what women want by Ankur Jain

APRIL 2009 Vol.1 No.5

your look this Spring 42 Yes, I do 16. Brighten

Winter is over and it is time to lighten up and enjoy the fresh spring season. Sometimes, winter leaves telltale remnants on skin, face and the psyche. Read on and see how best you can chase the last of those winter blues

42WaysYes, I do to Break Up Graciously 18.

It’s not easy to break up with your partner; nobody enjoys it. But sometimes, you have to do it. Here are 10 ways to make a clean cut

20. Ways

Big O Theory 42 Yes, I do 22. The

Can I or can I not climax–that is the question. We say why ask at all when it’s pleasure perfect anyway

26. ‘Legend

of the fall

Tahiliani’s “new art” at the Delhi Fashion Week was evolutionary, young, wearable and stylish. It represented a social change that suited the economic downturn

42 Yes, doFantasy of FabriIc and 30. Master

Rohit Bal’s creative genius, which showcased at New Delhi’s Emporio, reached a resounding finale at Cibo

Ladies, Eye This!

Eye make-up Spring 2009 focuses on the soft, sultry, smoky look–it’s all about softness and femininity

42. How

EDITORIAL Deputy Managing Editor Simran Mishra Senior Editors Prabir Biswas, Radhika Ravi Rajan Associate Editor Indira Laul Contributing Editor Pramilla Bharat Singh Assistant Editors Chetan Bhattarai, Rouble Raghuvanshi, Ruchika Gill ART Group Art Director Amitabha Sen Assistant Creative Director Ankur Jain Visualiser Mandeep Singh

to Heal a Broken Heart

Each one of us has different ways of coping with a break-up. Get back the sunshine in your life and try these 10 spiritual tips for getting over a break-up

40.

Chairman Kewal Gill Publisher/Editor Arjun Gill Executive Editor Kamal Gill Vice President Vivek Mittal

to De-stress in easy ways

42 Yes, I do

Here are some stress relievers for you that are simple and could be effective for the amount of time and work involved

MARKETING & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT— DELHI OFFICE General Manager Amit Khurana Assistant General Manager Vagish Mishra MARKETING & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT— MUMBAI OFFICE Assistant General Manager Alok Sinha FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION General Manager Ajith Kumar LR Financial Controller Vijay Gosain Manager Administration Indu Mathur SALES Assistant Manager Gagan Bhola What Women Want is published/printed by Arjun Gill and published from: Gill Holdings, O- 46, 2nd Floor, Lajpat Nagar II, New Delhi-110 024. Printed at: Gokul Offset Pvt Ltd, D-159A,Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi 110 020 All rights reserved. Advertising enquiries: New Delhi O- 46, 2nd Floor, Lajpat Nagar II, New Delhi110 024; Tel: +91 11 29841710 -13; Email: w3.editor@gmail.com Mumbai: 111, 1st Floor, Atlanta Arcade, MarolChurch Road, Off Andheri-Kurla Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai-400 059; Tel: +91 22 29252652; Fax: +91 22 29254492; Email: gillindiamum@gmail.com

All information in WHAT WOMEN WANT is derived from sources, which we consider reliable. Information is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The contents of this publication contain views of authors and are not the views of Gill Holdings. Similarly, opinions/views expressed by any party in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared/ do not necessarily reflect any opinion of Gill Holdings. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any manner is strictly prohibited. Material appearing in the publication cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission. The same rule applies when there is a copyright or the article is taken from another publication. Publications reproducing material either in part or in whole, without permission could face legal action. Editorial enquiries and enquiries concerning the reproduction of articles, advertising and circulation should be emailed at gillindiadel@gmail.com. The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning unsolicited material nor is responsible for material lost or damaged in transit. The publisher reserves the rights to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisements Code as well as the Advertisements Code of South Asia. The publisher will not be liable for any damaged or loss cause by the late publication, error or failure or advertisement to appear.

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46.

Begam-e-Khas

42 Yes, I do

Whether it’s to do with couture or sustaining village folk or restoring heritage property, Meera Ali brings her customary finesse to all tasks

50.

Create Your Own Spa in 30 Minutes

Treat yourself to a home spa treatment and watch how it makes a new person out of you

52. Cooking

Up A Sleek Workstation

Modular kitchens are the answer to the modern Indian woman’s requirements–sleek, clean and functional

42 Yes, I do 56. Hare

and Chase

She was my dream-come-true. But ten years ago, I was a slow gentleman and I thought that a hare from nowhere had won her heart and that she was gone forever

58. ‘I

Was Diagnosed With Breast Cancer’

Here’s a first-person account of a breast-cancer patient and the problems she overcame

42 Yes, I do 60. Say

“no” to scissors, “yes” to long hair

From straight and sleek to long and wavy, the hairstyles of Jennifer Aniston, Salma Hayek or Katrina Kaif keep us in awe

64. Mum,

I won’t do it

Did you ever feel your daughter was insensitive towards you because she made a different choice? May be you were wrong

42 Yes, I do 68. From

Work To Wow

It takes just a little bit of imagination and common sense to go from office to party and be a winner

42 Yes, I do

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editor’s

DESK

Often it takes a crisis to see the best in people. Harsh, unfeeling they might well be in day-to-day life, but if an accident happens and it’s a grim battle between life and death, they do the impossible…stay by your side no matter what the cost, do what needs to be done without a question, fight for your rights till regulations give way, and when it is all over, do not expect a word of thanks to be expressed. The reverse happens as well. Generous, big-hearted, well-mannered, sensitive colleagues fall apart in a crisis. They need more caring than you do. And how do you react when the chips are down? Just as with other people, there’s no predicting how one reacts although the basic parameters

exist. If your first general reaction to anything that goes wrong is to rant and rave, you’d probably express shock the same way. You could, however, go all quiet, which will be more unsettling all around. You could feel so great a sense of loss that your usual boisterous self is immersed in a sea of unbelieving grief. How you stand up to a crisis, depends largely on what your basic tenets are…if your wiring is set at working steadfastly through a crisis, without breaking down, you would automatically do so; the shock registering only after the event. However, we get to know ourselves only in a crisis…what we are capable of withstanding, how hard the knock was and whether we were axed in one sweep,

or experienced delayed anger, paralysing fear or amazing restraint. Reaction is often the result of a number of factors and it is seldom that two reactions to the same kind of situation remain the same. You could well come out of a crisis with a good amount of egg on your face on one occasion and display masterly presence of mind the next time you hit a catastrophe. Much depends on how good a learner you are, how quickly you adapt and how much flexibility you pick up while working your way through a predicament. Courage, the first essential in a crisis-survival kit, comes with experience.Life teaches you, through these rough patches, how to ride out a storm.

We look forward to your feedback on the magazine. Email your letters at w3.editor@gmail.com www.w3online.in | march 2009

Nostalgia Revisited I started reading the cover story, The Celeb Love Affair, thinking it would be about the love affairs of celebrities. But it was surprisingly about me, the reader. I really loved it. The short story by Chetan Bhattarai took me back to school days. Good magazine. — Anindita Roy, Gurgaon

Ordinary People I’m a sucker for interviews, and reading about a fashion model and one of India’s first beauty pageant winners was quite an experience. Both Nayanika Chatterjee and Nafisa Ali were revelations. If you could also feature everyday people, not just celebrities, it would be great. — Vandana Mishra, Allahabad

The Complete Magazine I read your magazine and liked it. It is a complete package. There is fashion and lifestyle, celebrity news, relationships, people, emotional connectivity and yummy food. Bravo! — Geeta Acharya, Bangalore

The Eternal Divide Women Empowered Refer to Women on Top (WWW March 2009). Few women are at the top positions in politics as chief ministers. These women have come to occupy the highest position in the state without banking on reservations or any such sops for the vote-bank. It shows that the voters judged the calibre of a leader more than anything else. As chief ministers, these women should make their states and nation free from corruption with total transparency–cases like disproportionate assets must be cleared and not recur in future. With women at the top in UP and Delhi and Sonia Gandhi as the de facto Prime Minister, men are at the mercy of women in politics too– bechara aadmi. Who says women are the weaker sex? — Mahesh Kumar, New Delhi

Refer to Wazzzat? Platonic Sex? (WWW March 2009). Men and women can be friends only without any attraction. It depends on the attitude and behaviour of both men and women. If both are strong headed, then friendship between men and women is possible without sexual tension. However, to be on the safer side, certain precautions are important, like avoiding being alone at odd hours at odd places. Also, women should not dress provocatively with men friends. Keep a physical distance and so on. — Mahesh Kapasi, New Delhi LETTER OF THE MONTH

Short and Sweet I loved the short stories. Class of ‘96 as fun, capturing those butterflies-in-the-belly moments we have all had in our school days. On the other hand, Set in Stone was touching and sad, and I enjoyed that as well. The women profiled in the magazine were inspiring, because they were drawn from different walks of life. — Supriya Negi, New Delhi

We look forward to your feedback on the magazine. Email your letters at w3.editor@gmail.com

spring aroma 8

Get centre-stage Nature plays a game of love and gets you the limelight. When? Whenever you don Spotlight by Avon, and wherever. Amusing and sparkling, the scent is a blend of mandarin, bergamot, mimosa and sandalwood notes. INEXPENSIVE at $22.50.

The green fairy

Steal those wows

Christian Lacroix interprets the essence of the mythical drink of the poets, absinth, in Absynth. Bohemian sulphurous and salamander spunky, the perfume is a puller. Wear it and engender Omar Khayyams in the captivated motley admirers. ECONOMIC at $32.

Bet to resist this one. 212 on Ice by Carolina Herrera is the real icebreaker. Beware, you’d be hooking them all naturally when this perfume is on you. Truly alive and kicking, 212 on Ice is simply sexy. JUSTIFIED at $54.

Seduction Potion

When spring comes, romance follows. This season become simply irresistible by wearing any of these scents

Lust is love

Dramatic and strong, Unconditional Love by Philosophy has a clear message–pure seduction and complete surrender. Melting of black currant and soft floral notes will help you nab that crush of yours. POCKET-FRIENDLY at $40.

Sweet surrender

Saccharine-sweet yet citrustangy–Sweet Lime & Cedar by Jo Malone is luxe and pulling. If you want to turn heads and become the whiff of fresh air, have this eau de parfum on you and make an entrance. HIGH-END at $55 to $100.

Young and high Reveal your modesty with the breezy Flora by Gucci. With top notes of citrus and peony, a heart of rose and osmanthus and sandalwood and patchouli base, scent is virtuous yet sinful. Girls, you can’t be asking for more. HIGH-END at $65 to $90. www.w3online.in | april 2009

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spring wear 10

Halfway’ Halfway’ss trendy

Steam up this spring with capris. Go for styles with rhinestones, rivets and fun pocket detailing to make it more hip.

Hot skin kin

Slim-leg denim is not new, but you can make a difference by wearing it in style. Put on a stringy balloon top and slip into cut-out or gladiator jeans. Or, how about a halter top and a wide belt? Check out these Levi's Ultra Low Skinny 521 Jeans.

Flare it up, baby

Desire gets denim Go chic this spring with funky denims. Check out the hottest styles and wear them to become a rage in the town

Denim not blue Go tough this spring with grey and khaki denims. These neutral shades can be topped with any colour–yellow, red, white or black–in shirts, belts, shoes and other accessories.

Dark obsession This spring, make a statement in style, and elegantly so, with the ever-gracious dark denims. With these complete your wardrobe stuffed with all the destroyed, distressed and slouchy jeans and be equipped for dressier plans.

How hot can it get with denims? Smoking, I say, with slim-fit above knee and a flare beneath. This Levi's Trouser Flare Jeans, is simply becoming as its fitand-flare silhouette slims wider hips and thighs. Wear it with a pair of stilettos and look wow.

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details based on a new and creativity: the frames stylesâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;ranging from the models to wraparound

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a line-and-wrinkle reducing moisturiser that can help reduce those tell-tale signs of age.It comforts and hydrates the skin and keeps it toned. Also, helps to make your skin look more radiant and fresh.

Estee Lauder Time Zone

One of the most innovative watches of all times. Due to its touch-driven technology, the T-Touch offers a precision instrument at your fingertips, combining high technicality and performance with cutting-edge design and ease of use.

Tissot T-Touch

An evolution of lines and combination of elegance come in a wide range of more classic and sportier and grittier styles.

Just Cavalli

The fragrance features notes of Casablanca lilies, fluid amber, sparkling acacia, white clove, jasmine templar, golden blossom and patchouli. Truly made to liven up your mood.

Donna Karan Gold Perfume

12 12

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HP Mini 1000 Vivienne Tam

Intricacy coupled with simplicity; the magnificence of history interwoven with linear, contemporary look. Check out the varieties in designer rings from Tanishq.

Zoya ring by Tanishq

Add glamour to your digital lifestyle like never before with the world’s first Digital Clutch. It’s a work of art created by renowned fashion designer Vivienne Tam.

Sun Blue Genie

A lightweight, luxurious leave-in softening fluid to smooth and protect your hair. Helps to hydrate the hair and combats humidity and frizz. Apply a couple of pumps and smooth through towel-dried hair before styling.

Chroma Riche

Brass pyramids, studs and woven leather on soft, genuine tan distressed cowhide leather belt. Don’t miss the heavy solid antique brass buckle. The belt has snaps which open and close so you may add your favourite buckle.

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spring mantra

Brighten your look this Spring The last remnants of the winter cold have disappeared and spring is here at last. No more misty, moist mornings and freezing temperatures. It’s time to lighten up, bring a spring in your step, chuck those sweaters and coats and come out with the floral trends of the season. But, sometimes, winter has its way of leaving telltale remnants on skin, face and the psyche. Read on and see how best you can chase the last of those winter blues Add Some Colour to Your Wardrobe Are you a sucker for black? Give yourself a break from black. Colour your life with some vibrant hues, which you might not have worn before. Make it a point to try out a new colour like aquamarine and deep rose.

Start a Blog Did you know that blogging actually boosts brain function? A new study has found that blogging has the same mood-boosting effect on the brain as journaling. For example, cancer patients who blogged about going through chemotherapy showed lower levels of pain and improved well-being as compared to patients who did not blog. Sites like Tumblr.com and Blogger.com make starting a blog as free and easy as opening an e-mail account.

Get "High"

Hello, Bright Eyes Tired, puffy eyes are a sure sign of winter fatigue and something you don’t want. Use an intensive eye-treatment primer; one with caffeine extract will immediately reduce puffiness, especially due to spring allergies.

There’s nothing like helping other people to get you high. Volunteer work and philanthropy increases dopamine levels in the brain. Researchers call this “helper’s high,” says Caroline Adams Miller, author of Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide. A study of retired men in Michigan, US, who helped their neighbours with a variety of tasks actually lived longer than their peers, who did not volunteer, and also reported higher levels of physical health and mental well-being.

www.w3online.in | april 2009

The Power of Positive Thinking If winter’s blues are still hanging on, do yourself a favour– get positive. That’s what Debbie Mandel, MA, author of Addicted to Stress: a Woman’s 7-Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life advises. If you are “smiling, witty and positive, you will be beautiful and popular, as everyone gravitates to upbeat people for happiness synergy,” says Mandel. “To look beautiful this spring, take off your mask and let your inner vitality shine through.”

Ready, Set, Accessorise One of the best tricks for brightening up a wardrobe is with accessories. A few, new colourful bangles, patentleather wedge sandals and a bright handbag can add trend and freshness to any wardrobe.

Smile A healthy smile can go a long way towards making you appear more successful, interesting, intelligent and wealthy. Dr Catrise Austin, author of Hollywood Smiles, suggests ‘spring cleaning’ for your teeth this spring. In other words, visit your dentist for some teeth cleaning and get the dazzle in your smile. But if the dentist’s chair bothers you, try another option like crushed strawberries for at-home natural whiteners.

Get Organised Here’s what you can do to brighten your look for spring. Get organised–clear out the closet and make-up drawer and enjoy the freedom of losing all that leftover material.

