5 Books Every Toddler should Be Read to

I have always been in search for some books for my son and after trying several books, I have found these to be the best.  Although I could explore more since he almost four but I am pretty comfortable having these on his shelf right now. Some books come with CDs and you can play it with the pretty background music and dialogues that would be great once in a while. And if music is for the ears then words and pictures are for the eyes. 

Now if you want your toddler to develop the habit of holding a book to read and build a few new words every now and then then be sure to pick up these books with interesting theme and story line.

Shark In The Park by NICK SHARRATT: Children love aqcuatic fishes and the scarier they are, the more interesting they become. This is one such book where you will find a little boy who has just got a telescope for a present, exploring the park for a shark. So many times he think he found it but no such luck. The suspence in the end is good and gets a laugh out of my son every time. Add it to your collection for sure!

Peppa Pig: The series of Peppa Pig and the family are always on an adventure. They have something of the other going on in the family. They play in the snow or meet the Santa Claus, They have guests over and its so much fun to follow whats happening in their lives. I like all the books. Choose the themes that your child would be most interested in.

Green Eggs And Ham by Dr Seuss : Now this one I first heart it on Youtube and found it so refreshingly different.  Words like ‘Could Not, ‘Would not’, “Would you”, “Could you” and several other new words that you could teach your kids in a fun way. The grumpy cat doesn’t want to taste the green eggs and ham and keeps refusing. Does he actually have a taste in the end? How to teach your kids to try different things in life would actually put a smile on your face.

The Hungry Catepillar by ERIC CARLE: The little catepillar id really hungry and trying to find something to eat. Does he find something at last? And what happened in the end? He does eat a bunch of things that you could explain to your child and its great to know what hunger is.

Where’s Spot by ERIC HILL:  Sallly, the dog trying to find Spot. Who is spot? Why is she trying to find Spot? And words like UNDER, IN, ON, INSIDE, UP, all are very good to add in the vocabulary. You also come to know of different animals and learn their names.

The best time to read to your child is when he really interested in the books. It would be great if he picks the one he is interested in. Let me know if your kid reads any other books and I hope to check then out since more books are always welcome.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Music And Love- Ek Choti Si Love Story- (Part 3)

If Tia knew that staying alone would be fun, she thought wrong. It didn't seem like a bad idea at first moving in with Viaan but boy, could he be more clear that he didn't need space. She had seen him roaming in boxers in the morning, making her breakfast when she came home late from work or even ordering a take-out when she really didn't eat because she was too lazy to cook dinner. She wanted to be all by herself or at least that what she wanted to convince herself. she couldn't admit that his presence was bothering her big time. He even played the guitar, the music putting her in trace at times. 

His musky scent, the after shave he used, how his lips moistened when he had coffee and how his breath, so warm blew in her ear. He was really too close for her peace of mind.

"You look thoughtful today", he commented. He looked like he had all the time in the world and sometimes he even worked from home- staying home in that bloody boxers that showed off his long toned legs.

"I am thinking about getting together with friends"

"That's great. You should. After all its been a long time that...".

"Look Viaan", she interrupted, "Just be a roommate and stop being my mom, okay? I know when I have to meet my friends", she bit her lip feeling a blush coming on. She didn't want to be rude but he made her do that.

He looked taken aback too, "Of course. I'll back out. Like always".

"Why are you so interested in my life?"

"Because we are friends. We fight because we have to show how much we care. But you would never understand".

"I...care", she did, in her own way.

"Are you still pissed that I didn't kiss you that night?"

Now it was her time to leave. This conversation was just getting out of hand.

"That was a year ago, Viaan. And I was drunk".

Via wished they could talk about it, "But not so long ago", he had sweet memories of it, "You know what you need...", he was getting up and suddenly very close. She was still in her sleep shorts and when he pulled her closer, she didn't think about pulling back, "You seem so bitter lately".

"Well, I am getting older", she didn't really think so but yes, it did suck to be alone. 

"You will always be that little girl who gave me an umbrella when we were lost on our way to school".

"Viaan...", he came from a modest background and she knew that they couldn't afford even a raincoat back in those days. She, on the other hand came from a business family, "I was glad to borrow that. I love the rain anyway".

"Can I borrow a kiss now?"

"What...", she was breathing unevenly, "You said we shouldn't do it", in fact he couldn't be clearer. The way he had been rough with her, demanding that she go home and get it out of her system.

"I was a fool. I thought I was protecting you. In fact thats what I wanted for years...since the day you turned fifteen I guess".

"Hormones?" she giggled because his fingers were tracing a pattern on her lips.

"So many", he muttered, "I am having an attack of it right now. Kiss me?"

