tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36320071615807289942024-03-23T03:15:23.816-07:00Shubhang's PoemsI write, I draw, I conquer. From the pens of a hopeless romantic trying to understand the universe, one chicken lollipop at a time. Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-74306480994170298602023-05-18T12:38:00.001-07:002023-05-18T19:48:53.588-07:00Khan Market and its Cafes <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPPfF9gNb5IHeVtuxg0i4exSFBxDUnFfeUTcgAQKCFGmqcsyY1kY9yXPKR0oE559lLEmjjnSKs8Lf_4fuQHC0e1C8PEA2Ox7gcf1TAM8FvdzI7k0rNALR6OR_DBqCRZaocWvGF9cV7UmEwctwmb4lx17ALY5Hjja6nvd3BvJYZY9tWY9boGCJmL2cdw/s4032/IMG_7557.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPPfF9gNb5IHeVtuxg0i4exSFBxDUnFfeUTcgAQKCFGmqcsyY1kY9yXPKR0oE559lLEmjjnSKs8Lf_4fuQHC0e1C8PEA2Ox7gcf1TAM8FvdzI7k0rNALR6OR_DBqCRZaocWvGF9cV7UmEwctwmb4lx17ALY5Hjja6nvd3BvJYZY9tWY9boGCJmL2cdw/s320/IMG_7557.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;">It has been more than three years. Almost three and half years. Three years and five months to be exact.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div><p></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That was when I was last in this city.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I am at a not-so-pleasant time of the year in Delhi. It’s hot. Like really, really hot. I looked at my watch just now and damn, it’s 39 degrees! Celsius, of course. I am still not that great with getting the Fahrenheit measurements. But well, as all the intellectual kinds love to say, I am a work in progress.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Yeah. Haha. Go on. Laugh at calling myself an ‘intellectual kind’.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That’s kind of amusing, albeit in a cringy way. Isn’t it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But well, humour’s humour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Alright. Back to the subject at hand. </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Khan Market and its Cafes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Back in 2018, I was in a very different position in life. You know, still getting to learn the etiquette of a big city like Delhi. Trying my best to be a part of the crowd. The kind of stuff that I guess every early 20-year-old tries to do in this city. Or any big city for that matter.</p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Now, right now, it all has changed. I mean, c’mon, we went through a shit ton of stuff in the past three years (three years and five months precisely).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I can go on and on and on about all the stuff of the past. But I won’t. All I care about at this very moment is, how therapeutic it feels. To be inside one of the coziest cafes I have ever been to, the air conditioner blowing cool air on my face, when it is 40 degrees Celsius out there, even at 6:30 in the evening.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I wasn’t a regular at Khan Market cafes back when I used to reside in this city. But I had been here a couple of times. Today, however, I am having a very particular drink; an iced mocha. And it’s good!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Oh, did I mention the café’s name? it’s Blue Tokai.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s nice, small, and cozy. A few couples occupy various tables, which is a usual scenario here. The waiters are very humble. Like, they know that you want to have some of your time, writing some stuff on your laptop peacefully. I put in my order – an iced mocha, and an almond cookie.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s good. Man, it’s good. The mocha is good. It’s very refreshing. I kind of loved it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s 7 ‘o’clock now and I am thinking to order something else. My mocha is almost finished. What should I get? Any recommendations?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So far so good. I mean, I can write on and on and on about each minute thing I find here. And sure, why not?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s a culture. I have felt the same thing in Downtown Toronto as well. More than the foods and drinks and laughter and fresh brew fragrance, it’s about the culture. You come to this kind of café to do what you love to do. Some read books, some listen to music, and some, like me, write on cafes while listening to the 90s Bollywood songs.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>“Saat samandar paar main tere peeche peeche aa gayi.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i> </i></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I would have loved to bring my harmonica and play some music here. But that might have been a bit overkill.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Maybe people would’ve liked it. Maybe they wouldn’t have.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Another iced mocha, accompanied by a chocolate chip cookie this time, has been served. I, My friend, shall bid you adieu and enjoy my beverage at this cozy, little, and peaceful cafe at Khan Market. </p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">:) </p>Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-16065011867414609082020-05-09T09:14:00.000-07:002024-03-14T21:30:15.224-07:00ममत्व <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">गर्व करते</span><span lang="EN-IN">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">मुस्कुराते</span><span lang="EN-IN">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">इठलाते</span><span lang="EN-IN">,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">और हो भी क्यूँ न।</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">यही तो हमेशा सीखा है हमने</span><span lang="EN-IN">,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">जिंदगी एक दौड़ है</span><span lang="EN-IN">, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">जो जीता</span><span lang="EN-IN">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">वो सिकंदर</span><span lang="EN-IN">,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">बाकी सारे अंधकार के अंदर।</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">बस इस भागदौड़ में </span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अक्सर ज़ेहन से ये बात निकलती</span><span lang="EN-IN">,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">की किसने इस स्पर्धा के लिए</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">हमे तैयार किया</span><span lang="EN-IN">,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">हमे अपने स्नेह की सानिध्य में रखते</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अपने आवरण से बाहर का दृश्य दिखाया</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">हाँ</span><span lang="EN-IN">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">वो माँ ही तो थी।</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">दयालु</span><span lang="EN-IN">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">प्यारी</span><span lang="EN-IN">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">मासूम</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अगणित अलंकार हैं माँ के लिए।</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">लेकिन ज़रा गौर फरमाओ</span><span lang="EN-IN">,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">तो कही निडर</span><span lang="EN-IN">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">निर्भय</span><span lang="EN-IN">, </span><span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">और निर्भीक है माँ</span><span lang="EN-IN">,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">जो कवि अपनी कविताओं में कहना भूल गए शायद।</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">आखिर कौन है ऐसा और</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">जो अपने हृदय के टुकड़े को</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सालों के लिए खुद से दुर जाने दे</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">कौन है ऐसा और</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">जो अपना पूरा जीवन </span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">सिर्फ इसी ख्वाब में व्यतीत करे</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">की उसके बच्चे दुनिया मे</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अपना परचम लहराए।</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ये माँ ही तो है।</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">और कौन भला।</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">तभी शायद कहते हैं</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">माँ को ईश्वर के </span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ऊपर का दर्जा प्राप्त है</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">वर्ना इतना निस्वार्थ प्यार</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">इन्सानी चरित्र के परे है।</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">माँ है तो</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">अस्तित्व है</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">माँ नही</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="HI" style="font-family: "mangal" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: HI; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">तो सब विलीन</span><span lang="EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-9996039593949470562020-04-15T16:10:00.000-07:002020-04-15T16:10:29.552-07:00Book Report: 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZOBB22nqWPxYys80Wc7uor9eFANIWWDUOJVVJK2ITGeU_JdUo-PkIzRpnfZlTHYEJz37B-BbUBBHFEn40tXC3TtfKSSsei2vAliLAN8cxRj60kyhUtMPuiRo-N-89O5kxz8K_rmgjrA_/s1600/100-things-every-designer-needs-to-know-about-people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZOBB22nqWPxYys80Wc7uor9eFANIWWDUOJVVJK2ITGeU_JdUo-PkIzRpnfZlTHYEJz37B-BbUBBHFEn40tXC3TtfKSSsei2vAliLAN8cxRj60kyhUtMPuiRo-N-89O5kxz8K_rmgjrA_/s400/100-things-every-designer-needs-to-know-about-people.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: dailydesignnews.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Summary <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“People seek
out and pay attention to information and cues that confirm their beliefs. They
don’t seek out—in fact, they ignore or even discount—information that doesn’t
support what they already believe.” – Susan Weinschenk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">100 Things
Every Designer Needs to Know About People is a book by the renowned behavioral
psychologist Susan Weinschenk that explains the various aspects of everyday
design that is important to come out with a practical solution; something that
is quite crucial for every designer to ensure that they meet the expectations
of their clients with complete satisfaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Weinschenk
has written this book, keeping in mind how the designers work for creating
great user experience. It is for all kinds of designers – a website designer, a
car model designer, or an engineering device model maker. The book put a lot of
emphasis on the fact that the right kind of design for people is something that
is greatly influenced by a designer’s experience of what she/he knows and
understands about those people, for whom she/he is working on a design. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The book
gives a detailed elaboration of differentiating between the good and bad types
of design, based on the user's requirements and interests.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why I
picked this book <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As an artist
and writer, I have always been fascinated by finding out what kind of content
people like and why they like it. Besides, I am also a student of Interactive Media
Management and the core objective of this program is to learn about the best
user design experience and how to implement it. The title of the book really
intrigues me. So, I went through a few of the reviews online and decided to
give it a go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My expectations
from the book and what I got out of it<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before
opting for this book, I went through several reviews by my professors,
batchmates, and websites like Goodreads to get a glimpse of what it has to
offer. I had been looking forward to honing my skills of observing the users in
a better manner and design for them that serves the objective. Once I began
reading the book, I found it meets all my expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I found this
book quite helpful in getting a clear understanding of how the design
aesthetics work and what I should take care of while working on any design
element for the users. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Key
Takeaways <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The book
categorically divides people's perspective of art based on their emotions,
interests, and decisions. it elaborates on the following aspects:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What people read<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What people remember<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What people think<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Where people focus <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Motivations <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People as social animals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What people feel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mistakes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What people decide <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Out of these
9 categories, the ones that I found quite crucial for any interactive media
professional are <b>what people remember</b>, <b>what motivates people</b>, and
<b>what people feel</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
people remember <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every single
minute, an individual goes through hundreds of visual elements in his life –
posters, flyers, banners, online ads, television commercials, and many more.
Hence, the attention span of every individual is significantly lesser than what
it used to be a decade ago. As Agile coach and group fitness coach </span><a href="https://www.geoffmazeroff.com/about/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Geoff Mazeroff</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> has stated, people remember only 4 things at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, a designer needs to observe what a
user remembers amid the hoard of all the visual elements and plan his design
strategy accordingly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
motivates people<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People tend
to be motivated when they know that they are getting closer to their goals.
They like it when they know that they have control over something that they own
or want to own. As a designer, coming out with elements that give the user a
more interactive control is something that will always satisfy them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
people feel <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Human beings
are emotional animals. They are attached to certain people, places or objects
such as specific food or sports. Therefore, by analyzing a user’s psychology
and by focusing on their various interests and choices, a designer can come out
with a product to which the user will feel attached, something that will
comfort them and give them a feeling that it is all theirs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My
professional and personal insight <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I found
these key points quite crucial, both personally and professionally. Not only
they are important to understand the user’s psychology in the best manner
possible, but also to deliver the end product that meets the expectations with
utmost satisfaction. As mentioned on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10778139-100-things-every-designer-needs-to-know-about-people">Goodreads</a>,
this book combines real science and research with practical examples to deliver
a guide every designer needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Besides,
this book has changed my perspective of seeing everyday things to a significant
extent. I observe my surrounding elements with a keener interest; doors,
tables, chairs, staircases. This book has opened the doors in my thinking
process that were closed and I didn’t even know they existed in the first
place! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-11246195872898490302020-03-17T11:10:00.001-07:002020-03-17T11:41:09.243-07:00Half Life: Alyx – Will Coronavirus Pandemic Take a Toll on The Sales? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRCyIRx9CGyN8XLORCUZhp3nDong6x09lHa1JJXhoXABAH9Y9wAvr7tVLOod30KmZsHycWrq8b_jwQyO_H1m_HYWU5I3oXP6yxRE_H3YAdFj1jy_xnEEildQtMtNJk5JIGJ1u_lpOYjhU/s1600/960x0+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRCyIRx9CGyN8XLORCUZhp3nDong6x09lHa1JJXhoXABAH9Y9wAvr7tVLOod30KmZsHycWrq8b_jwQyO_H1m_HYWU5I3oXP6yxRE_H3YAdFj1jy_xnEEildQtMtNJk5JIGJ1u_lpOYjhU/s320/960x0+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Half Life:
Alyx is less than a week away and the hype it has built is chaotic. Though this
shouldn't come as a surprise as Half Life games have a history of making the
video game fandom crazy with each new installment.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">With the
Half Life franchise, Valve has always been eagle-eyed precise and careful since
the very first game hit the shelves. Hence the reason why almost every Half
Life game has set revolutionary milestones for the video games to follow, in
whichever decade they were released.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">With Half
Life: Alyx, Valve is again set to cross the usual norms and venture into an
untouched realm – Virtual Reality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Virtual
Reality is not exactly a new term. The technology has been around for almost a
decade now and since recent years, it has been prolifically used in several
applications related to medical science, engineering, and yes, video games too.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, it
remains an 'element of wonder' rather than something that is regularly used as
an integral function of most of the system. Since Valve has always been known
for daringly experimental with implementing the technology of the future in
Half Life games, they decided to go for Virtual Reality this time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Half Life:
Alyx is completely VR based and will require a VR headset to play the game.