Mind Your Hands Your hands generally take a beating during those cold, winter months. As a result, they could be dry and cracked. They may also be spotted and wrinkled with cuticles that are a disaster. This spring, start caring for your hands the same way you do your face, because they tend to reveal your chronological age.

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Lighten Your Brows Ever tried spring cleaning on your eyebrows? Thick, strong eyebrows are attractive, but they could weigh down your look if they are too heavy during the spring and summer months. Don't make them thin, but it’s okay to go one row thinner.

break-up clues

Don’t start on a blame game. Honesty really is the best policy here.

Don’t overlap Don’t start another relationship before breaking up with your guy. That’s the worst possible thing you could do. It will make you look bad in the eyes of your new partner as well.

No more friends Don’t expect to be friends after a breakup. Even if you were friends before you became intimate, your friendship can never be the same again.

Don’t drag it out Lingering over a bad relationship is a nono. When it is over, it’s over. You’re not doing your partner or yourself any good by delaying the inevitable. Sooner is better than later. And eliminate all reminders. As it is time to move on to a better life and lifestyle, you should get rid of anything that reminds you of your past relationship. Throw away cards, letters, etc, and make a clean break.

Be honest Be completely honest with your partner.

Listen Allow your partner to have his say. He might want to ask questions and may even try and talk you into changing your mind. Take time to explain in full why you want to end the relationship. Think about how you would feel if you were the one being dumped. You would want to ask questions.

Don’t do it in a public place Even if you no longer like your partner, the worst thing you can do is dump him/ her in a public place. It is the ultimate humiliation.

Ways to Break Up Graciously It’s not easy to break up with your partner; nobody enjoys it. But sometimes, you have to do it. Here are 10 ways to make a clean cut

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Don’t feel guilty

Volunteer to help the less fortunate This single tip is one great way of cleansing all negative vibrations. By helping out someone less fortunate than you, you will start to appreciate where you are–a lot better. When you volunteer to feed the homeless or deliver toys to poor children, suddenly your problems seem so small. Not only that, you also bring happiness into your life by helping others.

Music heals After a break-up, music comes back first even before movies, or video games. Music has a tremendous healing effect. History has proven this with virtually every race and culture. The key is to find the right music. Certain albums are perfectly suited to help soothe a mending heart. Here are some of the most effective albums: BUSTED STUFF: DAVE MATTHEWS In a darkened room, this record transports you to another world. It is a great healing album. STORYVILLE: ROBBIE ROBERTSON Play this over and over and over again. It gets better and better and so do you. “We don't talk about forever We just catch it while we can And if I grab on to the moment Don't let it slip out of my hand” (What About Now: Robertson/Neville) OK COMPUTER: RADIOHEAD At first, this might not seem like a healing CD, yet it does work. Some songs work better than others. MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL: LAURYN HILL If you’re into hip-hop, this album helps tremendously, although you may already have it since it was a big seller. OTHER GOOD HEALING CDs: The Wall: Pink Floyd Brand New Dance: Emmylou Harris Stoned & Dethroned Jesus and Mary Chain Hanging Fire: Jimmy Cliff Into the Music: Van Morrison Who Came First: Pete Townshend PS: The worst records for broken hearts are ‘Greatest Hits’, ‘Best of's’, or ‘live’ recordings–in other words, skip compilations!

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Stick to your decision once you’ve made it and don’t feel guilty about ending the relationship. More often than not, when we try to end a relationship we are made to feel guilty by the other, which makes us stay and hate the person more. If you want out, then no matter how much your partner begs (“I’ll change,” “I’ve done so much for you”), stick to your decision before things get worse.

Leave as you would like to be left Being dumped is a horrible thing. Try to think about how you would want to be dumped if the tables were turned. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Improve and move on. Take some time to improve yourself mentally, physically and spiritually, if desired. Once you’ve made great strides, hit the dating circuit again. When you get into a new, great and rewarding relationship, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to forget the past. But while looking for that special someone, keep sticking to your goals and improvement plans. Be happy with who you are and where you are going.

Don’t pick a fight The only reason we pick a fight is to ease the guilt that we bring upon our partner when he thinks it is his fault. Get straight to the point and don’t make your partner suffer more than necessary.

break-up blues

You’ve just ended a long relationship and you’re

devastated. The end of a relationship is a universally

painful and intense experience, one that is

followed by a period of

unhappiness and healing. Each one of us has different

ways of coping with a break-

up, but we can benefit greatly by bringing spiritual healing in the thinking process. So, get back the sunshine in your life

Ways to Heal a Broken Heart

and try these 10 spiritual tips for getting over a break-up and moving on with your life.

Try Something New Get a move on. Take a dance class, learn a new skill or hobby and put the break-up behind you.”Starting over” needn’t be as scary as it sounds.

Don’t Blame God It’s tempting to berate the gods and harbour feelings of bitterness–blaming them for bringing you and your partner together only to have the relationship fall apart. Instead, turn to God, or your higher power, for support and direction, rather than turning away from your spiritual self.

Don’t Be Afraid of Tears Don’t hold the tears back. Crying is allowed, so are anger, resentment and fear about the future. Allow yourself to feel the pain of the loss, it’s only when you’re honest with yourself and your feelings that you can begin to heal.

Write It Out This might sound alien to you at first, but try putting all your angst, hurt, confusion, sadness, regret, even an apology, into a heartfelt letter addressed to your ex, but don’t send it. It’s a great first step towards healing yourself from these feelings. Burn the letter, or throw it away.

Relish Your Solitude Being on your own need not be intimidating. It’s a spiritual gift. Try meditation, yoga or tai chi. Create a little space in your home that feels like a sanctuary to you. Learn to love yourself. www.w3online.in | april 2009

Take Care of Yourself The stress of a break-up can leave your body drained and spent. Take care of your physical well-being to restore your feelings of self-worth, confidence and attractiveness. You could do that by starting a workout programme, having simple, healthy meals and perhaps an aromatherapy massage.

The Heart Repair Calculator A blog on the net talks about The HeartRepair Calculator. We all know that time is a great healer. But how long will it take? The blogger states that after much study, this is the best formula for getting an estimate: SHORT RELATIONSHIPS (3 MONTHS OR LESS) A) Count the number of weeks that you knew the person before the relationship turned romantic and then divide this number by 2. B) Then count the number of weeks that you were romantically involved. C) Add-up A and B.

D) Count the average number of days per week you saw him/her during the romance.

Love Your Life

Divide this number by 2.

Think of all the happy and positive things in your life. There’s nothing like a supportive family or friends to take you outside your grief. Take in a funny movie, do anything that makes you laugh. Think of all the things you can be thankful for.

Multiply C and D – that's how many weeks it will take to begin feeling normal. Example: Devyani met Akshay. After 4 weeks they started dating. They dated for 8 weeks, seeing each other an average of 4 nights per week. Then Akshay left. It will take Devyani's heart about 20 weeks (or just under 5 months) to recover.

Begin Again

A) Count the number of months that you

Your self-esteem gets the biggest knocking after a break-up. If you did the breaking up, you could feel like a heartless fiend; if you were dumped, you’d feel unloved and unlovable. Sit down in a quiet place and think about what you like about yourself. Pen them down, if you like. There are lessons to be learnt from every breakup, but at the end of it, you should be able to feel good about yourself.

You will want to start dating again at some point in time. It’s essential to watch your emotions carefully; your intuition will tell you when you are ready to let go of your past relationship and restart your life with someone new.

were romantically involved.

Believe in Yourself

Clean Up the Mess Cleaning house could translate to a spiritual metaphor for inner cleansing. When you’ve just been through a break-up, the physical process of cleaning up or disposing your ex’s clothes, books, music, etc, could help in the cleansing of your soul.

MID-LENGTH RELATIONSHIPS (1 YEAR OR LESS)

B) Count the average number of days per week you saw him/her during the romance, and divide this number by 2. Multiply A and B – that's how many months it will take to begin feeling normal. Example: Raj met Priyanka. They had a passionate romance for 8 months, seeing each other about 3 times per week. Then Priyanka left. It will take Raj's heart about 12 months (1 year) to recover. LONG RELATIONSHIPS (1 YEAR OR MORE) A) Estimate how happy you were (day-today) on a scale of 1 to 3. B) Estimate how physically attractive you found your mate on a scale of 1 to 3. Add up A and B, and then divide this number by 2. This will give you a number in years. Subtract one year from the total. Example: John was happily married to Mary. He ranked his happiness a 2 out of 3. He found Mary very attractive, a 3 out of 3. Mary leaves. John's heart will take 1½ years to recover.

april 2009 | www.w3online.in

sex myths

Can I or can I not climax–that is the question. We say why ask at all when it’s pleasure perfect anyway

W3 Bureau

ow, who can forget the most celebrated scene from When Harry Met Sally, in which Sally (Meg Ryan) fakes an orgasm in a restaurant, her act leaving one prying diner ordering, “I’ll have what she’s having.” And then there was “the Mango” episode of the American soap Seinfeld, where Elaine and Kramer admit to faking orgasms, and the main character, Jerry, becomes paranoid with the idea that his girlfriend must have been faking orgasms all this while with him. These are only two examples of the popular culture tackling of the issue. Female orgasm is discussed so much that it is almost an independent discourse. The truth is that orgasm has become a performance pressure. If you can just forget the thought that you might climax or not, you will enjoy the act better, and, the chances of your having one are brighter. Here’s the ‘orgasmic mythology’ busted to make sure you have a greater session the next time around.

It is more difficult for women to reach orgasm than for men Not really. Studies prove that the female orgasm is different from the male orgasm, which explains its being considered elusive. The difference is merely one of pattern. The time taken to climax from the optimum point of arousal is essentially the same in both men and women, it’s just that women take longer to reach that prime arousal point. So, what you need to really focus on is a good foreplay and orgasm will follow.

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sex myths

Vaginal orgasm is better than clitoral orgasm 24

The comparison itself is silly. Why? Because both orgasm types promise pleasure and can be equally satisfying. The only reason why vaginal orgasms are regarded as the pinnacle of pure delight is due to their lower frequency. Statistically speaking, it’s estimated that 30 per cent of women will never even experience one and only 30 per cent get them regularly. That means you have a very good chance of being a woman who will never achieve a vaginal orgasm. But that is not a problem, anyway. Clitoral orgasms can be absolutely earth-moving, just work it right. For your info: The clitoris has a concentration of nerve endings comparable only to the head of a penis. Vital, right? So, just explore and know your preference and let your partner know what pleases you better.

Only women fake orgasms Yeah! We all want to be saved the embarrassment of not being able to climax. And so we resort to faking it. Women are notorious for putting up the act, but men are no less. Recent studies, in fact, show that men are actually more likely to fake one because they are always expected to climax. Lack of one could communicate a feeling of inadequacy and rejection or teasing from his sexual partner.

G-spot stimulation is what all women want N plus O. While it’s true that many women lust for G-spot orgasms, all women DO NOT desire such a thing. G-spot stimulation for many women, in fact, results in an outright uncomfortable sensation. (No woman wants to rush to urinate in the middle of a passionate act–one of the possible things G-spot stimulation can ensure.) It can also cause her pain. In fact, stimulating the G-spot can annoy some women to the point where it completely turns them off for the rest of the evening. And if you are one of them, let your guy know to save him his effort.

laced with affection, followed by a slow and passionate coming together, will leave most women thoroughly content at the end of the act.

Women need a skilled partner to reach orgasm Don’t put so much pressure on your man to make it happen because he’s not solely responsible for your orgasm. You know you could be having the time of your life, even if you don’t reach an orgasm. Men do pride themselves on their ability to make a woman reach the big O–it’s true–but it’s perfectly okay if she has difficulty in achieving a vaginal orgasm.

Women don’t ejaculate Watch some porn flicks to know this one. Women can definitely ejaculate, and some can do so more forcefully (and with more volume) than men. We know that women ejaculate through the urethra, just like men. But not all women can or will experience ejaculation. So, if she doesn't have a gushing end, don't think she didn't enjoy herself, just try again another time.

Size matters Only if you believe it. The G-spot is located only some three inches down the vagina. So,women stop being prejudiced. And men, chuck out that size panic. Roll slow to heighten the passion and pleasure–it’s simple.

Condom affects woman’s ability to climax This is just a mental construct. Condoms not only protect from HIV infection and other STDs, but with the many variables available today, they are said to help rather than impede the delight of love making–for instance, there are textured and lambskin condoms, amongst a million others. They do not obstruct a woman from reaching a climax.

No orgasm means bad sex

Circumsised penis decreases the chances of female orgasm

Sex is ecstatic anyway, and when combined with the right level of intimacy there is nothing that gets better– whether you climax or not. Many women prefer foreplay to actual sex and orgasm because that is more satisfying. So a prolonged session of making out,

Some circumcised men do complain a lack of sensitivity during the intercourse, but the connection between the two is not substantiated by science. All a circumcised penis requires is extra lubrication, and if you are the vaginal-orgasm woman, then that, too.

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fashion power ramp profile

Rouble Raghuvanshi

Legend of the fall Tahiliani’s“new art” at the Delhi Fashion Week was evolutionary, young, wearable and stylish. It represented a social change that suited the economic downturn

rêt-a-porter or haute couture, the artistic renderings of designers invariably catch my attention for being “the curious case of bling-bling button” tuned to set a “serious fling” with the current season. And this, particularly because of the tremendous transformation the fashion vista in India has undergone over the last decade. Fashion today is no more restricted to the bright lights. Every woman, every man wants to stay trendy and smart. The designers are sensitive to the change, and are catering to it. The number of fashion shows has increased, as has the number of buyers and spectators. While more and more girls and boys are taking to modelling as a career option, a young dynamo of designers now flank the fashion scenario. In their designs, they capture everything from nature to history to science to global issues. The results are sporadically titillating and grippingly captivating. But in all of this, the old block leads the show. Experience does matter. Here is a peek-a-boo into the fall/winter collections 2009 of the most talked about Delhi-based designers who showcased their creations at the recently concluded Delhi Fashion Week–Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Bal: Day One of DFW. Emporio was all glammedup, ready to host the shows. One was left with the feeling of wanting to see more after Rohit Bal staged the teaser to his main show; the crowd headed to the main show area. Anticipation was thick in the air for two reasons–the show to follow was Tarun Tahiliani’s and the show stopper was shrouded in mystery. “Is it Shilpa or Deepika?” Everyone around was curious. A blackout in the MSA was followed by lights fading in on the ramp and music dating back to the turn of the 20th century playing in the background. There was silence. And so began the show. Tall models clad in curvilinear dresses sashayed down the ramp. Simple and seductive, the readyto-wear collection was a steaming affair of tough times and passion fashion. Aptly named Art Nouveau deco cleansing, the collection was real and tangible, illusion was out; it was about being “back to basics,” being back to the first half of the 20th century–a period that saw the world wars and fought the Great Depression. Although alluding to

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fashion ramp

those times with its motifs, line and feel, Tahiliani’s “new art” was evolutionary. It was young and practical, wearable and stylish, and represented a social change that suited the global economic downturn equally well. Tahiliani mixed sculpted draping with textured jerseys, pin tucks and velvet wraps. Chainette was fringed in with beads, novelty knits and geometric based drapes on shirts, saris and fanciful kurtas. A new luxury made for the silhouette and soul of the collection–a diving further into the gloom of recession, with a sculptural view of the night and autumnal shedding of the leaves. The men’s collection featured weaves and sustainable style, which was contemporary yet unique. Silk pique shirts and kurtas blended with velvet and woolwrapped jackets and the quilted bandhgalas were outstanding. And then, there was the show-stopper Deepika Padukone in the layered maroon and golden dress. What better culmination to hope and a new beginning?

