A decade of many firsts, highs and lows, realizations and transitions #10yearchallenge #DecadeBloghop
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A decade of many firsts, highs and lows, realizations and transitions #10yearchallenge #DecadeBloghop

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A few months back there was a #10yearchallenge where people were posting their “before and after” pictures. It was about the transition in their looks. Though I didn’t participate in the challenge, it made me ponder how I evolved during this course of time, not in looks but a person as a whole. And how my relationship with my husband evolved. From friends to lovers, from better halves to parents. From black hair to silvers, India to Poland. Jagjit Singh and Diljeet Dosanjh to Peekaboo and Baby shark, life changed to every possible extent. Today, when I look back to the decade just gone by, a sea of emotions run through my mind. The last 10 years were, by far the most eventful years of my life. It was a decade of many firsts, highs, and lows, realizations, and transitions. So, here’s a sneak peek of the same:

2009

The newlywed me, flaunting my Chooda (maroon and white ivory bangles) started marital life with the man of my dreams, in Bangalore. Love was in the air and the “mushy couple”, as everyone called us, were into each other as if no one else existed in the universe. Together, we made our cozy nest and behind the closed doors and windows, we hummed, “Ye tera ghar ye mera ghar kisiko dekhna ho gar…..”. And I realized Life was blissful.

2010

Life happened and we realized the institution of marriage was not just about romancing and partying but also weekly grocery run and cooking. It was not just about being lovey-dovey but also having tiffs and disagreements. The biggest realization was that this alliance brings with it, a lifetime association with “chakla belan”. This made me realize why Bollywood movies always ended at “Lived happily ever after” note. Why did they never show the later part of the marriage? Also, that “Tum ruthi raho main manata rahun” was so misleading.

This was the year when both of us were climbing the corporate ladder. I was promoted as the Country Head and the husband got a better opportunity that took us to the City Beautiful, Chandigarh. Leaving Bangalore was an emotional decision as we made a lot of memories in this beautiful city but I realized change was the only constant. With new hopes and aspirations, we hummed, “Ankhon me sapne liye ghar se hum chal to diye, jane ye manzil ab le jayegi kahan”.

2011 – 2014

As I had the liberty to work from home, alongside I took up many other assignments. From providing tuitions to unprivileged children to helping them prepare for various entrance exams, from painting classes to teaching craft at an orphanage, I did everything that helped me evolve as a better person. I felt as if I was living in my own bubble so far and there was a lot to be done for the society. It was not a paid service but the amount of satisfaction that brought was priceless. While I was busy in these activities, the doting husband stood by me as a pillar always. And I realized “kisi ki muskurahton pe ho nisaar, jeena isi ka nam hai…”

Life kept moving on and we were busy in our careers and of course the chakla belan at the same time. In all these years, we welcomed many new members in our family and bid goodbye to a few loved ones.

Our worlds came crashing down when my father was diagnosed with a chronic disease. We never envisaged it and were shaken to the core. There was an incessant fear of losing him. Amidst all this, one thing that remained the same was us, “the mushy couple”, laughing and crying together. We stood with our family and sailed through that tough phase together. And I realized, “Family is family”

2015

After fighting with PCOD for years, we heard the best music of our lives – two heartbeats were growing inside me. There was a double addition (edition) in our lives as we welcomed our “double dhamal”, our twincesses M&M. That one moment made us realize how blessed we were. And we hummed, “Mere ghar ayi do nanhi pari”

2016

This year was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I do not know if I label it as the best or worst year of my life. Worst because I lost the most loved person, my father. Best because I got to spend unforgettable last 5 months with him after a decade. Another big change in 2016 was the transition from Chandigarh to Delhi to Lucknow to Poland.

With two infants in tow, days were crazy and nights were sleepless with no support system, friends or family. We looked like zombies. Depression hit me hard and then writing came to my rescue. The husband motivated me to pen my thoughts and it helped me fight depression and cope with the personal loss to some extent. Once again, we sailed the roughest patch of our lives just being together, with each other and for each other. And we realized, “Tera sath hai to mujhe kya kami hai”.

