The Seven-Year Itch

Now, that could be a misleading headline. The seven-year itch. But this is not the case of Marilyn Monroe getting in the way of a seven-year-old marriage - thereby proving that a man-woman bonding can start getting wobbly by the time seven years have lapsed, and the man (or woman, as the case may be) 'itches' to stray (or at least 'just look'). The same (marriage) rule, it seems, applies in friendship (not 'romantic friendship', let me hasten to add, like the Maine Pyaar Kiya variety, where the hero + heroine sport Best Friend T-shirts and then dream of the Big Fat Indian Wedding). This observation - of friendships that have run the seven-year course being in danger of being shaken up - is being endorsed by sociologists, psychologists and surveys. The upside to this is friendships that have stayed on track, even after passing the mark of the 'seven-year itch', are for keeps. It's Friendship Day on August 2 and, keeping that milestone in mind, we get you stories of friends who have weathered all sorts of storms to remain friends. It's good to know that in a world of shifting sands and stands, there are certain things that stand the test of time. Here's to friendship. And down with the seven-year itch.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan has struck gold at the box office. That was only to be expected - when the bhaijaan in question is Salman Khan, there can be no surprises. Khalid Mohamed, however, poses a valid question: how does a non-actor get by each and every time with such winnings? Hmmm. One of my besties tried her best to drag me to watch Bajrangi Bhaijaan; I had to disappoint her - even though I know it's Friendship Day in a couple of days' time - so she sulked, pouted and said, "I can't believe you don't want to watch my fave hero in action." Ah well.
For the longest time, I didn't know what Buenos Aires meant; I just thought it's a name, a proper noun. Then, I found out it means good (or beautiful) air. Or city with good air. Of course, I would never visit Buenos Aires for its air (I'd rather inhale good air on a mountain top somewhere). For its tango, definitely yes! In Travel, tango in Buenos Aires. And if you thought rice was the most delightfully predictable staple on earth, think again; in Kitchen Classics, uncover the most amazing menu starring this carbs-laden delight. All this and much more.
Enjoy reading wknd. and have a great weekend!
Sushmita Bose (WKND Editor)