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fashion collection

Indira Laul

Master of Fabric and Fantasy Rohit Bal’s creative genius, which showcased at New Delhi’s Emporio, reached a resounding finale at Cibo

s always, the Rohit Bal collection drew the crowds, like the veritable bees to the flower garden. And as always, it was late. But that didn’t deter the audience who were assembled at the first ever salon show, held at the atrium of the luxurious DLF Emporio Mall in New Delhi, to witness Rohit Bal’s sneak preview of his Fall-Winter collection for the Delhi Fashion Week. Explained the designer about his choice of venue, “I will show a more commercial collection at the Emporio with the intention of focusing on the business of fashion. The collection showcased at the Emporio will be purely prêt a porter and is a part of my main collection.” The Delhi Fashion Week was aimed at setting new benchmarks for the Indian fashion industry and to create greater opportunities for designers. Organised by Prodigy Fashion and endorsed by the Fashion Foundation of India, the Delhi Fashion Week featured a mix of the most well-known and upcoming fashion talent in the country. Lauding the Delhi Fashion Week, Rohit said, “The reason that I am showing at the Delhi Fashion Week is because I find it extremely progressive and the production quality of the event is comparable to any international fashion week. The designers are selected on merit and the standard of creativity is at its best.”

And, so it was that Rohit's Fall-Winter collection at Emporio had the audience spellbound, with spring’s vivid colours giving way to the dark hues of the AutumnWinter line. The show began with a South African beauty showcasing Dracul, by Balance, Rohit’s prêt label. The accent was on the ruffled look and pleated texture. But it was at Cibo, Rohit’s Italian restaurant, that the grand showstopper finale took place. The setting was perfect. It could have been straight out of Weber’s Phantom of the Opera, where the phantom entices his lady love into his cavern, lit by one thousand candles. Cibo’s candle-lit restaurant set the dark and sombre mood for Raat, Rohit’s couture collection. As haunting music played, stunning models moved sinuously and variously in Gothic black ensembles, flaring tulle skirts and silk blouses, layered textures in silk jersey, organza and felt. There were evening gowns to simple dresses, jackets and skirts. If there was colour, it was deep green, reflective of dark jungle foliage; or the dramatic steely blue gown at the end. An unbelievably short mini, with plenty of flounce and bounce, had the audience floored. The men’s wear showcased a green bandhgala jacket with shimmery brown pants, plus a unique jacket with Velour cuffs and an overlapping design fastened by a zip.

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fashion collection

Rohit’s Milestones 32

• The designer has a dedicated space at the prestigious Saks Fifth Avenue in Dubai. • A presence at The London Fashion Week, Fall-Winter 2007-2008. The collection was received with great enthusiasm. • A creative partnership with international shoe designer, Christian Loubation. • A high-value collaboration with Conran Store and other lifestyle stores, such as Mumbai Se and Crate and Barrel. • A partnership with Nebula-Titan watches. • Rohit launched his first restaurant Veda in New Delhi, in 2005. Conde Nast Traveller included it in its Top 100 Restaurants in the World in 2006. • The label Balance by Rohit is a prêt offering from the designer and has been a great success. • He has dressed celebrities such as Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell and Anna Kournikova. • He has also worked with the Khadi Gram Udyog to create khadi and design collections for their outlets.

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ramp talk

Couture’s Stylish Icon Indira Laul

f you saw The Love Guru and drooled over actor Jessica Alba dancing in a hot orange sari and loved Julia Roberts in the outfits she wore in The Mexican, you would know that “great ideas in fashion are simple, straight and timeless,” like the clothes designed by Gurpreet Pia Fleming. Gurpreet’s clothesline sells under the label Bian in New Delhi and New York. She is one designer who caters to the Indian and Western markets and in her own words, this is her greatest challenge. “It’s a world of ideas and innovation. And fashion is about excelling in ultility-minded basics. It’s also about making an impact.’’ Gurpreet recognises her clients’ tastes perfectly well and says, “I feel fashion aesthetics are different in the West and East. There’s a difference in attitudes, marketability and design. In the US, we have more clarity between couture and pret. On the other hand, there’s much confusion in the Indian market, which makes the buyers directionless.” Her store in New Delhi and New York stocks ensembles in grey, chocolate, orange, gold and olive–colours of fall and winter. Says Gurpreet, “I try to have the same collection in New Delhi and New York, but it’s a tough thing to do. Though the silhouettes are the same, but lengths are longer and colours are different. Women abroad don’t prefer to wear loud colours or full-sleeved dresses.” Gurpreet’s superbly sculpted shapes and

styles come in a wide range of holiday dresses, as well as an ethnic chic and contemporary collection in her New Delhi store. But she is equally cognizant of the fact that women today need to reinvent their wardrobe in these hard times. “You could just recycle and reinvent your attire with sexy accessories,” she says. “A scarf adds great style, along with coloured shoes and jewellery. You don’t need to dig a hole in your pocket to look stylish.” One basic principle all women must adhere to is to never let go of one’s individuality. Gurpreet’s clothesline includes georgette and chiffon tunics, cutwork linen dresses, silk taffeta pleated skirts and pouffed dresses, teamed with metallic silk wool jackets. She also dabbles in exquisite glass, gold and silver jewellery. According to the designer, style isn’t about spending money. Women should experiment with colours, cuts and shapes, because, after all, “Great style is about great ideas.” It is precisely this dictat which governed Gurpreet’s Autumn-Winter 2009 collection showcased in the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in March 2009. Called The Jewel Mine collection, the pervading mood was one of subtle luxury. The collection was timeless and beautiful. It was fashion that was an effortless mix of simplicity, the traditional and modern and therefore ideal for the contemporary woman. The collection was inspired by the dark caves where precious stones are mined, and captured the essence of the jewel mines. The smoky tones were highlighted by the natural colours of tanzanites, tsaverites and tourmalines. The Fall-Winter collection was mainly in blacks and charcoals, accented with teals, burgundy, navy and concluded with some dazzling metallics. The dark colours extended into a group of jewel-hued dresses, with black surface details toning down the vibrant colours to suit the mood. The collection comprised mainly of dresses and dress coats for winter. Also included in the line were stunning red carpet dresses that looked like molten metal with jewels set in them. The fabrics used were custom developed brocade, silk taffeta, foil printed silk, faux fur and charmeuse. The extravagant jewellery complemented the collection as did the metallic make-up.

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sexy strokes

The modern bikini was invented by French engineer Louis Reard in 1946. He named it after Bikini Atoll, the site of the Operation Crossroads nuclear weapon test in 1946, to emphasise the explosive potential the garment had.

So cool, so comfy

Comfort meets style in this white bikini from OndadeMar Swimwear collection 2009. Reflecting the cataclysmic force of the white waves crashing into the shore, the bandeau tie-at-back top with wavy detail is chic. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designed with side stays for shape and support. The bottom is equally breathtaking as it is captivating.

The first bikini was so scandalous that the only model Reard could find was Micheline Bernardini, a stripper at the Casino de Paris. She modelled the two-piece in 1946 at Piscine Molitor in Paris.

Ottar of roses Floweressence Get flirty with this crossover halter top and thong bikini from OndadeMar Swimwear 2009. The playful floral print lends a sharp feminine pull. A perfect cut-out for the bootylicious babe, the spring top (ties at back and neck) and sexy bottom is perfect for those mischievous moments in the water.

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Agua Bendita Swimwear nectars the drawing-power of the beauty of a rose in this couture swim wear. The tiny rose detail embroidered on the triangle top captivates, while the pink print base complements the rosy affair. The moderate-coverage bottom with its embroidered detailing further enhances the appeal of the swimsuit. Luxury and fashion strike a hot romance.

sexy strokes

Blanc de noir intoxication The black-and-white binary becomes a fetish-fix unit in this modish monikini from the all-new Phax Swimwear 2009. The black and clear beaded straps and square ring detail give it a bold outline. The side cutout and the moderate rear coverage bring out the show-some-hide-some effect to steam up the gazers.

Monokini is a one-piece bikini variant. Jacques Heim named his bikini precursor the “Atome”, for its size. Louis Réard claimed to have “split the Atome” to make it smaller.

Hot, hot summer

Sliding yellow dots halter top and hipster bottom blooms with youthful vibrancy. The top has imbedded pads to add volume and thus accentuate the curves and ties around the neck and back. The swimwear from Sabz Swimwear is fully lined and perfect for those summer pool parties.

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Nautical fling Be the naval empress with this sturdy and sexy navy blue monokini from Sabz Swimwear. The ring detail at the centre will flatter your washboard abs. The striped, bold top ties at neck and back and includes pads as well. The bottom, with its floral print, extends a feminine character. Sensuality and flamboyance yolk an enticing magic in this one-piece.

Ring of fire Fixed triangle bikini top with removable padding for that maximum push-up is outright glamorous. It ties at neck and has a closure at back, delivering more on comfort. A Sabz Swimwear launch, the bikiniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s double-ring top detailing and single-ring bottom design give it oomph. Be an inferno of passion with this sensuous pick.

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eye catcher

Ladies, Eye This!

Eye make-up Spring 2009 focuses on the soft, sultry, smoky look—it’s all about softness and femininity

W3 Bureau

t 40

he new Spring 2009 Chanel eye make-up collection will have you salivating, it’s so delectable. It features the soft, smoky look for eyes and celebrates deep violets, plums, light greys and soft, rich blue shades. Gold has made a big comeback as an eye definer and false lashes are definitely in (the better to flutter them at you, my dear). And over the past year, glitter has tiptoed back on the beauty scene. It started off subtly–showing up in eyeliner and nail polish. But then, the trend snowballed and now glitter is back in blush, lip gloss and eye shadow. One of the biggest spring make-up trends in 2009 is the lightening up of eye shadow. Pastel colours were seen on the spring 2009 runways, and collections from NARS and Christian Dior included some of the prettiest and most wearable

Eye-do this way For a quick fix, simply put one mediumbright base colour eye shadow. 1. Apply a base shade on entire movable lid. 2. Add more in the crease and blend it upwards, almost halfway to the

And if it’s a special evening that you need

eyebrows.

to get ready for, go dramatic by playing

3. Add a thin line under the lower lashes,

around with four eyeshade shadows.

if you like.

1. Apply base shade on the upper eyelid,

For a more polished look, use two colour-

taking care not to make it funny by

coordinated eye shadows in light and

bringing it close to the nose or up to the

dark shades.

eyebrows.

1. Apply the dark eye shadow on the

2. Put contour colour along the lashes and

outer corner of the eye making a

in the crease. Accentuate the outside

horizontal V.

corner of the eyes, connecting together

2. Put on the darker shade in the crease.

the lines along the lashes and in the crease

3. Now highlight the inner corner of the

with more colour.

eye, under-eyebrow area and right

3. Use highlight colour in the area under the

above the iris with the light eye shadow.

brow and in the inside corner of the eye.

pastel eye shadow shades. And what about eyebrows? Less severe is what we’re looking at, to frame beautiful eye make-up this spring. Instead of heavy, prominent filled-in eyebrows, the brows are lightly groomed with gel or filled in lightly with a brow powder. Less is more when it comes to eyebrow make-up for spring 2009. Eyeliners are a great way to accentuate pretty eyes, but spring make-up trends stay away from heavy blacks, charcoals, and greys. Instead, it relies on deep violets and plums, light greys, and soft, rich blue

eye at a slight upward angle, in a slightly old-world look. A few deft coats of mascara completed Angelina Jolie’s eye make-up for Oscar night. Want to look like Kate Winslet? No problem. Get yourself a compact of creamy smoky and shimmery eye shadows that can blend well together. Frame the eyes with subtle filling in of the eyebrows, and complete Kate Winslet's eye make-up look with several coats of your favourite mascara. Closer home, you could even learn to wear eye make-up like a Bollywood actress, one whom you can most easily

couldn't tell the difference–but you look better because the eyeliner is softer. 4. Fake eyelashes are in. In the Kal Ho Na Ho bonus disc, they talk about the small changes they made to Preity before and after she was in love. Fake eyelashes made her seem more enamoured and in love, besides making her look glamorous. 5. Dark, smouldering eyes seem to have been popular with Bollywood actors for quite some time now and it looks hot. Preity Zinta sported it in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Rani Mukherjee in Hum Tum, Aishwarya Rai in Dhoom2, and almost

Beauty Tip For Great Eyes Did you know Vitamin E capsules are a quick beauty fix? All you do is just puncture a small hole in the capsule with a clean pin, or snip off the end with a pair of scissors. You can apply the VItamin E oil directly to the skin. Under the eyes, it helps soften fine lines and wrinkles. On injured skin, such as a paper cut or a hang nail, it provides soothing ingredients that calm the wound.

shades. To make this spring make-up look work for you, blend the eyeliner into the lashline, so the result is soft and sultry. And finally, lashes are all the rage. Eye lashes for spring 2009 are lengthened and defined. Choosing a mascara that defines the lashes and keeps them looking fresh, uncluttered and natural will complete any eye make-up look for spring. There’s nothing like watching what the stars foretell for make-up and adapting it to suit your own persona and skin tone and type. In fact, there’s no reason why you can’t steal Angelina Jolie’s Oscar look. The superstar sported her usual classic, but modern make-up look. Make-up artist Mary Burton created Angelina's eye makeup by using black kohl eyeliner to both upper and lower lash lines, and by working the liner gently into the lashes, she made the eyelashes appear thicker and fuller. And to make Angelina’s eyes look larger, she extended the eyeliner slightly beyond the

april 2009 | www.w3online.in

identify with. So, borrow a few techniques from our very own Bollywood stars. For instance, if you have large bluegrey eyes like Aishwarya Rai, use dark brown eyeliner (like her) that grows thicker to the corner of the eye, pink shadow on the lids and a golden colour in the crease. But here are a few tips that go across the board as far as Bollywood stars go, and which could work for you just as well: 1. Get a well-defined brow with an arch that compliments your face shape. Thicker but well-groomed is preferred. Use a brush to make a thinner brow look naturally thicker. Get stencils if you need practice. 2. Highlight the brow. Right from newcomers to the reigning beauties of Bollywood cinema–nobody ever neglects the highlighter. Go crazy–use shimmery white, light matte pink and warm gold effectively. 3. Don't use eyeliner that's too dark if you have pale skin. Anyone can benefit from a slightly lighter eyeliner. A passerby

always on Bipasha Basu. 6.Are you obsessed with finding the perfect kajal? Rani Mukherjee gets it well. Well-defined eyebrows are a must, and this can be achieved with a small amount of eyebrow pencil/powder to highlight the arches with a pale shimmer colour. A slightly stronger colour all over the lid, like a gold pink or brown, is recommended. For that sensuous look, use a fine, slightly smudged line of kajal around the eye area. Not for everyday wear, but definitely for special occasions. Accenuate your eyes by applying eye shadow in shades of brown or gold, or create a smoky effect as often sported by Kareena Kapoor. Or else, add brown or black eyeliner, preferably liquid liner, starting at the inner corner and thickening the line as you get to the outer corner; a look often captured by Diya Mirza. Complete the dramatic eyes with a couple of coats of mascara or false eyelashes.

stress busters

How to De-stress in easy ways

W3 Bureau

n this age of quick fixes and the overwhelming need for immediate results, there are a zillion websites and literature that’s overflowing with new-age techniques and remedies for every problem under the sun. So too with stress and the many ways to combat it. Here are stress relievers that are simple and could be effective for the amount of time and work involved. Some of them can be learnt in a jiffy, others could take a little more practice; but there’s something here for everyone.

Breathing Exercises Deep breathing is an easy stress reliever that has numerous benefits for the body, including oxygenating the blood, which ‘wakes up’ the brain, relaxing muscles and quieting the mind. Breathing exercises are especially helpful because you can do them anywhere, and they work quickly so you can destress in a flash. Here’s how basic controlled breathing works: • Sit or stand in a relaxed position. • Slowly inhale through your nose, counting to five in your head. • Let the air out from your mouth, counting to eight in your head as it leaves your lungs. Repeat several times. That’s it! Tips: As you breathe, let your abdomen expand outward, rather than raising your shoulders. This is a more relaxed and natural way to breathe, and helps your lungs fill themselves more fully with fresh air, releasing more impure air. You can do this just a few times to release tension, or for several minutes as a form of meditation. What you need: • A few seconds or minutes. • A minimal amount of attention.

