The astrologer says "all is well". We heave a sigh of relief ! Relieved that the sky is not going to fall on our heads, and that the world is not coming to an end, we head home with a smile plastered on our face. Lady luck is coming our way.

Strangely, being Indian inculcates a sense of  soothsaying, and some were in our minds we all want to know what the future holds for us. Given this proclivity to crystal ball gaze, we refuse to believe that success comprises of 95% perspiration and 5% inspiration.

As a unique race living in the land bounded by the Himalaya in the North and the Indian Ocean in the south, the 'Hindustani's' life is mapped out from the moment he is born. The exact time and date are the imperatives, with which the astrologer maps out your past, present and future. A document called the Janampatri is drawn up, with 12 houses, and it is the various conjunction of planets with houses, that either create havoc in our lives, or give us a smooth run. A lot also depends upon our past lives deeds, for which we are either repaid or punished in the present life.

Whilst all of us fairly well do do know that lady luck is not going to descend upon us, the fatalistic streak is very much prevalent. "it is fated" or, "it is so ordained" or "the stars are not in my favor" are common refrain that one hears during conversation. What one conveniently prefer to leave out is, that, strive, and strive harder, was not practiced, and a lackadaisical attitude led to indifferent results ...

And with such thoughts on this subject, I will also close this blog today with the same fatalistic note .. " it is fated that I will write a short blog today" !!