Buying a New Mobile

It is never easy to convince your parents to buy you a new phone. It is even more difficult to sell an old one and get a decent money for it. I have seen my friends having trouble with all this selling and buying business. So when I wanted to buy a new phone, I decided to take a different way. One that was hassle free and gaurenteed a better price for my old device.

It was during my board exams. If I had waiter for three more months, my dad would have definitely got me a new phone. But three months was a long time to wait and I didn't have enough patience for it. So when there was some festival sale on a e-commerce website, I decided to try something different. 

There was a spare mobile at home which no one used and hence by default, it came under my possession. I loved it because I had no other choice than loving it. It was an old model and supported most of the features but it wasn't enough for me. My friends had shiny new models and I longed to get one of those too. But I knew I wouldn't get a new one till I completed my 12th. So seeing an opportunity present itself, I jumped to grab it. 

If there is anyone in the house who I can convince my point to, it is my grandpa. I knew dad and Mom wouldn't agree. So without saying a word to them, I approached my grandpa. He had an old basic set which he used only to pick calls. The spare one I had was an Android phone, even though it was an older one. I showed him our family group where my cousin had sent his daughter's photos. He was happy to see them and asked how he could see them in his mobile. That was exactly the moment I was waiting for! I pulled a sad face and told him he can't. Told him his phone was an old one and doesn't support WhatsApp which is where the pictures were sent. I could see the disappointment in his eyes but I could also see that he was ready to let the topic slide. I couldn't let that happen. So I told I will show him more pictures and showed him all the ones in the group. I even showed him some games on the  mobile. By the end of it, he was very impressed. 

After a small chat, I got up, went a few steps ahead and then turned back. Very casually I asked him if he would like the mobile I had! He was surprised that I was even offering it to him. Being my grandpa, he knew me well enough to ask "What are you planning?" Pulling my very best innocent face, I told him there was a sale due to Diwali festival and mobile prices were dropped. So if he could buy me a phone, he can have the one I want. I could see the wheels turn inside his mind. He obviously knew it was all a part of the game I was playing for he was a smart person. But what was important was whether he was ready to be a part of it or would he just dismiss it.

After a lot of thinking, he agreed to give me enough cash to buy a new phone. Thus, I ended up selling my old mobile for a price which was higher than its original price and got a new one in its place. I was happy and so was my grandpa. It was a win-win situation for both of us!

PS: Linking this post to #CleanUpCashout by https://www.cashify.in/. Use coupon CLEANCASH to get an additional 250/- on selling your gadgets.

Love,

Sudhi :)

Real Togetherness

       Have you seen people around you who always are busy with their phones? Do you feel annoyed when you have to repeat yourself again and again because the other person wasn't paying attention? And why? Because they were too engrossed in their smart phone that they hardly pay attention to what is actually happening around them! I bet all of us have experienced this at some point of time in our life and many experience this on day to day basis. This may not seem odd to everyone but to someone who likes to spend time together in real rather than chatting over phone, it gets very irritating. And I am one such person who hated socializing in the virtual world.

       It feels so fake that people stalk others on Facebook, share their life events with strangers, like and comment on all trivial things but when it comes to the person sitting next to them, they know nothing about it. People know who is whose boyfriend/girlfriend, who broke up recently, who has moved to a new place, how is someone feeling all through Facebook updates but if you ask them if they know who their neighbor is, they will look at you like you spoke in pig latin. No, I am not exaggerating things. These are facts which I have seen and experienced in life. 

      Earlier it used to be so much fun celebrating birthdays. Friends used to meet up. Cakes were cut and we used to go out to spend time together roaming and having fun. The memory still makes me smile. But thanks to whatsapp, things have changed now. Send a picture of birthday cake, change the DP to that with the friend and put your status as Happy Birthday so and so, you are so special, blah blah and that's it. The birthday celebrations are over. You are lucky if you still have a friend who prefers meeting in real rather than sticking to these virtual world techniques.

       Smart phones were supposed to bring people together but I wonder if they really are doing that! May be they are helping people stay connected but the addiction has grown so much that people are drifting away from the ones next to them even without realizing it. Social medias aren't everything. Go out and meet a friend, catch up with what's happening over lunch or even a cup of coffee, plan a trip or enjoy the weekend with dear ones without checking your cell phone constantly. Do this and you will realize how much you have been missing out in life. Nothing can beat the joy of Real Togetherness. Smart phones can never ever replace the feeling of comfort you get when you are right with your dear ones, enjoying with them, sharing laughter.

This post is written for http://www.kissanpur.com/.

