearing casuals you may feel out of place, so do dress well. The Food Court in Garuda Mall has been praised as well.

Hyderabadi Biryani - This is a delight for anyone who loves to have biryani. The north Indian served here is not all that great. But you can definitely visit it for the biryani. 

Kahaa.. Airport Road..Above Dominos

Kitne kaa.. Rs 80-150

Barista @ Leela Palace - This is one place where you would want to go with friends or someone special. It offers an ambience of the Leela Palace and at the same time offers enough privacy for the intimate talks.

Corner House - This was one place from where I came out hungry. Well, this is an ice cream parlour where the so very famous Death By Chocolate is available. It was told to me that there is so much chocolate in it that one dies of eating it. Taking up the challenge I reached there, only to be told that it is not eggless. Finally, I had to satisfy myself with a super scooper. Decent ice cream parlour....

Kahaa.. Airport Road behind Bombay Post.

Mega Bowl – Bowling alley near the old airport. Nice place to spend a Sunday evening with your old pals.

Amoeba - One of the buzzing places on weekends. It offers a bowling alley and a snacks bar. One can expect a lot of youngsters on the weekends. 

Kahaa.. Near MG Road

Forum- The so called happening place of Bangalore..What should I tell about this place....You reach Bangalore and your old pal will definitely take you to this mall. It has a McD, a food court, a CCD etc everything. But guys believe me on a Sunday evening it feels like you are on Churchgate station.

Bangalore Central - The food court is not all that great. Bas Frankie khana reh gaya

TGI Friday – Sizzlers here are cool. But the ambience is not all that great.

More coming soon....Maadi put your comments with info on other food outlets

Hungry kya?... in Ahmedabad

Well then my first blog obviously has to start off with my favorite topic...food and restaurants...

In the past 4 years I have got the opportunity to stay in different parts of the country and enjoy the different cuisines. I have made a point to visit most of the restaurants in the places I have been. Here is a foodie guide for all those interested about food places in Ahmedabad

Maneck Chowk- This has been one of my favourite places in the city. With the glamour and atmosphere getting lively by midnight, this hangout is an idle place for the night beings. Everything is available here right from pani puri to kulfi, but the must haves here are ‘cheese pineapple sandwich’ and ‘pav bhaji with katka pav’. Also I cannot forget the sancha icecream.

Kitne baje.. 9pm-2am

Kitne Kaa .. Rs 15-50

Havmor- A food chain well spread in the city is well known for its pav bhaji

Location.. Across Ahmedabad (CG Road, Vijay Char rasta etc)

Kitne baje.. 10am - midnight

Kitne Kaa.. Rs 60

The Grand Bhagwati- Located on the SG Highway, this is an ideal place to celebrate birthdays (especially at midnight).

Kitnee Kaa.. Poocho mat, suitable only for treats :P

Vishala- Definitely not just another theme restaurant. A place where one can easily spend 3-4 hours under the open skies enjoying the folk artistes, magic shows and other such stuff. After all this, one has the privilege of enjoying really good traditional gujju and Rajasthani food. This place is a good place to rejuvenate your energies. 

Kitne kaa.. A mere Rs 250.

Law Garden (Pronounced as Love Garden by the localites probably due to the activities carried out)- One must have Jasuben’s Pizza here..its different. Its like a Khau galli in any other city. Sasta tikau and good food. Vadilal’s  Happinezz is another attraction.

Kitne baje.. Dinner time is best time (especially Sundays)

Kitne kaa.. Rs 10-100

Sasuji- No dont go by the name...Lovely delicious Gujju Thali...3 vegetables, 2 sweets,farsan,khichdi,aamras etc etc the list is long...everything unlimited...its a challenge for the foodie...ek baar jaoge to baar jaoge

Kitne baje.. Lunch and Dinner

Kitne kaa.. A mere Rs 100

VS Maska bun and cutting chai-All those health concious people, this ones not for you...Cheese maska bun is really cheesy...maska bun khao khud jaan jao...

Kahaa.. Outside VS Hospital, Ellis Bridge

Kitne baje.. kabhi bhi but best after midnight

Kitne kaa.. Rs 10-25

Apart from this Jalaram’s chaas, Lilvani Kachori, Khaman, Basundi, Kandoi farsan etc are a foodie’s delight. Also garma garam Dalwada in the first showers is a Gujju tradition.

More coming soon....All the 'amdavadis' put your comments with other food outlets

Warning: All the above opinions are personal and you can trust me completely when it comes to food.

Its never too late to start...

From the past 4-5 years I wanted to have my own blogging space but never got the time to start one...but I believe in 'Its never too late to start.....'. 

Having a thinking mind, I have so much to say and so much to express but then not always can you do so...there are so many topics which you come across everyday but at times I dont have the time to do justice to them..And so now I decided that I too will spend sometime from my busy schedule on putting down my thoughts...I dont want to be Lost in Tranquility and loose the freedom to writing.

I devote this thinking space to all those who been a part of my life and have influenced me through actions,words or thoughts.