Besides the trailer showcasing it, a few in-game footages were made available
by the Valve that show the gameplay and how it would be to play with the
VR.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fans are on
a frenzy. Though ensuring the Half Life games are the pinnacle of video games,
Valve is also notorious for delaying the franchise for an unbelievingly long
duration of time – The game, Half Life 2: Episode Three, was supposed to be out
by 2010 but after numerous hints by Valve employees and the Big Man (Gabe
Newell) himself, it hasn't seen the light of the day till date and is
considered by many a vaporware now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Therefore,
the hype is real, very real. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This time, things are a bit different than ever before; the Coronavirus pandemic has engulfed the world and organizations across the globe are shutting down to prevent its spread. In a time like this, it won't come as a surprise if the overall sale of the game is also affected, though the presales have already been great and Valve is quite satisfied with it. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Through the years,
the fandom of Half Life has crossed the boundaries and has included people from
several countries outside the US. The games have been extremely popular in
countries like India, Pakistan, Costa Rica, Brazil, and many more. The love for
the franchise has been such that the fan-created Counter Strike, which was
based on the original Half Life engine, has become a full-fledged video game
franchise itself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It goes
without saying that fans are eagerly waiting to see their favorite franchise
return. However, there have been concerns related to it being completely
playable in VR. Valve has announced that the Valve Index headset owners will
get the game for free. The thing is, Valve Index is not really cheap. On Steam,
the price is listed as $999. That is not the kind of amount a lot of people can
afford to pay for a video game accessory in several countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In India, 1
USD equals to approx. 74 rupees. In Pakistan, it's equivalent to almost 160
rupees. Comparing the average income per person, that price is ridiculously
high. Hence the reason why a lot of fans have objected Alyx being VR only and
not having an option to play it as a conventional first-person shooter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0fMrmSLDugsnsLn6112oRr4LN9gVtDfdms8-vT5wHOCGNavCE0o_Xx5spMaI_SOjCiez834LC1ueCxWdamLpxVsJ4a0b7Oys-GlevX2Vl9ZNAwQgMjS-B9jFud48a4nwWK7H8GbhsEz4/s1600/Half-Life-Alyx-Screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0fMrmSLDugsnsLn6112oRr4LN9gVtDfdms8-vT5wHOCGNavCE0o_Xx5spMaI_SOjCiez834LC1ueCxWdamLpxVsJ4a0b7Oys-GlevX2Vl9ZNAwQgMjS-B9jFud48a4nwWK7H8GbhsEz4/s400/Half-Life-Alyx-Screen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Half Life: Alyx will be completely Virtual Reality based. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />So, will a
lot of fans in the third world countries are going to be disappointed and left
without the game? Or will they have to wait till they can save enough money to
play it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or maybe,
they can go for much cheaper alternatives. Headsets like Valve Index, Occulus
Quest, and PlayStation VR are at the upper ends. But if you really want to play
the game and are looking for an affordable headset, you can try Dell Visor or
HP Windows Mixed Reality Headset.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Half Life:
Alyx is definitely one of the most anticipated video games of 2020 and as a
video game fan myself, I can understand how disheartening it can be to not get
your hands on your favorite game when it comes out. But if you are someone who
doesn't care about the spoilers much and just enjoy the overall gameplay
experience, whenever you get to, you might wait for a couple of months, save
enough, and buy yourself a nice VR headset before entering into the realm of
City 17.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the G Man
said, “The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the
world.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
abovementioned quote has no relevance to the topic of this article. I just
wrote that so that you can get into the vibe of Half Life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
Resistance lives! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-73529887752981488202019-10-02T09:25:00.002-07:002019-12-26T20:53:29.190-08:00A Wish Beneath the Moon <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="adM" style="background-color: white;">
<div class="im">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierJyJSvoCmIjbsrs9CRp-vqnzjphZHrrb5cmQ2JJYnod_8re1C1nDH0I3DrCTvjInMDdVo6hJe3VmNyUns9nuDvwvhkRM0PR3iv6Vs2a05I8Q793viDuRvAPHA2HBZZECUuCtFPjbBm6x/s1600/Wish+Beneath+the+Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierJyJSvoCmIjbsrs9CRp-vqnzjphZHrrb5cmQ2JJYnod_8re1C1nDH0I3DrCTvjInMDdVo6hJe3VmNyUns9nuDvwvhkRM0PR3iv6Vs2a05I8Q793viDuRvAPHA2HBZZECUuCtFPjbBm6x/s400/Wish+Beneath+the+Moon.jpg" width="282" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #500050; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="auto" style="color: #500050;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="color: #500050;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The moment I saw your reflection</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I knew we were up there</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Taking the course of correction</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The green velvet, beneath my foot, </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I looked down, and saw yours beyond the moot</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The time must have ticked away</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a different way</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When the wind sway</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I felt your soft, warm fingers</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Intertwining into mine </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What breeze! </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What cold, smooth, caressing, wind</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Went past, ruffling your hair</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That in turn, brushed my face with a soothing care </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the fragrance in the air </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or was it your soul </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Secretly seeping its gold </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That had a perfume of its own</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From up the hill, the miniature town smiled at us </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With a warm gesture of its tiny blinking lights</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like thousands of fireflies waltzing in the night</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And when you were too engrossed </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To be amazed at the beauty across </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It finally sneaked out of sky </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first thing I noticed</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first thing I always wanted to notice </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since eternity, beyond time immemorial </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Was to see its first light </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Showering your face </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In all its glory and bright </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God, it’s still so intense </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can still see it all</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As if that moment</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That particular moment </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Has been forever seized in my mind’s fortification</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The yellow-orange light</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With a tinge of milkyness</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of which galaxies are made</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When they fell on your eyes </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They glimmered </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And turned into mirror </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where I first got to see</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your true spirit</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And what I found</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You ask?</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why, it was the same spirit </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That channelled in the one above </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That circular bliss </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It got bigger and bigger, very slowly</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I said, time ticked differently </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And so did the illumination on your face </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I watched mesmerized </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As it embraced your slender nose,</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those trembling lips, </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And ultimately, the entire face</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was right above you now </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Putting you in a natural spotlight </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The world indeed had stopped </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I heard no sound anymore</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not even the fluttering of leaves</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or ruffling of grass </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or swaying of wind</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It all went into a trance </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Guess they might have seen you too </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As your pupils shut down slowly</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two pearls from the corner</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rolled down those ever-innocent cheeks </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And when you put your head</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On my shoulder </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I couldn’t resist</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking up at the sky</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And at that huge round gem </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Never I had ever</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Prayed for a thing </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My entire life </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But now I only asked for </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This moment to stop </span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Till the time universe was alive </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And good gracious</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My prayers were heard of </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You might not be here yet</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have got that moment within me</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You might be at some corner of the world </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My hope is going to strive and grow strong</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With every year passed</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because I know if I saw it happened </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It did happen </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And no power </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this entire world </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can create a barricade </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To that thought of mine </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will wait </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had waited </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I will be</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Till I get to see you once </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If not that </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Heaven will have a place</span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where I will get you to embrace </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My soul </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just the way </span></div>
<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I did yours </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We shall meet </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Under that enchanting ball of my spirit </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">No, our spirit </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sooner or later </span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will wait </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="im" style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="im" style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="im" style="background-color: white;"></span><br /></span>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And we shall meet</span></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-48507855040219394902019-05-12T11:39:00.000-07:002019-05-12T12:08:54.503-07:00The Eternal Walk Beyond <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a-5n6HcS_5REMaXtjLhx3bTaIjM1fw5JnvjAb1w0nxanDWIYF_fppU17oQ6pZw8F1Z8fIvwylVdbGHjVe5GyH8bliCxSh0eY2t3YD_3HDvGXx1OqUcvIfQwkpqOEyiJTehNs9PPJ6dev/s1600/evening-walk-1959986_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a-5n6HcS_5REMaXtjLhx3bTaIjM1fw5JnvjAb1w0nxanDWIYF_fppU17oQ6pZw8F1Z8fIvwylVdbGHjVe5GyH8bliCxSh0eY2t3YD_3HDvGXx1OqUcvIfQwkpqOEyiJTehNs9PPJ6dev/s400/evening-walk-1959986_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes I fear, no one ever gets the vibe.<br />
The journey I sauntered, the conquests I conquered<br />
The adventures that enthralled, the unknown who always called<br />
The glory with no audience, for which I never took offense<br />
Sometimes I fear, this loneliness will engulf my existence<br />
The shackles unseen, will take better of my perseverance<br />
The lights dimmed, the tunnel beyond elongated<br />
It is indeed terrifying, to think of life such corrugated<br />
But wait a second, my past holds a grudging difference<br />
I have just not survived, but have functionally evolved<br />
And there is no reason why can’t it be ever resolved<br />
No, absolutely not<br />
No fear is as horrifying as me<br />
Neither any solitude is as monstrous<br />
I am going to thrive, move, survive<br />
Not because I have passion<br />
But because there’s just no other option<br />
New age Constantine<br />
Call me that if you want to<br />
I would like to think of myself so<br />
My kinsfolk say it’s a boon<br />
I can’t help but think it’s a curse<br />
Boon, curse, curse, boon<br />
Can’t see any more why it even matters<br />
All I know is the walk can’t be stopped<br />
And it will never be<br />
Maybe a supernatural<br />
Takes care of it<br />
Maybe it’s my subconscious<br />
Working on the subjugated conflict<br />
The walk, it will go on<br />
For eternity<br />
And beyond<br />
Till the stars shine<br />
Bright and low<br />
I don’t know my fate<br />
Maybe it’s getting too late<br />
There is no happiness left<br />
Neither is there sadness<br />
All I have with me further<br />
Is the acknowledgement<br />
That I exist in flesh<br />
Hence my shadow is a precursor<br />
I walked, I am, and I always will be<br />
Carrying the Neanderthal genes<br />
To oblivion or magnificence<br />
Only dear time shall tell.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-89064181261969966902019-05-02T09:30:00.000-07:002024-03-22T04:37:07.969-07:00The Marriage Fever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOVVBHXhMGgYmtSYryaSRUG1eodTB6qico__no0FFk3ayTkvxkj8oZLD71mDreSOIMNZcHW_N_tDcZhzJT_JJN-dv_sS3FV1uHJTk8xODq91ba3HEq7jC5gH-4IqygNgLgfXH13pMRAd1/s1600/The+Marriage+Fever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="949" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOVVBHXhMGgYmtSYryaSRUG1eodTB6qico__no0FFk3ayTkvxkj8oZLD71mDreSOIMNZcHW_N_tDcZhzJT_JJN-dv_sS3FV1uHJTk8xODq91ba3HEq7jC5gH-4IqygNgLgfXH13pMRAd1/s400/The+Marriage+Fever.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">The Marriage Fever<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Out
of nowhere, it turned chilly. Though everyone felt the unexpected drop in the
temperature, for him it was a bit more than just that. It seemed that in the
month of April, the ghost of winter that just went recently decided to spring
back and shock him like a jack-in-the-box. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Toying
with his pen, he looked outside; the rain was splashing hard against the
windows, making them tremble. Drr drr brrrrrrr, drr drr brrrrrr. The trembling
was quite rhythmic, he noticed, realizing he did it subconsciously. Drr drr
brrrrrr….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">With
a bit of difficulty, he dragged his eyes away from the window. He felt
irritated to be transfixed to something as mundane as watching rain splatter against
closed glass panels of a window. But he thought it must be because he was not
feeling like working today at all and his mind was actively looking for a
distraction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Thinking
about nothing in particular, he opened the cap of his pen and started
scribbling in his work diary. He gazed at the shiny, steely nib of his fountain
pen. Seven months ago, he decided to write only with fountain pens and since
then he never touched a ballpoint or gel pen again. He loved both the fountain
pens he owned; one that he brought to work and another that he kept at home.
Staring at the nib affectionately, he realized he didn’t just love his pens, he
was quite obsessive about them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">The
dark royal blue ink occasionally dripping from the nib, smudging his thumb and
index finger, and the fragrance of raw ink wafting from the paper when he
writes fresh on it - it is kind of exhilarating for him, making his mind spin
in a soothing manner. Maybe it is because he travels back in past to those days
in the fourth standard at Holy Cross when the students were allowed to use only
fountain pens as a rule. Maybe because when he breathes in deeply the aroma of
ink, he finds himself back in the classroom, sitting on the wooden bench, even
if it is quite momentarily.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“You
done with that article?” his team head, who sits behind him on the opposite
cubicle, asked. “Already mailed,” he replied nonchalantly. Everywhere around
him the keyboards were consistently hit. Pitter Patter pitter patter. Again,
before he could have helped it, he noticed there was a rhythm to it too. How
the hell on earth, he thought. Can’t be remotely possible. A dozen teams
working on at least 50 different projects. Coders, designers, and content
writers like him, all working on a set of tasks assigned to them specifically.
How can there be any rhythm? How can there be any sync to the entire thing? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">He
looked at the clock. Must sleep early, must get up early, must exercise a bit.
He said to himself. He has been doing it for the past seven months since he
joined this office. Not that he never succeeded. He did sleep early, wake up
early and exercise. But that was a handful of days in all those months. “Doesn’t
really count, does it,” he said to the Van Gogh’s picture that was his
desktop’s background image. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Wishing
the day would pass sooner, he opened Facebook on his phone and started to
browse through the posts. While scrolling down insipidly, he stopped at a post.
Another schoolmate getting married. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">These
days, 7 out of 10 times he goes online on social media, especially Facebook, he
sees a wedding post of some classmate, college mate, or a friend. This guy in
particular, whose latest post he just watched, was a rather peculiar one back
in school. He had this weird and annoying habit of grabbing students’ balls in
the morning assembly queue, for no reason at all. He had been warned several
times and once almost got expelled too, but it seems he was just obsessed with
grabbing guys’ balls. Ball Grabber – they had nicknamed him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">What
lucky girl got to marry him, he thought, looking at the picture of the Ball Grabber,
grinning at the camera cladded in a heavily embroidered Sherwani. The girl, in
equally heavy embroidered saree, was standing beside him, trying her best to
smile at the camera. They both were drenched in sweat as if they just came out
of the shower in those clothes. Why they even marry in summers, that too
wearing those clothes. The mere sight of their picture made him feel suffocated
all of a sudden. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">He
looked at the AC; a perfect 22 degree Celsius. Must be in my mind, he thought,
loosening his crisply pressed shirt’s collar. He looked back at the picture
again, at the girl. She must be around his age, most probably younger than him.
Of course, if it’s an Indian wedding, chances are, the girl is going to be
younger than the groom. But I am not the groom, he said to himself. Well, the
guy is almost your age. You were together in a couple of grades, remember? He
answered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">The
girl seemed to be stooping by some weight, some kind of unseen burden. Is it
the weight of the society’s expectations she is carrying that made her stoop
that way? Is it the weight of the responsibilities that have been bestowed upon
her at such a young age that she didn’t even ask for but that came nevertheless
as a package for entering the life of a traditional Indian wife? He sipped the metal-tasting
machine-made coffee and put the cup near his snail figurine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">She
is just tired of all the wedding procedure and must be longing for some spare
time to rest for a while. Stop being a philosophical ass all the time, he
answered as the bitter, bad-tasting coffee slinked into his stomach through his
throat. What a waste, he thought of both, the coffee and the institution of the Great Indian Wedding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">The
pitter and patter of keyboards continued, so did the splattering of rain
against the windows. Now both the sounds were working in harmony to create a
third kind of rhythm. It seemed the clock on the wall behind him also decided
to join them with its wearing hands tick toking their way. This, he thought, is
not everyday shit, not at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">"Auto!"
he shouted, trying to stop an autorickshaw for the umpteenth time, but it
seemed none of the auto drivers was willing to drive anywhere in this downpour,
and the ones that were on the road were already packed with the passengers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">He
never liked rains much. It’s not that he hated it, but unlike most of the
people his age, or any age, was not much enthusiastic about it ever. Yes, it
makes the climate better, he admitted, but apart from that, rains held no joy
in his life. With a screech, an auto finally stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Trying
uselessly to brush some water off his shirt, he entered the auto, which
surprisingly, was all empty. “Laxmi Nagar metro,” he said, and the auto jerked
into action in full blast. To great annoyance, he noticed the dirt smudges
covering his shoes and water droplets all over his chrome watch. Fucking rain,
he thought, trying not to think of his shoes and the watch but without much
success. He is an absolute sucker of shoes and watches. He just can’t explain
this obsession, but it feels so elating whenever he buys a new pair of shoes or
a watch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">It
was not like this always. Now he thinks of it, this obsession started shortly
after he got divorced. When his wife of six years left him for someone else and
he was unable to find anyone to replace the gap that she left not just in his
life, but his home too. As the auto sped against the needle-like streams of
rain, he looked at his watch again. Time has been one thing that has been odd
to him more often than not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Suddenly,
there was a flashing thunder that echoed for quite some time, followed by an
unusual silence. Even with all the traffic jostling around his auto, it all
seemed to stop for an instant. And then, it was back to normal. Much to his
annoyance, he now realized that even the raindrops were falling against the
canvas roof of the autorickshaw in unison. “What?” he was taken aback by the
strange sound the driver made. "Nothing sir, I have some problem with my
nose. So sometimes my breathing sounds like this." Till he reached the
metro station, the driver kept making those noises at regular, coordinated intervals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">The
moment he entered the station, his phone rang with his favorite Star Wars
theme. “Yes mom,” he picked up the call. “You heard about it?” his mom’s
familiar voice came from the other side, making him miss home like every time.
“Heard what?” he asked, a bit annoyed in the lack of the question’s context.
These days, he feels annoyed at even tiniest of things. His doctor warned him
to maintain his calm otherwise he might have to start taking medicines to
control his blood pressure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Mehtaji’s
son married a girl against the wish of his parents and in rage, Mehtaji kicked
him out of the house,” his mom said. “Tinku?” he asked, trying to sound
interested, “Isn’t he 20 or something?” “That’s the thing, why he needed to get
married at such an age, especially when it was time to focus more on his
career.” He didn’t say anything. Since his divorce, he tries to avoid such
conversations, but it seems that the universe smells his conspiracy and keeps
throwing these to him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Well,
his life. He is old enough to marry whom he wants,” he said. “It’s not about
that!” his mom sounded a bit offended, “Are parents’ consent on it nothing?” He
had no answer to it. “Can you please talk to him once? Try to persuade him to
return home. Mehta uncle and aunty are really distressed,” she asked, sounding
not so sure, knowing her son better than anyone else. “Ok, I will,” he lied. “Great.
That would be nice,” she said, knowing that he had lied and won’t call Mehtaji
at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">This
train was too packed. He decided to wait for the next one. It seemed every
day, the number of people was increasing tenfold. Are there more people coming
to the city and settling here than ever before, he thought. People cramped
together in each of the bogies. So much population and still people just love
to get married and breed indefinitely, he thought. Better I got out of it
before it screwed me up good, he found some solace for his bitter memories that
never stopped haunting him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">He
saw a couple. Amid all the chaos, they were trying their best to squeeze out
some moments of love for themselves, holding each other’s hands, smiling,
gazing into each other’s eyes lovingly. All this while people were hitting
people with their elbows, trying to stand stiffly like cactus plants, ignoring
the commotion around them. He noticed the thin line of vermillion on the girl’s forehead. Newly married, must have been a few weeks, or months. Certain memories of
days gone tried desperately to flood his mind, but he knows how to control it
now. He has trained himself for long. He knows how to willingly create a
distraction in a matter of seconds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">As
the train moved ahead, he heard it again. Why, he thought, why today? I have
been hearing it all for ages, since as long as I can recall. Why these random
sounds are drawing my attention suddenly? It was not a joke; he was seriously
pissed off this time. The more he tried not to think of it, the louder the
sound seemed to get. Dudder dudder, durr durr, dudder dudder, durr durr. What
kind of rhythm is this now? Damn, it is giving me a headache. All of a sudden,
he started to feel suffocated, second time in a day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Though
he was never claustrophobic, it seemed that the train compartment was closing
on him. “Excuse me,” he said trying to keep the crowd away from him. “Can you
please just… just stay a bit away…” This is unreal, he thought, feeling his
heartbeat racing rapidly and sweat drops trickling down his forehead. Are these
people trying to squeeze me to death, he thought fanatically. “Next station is
Indraprastha,” the automated voice of the metro lady boomed out of speakers and
he felt things returning back to normal; the compartment expanding, people
getting farther away from him. He hurried towards the door and got out as soon
as they opened. Panting, he looked at the leaving train. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">With
a shock, he saw the couple, the very same couple who were making all those
loving gestures to each other, were staring at him and smiling oddly. It sent a
chill down his spine. Unsure, he tried to look at them but the train had
already passed. Must be mind playing weird tricks, he said to himself. Slowly
walking towards one of the steel benches, he sat on it and waited for arrival
of the next train.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Next
train in 8 min.” He looked at the glowing electronic sign board. There was a
pigeon sitting up it. It was dancing in a circle, trying to catch his tail with
its beak, just like a dog. In circles. It was going round and round and round.
The train slowly came to halt and he realized he was watching the pigeon for
the last eight minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“There
is something not usual,” he thought, grabbing one of the supports linked to the
roof of the train, “what exactly is going on?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Next
station, Praga…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">The
windows blackened, the coaches became empty. Even though he could see people
sitting and standing around him, there was no one anymore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Man
of habits, man of materialistic obsession," a voice came somewhere from
the back of his mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">He
looked at the blackened windowpane and saw his reflection, a much darker
version of himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Man
of everything that he can control with utmost preciseness,’ the voice said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Was
it the reason he ultimately left her? Wasn’t there absolutely no control that
could have made her stay? Despite her repeatedly cheating on him, he tried to
control it all by painfully ignoring the situation, and what it got him? More
pain, more suffering, more trauma… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">He
has always been like this. Either he is crazy about what his heart desires and
does whatever it takes to get it, or he just kicks it out far from his life.
Comic books, video games, bikes, love of his life… There was never a middle
path for him. His existence has always lingered on both the extremities. He
only stopped obsessing over her when his mind finally accepted that she was
gone for good. That's when he began obsessing over watches and shoes – the more
materialistic ones, which won't leave him out of anywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">And
this very obsession has prevented him to consider remarrying. Despite his
parents pleading to him numerous times, he has always very stubborn when it
comes to the subject. “I am not falling into this useless spiral of society
again,” that’s what he always tells them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“What
the hell,” he found himself in a bit shock, “What happened? Is the metro
moving?” he narrowed his eyes and tried to look outside. The train seemed to be
moving but he didn’t feel it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">The
door opened to the ultimate void. He could see the silhouette of people but why
they appeared so ghostly? He slowly touched the arm of a woman who, naturally,
looked at him in an aggressive manner. “Surely they are here,” he thought and exited
the metro. He thought it was just the darkness, but no, it was actually a void.
