It’s a commonly accepted belief that you should pray to God or the universe for what you want. However, I’m not someone who often outright asks for things in my prayers. The problem is that I never know what to ask for, and my mind loves to throw forth limiting beliefs about what could be possible.
Then, there is the behaviour of the universe itself. Since I took my leap of faith and moved to India, the things that the universe has manifested for me are better than anything I would’ve thought to ask for.
The universe recently did it again. Without any “proactive” effort on our part, it brought my husband a fantastic new job offer, and us a wonderful new place to live. All with in a matter of weeks. I say without any “proactive” effort because my husband wasn’t actively looking for a new job, or us a new abode. However, that didn’t mean we didn’t want those things to happen.
When we settled in Mumbai, my husband left the music industry and stared working full time in the family business. He wanted to keep his family happy, and prove to them that he was responsible and stable. He didn’t have any passion for it though. And he continued to devote all his spare time to music. He spent long hours with friends producing music, leaning new software, and dreaming of working in a studio.
As for me, I spent long hours dreaming of living in a cosmopolitan yet quiet area, with 24 hour water supply, and surrounded by peaceful garden. In Mumbai though? Surely, not possible. So, I contented myself with visiting the garden that I discovered nearby, and toyed with the idea of painting the walls of our apartment in bright colours to add cheer.
Then, my husband received a call from an old friend whom he’d often worked as a DJ with, and who had been in Kolkata with us. He asked my husband if he’d like to join him in a new venture, combining both DJ and production work, for a new lounge venue opening up in Powai (a cosmopolitan, leafy green suburb of Mumbai). Of course, my husband said yes. They’ll be producing a lot of world fusion music for the venue, and releasing an album each season throughout the year.
My husband and I agreed that we’d have to relocate to the area. I dreaded having to trudge though dozens of substandard apartments, in the hunt for somewhere suitable to live. I wasn’t even sure what was available within our budget. I started to compile a list of requirements, with the intention of presenting it to God.
Before I’d even finished, my husband called me one day and said he’d come across an ideal place for us. It was located just opposite where his friend would be living, and where the studio would be set up. He also knew one of the neighbours. Even better, the place was a bungalow. With a garden! We looked inside, and to my delight found that the walls were painted cheery shades of yellow, orange, and red. It exactly fit our budget. And had 24 hour water. It was simply perfect.
My husband and I met the owners, a well travelled elderly couple from Kerala, and they agreed to lease it to us. Today, we completed the formalities and got the keys. We’re simply overjoyed.
The neighbour has offered to give us some outdoor furniture, gatherings are being planned, the landlord and landlady have told us they’ll drop by for chai after we’ve settled in, and they’ve extended an invitation for my mum to visit them the next time she’s in India. It feels wonderful.
Most of all, I’m just amazed and unbelievably thankful at how the universe has provided this for us. My first year in Mumbai was a struggle, this year has been all about accepting and adapting, and next year will hopefully be about enjoying (finally!). At last, I feel like everything is falling into place. What’s more, it’s again proven to me that if you create the right environment with thoughts and actions, God and the universe miraculously does respond.
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{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, it looks great! This is soooo cool! So happy for you
(and weird…sometime in the last week I dreamt that you were living in a place where there was a gate and lots of greenery by it…I knew the garden but not the gate – so am most impressed I had that detail – weird thing it is but every dream I have had since back has been of India…).
Life is going to be so much easier from now I think…I didn’t get to the area this trip but sounds so nice too!
Not that I am competitive or anything, but I wrote that really quickly just so I could be first…and now that I was, I am so happy
Are you moving in over the weekend?
Thank you!
I’m most impressed with your dreaming too. Hopefully more of your India dreams will come to fruition! You’ll definitely have to come visit the bungalow when you’re here next. BBQs will be happening. 
I really do think this is a turning point for me. It is going to be so good to have a bit of space, neighbours I can relate to, and a garden to look after.
Cathy you’re so funny. Sharell I’m so happy for you. Good luck and have a safe flight back home. Good luck to your husband too. Hope all goes well with you. I’m praying your father makes an effort to travel to India and/or your husband gets a visa soon.