2017

The real game started with our parenting duties and soon we turned ambidextrous and ambipedal. Nursing, feeding, putting them to bed, running after them and refereeing their fights every minute were more challenging than those client meetings and project deliveries. Our days started with “Chanda hai tu, mera suraj hai tu” and ended with “Dangal Dangal”. With one child each in different rooms every night, we would WhatsApp each other, “Soi kya” (Has she slept?)” And we realized, “Twin parenting was double the trouble, double the fun and abhi to party shuru hui hai”.

This was the year of many firsts, as M&M achieved their milestones one by one. The first step, the first word, the first kiss, and many more. They kept learning and with them, us.

2018

With time, came experience and we survived and thrived with our twinadoes. Together, we explored many European countries and planted the seeds of travelers in them. With every successful trip, we gained more confidence and the fun continued.

This was the year when I took writing seriously. A full-time job with writing was not easy but his constant encouragement and a few achievements in blogging, kept me going. And we realized, “Together we can and we will”

2019

Again a year of mixed emotions. I restarted my corporate career and got the best performer award. I birthed my third baby (not biologically, please Nooooo!), published my first ebook, Travel my way. Things were pretty decent at the professional end but on a personal front, life threw me something unexpected and I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease. And I realized you can’t serve from an empty pot and self-care was important which I ignored all these years.

Keeping fingers crossed, making some lifestyle changes and with a positive attitude, we bid goodbye to this decade and entered a new one with new dreams to conquer. The husband ensured this too shall pass and asked, “Jab hum honge 60 sal ke aur tum hogi 55 ki, bolo sath nibhaogi na?” and I just nodded 🙂

 

 

“This post is a part of ‘DECADE Blog Hop’ #DecadeHop organised by #RRxMM Rashi Roy and Manas Mukul. The Event is sponsored by Glo and co-sponsored by Beyond The BoxWedding ClapThe Colaba Store and Sanity Daily in association with authors Piyusha Vir and Richa S Mukherjee”

 

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Ahivani
Ahivani
January 25, 2020 9:00 pm

Vartika I call you a bhagwan ka bachcha for a reason. Life has thrown all sorts of challenges at you and yet you seem to come out of it a survivor. Your innocence intact and no hint of bitterness. Your blog is a reflection of that. May God bless you my dear friend and have a super 2020

Namratha
January 25, 2020 9:11 pm

Lovey dovey mushy tale with more twists and ups and turns and downs than fiction and we got our very own playback list to listen to while reading. A truly enjoyable post Vartika. Do take care of yourself and you will sail through this too.

Namratha Varadharajan
January 25, 2020 9:13 pm

Lovey dovey mushy tale with more twists and ups and turns and downs than fiction and we got our very own playback list to listen to while reading. A truly enjoyable post Vartika. Do take care of yourself and you will sail through this too.

Prerna Wahi
January 25, 2020 9:19 pm

I loved the way you have poured out your heart!!! Awesome post Vartika Mehrotra Gakhar. It beautifully depicts your journey and how you have evolved over this decade. Well written and touching write up.

Pr@Gun
January 25, 2020 9:28 pm

Aww, that’s such a sweet journey down the lane and Songs for each year was a fun read.
So true said chakla belan relation makes kitchen your first karm bhoomi before the workplace outside.
I wish you great health and loads of love for M&M candies. I hope you rem that even I have M&M candies in my home and we connect at candy level too.

Sonam Chamaria
January 25, 2020 9:33 pm

Vartika – you and your husband seem to have not aged at all over the decade!!
And omg – twins sound like a handful!
Kudos to you for coping with everything so well 🙂

Alpana
January 25, 2020 10:41 pm

What a journey vartika. I know you for almost a year now and still remember our first text message. How we connected, and how our friendship took its own shape.
You have faced many challenges so far and everytime stood up like a Shero…Keep rocking, keep smiling and keep going!! Kyoki Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai..