From where he was standing, there was no ground or sky, just a very solid
nothingness. Trying not to panic, he turned back to enter the metro but too
late, the doors were shut. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“This
is bullshit,” he nervously swiped his sweating forehead with the handkerchief.
Unable to think of anything, he tried moving towards a direction that he hoped
would be the right one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Being
a part of the society is inevitable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“You
want to live here? You have to follow certain norms.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Go
and be a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Baba</i> in the mountains? Why
even bother?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Everything
happens by a design.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Sun
rises from east, sets at west.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“12
months in a year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“There
is a pattern to it all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“A
system.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“A
harmony.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Rhythm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">He
knew the mild tremor was no more an incoming train. It was his own heartbeat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“What
I am supposed to do?” He pressed his chest hard, hoping to suppress his heart’s
efforts to break out of the ribcage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Compromise?
I don’t know how long I am going to live. How can I compromise on this thing!” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">This
was killing him. He knew it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Gradually,
even the memories began to become distant, when he tried to think of them, it
felt like they belonged to a previous life, where he was someone else,
something else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Tik
tok tik tok, his newly purchased chrome watch, he could see it amid the thick
darkness, all of a sudden. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“What
the…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">It
moves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">It
finds a way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">There
is always a way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Another
way around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Well.”
A gush of wind filled his lungs, uplifting him in the air like a helium
balloon. He felt lightheaded, after a long, long time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">His
black leather shoes came into the vision. And then his well-ironed black
trousers, the black leather belt with its shiny metal buckle, and the bottle
green full sleeved shirt buttoned to the collar and nicely tucked in the
trousers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Yes!”
he felt in joy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“I
won’t close my doors forever! I will find a way around!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">He
felt clear in above, able to work on a plan, to think something, anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">Gradually,
everything else came back to vision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">As
he boarded the next train, coming into existence one tiny particle at a time,
he felt a mild suffocation, again. Worriedly, he looked around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">“Oh,”
he sighed calmly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">It
was the collar button. He loosened it, just like the way he always leaves it
open. His usual style. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">When
a pretty looking girl standing a few paces away smiled at him, he didn’t feel
feverish anymore. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;">The
yellowish, sickening thoughts, he left them at the previous station. Hopefully.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Fin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-75416569537989985072017-10-21T00:11:00.002-07:002024-03-22T04:37:29.983-07:00The long-lost friend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoRTlgAVajr4gE9BPId4CoGJlWGOQUFnykSOpI9qlmxKJE2fgK2-8v-ODXKDB6RSZsAmJRcq98YSPrOccz9HcsCHxhVZXehdaYMcslZ_T9F8xEPymG0wpqkW7p-uckpCpLj-aPdkhnhFt/s1600/il_570xN.1121845167_qgaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoRTlgAVajr4gE9BPId4CoGJlWGOQUFnykSOpI9qlmxKJE2fgK2-8v-ODXKDB6RSZsAmJRcq98YSPrOccz9HcsCHxhVZXehdaYMcslZ_T9F8xEPymG0wpqkW7p-uckpCpLj-aPdkhnhFt/s320/il_570xN.1121845167_qgaa.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Pawan has witnessed the changing times. He has been through several social and cultural transformations. Amid all the advancement, sometimes he feel he lost his old self far behind. Now, his son has taken an unexpected path and Pawan is trying his best to track his footprints and get a glimpse of his older self. </span></div>
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The long-lost friend <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“C’mon Pawan, you can’t possibly think
this is possible,” Pawan’s brother-in-law, Madan, leered at him.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan didn’t say anything. Slowly, he
closed his eyes, his grip tightening on the gun’s trigger. The noise around was
distracting, he admitted. But then, the hustle and bustle were as much as it
should be in an old school fair like this. However, it was nothing new to
Pawan, even though it had been decades since he attended such a fair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Concentrate,” Pawan thought to
himself, his eyes still closed, his fingers firmly keeping the gun straight. A
few slides passed through his memory; when he used to shoot at guavas with his
catapult and when he used to practice shooting in the NCC range. His friends
and other schoolmates didn’t use to call him a ‘sharp shooter’ for nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Gradually, he opened his eyes and
stared deeply into the burning wick of the candle that was dangling from the
thread from the distance. Its flame was directionless and irregular, or at
least it seemed so, but not to Pawan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before he even pulled the trigger, he
knew that the shrapnel from the toy gun was going to blow the dangling candle out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">That is exactly what happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There was an uninterrupted silence for
a while. It seemed that the entire fair was numb for a moment witnessing what
just had happened. Pawan looked at his brother-in-law, who was staring with his
mouth wide open at the blown candle, which was still dangling from the thread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan looked at his 10-year-old son
Pavitr and his 9-year-old daughter, Rohini, who were staring at the candle too
with similar expressions. However, unlike Madan’s disbelieve, they were rather
in awe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan couldn’t help smiling; the same
reaction from the audience, which he had been receiving for decades now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though he felt things have changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He knew things have changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While exiting the fair, passing
through the rides and laughter of children, the pandemonium at various food and
toy stalls, Pawan couldn’t help thinking of his past, an era gone long ago and
which sometime felt like another lifetime. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When it came to action, Pawan was
always a hyperactive kid. Whether it was the playground or school, Pawan always
felt a surge of adrenaline from quite a young age. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He used to climb the numerous guava
and mango trees in his home’s backyard in minutes and when his father used to
return from office, he used to climb down and rush inside the home with the
equal speed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Similarly, he was good at studies,
more than often better than the rest of his classmates, especially when it came
to science and maths. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan spent his childhood in several
towns. As his father was a state government official, he was habitual of living
in Victorian era quarters that often used to have huge garden compounds with
numerous trees and creatures, including snakes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan belonged to a time when
technology was yet to become an integral part of the society and digital
advancements were still a thing of future. Being the smallest kid in the
family, Pawan was the most beloved member and his father often complained to
his mother about his daredevilry being the outcome of excess of love. However,
his complaints were always used to be half hearted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">***</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Arre galti se tukka lag gaya aur kya," Madan was still refusing to believe what he witnessed from his own eyes as he desperately tried to point it out to his wife and Pawan's wife. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Tukka kya laga,” Pawan’s sister
protested, “He has been doing it since a kid, it’s nothing new to him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Even though I was not expecting it
after such a long time,” she looked at Pawan, “It has been years.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Their conversation brought back Pawan
to the present. He looked around himself. A cold breeze swept through his face
from nowhere, as if it came from a distant place, where he was still a carefree
kid, full of ambitions and with a fire constantly burning inside his belly. He
tried to look at the direction of the breeze, but it was all dark, engulfed in
the grayish clouds. He sighed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It has been a long journey, Pawan said
to himself, a really long one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If school was the birth of Pawan’s
passion, college only fueled it with his determination to be one of the best
in his field; chemistry and biology. He was popular, he was liked by his
professors and batch-mates and even though Pawan never admitted it to himself,
he had a suspicion a few girls used to eye him with a rather adoring
expression, almost lovingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">However, it was a tough journey from
home to college, and Pawan was more than determined to make the most out of it.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Even though in the later life things
didn’t turn as he was expecting it to be, his knack of following anything passionately
that he pursued bore fruits and he achieved great many success. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He was happy, and satisfied and why he
shouldn’t be? His wife loved him immeasurably and always stood by his side in
the most difficult of his times, he was financially and emotionally well
settled and he had two kids whom he loved a lot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He was happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mostly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Except for those short duration of
time when he was not so sure, not so certain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sometimes he felt that with advent of
life, he lost himself in the crowd way back long ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He still remembered that one time when
as a kid he was in a fair with his parents, he lost them in the crowd and was
horrified at the thought of losing them forever. Just when he was starting to
panic out, someone suddenly grabbed his hand. “Kaha dhyan rehta hai,” his
father scolded him. Pawan was so much relieved that he was unable to say
anything. He just hopped behind his father, smiling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now, at the age of 45, Pawan sometimes
felt as lost as he was back then. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">However, his father was not there to
hold his hand anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He was on his own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lost in these thoughts, Pawan realised
that before he knew it, he was no more the youngest kid of the family loved by
everyone and had grown into an adult burdened with all kinds of
responsibilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Loss was nothing new to Pawan. He had
lost people with advent of time; people who were closest to him, people with whom
he had some of the most precious memories of his life. He had seen them bidding
goodbye untimely and when he least expected it. Pain and suffering were
something that </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pawan had learnt how to master and channel into a positive
energy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At NCC, Pawan was taught a lot of life
values and discipline lessons that always helped him to tackle various
difficulties throughout his life. in a nutshell, even if Pawan felt that he had
lost his true self somewhere far behind, he had made peace with it, had gracefully
accepted his present and was satisfied with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Except for that one thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recently, Pawan had started to feel
that he was not being able to understand his son properly. Pavitr was a good
kid. Though he was an average student in school, Pawan had noticed certain
distinctive traits in him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As the family moved towards the
parking lot outside the fair where their car was, Pawan looked at his son, who
was busy examining his new toy; an action figure. In the distant, the numerous
decorative lights on various rides and makeshift stalls were blinking
rhythmically as if they were also contemplating on their life in that fair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When Pavitr was born, like any
exhilarating father, Pawan had also thought of a lot of things for his son, he
also had several expectations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Unfortunately, it seemed none of them
were actually working the way he wanted them to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lately, Pawan had noticed Pavitr was reading
fiction stories a lot. He had shown not much interest in science and maths
ever. Also, Pavitr was nowhere near as physically active as Pawan was. True, he
used to go out and play with other kids, but that was something he was not
really keen about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Even though Pawan didn’t want to admit
it, sometimes he felt a mild disappointment and got worried about his son’s
future. His daughter, on the other hand, was quite a studious student and was
doing pretty well in school including science and maths; the two subjects that
Pawan always thought were the core of any kind of professional life afterwards and
which he thought were crucial for higher education. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">However, there was a certain calmness
about Pavitr, that always used to reassure Pawan in an unexplainable way, as if
nothing could ever go wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Papa, you know Spider-Man was created
in 1962 and since then it has been one of the most popular superhero ever,”
Pavitr chimed happily, caressing his action figure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan didn’t say anything. He just
smiled and put his hand on his son’s head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“He is so innocent,” Pawan said to
himself, “and vulnerable,” a voice came from far corner of his mind. Pawan
tried to shrug it off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While entering the car, Pawan had no
idea how in a few years Pavitr will declare his absolute disinterest in science
or maths and would ask for pursuing a line of education that was completely
unfamiliar to Pawan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Interior designing has a very
promising career Papa,” Pavitr insisted, “There are numerous job scopes.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Arre, but how well you can be able to
earn, decorating other’s homes?” Pawan said, trying his best to suppress his anger,
“Is that even a job? Isn’t it done by architects?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They had a bit of argument, which was
very rare, as Pavitr hardly ever refused Pawan over anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">That night, while lying on his bed,
Pawan stared at the ceiling fan. he felt exactly the same way, 25 years ago,
when he had decided to go for a course in a faraway city against his father
will. He remembered how everyone in the
home was sad, including his elder brother and sister. His mother was in tears
and was sad to such an extent that she was unable to say anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan knew he was hurting his family,
but he had a very distinctive confidence that he was unable to explain, even to
himself. He knew that what he was going to do, was crucial, necessary for his
later life. “I won’t be able to feel whole if I don’t do this,” Pawan had said
to his father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Early in the morning when it hadn’t
even dawned properly, Pawan was ready with his luggage. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Everyone in the home
was asleep, except his parents. He went inside their room and touched their feet
without saying anything. Just when he was about to leave, his father called
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Sit,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan woke up next morning and went to
see Pavitr, who was already up and was on his computer as usual. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Come here,” he said, “Sit,” he
motioned at Pavitr’s bed. Pavitr sat beside him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Are you really sure that you want to
do it?” he asked Pavitr, staring into his eyes. Pawan noticed that his son’s
eyes were reflecting the kind of determination that was not so unfamiliar to
him. He remembered the day when he was of the same age and was about to leave
for the college. Pawan had a feeling that Pavitr was as confident and
determined as he was back then. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Yes,” Pavitr said simply, looking at
his father expectedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As Pawan was about to leave, Pavitr
called him from behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Papa,” he said, “Do you really know
why I want to do this?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan turned and faced his son, trying
to read his face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Because I have been in the search of
myself for a long time. I think this course will help me find him, whom I lost
way back long ago.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Like a flash, the memory crossed
Pawan’s mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Just when he was about to leave,
Pawan’s father had called, “Beta, baitho idhar.” He motioned towards his wooden
chair near the study table where he always used to sit while reading a book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pawan hesitantly sat on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I know what is it,” his father said,
“I know how you feel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Really, Pawan thought to himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Putting a hand on his shoulder,
Pawan’s father smiled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“We all need to find ourselves in one
way or other. The journey of life is all about losing and finding. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We come to
this world with numerous ambitions and expectations. Sometimes they are met,
sometimes they are not. In the entire journey, we keep losing our old self
because it is crucial to move forward and find the ultimate purpose.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">However, once in a while, we need to find
that old self and tag him along because if it wasn’t for him, none of us would
have achieved whatever we have achieved. This is an infinite procedure and only
stops when you stop breathing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Here is some money. If you need more,
write a letter. I will send you the money order,” Pawan’s father handed him an
envelope and looked at him, smiling, “Go and find yourself. All the best.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I know it sounds silly,” Pavitr was
saying, “But I feel like I have lost a part of myself somewhere in the past,
which is irreplaceable. I don’t know how or why, but I have this feeling that
this course will help me find him and let me do well in my later life.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After a momentarily pause, Pawan said,
“Fill up the online form today only and make the payment. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Don’t delay. And
start preparing for the entrance.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The smile on Pavitr’s face was enough
to let Pawan know how happy he was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I won’t disappoint you, Papa,” Pavitr
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Smiling, Pawan put his hand on his
hair softly. “I know you won’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sometimes, Pawan felt that with advent
of life, he lost himself in the crowd way back long ago. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">However, he knew that
he found his old self; he could see it reflecting through his son, smiling reassuringly
at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">THE END<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-51880908995351975112016-11-14T05:36:00.000-08:002016-11-14T05:42:17.369-08:00The prisoned existence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAC-mFjrNVp__DgJbqGM4yzHBtibKkTKUo6-Z_nkFS6ELu8vXAEzfHSdnArFckyg-WshPXL-uVp92Fe7wcZBXaKcQnvJ7OyakrmHSkqg6NMF7b-Kw6_LDanZVxr91cnu2epUKSGPhcbqY/s1600/prisoner_xxx0x3__lonely_shadow_by_hailzone-d7vu1pc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAC-mFjrNVp__DgJbqGM4yzHBtibKkTKUo6-Z_nkFS6ELu8vXAEzfHSdnArFckyg-WshPXL-uVp92Fe7wcZBXaKcQnvJ7OyakrmHSkqg6NMF7b-Kw6_LDanZVxr91cnu2epUKSGPhcbqY/s400/prisoner_xxx0x3__lonely_shadow_by_hailzone-d7vu1pc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The prisoned existence <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not alone, I
am not alone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though loneliness
is family now,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The endurance
has worked for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nevertheless,
the extent of it remains questionable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I see happy
people all around me,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Smiling and
laughing and applauding life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My brother
keeps convincing me,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Such circles
make you positive,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I couldn’t
help feeling the opposite,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day and
night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At times,
the defining line vanishes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leaving me
in doubt, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With what’s
real and what’s virtual.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No, not
virtual,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More like a
dream. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Either this
society disappoints me,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or I am not
the one for it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whichever is
the case,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I surely
need to get out of it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Run away? No
sir, absolutely not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s escape
that is in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From all of
it,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From all of
them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All the
virtues of life,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have shattered
in front of my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The purpose
has become purposeless,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And meaning
has lost its meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s some
unknown force,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That’s
driving me from behind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pushing and
pulling,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like a
puppet,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Attached to
rusty strings. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There’s a
fire, an urge,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To leave, to
say good bye.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am just
bidding my time,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Smiling and
being normal,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Against my
will. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Brother said,
time heals it up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe I am
extra-terrestrial.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me, the
legendary time,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Has only
deepened the wounds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Father told
me, to meditate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I couldn’t,
not that I didn’t try.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I fear the
darkness,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I fear
shutting my eyes,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though it
has been an old friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And it brought
another friend,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Insomnia,
into my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every day, I suffer in silence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every day, I
count my days, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like a
prisoner,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wishing against
hope,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To let go of
the memories. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Brother and
father think high of me,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish they
knew,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I might have
hit the rock bottom,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And couldn’t
find the ladder there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The prison
has become home, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I don’t have
any more hope.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though the
flicker of good memories,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Help me to
keep myself sane. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have not
given up,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I don’t have
further expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just want
the peace,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That I used
to have<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my mother’s
lap once. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I guess, it’s
too much to ask for now… </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-82745461900506896772016-08-31T06:33:00.000-07:002024-03-22T04:37:52.205-07:00The Chair<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wskaVZtLjrqCGga9hDgir-PbewaVpAUktnnYLISpg9u2XFMKMjSXE4M4r08nmpKgNUSAqL2h9skwBdbU8Y_f8R2jMGlXGVsgnjLjQiiQdlIAKA04cIugmHVRb2do307nzBkddPoZNoJy/s1600/The+Chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wskaVZtLjrqCGga9hDgir-PbewaVpAUktnnYLISpg9u2XFMKMjSXE4M4r08nmpKgNUSAqL2h9skwBdbU8Y_f8R2jMGlXGVsgnjLjQiiQdlIAKA04cIugmHVRb2do307nzBkddPoZNoJy/s400/The+Chair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The moment
the clock ticked 11 in the night, the jingling of the keys was heard. A few
seconds later, the Doctor entered his apartment. Quietly, he removed his shoes,
went to washroom and came back 10 minutes later. All the while, the ancient
grandfather clock in the hall was ticking away, in slow rhythmic motion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“And the state police is still
looking for the culprit who broke into museum last night. The officers haven’t
yet found what was stolen, but the investigation is going on actively,”</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> the reporter in the television
continued reading in her monotonous voice while the Doctor prepared some dinner
for himself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He entered
his bedroom and placed his plate of dinner on the floor. Sitting on the bean
bag, he picked up the plate, stared at it for one full minute, and before
beginning, muttered to himself, “I’m getting too old for this shit.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Silently
chewing the same old dinner that he is having for six years now, the Doctor
couldn’t help looking at the one corner of his room that he dreaded most. A
picture was sitting on the wall rack; a beardless, more human-looking himself
with a smiling kid and a pretty girl. The dim, yellow lights were hiding most of
the kid and the girl’s face. Still, the boy’s smile and the girl’s eyes were
highlighted somehow. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All of a
sudden, the Doctor almost threw his plate on the floor and sprang up from the bean
bag. Grabbing a bottle of whiskey and a pack of smokes from the hall table, he
hurriedly made himself a drink, neat, and lit one of the cigarettes with
shaking hands. Inhaling deeply, he released a thick puff of smoke. He was
visibly calmed now, his hands no more shaking. However, the battle inside his
head raged on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Slowly, he
returned to the bedroom with his drink and smoke and sat on the bed this time,
quietly looking at the picture, while sipping from his glass. Reluctantly, his
eyes were drawn to another object in the room; a calendar. “Six years, four
months, three days, 22 hours,” he whispered to himself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He heard
some commotion in the adjoining apartment. “Bloody neighbours,” he muttered
again as the noise increased. Suddenly, he heard loud thumps on his door. He
tried to ignore it, but the thumping increased. “Go away! I’m off duty now!” he
shouted, but in vain. It seemed that the visitor was determined not to leave
till he saw the Doctor. Angrily, he put on his shirt, walked towards the door
and opened it. “What?” he almost shouted at a scared looking teenager boy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Pplease
ddoctor…” the boy said, stuttering, “My…my grandpa, he is not well.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I’m off
hours now,” the Doctor said grumpily, even though he knew that moments
afterwards, he will be carrying his bag and exiting his solitary apartment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Jus…just
come for once doctor, he… he doesn’t look we…well…” the boy insisted, shaking. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“You called
the ambulance?” the Doctor asked as a last effort to get rid of the boy.