- Sudhi

My Airtel App

       I recently came across My Airtel App when I had been to my friend's home. He used to use it so frequently that I got curious and asked him what is so great about the app. He said it is one stop for all the important things you do in day to day life. He asked me to install it and give it a try and though I was reluctant, I agreed to give it a try. And I am so glad that I did. The app definitely is a time saver and now I use it extensively too. I love the options it has and I love how easy life can be with it. Here are the three features that I like:

1. Recharging my sim and broadband connection:

       I have many sims and I used to forget the due dates to recharge these. I also had to go a long distance just to recharge the broadband connection. But now with My Airtel App, all these headaches are gone. The app lets me keep track of the due dates to recharge and also the balance left. I can now easily recharge them all from my phone, thus saving my precious time.

2. Safe and Secured payment:

       I can now make all payments directly from my phone using the My Airtel App. It lets me pay the bills via credit cards, debit cards, net banking or even Airtel money. It even lets me save the cards, thus eliminating the headache of having to enter all the details again next time while making the payment. 

3. I Want To:

       I simply love this 'I Want To' feature. It lets me save all the frequent tasks that I do on the home screen of my smart phone under the tab 'I Want To'. It is a shortcut for the most frequent tasks so that next time when you use one such feature, you can do it straight away with in just one click without wasting much time. It certainly helps a lot in today's busy life.

       Along with all these features, there is one more that I liked a lot - 'Airtel Surprises'. On every recharge, you get a coupon. This coupon includes coupons from flipkart, amazon and all. I just love this one :) It sure is a treat to us users.

       I have use the My Airtel App extensively from the past few days and I have even installed it on my sister's smart phone. She was happy too. It definitely is an app worth having in your phone. It not only saves time, but it also simplifies your life. I definitely recommend it to all. Have you used the My Airtel App yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Download it now and start using it. You will certainly love it :)

This post is written for http://www.airtel.in/myairtelapp/. 

Until the next post,

Sudhi :)

Asus ZenFone 2

My cousin was home after years and was looking forward to buy a new smartphone. He was asking for my suggestion. I suggested him ASUS ZenFone 2. I had bought a new ZenFone recently and I loved using it. It is the best smart phone I have used so far. So, it was natural that I would suggest him the same. But when I saw the features provided with the new ZenFone 2, I wished he would buy that. I was already in love with it. He asked me on what basis am I suggesting him that? I gave him 5 reasons why to buy ASUS Zen Phone 2.


1] 2/4 GB RAM: The RAM is a most important part of a phone. The higher the RAM capacity, the  faster will be the phone. Some phone give you only 512 MB RAM, which is very poor and the phone get slow. So one of the best part in it is 2/4 GB RAM. How easy it will be to have both capacity in one phone.

2] Camera: Its got a wonderful camera. My ZenFone has an awesome camera and it captures stunning images. And with new ZenFone 2, it is just going to get better. The primary camera is 13 mega pixel and the best features in the night mode, where one can capture up to 400% better pictures, even in the dark, that too without flash! Going to a front camera, its 5 mega pixel and we can click selfies with a high clarity. It is a big news for the selfie addicts.

3] Battery: It has got a very good battery. You might ask me how I know this but wait till I tell you the news. The battery is designed to suit the life of people and the speed with which they move. On charging for 39 minutes, the battery gets charged up to 60%. And the battery also last longer than usual.

4] HD Display: It has a good HD display. The display is 1920 * 1080, full HD. Imagine how good it will be watching movies or playing games in this smart phone which has got an awesome HD display. 

5] Dual Sim, Dual Active: The ZenFone 2 supports a new feature called Dual sim, Dual Active. With this, you can receive calls on one Sim when you are having a conversation on the other. And you can also switch between calls on the Sims. With this feature, one doesn't have to worry about missing an important call on either Sims.

My cousin was highly pleased listening to all these. His mind was made. He would but ASUS ZenFone 2 only and nothing else. I felt happy seeing his excitement. 

This post is written for http://www.asus.com/Phones/ZenFone_2_ZE551ML/.

Until next post,
Sudhi :)

Breakfast with Guptaji

       Variety is good. I always love when there is variety in life. Too much of the same thing becomes boring. What is the point of life it it is boring? It's not just about incidents, it is also true about food. I belong to a south Indian family where the major dishes are Dosa, Idli, Upma and Chapati. There are different versions of these but in the end, the fact remains the same - they all taste similar, well, almost similar! How long can one person eat the same thing without getting bored? 

       Recently, I had an argument with my mom about this. I asked her why she wouldn't learn different things. She just got angry and said "You try it on your own if you are that bored or if you have that free time! I do so much for your sake and you don't know to value it! Kids these days have no respect!" Well, that definitely wasn't what I was expecting to hear when I suggested her to try something new. 

       I have even skipped breakfast many times feigning that I was running late. But truth be told, I was just bored of having the same food every morning. My taste buds demanded something different. I would have continued skipping routine but that mad me too hungry to pay attention to the lectures in college. Soon I was lagging behind in academics and I had to get back to eating breakfast reluctantly.

       For me, my friends' tiffin boxes always looks more tastier than my own. I trade my tiffin box with theirs and thus we taste something new everyday. But how long will this go? Even the items on their menu is limited. I was cribbing about this fact when I read about Kellogg's wale Guptaji (Guptaji of Kellogg's) It said his wife knew over a hundred recipes. That too made of corn flakes. Imagining having something new everyday makes my mouth water with hunger! I so wish I could get to visit this person. 

