Memories are timeless treasures of the heart. Some bring smiles on our faces, whereas some let the pain seep through. They are a bottle filled with some fizzy drink which leaves a bittersweet after taste.
I clearly remember 20 years ago, I was under a shell, protected from the worldly evil just like a pearl. It was good to some extent. However, reflecting upon it, I realized that the protective shell suppressed me. It didn’t allow me to express myself or for that matter even understand the feelings that I might be going through. Currently, I am glad that I am coming out of this shell and being expressive.

But it did allow me to shed tears. Yes, even boys and men cry. I sometimes cry even now! At that time, I cried oblivious to anyone as my uncle did not bid goodbye. Reflecting upon it, I still don’t know the exact reason – whether it was not saying goodbye or was it that I missed him or both. But, I feel I expressed myself, slowly coming out from the cocoon.
Apart from numerous bitter memories, I did have some pretty lovely memories as well which I can clearly remember. I remember smiling coyly when being teased on an almost daily basis by my friends and the girl’s reaction to the teasing. My still heart started beating and I acknowledged its presence.
Another lovely memory is that of my current idol and a heartthrob of many at that time. I used to just run and stand in front of the TV whenever he appeared in the Jammy advertisement. I still love the ad probably due to the fact that I liked eating jam then and still like eating as well, and secondly, Rahul Dravid enacted in the ad, along with the way he carried himself despite being pretty serious on the field.
It is one of the #AdsThatSpeak to me, as subsequently, over the years, it made be believe that you can try your hands at different things irrespective of the success or failure in previous innings.
In a nutshell, 20 years ago, I was not opening up the way I should have been. Probably, my life would have been different. But, reflecting upon it, life is an ongoing journey and I am learning what is being thrown at me one day at a time.
So, open up. Speak. Talk. Share. It might lead you towards contentment and in the process allow you to know yourself better.

I am participating in the monthly blog hop #WordsMatter with Corinne from the Frangipani Creative, Parul from Happiness and Food and Shalini from Kohl Eyed Me.
I received this tag from Menaka Bharthi. It is my pleasure to pass this tag to Anjana. There are 29 of us on this Blog Hop and it will be spread over 3 days – 1st, 2nd and 3rd November 2019. Do follow the #WordsMatter Blog Hop and prepare to be surprised!
Haha don’t remember having seen this ad before! Very cute and so un-Dravid like!
Dravid is my favourite too. Nice ad, thanks for sharing it. A strong message in your post as well. I used to be an introvert myself, slowly coming out of my shell. It takes a lot of determination and self motivation to speak up. Nice post Rohan.
I remember this ad! Was that really 20 years ago? I love Kissan jam by the way. Opening up is not easy at all. Sometimes we try and then we go back into the cocoon. And the cycle continues…
I used to love that ad! The memory of it brought a smile on my face.
I used to love the Jammy ads too. Had a crush on Dravid way before he became famous.
I had never seen this ad. Thanks for sharing. It was fun.
Also, we have all gone through phases where we were in our own shells. I think time and experiences give us the confidence to be who we are and show up the way we want. Good you took that step, Rohan.
Aw thanks for reminding me of this ad. It’s such a happy change to see the fun side of Dravid.