Seasons personified

Change is universal, 

law of our nature,

so, let's welcome life,

with our changing seasons. 

Vasant, Spring of Chaitra and Baisakh,

arrives like a young newborn,

with its soft hands it explores,

the happy faces of people around...

birds would sing happy song,

and we celebrated it as a festival. 

Grishma, Summer of Jyestha and Aashaadha,

and we find the older child,

joyful, giving warmest of smile,

while playing under the sunshine,

searching treasures, collecting insects,

fruit, juices were satisfying his appetite. 

Varsha, Monsoon of Shravana and Bhadrapada,

brings in the rain to parched lands,

as the teenage boy run outside,

ready for adventure, drenched in open,

running along the wet grasslands,

bringing joy and worries to it's people. 

Sharad, Autumn of Ashwin and Kartik,

make the young man a bit mature,

facing the struggles, learning from mistakes,

has become more responsible in action,

his mind is open like the clear sky,

with a goal to reach the stars. 

Hemant, Pre winter of Agrahayana and Pausa, 

the grown up adult have seen failures,

yet, he remains in the pleasant mood,

while dealing with different situations, 

for, he desires happiness and peace,

from small pleasures in his life. 

Shishir, Winter of Magha and Phalguna,

wearing woolen cloths, he sat on bench,

as a old man, he had seen a lot,

experiences he had, gained some wisdom,

now waiting for his time to come,

as the cold wind dries his throat. 

He walks back, to warm home,

as family reach him to welcome,

a little more time, his only wish,

till the arrival of a new life...next spring.

In the moonlight

In the stillness of night,

I gaze at your sight,

mesmerized by the shine,

an image of the divine. 

And I imagine, a beautiful maiden,

an image of her alluring presence,

that is etched on the surface,

looking tenderly from the moon. 

Oh moon, show me my lover,

let me hold her and dance together,

and the breeze flows between us,

in the music of nature's symphony. 

Her face illuminates when we walk,

as she radiates the charm of the moon,

her light is like a gentle caress, 

that fill my heart with the warmth. 

When I gaze into her eyes,

I could see the reflected stars,

as if the universe is giving a sign,

that love within knows no bounds. 

In the darkness, the two bodies,

joined in passion of the night,

heart beats with the rhythm of romance,

that were connected beyond this realm. 

Like an illusion she came to me,

enchanting me with her magic,

two worlds drawn by an invisible string,

that connects the soul, as a guiding light,

Under my beloved moonshine.

Arrival of the dawn

The dark sky,

changes colors slowly,

a faint gray light,

break through the clouds. 

The lone bird calling,

announcing the arrival,

welcoming were the breeze,

flowing through the trees. 

The flowers are awakening,

greeted by the dew,

small guests come calling,

in the search of nectar. 

The earth hushed and still,

waiting for its gentle touch,

as the world, wrapped in sleep,

are waiting for the divine glow. 

Lo behold, the morning twilight,

crept across the silent sky,

wondrous transformation begins,

with the arrival of sunrise.

The door of time

A continuation from my story " The hidden room".

There lies a hidden place 

behind the mirror of an empty room,

small passage opens to the doors, 

a key sealed in a mysterious box. 

The seals were there since ancient time,

protected within a temple of Maa Kali,

it was stolen, sold to a unknown traveller,

who had kept it as his treasure. 

But he died, new owner came,

discovered the box, took the key,

ignored the warning, used the key,

to open the lock of space time. 

It was a semi circular lock, 

turned both clock and anticlock wise,

So, they first tried it clock wise,

to open the door, see the inside. 

It went all dark, as if in space,

they have transported to a new place,

a girl was running towards her mother,

with long hair, a beautiful damsel. 

The house seemed familiar with changes,

it was their own, but a different time,

surrounding changed, bigger houses,

and modern gadgets adorn the place. 

As they surveyed the room, they realize,

it's the future of home, they were living,

but no sign of them, in that house,

only a old photo of them as wall hanging. 