       I bought a pack of Kellog's corn flakes last week and tried some of the recipes. They turned out yummy. And I became an even great fan of Guptaji's family. How lucky they all might be to try something like that everyday. If only I could get an invite from them too! I wouldn't mind having breakfast at their place every morning! It would be such a bliss.

I just saw this video where everyone asks their family members when Mrs Gupta will be inviting them over for breakfast! Well Guptaji, I too have the same question. When will you be inviting me for breakfast? I just can't wait! Please hurry up :D

Watch more videos about Gupta family here.

Until the next post, 
Sudhi :)

The Best Birthday Ever

       I hate my birthday. Well it is not really birthdays that I hate. In fact, I love them. I just hate that I was born in April, during summer holidays. As a result, I never got to celebrate my special day in school with my friends. The only celebrations so far were the ones at home. That too nothing grand because it was just me, my parents and my sister. Though I loved them, I wished I could have a real party like they show on TV. I craved for such wonderful treat. 

       But last year, I was all more angry. Because, it seemed like the only people with whom I celebrated my birthday, my family, had forgot it as well. My sister went to sleep early, blissfully unaware of the fact that I was waiting for her to wish me at 12. There was still a hope that she was faking it and would surprise me by getting up at midnight but nothing of that sort happened. I convinced myself saying she might be tired and she would wish me the first thing in the morning but when no one remembered about my birthday in the morning too, I was hurt. Hurt didn't even describe how I was feeling. I had never missed wishing her at midnight, always making sure I was the first one to wish her but when it was her turn, how could she forget? I never expected it from my sister at least!

       Most of the morning was spent listening to songs in my room. I refused to go out and face the truth that they have forgot my birthday. Then in the noon, my sister's friend came. They were planning to go for Amul ice cream parlor to celebrate their end of exams! Talk about celebration. My sister was all but ready to leave without me when her friend asked if I want to join in. "Why not?" I said. It was better than sitting alone. At least, I could celebrate it with myself, if everyone had chose to forget. With such thoughts in my mind, I tagged along with them. But when I reached there, I was in for the biggest surprise of my life!

       Not only had my sister arranged a party for me in a hotel, she had called all my friends too. I found out later that none of them wished me because it was the special instruction given to them by my sister. She wanted to make sure I would be really surprised when they brought me here. Trust me, I really was. I was at loss of words. I had always dreamt of this kind of party and my sister had made that dream come true. Of course, she had made me sad in the morning, but it was all worth it. I could easily forget that. "Sorry" she said while hugging and wishing me. The party lasted for two hours while we partied hard and ate delicious food. Needless to say, it was the best birthday party I ever had, together with my sister and friends. There is always fun when you are together with your loved ones and that day the truth of those words rang loud and clear.

PS: This post is written for https://housing.com/.

Until the next post,

Sudhi :)

A New Beginning

       It was the end of another academic year but it was unlike any other. As much as I looked forward to it, I dreaded it with equal fervor. I had finished my schooling and it was time to join for a new college. It was a new beginning, a brand new chapter of my life. But I was scared. I was scared of the new beginning. I was scared of leaving behind the comfort zone and step into the unknown. I was scared of loneliness. Above all, I was scared thinking what if I don't fit in! I had always enjoyed the affection of teachers and I was a top student in my school. Everybody adored me. What if I couldn't achieve the same in the new environment? Would I fit in easily or would I be an outcast? Questions like these started gnawing at the back of mind and I started feeling miserable.

       Actually, the choice was easy. I could have opted to the same college where all my friends joined in. It would have been easier. No need to make new friends, no need to be afraid of not fitting in. I would still be among my gang and life will be as it was - Easy. But there was one concern though. There was another more prestigious college and I had got admission there. It was a dream come true. I had always dreamt of joining there and getting a seat there was an achievement. But the fear of not fitting in made me consider my decision again.

       Time was running out and I had to make a decision soon. On one side was certainty and on the other side was change. It was a difficult situation but after lot of thinking I decided to go for the latter. I decided to let go of my fear and face the change head on. Sure, it would take time. But I was certain I could adapt to the changes. And so, I joined my dream college.

       In the beginning, it was a little difficult. I was the only one who had joined there from my school and so I had no friends there.  I had to sit alone and I have to manage on my own. But I didn't give up. I worked hard and read well. Also, I made new friends slowly as days passed. And now when I look back, I feel silly about my fears. How naive I was when I thought I wouldn't fit in. If I had thinking the same, then I would never have got an opportunity to join this prestigious institution and make my name. I am glad I didn't give in to my fears and made the right decision that day. I, who was scared of changes, agree now that changes are good. They give you so much to learn!

This post is written for housing.com

Until the next post,

Sudhi :)