She pecked him softly and then when he smiled, they kissed tasting each other for long, knowing that this was something that was inevitable. 

The childhood sweetheart that was always the love of her life was now in her arms. 

(The End)

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Music And Love- Ek Choti Si Love Story (Part 2)

The washroom was empty. And spacious. Enough for her to puke her brains out. Tia didn't know what was wrong with her. Until she saw Viaan. The man she had been friends with all her life. Hell, she even remembered showering with the garden pipe together after the holi celebrations. How old were they? Nine right?

"You can't handle alcohol. How many times have I told you?"

"And how many times have I asked you to back-off!" Tia couldn't talk. She chocked. And when the slimy vomit was out of her mouth and stuck in a really bad way, she wished the earth swallowed her.
RIGHT NOW!

"Here, have this", And she felt cool water washing her queasiness away, He pushed her hair away and she felt his palms wiping away the tears.

Was she crying? She didn't realise it.

"I am not crying".

"Okay", then he was pulling her closer, hugging her in the most natural way. As if they had never fought and never been angry at each other, "You don't have to let your mom get to you".

"You know how she is". He knew that. A home body all her life, she had a difficult time letting her only daughter go. In a way Tia held on to her parents the same way. Had they not fought about it several times?

"You had this much in London, last time we went clubbing".

"I went clubbing. You just followed me".

He laughed and looked into her eyes, "You looked ravishing in that black dress. And heels. Who can forget the heels!"

"You pervert! You always had a thing for women in high heels", she could laugh now, his embrace felt comforting.

"You know what? I will help you move in".

"There's a great one bedroom flat thats empty in my building".

She frowned at him, "In your building. That will cost me a bomb", she knew that he has been earning well in that software company. Earning more then her with the trips he kept taking abroad, "And I just want something simple".

"Move in with me. I have a three bed apartment and its just wasting away", when she didn't answer he insisted, "We could get back to practising music again. remember how much you loved though peppy numbers on guitar?"

"You are a better singer than me", she admitted and the memories started warming her up, "I will think about it".

"It will be cheaper you know", he grinned innocently, "Since you just have to pay minimal rent".

"Okay okay...tomorrow I'll tell you. My mom will kill me if she knows that I am living with you".

"As friends", he added quickly and let her go. Suddenly everything seemed so bright and beautiful.

The music got loud outside and he felt like dancing on a tune or two. His plan was coming to form. 

(To be continued...)

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Music And Love- Ek Choti Si Love Story (Part 1)

“Oh look he is here again”.

Two very wise aunties sat at a very conspicable space, eyeing the crowd with such minuteness that it would scare the hell out of anyone out there. Especially when they were trying really hard to find a groom for Tia, their beloved grand daughter.

“You mean he still attends all the weddings of the family”.

“Duh!” Sharmila, the elder one rolled her eyes, “I saw him at his cousin’s wedding last year. And this is his brother’s wedding. Why would he miss that?”

“Unless he still has feelings for our Tia?”

“Oh please, keep them away. The last time they fought, Tia had almost ripped the poor man’s hair. And Viaan had left immediately”.

“He didn’t harm the girl, did he?”

“No. He is not the voilent types. At the most he yells. That’s his thing but its pretty scary”, she shuddered at the memory when the boy had given her a piece of his mind.

“And still he is here”.

“So is Tia. She could have avoided this situation”.

“Its her best friend. Come on. I am sure they even shared a cigarette at one of those slumber parties they had”.

And the boys were caught watching them. Tia and Viaan shared a long history. They were neighbors, studied the same school, played music together, went abroad together and then came back angry at each other. Everyone had almost imagined how their wedding was going to be. Only it didn’t happen. They ended up hating each other.

“Its common to be angry with men. They are such assholes at times”.

“You have been widowed long back, Sharmila”, Kammo was trying to sound wiser, “I have been married for bloody 50 years. The man just ate my brain by his constant pesturing. In fact now that I remember those times, I prefer Tia to be single. All her life. And smoke cigarettes”.

“You are a terrible Nani”, Sharmila whispered, “Anyway from what I heard, Viaan is seeing someone. And he plans to marry her”.

“Viaan is not a believer of marriage, he would do without it, if he gets what he wants”.

“Come on. He is not a playboy”.

“But he does have a reputation of helping women out and that pisses off Tia”.

They could see them eyeing each other. And sighed with impatience. It was just love waiting to happen. Another wedding in the house will be so exciting!

"Viaan, how good to see you!" A lovely woman in her late 20's hugged him and he backed away, feeling awkward, "Why, still the shy guy!"

"Come on, Reena, you know thats not it. Your husband's watching".

"So? Let him. He doesn't know how much you have helped me in life. You are like a God to me", she hugged him again and he rolled his eyes. 