Confused, they tried other means,

but suddenly thrown back to reality,

of him holding the key  starting the turn,

this time trying anticlock wise. 

And they were thrown back to past, 

when the place was a open ground,

still not purchased, placed for sale,

they wondered if they could purchase. 

And they find a young traveller, 

with army uniform, there for a stroll,

he seemed familiar, an old face,

younger version of his uncle from father side. 

Now they knew what to do,

met him in person, show the land,

requested to buy it for future house,

giving him some advices in return. 

And they vanished, not knowing his answer,

But they understood, divine mother's will,

everything happens for a reason,

no one can change the flow of time. 

So, they locked the key in to box,

build a temple for Divine mother Kali,

placing it beneath the idols feet,

hide it forever from anyone's sight.

The hidden room

It's such a beautiful dream , to own our home.  Not the house we are living in rent  but our very own dwelling, which we could decorate, furnish and plan the way we want. 

But, the high prices have made it difficult for me to even think of buying a new one. With my salary and responsibilities, it's difficult to manage budgets, so EMI is out of question. 

I, Amit have been working as a technical assistant in a college for last 6 years. Salary is not much, but enough for our family of 3, including my wife Shreya and daughter Preeti.

So, it came as a pleasant surprise when we received a call from a lawyer asking us to meet him about my uncle Rohit, who lives in the outskirts of our city.

" What does the lawyer said?" My wife Shreya asked with a frown forming on her face. We are simple people, so legal matters scares us.

" Oh, he told that our Uncle had died and had left something for us in his will." I replied, with a smile. 

We were not that close with the uncle, only meet them on some occasions or wishing them in festivals. He was retired army person, with pension, alone after his wife's death and his son settled in Canada. 

" He asked me to meet him tomorrow for some legal papers and other procedures." I informed her, while wondering what does he want us to have. 

He was old and going ill in last few days, even his son too visited him. He is a nice guy, very polite whenever we met. So, I just hoped that he doesn't have any issue with the will. We have met uncle few days back but the news of his death came much later.

--------

" Good morning Mr. Amit, glad you could make it." The lawyer said, " now that you two are here, let's read the will" 

" Hi, Nihar, it was really sad to hear about Rohit uncle, hope you are doing well." I greeted Uncle's son Nihar.

" I am okay Brother, it was too soon. I could be there more for him. Thanks for visiting him when I was not here. It meant a lot to him. " he replied. 

" So, I am reading his will. He has divided his properties into bank savings and house. The savings will go to his son Nihar and house will go to nephew Amit." Lawyer explained.

" Nihar, don't you want the house." I felt guilty.

" No, no its okay. I haven't lived there anyway. My father always said that he wished you to have this home as I will never come back to India."

" I will take care of it as uncle would have." I said with sincerity while feeling excited. 

------

" Why have you brought us to uncle Rohit's house?"

I have brought my wife and daughter with me to the house to give them a surprise. I haven't still told them about it yet. 

" Come with me, you will know soon" I said hiding my joy. I opened the gates with my keys and then opened the door.

As she entered the empty house, my daughter started running around. 

" Preeti, you shouldn't run in someone else house like that." Shreya stopped her.

" Don't stop her, she will now run here everyday. It's our home now." I said delightfully.

" Shut up, seriously?" She stared at me with a shocking face.

" Yes, from now it's ours" I answered.

" Lets plan how we wanted our house to be" Shreya smiled and declared.

---------

It's been a month since we have settled in our new home. I still can't believe me luck, but I am enjoying every minute of it. We have left uncle's room as it is. But using other two rooms for ourselves. It was going alright, until today morning. My daughter went missing!

" Amit, where she has gone, she was only playing inside our house. " Shreya panicked. 

We have searched everywhere, even checked the doors and windows. The outside gate is also locked. 

" Lets check uncle room" I suggested.

" I had checked it, it was open so I thought she might have entered there but it was empty." Shreya replied.

