AUTOBIOGRAPHY

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

"Knowing yourself is a mystery,

Penning down about your life is a quest,

Fighting every battle is a challenge,
The race doesn't end here,
As people around need to know
That you are a winner"

It’s difficult to have a beginning when one has to write about one’s own self. If you have to know about me here it goes. I like driving, swimming, making friends, dancing, watching movies listening to music, partying, travelling. Fun person with unlimited energy. 

Curious to know more about me! Wait if you think I am going to reveal my name, you are under a wrong misconception. For that, I will have to take you back into time space where you will unleash the once shy girl who transformed completely as years passed by. So buckle up your seat belts, as its going to be a roller coaster ride unleashing the sweet yet naughty side of me.

YOU ARE VERY CLOSE..

AND

YOU HAVE FINALLY MADE IT BACK TO MY LIFE'S TIME SPACE.

  

Monday February 7th, 1983. The Rao family was waiting patiently for the arrival of their newest member to be born. Exactly at 9:05 am, IST a tiny tot was born, at Sita Laxmi Hospital in Sion, Mumbai. This tiny tot was none other me, NoshimaVijay Kumar Rao. I know my name seems to sound unique something like Japanese. My name also has a little suspense. You will come to know in the later lines as you keep reading.

The doctor who attended to my birth was none other than the entrepreneur of the hospital itself, Dr. Sita Laxmi. It seems he was rejected by her husband just because she was dark in color. How terrible? But wait, she didn’t give up. She managed to start this hospital with her families support and help. Makes me feel alive; thinking that I was one the lucky ones to be born in that hospital as she being my role model. It seems that she was the first one to be the happiest since I was born. She described me as, goddess of luck. She told my mother and my grandparents that she is a child full of luck. My mother Mrs. Pushpalata held me tight and kissed my forehead, so did my grandparents. All my relatives adored me a lot since I was white as milk. My nanny (mother’s mom) just didn’t get her eyes off me. She told my granny “she is very beautiful”. My family, especially my mother had tears of happiness.

I can imagine what her joy of happiness would have been. I wonder where my dad was. Hmmm…. I think hiding with joy. There caught him. No, that’s not my dad. My dad at that time was in Abu Dhabi as he couldn’t get leave from work. But guess what!! He had sent loads of toys after one week of my birth, when I was taken home. The room was filled with toys. We use to stay at Mira- Mansion, Block-4, 3^rd floor D-10. It was on sharing basis with the owners Choudhary. When I was home, Mrs. Choudhary came and carried me and said “she is very pretty”. As days passed by relatives kept pouring in from all sides to have a glimpse of me. I was and till date a center of attraction. One of my grandfather’s friends, Mr. & Mrs. Subhas came in with sweets. They carried me and just couldn’t stop playing with me. I wish I was a baby again. Everyone playing, pampering you; I miss it.

Let’s continue before I start crying.... Some habits can never be got rid of. I also had a very cute funny habit. I use to pull my eyelashes which I do till date whenever I am sleepy. Now, enters the man of the house, my popsy. It was the happiest moment, when he saw me and carried me around. He just couldn’t control his joy. He had bought the best of toys that every kid would want. There was nothing else for me ever. I had the best of everything. While, he was there during that period, that’s when they decided to name me. So, he asked his friend Kumar, a astrologer for a unique name. Since it had to start with “No” he referred all his books and found this name “Noshima”. The meaning of my name is Urdu means “to make a request” and it also means “beautiful” in Japanese. Everyone liked the name and so now they wanted to keep a house name. So everyone decided as “Uma” – It’s named after Hindu goddess deity “Uma Parvati.” So both names were finalized. During that period, after my name was all decided, my dad was all set to take my mother to Abu Dhabi as; when he applied for my visa there was a mistake in my name. So, during that time I didn’t travel with my parents. I was left back with the care of my grandparents. And the 2 and a half year being with them, it seems they pampered me a lot. My dad sent across visa for my granny and me. My grandfather, at that point of time couldn’t travel as he had some work and moreover he had health issues. 22^nd August, 1985 was our departure date. Flaunting, away my green ghagra choli (Indian traditional dress- like a skirt and blouse), as I bid goodbye to my grandfather. He was crying and hugging me tight. My granny and I walked into in the airport. Everyone was just admiring me at the airport. As we were waiting, for the boarding announcement, there was this lady who was sitting by our side and was also on the same flight. She started a conversation with my granny. As she was talking with her, she just couldn’t resist herself from pulling my cheeks. Now that’s why people like doing woogly woogly woosh especially when you have chubby cheeks. As our announcement was made for boarding, we walked towards the boarding gate. I was holding and swaying my granny’s hand in happiness but I was missing my daddu (I would call my grandpa daddu and avvu to granny) a lot. As we were boarding, there were these smart looking crew members of Air India escorting us to our seats. A travel time of 2 and a half hour and I was sitting like a good girl.  