However, he had already picked up his bag and was wearing shoes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“No, no…
mumma is not home, so…so I called her and she told me to get yo…you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Alright,
alright, let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They both
entered the neighbouring apartment. Though the Doctor had been living in the
building for almost six years now, he never befriended the neighbours and this
was first time he was entering another apartment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The hall
strongly smelled of medicines, dust and poverty. The paint on the walls was
chipped off and there was barely any furniture. The boy led him to a small,
gloomy-looking room. A rickety old fan was dangling from the ceiling, spinning
slowly making a lot of noise. The window panes were open, though it wouldn’t
have mattered even if they were closed as all the glasses on it were either
cracked or shattered. There was a dirty, spotted curtain tied to it, which was
swaying slowly in the wind, giving the impression of a spirit with white robes,
leaving the room. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were
only three objects in the room; a metal bookshelf, a rickety wooden chair and a
rusty iron bed beside it, with someone laying on it, covered in thick blankets.
The boy pointed towards the bed. The Doctor slowly walked to it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was a
very old man on it, moaning, with his eyes closed tightly. The Doctor knew that
the man was in pain as his brow-less forehead was contracted with numerous
wrinkles. The moment the Doctor saw the old man’s face, he knew that he had
counted days left.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Doctor
was about to sit on the chair when the boy suddenly said, “Not there, don’t sit
on it.” The Doctor looked at the boy, but didn’t reply. Putting his bag on the
floor, he approached the old man. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Where’s
your mom?” the Doctor asked touching the old man’s forehead. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“She’s not
back from work yet,” the boy said, a bit calmed down but still shaking
nervously. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Doctor
nodded and took out his stethoscope from the bag. After checking the old man’s
chest with it, he took out his notepad and wrote some medicines. It was just a
normal fever, nothing serious.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Get these
medicines, the fever should wear off till morning. And close the windows,
otherwise he might catch cold,” the Doctor said, giving the prescription to the
boy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Thanks,”
the boy murmured and accompanied the Doctor to the door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*** <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bright
sun rays felt like a blast of light as the Doctor woke up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Shit,” he
muttered, looking at his wristwatch that he was still wearing. Getting up, he
stumbled upon the empty bottle of whiskey. An overloaded ash tray was sitting
on the windowsill, with several cigarette butts laying around it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Readying up
hurriedly, the Doctor left the home, forgetting to switch off the lights in the
hall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the
strike of 11 in the night, the Doctor entered his apartment and after
freshening up in the washroom, he entered the kitchen to prepare some food. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“In yet another bizarre robbing
incident, the office of state archive department was found broken this evening
and just like the last time, the culprit hasn’t taken anything. Police and the
authorities are confused regarding the intentions of the culprit,”</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> the reporter blurted in her mechanical
tone as the Doctor entered the bedroom with his dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Six years,
four months, four days, 19 hours,” he said to himself as he chewed a piece of
bread. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Though he
likes to live alone, the most dreadful moment in the Doctor’s life is when he
has to go to sleep. For years, he has trained himself to sleep as less as possible,
without losing his sanity. However, after a particular hour in the night, he is
not able to resist the sleep and then it happens, all over again; first, the
happy laughs, the warm, comforting touch of the skin, the innocent smiles,
those pretty, big eyes, and then, the fire, the shrieks, the paralysis, the
inability to do something, anything, and last, the smell of burnt meat, the
suffocating fumes and a captivating dizziness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every single
day since last six years, the Doctor is having the same dream. He visited the
psychiatrist, his parents, his friends…nothing worked. The dream just kept
haunting him every single night. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hence, he
came out with his own device; he started to drink, and drink heavily and he
began smoking too. Sometimes, when he thinks of it, he can’t stop smiling at
the irony. He was known as a teetotaller among his friends…she used to be proud of him, telling her friends that how the Doctor sets a perfect example for the
kid. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it is
gone now, she is gone now, the kid is gone now…and the Doctor? Well, even if he
likes to think that he has no purpose left in this world anymore, there he is,
as alive as any human being can ever be. So, he is just going with the flow.
His hollow, empty eyes neither looking to the future nor reminiscing him of the
past. He is just a dead man among the living ones, or maybe, vice versa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The thump on
the door brought him back to the present with a shock. In frenzy, he stood up
hurriedly, knocking the dinner plate in the process. Cursing himself, he went
to the hall and opened the door. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Grandpa is
better now. He wanted to thank you. If you are free for a while, can you please
come and meet him? He is unable to walk much, so…” the boy from the other night
was there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Staring at
the boy for a moment, the Doctor went inside without saying anything. In a
minute, he came back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The old man
was sitting on the bed, supporting his back on the headboard. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Really
obliged to meet you my dear sir, I can’t thank you enough,” the old man greeted
the Doctor in a surprisingly bold and firm voice, which the Doctor was not
expecting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“You look better,” the Doctor said, trying to smile. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Again,
thanks to you,” the old man grinned under his toothless lips. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As soon as
the Doctor was about to sit on the chair, the old man almost shouted, “No! Not
there!” Taken aback, the Doctor looked at the old man in bewilderment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Please
forgive me for my indecency, sir. You can sit on the bed, there is plenty of
space.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The old man
shifted a bit and the Doctor sat beside him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“How are you
feeling now?” the Doctor asked.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I’m fine,
at least for now.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Where’s
your daughter-in-law? Is she still at work?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I guess so,
but she should be here anytime now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“And your
son?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The old man
looked outside the window for a while and without answering the Doctor’s
question, said, “I’m sorry that I acted rude.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“It’s fine,
I didn’t mind,” the Doctor said, avoiding any awkwardness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Well,
there’s a story,” the old man said. After a brief pause, he continued, smiling,
“There is always a story, isn’t there?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I am all
ears,” the Doctor replied. In a weird way, he actually felt good about sitting
beside an old man and listening to his story instead of going to bed. This way,
he will get a few hours more to avoid that ever-haunting dream. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“You must be
wondering, why I didn’t let you sit on the chair,” the old man said, shifting
under his blankets, “Actually, the thing is, till recently, I used to be an
atheist, since as long as I remember, I never believed in any god, or for that
matters, any supernatural entity that controls the human beings.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The old man
paused again. The doctor was looking outside the window; he could see the tiny
lights blinking and moving in the distance, and a river, reflecting the
moonlight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Then I got
the news from my doctor that I was not going to live for many days,” the old
man continued, “That’s when it all started to change.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“My grandson
got this chair for the visitors. However, one day, all of a sudden, I don’t
know why or how, I felt like, I need something, or someone, to help me with the
pain, which can ease the suffering, make me feel like I am not alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“That was
the day I decided to worship this chair.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This broke
the string of thoughts in the Doctor’s head. Flabbergasted, he looked at the
old man, who was keenly watching the chair with a soothing expression on his
face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“That’s when
things became better. I know I will be leaving soon, but this chair, it will be
there for me, forever, in this life and the one after that. It is my god now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The old man
was exhausted with all the talking. Breathing heavily, he closed his eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Doctor
waited for a few minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“It will be
alright, don’t worry,” he patted the old man’s arm. When he didn’t reply, the
Doctor got up and left. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I don’t
know what happened! He was fine! All of a sudden, he started to gag and now…and
now…he…he is not moving! Please…please hurry up!” the boy was crying. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Doctor
immediately picked up his bag and rushed to the next apartment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“What
exactly happened?” he tried to ask, but the boy was weeping uncontrollably. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Doctor
almost ran to old man’s room. “Damn family,” he muttered angrily, “Where the
heck are this boy’s parents always.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Entering the
room, the Doctor rushed to the old man, when suddenly, a bizarre sight almost
gave him a seizure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The old man’s
head was resting on the chair, as if someone had dragged him half to it from
the bed. However, it was not just that; his head was not resting on the chair
exactly, it was hovering a few inches above of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With his
eyes closed, the old man was smiling pleasantly. The Doctor slowly approached him.
Checking his nerves, he found that the old man was dead for sure. He tried to
lift his head and put it on the bed, but he was unable to do so. Tired of
making efforts, he asked the boy, “Where are your parents? Have you called
them?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The boy was
standing near the door, sobbing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“They won’t
come, they never come,” he said, his whole body shaking. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“What do you
mean they won’t…” the Doctor looked angrily at the boy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The boy was
staring at him and the Doctor looked into his eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Is he with
his god?” The boy asked, with a deep voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Doctor
was unable to move, it was as if someone had clamped him tightly. However, the
moment passed. As soon as he came back to his senses, the Doctor grabbed his
bag and ran out of the house. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He entered
his apartment, packed all the necessary stuff and left it in frenzy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He even
forgot to pack the picture with the girl and the kid. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He had no
idea where he was going, what he was doing and how he was doing it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All he knew
was, that he needed to get away from that apartment, that old man, that boy…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And most
importantly, that chair. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-85151523915529743912016-06-02T13:21:00.001-07:002024-03-22T04:38:21.684-07:00The Waiting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzACAoT8uf8uYU0KC6UJhgPo3qUyIZvj6FmG0y_N2XcEMBbkjkQuJj3uH9SIOllAkyJPSDf7PXdCtS_GzaVUurp2Wzqb8ZMAmEyOZqnak8XXRPq6pP-RygW6xtr6PteXj0nWesntTi-rGW/s1600/808__s_and_heartbreak_by_mattjean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzACAoT8uf8uYU0KC6UJhgPo3qUyIZvj6FmG0y_N2XcEMBbkjkQuJj3uH9SIOllAkyJPSDf7PXdCtS_GzaVUurp2Wzqb8ZMAmEyOZqnak8XXRPq6pP-RygW6xtr6PteXj0nWesntTi-rGW/s400/808__s_and_heartbreak_by_mattjean.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“Papa, I
finished 3rd<sup> </sup>in the essay writing competition.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“That’s nice
Abhraus, congratulations.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“But papa…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">What is it
son? Is something bothering you”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“Umm, I’m,
I’m not…” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“Speak up
Abhraus, is everything alright?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“I’m not
feeling happy papa, even though I went on the stage and everyone clapped and I
got to shake hands with the chief guest, I am not feeling happy at all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“Isn’t it
weird?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“Well, you
will have to wait for it son.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“Wait for
what papa?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“The
happiness of course, it will come to you. All you just have to do is to wait…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Shubhang Saurav presents<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Waiting</span></span></h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">I called the
bookshop guy third time this week, and got the same answer for a third </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">time
this week; The Fountainhead was unavailable and I will have to wait for some
more time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I don’t know
why I remembered this particular instance always. But I know how I remember
this particular instance always; it had the word “waiting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I never
actually understood what it really meant. For me, the world revolved around
tiny materialistic elements, till the age of, umm, I guess 19? 20? Yeah,
somewhere near that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">An artist, a
writer, a designer, a harmonica player, a poet…. Sounds cool right? When you
imagine a person doing all those stuff, you picture someone really, really cool
and adorable and liked by everyone, right? Well I was that person. I mean, I
still am. And no, trust me, growing up doing all those stuff and spending a
major part (read all) of all your teenage days with it, not cool sir, not cool
at all…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">DISCLAIMER:
This is supposedly a love story (kind of), if you are wondering what the hell
is it. Just “wait” and have some patience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Cutting the
bush, let’s come to the straight point… yes, points can be straight. So, hi, my
name is Abhraus Bashuhng. I know weird name. Well, my origins and past is
equally weird too, but let’s not get into all those things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">You already
know who or what I am… I have written it in one of the above paras, in case you
forgot about it. Hence, you might have assumed a little bit about my nature. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Yes, I am an emotional, sensitive, caring and loving person who can be an
asshole to you in no time and for no reason at all of a sudden and can leave
you flabbergasted for hours, days, months or even years while you will keep
boiling your head thinking of all possible reasons why I treated you in that
particular manner and still you won’t come out with any plausible answer,
neither you will get it from me because well, mostly I have no idea why I
behave like that. So, yup, don’t expect any explanation from me. “Deal” with
it. (Phew! That was some really, really long sentence).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So I was
emotional and I was in my early 20s and I was just off to college and I was
looking for? Bingo! Yes, getting started with my love life! Well, frankly, I
was not looking for anything like that, but c’mon, you can’t deny what a young
man wants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So, well, it
all started with me finding an old schoolmate of mine on Facebook, because
going for a girl from your batch and college is too mainstream. It started with
just the casual chat thing and then one thing happened after other and one fine
day, when the sun was yellow and sky blue and clear, I realized for first time
in my life that I was in some deep love! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Now, how you
know it is love and not infatuation and attraction? For me, it was very simple;
it is love if you start worrying your head off whether the person with whom you
are in love with is taking her meals on time, whether she is OK or not or
whether she is laughing enough or not. It is absolutely not love if you are
dreaming of seeing her naked one day, doing, umm, things with you…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So yeah, I
was in love. For the first time in my life. And god, she was beautiful. Seriously, I never thought the feeling of
loving something alive, with eyes and ears and hair and all thing human, would
be so wonderful. For me it was always video games, books and movies. But it
never felt like it felt now. This was the love on a whole new level. Needless
to say, a few minutes with her on phone were enough to make my days bright and
full of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">It went on
for almost a year and a half. Oh yes, I never proposed to her. But then, I
proposed her. And it all changed. That’s when I learnt why loving books and
movies and video games was different altogether from loving her; they had no
other option than to love me back, unlike her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Initially, I
was broken. But as the elders always say, “You are young, you shouldn’t be
disappointed. If you want something or someone, you get it no matter whatever the
hurdles are!” (There came a time later in my life when I was one of those adults
and that’s when I realized not all adults are serious and caring; sometimes,
they just want to grab a bucket of popcorn, sit behind and watch the show).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I was young
and I was disappointed, so, I decided to not be disappointed anymore. I started
to strategise with all the options I had to get her. I worked for months,
trying to get in shape, quitting bad habits, acquiring more skills to impress
her and do whatever I could have done to make her realize how much I loved her
and cared for her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">And after
months of hardship and efforts, which included me almost being kicked out of
college for flunking way too many classes, finally the big day came. I went to
her city. I dressed as gentlemanly as I could have. I met her. And looking into
her eyes, I held her hands in mine and came a little closer to her, a bit
closer than the average space between two communicating human beings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I could
smell her perfume, or deodorant, or talcum, whatever it was. It was nice,
sweet. Just like her. I knew it was my moment of triumph. All those months,
when I worked hard to make myself eligible for her, came in a slideshow in
front of me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Now, I don’t
know who said that, but I remember, a wise man once said “At your moment of
glory, your victory, you see all the efforts you have made in order to achieve
it.” That dude was one wise guy, can’t remember though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So, yes,
there I was; close to her, holding her hands, staring into her big, innocent
looking eyes. Finally, I gathered the courage, and said the three magical words
– “I love you, will you be mine?” OK, those were not exactly three words, but
to hell with that. There, I did it! My head was floating with such happiness
that can’t be described in words. She looked at me, smiling…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">And she said
no.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I stared
back at her, as if I didn’t understand what she just said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">This time,
she was a little bit louder and clearer; “No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I blinked.
No. Can’t be happening. I am the perfect guy. No, who the hell invented that
word in first place? No, why for god’s sake my heart was beating like a machine
gun? Can’t those smartass scientists do anything about it, with all the medical
advancement available nowadays?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">No. Yes, it
was a no.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So while I
was still pondering on all the mysteries of universe and how the heck the thin
kid sitting next table of the food plaza of the mall where we rendezvoused was
eating a triple-decker burger all by himself, the girl decided to elaborate her
no.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">“Abhraus, we
already talked about this. I like you, but not in that way. I mean, you are a
very good friend of mine. But that’s it. I know you must be hurt. But that’s
why I told you beforehand, because I didn’t want to hurt you. But it seems you
are hurt nevertheless.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Aarrgghh!