Meditation Meditation builds on deep breathing and takes it a step further. When you meditate, your brain enters an area of functioning that’s similar to sleep, but carries some added benefits you can’t achieve in any other state, including the release of certain hormones that promote health. Also, the mental focus on nothingness keeps your mind from working overtime and increasing your stress level. The benefits of meditation are manifold. When practising meditation, your heart rate and breathing slow down, your blood pressure normalises, you use oxygen more efficiently, and you sweat less. Also, your adrenal glands

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produce less cortisol, your mind ages at a slower rate and your immune function improves. Your mind also clears and your creativity increases. People who meditate regularly find it easier to give up life-damaging habits like smoking, drinking and drugs. How meditation works: Meditation involves sitting in a relaxed position and clearing your mind. You may focus on a sound, like Om or on your own breathing, or on nothing at all. It’s necessary to have 5 to 20 distraction-free minutes to spend. It’s helpful to have silence and privacy, but seasoned persons can do it anywhere. Many practitioners of meditation attach a spiritual component to it, but it can also be a secular exercise.

Guided Imagery It takes slightly more time to practise guided imagery, but this is a great way to leave your stress behind for a while and relax your body. Some find it easier to practise than meditation, as it seems easier to focus on ‘something’ than on ‘nothing’. You can play natural sounds in the background as you practise, to promote a more intensive experience. • Get into a comfortable position, like one you would use for meditation or self-hypnosis. Get into cross-legged mode or recline in a comfy chair. • Breathe deeply and close your eyes, focusing on breathing in peace and breathing out stress. • Once you get to a relaxed state, begin to envision yourself in the midst of the most relaxing environment you can imagine. For some, this could be floating in the cool, clear waters off a remote tropical island, where liveried gents serve drinks and soft music plays in the background. For others, it could be sitting by a fire in a secluded snow cabin, deep in the woods, sipping hot cocoa and wrapped in a warm blanket.. • As you imagine your scene, try to involve all of your senses. What does it look like? How does it feel? Do you

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hear the roar of a fire, the splash of a waterfall, or the sounds of birds? Make your vision as graphic as you can. • Stay here for as long as you like. Enjoy your ‘surroundings’, and let yourself be far from what stresses you. When you’re ready to come back to reality, count back from ten or twenty, and tell yourself that when you get to ‘one’, you’ll feel serene and alert, and enjoy the rest of your day. When you return, you’ll feel more calm and refreshed, like returning from a vacation without ever having left the room. Tips: You may want to set an alarm, just in case you lose track of time or fall asleep. This way, you’ll be more able to relax and let go, knowing that your schedule won’t be in jeopardy. As you get more practised, you’ll be able to go more deeply and quickly. You may also want to communicate with your subconscious mind, with the help of a tape you record for yourself or purchase, or a therapist. What you need: • Some quiet time • Some privacy • An alarm clock

Self-hypnosis Self-hypnosis incorporates some of the features of guided imagery and visualisations, with the added benefit of enabling you to communicate directly with your subconscious mind to enhance your abilities; to be able to give up bad habits easily, feel less pain, develop healthier habits more effectively, and even find answers to questions that may not be clear to your waking mind. It takes some practice and training, but is well worth it. Learn more about using hypnosis to manage stress in your life. How does hypnosis work? First, you can use hypnosis to get into a deeply relaxed state, fighting tension and triggering your relaxation

stress busters response. This will help to prevent health problems due to chronic stress. Second, hypnosis can also help you achieve various healthy lifestyle changes that can reduce the amount of stress you encounter in your life. For example, you can hypnotise yourself to stick to an exercise programme, keep your home less cluttered, feel more confident setting boundaries with others, etc. In this same vein, you can also effectively use hypnosis to help overcome any negative habits you might have formed to cope with stress, like smoking or compulsive eating.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

By tensing and relaxing all the muscle groups in your body, you can relieve tension and feel relaxed in minutes, with no special training or equipment. Start by tensing all the muscles in your face, holding a tight grimace for ten seconds, then completely relaxing for ten seconds. Repeat this with your neck, followed by your shoulders, etc. You can do this

anywhere, and as you practise, you will find you can relax more quickly and easily, reducing tension as quickly as it starts.

Exercise Many people exercise to control weight and to be in a sound physical condition, but exercise and stress management are also closely linked. Exercise provides a distraction from stressful situations, as well as becomes an outlet for frustrations, and gives you a lift via endorphins as well. When life’s frustrations become overwhelming, you can feel burnt out and angry. More high-energy forms of exercise like boxing, martial arts or weight training can also provide an effective release of these negative emotions, turning these

otherwise potentially unhealthy emotions into motivation for increased health and well-being. Exercise and stress hormones: Exercise can decrease ‘stress hormones' like cortisol, and increase endorphins–your body's ‘feel-good’ chemicals–giving your mood a natural boost. A significant benefit of exercise is that it helps you lose weight, tone your body, and maintain a healthy glow and cheer. You may feel a subtle but significant boost as your clothes look more flattering on you, and you project an aura of increased confidence and strength.

Sex Most of you probably already know that sex is a great tension reliever, but have you officially thought of it as a stress-relieving practice? The physical benefits of sex are numerous, and most of them work very well toward relieving stress. Sadly, many people

have less sex when their stress levels are high. Learn how to avoid this trap. Sex and stress are linked in several ways. You can feel it unmistakably, when a particularly stressful week or two zaps you of your sex drive. But while stress can have a hand in low libido, sex can also be a great stress reliever. Simply put, researchers found that sex and physical intimacy led women to feel less stressed and be in a better mood the next day.

Music Music therapy has shown numerous health benefits for people with conditions ranging from mild (like stress) to severe (like cancer). When dealing with stress, the right music can actually lower your blood pressure, relax your body and calm your mind. Music therapy is a branch of healthcare designed to aid physical and emotional health through the use of music, either with listening, song writing, performing, exploring lyrics or other activities related to music. While music therapy is an emerging field, music itself has many benefits for health and stress management, and can be used in daily life to relieve stress and promote wellness.

Yoga Yoga is one of the oldest self-improvement practices around, dating back over five thousand years. It combines the practices of several other stress-management techniques, such as breathing, meditation, imagery and movement, giving you a lot of benefit for the amount of time and energy required. Dating back over 5000 years, yoga is the oldest defined practice of selfdevelopment. The methods of classical yoga include ethical disciplines, physical postures, breathing control and meditation. Look at all the benefits you get from yoga, and this is only the half of it–reduced stress, sound sleep, reduced cortisol levels, improvement of many medical conditions, lower blood pressure, etc. Yoga’s benefits are so numerous that it gives a high payoff for the amount of effort involved.

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celeb talk

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Whether it’s to do with couture or sustaining village folk or restoring heritage property, Meera Ali brings her customary finesse to all tasks Indira Laul

knew Meera Ali when she was Meera Saluja, super architect and debutante extraordinaire. Today, at forty-something, Meera is still as gorgeous, is a name to reckon with in the world of couture. She is intimately involved with the restoration of the family’s sprawling heritage property in Kotwara, Uttar Pradesh; and along with noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, is a distinct luminary at most upper crust events. I met Meera one afternoon and over tea we caught

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up on the past, present and future. Dressed in one of her own creations, a simple, white chikan–embroidered kurta and a black salwar, Meera most explicitly personified the Kotwara collection in terms of classic elegance. That, indeed, is her own style statement. “Simplicity is the best,” she states, quite emphatically. I begin by asking her a time-worn question, one she must have answered a million times, but she obliges, nonetheless. What made her switch from architecture to fashion designing? “It was not a conscious effort,” says Meera. “After I got married, I went to Muzaffar’s ancestral village, Kotwara, and spent a lot of time there. I was emotionally drawn towards the plight of the village women and their helplessness. Clearly, these women needed help and I thought that the best way to do that would be to teach them skills that would sustain them and make them economically independent.” Just then, Meera’s phone rings and she attends to it, with an apologetic look. I glance at her covertly. The impish charm is still there, but there’s a new-found maturity and grace, a self assurance that comes with being cherished and finding her own niche in life. I apologise for taking her time, she must have so many engagements, but she dismisses it nonchalantly. “Not a problem,” she says. “We just have to go later in the evening to the British High Commissioner’s place to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s birthday.” She reverts to her favourite subject– Kotwara–and how she started with just twenty rural women and before she knew it, their numbers had increased and she was hooked. “That’s how Kotwara was born,” says Meera. “It took no great sacrifice on my

celeb talk

part and the rewards were so great. I felt completely fulfilled, knowing that the women from the village were being provided for.” “With my background of architecture which trained in aesthetics,” continues Meera, “and Muzaffar’s intensely creative past, we naturally thought of putting rural talent to the best use. Today, our village standards have transformed. Women are earning more than men. That’s Kotwara’s legacy.” What further catapulted her interest into clothes was the family's design centre in Kotwara, called Dwar Pe Rozi, which is a groundswell of craftspersons trained in chikankari. Whether it’s western wear, or traditional, the designer duo has proved to the world how chikan can be stylishly chic. Says Meera, "Our label is about classicism in cut, in stitch, in the way the wearer moves. We use classic shades like beige, black, white and so on. Our clothes are embellished with embroidery that is a definable mix of the Indian craftsmanship of Lucknow, chikan embroidery, zardosi embroidery, elegant block prints on malmals, silks and organzas.” Their clothes are worn by the likes of Jaya and Ramola Bachchan, Simi Garewal and Mallika Sarabhai, Shobha De, Katrina Kaif, Juhi Chawla, Mahima Choudhry, plus many of Delhi’s socialites. But don’t her clothes subscribe to high-end couture alone, I ask? Wouldn’t it benefit the craftswomen in Kotwara if she designed prêt a porter instead? “Maybe,” says Meera. “But you need quality. When we started out, the level of quality was high for skilled workmanship and it took me a long time to train our workers. But we’ve managed to create an attitude here for great quality amongst our workers.” Meera then narrates an incident when a guest at Kotwara requested her to get her an ordinary chikan kurta. One of the workers was sent into town to buy one, but returned empty handed because he could not find anything good enough. The Kotwara line for men is also traditional and classic. There are achkans and kurta sets in muted shades of

creams, khakis, browns and blacks, which are all embroidered. But there’s more. Kotwara is much more than a successful couture line. It is the ancestral home of Meera and Muzaffar Ali. The 19th century Anhalwara Palace in Kotwara is 160 kilometres from Lucknow and is set in the sylvan surroundings of mango orchards and water bodies and surrounded by undulating hills. With the Dudhwa National Park just 80 kilometres away, it’s a haven for those seeking some peace and quiet. And that’s exactly what the Alis do when they need a break from their hectic life. Friends and guests who go there can accrue all the pleasures of rural tourism because of the close links with the village. The Alis also run a school in Kotwara, where about 300 children study and are initiated into learning crafts. I gravitate from matters of art to matters of the heart. What’s it like, I ask Meera, for two creative people working together? Do they have an unwritten pact that they will not tread on each other? “We work together for fashion,” says Meera. And as far as Muzaffar’s films go,

Meera works behind the scenes at the costumes and the scripts. About relationships, she says, “You don’t necessarily have to think in sync,” opines Meera. You have to learn to respect each other. You may have different ideas, but it’s important to be able to share them without getting upset. If you can do that, then you’re on great ground.” How does she juggle her various roles in life, I ask her? That of wife, mother and a professional. “It’s difficult,” admits Meera. “I often feel I’m not giving enough of myself to one aspect or the other. Unfortunately, the family tends to get neglected sometimes; one has to make a conscious effort to keep the family ties together.” Which brought one to the million dollar question–what do women want? Meera talks about her own generation and how different it was then. “For me, the important things were respect, status in society and a comfortable life with someone who could love and cherish me. These were basic aspirations of most women then. I find that my daughter’s generation has pretty much the same aspirations, but their means are different. They’re the fatafat generation; they’re often unscrupulous and lack a sense of balance.” Talking about the modern, urban working woman, Meera feels that the Indian woman draws from a great inner strength. She has to manage everything– from home to children to a career. “Yes, I think Indian women are truly liberated in terms of what they want and what they achieve,” Meera feels. “They can manage their home and a job quite well. In fact, Western women tend to crack up easily in comparison. Indian women are more down-to-earth and stable. And they don’t give up easily.” Any role models? She doesn‘t really have one. Favourite designers include Armani and Ralph Lauren. The shadows turn long, it’s time to bid adieu. Time for Meera to get going to Queen Elizabeth’s birthday party and for me to carry on with my own humdrum life. Ces’t la vie.

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home spa

r u o Y e t Crea

s e t u n i M 0 3 n i a p S n w O

Treat yourself to a home-spa treatment and watch how it makes a new person out of you

W3 Bureau

ver noticed that the most relaxing place in your home is the bathroom? It’s one place where nobody can get to you, where you can spend an x-amount of time doing nothing and where you can turn a deaf ear to anybody who might be hollering for you outside. You could translate this into a whole new experience for yourself–take time out and indulge yourself in a little bit of self-care. Pamper yourself and relieve stress by creating a relaxing home-spa experience for yourself, especially if you don’t have the budget for a high-end one. There are a few basic elements you need to include in order to get you going. Here’s how.

The first basic is privacy. Ensure that you have some uninterrupted time for you. Let your cell phone go to voice mail, see that kids and husband are out of the way and get set to indulge. Next, get some of your favourite music into the bathroom and you’ll be glad you did. Because there’s nothing like the right music to melt away stress and the blues and take you away from the real world; but if there are others in the home, drown out all household sounds so that your spa experience is your very own. Get the right lighting; it can transform the ambience and get you into a stress-relieving mode. Light the room with candles and watch

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how soothing and relaxed the atmosphere becomes. Do a little shopping before you start your spa and get yourself some bath products, if you don’t have any already. You can create a luxurious bath with just a few simple products. A lavender-scented bubble bath, for instance, will soothe you with its power of aromatherapy. Use a good body scrub to exfoliate your skin, just like they do in spas. Also, add a skin-moisturising oil to your bath to nourish your skin and make the pampered feeling last. Run your bathrobe and a big fluffy towel through your dryer for a few minutes before you get into the tub. That way, when you get out of the tub they will still feel warm from the dryer. Drying off after a long relaxed bath with a warm towel will stimulate your body.

Do Your Own Waxing What You Need:

Juice of 1/2 a lemon 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup honey Talcum powder Clean cotton cloth strips Wooden stick or spatula Dust the area to be waxed, with talcum powder. Combine the first three ingredients in a clean glass bowl, and microwave for two minutes. Stop and stir

Now it’s time for the beauty treatment as you relax. Putting a conditioning treatment in your hair and a natural fruit mask on your face can make your face and scalp feel good and leave you looking more beautiful afterwards. Give yourself a gentle rub with a loofah and scrub your feet with a pumice stone for good effect. After luxuriating in the bath, follow it up by applying a rich conditioning cream to your skin and a coat of nail polish to your toes. You may think a home spa treatment can’t include a massage, but it can. If you can’t enlist your partner’s help, then use a self-massager to do the same job: loosen up tight muscles, promote circulation, and make you feel great. Or, if you’re really in the mood to indulge, you can even hire a professional masseur to pay you a visit. Now climb into your favourite chair with a book and a cup of tea and lounge the day away. But if you want to invest a little, one of the most common and desirable home improvements on the market is the installation of a spa bath tub–a wonderful place to relax in. Soothing jets of water can be adjusted to massage at full strength or at a low, gentle current.

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your sugar mixture every 20-30 seconds. Let it cool to a comfortable warmth, and, using a wooden stick, spread a very thin layer onto your skin. Immediately cover it with the strip of fabric. Press down and then pull the skin taut, and quickly rip away the cotton strip against the direction of hair growth. As you proceed, you may need to reheat your sugar mixture in the microwave to keep it warm. Do not boil it or overheat as you could burn your skin.