“Ladies and gentlemen, we kindly request you to fasten your seat belts as we are about to arrive in Abu Dhabi International Airport. Thank you.” This announcement was made. Once the flight was on ground, and when we departed from the aircraft, I started jumping around. My avvu was laughing. After clearing all the checks and when we were out, my dad came picked me up, and kissed me. My mommy was at that time expecting with my little brother in her womb. As we were on our home, I was just jumping. As soon as we reached home, which was on Hamdan Street where at present Alpha Data Company is standing, dad had called my grandfather.

Daddu- “puttamma (my pet name what my grandfather use to call) you are with daddy and mummy. Daddu misses you” I was crying as I was missing my grandfather. As days passed by, on 29^th August, 1985, second bundle of joy was born in Central hospital. He was so cute and chubby none other than my little brother Rishi. Well I couldn’t have asked for anything. I was all happy and excited.

Home was all decorated. Dad’s friends had come home to see my little brother. At that point I did feel a bit left out. When everyone saw me, they just couldn’t stop about me. There was joy and happiness all around. After some days, I started schooling at Maryland Kindergarden. And it was at that first day of school when my granny left back for Mumbai. I recollect how I started crying when she was not anywhere to be seen. It’s so me. I would cry for anything and everything. As my brother started growing up, he also started schooling. We would be dropped and picked up together. In school, I use to always keep my food aside as I use to enjoy my friends tiffin. I had this annoying friend Byju. He would everyday call home and pass complain to my mom that I didn’t eat my food. He was such a pain.

 

Nevertheless, still he and my old mates from Sherwood Academy Simi, Purnima, Bharty, Vanessa, Shilpa, Lemya, Siju, Asha & Anju, Aditi, Anuja, Shikku, Awad, Jaisy, Nithin, Nisha Tharyani, Nisha Thomas, Rebecca and many more.  

Well it was the very first time, that dad took us for a holiday to the beautiful places in Asia. Singapore, Malaysia, Pataya, Penang, Bangkok, Thailand. An unforgettable trip since, I remember that I wanted to buy a jeans skirt, and was not getting my size since I was fat at that time. Out of difficulty my dad managed to get my size in my shop. I looked like this big football.

I was the very quite shy time till my 7^th Std in Sherwood Academy. My friend Anuja Shah, who now resides in Cananda, was my closet friend. She had written a letter to me which I kept safe till date. I still remember the day she told that they are leaving, we both cried. I wasn’t there that time. I felt terrible when she left. She was a joker. She always helped me in my studies. I was not all good in studies. She tried her best to get my shyness out. But, it just didn’t happen. I would hardly mix around with anybody. At that period my mom opened a saloon in my name NOSHIMA'S BEAUTY SALOON and I started taking interest in beauty and hair. I started showing keen interest in beauty and hair. I left my school and told my parents that I wanted to pursue a course in beauty and hair. They were thrilled that I as showing a keen interest. So my they decided to even send my little brother along with me and get him do his studies in Mumbai itself. Both of us being all excited, started packing off.  My dad was all excited. He bought me 20 pairs of clothes from, a brand new red color Samsonite suitecase since red is my favorite color. Purchased my favorite perfume Nina Ricca and my bag all ready to fly off. This was the first time ever that we were going to be on our own. No doubt we were going to stay with avvu. As we landed in Mumbai, I sensed a different feeling all together. It was called FREEDOM.