Mayuri Nidigallu
January 26, 2020 4:19 am

Amazing post, as always, Vartika. The past decade has given you a lot,, but taken away a lot too. I am always amazed at how you manage without help in Poland, working and Blogging bother. I love the positivity of your posts and after reading all that you have been through much respecf for staying so. Wishing you good health, lots of travel, more writing and lots of moments as a mushy couple!

Pragnya Mishra
January 26, 2020 5:23 am

Bollywood is always misleading behen. They present the rosy picture. haha.
Your highs and lows experiences do have a shade in your words. I like your journey with sparkle of songlines for situations.
P.S. M&M trivia are cute additions in your life and we love reading about them. May you stay blessed and healthy. Best wishes.

Deepika
January 26, 2020 7:50 am

What an amazing journey you had,and how honestly you portrayed it. A song for every situation ?. Your positive attitude is reflected in your writing too. Wishing you happiness always.
Deepika

Pallavi Acharya
January 26, 2020 7:59 am

A momentous journey! Extraordinary! Inspiring! One can almost call it a fairy tale – but for the travails! Good one! Regards – Pallavi Acharya

Janaki Srinivasan
January 26, 2020 7:59 am

Lots of hugs to you. It was so nice to read your story as if it was your diary. Take care.

Meena Chatty
January 26, 2020 9:42 am

Varthika, yours is one of the most unique posts I have read. I loved the way you summed up each phase with an appropriate song! Great choice of songs too. Your twins are so adorable. All the best with your writing.

Cheers,
Meena from balconysunrise.wordpress.com

sonia dogra
January 26, 2020 9:55 am

Hey Vartika. I now see the similarity in the journeys. You have had an eventful decade and have come out such a winner! Kudos girl! I am sure you will battle out whatever comes your way and hope you have a wonderful decade. Now to the post. I loved reading it. Was hooked to it. How you filled it up with bolly numbers was interesting. Also that whole thing about why movies end on lived happily ever after and the misleading number tum roothi raho main manata rahoon was hilarious. I had a smile on my face reading that. I… Read more »

Anjali M Naik
Anjali M Naik
January 26, 2020 10:21 am

Vartika I have no words to express. I have always adored you for the way you are raising your darling twins. But I never knew that behind your million dollar smile you have hidden all the struggles, the hardships, the battles that you have bravely fought till now . I truly respect you even more now. You deserve all the happiness, love and joys of the world. Kudos to you for managing everything so efficiently and no matter what your daughters are gonna be proud of you forever. Best wishes my dear!

Pooja Priyamvada
January 26, 2020 10:41 am

So nice to be a witness of this journey you shared here, so many points were similar to my own life

Srivalli
January 26, 2020 10:41 am

Such a beautiful way of presenting your past decade with background songs. Wishing you the best of health and happiness for decades to come. 🙂

Swarnali Nath
January 26, 2020 10:53 am

Hi Vartika!! Your smile is something I long to see whenever you post a pic of you on social media handles, as I told you before, your smile brightens my day! Today, I just came to know how many tiny tales does this smile hide! I have grown an emotional bonding with you such that while reading your story of the decade, I felt sad with your losses and smiled around your blessings. I call M&M angels, and today I came to know yes, truly they are! Last mein ek baat, we laughed at your diet post, remember? I promise… Read more »

Supriti Garg
January 26, 2020 12:26 pm

Hey Vartika, this post is as lively as u. after reading your post it almost felt like, “Is ladki ne itni baali umar mein sab kuch dekh liya.. Aur kuch bacha hai kya?” and then i am reminded that Vartika is a travel buff and loves exploring places. Kudos to u for smiling through the highs and lows..taking life as it came, one step at a time.. And biggest shout out for managing the twins.. “So gayi kya?” over whatsapp is the sweetest part. i know how much it would have torn your hearts but the solidarity of your relationship… Read more »

Deepika Mishra
Deepika Mishra
January 26, 2020 12:39 pm

Vartika I found you a very positive person and this is reflecting through your post also. I must say you and your husband are complementing each other. Your twins add new hope in your family. I just lost in the flow of the words, your style of writing is very smooth dear. High and lows are part of life. One who can learn how to keep calm in the odds is God’s child and your every pic with full of smile give the reason to smile as well.

