My thoughts

  A path that leads to no where You keep trying to satisfy the other person because you want validation and love. If only we would know that what mattered was our good conscience and a pure heart. Tia, was the first born in her family. When she was born, her maternal grandma rejoiced and danced, but then again it was not the same scene at her parents’ house. Her father was disappointed because he wanted a son. Yes, from then on, her life began and changed forever. After a few years, her family grew bigger. She had two brothers. She loved them dearly and selflessly. She did everything in her means to protect them and look out for them. Of course, they were the parents’ favourites. Her father was a tormenter while her mother couldn’t go against her father’s will. Though it was the 21 st century, Tia was never allowed to even paint her nails. She complied to everything her parents said. This was her way to show her obedience and part of her plan to get acceptance from her paren...

  Dream When I opened my eyes, I found myself lying near the sundeck. The sky looked milky white; there wasn’t a speck of blue. The clouds had gathered like snow balls. It felt like heaven. Suddenly, my eyes fell on a bold blue writing, ‘Cordelia’ . I was aghast to know that I was on a cruise ship. My body felt heavy, I tried my best to lift myself up, and there a hand fell on my shoulder. It was my sister’s father-in-law, Mr. Tom. My brain was foggy; I was absolutely confused. “What was I doing here?” I squealed. He had a slight smile on his idiotic face which made me go redder in anger. Tom was a vile man with a heart as black as a charcoal. His caustic words were his fodder. He had made my sister’s life a living hell. He wasn’t happy; his hunger to humiliate me, malign my name probably satiated his stomach and his black heart. I had no remorse when I heard that he had died. Yes, in his case there wasn’t any need to use a euphemism. I stood up and gathered myself while Tom ...

  A moment of bliss The loud cackling, aiming for each other’s faces to throw the banana peel. That’s how we four siblings spent every night before going to bed. We lived in a house with just one room and a tiny little place called a Kitchen. It was an independent house, there were no houses above or below us. At times we siblings felt that we lived in a mansion. I was the third among my siblings; my younger brother was a riot and a bully. He had a soft toy, a teddy bear which I used to adore, and I was envious of him having it. My parents bought it for him since then he’s never parted with it once. We had fought over it all the time. Our house was always the noisy one sometimes our neighbours would knock at our door asking us to maintain silence. There was noise indeed, but it was never a cacophony. The next morning, I got ready to go to school. It was a bit surprising as there was complete silence because at this hour of the day, our house was a war zone. I saw my mother pr...

  A mountain to climb A class of ten students – All came in with different personalities. One of them stood out for her loud persona. That was Sia. The others smirked whenever she entered the classroom. Sia was unaware of what others thought of her. She displayed a tough exterior, but was soft and a kind girl. In every class, Sia would get called out by her teacher for different reasons. There were days when she would not complete her homework, or she didn’t bring her notebook to class. What surprised the teacher as well as her fellow classmates was how quickly she would come up with some stories. Therefore, it was difficult to believe Sia. She was trapped in her own web of lies. Today, Sia was rather quiet. The other students too were busy in their classroom activities. Suddenly, the teacher heard some murmur. As usual it was Sia. The teacher asked her what was the issue, she simply smiled and went back to do what she was doing. The other students exchanged glances. The teac...

                                                              Out of time ‘Time is money’ an old cliché; in spite of that we take time absolutely casually. I’ve never ever seen my mother waste or while away her time. She used to always do something or the other. At times, looking at her made me feel tired. Especially, at her age. Though she was only 51 years old while I was 24, her energy levels were always high. On the contrary, I was forever tired; probably lazy though I’d never admit it to my soul even. It was a one of those annoying rainy days when my mother suddenly complained of a stomach pain, but I had to rush to office. So, I asked her to pop up some painkillers assuring her that she’d be fine within minutes. Monsoons in Mumbai was always a pain as the streets are always flooded, and the t...

  To Sankha - My love, My best friend.   You never made any promises to me, maybe deep down you knew they are meant to be broken. I know you will disagree. You simply held me tight, not a word spoken. The winds changed its direction, But you stood firm with my hand in your hand. through those rough weathers, I sensed all your affection, Here we stand, after twenty-three years, Still no promises from your end. I have got everything that I didn’t even dream of A Man of few words, A Man who believes in always giving You love me to the moon even though I’m annoying at times I promise that I’ll never stop being annoying sometimes.   Love, Happy Wedding anniversary to us.  

    The whole world has been engulfed in this pandemic. At first, I thought it was of one those science fictions frim a Hollywood flick, but to my utter dismay I became a part of it. My life completely changed; there was a one hundred and eighty degrees turn. This shouldn’t have happened with me, why me, not me…This is all I have in my mind since then. ‘Once the weather changes, the virus will be a thing of the past.” Said many knowledgeable men. I would constantly pray for a warm weather though I detested summers. But now I wanted them badly. However, all this turned to be a hoax.   No one knew that this virus would capture and imprison us in our own houses. The days seemed long and nights were dreadful. Slowly and steadily, we started getting used to this life. Every month, when the government made an announcement, our hearts would pound. The cacophonic noise of the ambulance siren perturbed me. I stopped watching television as it only troubled me further; at the...

