First things first. I am not a party person at all, as unfit as it may sound for my 'page 3' profile, as it's called. I am hardly the kind who would enjoy a drink and small talk with style-savvy, substance-lacking strangers. All these years later, I still wonder, how in the world can they be happy doing just that?!

There's no turning back: It is impossible to turn your back on frivolity surrounding the world of fashion, feels the writer

I was born into a cultured family in Lucknow, and coyly addressed the most insignificant people I met, as aap. Then, Haryanvi Hindi happened. My friends in Delhi changed my lingual liking, but the famed Lucknowi spirit lingered on. Despite being born to super cool parents, I was never exposed to the so-called 'real world,' and led a more or less guarded life.

That, of course, went for a toss when I opted for journalism. As any trainee, I was under the impression that I could pass off as good journalist simply because I could write. But, I gradually realised how you needed to be at the right place at the right time to do the niceties and not be nau00efve. And put up with not-so-soft-spoken socialisers.