"I need to get a drink", he slid away from her tight embrace and went to the open bar. This was the good thing about being at a Punjabi wedding. There was always liquor. 

And Tia. 

"Who was that?" Tia looked flushed and relayed pissed at something. If he thought about it, he was really pissed at her too. And boy did that hair was supposed to fall off her bun like that? What if he just tried to pull them up?

"A friend. We worked together".

"Just worked?"

He was distracted with her hair. She had some gold highlights done and it looked amazing on her. She always glowed that way. 

"Why are you drinking like its your last day?"

"I fought with mom about moving out".

That was news!

"Don't look at me like that! I am 28 and earn pretty well. I do think I need to live by myself once in my lifetime at least".

"Hey am I even arguing?"

"You...you have that look in your eyes..."

Her Kajal was getting in the way. She really did need to hang out in the washroom and get straightened out. 

"Lets' go", he whispered in her ear and she shivered. 

(To be continued...)

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

5 Paki drama with amazing Music

When you think about music, all you know is that you do not see countries or borders to prevent it from loving it. In fact who denies that Atif Aslam and Fawad Khan doesn't make your heart skip a beat? Or Mahira Khan not making you wish for the stars? Anyway I do not watch useless mindless television for personal sanity, even the award shows if I really want Raveer and Arjun together then yes, I love them together. I saw that!

Anyway back to Pakistani dramas. I am sure you watch Zindagi channel and you get loads of great plots almost reminding you of the days when you used to watch 'Farmaan' or 'Kashish" on DD channel. I wish they made such romances today instead of man-hating-wife-drama-and-finally-sleeping-when-drunk kind of plots. Its demeaning and totally inappropriate.

Five Paki songs to listen now!

Wo Humsafar tha: The title of the song echoes the title of the drama and its an amazing drama. Totally going to make you hate Fawad for being this mommy's boy and not listening to any sense. But the heart ache and pain is there and I love this song forever!


Laiyaa Laiyyan: From Jackson Heights, this musical number is going to make you nostalgic. The drama is sensible as well. The young ambitious man who wants to settle in the US is ready to marry an older woman for a green card, the man who had left his country for money and did the same now regrets to marry a woman he doesn't love. The ending is amazing. There is no undying love declared- love is just understood.


Zindagi Gulzar hai: The first time I ever realised that I actually like watching two people fight, this song is full of passion, positive vibes and I listen to it when I am particularly feeling down.



  Zindagi Khak Na thi: The gazal in the drama Zindagi Gulzar hai makes you want to stop everything and listen to this soulful number. Its sung beautifully and made me fall in love with the characters in the drama. This music is just the thing to play everyday!



Nindiya re: This song is from the telefilm BEHADD. I watched it for Fawad Khan but the story was way better than him. The young girl (evil really!) is sweet and revolves around her obsession with her mother, not wanting to see her married and share her love. This is a lullaby kind of music that will put a smile on your lips.

If you love music then listen to it all. Of course do not forget to check out all their songs at Coke Studio because I don't know about other things but art and music these people get!

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Music For Kids- Yes, its a thing!

When you come to children, all you come to know are the old time rhymes. Its good for them of course but children need soothing music sometimes peppy that will make them what they are today. In fact studies have shown that behaviour of kids depends a lot on how busy their minds are. If they are watching violent cartoons then they will definitely portray the same behaviour outside or at home. Thats why I think channels like Nick Jr, Baby TV and Disney Junior is just the best channels you can give to your child. They will learn a lot and in turn show milder signs of naughtiness. Not that they won't spoil a kid or you shouldn't have a TV time because honestly how long will they sit in front of the idiot box.

My son has turned 3 and half and I see him mimicking the songs he sees on tv. Which is good. It develops his language skills and he can sing a tune or two too. When he was an infant and i was breastfeeding mom, so I would be like dead tired to sing to him but I did get a beautiful musical box where it tuned to music that would put you to sleep. One of the best gifts I got from my sister. And no wonder he loves music so much.

Lullaby are also a great way to introduce your child to music. Anything you can sing it to them, they will love it. You really don't have to be Beyonce or Lata Mangeshkar to sing. Just make up something that has a soothing rhythm and you will have a happier child waking up to you. My favourite is Rock-a-By Baby which works like magic. Also you will have routine which is good even for you. You can cuddle and love him while you sing to him/her. I feel like a good mom when I sing to him on days when I am really a monster to him. I wish music solved everything. But to an extent it does gives me solace.

I also love the "feelings" songs in Nick Jr that asks the child to express what he/she feels and we get all excited to see this on tv. Its a great song to have when you want your child to learn to communicate. Mine took a lot of time to open up but I am happy that he does say what he is feeling.