" Still that is the only placed I haven't checked. You might have missed something." I said and went inside.

The room was big and had a door opening to our backyard. But it was locked and windows were sealed. The bathroom was empty, there was nothing in the house, except for a big wall mounted mirror. There was something odd about the mirror. 

" What are you doing?" Sreya asked with a puzzling expression. 

" This mirror, it has some kind of hook on its side, let me check it." I answered.

And the hook turned, the mirror slid and a passage appeared behind it. 

" This path, may be Preeti too? " Sherya questioned.

" Lets enter" I said.

We enter this small passage that open to a small room. It had a study table and chair, small boxes and wardrobe. 

We rushed to the wardrobe, and opened it. There was Preeti sleeping and a box in her hand. 

The box had special carvings, and mysterious aura around it. Shreya hold Preeti, brought her out as I took out the box. What was it?

When opened, it had a key, to the small door on the wall. There was a letter, written in sanskrit.

" What is it, what's written on the letter? Shreya took the letter from me to read. 

She could read Sanskrit, and read it aloud.

" Here lies the key to the dimension of time. You are warned to not touch it, or you will regret it forever."

Home and homelessness

Home, not just a roof over our head,

but a place to find peace and rest,

it's where we feel safe and secure,

and make memories of a lifetime. 

It was our desire since old days,

to have an ownership of a stay,

with limited residents, more space,

everyone could have their own place. 

But now, it's a lot of competition,

as the population rises, and family tensions,

joint families broken into nuclear ones,

everyone demanding their own share. 

A game of demand and supply,

pushed the market into heavy price,

people were greedy, started holding,

government policies too preferred profits. 

Many fall behind in this race,

got frustrated and distressed, 

letting go of wishes, falling in despair,

pushing them into cycles of humiliations. 

Some went to sleep on streets,

facing the cold and the heat,

With dirt and stench that surrounds,

exposed themselves to scorn and disdain. 

Desire for freedom and independence, 

broken connections and grievances,

some had bad luck or wrong choices,

that brought a spike in homelessness. 

Even the policies are not helping,

the economic downturns are exhausting, 

getting difficult to retain positions,

facing the major brunt of inflation. 

There's a need to change our outlook,

make houses as a rights than product,

monitoring prices, creating societies,

providing people with basic dignity. 

A secure environment is essential,

for increasing people's living standard,

so they could finally invest themselves,

in the economic growth of society. 

Or we could protect strong bonds,

and value the love, trust and support,

as a part of family and community,

to avoid separations and homelessness. 

So that we don't have to fall in spirals,

of earning money for loan and mortgages,

just for that sense of belonging...

in our own sweet home !

The scream

Browsing through famous paintings,

there are many that pique my interests, 

admiring the pictures on the canvas,

I marveled their creative talents. 

Not as an art enthusiast,

but as a curious onlooker,

one such display caught my attention,

a ghoulish figure screaming in tension. 

Titled "The scream" by Edward Munch,

it had a captivating touch,

with an intensity of colors,

bringing out the artist's emotions. 

It does invoke strong thoughts,

of stress, fear and apprehensions, 

while the surrounding seems to dissolve,

from reality into the character's imagination. 

The bloodred sky towers over others,

while orange gets competition from blue,

as the land and river gets overwhelmed,

from dull yellows and purples of the figure. 

The path, people, surroundings,

gets absorbed and vanishes,

only the feelings are magnified,

as if the nature is screaming along.

Was I right, am I wrong?

Was I right,

am I wrong?

Would it be my fault,

for initiating, taking actions. 

We learn from mistakes,

committed by our choices,

but fear of accusations,

stop us from even trying.

It's good to be careful,

follow steps with caution,

Still we are scared of failures,

losing the trust of others. 

Was I right, 

am I wrong?

What does the future store...

After choosing my options. 

Would I be left wondering,

in professional, or personal affairs,

by becoming too proactive,

or not involving too much. 

