Life, a Bitter and Sweet Symphony

And she does not crave for fancy dresses, Nor for the outdoor trips on Maldives. Visa and credit cards she never fancy in her wallet, ‘coz to her, money lies in familial bliss- The intricate, woven, familial bliss. And adventure in togetherness, Not separated by ‘my personal boundaries’. And she doesn’t welcome the ‘space and freedom’, That widens, widens and widens… …and drifts away the emotional streaks. And while people start enjoying that space, They forget that it has become a Frankenstein’s Monster. And she did not crave for a fantastic career, Nor even that gives her a chance overseas, Such bonus and promotions are bane and folly, she opines- When a husband sleeps away from her wife, And a daughter plays with her Barbie doll alone, And a son rides his cycle without his dad’s help. And she doesn’t enjoy drinking at parties, Neither neat, nor bottle nor pint. The love, closeness and expressions– That’s what she likes to drink. No wonder, people call her a mediocre! She is a m...

As I enter the boundaries of my office, and see people at their desks, I wonder. What is it? Some flat faces, some heavy expressions- somewhere it is an enlightened world of laughter, while the next neighbor carries a world of anxiety with him. Few love stories that go along with work, fleeting eye contacts and that momentary bliss! What is it? Greeted with smiles and eyes delighting, on the other side of the table is back-biting and spiting. Why are we often misinterpreted, and that which should to be told, is often dreaded? Conspiracies fly from desk to desk, and emotions are buried in drawers and chests. What is it? Some bright looks, some down moods; some opportunities, some threats, we talk about money, ledgers and debts…Why emotions make no sense, why sentiments lie on other side of the fence? Talking Enthusiasts win over hearts, and the Quiets keep thinking, “How do I begin, How to start?” What is it? Sharing meals at lunch table and eating from their plates, with people...

Sitting by my bedside, And watching the TV channel, you often sight, I thought of you. My eyes were filled, And my throat needed something to soothe the lump. I went to the kitchen and took out the mug, And while I prepared the tea, I remembered thee. Just as I was to take the first sip, I remembered how you used to do it- A dash of crushed saunf powder in the end You loved the aroma, it does extend. After the tea, I shed a tear or two, Because it just smelled like you! Oh! Why did you bid us adieu?

Tired and exhausted, Of angry faces and frowned foreheads. Our throats and tears dried up, He abruptly stopped while trying to speak something... Drained out of energy, we look in opposite directions, Then I raised my leaning head, And asked him, “Why are we fighting? Do you remember?” “Not exactly”- he murmured, “Do You?”

Yes, it was a loud bang! She rushed through the long corridors to shut the doors, the windows and draw the curtains. She shut her ears tightly with her hands, and smashed all links with the outer world. But the sound kept increasing, and she struggled to stop it. It was the sound of her own desires, her wishes and dreams, the most important reason for her existence...the sound of her soul!

Now that I’m coming your way Leaving the home my parents gave, To live in the castles we made in the air, And be yours and make our life so fair. So tell me, would I not be afraid, For the sake of our love that should not fade? And that’s the reason for all emotional divide, I wanna hold you, till the fear in me subsides. The decision that would change my life, How do I tell you the reason behind, Would you remember or would you not, The way you say that with me of all- ‘Everything seems fine when you are there And I think of you whole night and day?’ And that’s the reason for this emotional divide, I wanna hold you, till the fear in me subsides. Darling it isn’t so easy for me, Or ever for a girl that is to be, Someone’s bride and leave everything behind, Without any fear lurking in her mind. So tell me how do I brush aside, The feelings that have been gripping my mind? Just say that you will love me ever the same, With all the care, passion and flame. So that ...

You would say, all dreams are subtle and elusive! Still there are few that are vivid in our mind’s eye as we wake up, and evoke strong images from a world that is on the other side of the horizon. I crossed that horizon and saw a fragment of that world last night- A new world…very fresh and mystical. It reminds me of Samuel Coleridge’s poem Kubla Khan where a sacred river ran through measureless caverns and many other images curl up in his dreams. In mine, neither the sun beamed, nor did the moon casts its rays. It was a grey sky, dull, deep and mystical. Cold breeze was blowing with a magical comfort, and entangled all my hair over my mouth- a ruffled me, walking barefoot in an unruffled garden. It was a weedy pathway with harsh grass, 5-7 inches long. My feet were wet. Everything was damp. Seems this place has witnessed endless rain and storm that has just stopped. I could see water drops still falling from everything- the leaves, trees and flower petals. I inched closer to the...