The air jets can bring large bubbles or a soda-like fizz, depending on the mood; but remember, spa tubs are expensive and require thought and professional guidance before investing. On the other hand, you could opt for the easiest and least expensive form of home spa, which is the shower spa. In its most basic form, a shower spa is simply a series of showerheads that replace the single head of a traditional shower. This option is very inexpensive; the most notable features are the additional heads and water jet angles. This type of design will require no plumbing changes. It's a snap to install, and certainly a step in the right direction.

kitchen art

Indira Laul

t’s true. Families today spend less time together than they did twenty-five years ago. Isn’t it strange that in an era of remarkable time-saving devices, we’re busier than ever and less connected to one another? This seems to be particularly true in families, where both parents are working. What’s the solution? Perhaps you could start by cutting back on some of your activities and spend some more unstructured, quality time with your family. The old homily that the family that eats together stays together holds good for all time. Remember the time when our mothers used to spend hours in the kitchen, cooking meal after meal uncomplainingly, without perhaps half the conveniences that we are blessed with today. The kitchen still takes centre stage as the most important space in the Indian household. Sure, it’s where your food comes from, but increasingly it’s where you grab a quick bite before you set off for school/college/office, leaving no time for sharing a few moments together. All in all, the kitchen is one place in the house that has undergone change. It’s in keeping with today’s urban

Cooking Up A Sleek Workstation Modular kitchens are the answer to the modern Indian woman’s requirements-sleek, clean and functional

www.w3online.in | april 2009

working woman who is multifaceted and has to juggle work, home and accomplish a million other tasks simultaneously. Therefore, to follow it to a logical conclusion, a kitchen ought to be well-planned in order to save time and energy for those who work in it. But though designing a kitchen could be fun, it could also be nerve wracking. This is where modular kitchens comes in. They are customised, kitchens that are practical, compact and comfortably elegant. They are truly a modern woman’s answer to sleek sophistication in the culinary domain. It’s not surprising that today’s woman seeks a smart yet convenient workspace while cooking. There are many players in the field and it

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becomes essential to choose wisely and well. In India, the trend for modern kitchens is fast catching on. More and more people from the middle and upper-middle classes are opting for modular kitchens. One of the pioneers in this field is SLEEK KITCHENS, which provides a total kitchen format with a world-class edge. What started as a manufacturer of kitchen accessories has catapulted into a popular brand as a ‘Total Kitchen Solution Provider’ keeping the Indian culture in mind. It all began in 1996 when Sleek Kitchens began marketing plastic coated wire baskets that were used in households. Gradually, the company started expanding by introducing other

kitchen accessories in the market and by 2006, their product portfolio included accessories, cabinets, hardware and appliances, both Indian and imported. They also entered the retail market through their first outlet called Sleek Kitchen World in Borivali at Mumbai. Two years later, another outlet at Powai, Mumbai, was born. Today, retail chains in various cities have been established by their associates, Silverline Wire Products Pvt.Ltd.. In all, 20 retail showrooms have been established till date. The USP of modular kitchens is that they offer a mix of space management and convenience. They maximise the use of available space, bearing in mind

Dream kitchens for every Indian OUR MISSION: To bring you the world’s finest in modular kitchens. OUR VISION: To design kitchens that are creative, distinctive, and the unique expressions of your lifestyle, while also allowing you the choice of designing your own kitchen through the provision of the best components available. OUR GOAL: To provide competitively priced yet high-quality materials and craftsmanship that offers the utmost attention to detail—to create an environment that makes you proud.

cleanliness and organised maintenance requirements. Sleek Kitchens helps you plan your kitchen with its innovative accessories. It’s choice of 304 baskets offer optimum space utilisation and rust-free life so that once you enter the kitchen you don’t have to hunt for pots and pans or ladles; and objects like cans, bottles, jars and cutlery are placed at arm’s length. The customised designs provided by them will effectively store all your food products, plus there are highutility wall hangings and pull-outs. The Sleek larder units take care of all extra food storage. Additionally, Sleek kitchens come with space for mixers, grinders and m i c r o w a v e o v e n s , d i s h w a s h e r,

OUR PROMISE: To consistently deliver the latest products, while achieving progress through design, innovation and improvement.

chimney and hobs. Perhaps the most exciting innovation that modular kitchens bring to the modern homemaker is that the whole cooking experience is pleasant and infinitely more healthy. No more hot and tiresome hours spent over conventional stoves. Instead, you can choose between the sophisticated two burners to five burner hobs and cook more in less time, without the grease, smell and fumes getting to you, because the chimneys ensure that your kitchen is fresh at all times. Sleek Kitchens provide stylish glass topped hobs, baffle filter in chimneys, etc. Sleek also includes about 500 shutter options in various colours and material specifications so you can choose the perfect look that you’ve been

striving for. Now that you’re acquainted with the basic concept of modular kitchens it’s essential to know exactly what your requirements are and accordingly see what type fits your bill. When you design your kitchen you have to keep three important thumb rules in mindminimum movement, easy access to kitchen items and minimisation of chores. The concept of a total kitchen solution provider was based on designing and marketing as its core competence. Subsequently, they were

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also associated with the manufacturing of shutters and cabinets at Pune and Udaipur to ensure timely supplies. Sleek Kitchens is user-friendly. It understands the needs of the woman like n o n e o t h e r, b y p r o v i d i n g g r e a t e r customisation because it can design kitchens that will exactly suit your needs. Sleek International is your one-shop stop for the completely customised kitchen. Firstly, it’s high repute as India’s premier kitchen brand assures you of dependability of brand image. Established in 1996, it was the brainchild of the visionary TT Ahuja, when the concept of modular kitchens in India was still at the fledgling stage. Sleek was the first to introduce wire baskets in 1994 and set a revolutionary trend in the history of kitchen design. Today, Sleek International has arrived. It has 200 dealers countrywide and through their network it installs more than 5 lakh kitchens every year. But it is quality that is Sleek’s most speaking asset. It’s classy and sophisticated looks make it a sure winner. And Sleek is big on small kitchens as well. Their super space-saving ideas will blow you away and you will be amazed at the way in which your small kitchen can accommodate all your items. HERE IS THE SLEEK ADVANTAGE: Design • Infinite customised solutions. • Innumerable component options, both Indian and imported. • Designed by professional designers, specialised in kitchens. • Detailed research into cooking routines, storage requirements and

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Perhaps the most exciting innovation that modular kitchens brings to the modern homemaker is that the whole cooking experience is pleasant and infinitely more healthy. No more hot and tiresome hours spent over conventional stoves preferred style. • Design modification can be made before final execution. Look and Finish •World-class looks, top-of-the-line quality and precise finishing. Durability •One year warranty on most components. Time Span •All units produced in specialised factories and only assembled at site. • Kitchens can be installed within 30 days after approval of design and commercially cleared order. After-Sales Service • Almost no maintenance required, hence highly costeffective. • Available for a specified period of time, after which service contracts are available. Sleek Kitchens is your penultimate answer to the kitchen of your dreams. It is attractive yet functional, elegant yet durable, contemporary yet warm. You cannot ask for more.

short story

She was my dream-come-true. But ten years ago, I was a slow gentleman and I thought that a hare from nowhere had won her heart and that she was gone forever

Chetan Bhattarai alavika was 12 and I was 14 when I first met her at a family function in our place. She was the daughter of my father’s friend. Her father was away on a business trip and she came to the party with her mother. “Malavika, this is my son Iswar and Iswar, this is Malavika,” introduced my mother. “Iswar, please take Malavika to the lawn and be nice to her,” instructed my mother. I looked at her face. Malavika was fair and had a perfect oval face, pink lips and straight brown hair. She wore a large hat which had a pink rose on it. She wore

Mickey Mouse danglers and was in a white frilled, white frock with golden borders and pearl-coloured bangles. I could sense that she was a proud girl. Although I was young, I could sniff out these proud girls for miles. I looked timidly at her face and stammered, “Follow me Malvika.” “It’s Malavika; Mala as in malai, plus Vika– not Malvika as in malpua,” she retorted. “Oh! I am extremely sorry, Malvika,” I said, hastily. “Noooo… wait, Mala vika, is it okay now?” I reiterated, crossly. “Either you are funny or you need to clean your ears. No matter what, boys will always be careless,” Malavika shouted, thus unleashing her dark side. For a second, I imagined

www.w3online.in | april 2009

her to be Magica De Spell and I the poor Donald. I was about to move ahead in my journey of Magica turning me into a house toad when she interrupted with, “Okay, let’s go to the lawn.” I stood still for a second while she waved her hand in front of my face like a wiper in a car, “Hellooo, Iswar the lord, are you here?” “Huh, oh, yes, okay, let’s go,” I almost whimpered, and rushed towards the lawn, imagining all the time that I was being chased by a malpua and malai, who were both out to smear me and my new dress. She followed behind me with giant military strides, as if hell bent on making a kill. She may have been smiling but I daren’t turn back–I feared her mortally. We crossed the long corridor and reached our lawn where I saw some of my friends busy playing hare and hounds; some call it paper chase. As we reached the spot, they stopped playing and gathered around us. I took it upon myself to introduce Malavika, and luckily for me, this time round it went off correctly. She didn’t bat an eye, but went through the introductions gracefully and seemed happy to know my friends. She was behaving as if nothing had happened! Perhaps I was taking her reactions too seriously. After sometime, we decided to stop the game and go down to my room to read comics and story books. The Brutus, or the hare, had already marked its kill. He was one of my good friends who used to share comics with me. Many a time we would venture off on a joint spree to buy an expensive story book. So, nothing prepared me for the shock of what I saw–there was my buddy holding her hand under the guava tree, busy gesturing and explaining at the same time. As I went near, I was dumbstruck–he was actually showing off his non-existent palmistry skills. It was too much; he had borrowed that book from my father’s library some weeks ago and now he was using it to steal my guest’s heart. I took all this in within those few seconds as I stood transfixed. But I soon recovered and went near the couple, “Ahem, let’s go to my room and relax. I will get some juices and chocolates,” I offered. “Iswar, please don’t bug us,” said the hare. I jumped back. This was like being shot at point-blank range, and that too twice within an hour. I was almost on the verge of a nervous breakdown. “Okay, you guys can come when you are done,” I somehow managed the words and turned towards the house. “Your headline is very strong, you are a very strong-headed lady,” I overheard the hare telling her in a professional tone, as I ran full pelt towards home. I met my mother in the corridor just as I entered. “Wait a minute Iswar, why do you have a red face, and why are your ears red?” she enquired. I felt numb and without turning to her, rushed towards my room, yelling, “It’s

april 2009 | www.w3online.in

because I was playing hare and chase.” Entering my room, I saw my friends busy marauding my bookshelf and my cartons. It seemed as if doomsday was imminent, such was their frenzy in wanting to read all my comics immediately. I sat down on my bed and wondered miserably if the hare had proposed to her. I wished I was Mandrake. I would have zapped him from this planet. And as if by magic, my one-time friend entered the room holding Malavika’s hand and announced, “Guys, Malavika and I have decided to be boyfriend and girlfriend from today and we will tie the knot as soon as the law of the land allows us to. Ours is a case of love at first sight.” They left the room. I felt paraIysed and sank into my bed. I didn’t go out to the party after that. The maid came to call me but I told her that I was tired and would like to sleep. By the time I woke up, my room looked like a plundered ship with books and toys scattered everywhere. I slowly got up and started arranging them. There was a note stuck to one of the cartons. I pulled it out and my jaws dropped when I read its contents, “Iswar, you are a hypocrite, I know you like me, but you are so indolent that I needed to enact a scene to make you understand that not all things in life wait for you. Sometimes you need to act without worrying about the consequences. Take care. Love, Mala.” A phone number was scratched below. I never called that number. Later, I learnt that her dad was transferred to Europe and she was gone, forever. Now, after almost 10 years she was coming back. With my morning cup of tea, my mother informed me that Mala was coming for some days and would stay with us. “Mala, who?” I asked. “The Mala as in malai,” smiled my mom. I was numb again.

cancer care

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a first-person account of a breast-cancer patient and the problems she overcame

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I Was

W3 Bureau

n 28 November 2002, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A few weeks prior to that, I had felt a lump in my left breast that I initially presumed was a mosquito bite. A week to ten days passed while I deliberated over whether to go for an ultrasound or a mammogram, or visit a gynaecologist. While my husband told me not to worry about it, my sister coaxed me into going for a mammogram and fixed an appointment. When I told the doctor why I had come, he conducted an ultrasound guided FNAC. The report confirmed cancer. From there on, my husband took charge of the situation, conferring with friends to find a solution to my problem. My surgery was scheduled within days. As I prepared for it, I

tried to put up a brave front. My immediate worry was my children. I felt they were too young to face life on their own in the eventuality of my death. Informing them was the hardest. I told my son, who was 14 then, about the lump and the need for surgery but did not say it was cancer. He immediately wanted to know if I was going to die! I told him I was going to be fine. We decided not to tell my daughter who was studying abroad. She was scheduled to come home on vacation soon and we thought we would tell her then. Left to myself, I would not have done anything about the lump and perhaps explored alternative therapies. But I decided to support my husband's decision, arranging everything with him and running up and down the stairs of the cancer hospital we had chosen to go www.w3online.in | april 2009

to. The responses to my cancer were varied. While a friend told me to treat it like the flu, my sister would start crying the moment she saw me. My mother-in-law, who was told about my illness only after my surgery, behaved as if her world had come crashing down, but kept telling me there was nothing wrong with me! She accompanied us to the hospital for my first cycle of chemotherapy, which I sailed through with my husband holding my hand. My family gave me complete support all through. As my treatment progressed, I became less anxious. The radiotherapy sessions, for which I mostly went alone, were by and large uneventful. But I had by now become more irritable and sensitive. The skin on my neck had begun to peel off and the scorching heat caused a lot of discomfort. But with mental strength to fight the disease, I did not give into the temptation of pitying myself and kept my wits, never worrying about the outcome of the treatment and trying different headgears once I started to lose my hair, and even counselling patients at the hospital where I was being treated! During the chemotherapy, I always tried to eat well and on time. Friends and neighbours sent me distant healing and members of a Buddhist group came home to chant. I, too, started to chant, that gave me inner peace and strength to deal with the ordeal. Once I

Diagnosed

1. A clinical breast examination (an examination done by a healthcare provider) and getting a high-quality mammogram on a regular basis cannot be emphasised enough. Checking oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own breasts, or a breast selfexam (BSE), should be done routinely, too, but it cannot take the place of regular clinical exams and mammograms. 2. Women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women who are at a higher than average risk of getting breast cancer because of their family history, especially if their mother and sister(s) had breast cancer before the age of 50, should consult their healthcare providers about whether to have mammograms before the age of 40 and how often to have them. 3. Research reveals that breast cancer screening with mammograms has reduced the number of deaths from breast cancer for women between the ages of 40 to 69, especially for those over the age of 50. A breast examination by an expert should be done at least once a year, preferably before a mammogram, so that if a suspicious lump is felt during the examination, the mammogram can be used to focus more closely on the exact location of the pathology that has been discovered. 4. Early detection of malignant tumors by mammography in the area of the breast (from the base of the neck to the area under the arm and the breast bone) makes possible the surgical removal of a breast and its underlying tissue and instead to have a

With Breast Cancerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; completed my therapy, I slowly regained my lost hair and also my normal self. I believe more than ever that there is a mystic law of cause and effect that governs us all and we need to respect it. We must also remember to keep calm and stare cancer in the face, instead of evading it. The battle is half won if we conquer it in the mind first. The above case is part of a booklet and has been provided by CanSupport, a Delhi-based NGO that gives cancer patients physical, emotional, social and spiritual care and support. It runs free home-based palliative care and supportive case studies. Early detection is the best way to beat the breast cancer bogey. Dr Nazli Siddiqui, NDTVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resident doctor tells you how to go about it; she also reveals the latest clinical care solutions available in lessening the trauma of the disease.

april 2009 | www.w3online.in

lumpectomy followed by radiation, avoiding chemotherapy altogether. 5. Improvements in the multi-modality treatments used for cancer are responsible for a far more positive outcome of the disease process as well as for a better quality of life both during and after treatment 6. Hormonal medications by mouth are available in certain instances. 7. Breast-conserving surgery is provided to restore self-image and counter feelings of social and sexual inadequacy. 8. Most women with breast cancer need a great deal of psychological support and studies worldwide show this is best given by their peers in a support group setting. In Delhi, for instance, there is CANSUPPORT, which has helped hundreds of women overcome their fears, regain their self-confidence and find a new direction in their lives.

hair do

Say “no” to scissors, “yes” to long hair W3 Bureau

f 60

ace it. Long hair is always great to look at. There’s nothing to beat those long, flowing tresses that move gently with the breeze or bundling your hair up in a classy style to attend a swanky dinner. True, long hair is harder to take care of than short hair, but it offers a variety of styles to choose from. Long hairstyles allow you to wear your hair in pony tails, put it up in decorative styles, or just let down your hair. You can play with it any which way you like. Your hair is actually your crowning glory, because it gives you an identity like nothing else can. It can say many different things about who you are on any given day. You can be subtle, sexy or striking, as the mood takes you. We all have our individual hair preferences, but if you yearn for long hair, there are certain rules of thumb–based on the shape and features of your face, the texture of your hair, your age and your lifestyle–that can help you find and keep your best, most wearable style.