Piya Gajbe
Piya Gajbe
January 26, 2020 12:43 pm

Wow, what a journey! And you that I adore your MnM. Your posts have always touched the chords and this one is no exception. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!

Ritu
January 26, 2020 12:49 pm

Loved the way you penned it, Vartika. Your positivity is indeed infectious. The songs were icing on the cake. Wishing you the very best. Keep inspiring.

Radhika Acharya
January 26, 2020 3:01 pm

Loved the background music for each reflection! I meant the songs you have penned and I was humming while reading your post. ??
Your family pic is so sweet. You seem to have faced each challenge with that sweet smile of yours. Keep smiling. Love to your twin girls!
Radhika

anupriya
January 26, 2020 4:04 pm

That large heart that has seen so much in life yet continued to look at the beauty of life reflects through those smiling eyes. Tareef karu kya teri… tune khud ko aisa banaya…
But seriously girl loads of prayers for your auto-immune condition and kudos to you for being such a super woman managing so much in life.

ujjwal mishra
January 26, 2020 5:54 pm

‘soyi kya’ is so similar twin or single. We also did this whatsapp thing. Lovely narration.

Harjeet Kaur
January 26, 2020 6:06 pm

Wow, Vartika…what a roller coaster ride it has been. Kudos to you for coming out on top in spite of everything. Well chronicled decade yo have here. I didnt want to rant about my lows so I wrote on Stand up comedians. 🙂

Novemberschild (Romila)
Novemberschild (Romila)
January 26, 2020 6:26 pm

Hey Vartika
How are you?
So nice to read your post.
I loved your love story – from friends to parents.
I am sure the journey was amazing and it will be.
I love your twins! I wish you birth more kids – your books.
Cheers to a beautiful decade.

Pashmeena
Pashmeena
January 26, 2020 6:35 pm

It was lovely to see you achieving great heights throughout the decade..A very honest and heartfelt post..Hope to see you more victorious in the coming decade..

Pashmeena
Pashmeena
February 2, 2020 11:54 pm
Reply to  Vartikasdiary

?

Ruchi Nasa
January 26, 2020 6:56 pm

Loved reading your journey …and how you added a song at each turn to summarize. All the best for the next decade

Archana
January 26, 2020 7:09 pm

Truly inspirational journey of your’s Vartika, one thing I can say for sure, then every passing day of last decade, you might promised yourself, to become stronger and stronger.I am amazed to know that how you managed to do full time job, twinnies in hand, specially being too far from own country, to live your life outstandingly, kudos!! Loved the bonding of mushy couple.keep writing!

Jayanthi Manikandan
January 26, 2020 7:49 pm

I read “Third baby” and smiled… 🙂 hope this decade brings all good things your way! 🙂

Sivaranjini
January 26, 2020 8:07 pm

Loved your tale and love to your twin babies and all the best ? immense power to you.?

surbhi prapanna
January 26, 2020 8:24 pm

Such an amazing journey Vartika and I know despite various challenges and odds of life..you always come out as a winner with your infectious positivity . may god bless you much more success and happiness in upcoming decade. lots of love to little princesses.

Arushi Seth
January 26, 2020 8:47 pm

That was a very honest recap of the last decade. Love makes us stronger and you guys have proved that. I love how you have penned down your journey and completed it with songs and pics. Wishing you both many more years of love and togetherness. I hope you have a healthy and happy decade height and may you reach new heights.

Shail Thosani
January 27, 2020 2:15 am

So many ups and downs and change of country entirely yet you managed to come out of all of it and with such positive attitude. Very nice!! Continue to be positive and the “mushy couple”.

Rohit verma
January 27, 2020 3:18 am

This too shall pass! Thats a really comforting thought! The bottomline is always that nothing lasts forever. This ephemeral world, our emotions, our struggles and our journey! It is a humbling thought. One we should remind ourselves every now and then! – Rohit Verma

Pri
Pri
January 27, 2020 3:31 am

It was heart warming to meet your family (even in pictures). You had a song for almost every situation. I think you two make a great couple. The way you have held each other together through your ups and downs…only true soulmate’s can do that.