The fear of consequences, 

stop us from leaving status quo,

yet, nothing would change anyway,

by letting the opportunities go.

Happy Navratri

Let the beats take control,

close eyes to the rhythm,

soft melody would then flow,

immersing ourselves in evening glow,

and we dance to the divine music,

that brings out the ethereal spirits,

to join this blissful gathering,

the convoys of soulful compatriots. 

In those smiles and the laughter,

forming group of friends and strangers,

helping inexperienced to follow instructions,

to create a symphony through cooperation, 

witnessing the beauty, feeling the pulse,

those swing, turns, steps in motion,

while singing the praise, through devotion,

the glory of our mother, this Navratri. 

So let us imbibe, the mood of the nation,

a festivity of music, prayers, moderation, 

we celebrate blessings of divine femininity, 

through these nine nights of reverence. 

Happy Navratri to all.

Where would a bird go

Where would a bird go,

if the nests are gone,

the shelter was broken, 

no place to rest or forage,

even the little are contested,

with strong and powerful. 

When predators are loved,

and allowed to propagate,

not facing nature's hardships,

of starvation and injuries,

to be free to hunt on instincts,

without taking responsibilities. 

What would placate their hunger,

with the poisoned weeds and insects,

secured fruits or seeds behind walls,

and undesired trees being removed,

for building a concrete structure,

to house the needs of human. 

How would they cope,

without any compensations,

the activities that take away,

any means of their survival,

even the gallant wings of their warriors,

won't save them from eventual extinction. 

Why should it be their fault, 

for being the lesser creature,

having no value to our needs,

their presence in the world,

but they will fight till the end,

unaware of the upcoming dangers.

Phenomenology

A science of phenomena,

that study things around us,

be it living or non-living,

that gives our life meaning. 

To immerse in the world,

of what we are doing,

than being occupied,

in what's our thinking.

As a human, we have encounters,

having positive or negative affection,

for that moment, it's our feeling,

yet, it's not our experience in totality. 

Let it be work or relationship, 

going through many ups and downs,

getting impulsive, making mistakes,

might cause us to have a breakdown. 

Seeing the larger picture of life,

our relationship with these elements,

with a clarity, value their importance,

the things that matters, when it matters. 

Let's explore this idea of phenomena,

and study the things itself, 

be it a novel, friends or workspace,

without any dogmas or preconceived notions. 

So that these observations, 

brings the insights among us,

we could truly be aware of everything,

that provides meaning to our life.

Hypnogogic fusion

Am I alone?

In this ethereal space,

surrounded by the mist,

or shadows of forgotten beings... 

Slowly adapting to darkness,

looking at those faces,

things lighten up to twilight glow,

and then the consciousness flows.

Different state of mind,

sadness, anger and joy 

I could experience them all,

the longings and taboo pleasures. 

As a child, with my pet dog,

on the cloud, looking at the town below,

or an old man, reminiscing youthful days,

of flirting, teasing or getting laid.

A middle-aged woman, admiring in the mirror,

The smooth skin from teenage years,

or a school girl, fantasizing lovers,

standing above everyone displaying power. 

Like corruption, or impurities, 

thoughts were unwanted or ignored,

out of guilt or regrets, hidden away,

from the probing eyes of the society. 

But here, they seem free to flow,

in this dreamy state of world,

where they are connected with others,

or do they, and not play of my imagination? 

My alert senses slowly fading,

as if being fallen under a spell,

and they kept luring me in,

to the play of their secret emotions.

With a jolt, I opened my eyes,

still drowsy from that exposure,

what was that all about, I wondered...

Like being transported to another dimension. 

Let's go for a hike

In the hustle and bustle of the day,

we might have lost our way,

bringing out the effect of stress,

it's a price we are willing to pay.

But there's a world out there, 

waiting to be discovered and shared,

that would take away the gloom,

by escaping from our routine affairs. 