Too many buts! She said a couple of more things and when I didn’t respond and
acted like a vegetable, she put her hand on my head sympathetically (or
pathetically) and left, while I fantasized about ways of butchering the damn
wise man who told me that stupid shit. Who was the moron anyway? I wish I could
remember.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, that
chapter closed here and I moved on gradually. No, that “gradually” didn’t
include numerous sleepless nights when I had to resort to a balm or some
similar ointment or me crying for hours like a new-born baby or my friends
trying their best to stop me getting a fourth beer in one go. None of that
happened, nope, not at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Just like
the Bollywood movies, I buckled up and focused on my career, with only one aim
in my life; to acquire the world with my passion and skills! To show the world
who I was and what I was capable of! To rule my field! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Then I went
to another college for some more studies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">At this
point of my life, I had literally became indifferent. Oh, that dog looks sick?
Fuck that. Oh, are you sad? Fuck this. Oh, you think I missed a punctuation
there Fuck you. That was the summation of my life in this new college. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">At this
point, I had also discovered one incredible thing that had left me
flabbergasted; god loved to screw with me often. It was like his fun game. I
don’t believe in god and all, no seriously. But then, I am the guy who knows
for sure that if something idiotic is happening for no reason at all, it must
be god. I belonged to that class of atheist, I still do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So, this
college was comparatively more fun. I made cool friends. The course was cool.
Girls were pretty, and they talked with me. Why, they loved to hang around with
me! Now this was something to which I was somewhat new. Most of the time, I
used to be invisible among the girls. But this college was sweet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">With great
responsibilities, come greater, deeper anal probes. I know that sentence
doesn’t make any sense. Ignore it. So it just happened that after a few months,
I was in love again, desperately. But I was shit scared too. I don’t think I
was ready to go through all the trauma once again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">However, one
day I decided, to hell with it. If I won’t have anything to gain, I didn’t have
anything to lose too. And I proposed to a girl who was a good friend of mine.
Though I didn’t make any efforts and I didn’t dress gentlemanly and I wasn’t
that nervous, this time, the girl said yes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">I was the
happiest man on earth that day. I promised to myself I will do everything for
her. I will make her the happiest girl on the planet and she will be grateful
for having me in her life and she won’t ever think of leaving me alone for any
reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">The one year
that followed was a pleasant one with her. Though I told her beforehand we
might not be together forever, she cried and wept and made me promise that we
will make it together, no matter whatever happens. So before I knew it, I
started to change, and when I fell in love with her blindly, I didn’t even
remember it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Now I think
of all those days, I think I was thinking very loudly and god must have heard
all of it. And he must be like “Woah! That guy! How come he is roaming around
with that happy grin on his face for such a long time? He needs some spanking,
alright!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">And unsurprisingly,
soon it all was taken away from me. The girl left me for no reason at all, all
of a sudden, without any ultimatum or warning, not even giving me enough time
to grab a beer this time. She said, “It is not happening. I can’t carry on.”
And she left me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">On a second
thought, she actually left me for several reasons, most of them idiotic and
stupid of course. Before I knew it, caring and loving became being over
possessive and nagging and hence, one day, when she realized I am just another
guy in her life, like her many other male friends, she chucked me out, like
that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So here I
was; a writer, a poet, a harmonica player, a designer and now, a sort of
philosopher too, standing in middle of nothing, feeling like a vegetable again.
But things were different this time, I was not that much broken or shattered. I
guess the immunity strengthens with every experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So, I
buckled up once again, focused on my career, held my head high and… wept like a
new-born baby. Ah, this vicious cycle, never ending. Yes, I was hurt. No, I
didn’t give any shit like the last time. Even though I tried to convince her,
it was only half-heartedly. I mean, who wants a girl in his life who runs away
the moment you get in some difficulties? So, now I think of it, it
happened for better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">And here I
am, back to ground zero. No idea where it would lead to now. Friends told me to
buckle up and focus on my career, saying she was just a part of my life whom I
gave the amount of importance that she never deserved and it was good she left
me. Seriously, why these guys have to be high as fuck all the time? Part of
life? Well, that part of life screwed me badly! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">No, please
don’t get me wrong here. I know this story was cooler before I started the whining, but trust me, it is still cooler. So, here I am, as being named by one
of my friends, “jack of all trades.” Good things are still going on with me and
guess what, there is someone new! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">On one hand,
where the frequency of having a girlfriend has increased with time, the
frequency of my emotional swings has reduced significantly. Now, I just go with
the flow. There are people out there who won’t leave my side in my darkest of hours, even if god tries his best with an extra-large bucket of popcorn. And
that’s all matters to me now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">So why this
story? If you are wondering why you spent a quarter of an hour reading this,
remember; god still has got the popcorn bucket. He will keep sending morons in
your life to make you feel moronic about yourself. But at the end of the day,
it is all about your strength. No, I am not talking about that strength, you
idiot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">If you are
going through this or anything similar, remember, the waiting is crucial, the waiting is the need
of the time, the undefined dimension of the universe. If you master to learn
its secret, it will yearn fruitful results, in form of people, profession or
something else, that will make you happy, because isn’t it the summation of
life? The pursuit of happyness? (Yes, that’s a Will Smith’s movie’s reference.
No need to point your finger out). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">The Waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">The End.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-5347547050367944692016-05-29T01:32:00.000-07:002024-03-22T04:38:32.993-07:00Raju’s late night lesson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pmo9Jr5cwXZu3QqXNNR4c-KkdHir7EmIFQP3gOAbyTLP_YPHd63_FfPdbsBtnh4eABM0B-JHUqwIOM4Tf9HG9UHEzDJQJVHEDX1Xgumy8eTAYVMPSr9Qo9YfUOR56fddufS7ErZaIDAj/s1600/mult_39_vector_20120115_1530732767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pmo9Jr5cwXZu3QqXNNR4c-KkdHir7EmIFQP3gOAbyTLP_YPHd63_FfPdbsBtnh4eABM0B-JHUqwIOM4Tf9HG9UHEzDJQJVHEDX1Xgumy8eTAYVMPSr9Qo9YfUOR56fddufS7ErZaIDAj/s400/mult_39_vector_20120115_1530732767.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Raju the toy car loves to roam around in the night when his parents are asleep. However, he never expected one of those nights to be one of his most memorable one, ever. My one of the first attempts with children's stories. Honest feedback is more than welcome. :-)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Raju’s late night lesson</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Raju
was not sleepy at all. Though his mother had scolded him sternly, try as hard
as he might, he was just not in the mood to go to bed. So when his parents
finally dozed, he snuck past them and quietly exited the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“OK,
what should I do now,” he whispered to himself. After pondering for a couple of
minutes, he decided to visit his best friend, Banti. He cautiously moved
towards Banti’s home, taking care of his engine’s sound.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Don’t
you think it is bedtime, Raju?” Raju knew this voice. With a shock he turned
around. Why, it was old grandpa Bat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“A
little toy like you should be sleeping at such an hour,” grandpa Bat said,
slowly moving towards Raju.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Now,
though Raju is a toy indeed, he considers himself a very special kind of toy.
After all, he is a racing car that runs on two AA batteries and is probably the
fastest toy among the pile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“I
don’t want to sleep,” Raju said, “And I am not a little toy anymore grandpa, I
am all grown up.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
Bat laughed. “Of course, you have,” he said, “But still, you need proper rest
to make sure that you grow up even more.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“But
I am not feeling sleepy at all,” Raju insisted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
sighed and said, “Well, you toys of today’s generation, just never listen to
adults. You know, once, when I was of your age, I was very proud of myself and
used to think that there was no ball in the world, which I couldn’t beat. But
one day, it all changed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“What
happened?” Now Raju was curious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Well,”
grandpa continued, “Once they used a leather ball instead of the usual rubber
one and god, my belly felt as if a volcano erupted inside it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Haha!”
Raju visualized the scenario in his mind, and found it very funny, “Then what
happened?” he asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
looked at him, and said laughingly, “What what happened? My mother had to massage
me with oil for one solid week before I was able to play again. I am still
looking for that leather ball. I think it ran away after hitting me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Hahahaha!”
Raju was now laughing uncontrollably. “This is the funniest story I have ever
came across,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
was also laughing with him, “Yes, yes. Though at the moment I was very much
angry, eventually I also found that the incident was funny and it ended up
teaching me a lesson.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Lesson?
What lesson?” Raju asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“That
you should never boast about yourself and you should be humble,” grandpa said, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Even my friends laughed at me for days after the incident. Nevertheless, I had
learnt my lesson.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Suddenly,
another voice came from the distance, “You think that was funny? Wait till you
hear my story.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Both
of them looked at the source of the voice. It was Vicky, the 8-in-1 pocket
video-game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Come,
come Vicky, you are not feeling sleepy too?” grandpa invited him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Well,
not much,” Vicky said, “It’s too hot and my circuits are feeling a little bit
strange. So I thought I should go for a stroll.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Vicky
bhaiya, please tell,” Raju said excitedly, “What’s your story?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“It
seems someone is having a really good time here, right?” smiling, Vicky brushed
Raju’s hair lightly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“So,
what’s your story, son?” grandpa asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Vicky
sat beside them. “Well, you know, back in my time, I used to be the most
desirable toy. Everyone wanted me and loved to play with me. I used to feel
like a king, until that one day.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“What
day?” Raju asked curiously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“I
used to be very proud of my circuits. However, one fine day, I started to run a
racing game that went for hours. My mom told me to take a break but I didn’t
listen to her. As a result, soon, my circuits got heated up and all of a
sudden, they stopped working.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Vicky
sighed and looked at the sky, “It took me weeks to get repaired up and start
playing games again. Till then, I just became a mere object whom everyone
tossed around. Why, someone actually played with me like a racing car, dragging
me on the table until my shiny black paint chipped out. It was such a shame and
embarrassment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Played
with you like a car?” Raju was laughing again, “I am sorry for laughing, but I
pictured you like it in my mind and it’s really funny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Indeed
it is,” Vicky said. He was laughing too, “You should have watched me back then;
I looked like a brick being dragged in all directions aimlessly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“So
what happened next?” grandpa Bat asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“I
learnt my lesson, of course,” Vicky said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Another
lesson?” Raju asked, “And what was that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“No
matter how much talented you are or whatever skills you have got, you need to
respect yourself and know your boundaries. Overdoing anything in your life
leads to troubles and distress. And if you use your skills properly, they will
always garner good results,” Vicky said, smiling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“These
are the best stories I have ever heard,” Raju said to both of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Did
you learn a lesson from it, Raju?” grandpa asked, smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">All
three of them laughed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Of
course, grandpa,” Raju said, “I learnt that being humble is the best behaviour
one can have and it is always good to know your limits and work properly to
improve it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Good,
I am happy that you liked it,” Vicky said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">All
three of them looked at the stars for a while. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“So,
what now, you two?” grandpa broke the silence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Well,
I am off to sleep,” Vicky said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“And
I am off to meet Banti,” Raju announced, getting up from the stone parapet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">Grandpa
started laughing. “Look,” he pointed towards the rising sun, “it is morning
already. What sleep, eh? Better you two go and have some breakfast. And Raju,
you can meet Banti afterwards.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Woah!
It’s morning already? Raju exclaimed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“All
right you guys, it was a good session. Let’s have more such meetings,” Vicky
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 115%;">“Of
course, but this time, no one will laugh,” grandpa said, laughing and the other
two joined him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-10852129655105299992016-04-15T23:32:00.001-07:002024-03-22T04:38:47.854-07:00That kid from 90s<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonYSfJ52yOPjt4ZaT9f7mea0UmlSwgQKJW_CdNJhoDPRg4Lna0QyFbBpf4zRMF65An_J5sc23A-fxo_xw59BZRU4NvEb-hEAAOg5apvT2wP0x6OVyg6Jn_om7MUV99w4AJcEv3Jpmom6Z/s1600/fatherson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonYSfJ52yOPjt4ZaT9f7mea0UmlSwgQKJW_CdNJhoDPRg4Lna0QyFbBpf4zRMF65An_J5sc23A-fxo_xw59BZRU4NvEb-hEAAOg5apvT2wP0x6OVyg6Jn_om7MUV99w4AJcEv3Jpmom6Z/s1600/fatherson.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Yes, a lot of us
have spent our childhood in 90s. While some of us moved on with the life and
remembered the decade as one of the sweetest memories of our life, there are
some who never got out of that golden era. Of course, they grew old physically,
but something of them got stuck there, forever...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;"><br />
That kid from 90s </span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Jungle
Jungle Baat Chali Hai Pata Chala Hai, Chaddi Pehen Ke Phool Khila Hai Phool
Khila Hai.”</span></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh was so
much startled that he hit his head hard with the cupboard above his study
table, trying to find the source of the song in a frenzy. Of course, it was the
TV in d<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>rawing room. But<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>“this”</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>song?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Papa, papa, see
Papa!” Raju was dancing on his tiptoes excitedly and pointed towards the TV.
What Ramesh saw, it gave him goose bumps. It was the same old Jungle Book, from
his own childhood, with Mowgli and Bagheera and Baloo. Except that unlike his
favourite cartoon series, it was a live-action adaptation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Apparently,
Disney was making a new movie on the classic Jungle Book story and it was a
trailer that they were broadcasting on TV. Ramesh watched in awe as the
characters from his childhood emerged on the screen in spectacularly realistic
forms. “I want to watch this movie, Papa!” His six-years-old son pulled at the
hem of his shirt, still jumping around. Ramesh looked at him, smiling. The song
had brought back so many memories…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh is a grown
up adult now, thanks to all the years that passed by since his childhood. He is
grown up enough to get a job, get married and have a kid of his own. He works
in a reputed IT company, has a nice, cosy home and a lovely family that
consists of his wife and son and his parents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Now, Ramesh is
not your usual Indian adult, no sir. He belongs to an era when the kids in
India were having the best days of their lives. Like any other 90s kid, he
spent most of his childhood and teenage days preoccupied with several activities
ranging from playing with WWF cards to reading comic books of Nagraj and
Bankelal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh still
remembers that one time when his teacher first introduced computers and he
stole the rubber ball from the mouse, when he longingly waited for Sunday mornings
to watch his favourite cartoons and shows on Doordarshan, and when he had a
fight with his best friend who cheated in the game of Snakes & Ladders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">You would ask,
what’s so special about Ramesh? He is just like any other 90s kid, right? Well,
yes, he is, mostly. However, what really makes him different from the other
children, or adults of his age, is the fact that even though Ramesh is the
father of a kid now, try as hard as he might, he can never stop thinking of all
those golden days of his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Even though he is
doing great, providing for his family and taking care of his old parents, more
than often, he finds himself trotting on the path of his past, which he knows
will never come back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">This one time, he
was in a music store, browsing for a good pair of speakers for his iPad, when
he came across something; it was a Sony Walkman, showcased in a glass box.
Hesitatingly, he asked the shopkeeper about its price. the shopkeeper stared at
him for a while, and said, laughingly, “Sir, that is just for the showcase. No
one listens to it anymore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">That was when
Ramesh realized how old he had grown. Another time, he took Raju to get him ice
cream. When they reached the ice cream parlour, Ramesh spotted a very old man
selling a particular kind of sweet toffee with which Ramesh was very much
familiar. He remembered how the sweet was crafted into watches, necklaces and
wrist bands, which he and his friends were very fond of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh asked Raju
whether he wants one or not. Raju looked at it for a while and said, “This is
disgusting. How someone can play with their food? I will get my ice cream.”
Ramesh couldn’t help but remember how much he used to insist his mother to buy
one of those sweets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">So, this is our
Ramesh. Amidst all the happiness, the only thing that really makes him sad at
times is, he misses his childhood more than anything else in the entire world,
and no matter how hard he tries to relive those moments with his only son, it
never goes as he expects. Raju has absolutely no interest in all those stuff.
He is just a normal kid who loves his PlayStation 3 and gaming PC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“PlayStation 3!”
Ramesh suddenly remembered. Raju wanted the new Call of Duty game so much. He
had been insisting to Ramesh for a long time. However, Ramesh had planned to
gift him the game on his birthday, and it was Raju’s birthday tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Hurriedly, he put
on his shirt and rushed outside. It was 10 in the night but he knew of a game
shop which would be open at this time, hopefully. The road was blissfully
empty, with hardly any traffic as the rush time was over. However, just when he
was a few blocks away from the shop, he spotted something and pulled the breaks
of his car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">The car stopped
abruptly with a screech. Ramesh got out of it and slowly moved towards a dingy
looking shop. It was a toy shop; a very old one. He knocked on the door, but
found that it was already opened, with one of the hinges broken. Hesitating a
little, he entered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">There were all
sorts of toys inside; cars and dolls and catapults and spinning tops… Every
corner of the shop was bringing back a flood of nostalgia to Ramesh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">He picked up a
spinning top and the rope with which it was played. He remembered how he used
to have a match with his friends, betting on whose top would knock out the
others. He remembered those days as if they happened just yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">The inside of the
shop was all rickety and smelled of old wood and dust. Ramesh wondered how the
shop was so big from inside when it appeared so small outside. Putting the top
back on the shelf, he approached the dusty counter and ringed the bell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">At first, he
thought no one was there to answer him. A little bit disappointed, he was just
about to leave when a very old man came out from the inside of the shop,
smiling at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“How may I help
you, sir?” the man asked with a warm smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Umm, actually, I
was looking something for my kid,” Ramesh said hesitatingly, “but…” “But you
are not sure what you should get him, are you?” the old man completed the
sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Yes, yes,”
slightly taken aback, Ramesh said, “Uh, can you please help me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Of course!” the
old man said jovially, “That’s why I am here. So, what kind of games your kid
likes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh was blank.
