So it turns out that I've been writing for a year now. My debut column was printed on the 30th of March last year (side note, I'm still wait- ing for that 'Best Debut' award...) and this is my 49th column. I was going through everything I've written over the past year, and it's been quite a journey! I attacked PC's bag in my second week, read one hundred and forty three pages of emails (com- piled then, and every week since, by Rohini. Thank you for helping me reach out to my readers.) in my third, gave you all a crash course in film-making in my eighth, publicly embarrassed Sonal (the Delhi editor of HT City) because of problems that began last Tuesday in my twelfth, and wrote the first of what was to become several columns dedi- cated to just one person as my thirteenth (Richa, that was you).

I had taken on this column because I enjoy writing, and I fig- ured this would motivate me to write something every week. I honestly hadn't expected it to become a way for me to connect with so many people. I have often complained about having to meet deadlines (particularly when I'm shooting), not having anything to write about, not liking what I've written... but I've never regretted my decision to be a columnist. It is one of the things in my life of which I am most proud. I have poured my heart out to you, shared my happiest and saddest moments with you, tried each week to make you laugh, cry, think... I've tried my best. Thank you all for being there. For read- ing, and for writing to me each week. There is truly nothing bet- ter for me than hearing that what I wrote managed to touch some- one. Next week is the big 50...

Any thoughts on what I should write about?

Responses: Richa, I was really sorry I didn't get the chance to meet you. I was looking forward to meeting some of the people who write to me, and I'd really wanted to meet people whose letters had sparked a chain of thought for me. Hopefully there will be a next time. CHECK YOUR MAIL MORE OFTEN!

Aastha, I do hope your results were good... I'm sure you worked hard.

Surendra, I understand your feel- ing that the 'story' was unre- solved, but that's because it was... I was just giving an account of an incident I wit- nessed. Where it goes from here is up to those involved, and we don't know how that's going to turn out. We can only hope.

Rima, thank you for writing and sharing your story with me. I think you're a very lucky person to have such a relationship with your parents, and I'm glad you see the importance of being the same way with your (future) kids.

Jaya, I had written a column titled 'Caste Aside' a few months ago... It talked about inter-reli- gion relationships. You should be able to find it online. I hope you find some answers in it.

Post your suggestions/feedback below.