From straight and sleek to long and wav y,

the hairstyles of

Jennifer Aniston, Salma Hayek or Katrina Kaif keep us in awe

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Do It Yourself There is nothing worse than hating your hair and having little time to do anything about it. Here are some time-andmoney saving tips and tricks for moms and anyone else who doesn't have a lot of time or money to invest in an expensive cut or salon: Tip 1: Skip the fancy salons. All you want is that your hair should look healthy; you don't need a fancy Rs 500 haircut. Have your regular stylist cut off your split ends and make sure to go back on a regular basis. Tip 2: The simpler the cut, the better. What you need is a cut that will look good as it grows out. A layered cut will add body and looks great blown out or scrunched up after a shower. Tip 3: Ponytails can be your saviour. Pull hair back and you’ll not only accent your face, you'll love how carefree not having that hair in your face all the time makes you feel.

Face shape and features You might love the latest look from the Paris or Milan catwalks, but it may not be the best for you. Only the shape of your face and the proportions of your features will tell you what hairstyle is perfect for you. If you have an oval-shaped face, then you’re truly blessed. Because then, you can wear your hair just about any way you choose to. The forehead and chin of an oval face are in proportion to one another, making both long and short cuts look great on you. A round face elicits a style that’s either shorter or longer than chin length. Try a cut with layers and fullness on top, and keep it close to your face at the sides, to give you the effect of a narrower face. Let the hair be swept back from your forehead, with wispy fringes or parted on the side. Long hair will look good on a long, slender neck as well. It will enhance a long neck when worn in an elegant style like a French twist or when put up. Try out some of these long hair styles sported by celebrities the world over:

The long and layered cut This cut is a wonderful cut that not too many women sport. It’s an unusual and sleek hairstyle with razor-cut, uneven ends. The uneven part allows the hair to closely frame the face. This long hairstyle goes well with many facial shapes.

Celebrities are a good source to be inspired for longer haircuts. The world’s most famous actresses have long or medium length hair. These include Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Natalie Portman, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, to name just a few. If you are looking for something to do with your long hair, watching what the celebrities are doing is a great way to stay trendy and sharp. Red carpet events are a haven for long hairstyles with plenty of extravagant selections to mimic. To keep long hair looking shiny and soft and achieve the best looking long hair styles, there are resources to many hair care products as well as home remedies.

Lengthy curls

Long tresses

Lengthy curls are another way to spruce up long hairstyles. For women with natural curls and waves, this hairstyle can add bounce and texture to natural curls to create a stunning look. And for those without natural curls, adding different-sized curls to longer hair can create similar looks as well.

Long tresses and bangs look remarkable on a lot of women. Soft, wavy tresses and lightly swept bangs create a great look. The locks can be made wavy enough to create a natural look that looks beautiful and alluring. This long hairstyle is popular because it fits a lot of facial types. There are plenty of long hair styles that you can come up

Does hair colour matter? Absolutely. Avoid dark shades once you are over 30 years. They can look harsh on long hair. Try softening the colour with a toner or some higlights in the front to bring your colour to life.

april 2009 | www.w3online.in

hair do

with–in fact, you can create your own style. Just start experimenting with your hair and see what you come up with. It does take a little time and effort, but it’s worth it. If you think you should only have short hair once you’ve crossed a certain age, banish the thought. You can have fabulous flowing hair in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond, provided you keep a few guidelines in mind. Just find the right cut. Nothing looks more dated than having an all-one-length, “high school girl” hair-do, unless you’re Demi Moore. Once you’re past the age of 21, you’ll look prettier with a soft style that has lots of shape and movement. Think layers. Some stylists feel that bangs cut in layers and framed around the eyes and cheeks could soften the features, as well as any fine lines and wrinkles on the face. If you don’t care for layers around your face, ask your hair stylist to give you shorter layers at the back of your head to keep the front long. This will create height and fullness on the top of your head and will prevent long hair from making your face drag. The days of waist-length hair are pretty much over; but shoulder-length hair or hair that grows to collarbone is easy to work with, simple to keep up and looks good on most people. If you're petite, medium length (no longer than your shoulder) is the way to go because it can create the illusion that

Famous model and philanthropist Gisele Bundchen has great long hair. Gisele’s long, wavy tresses are beautiful and not hard to achieve. Using superior hair products can add definition and bounce to waves. This kind of hair is versatile and can be blown back, tied up, and is open to many other methods of styling.

you’re taller. If you go any longer, though, your hair will overpower you. If you have a full figure, long hair is especially flattering since it creates a sleek line, making you look thinner. Long hair needs more pampering than shorter styles. So, once you grow out your mane, be sure to get regular trims (every two to three months). Also, get a deep conditioner and use it once a week. To reduce split ends, try a strengthening shampoo, and if you have long hair with lots of short layers, use a light pomade on the ends; this will separate your hair and play up its shape. If you’re blessed with thick hair, opt for all-over layers so that you don’t end up with a pyramid look. Curly and wavy hair also looks great with lots of long layers, but they demand extra care. Nurture them with a deep-conditioning treatment once a week. The best styles for long hair are those that take limited preparation time. Time is the keyword here–if you have long hair, you can still do wonders in just minutes.

Multiple ponytails Try multiple ponytails for that special evening out. The style consists of three base ponytails. Once you have mastered this first style, which takes 10 minutes or less, you can improvise a variety of different looks. This style looks especially good with hair that is highlighted or is streaked. All you need is a good, hair-friendly brush, some hair-friendly elastic bands, a little oil or hair wax for smoothing stray hairs, hair accessories or headbands. METHOD Brush hair carefully until all knots and tangles are removed. Pick up all the hair at the top of your crown, from the top of your ears to the forehead. Separate the hair into three even sections. Not all of your hair will be added to the three ponytails. Part of your hair from the ears below will be left loose to flow around your neck. Smooth each of the ponytails back into a separate "mini-ponytail" and secure with a hair band. Be sure to pull the hair carefully into the ponytail, making sure the elastic is tight enough to hold the hair in place.

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short story

Mum, I won’t do it Did you ever feel your daughter was insensitive towards you because she made a different choice? May be you were wrong

Rouble Raghuvanshi

ust imagine, all those who once spoke ill of you when you were born will shut up. They are already envious enough, gearing their boys in line to compete with you, outperform you. And if you make it to the IIT, imagine their faces. I want them to know that you are no less than a son, and only you can do it, beta,” I told Shimoni, hoping to convince her of the promise my expectation had–both for her and me. I remember the exchanges that followed. “I understand all of this, mom, but, is it the only route to prove it? I don’t want to be an engineer. That is not my calling. I don’t have the aptitude,” was her response. So, I knew I had to try harder. “Oh! Come on! You top your class in all subjects. Who else would

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Whenever I was broken or sad, my daughter would work her magic on me like a balm. But this time, she was incredibly stoic

have the aptitude but you? Scoring a hundred in maths is not a joke, I guess. Why don’t you...” “Mom, mom!” she cut me short. “Listen to me. I enjoy literature better than science. Matters of the heart make more sense to me than any of those precise calculations. Scoring a 96 in English is not a joke either.” I resorted to questioning her. “Okay! May I ask you what future you have in mind for yourself after doing a B.A in English?” “I don’t know about that but I am NOT going to be an engineer. And please don’t press me on this any further,” Shimoni declared finally to me. She had always been like that–trying to do things her own way whatever it took; even the bitter words coming through from the one she most loved, who was also the one who loved her the most–me, her mother. “Look at the audacity you have. Did I rear you up for this day, boy? I thought you are going to do us proud. But I was wrong. Your dad was wrong. Probably the only ones who were right were the relatives who said I will get it from you one day, that you will shame me,” I said, in a moment of rage at her silly impractical defiance, though not meaning a word of it. “I have never shamed you, and you know it. (I knew it.) And though I don’t promise to become what you want me to, I promise not to bring you disgrace.

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Now, don’t cry. Please don’t cry.” I felt miserable. It seemed she didn’t want to understand. “I thought you loved me...” I murmured. “You thought right, but I love myself, too,” Shimoni looked right into my eyes and said it in a tone that had a character of finality to it. She was of the view that only truth gives you that kind of power–to look right into someone’s eyes and say it all. She had infinite confidence. I knew from that glare that she was resolute. I was broken because I had expected her to stand up to something, become the channel to the complete resurrection of my pride. I lost my cool, I went ballistic, but she never lost her temper all this while. And this was because she knew me through and through. She knew my bitterness stemmed from my own experiences and not because of her. I was crying, feeling I had failed, feeling she had failed me. She had never been able to see me cry. Whenever I was broken or sad, she would work her magic on me like a balm. And at the end of my melodrama, she would tell me, “Mom, I hate to see you cry. It gives me pain. Don’t cry again. Promise?” “I will try,” I’d mumble. After calming me down, she would go to the public library nearby. But this time, unlike every other time, she was incredibly stoic. The look she wore earlier used to speak to me about her hatred for my tears; it also had empathy for me. But

short story this one time, she didn’t walk up to me to swab my tears. She looked at me and then made her signature move–she left the house for the library. If anyone were to have seen her in that moment and looked at the face value of the scene, they would surely have

heart and mind had been penned down. She maintained a journal, where she poured it all in. The introductory page of her journal had this inscribed in her pearly, cursive handwriting: “Now, we all have moments when we are so caught up in our emotions that

knew she wanted just one thing, just as I knew that ‘that one thing’ was what I could not deliver. I wouldn’t say I cannot, because I can. But, I want her to know that being a part of the race and leading it later is not the only way to prove how worthy you are. I want her to know that I will never disappoint

After reading the journal I knew my daughter better. And I knew one thing for myself–that I was already proud of who she was. Her becoming something was immaterial now

misread her deadpan face for being unfeeling and cold, and that would only be natural–I did that too, despite being her mother. But she had a conscience that worked through many a profound layer, sometimes so convoluted that it was hard to penetrate, harder to assimilate– something I knew was true to her, but discovered only after she left for her graduation, only to return after a year. Between that day and her leaving for Mumbai, there was nearly a month when we hardly talked. The day she left, she handed me a diary, saying, “I know you love me and I want you to know that I love you, too. I will do you proud, but in my way.” And before my eyes could swell with tears, she said, “Mom, I hate to see you cry. It gives me pain. Don’t cry again. Promise?” She said all this in one breath, wiping my tears, and mocking me at the same time. “Yeah yeah! I know you will try. Liar.” She kissed me, hugged me, winked at me saying, “Wait and watch,” and left. I felt a constriction in the chest, as if a piece of me had been removed. After she left, I opened the diary she gave me and knew what her library visits meant–the workings of a most sensitive

expressions don’t come right. However articulate you might be, these moments show you the limitation of human capacity to communicate and the limitlessness of human capacity to feel–the two cells throbbing in the same nucleus. For such moments, I have this journal–herein is all that my apparent frostiness meant. What to do, I felt so much then that I could have either felt alone or spoken half the truth.” And as I turned the pages of the diary, memories came back to me. I knew why so many photographs had gone missing. I smiled some, I cried some, I even chuckled at her entries, when suddenly it struck me to go to “the day’s” account. And there it was: “Helplessness is a wretched thing, and now I understand, it is not entirely a physical limitation. I made my mother cry today. I felt so unfortunate as a daughter/son– whatever. (The dichotomy of my existence confuses me sometimes.) She has placed all her dreams in me, and I don’t count that as a burden, at all. In fact, every time I deliver on her expectations, there is a sense of accomplishment. We have had altercations even before, but we always talked it out. But today, I felt miserable. I

her, my ways might, but I will not. And the only way I know how is doing it quietly. Talking invariably fails in the face of a lack of tangible results. I know she will understand one day and she will be proud of me then. I wanted to hug her today and tell her how much she is loved. But, to my surprise I went frigid. And this frigidity was not entirely a physical limitation.” And the rest of the entries said so much more. “Thanks for the love and thanks for the challenge mom.”“Talk to me mom.” “Last night, mom kissed me while I was asleep. I shuddered with joy.” “Bought a couple of T-shirts and a new sack for my journey. Only if mom took part in the preparation, it would have been so much more fun.” “I am missing you mom, already.” After reading the journal I knew Shimoni better. And I knew one thing for myself–that I was already proud of who she was. Her becoming something or somebody was immaterial–it was just a shallow understanding of our existence. My daughter is a beautiful person. And I am proud she stood true to her integrity. Sometimes our love incapacitates us from seeing the larger truth–and this incapacity is not a physical limitation entirely.