And of course, special ‘cutie’ points to your adorable munchkins! ?

Take care and stay blessed…

Pavi Raman
January 27, 2020 3:49 am

I loved how clear and concise your writing is. From the sweeping highs, to the crushing lows, you’ve captured every emotion and then some.
I hope this decade brings nothing but joy to you!

Mahesh Sowani
January 27, 2020 4:04 am

Losing a parent took toll on my life as well. It took me six years to recover. Time may heal or not, it never stops for sure.

Jyoti Arora
Jyoti Arora
January 27, 2020 9:17 am

Beautifully penned with song of the life events !! Positivity in life is the key to success!! Have great life with your wonderful twins, as abhi toh party shuru hui hai??

hema
January 27, 2020 10:38 am

you have adorable kids and a very loving, supporting husband. God bless you. I loved reading your decade journey.

Monika
January 27, 2020 6:12 pm

How well you have written about your decade , your weak times as well your strengths . You’ve written your post in a sing-song easy way inspite of the challenges faced by you . I love when you used to WhatsApp each other – soi kya ?? Haha is this phase still going on ? Or the kids are grown up enough to sleep on their own ?? Congratulations for your ebook . And I loved your pics ….the mushy mushy couple . May you have evergreen romance in your life ….

Shalini
January 27, 2020 9:01 pm

You did have a rollercoaster ride. Your twin girls look so adorable. Sorry for your loss. Can’t even imagine what you have gone through. Wishing you a happy and promising decade.

Disha
January 27, 2020 9:28 pm

Vartika Di, you and Jiju have not aged a bit and still look like new couple in love. Multitasking so many roles, while managing the little ones is the biggest feat.

Suha Vijay
January 28, 2020 11:23 am

What a lovely mushy tale with so many twists and transitions. I am sure you would sail through this one too Vartika. All the very Best to you

swathi
swathi
January 28, 2020 6:38 pm

Highs and lows what makes life merrier i feel . I enjoyed the write up

Geethica Mehra
January 29, 2020 4:21 am

Lovely transition Vartika. I loved the lyrics from Hindi songs that are always motivating and keep on going ahead.
Wish you loads of luck for success and health to you n your family.

Neha Sharma
Neha Sharma
January 29, 2020 8:14 am

Aww, Vartika, I loved how you added the songs summarizing the essence of your journey year after year and it felt as if these songs were made just to fit into your story. But very well use of the songs, really enjoyed reading your post. I am sorry to know about the disease, hope you get the strength to deal with that. Wishing you good health and happiness, have a rocking year ahead!

vidhya Thakkar
January 29, 2020 8:19 am

Loveddd the postt!! amazing girl!

Sundeep Ananth Dubey
Sundeep Ananth Dubey
January 29, 2020 10:37 am

Warm and heart touching post. Your twincesses are very cute and have an awesome mother. Your post reminds me of another mushy couple just like you and they traveled not as much as you, but quite a bit. All the best for the upcoming decade and keep penning down experience. You have a new reader in me now.
–rightpurchasing

SEO Reseller
SEO Reseller
January 29, 2020 1:09 pm

Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂

Manisha Garg
January 29, 2020 2:24 pm

I keep singing this and it’s absolutely true that’s what I have learned and see through your post too – “zindagi aur kuch nahi bas teri meri kahani hai.” Life is full of surprises good, bad and ugly but if there is someone to sail through it with you the road becomes easier. Hope the next decade is fulfilling one 🙂

Meera
January 29, 2020 5:23 pm

And how lovely it is knowing about you and M&M, Vartika.
You ran a movie in front of my eyes and I just walked with you. There are so many similarities and I can relate to every step you took and you are balancing the show.
2019 is very special to me
I got to interact with you and I am blessed two new friends, yes M&M in my life…

Keep writing dearie

Debidutta Mohanty
Debidutta Mohanty
January 29, 2020 9:07 pm

It’s so nice to meet another twin mom?. Sorry for commenting so late. Caught up with shifting to a new house. Glad to know that you too stay in Panchkula. Loved the way you have summed up the decade and the songs were icing on the cake.
A very unique and creative way of writing on the prompt.