Sharell, it really looks fantastic!! I am very happy for you!! It must be very comfortable home (it looks so) and the garden is lovely too
Shouldn’t Cathy get a prize for being the first one to comment? Hehe! How about a ticket to Mumbai for new years.
Your speed was noticed Cathy! Unfortunately, I have to leave the moving up to my husband because time has run out. It’s going to happen early next week I think. He’s going to get a removalist to do it (and his dad to help direct proceedings). I think our new living environment will encourage my dad to visit. He doesn’t deal well with pollution and noise (he has some ear damage), so I need to keep him away from it as much as possible. I’m just so excited we have a dining room now (and my inlaws have a spare dining table for us too!), so I’ll be able to cook dinner for guests. I have ambitions to have all the inlaws over and cook a full Indian meal for them!
Congratulations, Sharell! The house looks really nice, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy having a bit more space of your own. When’s the move-in date?
Thanks CG.
The owners have put a lot of effort into making it comfortable. There are a lot of useful personal touches inside like built in shoe racks, and kitchen cupboards with special places for plates etc (small things that are a rarity in India). There’s even a little mandir (place to put God statues). The owners are also happy that I’ll take good care of their garden, and I’m so happy to have a garden!
Yes GG! No need to contemplate painting the walls anymore! It’s already done.
Now, I just have to wait to get back from Australia to enjoy the new place (I’m flying out of Mumbai tomorrow). While shifting will happen most likely next week, I’ve told my husband to leave most of the unpacking until I get back, and I’ll deal with it then. He’ll most likely be spending most of his time at his friend’s place next door anyway. (And his friend’s mother will be moving in too, so there will be food for everyone).
Congrats Sharell, this sounds and looks lovely! Powai is a very nice area, I like how quite and spacious it is there. And a garden, a place for BBQ – what a dream for Mumbai!
Btw, I can so relate to you saying that the first year is a struggle, second – accepting, I am only hoping that the third year will be a turning point for me too. Got my PIO, hopefully, things I’ve been working at will start happening…
Have a great time visiting your family!
Sharell I’m so happy for you and the husband! The place looks nice from the outside and from what you said about the inside sounds great. Built in shoes rack I think is every womans dream come true! LOL Well I know that it’s mine. Gardens are great too are you aloud to plant anything in them? Just wondering? It sounds like friendly place too you have dinning room that is great too! BBQ are so fun can’t wait to hear your blog about your bbq that you get to have. Have safe trip home enjoy the time with your family as I’m sure it will go fast! Hope your dad dose come visit now that you have better place!
I saw that Cathy was kinda upset that she didnt come up with this name….:) lol….
As for Ramit, I would like to say that I pretty much AM LIVING IN INDIA…coz I am a medical student……And I was talking about the Chief Minister of My state who is currently involved in a Rs.40,000,000,000 scam!! If you watch the news you will know who I am talking about…..Whats more he managed to get the Income Tax officers son beaten up by his HIRED GOONS just because the Income Tax officer was probing this scam.
SO, YOU SEE I REALLY AM PRETTY MUCH FAMILIAR WITH THE GROUND REALITIES OF MY COUNTRY….I KNOW WHATS GOING ON AND DONT LIVE IN A FOOL’s PARADISE.
Hi Sharell,
Good to know things r looking up… I just think u r going to miss ur gujarati neighbours n their habit of introducing u to all their relatives… Just kidding! Wish u all the best n keep bloguing.
hey sharell ,
I truly believe we shouldn’t be asking god for lot and that too on a continued basis with changing demands every time … can make GOD confuse himself regarding what the human really wants .