As a little girl, I’ve never been inclined to any sport; however, the only thing that excited me was the march past. Those days we had try-outs to participate in the march past. Fortunately, now these days children are encouraged to participate which is a good thing a way. Yet I feel the kids of today’s generation don’t take it seriously, and do not follow the decorum. I had observed on my daughter’s school sports day event where the children’s pants were falling on their buttocks showing off their colourful inner wear, and they were not in sync with the others. It was indeed an entertaining show. This was in Mumbai the year was 1985, the month of January, it was the peak of winter. I know, for people up north might wonder, winter in Mumbai. Yes, winter mornings were always a delight with dew drops creating a pattern on the leaves, ask any Mumbaikar, they would agree with me for sure. I was super thrilled today, finally, after the try-out and those insane practices I was selected to ...

The grit of the Hormigas Once upon a time, in a faraway town there lived muchas hormigas. ‘Muchas hormigas’ means many ants. Las hormigas were muy traviesa and tonta (very naughty and silly) The queen Hormiga was muy bonita and was agradable too. (very beautiful and nice) Her beauty was not her pride, but her soldiers of ants. She was extremely supportive and proud of her soldiers. Todos los días she called out loud – Buenos días mi gente (Good morning people). Las hormigas amaron la queen, (the ants loved the Queen). One day their town was invaded by hombres – men. They were cruel men. Now the hormigas found la vida (life) dificil (difficult). Getting out of their casas (homes) was imposible - impossible. Even if their cabeza- head was out to peep, they were crushed to death by those wicked hombres. When the Queen heard of the atrocities by the hombres, she was enfadada – angry, she came fuera – outside to see the mayhem. Her Corazon – heart bled. She called all her sol...

The Demon Ma’am, I’m not getting any idea, what do I write?’ said one of my students. I asked her to think. ‘You all travel so much, I’m sure you must have glanced outside your car windows’. People, who live on the streets, make a living out of begging. How a piece of cloth keeps them warm in winters and that same cloth gives them shade in hot summers. There was a blank look on her face and of course the others too gave her company. Why was I bemused? This is not new with kids; let me put rightly ‘The Millennial’. I know it’s difficult to keep your beloved phone (which is almost a part of your body) away from you, however once in a while one must keep it aside and use the organs which you have been blessed with. It won’t hurt. Experience the world with your natural senses. Last week, I went to my friend’s house. As usual our bantering was on then I saw my friend’s older son was busy on his phone. Anyway, it’s not an unnatural sight these days. Since I share a great rappo...

My city My city is synonymous to glamour, wealth, avant-garde However, when I jumped out of this well, to that city – I realized what I missed out on. The comfort of moving in my car without a jerk, the endless honking seemed ancient, no prying eyes. When we were at the busy street to catch a glimpse of the four Minarets; we sauntered around without being teased or the threat of the inappropriate touch. Confidently, we moved around admiring the beauty of this exotic place. The experience of clean and broad roads, mouthwatering food and the sight of the glistening pearls brought a wide smile on my face. My city welcomes me with obnoxious stench, pot holes and smog; on the contrary, that city welcomed me with greenery, blue sky and freshness in the air. I was under the impression that my city was the melting pot of cultures. Alas! it’s a farce, for that city, truly showed unity, integration and coherence– A mosque and a temple under one roof - a perfect harmony of different faith....

What…Why…How? We are lost. Can we find each other? Or is it too late? I don’t know what I’ve done, How can I bring back the spark? Am I selfish or my priorities have changed? I have no excuse, only questions to ask. Will I ever get the answers? My mind is scrambling with million thoughts, My heart is aching for your gentle touch. There’s hesitation to start a conversation. Is it fear or is it pride? I don’t want to show my weakness - I don’t want the feeling of rejection. Are we lost? Can we find each other? Is it too late or is there HOPE?

Mom Why did you go, so many things I had to show, A bundle of Joy who came into my life - has your glow. Your daughters are fine; your only son is well. Your favourite grandson is getting married,   Knowing this, I know your heart will swell. A piece of your heart is now a part of me She still calls out NANA, NANA with glee. This day I remember. This day I want to forget, I yearn to be with you, my only regret. You raised us well ; in spite of all the obstacles ahead. Not once did you wince nor did you whine You tirelessly nurtured us even while on your deathbed. Why did you go?   Why didn’t you stay? Mummy, may your soul rest in peace, we all pray.