Damyanti
January 30, 2020 4:03 am

Lovely recap of your journey, Vartika. Life has thrown so many challenges at you, but your smile is intact in all the photos–blessings on you and your lovely family!

Noor Anand Chawla
Noor Anand Chawla
January 30, 2020 3:28 pm

Vartika, from your sweet bearing and cheerful disposition, I would never have guessed your illness! Keep this positive attitude and you will beat it in no time.
On another note, I loved your post! Explaining your life through much-loved Bollywood songs is so endearing and so creative!

Srishti Rajeev Menda
January 31, 2020 5:14 am

A post that leaves one with a happy wala feel and a bollywood mukhada. The decade has been a part of your family and has seen the highs and lows. Well -written post!

Varsh
January 31, 2020 5:50 am

Such a lovely way of sharing the decade, Vartika. Talking about the highs and lows in the same breath, that’s what makes you such a strong and lovable person. I’m sure you’ll go places on both personal and professional level. Do take care of yourself and prioritise your health. Hugs!

Priyal
January 31, 2020 5:27 pm

Loved the way you have written your last decade story. And hats of to you for dealing everything nicely, especially the way you both had taken care of your two sweethearts ??with ups and down in your life

Preeti Negi
February 1, 2020 11:03 am

What a journey and so well put by you. I could feel your emotions in this post as you spoke about various ups and downs which life gave you this decade. Ending every glimpse of your life with a beautiful song lyric was cherry on the top.
And touchwood to your relationship. You both look like the golden couple and I could feel that strength of your relationship from this post. Such a positive , heartwarming post.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

#readbypreetispanorama

lavanya
February 1, 2020 5:01 pm

Loved the subtle metamorphosis in the photos. What a unique presentation of the theme!

Maya Bhat
February 2, 2020 12:17 am

Hey Vartika, that’s a lot to happen in 10 years. Romance is still in the air …mm….mmm.?..Take care of your health dear.

Parul
Parul
February 2, 2020 8:31 pm

Loved the lovey-dovey, full of twists & turns post. A full on masala post with a few songs to add the zing. Always love reading your posts.

Shipra Trivedi
February 3, 2020 10:08 am

Such a sweet post it is Vartika. Love the way to kept it humors with adding lines of hindi songs. Many of us gained and lost loved ones during the last decade. But the reality of life keep us moving. We again rise and look forward to the next day. We again count our blessings and thank god for everything we have. Lots of love and all the best for coming year!

Aishwarya Sandeep
February 3, 2020 10:19 am

Such a unique way of writing. Loved how you added songs to describe your journey. Managing twins and starting your career ina foreign land must have been tough…But you not only managed but you excelled..Congratulations…Awaiting to read more of your inpsirational stories.

Zenobia Merchant
February 3, 2020 1:43 pm

Wot a beautifully summed up experience of your decade. I loved the references to songs at each stage and I loved the pics accompanying each step of the journey.

Manas Mukul
February 4, 2020 10:23 am

We instantly bonded for a reason…With M&M…Last decade gave you this M’n’M too….hahaha…just kidding… The day I received the first voice note I realised we are going beyond this blogging friendship…a friendship that is going to outlast even us.
I love the way you have summarised a phase with a song…it is such a lovely Indian way to do as we always have a song for every situation.
About the last part…I have already communicated to you, reach out anytime, anyday, any place…banda hazir ho jayega…big hug.

#DecadeHop #RRxMM

Rashi Roy
February 6, 2020 11:06 am

Well, husband said the right thing, this too shall pass. The strength and determination that you have shown over the years, make me admire you even more. Absolutely loved reading the entire journey, especially with the touch of music you gave to it. Enjoyed the humor side too! M&M are adorable 🙂 You have a long way to go and my best wishes are with you. Stay strong and keep moving. Glad to have you in this blog hop … dear V 😉

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