An Eventful Fortnight: From Political Drama to Cricket Glory

 The past couple of weeks have been an extraordinary blend of drama and joy, filled with significant events that have left an indelible mark on my life.

Political Turmoil: It all began with the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal by officials from the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the CBI. The media was inundated with photographs and videos, the most notable being Kejriwal taken into custody by DSP Alok Sir. This unexpected turn of events meant that I had to step in for all the interrogation sessions initially scheduled with Alok Sir. My role involved scrutinizing documents and ensuring all points were noted in the case diary. We then assigned subsequent dates to the witnesses, maintaining the flow of the investigation.

Cricket Fever: Meanwhile, the T20 Cricket World Cup was heating up in the Caribbean and the United States of America. On June 29th, India faced South Africa in a thrilling final. In a nail-biting finish, India managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, lifting the World Cup after 13 long years. Watching the entire event live was an exhilarating experience. The Indian team's return on July 4th was met with a grand welcome, an absolutely mesmerizing sight that filled every fan's heart with pride.

Weather Wonders: Amidst these events, the monsoon finally arrived in Delhi, breaking records on its very first day. While the city faced widespread waterlogging, the weather turned pleasant, and so did my spirits and health.

Conclusion: This fortnight has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, from handling critical duties to celebrating historic victories. It's a period I will cherish and remember for a long time.

Under the Blazing Sun: My Grueling day as a Presiding Officer

The call of duty for an election officer often arrives with a mix of anticipation and responsibility. This time, however, the greatest challenge was not the role itself but battling the scorching heat, as temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius. Here's a recount of my intense journey through the election process.

The Initial Challenge

Assigned as the presiding officer, I was set to begin my duty on May 24th. Despite initial impressions of a lethargic team, they proved remarkably efficient. We braved the heat to collect all necessary materials, enduring until we could relocate to the polling center. The lack of air conditioning and swarms of mosquitoes tested our limits, making it nearly impossible to find any rest.

The Heart of the Election Day

 By midnight on the 25th, my work began in earnest—filling out forms and preparing for the day ahead. At 4:00 AM, we kicked off the election process. Contrary to my expectations of a slow afternoon due to the heat, there was a steady stream of voters throughout the day. This unexpected turnout meant that my team and I had no respite, continually hydrating and managing the polling station under extreme conditions.

A Memorable Incident

Amidst the day's chaos, an unforgettable incident unfolded—a mix-up with a postal ballot marked a voter as already voted, sparking an impromptu investigation. This situation, which resembled a scene out of a detective story, ultimately resolved peacefully, allowing the voter to cast her ballot and boosting my confidence in handling unexpected challenges.

Conclusion and Reflections

The polls closed at 6 PM, but our day extended well into the night, culminating in the submission of our materials at 1 AM. The exhaustive 40-hour experience left us all drained, highlighting the physical toll such duty can take. It was a relentless test of endurance, but also a profoundly rewarding one, reaffirming my commitment to my duties as a presiding officer.

A Tale of Two Climates: From Desk to Destinations

As the annual cacophony of closing accounts and audit drills wound down, I found myself at the cusp of a much-deserved interlude. The serenity I yearned for, however, came with an unexpected twist — a summon back to the chambers of the CBI to rekindle an investigation I had parted with in January. Reporting on the 19th, I was greeted with stagnant progress, sidelined by the high-profile Manish Sisodia case. Yet, I'm intrigued by the prospect of this renewed chapter at the CBI.

Seeking respite, I embarked on a two-day journey to the cooler embrace of Conoor and the contrasting climes of Coimbatore. Landing on the 20th, Conoor welcomed me with its tranquil charm, a stark contrast to Ooty's bustling avenues. Immersed in the heart of their temple festival, the air was rich with devotion and festivity, an earnest reflection of the locals' spiritual fabric.

The region's scenic marvels, from Dolphin's Nose to Lamb's Rock, became subjects for my camera's lens, which, with its cutting-edge technology and portability, proved to be an ideal travel companion.

My sojourn in Conoor's temperate haven gave way to Coimbatore's scorching 40-degree heat. After some respite at my hotel, I ventured to the renowned Isha Yoga Centre. While I couldn't explore the temple's sanctum with my electronics, I did witness the grandeur of the Adiyogi statue and a familiar laser show, which, despite its impressiveness, offered no novelties to someone who's seen it online.