List of songs for your children: (Hindi and English)

1. Rock-A-Bye Baby
2. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
3. Hush Lil Baby
4. Mere Ghar aayi ek Nanhi Pari
5. Chanda hai tu, mera suraj hai tu
6. Do Naina Ek Kahani
7. My Bonnie lies over the ocean

There are some of the songs I sing to my baby. What are your favourites? Comment below and I would be happy to add to my list.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Music Therapy For A Beautiful Day

There is therapy for the mind and then there is therapy for the soul. This is where you come to Music- as a medium that connects you with your inner self.

Why do we need to listen to music?

And why not? I ask. People you workout, do yoga and also who seek solace in different kind of exercise, it has been proved that music is the first factor that gives you the motivation to achieve your goals. No wonder I find myself lost without my iPod and my headphones, in fact updating it comes first thing on my mind whenever I am free. I keep collecting music as well. So, well Music works well for me. Stress is also the biggest factor that makes us perform less than our potential. You are in a crappy mood in office, you bring that mood at home, do not discuss anything with your family and sleep with that mood, only to wake up crappy. Do you notice the vicious circle here? Before you loose your sense of self, try giving 'music' a chance. 

How can you begin with Music, if you are a beginner?

When we all begin our day, it always starts with a hurry bury blur of activities. Making breakfast for everyone, packing your stuff for the office, choosing the right outfit and when you are done with all this, you just feel drained. Instead choose a playlist for your day and just switch it on as and when you wake up. I prefer to keep my speaker close to my bed and just when I do not feel like getting up, i play music. It has to be something peppy for me to actually start my day. 

Isn't music distracting?

It really depends on what kind of work you are doing. Often a light buzz of Mozart or Brian Silas piano doesn't make a difference to your work. Even if its technical. As a writer I can vouch for the effect it has on my work. I love listening to a romantic number (mood varies) when i am writing a novel. In fact several creative people use 'music' as a source of inspiration. So have you found yours yet?

What kind of music should I listen to?

Its not necessary that you need to have a set genre fixed for it to work. If you like Sufi or Gazals then go for it. If English pop songs make your day then do not hesitate to switch it on. Share your love for music and try to understand the lyrics to make yourself more approvable to others. Rap (even Honey Singh) makes your heart skip a beat then do not go for anyone judging your choice. After all music is just here to spread love, give you love and make you free.

Even if you have a tight schedule, make time to just listen and see a change in your attitude which will not only effect you but also the people around you. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Top 5 Bollywood Music 2015

The year had truly went by quickly and all I could think of was music and of course the most awaited Bollywood movies. Somehow I do characterise a move with its music and I have come to the conclusion that I did find my top ten favourites.

Dum Lagake Haisha no doubt had the most haunting songs with Anu Malik doing a commendable job of actually being original and not giving in to the fads of item songs. Thanks god for the peppy number SUNDAR SUSIL...I just love that song. Even heard it playing at weddings and tapped a foot of two here and there. The other one is MOH MOH KE DHAAGE which is undoubtedly sung by two most talented singers- PAPON and MOULI THAKUR.


Badlapur surprised many and shocked a few. And the song JEENA has just taken my breath away. Wondering how Atif Aslam gets better every year. Obviously not in the league of the usual singers, I vote this song as an all time favourite of mine!

Tamasha, though a little over the head, was a movie that would motivate many. Like Rockstar, Ranbir Kapoor choose a very different script to work with, his grandfather being an inspiration for sure. Obviously theater in his veins, he just rocked my world with the music in the movie. The sad number-  Andheri Raatein and Agar Tum Ho is sure to make you cry cry and..well, cry. Breakup- no good man!

Dil Dharakne Do, though a very, how do I put it lightly, very low brainless movie of 2015, didn't have much of the music to talk about. Although my workout sessions loved the lovey-dovey song PEHLI BAAR. Its just a song, you have to hear, dance your heart out and save it on your playlist forever!


Tanu Weds Manu Returns, was a great rib ticking dramatic comedy. And that one song that did make my day was BANNO- SWAG. The bonus was Kangna who is my all time favourite heroine who really has the guts to do what her heart says. Of course the movie is a bonus. I did miss the haunting music of its prequel but then i am sure the pressure of a good script surpassed and I am pretty happy with my choice.

What 2015 had was not much to work with and I am looking forward to adding a few more numbers in my playlist. I am more of a listener than a watcher, so I collect music in my database forever. What I like about the list is that, nothing sounds the same and the variety and the creativity of our music directors is commendable.

If you want to add some of your favourite music then go ahead and tag me in the comments. I would like some more music, some more talented pieces to hear in the year 2016!

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.