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dress code

From Work To Wow w W3 Bureau

hoever invented the day dress and separate evening wear got us all tripped up. It’s a metaphor that’s got us women all wound up and in a tizzy. But what do you do when you have that special invite to a party that you’ve been dreaming about for years and you absolutely can’t take time off to go home and get into that luxe wear you’d saved for just such an occasion? You certainly cannot come to office dressed like a sexy siren; it’s a business atmosphere and the greatest level of professional appropriateness rules. And you particularly don’t want to be the tart that the office is whispering about around the water cooler. Take heart from the fact that there are several others who have like-minded worries. In fact, DatingDirect.com surveyed 1,000 single men and women from across the UK and their research found that 42 per cent would prefer not to wear their office clothes to an after-work date or

It takes just a little bit of imagination and common sense to go from office to party and be a winner

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party. Of the women questioned, 68 per cent said that taking an outfit to work for a date was a hassle. Research also showed that over a third of singles turned down a date in the past because they were not happy with their work outfit. Over half of the people admitted to shopping in their lunch hour to find an outfit appropriate for a date. Katie Mowe, of www.DatingDirect.com, said: "With the typical career girl spending longer at the office and heading out straight after work, dolling up pre-date can often be more than a little tricky.” And four out of 10 men surveyed also admitted that they would be disappointed if their date turned up in work attire. Designers have actually come up with a dress that transforms between office wear and party outfit. According to them, the “work to flirt” dress, as they call it, could become a must-have outfit for every

Stay Well-heeled Remember always to stash heels in your car, so you’re ready to hit the party scene at short notice. Often, a killer pair of heels is all you need to go from ordinary to so-hot. A black pair is a must, keep two others handy–a metallic one and a coloured pair, either red or purple. Depending on how you're dressed, any one of the three options should work with virtually any outfit, based on whether your style is more elegant, dramatic, or plain sexy.

girl-about-town and clever tailoring transforms it to expose a little cleavage, a shorter, sexier skirt and split and a flash of back cleavage. Says Tansy Hamley, a leading designer, “The dress has been really well received, with women saying that it absolutely takes the hassle out of planning their date outfits. Many have joked that it helps them transform in a Superman style make-over. Due to the hectic lifestyles that we are all leading these days, I believe that in the future more fashion will be focused on twoin-one versatile outfits that can be altered to suit different occasions.” Don’t be threatened by the underdressed/overdressed party outfit dilemma. Here are ways to glam-up straight from the desk to the disco in a jiffy: Fuss with your hair a little that morning. If you usually wear it straight, get out some Velcro rollers and fluff it up with your dryer. Use a simple face pack that will take you 10 minutes from start to finish. Skip the corporate look and go with the gaga look of liquid eyeliner and shimmery lips, nails and skin. Elizabeth Arden and other high-end brands have just the thing for the occasion–all the glimmer and shimmer that you need out

of one box. If you’re going with Western wear, show a little more skin by way of a simple sleeveless black dress and pair it with strappy high-heeled sandals. Bare arms and high heels are an instant hit and a winning diva duo. Take along your thick lariat gold mesh necklace to enhance the black dress and wow your date and pair them with sparkling lime green Swarovski crystals in your ears. Or pair a sexy strapless black dress with your work wear chic jacket that could work wonders. If you’re strictly a trouser person, team a pair of tweed slacks with a flimsy bustier-inspired vest or a matte jersey sleeveless dress with a jacket that comes off once the clock strikes six. There are other options. Simply slip into a pair of pink satin party pants topped by your everyday turtleneck. Or get classic with an iridescent royal blue silk shirt and a body-hugging black velvet skirt. But if you’re a strict denims girl, you can still make a style statement without having to trade in your outfit completely. If wearing jeans, pick darker washes, and straight fits. For tops, pick solid colours over prints, and more structured fits, which give you a dressed-up look. Build an outfit around one special item of jewellery, something that’s over the top for the day but will do nicely by night. Wrap a skinny-thin rhinestone sash or a leather belt with an enormous flashy buckle around your waist. Or how about sprinkling your wrist with a collection of really slender glittery gold bangles? Remember the writ for office party dress success: Include one clincher of an item to a simple ensemble and you've got yourself a winner that lasts the evening. Enjoy.

creamy delights

Ice, Ice, Baby Winter, spring or summer, ice cream is one dessert that can be had all the year round. And while it's convenient to buy your favourite flavour from the parlour closest to you, there's nothing quite as satisfying and delicious as making homemade ice cream. Here are some yummy flavours you can try out at home. 70

Pomegranate Gelato INGREDIENTS Heavy cream: 1 1/2 cups Whole cream milk: 1/2 cup Sugar: 3/4 cup Cornstarch: 1 1/2 tbsp Salt: 1/8 tsp Pomegranate juice: 1 1/4 cups Fresh lemon juice: 1 tsp Special equipment: Icecream maker Garnish: Pomegranate seeds

METHOD Whisk together cream, milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a heavy saucepan. Bring to boil over moderate heat, whisking occasionally, then boil again, whisking for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining ingredients. Transfer to a bowl and chill, uncovered, until cold, at least for 1 hour. Freeze in ice cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden, at least 2 hours. Soften gelato slightly in refrigerator, about 20 minutes, before serving. COOK'S NOTES â&#x20AC;˘Cream mixture (before churning) can be chilled, covered, up to 1 day ahead. â&#x20AC;˘Gelato keeps 1 week. www.w3online.in | april 2009

Chocolate Gelato Makes about 4 cups There are no eggs in this recipe — it's the cornstarch that gives the gelato a smooth, silky texture. Fine-quality chocolate provides its rich flavour. Time taken: 5 hrs (includes chilling and freezing).

INGREDIENTS Whole cream milk: 3 cups Sugar: 1/4 cup Cornstarch: 3 tbsp Salt: 1/4 tsp Fine quality bittersweet chocolate: 7 oz, finely chopped Special equipment: Ice-cream maker

METHOD Bring 2 1/4 cups milk to boil in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat. While milk is heating, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and 1/4 cup (cold) milk in a bowl until smooth, then whisk into boiling milk and bring to a boil over moderate heat, whisking all the while. Boil, whisking frequently, 3 minutes (mixture will be very thick). Remove from heat. Bring remaining 1/2 cup (cold) milk to boil in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Pour hot milk over chocolate in a bowl and let stand until chocolate is melted, about 1 minute, then whisk until smooth. Stir into cornstarch-milk mixture and force through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Cool slightly, stirring frequently to prevent a skin from forming, then cover surface with wax paper and chill until cold, at least 1 1/2 hours. Freeze mixture in ice cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze until hardened, about 3 hours. Let soften 5 minutes before serving. COOK’S NOTES •Keeps 1 week

Peach Ice Cream Makes about 8 cups Time taken: 14 3/4 hr (includes chilling and freezing)

INGREDIENTS Ripe peaches: 2 lb Fresh lemon juice: 2 tsp Sugar: 1 cup plus 2 tbsp, divided Cornstarch: 1 1/2 tbsp Heavy cream: 1 3/4 cups Whole cream milk: 1 3/4 cups Egg yolks: 4 (large) Pure vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp Pure almond extract: 1/4 tsp Equipment: Ice-cream maker and an instant-read thermometre

METHOD Cut an X in bottom of each peach, then blanch in boiling water for 15 seconds. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice. Peel peaches and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with lemon juice along with 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar in a large bowl. Leave it to soften, covered and chilled, at least 8 hours. Whisk together cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a heavy medium-sized saucepan. Add cream and milk and bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Add to yolks in a slow stream, whisking constantly, to temper, then pour mixture back into saucepan. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, just until custard coats back of spoon and registers 170°F on an instant-read thermometer, 1 to 2 minutes (mixture will be thick). Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a metal bowl and stir in extracts. Chill custard, after covering with foil (to prevent a skin from forming), until cold, at least 4 hours. Transfer 2 cups peaches with slotted spoon to a bowl. Purée remaining peaches and liquid in a blender until smooth. Add purée to custard and freeze in ice cream maker, then transfer to a bowl and stir in reserved peaches. Transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden, about 2 hours.

Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream Makes about 5 cups Time taken: 4 hrs (includes chilling and freezing) INGREDIENTS Heavy cream: 1 3/4 cups Fresh lemon peel: 3 (3- by 1-inch) strips Salt: 1/8 tsp Eggs: 2 Sugar: 3/4 cup Strawberries:1 lb (4 cups), trimmed and quartered Fresh lemon juice: 1 tbsp Special equipment: Ice-cream maker and an instant-read thermometer

METHOD Combine cream, lemon peel and salt in a heavy saucepan and bring to boil. Remove from heat and discard peel. Whisk eggs with 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl, then add hot cream in a slow stream, whisking all the while. Pour back into saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and an instant-read thermometer registers 170°F (do not allow to boil). Immediately pour this custard through a fine sieve into a metal bowl, then cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Chill, covered, at least until cold, about 2 hours, or even up to a day. While custard is chilling, purée strawberries with remaining 1/4 cup sugar and lemon juice in a blender until smooth, then force through fine sieve (to remove seeds) into chilled custard. Stir purée into custard. Freeze in ice-cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden. COOK’S NOTES •To cool custard quickly after straining, set bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and stir until chilled. •Ice cream keeps 1 week.

mock tails

Virgin Mary

Punch Without the Pep

INGREDIENTS Tomato juice: 1 cup A dash of Worcestershire sauce Hot sauce to taste Lime juice to taste Salt and pepper to taste Celery salt Celery stalks Pickle spear Lime wedge

Is liquor not exactly your cup of tea? No matter. There are super mocktails to be had; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fun and tasty non-alcoholic beverages which have their own zing and can be made in a jiffy in your kitchen or bar. Here are some popular mocktails to tickle your palate 3

METHOD Combine all ingredients in a glass with ice. Garnish with celery, a pickle spear and a lime wedge. Dip the rim of the glass in celery salt if you wish.

Lemon Fizz Mocktail INGREDIENTS Apple juice: 2 cups Lemon juice: 1/8 cup Soda Lemon peel

METHOD Combine apple and lemon juices. Fill glasses halfway with soda and top off with the juice mixture. Garnish with a strip of lemon peel.

Sunset Cooler INGREDIENTS Cranberry juice: 4 oz Orange juice: 2 1/2 oz A splash of lemon juice Ginger ale- a little

METHOD Blend ingredients with ice until smooth. Place in a glass and top with ginger ale.

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Johnny Appleseed INGREDIENTS Ice cream: (flavour of choice) 2 scoops Apple juice: 2 oz A splash of orange juice A splash of soda

METHOD Blend ingredients, with ice, until smooth. Serve in a champagne glass.

Mock Sangria INGREDIENTS Purple or white grape juice: 1 bottle Club soda: 1/2 litre Pineapple: 1/4, cut into bite-size pieces Orange: 1/2, sliced Ice cubes: 1/2 tray

METHOD Combine ingredients in a large pitcher. Serve.

Mock Pi単a Colada INGREDIENTS Skim milk: 2 cups Unsweetened pineapple juice: 2 cups Vanilla: 1 tbsp Coconut extract: 1 tbsp Sugar: 2 tbsp Mint leaves: a few

METHOD Combine ingredients in a blender and mix at high speed until frothy. Pour into icefilled glasses and garnish with mint leaves. For a thicker variation, freeze the pineapple juice in ice trays and blend.

Mock Champagne INGREDIENTS Sugar: 2/3 cup Water: 2/3 cup Grapefruit juice: 1 cup Orange juice: 1/2 cup Grenadine (syrup from pomegranate juice): 3 tbsp Ginger ale: 28 oz

Unfuzzy Navel

METHOD Blend ingredients with ice until smooth. Serve.

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INGREDIENTS Sour mix: 2 oz A splash of lime juice A splash of orange juice Lime wedge

METHOD Blend sour mix and juices with ice until smooth. Serve in a salt-rimmed glass with a lime wedge.

INGREDIENTS Orange juice: 1/2 cup Lemon-lime flavoured carbonated beverage: 1/2 cup Grenadine: 1 tbsp grenadine syrup Maraschino cherry: 1

METHOD In a tall glass, combine orange juice and lemon-lime soda. Pour grenadine in and let it sink to the bottom. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a straw for stirring.

Lime Cola INGREDIENTS Thawed, frozen limeade concentrate: 3 tbsp Cola-flavoured carbonated beverage: 1 (12 fluid oz) can 1 slice lime

METHOD Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and melt over low heat. Boil for 10 minutes. Let cool. Add juices to the syrup and chill. When ready to serve, add grenadine and ginger ale.

INGREDIENTS Orange juice: 3 oz Fresh peach: 1 Dash of grenadine

Shirley Temple 2

Mock Margarita

METHOD Fill a tall glass with ice. Spoon in the limeade. Slowly pour in the cola. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Tornado Twist INGREDIENTS Cranberry-raspberry juice: 12 fluid oz Lemon-lime flavoured carbonated beverage: 1 (12 fluid oz) can or bottle

METHOD In a pitcher, mix cranberry-raspberry juice with lemon-lime soda. Pour over ice and serve.

bonding tips

W3 Bureau

ur Bollywood films are replete with the kiss-and-make-up routine. Or rather, the sulk-and-being-wooed-back routine. But it’s not like that in real life. Guys are rarely into the winning back routine. It takes up too much time. Real life fights are generally solid and unmindful of whether they will wreck a relationship or not. Years of being together usually makes couples take each other for granted. They tend to ride roughshod over each other’s feelings, and sometimes, a marriage could fall apart because one of the partners has had enough of the raw deal meted out by the other and wants out. Today, a broken marriage isn’t a big deal; life goes on, with both partners going their separate ways. So, how do you save a relationship that’s on the brink? A top marriage and family therapist draws from extensive experience with couples to identify her top 10 characteristics that define a successful relationship.

1. Friendship

Couples who have a strong friendship have staying power. They not only love each other, but genuinely like each other as people. They enjoy hanging out together. They might even consider each other their "best friend."

2. Humour

When both husband and wife can make each other laugh, half the battle is won. Laughter is a good mood lightener and can de-escalate conflicts when they do arise. The use of funny nicknames is an indicator that couples share a fondness for one another.

10 Ways

to make a relationship work In these fast-paced times, how do you and your significant other make things work? Read on

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3. Communication

This may seem an obvious requisite, but many couples are not very good at it. Those who can communicate or openly express their feelings in an emotionally safe environment are able to deal effectively with tricky situations as they come up and avoid brushing problems under the carpet, which almost always have a way of coming out at some point.

4. Sharing the Chores

Those who share household or parenting responsibilities in a mutually agreed upon manner are less likely to hold resentments against what they perceive as ‘unfair’. When each one participates, maybe grudgingly at first, then both contribute to the relationship in this way.

5. Sexual Intimacy

coined this well-known term. His "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" are criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling. His research has shown that couples who have a high level of these characteristics in their relationships are in big trouble.

Couples who have worked out their sex quotient, or at least, have arrived at a reasonable compromise if their levels of need aren’t compatible, feel secure. There’s nothing right or wrong about how much sex a couple is indulging in; some are highly active, engaging in love-making multiple times a week and others are content with far less. But it is essential that couples talk openly about this, so that neither partner feels neglected by the other.

8. Mutual and

Affection

Most of us need to feel secure with one another; if couples are sincere in what they say and do, it creates an atmosphere of comfort.

6. Display of

It doesn’t take much to show affection. Those small touches are so important–a hug or kiss, a whack on the rear, ruffling the hair as you go past. These displays of affection keep couples connected when life gets impossible. Partners who stay in physical contact in some way throughout the day have appeared to be the happiest ones. These moments are ways to say, "I love you," without the words.

7. No “Horsemen of the Apocalypse”

John Gottman, famous couples researcher, who could predict divorce with accuracy, april 2009 | www.w3online.in

Separate Friends

Those couples who have an active social life together and also maintain their own friendships separately, have greater balance with regard to honouring themesleves as individuals within the relationship. This leads to more selfsatisfaction, which translates to relationship-satisfaction.

age-old one of putting yourself in your partner's shoes and seeing if you're being reasonable or not. So, how do you save a relationship that's on the brink? Go back in time, and remember the times when life was full of those sweet and silly little touches. Like tweaking his cheek or ruffling his hair, a swat on the back, a quick, unexpected hug. Bring a little generosity into the relationship, deal with small issues with the lightness they deserve, don't make a mountain out of a molehill. Be forgiving. Some issues are best left under the carpet, some need to be brought out into the open, thrashed out and dismissed.A lot of us are guilty of not letting go, until the issue sours. Remember, a relationship needs nurturing forever. You can’t stop ever. It sounds simplistic, but love and care are the best incentives to stay in a relationship.

