My thoughts

    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.