(just think , how much difficult it would be for GOD to handle *zillion and more* wishes everyday …he/she do really have some superb management skills *I must say*)
So don’t have much expectations . keep doing your work with passion , sincerety and these material things (and even better) do follow up on their own .*this is what i believe in
) *
BTW on the lighter note, i want to congratulate both of you on the possession of this beautiful house … that too with good looking garden….OMG . i really want to see what creative can you do with your garden …
Have a safe flight
Wish u all the best and keep blogging
) …waiting desperately for your another post … haha
Awesome! I am so happy for you guys..seriously happy!! Is your hubby on FB by chance? I need to hook him up with someone over here in the music biz.
i have been following you post and when i get them, their usually a delay since I live in florida. So CONGRATULATION!! YEAH! YIPPEE! HORARRRY!! This is so exciting for you. Living near people you know, and people who won’t be so nosey, and a little garden of your own. Now you don’t have to worry about rude indian men that stare. (which i must say one of the girl who post about american men is totally wrong, they are nothing like the way you describe Indian men). Anyways super happy for you.
Congrats Sharell on the new flat! It looks fantastic I hope it is as green and peaceful as what you are looking for.
Safe travels home! You will have lots to come back to–I dislike moving and unpacking everything. Good luck!
Hi Sharell this was so inspiring I am so happy for you and your family
You are right about everything in this post , that is true if you dream and visualize you will get there never stop dreaming and believing and like you said which is the ultimate truth the golden rule of life “if you create the right environment with thoughts and actions, God and the universe miraculously does respond. ” You never stopped dreaming to have those things and you even visualized somehow you created your own cheerful atmosphere you are giving the positive energy out and the way you give the same you will get. I believe in those powers that if you strongly badly want something to happen it will happen
Thank you for this post
Enjoy all the goodies that happened in your life I wish you more of those
Hello Doc Death. Yeah Cathy was very upset she did not think of such an exotic name herself. But she’s only evil in the name. Once you get to know her, she’s the sweetest person ever.
Are you talking about the Koda scam Doc? I have always wondered what use is the money that you can never use and always worry about hiding safe. Hmmm.
Doc Death, the Delhi edition of the newspapers have nothing on the beating up of the IT staff by his goons. Just so you know. And how many zeros is that? How much is that amount in dollars?
wow a bunglow in mumbai!!looks fantastic. Happy Moving Sharell!
Yes doctordeath, I am super jealous that you thought of such a cool name…and the best I could come up with was adding the ‘evil’ to mine…but then, I am an accountant…we are not known for our creativity
Now…I dare you to put that name on your door once you are practising 
Just the thought makes me giggle 
Are you in UP?
Ignore Ramit, it is actually totally the other way around – I put up a nice facade to get past Sharell (don’t want to be moderated out of existence lol) and to lull my victims into a false sense of security…but it is just a facade – I am evil to the core…really…(Ramit, I actually suspect you are saying that out of sheer terror
)
Sharell, have a great trip (and hope you have Laureen’s knack of ending up next to a cute guy on the plane, rather than mine for ending up next to deodorant-haters..) and an even better time at home… And loving the thought of a BBQ there – it seriously looks just lovely…and so nice to have that to look forward to on return…space…and peace…and of course…neighbours you can drink with
LMAO@ “I dare you out that up on your door once you are practising…”
Naah…Cathy,I wont be doing that because if I do it I will have to spend the rest of my day squatting flies in my chamber coz anyone would be too intimidated to step into doctordeath’s room!!!
No, Cathy I dont live in UP( Uttar Pradesh…translate that to english and it means Northern Province/State) …I am curremtly living in Jharkhand, which BTW has the dubious distinction of being the most corrupt state in India…..My Medical Entrance exams begin on 3rd of April…..So currently I am preparing for them…..These are popularly known as PMT(Pre-Medical Tests)….these help get admission into a medical college…a good one if you can secure a decent rank…..which is very tough.
All the best Doc Death. Hope you do well.
Cathy, Doc Death is hardly a day over 18, so don’t do your evil magic on him.
If you want something badly enough, the Universe conspires to give it to you – Paulo Coelho
So happy for you
Thanks Queenmatrai. I love Paulo Coelho!
it’s fun to read all these comments here…:)
i have started reading your blog only recently n find it extremely interesting.
i completely believe in the universe conspiring and see what a beautiful bungalow you are going to move in…
I’m very hopeful that I won’t have to meet any more people’s relatives at this new place!
