Recently I got engaged to Parama. It's an arranged one. I always thought falling in love with a girl selected by my parents would be quite a difficult one - people love by chance and not by choice. She also thought the same way. But, life has more surprises than what we can think of or imagine.

Before finalizing the marriage, we had the opportunity to talk to each other for only an hour. I had to be back at IIMA and she stays in Barrackpore, West Bengal. Next 4 months we spent countless hours on phone and chat. I had to shift from Airtel to BSNL India one plan to economize, even then spending more than 3000 rupees per month on phone bills. Finally, in May I got a break and headed for home.

We gelled like we know each other for years, freely talking to each other without any inhibition - first time holding her hands, romancing with her in all hot spots in Kolkata, first kiss, first smooch - everything happend. I could see love in her eyes.  Those 15 days will be in our memories forever. I myself couldn't have chosen a better girl than her. She has all the qualities that I like, innocence, charm, warmth and a caring attitude.

We got engaged.  We'll be together only in December and she'll come to Ahmedabad to stay with me. I don't know how we're going to stay away for 6 looong months. Everytime we talk we count how many days are left!

So, indeed, arranged marriages do work! I never thought so. A stranger somehow became so familiar that in a short span of 4 months I can't think of living without her! Amen!

To get rid of the boredom and monotony of doctoral studies, in recent times I've developed a habit of hitting the gym more-often than not. It's yielding results too. You can see urself here http://www.geocities.com/dr_arindam/ . I've got new friends there, who are very different from the type of friends I possess. I am really liking the way my body is responding to exercises and I think I'll continue it as long as possible. Well, which man does not want to show off bigggg biceps?