He had a look at almost all the toys in the shop and had no idea what Raju
would like most among them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">The old man
stared at him for a while and then said, smiling, “Don’t worry. I know what the
child would love. Give me a minute.” And he went inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">After a while, he
came out with a box. “Here,” he said, putting the box on the counter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh looked at
it in disbelief. It was a board game, and not just any board game. It was
“Ludo,” his most favourite one. A slideshow of pictures started to scroll in
front of Ramesh’s eyes. He was best in the game. He used to beat his cousins
and friends every single time. They actually used to call him the king of Ludo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“It will be his
favourite too, worry not,” the voice brought Ramesh back to the present. The
old man was speaking to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Well, OK. I will
take it,” he said and took out his wallet to pay. Suddenly, he remembered
something. “I would take one more thing,” he said to the old man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Driving back to the
home, Ramesh couldn’t help thinking about the shop and the old shopkeeper.
Suddenly, he remembered something with shock. How the old man knew Ludo was<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>“his”</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>favourite
game? He sharply turned his car and drove to the shop. However, for some
unknown reason, he never found it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Just when he
parked the car at home, Ramesh realized that he completely forgot about Raju’s
game. “What was I thinking?” he murmured to himself. Anyway, he decided to gift
him the game of Ludo and hoped that Raju would like it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Papa! You got
the new Call of Duty!” Raju came running to him the moment he entered. Smiling,
Ramesh procured the Ludo box from behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Confused, Raju
asked, “What is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Find it out
yourself,” Ramesh encouraged him to unwrap the box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">When Raju saw the
Ludo box, he asked Ramesh again, this time, a little bit annoyed, “What is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“This is a game
of Ludo, Raju,” Ramesh said, “It’s a board game, and really an entertaining
one. Come here, I will teach you how to play with it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“But I don’t want
it,” Raju was in tears, “I wanted my game, and you got me this? I don’t want
it!” He threw it away and ran to his room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh was hurt.
He looked at the scattered tokens and die.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Don’t feel bad,”
his wife said, “it’s just that he has never played it. Give him some time, he
will get it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh didn’t say
anything, he was too tired and hurt. He just went to his study table and sat,
lowering his head. He recalled how happy he was when his father had got him
Ludo for one of his birthdays. It was not an ordinary one; the board was
laminated and the die was shiny and big, like a gem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">He tried his
best, but he was not able to control his tears. “It was a mistake, those days
are long gone, never to come back,” he whispered to himself, “I should never
have got him this game.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">He decided to
return Ludo first thing tomorrow morning and get Raju’s video game. Just when
he was about to get up, someone pulled at his trousers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Papa, I’m sorry
papa,” it was Raju, his cheeks wet with tears, “I’m sorry papa, I shouldn’t
have thrown it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh put his
hand on Raju’s shoulder and said, smiling, “It’s OK Raju. I will get you Call
of Duty tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“No papa, I want
to learn how to play it. It looks interesting,” Raju said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh looked at
his wife who was standing at the door. She gestured him to go ahead and Ramesh
knew who convinced Raju to give Ludo a try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Alright, it’s a
very easy game, but nonetheless, a very fun one,” Ramesh said, putting the
board on the table and arranging the tokens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Four players can
play it, each having an option to select tokens from green, blue, red and
yellow,” he started to teach as Raju watched keenly, “Each player gets a turn
to roll the die and move their respective tokens accordingly. Are you getting
it Raju?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Yes papa. I want
to give it a try,” Raju said enthusiastically, “Can we have a game right now?
Please?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Of course, but
just one game, OK? It is late and you have to sleep,” Ramesh said, “but before
that, I have something else to show.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">He reached for
his trouser pocket and pulled something out. It was a spinning top with the
rope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“What is it!”
Raju asked excitedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Do you want to
learn how to play with it?” Ramesh asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">“Yes! Of course!”
Raju said jumping around him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">Ramesh didn’t say
anything. He just smiled and looked at his son who was now seven-years-old. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;">The year was
2016, but who said 90s were over? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-77552929101344961642016-03-23T12:22:00.001-07:002024-03-14T21:30:31.849-07:00 श्वेत पट पर श्याम चित्रित होली<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLx-VHbth_o4Ucx6F6JvpxTC0Him3mLPYfgjUfMKbQXu6ehq6inlCFBdiFpdKE27bLJdcYwFkTXsSR1h8t4li86tTd0XVx9jEAncO98dLDkvtDSk4y6Q4f3Wt2XPq1FoKM5Ac0NJEKYoSL/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLx-VHbth_o4Ucx6F6JvpxTC0Him3mLPYfgjUfMKbQXu6ehq6inlCFBdiFpdKE27bLJdcYwFkTXsSR1h8t4li86tTd0XVx9jEAncO98dLDkvtDSk4y6Q4f3Wt2XPq1FoKM5Ac0NJEKYoSL/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Often people complain that their life is too "black and white." What they forget is, both black and white are colours and doesn't define the aspects of being "colourless."<br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>श्वेत पट पर श्याम चित्रित होली </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
निद्रा है, स्वप्न भी है </div>
<div>
पर जो अंतरात्मा झंझोरती </div>
<div>
वो वास्तविकता से सामना भी है </div>
<div>
बेमन से दफ्तर की ओर बढ़ते कदम </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
अनायास ध्यान आया </div>
<div>
रँगो का त्यौहार है </div>
<div>
होंठो पे एक मुस्कुराहट भी </div>
<div>
अनायास ही झलकी </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ख़ुशी निश्चिंततः ना थी </div>
<div>
हालाँकि ये गम की हँसी भी ना थी </div>
<div>
तो आखिर माज़रा क्या था?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
वो कुछ नहीं, बस बचपन<br />
और बीता वक़्त </div>
<div>
पास आ कर </div>
<div>
जरा मखौल कर गए थे</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
उसी क्रिया की प्रतिक्रिया थी </div>
<div>
मखौल ही तो था </div>
<div>
वरना होली दिवाली में </div>
<div>
ये दीवालापन मस्तिष्क का</div>
<div>
सवाल ही नहीं था </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
सर झटक प्रयास किया </div>
<div>
खुद को वास्तविकता में वापस लाने का </div>
<div>
लेकिन ये कमबख्त सोच </div>
<div>
अपने घोड़े आज किसी </div>
<div>
और दिशा में दौड़ाने को अड़ी थी </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
आवाज़ दी उसने </div>
<div>
क्या होली भाई तुम्हारे लिए?</div>
<div>
यही अब जिंदगी की सच्चाई है </div>
<div>
कल में झूलना छोड़ दो </div>
<div>
इसी में तुम्हारी भलाई है </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
मैंने सर झुका </div>
<div>
नीम के काढ़े जैसे </div>
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उस अंतरात्मा की आवाज़ </div>
<div>
पर हामी भर दी </div>
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और बोझिल क़दमों से </div>
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अपने गंतव्य की ओर बढ़ा </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
दुहाई हो, </div>
<div>
इस श्वेत-श्याम जीवन की </div>
<div>
मैं बड़बड़ाया </div>
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<br /></div>
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तभी, हाँ, बिलकुल तभी,</div>
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बिजली के कौंध सा </div>
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आँखों के सामने </div>
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अनगिनत रंगो के मेल का </div>
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एक जोरदार धमाका हुआ </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
और मेरी दृष्टि </div>
<div>
स्वयतः फैलती चली गयी </div>
<div>
ये रंग, जाने-पहचाने से थे </div>
<div>
अरे! इनसे तो बहुत पुराना नाता था,</div>
<div>
मैं कैसे भूल गया?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
आज भी याद है </div>
<div>
मोर को नृत्य करते </div>
<div>
जब पहली बार देखा था </div>
<div>
और इन रँगो से रूबरू हुआ </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
कदम ठिठक गए </div>
<div>
इस बेमौके की याद पर </div>
<div>
और सोच फिर से </div>
<div>
सैर को निकली</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
लेकिन तभी </div>
<div>
एक दूसरी आवाज़ उठी </div>
<div>
मेरे अंतरात्मा से ही </div>
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और कहा </div>
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<br /></div>
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मैं ही आदि, और मैं ही अंत </div>
<div>
बचपन से तुमको </div>
<div>
है इसकी खबर </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
फिर किसने कहा </div>
<div>
श्वेत-श्याम की होली</div>
<div>
होली नहीं होती?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
मैंने ही तो रचा है </div>
<div>
आखिरकार, वो भी दो रंग हैं </div>
<div>
तुम भेदभाव क्यों करते हो? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
मत करो </div>
<div>
बस आनंद लो </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
क्या पता, आने वाला कल</div>
<div>
इन दो रँगो की ही </div>
<div>
बुनियाद पर बना हो? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
बस आनंद लो... </div>
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<br /></div>
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वो आवाज़, हाँ वही आवाज़ </div>
<div>
पहले भी कई दफा सुनी थी </div>
<div>
अनजान हो कर भी </div>
<div>
जानी-पहचानी सी थी </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
मन तो अभी भी बेमन था </div>
<div>
लेकिन दिल की धड़कनों ने </div>
<div>
कुछ अलग सा रुख ले लिया </div>
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<br /></div>
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होंठों पे फिर एक </div>
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मुस्कुराहट थी </div>
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और क्यों ना हो भई </div>
<div>
होली का त्यौहार जो था </div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-47804009980846832652015-04-22T10:22:00.000-07:002024-03-22T04:39:00.381-07:00THE PROMISE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PKPa-GoC2GRKFph1DO7kprAj8RkbhFF8yqYsGb_uAQeu8TPr-xoFJ2Ey269huVeUoXe9ihTCo21qkkJhsXkjMkaEVP27G2zbWACqDAiNSSzs2MQF1tHL0oWcFSA9DFwXpfzexDOyFaZ2/s1600/stock-footage-woman-standing-alone-in-the-rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PKPa-GoC2GRKFph1DO7kprAj8RkbhFF8yqYsGb_uAQeu8TPr-xoFJ2Ey269huVeUoXe9ihTCo21qkkJhsXkjMkaEVP27G2zbWACqDAiNSSzs2MQF1tHL0oWcFSA9DFwXpfzexDOyFaZ2/s1600/stock-footage-woman-standing-alone-in-the-rain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">We all have made that one promise to that one person and never
gave much thought while breaking it. Have you ever pondered upon how much that
promise meant to that person?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Promise</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Standing at the old street of Raviwar Peth
at Pune, I was expecting a surge of nostalgia. After all, it had been more than
ten years since I last came to this place. However, far from nostalgia, I was
not feeling anything, not even coziness that this street used to provide
whenever Seya and I used to come here. What I was feeling was, I don’t know how
to put it, a blankness - without any color or memories. </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The raindrops were a relief. Of course, I
carried an umbrella. It is unwise not to carry one especially in the month of
August in Pune. Apart from a couple of things like the crowd of Raviwar Peth
and old, jerky buildings here, another thing that </span><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">hadn't</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> changed was Pune’s
rain; unpredictable with brief duration, but momentous enough to drench you in
a few moments.</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I realized I was thinking so much about
the things around me that I totally forgot about my purpose and why I was
standing in a hideous street full of rickety infrastructures and shadowy
people. Why I was thousands of miles away from my town, across continents and
oceans? What brought me here? </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Ah, yes, she told me to meet her at this
place. Alarmed, I scanned the jewellery shops across the street. No, no sign of
her. Involuntarily, I looked at the watch. Damn, it had been two-and-half hours
already! It was one of those rare occasions when I had to wait this long to
meet someone since school.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Like past seven months, my heart was still
beating with an unusual, strange rhythm. Though doctors told me it was nothing
to be worried about, I knew something had changed. I had this feeling that this
change, whether for good or bad, had taken a significant toll on my life. No
matter how hard I will try, it won’t return back to the time when things used
to feel so good, so comfortable, so….normal.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">No matter how hard I tried not to indulge
in past, I guess being at Pune and not thinking about my life was something
that was beyond my will. Slowly, I found myself thinking about school more and
more and about her too.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The bell was about to ring and I was already panicked.
It had been more than an hour but there was no sign of Hari. Irritated, I
checked my watch for umpteenth time. “Damn it nerd,” I said to myself. As
usual, Seya was sulking around trying her best to look in my eyes.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“What?” unable to take it any longer, I snapped.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Nothing.” she said in an I-don’t-care tone.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Then stop creeping me out.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Suddenly, I saw him. “Hari!” I shouted across the hall.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Taken aback, Hari
looked at me for a full minute, and then he looked behind him. Irritated, I
shouted again, “Yes, you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Duffer, but I can
understand. It’s not a very usual thing to see a super geeky nerd talking with
me, Anusha Mehta, one of the most beautiful girls in the school, or as boys
used to say, “the hottest chick around.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“He..Hey,” stammering, Hari came to me hurriedly.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wearing my best fake
smile, I looked at him lustrously, “Hey, hi. Congrats for winning the science
Olympiad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Who told you?” he
looked at me, dis</span><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">believingly</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I sighed. Well,
totally understandable. Me following the on-goings of science Olympiad is again
something which was highly unusual.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Oh c’mon,” I said,
keeping my smile intact, “something that prestigious happens in the school and
I won’t know of it? Not a chance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">A bit embarrassed, Hari started, “Well, nothing
out-of-the-box, you know. This was just state level competition. It will be
really hard to crack the national tournament.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“That I know you will.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Really?”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I slowly came closer to him and pinched one of his
cheeks with my fingers. Whispering in his ears, I said, “Do you doubt me?”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Oh no! No no! Nothing like that” he said, a bit
scared.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Then can I expect a help from this prodigy?”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Hit with a surge of passion, he asked, “Anything, anything
Anusha. Whatever you say.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Okay, I really need to finish that physics
assignment, but you know, I have to prepare for my debate and also have to
write an article on 18<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>century
England. I don’t know how I will manage all of it.” Saying that, I stooped a
little and sighed that was audible enough for Hari.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Valiantly, he put his palm on my hand. “Why you worry
so much when you have me as your friend? After all, if friends won’t help in
the time of need, who else will? I will do your assignment. You prepare for the
debate.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I looked at him in the best-relieved way possible and
hugged him tightly. I guess it was too much because he was literally dazed for
a few moments.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Smiling, I bid him goodbye, but he was rooted to the
place, looking at me, mesmerized.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Suddenly, I felt a jerk at my arm; Seya was dragging
me away from Hari. When we were at a good distance from him, she turned to me.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Here it comes,” I rolled my eyes.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“What is wrong with you?”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I was bored of this question and bored of the
conversation that always followed.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“What are you talking about?”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“You know damn well what I am talking about.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“It’s no use to ask a question the answer to which you
already know.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">There. Bull’s eye.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I fired my ultimate shot, and now it was Seya’s turn.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">And I know what was coming.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">As always, these brawls used to end with her not
talking with me for days and sulking more than ever. Nevertheless, I was
familiar with all her tactics and knew how to coax gentle and sulky Seya Mathur.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Okay baba, sorry.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">No reply.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“I won’t do it again.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">No reply.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“I swear on my life.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Will you just shut up?” it was her turn to snap.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I looked at her innocently and spread my arms.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“That look won’t work with me, you know.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">But anyways, she came to me and we hugged, the smile
returning to her face.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">So, that was Seya Mathur, my childhood friend.
Coincidentally, both our fathers worked for same IT firm in Pune. We were
neighbors since as long as I remembered. We grew up together and attended same
school. More than best friends, we were like sisters. Hence, it was a joyful
day when both of us were allotted the same section in 12<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>grade. That was more than I could have
wished for.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">However, as they said, opposite poles attract each
other. It was something like this between Seya and me too. Though we both were
good in literature and arts, I was the “trendy” one and she was well, your
usual “behenji” sort of schoolgirl.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I was hot. There is no doubt in it. She, on the other
hand, used to wear these thick-rimmed specs and loose uniform that I hated like
anything. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Look at me, my uniforms are a size smaller. You know
it develops your personality and makes you appealing.” I used to nag her
constantly.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“I don’t want to develop my personality in that way.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">So, moral of the story, I was hot and I knew how to
utilize it. Despite constant warnings from Seya, I never used to miss any
chance of exploring my looks for getting work done. Whether it was getting
grades from male teachers or getting assignments done by nerds, I knew how to
play. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Like an old woman about to give lecture on life,
stooping a little and pointing a finger at me, she said, “I don’t know why I
care about you so much, but this will leave you with nothing in your life, just
keep it in your mind.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I grabbed her finger, “If I get into any trouble, you
will be always there for me.” I said, laughing.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">She looked at me, smiling a bit sadly.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“I won’t always be there, you know.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The raining had increased. I looked again
at both sides of the streets. Still, empty like a ghost town. I wondered
whether it used to be this empty always or is it only today?</span><u1:p></u1:p></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Yes, she was right. She left me very soon
after that conversation.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />Just a week after our
12</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">board exams
finished, a rampaging truck killed Seya. Her fault? She was just walking on the
footpath. Apparently, the truck driver was drunk enough to lose his senses and
rammed right into her.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
I cried a lot. It was not like I really missed her, but it was shocking to have
your best friend dead with whom you have spent so close times. Nevertheless, I
was sad. Later that day, I went to hospital, but doctors </span><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> let me in
saying her body was beyond recognizable. However, I didn't listen,
and rushed into the ward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Now I think of it, it was a huge mistake and the
thought of it still haunts me.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I was expecting a dead body; instead, what I found was
a seeping and reddened lump of deformed flesh on the bed. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I shrieked and fainted.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">It was all dark, and Seya was saying hurriedly,
“Listen, you have to make a promise.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“W..What promise?” I said, stammering.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“That you won’t die.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“But why would I do that?”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Just promise me, please.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">She was desperate. I noticed she was going away from
me.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Seya!” I tried to catch hold of her hand but she was
slipping away as if a strong force was dragging her away from me.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Just promise me!” I heard her voice from a distant
place but I couldn't see her.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">When I opened my eyes, I was at my home and mummy told
me it had been several hours since I was unconscious. I asked about Seya. She
told me her funeral was over already. I didn't say anything, neither did I
weep. It seemed that my mind had entered some kind of unexplained blankness.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I checked the watch again. It was getting
cold now. “Quarter past seven,” I said to myself. I was worried now. What if
she don’t show up? To pass the time, I sat on a nearby stone parapet.