Mumbai I just love the city. There is some kind a magnet that draws everyone to the city. I was there for a year from 1997- mid 1998. My name was enrolled in one of the best beauty schools, SCHNELLS BEAUTY SALOON located at MAHIM next to the railway station. My brother schooled at Our Lady of Good Councel, Sion. Living in Mumbai, I made many friends. But had a very dear friend who till date is close to me. Kalpana Gada. Staying with her, she taught me a lot about life, not to forget how to be a tough person. I call her dee (meaning sister). We use to hang around a lot after our sessions. It’s from her that I developed a taste bud for Gujarathi food. Every day she would get something or the other for me in class. Being Indian, they were settled in Nairobi. She came from a very well to do family. But never had she showed it off. In today’s world it’s rare to find such a warm hearted person. We both have shared our lives inner most secrets. I recollect this one instance where she had come home to stay overnight and we headed off to this restaurant Hanuman opposite to Sion circle. Later it just started raining heavily. As we were trying to cross I just fell on the edge of the road thinking it was the footpath. Water was flooded and so I couldn’t make out. People passing by were all having a hearty laugh. Kalpana and I laughed our hearts out. We had got completely drenched. On reaching home, granny gave us both a towel and told  to change before we catch a cold. Rishi was laughing away.

The basic course was completed and we had an assessment. For the assessment day I was looking out for a model. So my cousin Sunita Nakhate, volunteered. I was all excited. That very evening Sunita stayed back and we had lot of fun. Bright sunny morning, the day has arrived. More than me Sunita was all jumping. She was lost in her own dreams of looking like a bride. Upon reaching, our time had started. I and Kalpana were helping each other out where ever we were going wrong. Sunita was all ready. After the exam was over we had a short break since we also had written exam. Once it was completed, Kalpana and Sunita stayed back at my place. The three of us were enjoying ourselves. We had ordered food from out and enjoying each and every second. After two days our results were out. I passed and went and hugged Kalpana. I called and informed my parents. They both were very happy. I was starting my advance course for Hair. It was getting more interesting. Meanwhile, my brother wanted to go back to Abu Dhabi as he was not enjoying Mumbai. By March, 1998 he left back. And I stayed back in order to finish my course. My parents supported me throughout. I successful completed the course and came back to Abu Dhabi and started my practice in our saloon.

I had no interest in joining school, but my parents told me to at least finish school. So, I listened to them and joined up privately, Eduscan (National Open School) located in Blue Marine building, 5^th floor. It’s run by Mr. & Mrs. Kalra. It was then shifted to Electra Street, next to Lu Lu center. It was the heart of the city where even 2 cinema halls were close by. So whenever we would bunk we use to go for a movie. Our school building is the only pink color building in the entire vicinity. And we were on the 1^st floor.

EDUSCAN GROUP

My life changed completely in my 10^th and 12^th. I became this happening girl full of energy, life and zest. My friends thought me about life. I use to enjoy every moment at school. A girl who hated school started enjoying going to school. Jihad, Jill, Nahid, Ifthikar, Nasar, Ricky, Bert, Johnson, Shazia, Renuka, Glen, Asan, Ibrahim, Nikhil, Tarun, Shams, Adnan, Prema, Habib, Salwin, Shakeeb, Rashid, Zaid, Afra, Humera, Susan, Bismark, Nigel, Mervin, Hisham, Sameer, Jeetu, Sharon, Shawn, Farah, Shoukat, Sinin, Anzil, Tariq and many more whose name I can’t remember now. I had the best time with all of them. I remember one silly incident. During the month on December, 1998 it was the first down pour of drops. All of us were jumping with excitement. So we all just left the school campus and headed straight to an udipi restaurant that was just across our building. As we went to catch a seat, to my surprise I saw my parents. They greeted me and my friends. It was the very first time that they were personally meeting my friends. So I had introduced each and every one of them. My parents were happy meeting all of them.  As we sat and ordered our snacks, my dad called for the waiter and told him the our bill he would pay. Meanwhile, our principal came in and fired all of us. As he saw my parents, he walked towards them and greeted them. I bid goodbye to my parents and left. As we all reached back, we were called to the principal’s office. I was pulled forward and asked a reason for this behavior. I was cool as a cucumber. I replied back saying that since it was the first down pour of drops that’s why we behaved like this. All were giggling. He warned us not to repeat it again. I miss those days. I wish I could go back in time. I use be a bomb. Every day I would create some havoc or the other. Our administration in charge Mr. Birendar once asked me during our break period as to what is the meaning of my name. And I had replied with the answer. He then said that’s the wrong meaning whereas; the real meaning of my Noshima is having no boundaries (No- see-ma). I told him that he was a genius. As I was heading back to class he told me that he would keep a new name for me. When I asked him the name he said TOOFAN MAIL since I come and go at lightning speed. He was a fuuny chap who now is married to my friend who worked in our saloon Sunita. I don’t remember one day where I ever found school boring. We were the best batch. Always were there for each other. Another incident during my 12th that took place. My classmate Shoukat Ali on diwali day made an announcement in class. The announcement was, "Attention everyone. There is a diwali  party at none other than our beloved Noshima's house tomorrow. So everyone be there at sharp 6:30 pm." There was silence suddenly in the entire classroom. Everyone were starring at me. I was like guys I never told Shoukat anything about any party. All my friends were amazed and my best friend Jill had an astonished look. i had no other choice but to keep the party. At the end we all enjoyed it.  