Perfidy She says you are the best, but behind your back, she addresses you as a pest. Every time you convince yourself, ‘No, she’s a good soul’. Time and again she has proved you wrong Time and again she has broken your trust You distance yourself, but there she’s back in your life like a boomerang. All teary and fitful she looks out for shoulders, Next moment she’s with the boulders; to shatter your trust in all mankind. Betrayal is her second name or one may address her as Judas or Brutus… When she meets you, she greets you as though you were her long lost friend. You turn your back, you are stabbed to death.

To him, with love… He held her hand when she was at a nadir; he chose to stay with her through her trying times. She gladly let him lead her. Albeit magical but many were cynical. There were many detractors who thought their love would fade away, but he stood firm. She still wonders what drew him towards her as she was an average girl with so many flaws. Now we know why the phrase ‘Love is Blind’ despite, you being in the best frame of mind. He proposed her to walk down the aisle; without batting an eyelid she accepted. People around her were apprehensive, but her faith and trust on him didn’t dissuade her from taking that leap. She said ‘damn to the naysayers’ and jumped in his arms. A gamble or one may call it a risk; she was ready to take it. This was all so surreal; however, this was meant to be real. All this wouldn’t be possible if it was not for him. His broad shoulders were ready to take on her past, her present and her future.

  Encounter A large French window was overlooking toward a towering monument which still was under construction. What an irony, the glistening beams of the sunlight, no more kiss my cheeks. The tranquility of my home had vanished. The cacophony created mayhem in my ear drums every single day. Luckily, the view of other rooms overlooks a beautiful lake and a park, where one could witness people of all ages. A gazebo stands in the middle of the park, a young man in his early twenties with his folded knees; sat inside the gazebo chanting Ommm……The sight intoxicated me; compelling me to change my attire and move out of the grim atmosphere to embrace the beauty of the outside world. The lush green grass tickling my feet; made me giggle like a little girl. Birds chirping in harmony; singing the good morning song. I moved towards the broad swing, knowing it would withstand my weight, but alas! Thud, I felt a numbness on my bottom. What was I thinking, I went red in my face. An ...

If I were ‘You’ If I were You, my world would be beautiful, If I were You, I would have plentiful. These thoughts do come in our mind once in a while, Feelings such as these are futile. Behind that happy face we don’t know what’s hidden, Being sorrowful and grief- stricken has been forbidden. From my little window, your life looks like an amazing ride, Don’t know behind those closed doors, how many times you have cried. I am glad I’m I; my life is an open book – a little salty and a lot sweet, I am glad I’m I, for my life is a treat which makes me complete.

Reunion Today I came home ecstatic. I met a boy who was as old as me or maybe a year younger.   He was the best human being I’d come across; he was my friend Ralph. Ralph, who was a mason’s son, lived in a small shanty near my school. Owing to which I will have to keep our friendship under wrap as this will not go down well with my parents considering that we belonged to the crème da la crème society. Ralph lived with his parents and little sister, his thirst for knowledge and the madness for life was what drew me towards him. I was always surrounded with not so real people, people who had all the riches, yet whined for more. Every evening, I used to spend my play time with Ralph; we both shared with each other a piece of our lives. Our friendship grew thicker as days passed, and so did our love for each other. The stars hid behind the dark clouds; the wind howled as the rain battered the window. Meanwhile, I entered my house to avoid volley of questions which would be thr...

Surgical Strike, Surgical Strike everywhere I hear these words A moment of glory, a moment of pride, before that many have cried. Everybody is lip syncing the war cry, a sudden surge of patriotism I’m not sure how long this will last; I have my own skepticism. Rumours are floating that India is going to wage a war, Meanwhile, at home front, the battle has already begun You cannot visit malls, No going to crowded places. India is on high alert, let’s order from Swiggy, All these thoughts are keeping us busy. Whereas, our brave hearts have bigger things to worry They have to be saluted for all the glories. Thank you for keeping us safe, thank you to the families of our soldiers There’s so much loss, pain, fear on their shoulders. Finally, there’s joy, celebration in the nation It’s for time to welcome and say ‘ Congratulation’ Surgical Strike, Surgical Strike….I don’t want it, we don’t want it,

The Number Three In number three you find yourself in a crowd while three also gives you solace. I have been a part of number three; I did find comfort and felt secured. However, there’s always a subtle fight for the center position. There’s always a way to be in the middle, ‘Hey, I’m tall let me stand in the middle.’ While the other one pounces to say, ‘I’m short; let me be in the center.’ Hilarious it may sound, but believe me this occurs in every number Three. Never is there a moment of silence, boredom is alien, for God only knows who is listening and how many are talking. Amazingly a constant chatter; however, it doesn’t matter to the Number Three. Nevertheless, if they hear others babble, they shall take their case to another level. Suddenly, they transform themselves to be all righteous and say, ‘How can they be so loud, how uncouth, we’re extremely blessed we aren’t brought up this way.’ The partners in crime in unison nod their head; while one agrees and the other may n...