Reluctantly, my mind started to ponder the reasons that led me back here in
Pune.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">After school, things went pretty smooth. I went to
America, did my MBA and got a job at one of the good banks. I used to get a
good pay. But with time, my needs started to increase. Money was something for
which I was ready to do anything… and I did everything.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I slept with my colleagues, my customers, my boss…
Anybody who was in the position to provide with money and luxury, I used to
sleep with that person.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Very soon, my social stature took a significant leap.
I became a member of elite class society. With parties, functions, social
gatherings, and award shows, I never dreamt or expected that things will take
such a turn.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">For ten years, it went really good. I never married,
because I knew I won’t ever be happy with one person and secondly, I knew I
won’t be honest to one person.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Well, luxuries have their own price.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">With growing age, my charm declined and so did my
admirers. Now, I was not their fantasy anymore. They stopped noticing and
taking care of me. In less than six months, I had to shift from a marvelous
bungalow to a small apartment in New York. I was alone - no family, no
children, nothing. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I </span><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> even have enough money to go back to India. I
had abandoned my parents a long time ago when they were constantly urging me to get
married.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Nevertheless, I had to live, and for that, I needed
money.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">So, after trying my luck at hundreds of job vacancies,
I resorted to one thing that I never thought I would have to do – selling
myself for money.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Now, it was a downpour, even the umbrella
was doing less to protect me. Suddenly, at a distant, I saw someone. It was all
blurry due to the heavy downpour, but someone was moving towards me.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">One day, while shopping for the grocery, I saw someone
in the store that froze my bones; it was Seya. Yes, Seya as I saw her
last, before her death. She was still that young. It can’t be, I said to
myself. Nonetheless, there she was, staring at me from one of the ends of the
store. I rushed towards her, pushing the crowd. However, when I reached there,
she was nowhere to be seen.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I was not scared. No. I was just shocked beyond
anything. How could it be?</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">After searching for a while, I left the store,
convincing myself it was just an illusion or something like that.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">It didn't end there. I should have known better. Since
that day, no matter wherever I went, she was always there; lurking behind some
corners. As soon as I used to spot her, she used to run into some dark corner or alley.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">It started to affect my work. Already I was doing
lowliest of things to barely survive, desire to find her out started to drive
me insane. For days, I used to search for her in any random places. There was
not a single street, alley or shop in New York where I didn't look for her for
past one year. But whenever I saw her, she used to vanish. At times, I even ran
frantically shouting her name, but in vain. The cops started to suspect
me; maybe they were thinking that I escaped from an asylum.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">One day, I just had enough and I decided to end this
all for good. I didn't ask for this and I don’t think I deserved a life like
it. So, one morning, I made a rope tying a few bed sheets and tied it with the
ceiling fan of my bedroom. Just when I was about to hang myself, I found a
piece of paper lying on the chair beneath. I was pretty sure there was nothing
on it when I stood on it. Slowly, I came down from the chair and picked up the
paper. It was a note written in hand writing:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“If you want to meet me, come to Raviwar Peth at seven
in the evening on the seventh day.”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">It didn't take me much long to identify that familiar
writing. A chill ran through my spine. With shivering hands, I folded the note
and put it carefully in my cupboard. Lying on the bed, I stared at the fan with
the rope still dangling from it. What does it mean? How is it even possible? Is
it some kind of hoax? Is someone playing a disgusting prank on me?</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Deep inside, I knew it was not a prank. So, I started
to think about what was written in the note. I had enough money to make a
one-way trip to India. Anyways, there was nothing left here. I had to start
with a new beginning.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Therefore, the next day, I started preparing and in a
couple of days, I was off to India.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">As the person came nearer, I realized it
was silhouette of a girl. Suddenly, I noticed myself dreading to face her even
though I knew who she was. In a moment, she was standing in front of me. Seya
Mathur wore the same smile that she had the last time we met.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“This…. This can’t really be possible!” I
said, hoping against hope that what I was seeing was just a hallucination and
not reality. But against all my hopes and pleading, it was her standing here, as
solid as the textile stores behind me. Still, something was unreal about her.
For one thing, she </span><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">hadn't</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> aged and was still in the same clothes in which she
died.</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">With quivering hands, I tried to touch her.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“You still don’t believe, do you?”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I retracted my hands quickly as if they
touched a live wire. God, it was her voice for sure. However, it had lost the
warmth and chirpiness that it used to have. Instead, a cold and hollow tone had
replaced it, like a metal container was falling in an endless well or pit.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“You! Why you are after me? What do you
want!”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Unable to control my yearlong anger and
frustration, I burst out.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">She </span><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> say anything. It made me more
mad. Slowly walking towards me, she stood just a few inches away. I could see her
eyes; they had lost their liveliness and a void had occupied them, without any
feelings, expressions or life.</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">In the same cold, hollow voice, she said,</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“You remember how much I cared for you.
What I asked you to promise me?”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Transfixed, I just nodded a little.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">She looked deeply into my eyes, her smile
transforming into a grin.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“But you </span><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> listen, you never listened to me.”</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I was out of words; it seemed that
something was sucking the life out of my marrows.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Anusha, you are dead.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I don’t know why, but these words hit me like the claws of a wild animal. I was scratched and bruised, though not physically. I </span><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> even know what it meant, but I panicked and started
shrieking. Suddenly, there was a sharp lightening; so strong that I closed my
eyes for a moment.</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">When I looked again, she was no more there.
Frantically, I looked at both sides of the street. The rain had stopped and
the crowd was jostling in the market.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">I never found Seya Mathur again. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-31898138421966119342014-12-29T00:13:00.000-08:002014-12-29T00:13:02.458-08:00My new fiction novel - Valiants Apoplexy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friends and foes! It gives me great pleasure to present before you my first solo novel - Valiants: Apoplexy. If you or any of your friends are into science fiction and fantasy, you won't want to miss this book. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Formalities aside, do buy the book! The price is really modest and I bet you will love it. </span><i class="_4-k1 img sp_5Em_GKHOCoP sx_de2a21" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(https://m-static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yg/r/N74Yz5v6w2Z.png); background-position: 0px -7986px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; color: #141823; display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: 16px; line-height: 18px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The book is available in e-format. To download, install Kindle app on your computer, laptop or</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> cell phone and download the book through it.<br /><br />Download Kindle:<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/digital/fiona/kcp-landing-page?ie=UTF8&ref_=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/gp/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>digital/fiona/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>kcp-landing-page?ie=UTF8&re<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>f_=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd</a><br /><br />Download e-book:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Valiants-Apoplexy-Shubhang-Saurav-ebook/dp/B00RHPXONQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419771058&sr=8-1&keywords=valiants+apoplexy" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.in/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>Valiants-Apoplexy-Shubhang-<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>Saurav-ebook/dp/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>B00RHPXONQ/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>771058&sr=8-1&keywords=val</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #3b5998; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Valiants-Apoplexy-Shubhang-Saurav-ebook/dp/B00RHPXONQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419771058&sr=8-1&keywords=valiants+apoplexy" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"></a></span>
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Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-53291595635798134482014-08-30T06:22:00.001-07:002014-08-30T06:22:32.720-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<object allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="never" data="http://s1.evcdn.com/store/stickers/flash/split.swf" height="275" id="sticker-P0-001-000003003-7" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="280"><param name="flashVars" value="&bg=000000&sid=P0-001-000000004-5&size=280&fg=ffffff&target=myspace" /><param name="movie" value="http://s1.evcdn.com/store/stickers/flash/split.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="salign" value="lt" /></object></div>
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<a href="http://concerts.eventful.com/Coldplay/demand?widget=1&viral=0" target="_new" title="Coldplay - Demand in your city"><img border="0" src="http://s1.evcdn.com/store/stickers/flash/assets/demand.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="width: 280px;">
<a href="http://concerts.eventful.com/Coldplay/widgets/demands" target="_blank"><img src="http://s1.evcdn.com/store/stickers/flash/assets/split/themes/widget.gif" style="border: 0px; height: 28px; width: 75px;" /></a><a href="http://eventful.com/demand/learn" target="_blank"><img src="http://s1.evcdn.com/store/stickers/flash/assets/split/themes/learn.gif" style="border: 0px; height: 28px; width: 78px;" /></a><a href="http://eventful.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://s1.evcdn.com/store/stickers/flash/assets/split/themes/eventful.gif" style="border: 0px; height: 28px; width: 127px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #999999; line-height: 30px;">View all <a href="http://concerts.eventful.com/Coldplay"><span style="color: #999999;">Coldplay tour dates</span></a></span></div>
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Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-59229849093106169062014-08-23T07:56:00.000-07:002014-09-20T08:29:33.853-07:00AND THE WINGS TRANSPIRE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJDHLd_d7QYzK1Ku1E3ew3ADMEMv2mz2M9p-XKdKPr-YSVMl3ebLLs7-brvrOSyFsE3xAPwWdkWzkebQ60sxuAIcaTbVXtL_8gER5ZYSUCEP7CDxw34XUcKaj8Dx0_hncVDz5x4bHDfzd/s1600/b4fe3d466c3dc41ca60607d289f34e20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJDHLd_d7QYzK1Ku1E3ew3ADMEMv2mz2M9p-XKdKPr-YSVMl3ebLLs7-brvrOSyFsE3xAPwWdkWzkebQ60sxuAIcaTbVXtL_8gER5ZYSUCEP7CDxw34XUcKaj8Dx0_hncVDz5x4bHDfzd/s1600/b4fe3d466c3dc41ca60607d289f34e20.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is this particular species of ants which grow wings when their life comes to an end. Ever thought what would you have done if such a phenomenon was with us human beings? What you will do? Where you will fly?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And The Wings Transpire</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She tried hard to smile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I admit, it was convincing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fidgeting with my fingers for a while</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew what her mind was conceiving</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was strolling on the granite tiles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His eyes staring the pallid ceiling</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The journey would take miles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His heart at its best was consoling</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Blackwell put his coat </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And slowly showed us the way</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never have thought</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To pretend will paint my face</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In such a gray</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it began</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was waiting for it</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But never expected </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For it to happen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In such a brief span</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My wings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stone cold</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But calm like sea</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their existence</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merged with mine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Defining my soul</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a vast spree</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy I was</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though I could see </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dark tunnel was visible</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In front of me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whose other end</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one shall foresee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such an irony</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The moment </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Terror reign my spirit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the verge of</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naming myself ‘Irit’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vision hit the brain hard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scurrying in a list</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game had already</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set the cards</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fly, yes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I flew to her</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To say what was unspoken</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I never intended to let out</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But this was </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Demand of time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And her tears proved</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the oscillation chimed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then again I rose</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up in the meek </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There they were</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, the touch of their skin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On my cheek</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would have wait </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Till eternity</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the voices </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were calling my name</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please, have a little more patience</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">O divine fraternity</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did this</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do that</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went there</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here too</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until the moment</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They begin the shredding</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More reasons to smile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love and light</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Filled my heart</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eradicating</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the possible ciphers of vile</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah, so it’s time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wings are gone</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so is the purpose</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gone? Wrong</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fulfilled; that’s now better</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yellow and orange waves </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Accompanied by eternal red</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though still I venture here</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The path to home is paved</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I shall not stop them</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It won’t be justice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But truly said</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was no gem</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They will understand</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They will smile</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That I know</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And me? Well</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My fingers still</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caress them</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where those unearthly wings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once reside</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-19751719264118098102014-07-07T05:41:00.000-07:002014-07-07T05:44:54.686-07:00TRIBUTE TO ONE WHO IS GONE FOREVER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJOHK0ZshU-i_XSk2r4yxiLtiOgpZ5X4qB2gQVJ6Nz_ef6OmOhyphenhyphenAbiumTQ7p-Hbsr8b4kcnj9U2WRdA9NeWp7FyCY7wI49lR0q1YRN_6nSngrCrS1XKnyQW7DCisjx1lMTe-YHePCeFLi/s1600/defiance39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJOHK0ZshU-i_XSk2r4yxiLtiOgpZ5X4qB2gQVJ6Nz_ef6OmOhyphenhyphenAbiumTQ7p-Hbsr8b4kcnj9U2WRdA9NeWp7FyCY7wI49lR0q1YRN_6nSngrCrS1XKnyQW7DCisjx1lMTe-YHePCeFLi/s1600/defiance39.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I wrote this poem for someone who used to define my existence
to a large extent once, but as fate had it, things turned unexpectedly as they
have a knack to do often and that person is no more there. I don’t know the whereabouts
but memories are memories. So, this creation is in tribute to the one who is
gone forever. Sorry for the simplistic and plain writing but sometimes, things
have to be crude in order to represent their true meaning or intention. Don’t you
think so? Hope you can relate to it.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<b>Tribute to one who is gone forever </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Have a glance around</div>
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And tell me what you see</div>
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Isn’t the world full of</div>
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Things from which you want to flee?</div>
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<br /></div>
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This so-called society</div>
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Built on rational elements</div>
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May seem to mount over</div>
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The principles which</div>
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You comprehend</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as you know yourself</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And as you know who are</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These two paradigms</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will mark the destiny</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a longing scar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rise, as you have always</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rise against your will</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rise till your body and soul</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cry for mercy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And beg to be still</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For I know you can do it</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know you have done it</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What it takes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the bravest men</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have so easily</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adopted it in your will</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the situation </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will pinnacle menacingly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will laugh at its face</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And God knows the menace</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will bow before you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a graceful pace</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So fear not anything</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it is the mark-o-nature</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just advance like always</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Breaking the barriers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And shifting aside all dangers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just remember</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you will falter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will be there to hold you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In one way or another</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when you will be</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On that zenith’s height</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When all the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will be at your might</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will always find me</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Among the crowd</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raising my thumb</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And with a smile really proud</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Great things </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are meant for you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And great things</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will achieve in life</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If nothing else</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You will always</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Find my best wishes </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By your side.....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-25777529831115572712014-02-08T01:49:00.000-08:002014-02-08T01:50:15.847-08:00THAT CRANKY OLD MAN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Walking through the streets,
we always encounter some very old and rickety men who look like lost in another
world. Often we wonder why they look so distraught and flustered. Pondering
upon such thoughts for a few seconds, we continue to our path and forget all
about it very soon. The fact which no youth think of or rather, don’t want to
think of is old age. Here is a poem of an old man on his deathbed which he has
written to the nurses who are appointed for his under taking. What he thinks of
them, of his perspective and the life which he has seen. Feel free to leave
your feedback and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>remember this poem
when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at
the young soul within ... We will all, one day, be there, too……………………</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That cranky old man.</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock
or shoe?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking
at me.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at
your will.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and
mother,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on
his feet</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover
he'll meet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives
a leap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised
to keep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of
my own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy
home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now
grown fast,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Bound to each other . . .. With ties that
should last.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are
gone,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> But my woman is beside me . . to see I don't
mourn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round
my knee,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Again, we know children . . . . My loved one
and me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now
dead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder
with dread.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> For my young are all rearing .. . . young of
their own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> And I think of the years . . . And the love
that I've known.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature
is cruel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look
like a fool.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and
vigour, depart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> There is now a stone . . . where I once had a
heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> But inside this old carcass . A young man
still dwells,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> And now and again . . . . . my battered heart
swells</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember
the pain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life
over again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone
too fast.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing
can last.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open
and see.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Not a cranky old man .</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. .... . ME!!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">*Inspired by the poem 'The old man' by David l. Griffith </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-34366470449586734742013-05-30T10:43:00.001-07:002024-03-14T21:31:04.640-07:00KOI HAI SAATH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev2rxnDvb5OtAPnhCq5DvJUh0UhDakC6CIiyrP907-sA_l3tdaMHbHSOAJpPs6cFF1aYxDSHyQPS-p3rhPqJ9WWiQgG6g9J9KfNpK9_3MqQ3tt4mbdoKeCOIIvA2Ra9jXXpdtRJNPNQIB/s1600/DSCF0412_my_footsteps__1172235139_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev2rxnDvb5OtAPnhCq5DvJUh0UhDakC6CIiyrP907-sA_l3tdaMHbHSOAJpPs6cFF1aYxDSHyQPS-p3rhPqJ9WWiQgG6g9J9KfNpK9_3MqQ3tt4mbdoKeCOIIvA2Ra9jXXpdtRJNPNQIB/s320/DSCF0412_my_footsteps__1172235139_full.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, writing after really a long time. Was entangled in earthly stuffs. You know, stuffs.......<br />
Anyways, this new poem is in Hindi. Yeah, I love Hindi as much as English. You may be thinking that why an English writer like me venture into the realm of Hindi from time to time. The answer is, there are some things which are expressed best in Hindi and Hindi only. Okay then, hope you will enjoy it. And do not forget to leave your feedback. They really, really help me to improve.........<br />