BUDDY BOY


 

TEDDY BUNS(BROWN) AND SNOOPY(WHITE)

 



SIMBA

I was known for my dogs which my dad had gifted Rishi and me on Christmas. Simba (German sherperd) Buddy (Chinese Pekineese). He had also bought love birds and budgies. My house was called a zoo. All my friends would go mad. After 2 years, my dad gifted 2 more dogs Snoopy and teddy (both Chinese Pekineese). After school, my dogs would accompany my parents to pick me up. My brother was studying at Int’ School of Choiefaet. My dad never liked me being quiet. He would know that I am around with the kind of tantrums I would create. Once, my friend in school Afra called me a name. I felt hurt and the full day after I reached home was quiet. My dad couldn’t bare the silence that was engulfed. So in the evening he came to me and asked me what the issue was. I didn’t tell him at first then he made me sit and told me to speak. I then told him that Afra called me a bitch. He then hugged me and told me not to take small matters to heart and told me to always be smiling and laughing as he liked when I would make noise around. This is just not it. Whenever there were any occasions, my feet would pull me towards the dance floor. Tamara and I were proudly called the dancing queens. We both would rock during dhandiya specially. Masti, fun was my life. I miss it totally.

Long drives, racing cars, camping with all our family friends use to be fun. Hanging out in the malls and wasting money eating like pigs. Trust me, I was ridiculous. I remember during my Software Engineering at Aptech, when we had projects, Sowmya’s house was the hangout spot. I still remember this incident, we had ordered pizza. After hogging, Shehzad bhai and I challenged each other for a farting competition. Our friends Sowmya and Priya just ran away. Our main aim was to enjoy and only enjoy. During that period I also enrolled for a diploma course in graphic designing at Digital Academy and also for Secretarial Course with Nadia’s institute. I hated sitting idle so I always had the urge of learning something new. After my classes would head straight home, and pack my sports bag and head towards Marina Club for my long tennis and swimming lessons. I enjoyed playing long tennis, table tennis, squash and to wind it up swimming. I remember there was a swimming competition that was held for kids and both my brother and I participated in it. It was more of fun to us rather than a competition. The day was Friday. It was just great!! My dad then took a membership at Rotana Beach Hotel. Every day without fail I would wind my day up with a good round of swim.

As I finished my courses, I took up my very first job as a graphic designer with Traditions. I worked as a trainee. I enjoyed working. Kranti being the sales Executive would brighten our day with his jokes and poems. Miss it a lot. I made my very first birthday card for my dad with a surprise party for him. It wouldn’t have been possible without Salim unlce, Nancy aunty, Vasanti aunty, Unni uncle, Tamara, Aditya, Ashwin. I never saw him smile like that before. He was totally thrilled.