The good thing about already knowing one of the neighbours is finding out who should be avoided and who’s cool. He’s been there for around 10 years so has the complete rundown on everything. 
Thanks so much for the good wishes everyone.
I can’t wait to get back and weave some magic on the place.
Reenu, yes he is. Look in the information section of my profile.
I’m glad you like the blog Sangeeta.
Sometimes I think the comments are more interesting than the blog itself. There are so many fascinating people!
OOOOO!! I am in love! I LOVE the locality and the house Sharell!!
Maybe, we will end up being neighbors!
Do give me the details of the locality etc. If it fits my budget, I would love to live here. The hunting season starts next week when I land up there for the exclusive purpose of looking for a house!
Have a safe flight. You will write from there too, won’t you? We want to hear all about your flight starting from the ride to the airport to the finish!
Hi Sharell, Well done and wish you well in your new environment,
When I dreamt about something, My mum used to say ”What’s for you will never go by you” good luck.
Mac
Naina, it’s in Hirandanani Gardens, Powai. But Chandivali (not to be confused with Kandivali!), around 5 mins down the road, is more affordable I think. Would be great to be neighbours (you haven’t got any relatives you’d want me to meet have you?
heheh).
Wow, Sharell–this is so wonderful! I’m really happy for you. I can’t wait to hear about it once you start settling in–and of course we want pictures!
I found this link about Powai from one of your blog rolls.
Wow!! you have got nice neighbourhood.
http://agirlfromforeign.blogspot.com/2009/03/sunday-afernoon-at-powai-lake.html
Living the good life.
…. I am happy for you. 
Congratulations.
Hi, are you there yet?
Hi,
CONGRATS to both of u for this new assignment.Hey is this powai park society in Hiranandani near D mart ?
It sounds wonderful, congratulations girl.
So, are you there yet?
Have a wonderful trip back home, Sharell.
Hehehehehe..
And..hell no…I promise not to unleash a closet full of curious relatives on you…if only you guarantee not to smother me with invitations for ‘ghar ka khana’ every time you see me, after commenting on ‘how weak I’ve become’…
Hoping that by the time you come back.. I would have have zeroed in on a pad of my dreams. Would love to catch up then.
hey !!! that’s fabulous news !!! Am so happy for you, finally you get the environment u have always dreamed of
Brilliant !!!!
Congratulations once again !!!
You’re there right?
Loved the gist of your post and I totally agree with it – “if you create the right environment with thoughts and actions, God and the universe miraculously does respond. ”
I don’t want to miss any of your interesting posts. I’m following this blog.
ifucanreadthisthenur2close, yes, it’s fabulous and every bit as pretty as the photos show. That’s why I’m so happy and amazed at our good fortune!
meghana, my goodness, yes it is Powai Park!! So incredible that you knew that!
Ramit, I arrived this morning and promptly slept for most of the day! Will try and write some more tomorrow.
Swapna, welcome to the blog. I’m glad you like it.
naina, don’t worry, I don’t share the Indian obsession for food at all!
Really hope you find a great place too!!
Oh good. Have fun. Won’t bother you too much while you’re there.
It is good you’re moving to an house with a terrace for yourself.
Terrace was the only part of our house I enjoyed growing up. You’d be surprised to hear how useful terrace can be.
Having lived in single bedroom house as a joint family, in a congested city, terrace is only the place where I got some privacy.
Terrace is where me and my brother were made to study everyday, away from TV sounds under the supervision of my mom.
It was also our little playground. It is where we burst Diwali crackers. It is where we got our little adventure – crossing terraces to steal neighbours’ sundried-cut mangos intended for pickle, meeting neighbourhood terrace friends, flying kites, growing plants, winking at neighbour’s daughter, a workout place, place to dry clothes etc etc etc.
It is common for middle-class indian families – especially husband and wife (away from in-laws’ presence) – living in congested cities to gather on the terrace every night to spend some quiet time and have moon-light dinner. It was also the place to be during powercuts.
Hope you find terrace useful.