<br />
कोई है साथ<br />
<br />
चला जा रहा था बस<br />
ना क्षितिज का ठौर<br />
ना किसी मंजिल का ठिकाना<br />
बस चल रहा एक दिशा में<br />
चेहरे पर क्या भाव थे<br />
खुद मैं नहीं जनता<br />
बस पाँव ले जा रहे थे<br />
<br />
दर्द ? हाँ, दर्द तो था<br />
लेकिन कितना ?<br />
खुद हँस रहा था इस सवाल पर<br />
हताशा, जो पहले दिल पे छाई थी<br />
अब तो मेरी दुनिया ही रंगी है उसमे<br />
और ले-दे कर बची निराशा<br />
वो तो इन दोनों की परम सहेली है<br />
अंततः वो भी साथ हो ली मेरे<br />
<br />
सोच कहाँ थी ?<br />
विचार कहाँ थे ?<br />
मस्तिष्क के पट पर<br />
एक चलचित्र सी<br />
चल रही थी दोनों की<br />
जिसने आँखों को<br />
चौंधिया दिया था<br />
<br />
इन्ही ख्यालों में<br />
डूबता-उतराता<br />
बस बढ़ते जा रहा था<br />
रेत पर पैरों के निशान बनाते हुए<br />
<br />
तभी आभास हुआ<br />
कोई साथ हो लिया है<br />
आश्चर्यचकित, मैंने देखा उसे<br />
यह भला कौन साथ हुआ<br />
और साथ भी किसके<br />
एक ऐसे इंसान के<br />
जो आज शुन्य में<br />
परिवर्तित हुआ जा रहा है<br />
जिसका वजूद ही एक त्रास है<br />
उसके खुद के लिए<br />
<br />
खैर, जो भी है<br />
उसकी मर्ज़ी<br />
साथ देने को तो और कई थे<br />
इस अभागे को मैं ही मिला<br />
माहौल की नीरवता के वास्ते <br />
मैंने ही आखिरकार पूछ लिया<br />
कौन हो भाई तुम ?<br />
और मेरे साथ क्यूँ हो लिए ?<br />
वो इंसान सिर झुकाए<br />
मेरे साथ चलता रहा<br />
और मुस्कुराकर बोला<br />
भगवान्<br />
हा! भगवान् ?!<br />
यह अविश्वास नहीं था<br />
मेरे मन में<br />
बस नियति पे हँसा था<br />
<br />
अब मिले हो प्रभु<br />
मैंने हँसते हुए प्रणाम किया<br />
अब दर्शन दिए हैं ईश्वर ने<br />
कहिये कैसे कृपा की<br />
<br />
उसने, जो खुद को बता रहा था<br />
भगवान्, सृष्टि-संचालक, दुखों का हर्ता,<br />
मेरे कंधे पर हाथ रखा<br />
और बोला मेरे कानों में<br />
एक बार देखो अपने पीछे<br />
खुद के पैरों के निशानों को<br />
जो अथाह रेत में उभरे पड़े हैं<br />
<br />
मैंने उसे अविश्वास से घूरा<br />
क्या बोल रहा है यह ?<br />
आज जब जिंदगी रूठ कर चली गयी<br />
एक बेजान शरीर छोड़ कर<br />
और तकदीर ने मुँह मोड़ा<br />
तबाही का पैगाम लिख कर<br />
यह आया है मेरे पास<br />
कहाँ था अब तक ?<br />
जब इस विशाल संसार में<br />
कोई नहीं था अपना कहने को<br />
जब दुनिया ने त्याग किया था मेरा<br />
बिना किसी कसूर के<br />
आप तब कहाँ थे हजरत ?<br />
और आया भी है तो आज<br />
अन्धकार की हमजोली बन कर<br />
<br />
क्या चाहता है मुझसे ?<br />
हाँ, पीछे पलटने को कह रहा था<br />
देखूं भला क्या मंशा है इसकी<br />
इस सोच के साथ<br />
पीछे पलटा मैं <br />
<br />
देखा, तो बस देखते रह गया<br />
नीले आकाश के तले<br />
और स्वर्णिम रेत में<br />
उभरे थे निशान पाँव के<br />
जगमगाते, झिलमिलाते<br />
मेरी दृष्टि वहाँ पहुँच गयी<br />
जो शायद छुपी थी पहले<br />
<br />
देखा की मेरे अच्छे दिनों में<br />
जब मैं खुश रहने का आदि था<br />
और एक अनजान उर्जा से<br />
दिल उत्साहित रहता था<br />
दो जोड़ी पैरों के निशान थे<br />
जो साथ में चले आ रहे थे<br />
<br />
लेकिन जल्दी ही वो नज़ारा दिखा<br />
जिसने मुझे इस दशा में पहुँचाया<br />
वक़्त, वो वक़्त जिसने कमजोरी की<br />
ऐसी परिभाषा लिखी<br />
की मैंने खुद को<br />
ख़त्म करने में भी<br />
असमर्थ पाया<br />
और निश्चय ही वहाँ भी थे<br />
पैरों के निशान<br />
सिर्फ एक जोड़ी में<br />
दूसरा जोड़ा गायब था<br />
<br />
अब मुस्कुराने की बारी मेरी थी<br />
पलटा मैं वापस<br />
और कहा उस 'भगवान्' से<br />
छोड़ तो तुमने भी दिया ही<br />
जब मुसीबतों ने मुझे घेरा<br />
बस सुख के साथी बने रहे<br />
क्या फर्क है भई तुम में<br />
और उन बाकी सांसारिक जीवों में ?<br />
<br />
यह क्या ?<br />
फिर वही मुस्कराहट ?!<br />
वही हृदय में<br />
शूल की भाँती<br />
लगती मुस्कराहट<br />
इससे पहले मैं पूछता कुछ<br />
वो फिर मेरे समीप आया<br />
और जो कहा मुझसे<br />
आज भी शायद<br />
स्तब्ध खड़ा हूँ मैं<br />
वही का वही उसे सुनकर<br />
कहा उसने<br />
मैं तब भी साथ था<br />
आज भी साथ ही हूँ<br />
बस अंतर इतना सा है<br />
तुम्हे बिठा लिया<br />
अपने कंधे पर<br />
यह पैरों के निशान<br />
मेरे ही हैं<br />
कारण ?<br />
अब वह बताने की<br />
शायद जरुरत नहीं<br />
<br />
बिजली सी कौंध गयी<br />
मेरी रगों में<br />
झटके से उसकी ओर मुड़ा<br />
पर अब भला<br />
वह क्यूँ दिखने लगा<br />
जब होश में आया<br />
तो हाथ खुद-ब -खुद<br />
दिल पर पहुँचा<br />
और यथार्थ की तहें<br />
खुलती गयीं<br />
<br />
अकेला ? और मैं ?<br />
हा! फिर हँस रहा था मैं<br />
पागलों की तरह<br />
जोर-जोर से<br />
चिल्ला-चिल्ला कर<br />
<br />
कैसे व्यक्त करता<br />
मैं अपने उद्गारों को<br />
आँखों में<br />
जो सरिता उमड़ पड़ी थी<br />
बस वही थी<br />
मेरी श्रधांजलि<br />
<br />
फिर चल पड़ा था<br />
इस बार<br />
एक ऐसे साथी के साथ<br />
जो तब भी मेरे साथ होगा<br />
जब मैं खुद के साथ<br />
ना रहूँगा.................<br />
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Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-2832994919728208732012-07-29T23:49:00.001-07:002012-08-28T11:51:46.267-07:00IN SEARCH OF " ? "<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US">It has happened with many of us; </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">We were so sure that a particular
profession was meant for us but due to extremely unfortunate events, we were
forced to change the route.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">We knew we were destined to be with that
guy/girl but it never worked and now it seems there is no love left in the
world.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">We were so sure that what we believed was
the only truth and everything else was meaningless until recently when we
encountered a proof which forced us to think otherwise.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">So what does it mean? Are we
directionless, aimless and without any discipline? Is this world really meant
to be cruel with us all the time? Are we to never achieve things we want right
from our heart?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">You may find the answers in the following
poem, or you may not. It doesn’t matter what you choose or not, what really
matters is where it leads you in the search of what you deserve……………..</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">In
search of “?” </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">They are so convinced </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">They are so sure</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I see them relax</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">As if they got the cure</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">But when I see around </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It all seems so blur </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Though everything is clear</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Still it's so blur</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I think of that goal</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">To which I am destined</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Or of those believes </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Peace in which I find</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">But then I am</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">In this strange place</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Where the mind is</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">At a different pace</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I hear it say, </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">“Does it really matter?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">How can you be so sure?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It's not only the clatter?”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The clatter of self-deception</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The clatter of a vice</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The clatter which decides</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The game with a dice</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I know it's not confusion</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I know it's not some lack</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Can’t name this feeling</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Is it guiding me off track?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">I have seen people</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Who were dead set</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">But did terrible things to themselves</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">When their aims were not met</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Determination is one thing</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Flexibility is other</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">But again this mind</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Don’t reveal much further</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This is my conclusion</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This is what I think</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We all are is search of</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">An answer to the link</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">That link which says -</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Alright you don’t get it,</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">You can get ‘that’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">That link which explains -</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This you find better?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Feel free to follow ‘that’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This search of decades </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This search of eternity</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We all are on a journey </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">In search of </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">That unknown fraternity……………</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US">*Technical text. No need to read </span>6M3NB8C9RKB2<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-26192363827306203692011-09-06T06:49:00.000-07:002012-10-23T08:51:41.441-07:00PRINCESS AND THE COMMONER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We all have heard various Princess stories since our childhood
where a Princess meets her Prince charming or a commoner who happens to be no more
great than a Prince and they live happily ever after. But hold on folks!! The
practicality defies all the pleasures and comforts of fantasizing and happy
conclusions. If you don’t get the last line, read this poem. And don’t forget
to leave your precious feedback....……………<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Princess And The Commoner<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Once in a kingdom<o:p></o:p></div>
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Far far away<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the month of Christmas<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the cold winds sway<o:p></o:p></div>
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A fire was lit<o:p></o:p></div>
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And few commoners around<o:p></o:p></div>
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The sky was full<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chilling the folks<o:p></o:p></div>
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And making them frown<o:p></o:p></div>
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These commoners <o:p></o:p></div>
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Were sharing the day<o:p></o:p></div>
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As was their custom<o:p></o:p></div>
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After they dine and pray<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of them whose name<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I forget<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let's call him David <o:p></o:p></div>
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The fisherman with net<o:p></o:p></div>
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He asked other fellow<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whose name was Jack<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whose skin was fair<o:p></o:p></div>
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And hairs jet black<o:p></o:p><br />
“So Jack the fair”, David asked<o:p></o:p></div>
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“What you have today,<o:p></o:p></div>
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To tell the mass?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jack looked at the fire<o:p></o:p></div>
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And gave it a smile.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The other folks knew<o:p></o:p></div>
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That commoner’s smile<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now they knew<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was something worth<o:p></o:p></div>
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But they had patience<o:p></o:p></div>
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To hear it first<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jack sighed a little<o:p></o:p></div>
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and started his tale<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I’ll tell you<o:p></o:p></div>
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His adventurous hail<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Once in the park<o:p></o:p></div>
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He was with his lark<o:p></o:p></div>
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Selling flowers<o:p></o:p></div>
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As was his embark<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then he saw her<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Princess <o:p></o:p></div>
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And the guards<o:p></o:p></div>
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Without saying much<o:p></o:p></div>
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He bowed to her<o:p></o:p></div>
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A wave of radiant white <o:p></o:p></div>
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Caused his eyes to blur<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then she asked him<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Why, O fair florist,<o:p></o:p></div>
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What you suffice?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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But all he heard <o:p></o:p></div>
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Was a sweet music<o:p></o:p></div>
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With an angel’s voice<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a moment of dream<o:p></o:p></div>
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He told her so<o:p></o:p></div>
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He has got <o:p></o:p></div>
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Red, pink and yellow<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Princess laughed<o:p></o:p></div>
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At his commoners
voice<o:p></o:p></div>
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Which left him<o:p></o:p></div>
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Completely mesmerized<o:p></o:p></div>
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He felt enchanted and<o:p></o:p></div>
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Knew it was heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
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The princess took some flowers<o:p></o:p></div>
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And called him for more<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So it started daily<o:p></o:p></div>
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As the commoner<o:p></o:p></div>
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Had heard in lore<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her grace and charm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Along with her beauty and warmth<o:p></o:p></div>
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He waited impatiently<o:p></o:p></div>
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Every day to look forth<o:p></o:p></div>
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His day long stress<o:p></o:p></div>
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Was no more a mess<o:p></o:p></div>
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When she smiled<o:p></o:p></div>
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And her pearly teeth<o:p></o:p></div>
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Spread like a queue of <o:p></o:p></div>
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White and mystique saints<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those deep black eyes<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like a well of innocence and grace<o:p></o:p></div>
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He feared of falling into it<o:p></o:p></div>
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And tried not <o:p></o:p></div>
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To let it show on his face<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But then Jack smiled<o:p></o:p></div>
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That old commoner’s smile<o:p></o:p></div>
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But still everyone was patient <o:p></o:p></div>
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As they knew<o:p></o:p></div>
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They must rely<o:p></o:p></div>
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So one fine morning<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the birds chirped<o:p></o:p></div>
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And sun was bright<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jack went to castle<o:p></o:p></div>
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Only to be halted<o:p></o:p></div>
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By her majesty’s guards<o:p></o:p></div>
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They told him <o:p></o:p></div>
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He cannot advance<o:p></o:p></div>
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Being a commoner<o:p></o:p></div>
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He must down his glance<o:p></o:p></div>
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It seemed the Princess<o:p></o:p></div>
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Remembered what she forgot<o:p></o:p></div>
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He was just a commoner<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whom she must see not<o:p></o:p></div>
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So it was the end<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of those days in dreams<o:p></o:p></div>
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And Jack was back<o:p></o:p></div>
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With his errands in park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Selling flowers to the mass<o:p></o:p></div>
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Who looked at him with disgust<o:p></o:p></div>
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And with loathed remark<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Once saying so<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jack looked at the fire<o:p></o:p></div>
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And smiled at the folks<o:p></o:p></div>
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Who were eying at him<o:p></o:p></div>
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With a strange admire<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then his face<o:p></o:p></div>
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Broke into a smile<o:p></o:p></div>
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That very commoner’s smile<o:p></o:p></div>
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To which<o:p></o:p></div>
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Everyone there was
familiar<o:p></o:p></div>
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And now they knew<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's not always a Prince charming<o:p></o:p></div>
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And the Princess<o:p></o:p></div>
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Or a Princess<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happily with a
commoner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This was new to them;<o:p></o:p></div>
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The story of<o:p></o:p></div>
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Princess and the Commoner.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-54267705609426289662011-08-14T11:50:00.000-07:002012-08-27T13:52:00.915-07:00MOTHER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Originally, I had written this poem to participate in a poem writing competition but eventually, I realised sooner or later, I had to write this one. Hope you people will like it too, and don’t forget to leave your feedback. They really help me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mother</div>
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The aura of divine eternity</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pinnacles to grace<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And fraternity<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When your voice falls <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Breaking my numbness<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing then seems <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out of bounds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nor difficult <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you say it<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With such a kindness<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the entanglements<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which complexes my existence<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vanishes in a moment<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you sooth it<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With so much persistence<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What God can't<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You always did<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet I never wondered<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seemed so natural<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And pure indeed<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it needed rough<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You were there<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To erase the scruff<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it needed soft<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You somehow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knew it all<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What they say<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of that mystique light<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found all those <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In your love and might<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were times<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was aggravated<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finding it hard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To properly get adjusted<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I remember the times<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I realized<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With an utter shock <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What life would had been<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you would not had been there<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To protect me from <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The world of thorns and mock<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know much<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As no one can even say<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About God as such<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I longed to yearn<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which I got in plenty<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your love and concern<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides your blessing and lessons<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No doubt I rise<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That whatever I am today<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only because you were<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There above all the despise<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This life is too short<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To pay your debt<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I proud myself<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a treasure<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which I always kept<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Never in discomfort or pressure<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
O Mother, I owe you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not only my life<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But also my existence<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not just this earthly body<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But also my soul<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
O Mother, I owe you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And find peace in this very thought<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That I owe you <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And am in debt of you…………… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3632007161580728994.post-88731249994655186022011-06-17T09:43:00.000-07:002012-08-27T13:54:02.288-07:00CAROUSEL OF LIFE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsLdKnRF_U7NXp0KTMR4CMnKLcqVgYsjrdivX1Mpft-3vKmFx89vu7bK0hnNfmt2yoMveBqLCVOS5anD0EL-RMAuET4Bpzvy6I0xZ_wiEwbcYXtNLKvpDKiFxSXYLS4GsG8uWDynaVNLZ/s1600/1455787565l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsLdKnRF_U7NXp0KTMR4CMnKLcqVgYsjrdivX1Mpft-3vKmFx89vu7bK0hnNfmt2yoMveBqLCVOS5anD0EL-RMAuET4Bpzvy6I0xZ_wiEwbcYXtNLKvpDKiFxSXYLS4GsG8uWDynaVNLZ/s320/1455787565l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We always complain about this thing or that. It always seems to us that we don't get what we deserve or whenever something happens in our favour, it passes out very soon. Well, for a good and prosperous life, we must understand that it is a term known as circle of life, or in much better expression, carousel of life.<br />
<br />
Carousel of Life<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For once you have got</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What you always yearn </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another time it is gone </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Exactly like you fear</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They come, they go</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It may not sound so nice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it’s a truth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not a bitter one though</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is carousel of life</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At those good times </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are in fear</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They may not last for long</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Comes the bad ones</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We curse God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why they didn't lasted for long</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t take it as preaching </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that’s all natural law</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your days may be screeching </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it was never a flaw</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not the saying</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But a proved and trusted verity</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one is perfect</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one has everything of sanity</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Better accept it</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before away it flies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As this is what we call</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carousel of life</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe it always feels like</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything is over</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe your heart is sinking</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No warmth to have it cover</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But when the good comes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shortly arrives the bad</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And it will be like this forever</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then why grief is only which you must clad</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just remember this</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is all pros and no con</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because the carousel of life</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will always go on and on</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Shubhanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02426729271114619980noreply@blogger.com0