As days passed by, my parents wanted a break and so shifted to India. Ever since my dad retired from work, he always wanted to settle down in Goa. So our family friend Salim uncle (my favorite all time) helped him out. So now it’s been 9 years that we have settled in Goa. After settling down here, I helped my parents in their work since dad had started a small shop of electrical and tiles. In 2005, I joined in for Frankfinn located on 18^th June Road, Rani Pramila Arcade and had many lovely memories since we were the first batch. Ranzia, Kimberly, Tallulah, Jubelle. We were one hell of a girl gang. Upon the release of Jennifer Lopes “Monster-in- Law” we all decided to go the movie after class. When we reached Inox and collected our tickets it was almost time up for the movie to begin. So we grabbed our eatables. My tray was the only one that was completely filled. I couldn’t even hold the coke. So as we were leaving the counter my popcorn fell off. Everyone was like Nosh you are careless and were laughing. Then person at the counter then gave popcorn and didn’t charge me anything. Ranzia told me that you are such a hog. I use to eat a lot but at the same time do workout and swimming. Amazing to see how I have grown up and seen the different changes in myself.

 After my 1 year completion at Frankfinn, I got through Qatar Airways as Cabin Crew. Excitement was unlimited. It was a total different experience. It was a job which made me a stronger person since, in this field I was dealing with all kind of people. An instance which happened on a flight to Rome; Sri Lankan passenger; was going on asking me if I was Sri Lankan. I finally lost my temper and told him no. That poor chap just kept his mouth shut throughout the flight. I enjoyed my work and till date cherish those moments.

Later I opted upon coming back to Goa where; I worked for a travel company, and then in Mumbai for a Hotel in Navi Mumbai, Hotel Yogi Midtown.



GIRL POWER OF HOTEL YOGI MIDTOWN





OUR STAFF PICNIC. FROM THE RIGHT ANANT, SHIV, GANESH, MANOJ, JR. MANOJ, ANITA, MYSELF, RIMA, MAHESH, AASMI



Finally back in Goa. While in Mumbai, I started writing since I myself never knew

that

THE BOYS GANG....

I was creative enough. It was my dear friend Richard who found writer quality in me and motivated to start writing. That’s how it all began. It took me a lot of time to write. But as they say honest hard work pays off. And that’s exactly what’s happened. Apart from writing, I am working as a front desk executive with Unicorn Developers, Goa. This is my second home since all my colleagues Rima, Pooja, Ganesh, Dhanajay, Uday, Manoj, Anant and Shiv are all dear to me. I like rattling their heads a lot. It’s nice when you know that people around care  for you. There are these light moments that we share in the office. The best was our office picnic at Hira Farms. It was awesome. I had somewhere down got lost in between but this picnic just got me back.                

Now being 29 years of age, I have seen the best the worst side of life. It’s taught me to love, laugh, smile, be humble, and being tough. At every stage there were U- turns. Funny though, at times when I sit back on my couch and think of my life, it makes me feel as if I still have to achieve a lot in life. That this is not the end. And why should I give up.

Till date I carry that spark around to brighten anyone’s day as my friends tell me. 

I thank God, my family and few friends Franky, Nambrada, Dhanraj, Siddhesh Sane, Vijay, Savita, Jimmy, Balram Wasan, Jagruti Thakkar, Amit Thakkar, Amit Sethi, Parteek, Kamaljeet, Amandeep, Ajay Bahri, Merlyn, Taher Ali, Ranjeet Rajput, Kalpana didi, Aditi, Johnson,Tracey, Vatsala, Vaishnavi, Harish, Richard, Wasim, Pritam bhai, Sarvesh, Chris bhaiya, Rima, Pooja, Shivu, Manoj, Anant, Ganesh, Prakash, Vrinda, Kiran, Ritu, Uday, Dhananjay, Budaji for their immense support.  



UNICORN STAFF. IN THE FRONT ROW MR. AND MRS KITTUR WITH
THEIR DAUGHTER'S KIRAN AND RITU



MY BRO CAPT. RISHI

MY PARENTS MR. AND MRS. RAO

“NEVER NEGLECT YOUR PRECIOUS MOMENTS IN LIFE, BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW IF YOU WILL EVER GET TO CHERISH THEM AGAIN.THERE IS NO REWIND BUTTON TO LIFE. LIVE HAPPILY EACH DAY AND BRING THAT SMILE ON FOR LIFE IS SHORT, AND WE HAVE TOO MUCH TO DO IN THIS SHORT LIFE.”

                                                                                                          With love,
                                                                                                                                      Noshima