9. Reliability

10. Relationship Vision

Most couples don’t seem to have the larger picture of their relationship in mind. For instance, where do they see themselves in ten years? What are their relationship goals? Couples who have created a relationship vision for themselves know where they’re going as they’ve planned it together. One sure winner for a relationship is the

sports icon

Water Baby From Oz

With buoyancy as the core of her nature and technique, this swimmer cuts through water and hearts in style

Rouble Raghuvanshi he won three golds and set three world records in her debut Olympic; shot to fame and glory with her consummate feat; got caught in controversy for some fun photographs. At 20, she drives an $80,000 Audi convertible and lives in a fulsome apartment in Brisbane, owns it, tooâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; she is the sensational Australian swimmer, Stephanie Louise Rice. Stephanie won the 200-metre individual medley beating teenager Emily Seebohm at the recent Australian swimming championships. By holding off her young challengers, she wiped off all the doubts that were floating around

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about her potential due to her party girl image and is now all set to be in Rome for the world championships in July. She is simply living up to being the golden girl of Australia. Born on June 17, 1988 at Brisbane, Queensland, Stephanie had discovered early on in life what her calling was. At 10, she was one of the many spellbound spectators at the Sydney Olympics with her mother. The memories of that trip reflect the seeds of her passion for the pool. She admitted that she was "way off the pace"

accomplish. First, she broke the 400-metre IM record by outperforming her previous personal best. Three days later, she broke the 1997-set, 200-metre IM record. Both swims were unexpected for Stephanie, who admitted, "It was a mammoth shock." And a happy one at that. At the trials, even her boyfriend Eamon Sullivan–whom she had been dating since 2006–broke two world records, and the two were dubbed Australia's golden couple. She knew she was on the track, and that it would get tougher

Snap Judgement Stephanie Rice made headlines in Australia when several media outlets published pictures from her Facebook page that showed her having fun with fellow swimmers, including Sullivan, at a costume party. The most scintillating photograph was one that showed her dressed as a policewoman in a skimpy outfit. Although the photographs were harmless, they rendered Rice as a “party girl”. Australia responded to the ‘scandal’ by asking her to take them down. “It was a bit disappointing,” Stephanie said. “But I wasn't too upset over it. I think that it was taken the wrong way, and everyone knew that the media was twisting it around.”

back then, but she was so taken in by all the swimmers that she knew she had to be among them one day. Now, she’s not just one of them, but the leading star. Stephanie won her first golds in the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, in both the 200 metres and 400 metres individual medleys, and that too, by defeating her predecessor Olympians Brooke Hanson and Lara Carroll. From there on, there was no looking back for her. She won the bronze in the 200 metres and 400 metres individual medleys at the World Aquatics Championships. And then came the most awaited Austarlian Olympic trial in 2007, where Stephanie broke the world record in both the events. But she surprised even herself with what she managed to april 2009 | www.w3online.in

henceforth. Now was the real challenge–to work harder and let go of everything that had even the least potential of being a halt to her growth. So much so that Sullivan and Stephanie decided to split in order to focus on competing in Beijing. What followed suit was her glorious victory in the Beijing Olympics, 2008. She won three gold medals (each in world record time) in the 200 metres and 400 metres individual medleys and in the 4 × 200 metre freestyle

relay. In winning the 400-metre individual medley, Stephanie also won her first Olympic medal, Australia's first gold medal of the games and its 400th Summer Olympic medal. Recording a time of 4:29.45, she reclaimed the world record from Hoff, bettering the mark by 1.67 seconds, and became the first woman to break the 4:30 mark in the event. Her second gold medal of the games came in the 200-metre individual medley with a new world record time of 2:08.34. So, this girl, who was mistaken as a nonserious youngster for having had fun like any teenager would have had with her bunch of friends, proved everyone wrong. About her

The pressure that came with being an icon had really got Stephanie by the horns. She tried to find ways of going unnoticed. “I put on sunglasses, feeling that nobody would know who I am. But people still recognise me. That’s strange for me. I think it’s just a learning curve” Olympic win, she told reporters that her inspiration came from Sullivan’s breaking Alexander Popov’s eight-year-old mark in the 50-metre freestyle, even though she wasn’t there to see it. She confessed to even having felt green. But being the sensible and sensitive person that she was, she didn’t let jealousy get the better of her. Sullivan’s record breaking win made her realise that anything was possible. And less than a month later, she brought to life the world record she’d set her mind on. The joy of achievement was something Stephanie had much desired and fantasised about, but felt only when she made it happen. She returned from China as Australia's golden girl, and her two world records and three gold medals put her on sport's millionaire's row. She had shot to instant fame and was constantly beleaguered by fans and sponsors until it became a bedlam. She had organised a five-week vacation after Beijing with her coach Michael Bohl. But the first 4 1/2 weeks went by fulfilling all sponsorship commitments and much travelling, leaving her barely any time to relax and be with her folks. There was more to this new popularity. The feeling of all eyes being fixed on her made her so uneasy that the Queenslander even considered locking herself in as she strived hard to come to terms with her rise to the celebrity A-list. "It's been a complete change in my life and something that is still a little bit odd. I don't really feel comfortable," she said.

The phenomenon so baffled her that she wanted to become invisible. "There are things that you would prefer not to be said about you and then there are things that people say that are really flattering. Since people started saying this 'party girl' type of stuff, the thought of never going out and having a social life has crossed my mind because I don't want any of those things said about me. But I don't want to change my life for a few people who disagree with what I’m doing.” The pressure that went onto being an icon had really got Stephanie by the horns. She tried to find many ways of going unnoticed. “When I put on sunglasses, I feel that nobody would know who I am, it’s not that obvious. But people still seem to realise my identity. That’s strange for me. I think it’s just a learning curve.” And she made her learning the hard way. That done, Stephanie Rice has a new challenge–of maintaining and improving upon what she has achieved. And she is doing that well. Fighting media-led campaigning, fatigue and troublesome injuries, her grind begins with the 5 am buzz of her alarm. “How quick I’m out of bed usually depends on how organised I am from the night before. I probably watch too many movies which doesn’t help,” Rice says with a laugh. But clocking over 10 kilometres a day in the pool, beginning and ending the day smelling of chlorine–is not a joke. Grit, determination and passion qualify her almost legendary pool sessions, about which Swimming Australia Chief Executive Kevin Neil says, “I’ve been told her sessions have to be seen to be believed.” Young, pretty, vivacious and single, Stephanie dreams simple and big at the same time, but then knows what she really wants. “I would love to study and I would love to have a job, but I also really want to swim well and that’s my No. 1 goal. I love swimming and I love everything about it… I am definitely still hungry, if I didn't think I could do better than I did at the Olympics, I wouldn’t be swimming now,” she declares with clarity of thought and desire. We have to see where her spiritedness takes her.

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MEN VERSUS WOMEN A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he wants. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't want. A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband. A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife. A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man. To b e h a p p y w i t h a m a n y o u m u s t understand him a lot and love him a little. To be happy with a woman you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all. Married men live longer than single men, but married men are a lot more willing to die. ABOUT MEN Q. What did God say after creating Adam? A. I must be able to do better than that. Q. How do you get a man to do sit-ups? A. Put the remote control between his toes. Q. What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night? A. A widow. Q. Why does it take 1 million sperm cells to fertilize one egg? A. They won't stop to ask for directions. Q. How are men and parking spots alike? A. Good ones are always taken. Free ones are mostly handicapped or extremely small. Q. What is the one thing that all men at single bars have in common? A. They are all married.

PROOF COMPUTERS ARE FEMALE As soon as you have one, a better one is just around the corner. No one but the creator understands the internal logic. Even your smallest mistakes are immediately committed to memory for future reference. The native language used to communicate with other computers

is incomprehensible to everyone else. Final and most telling proof: As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half or more of your paycheck on accessories for it. GREAT TO BE A MAN • You can watch a game in silence with your buddy for hours without even thinking: He must be mad at me. • You get to jump up and slap stuff. • One mood, all the time. • You can admire Clint Eastwood without starving yourself to look like him. • You know at least 20 ways to open a beer bottle. • Same work...more pay. • Grey hair and wrinkles add character. • Wedding dress, $2000; tux rental, $100. • You don't care if someone is talking about you behind your back. • The remote is yours and yours alone. • You don't have to lug a bag of useful stuff around everywhere you go. • You can go to the bathroom without a support group. • Your last name stays put. • You can leave a hotel bed unmade. • When your work is criticized, you don't have to panic that everyone secretly hates you. • You can kill your own food. • The garage is all yours. • You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. • Yo u s e e t h e h u m o u r i n Te r m s o f Endearment. • You never have to clean the toilet. IF MEN WROTE THE RULES • Anything we said six or eight months ago is inadmissible in an argument. All comments become null and void after seven days. • If we say something that can be interpreted in two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other way. • It is in neither your best interest nor ours to make us take those stupid Cosmo quizzes together. • You can either ask us to do something OR tell us how you want it done–not both. • Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials or time-outs. • Christopher Columbus didn't need directions and neither do we. • When we're turning the wheel and the car is nosing onto the ramp, you saying "This is our exit" is not necessary.

ONE LINERS When a man steals your wife, there is no better revenge than to let him keep her. David Bissonette After marriage, husband and wife become two sides of a coin; they just can't face each other, but still they stay together. Sacha Guitry By all means marry. If you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. Socrates Woman inspires us to great things, and prevents us from achieving them. Anonymous The great question–which I have not been able to answer–is, what does a woman want? Dumas I had some words with my wife, and she had some paragraphs with me. Sigmund Freud Some people ask the secret of our long marriage. We take time out to go to a restaurant two times a week. A little candlelight and dancing. She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays. Anonymous

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poet’s corner

The scarlet letter “I am flesh and blood And the blood is hot, Rushing through my veins, It’s the gush of passion. Every touch, these days of youth, Leaves an impression In its warmth As in its frosty, uncouth Digression. Oh! How I frisson And how I miss you, My distant lover. So when I’ve justified that you’re missed Then what’s wrong if I kissed Other cheeks, other lips? I am a mortal sinner, Flesh and blood, after all. Not that I love you less; But when a balmy touch impresses The many thousand pores Of my skin, they let go of any mores That the moral fibre expects Them to project. But they cannot prevent being natural And they cannot protect The core of my feminine flow. And so I let go Of all inhibitions, all covers; And in bare fervour I glow In other arms, with other men. But in that forbidden territory, I know, as tears down my eyes flow, I miss you so, I miss you so. Do you miss me too, just let me know.” “I must say you’ve become a perfect whore There are many of your likes here, too, you know, I have known them well, and seen their groans fall and swell. So, you, I don’t need to know, Any better and anymore.” Miss Lo was right when she said, “When a man will be a charming lothario The woman will be a harlot scenario.” I just sent a test letter And now I know better. –Rouble Raghuvanshi

april 2009 | www.w3online.in

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n w o t e h t f o talk

chit chat

Lataji has knee replacement surgery Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar recently had a knee replacement surgery done. The surgery was done in Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune and performed by Dr Hemant Wakankar. It is reported that chronic arthiritis was the reason for the operation as Lataji was in constant pain and was unable to walk. She will be on physiotherapy for another six months. With her knee-trouble gone, the singer is getting ready to resume singing.

Uday Chopra returns If it’s Yash Raj Films, then be sure to expect a story with a love triangle. This time, it’s none other than Uday Chopra himself who plays the role of a bookshop owner in his home production Love Impossible. The lead heroine is Priyanka Chopra, while Dino Morea completes the love triangle. Rumour has it that Priyanka is playing the role of a movie star and Dino is her boyfriend. She later falls in love with Uday. Best of luck, Uday!

ahman India’s Dr A R arR cket, s in his po 82

Osc as With two Rahman h aestro A R m l is ca It si r. u u m no a man of ho ities–Ann become a o univers tw at th rh a lig A d reported n a Chennai, rring University, are confe y– it rs e iv n in te Muslim U ora ith a doct overall Rahman w work and is h f o n ity is to rs e iv n recognitio ts. Anna U n e m ve , ie ach ahman a PhD on R during award the Sciences, of Media tion as te ca ra o vo ct n Do special co g in m s. n co its forth celebratio centenary s it f o t par

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Nana, the dude Nana Patekar has done a complete makeover for his upcoming film Ek-The Power of One. Nana will be seen in tight T-shirts, Bermudas, shades and a bandana. He sports the looks of an American dude; the character he portrays promises to be riotously funny according to Sangeeth Sivan, who directed the film. Pretty girl Shriya Saran, from Mission Istanbul, Awarapan and Tamil blockbuster Sivaji, is playing the female lead in the film. Others include Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Jaspal Bhatti, Gurpreet Guggi, Sachin Khedekar and Zarina Wahab.

Bend it like Gurinder Gurinder Chadha’s next venture is called It’s a Wonderful Afterlife. The Indian Film Company (TIFC) and Bend It Films recently announced their strategic tie-up for the coproduction of the movie. The movie is slated to release in early 2010. The cast reportedly includes Shabana Azmi, Sendhil Ramamoorthy, Shaheen Khan and other international names. Chadha’s knack to work with new talents continues as this time she introduces British-Indian theatre actress, Goldy Notay. Chadha’s previous works, Bhaji On The Beach, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, Bride & Prejudice and Bend It Like Beckham have made her a popular household name, the world over.

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april 2009 | www.w3online.in

ARIES (22 MAR-21 APR) Love life will grow with the help of an industrious man. Male friends will bring you happiness. Professionally, double check your paperwork and take special care with cheques as a misprint could put you in a spot. Financial gains will be sporadic throughout the month. A child in the family can be a cause of concern for you.

TAURUS (22 APR-21 MAY) P o s i t i v e developments in matters of the heart and new beginnings in love life are on the cards. You will be very intuitive about your spouse or boyfriend this month and would know what to do to improve your relationship even further. You will soon overcome all your troubles and find better avenues. Financial situation will begin to improve suddenly and then steadily.

GEMINI (22 MAY-21 JUN) Financial gains will be good. A joint investment or a financial partnership will prove to be fruitful. A wedding or a family gathering is on the cards. Be careful as there could be some issues with your male boss or a senior. You need to enhance your communication skills in order to clearly put forward your point of view on the professional front.

CANCER (22 JUN-21 JUL) You need to embark on alternative therapies such as spa treatments. Listen to your inner voice and bump up your positive energies. Take saltwater bath, try meditation and bless all those who have hurt you. Opportunities will flow in by the end of the month. A fatherly figure can be a cause of worry for you. Take care of your expenses.

LEO (22 JUL-21 AUG) Happiness is on the cards. Financial gains will i m p r o v e r e m a r k a b l y. Love-related issues can create some misunderstanding initially, but will get sorted later. Adventure travel for a holiday along with your family is on the cards. The new project you have been planning will take some more time to start. You are also likely to feel a little lethargic due to stress.

VIRGO (22 AUG-21 SEP) Financial changes will be slow and steady. A wedding in the family or any o t h e r significant celebration will make for a memorable event in your life. Professionally, tensions will start easing out this month onwards. Avoid being too stubborn in matters of the heart as it might create a deadlock. Keep your communication and dialogue open in order to have more harmony.

LIBRA (22 SEP-21 OCT) Professionally, relationships with your colleagues and clients will be in universal rhythm and harmony. Office romance for some of you is also likely. Financial gains will come easy as you will discover secondary sources of income this month. New beginnings on the family-front are also predicted. In matters of the heart, indecisiveness is likely to prevail.

SCORPIO (22 OCT-21 NOV) A usually r e s e r v e d woman with dark hair will help you in your love relationship. Financial success will enthrall you and your loved ones. Professionally, the state of affairs will remain smooth and steady. Expenses on children will be high this month. New creative ventures, too, will prove to be expensive.

SAGITTARIUS (22 NOV-21 DEC) Financial growth will be good and you will be relaxed. You will have to be proactive and take quick decisions. There will be promises made to you that may seem to be breaking down in this month, and only you, can change it. Have a backup plan for all your projects and make your strategies foolproof.

CAPRICORN (22 DEC-21 JAN) You are being blessed in matters of the heart. Most of your desires in love matters will be fulfilled. Professional success and celebrations are on the cards. Following your instinct in financial matters will save you from a lot of trouble and will also bring in a fresh lease of life to your finances. Bless one and all in the family to avoid ego clashes.

AQUARIUS (22 JAN-21 FEB) Journeys with your loved ones and happiness in matters of the heart will be extremely harmonious. Financial growth will also come through travels or business trips. However, in professional matters you will feel a little tired by the developments and would also feel as if things are going beyond your control. You need to stick to your beliefs.

PISCES (22 FEB-21 MAR) A woman who has been very hard working in your family will be your saving grace this month in h a n d l i n g family issues. Financial news will come through a lot of proactive approach in your life. If you have been associated with software industry, shares, medicine, law or auto industry, then things will be extra beneficial for you.

KNOW YOUR ZODIAC

NANDITA PANDEY is a Delhi-based Astro-Vaastu-Tarot consultant, who combines various astro-sciences to provide maximum benefit. For any query, mail to nandita.pandey@gmail.com or call at +91 9312711293 www.w3online.in | april 2009

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