Coimbatore, much like any urban sprawl in India, unfolded in scenes of traffic snarls and the cacophony of bargaining cab drivers, a stark departure from the friendly faces in Karnataka or Telangana. A single encounter at a local eatery and the unusual conduct on a bus ride had me contemplating my travel preferences in Tamil Nadu.

Reflecting on the trip's end, I confronted the complexity of proximity without visitation — the familial expectations when one is so close to kin, yet chooses not to engage. This trip, though brief, was not the vacation envisioned, but a pause from routine, a learning curve, and a testament to my adaptive spirit.

Embracing the Journey: Fitness, Work, and the Pursuits of Passion

After a brief hiatus, it feels exhilarating to reconnect with my blog. The past few weeks have unfolded as a testament to persistence and the subtle yet profound rewards of consistency. My commitment to my gym routine and training has not only remained steadfast but has also begun to bear fruit. I've noticed a marked improvement in my fitness I'm feeling more robust, agile, and invigorated than before. This physical transformation has been accompanied by a surge in my appetite, better sleep quality, and a general sense of well-being, prompting me to extend my gym mrrembership for another year.

On the professional front, the pressure has ramped up significantly. The surge in transaction volumes at work might be the culprit, but as the adage goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." This period has been a true test of resilience, and I'm navigating through with determination.

With the festival of Holi around the corner, I seized the opportunity to take a brief respite from the whirlwind of daily life, visiting relatives in Dwarka. The warmth and camaraderie of family gatherings were a welcome change, even if the conversation inevitably drifted towards the perennial topic of my wedding plans.

Diversifying my interests further, I've recently found myself engrossed in the IPL fever, rooting for the Rajasthan Royals this season. Their well-balanced team and promising performance have me excited for the matches ahead. This newfound enthusiasm coincides with plans to indulge in another passion of mine - photography. I'm on the brink of purchasing a new camera, eager to explore and capture the world through my lens.

However, not all pursuits have been smooth sailing. A recent foray into futures trading on the IEX was a rollercoaster, highlighting both my strengths and areas for improvement in trading. A potentially profitable trade turned sour due to my hesitation to sell at the right time, transforming a gain into a significant loss. This experience served as a poignant reminder of the perils of emotional trading, particularly the risk of doubling down on losing positions in hopes of recovery.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

This period has been rich with learning experiences, growth, and introspection. Each sphere of my life, from fitness to work to personal passions, has offered unique challenges and opportunities for development. As I move forward, I aim to harness these lessons, especially in trading, to refine my strategies and decision-making processes.

When i tried creating my digital avatar

In embracing the multifaceted journey that life presents, I am reminded of the importance of balance, resilience, and continuous learning. The path ahead is filled with possibilities, and I am keen to explore, evolve, and excel in all my endeavors.

In loving memory of Blake. You indeed were super

Finding Direction: From Soul Searching to Setting New Goals

Continuation:

The journey of self-discovery begins the moment you sincerely start seeking. It’s as if the universe aligns to help you find what resonates with your soul, a concept I’ve come to understand as "The Secret." My path led me to Sadhguru, whose teachings and straightforward approach deeply resonated with me, providing a guiding light during the global quiet brought on by the COVID-19 lockdown. This period of solitude deepened my appreciation for the invaluable presence of my family in my life.

The pandemic reshaped the world, including my finances, as my investments dwindled. This setback, however, steered me towards a serious pursuit of the stock market, a long-held interest. Nine months in, I’m fully committed to mastering trading, a field where many falter, but I see as a thrilling challenge.

April 2021’s devastating COVID-19 wave brought unprecedented changes, including a prolonged period at home. This time allowed for reflection on my past and planning for the future. While the future remains uncertain, having a clear direction ensures you end up somewhere desirable, rather than aimlessly drifting.

My future aspirations are now clear: pursuing a CFA charter and embracing trading as a career. By 2025, I aim to clear all CFA levels and grow my trading account significantly, hoping to step away from my banking job. I dream of either relocating abroad with my family or settling in Kerala, embracing a simpler life reminiscent of Sundar Pichai, Abdul Kalam, and Barack Obama's humility despite their achievements.

I envision a life far removed from the city's hustle, with a small farm, a few sheep, and loyal dogs. My aim is to tread a path of success that also contributes to social welfare and improves lives around me.

As Harish Sir aptly said, "Let's prepare the spice mix." With the ingredients for my future now ready, all that remains is to diligently pursue and persevere in this recipe for life.