So, come on, let's go for a hike,

in the nature's trail, explore the wild,

the trees will whisper, birds would sing,

we breathe in fresh air, feel sun on our skin.

Let's leave our troubles behind,

and connect with mother earth,

as we climb the hills and mountains,

and cross lakes and rivers. 

The world is waiting, let's go hiking,

there's so much beauty to be seeking,

we might see amazing sights,

can make memories of a lifetime.

We would walk, climb and run,

might as well slip and fall on ground,

let's raise our heart rate while having fun,

by getting some exercises and sweat a lot. 

And you will feel refreshed,

might remember the childhood days,

you will be glad and not disappointed, 

for taking time out of busy schedule.

There are times we feel stuck,

having burnouts, being exhausted,

so, it's a great way to reignite the spark,

as we hike along the nature trails.

Saving books

A treasure trove of knowledge,

our source of delight and wonder,

but now a shadow of its former self, 

for, it's value diminishing in the digital world. 

Gone were those days,

people gathering in libraries and bookstores, 

browsing the selves, savoring the smell,

losing themselves in the pages. 

Now everything can be assessed,

with few touches on our tablets,

there's no need to trouble ourselves, 

going through different physical copies. 

The pages once turned with care, 

now replaced by screens and keypads, 

the words once read with pleasure, 

now viewed with fleeting glances. 

As its popularity keeps on decreasing,

more children prefer online browsing,

the exhibitions and fairs also suffering,

from lack of interests of young minds. 

But there are still loyal followers,

trying to revive its past glorious days,

for, they know the feeling of excitement, 

of holding a new book for a reading. 

So, let's remember our guide to the world,

and not forget the value of humble book, 

let it be cherished and promoted everywhere, 

to survive this age of digital distractions.

Red thread of fate

The beauty of your dazzling glow, 

a smile as radiant as sunshine show,

your hypnotic eyes demands my attention,

those ravishing lips making suggestions. 

Your hair is like a flowing waterfall,

hiding gracefully those pretty expressions. 

captivated by your charming demeanor,

I let my guard down, falling for your allure. 

Ah, how I want us to be together,

waking up every morning besides you,

I would admire, cuddle and caress,

this soft skin, like the finest silk. 

Bringing you flowers from every land,

and sing you songs of my love,

even when life gives pain and strife,

I will keep cherishing you. 

Walking hand in hand, in the moonlight,

I would pull you closer, kiss under the stars,

have casual talks or make sincere promises,

plan the visits to seas and the mountains. 

We would spend those nights together,

talking about dreams and our desires,

having intimate moments, making love,

and falling asleep in each other's arms. 

How much I wanted to convey,

my darling, sweetheart, I love you,

let's wish for being together forever, 

connected with the red thread of fate.

Changing favorites

It's indeed a curious condition,

when favorites lose their stimulation, 

as time passes, everything changes,

our choices, hobbies, and preferences. 

The music once loved, no longer sings,

stories once craved, no longer stings,

our tastes have shifted, like changing seasons,

having us wonder the underlying reasons. 

Had our mind grown from experiences,

thoughts have modified, seeking variations, 

what we admired for their beauty, now seems plain,

what once found to be profound, is now inane. 

Our eyes have seen, heart have felt,

soul have grown weary, of the same old spell,

seeking newer things to fill this void,

to feel, to love, to be whole again. 

Then arrives a new spark, an inspiration, 

stimulating our mind with newer sensations,

forgetting our past interests and passions,

immersing ourselves in these fresh obsessions. 

It's really intriguing, how time changes, 

our opinions, desires and choices,

like a moving cycle, our subject of infatuation,

keep switching from places to places. 

In the pursuit for joy and pleasure,

for our soaring spirits, expanding imaginations,

that wants the thrill and adventures,

there's lot in the world, to be discovered. 

White noise

It's a static noise,

as if whispering in gentle voice,

like splashing waves of the sea,

or wind flowing through the trees.

Filling the surrounding air,

while not being harsh to the ears,

envelops me in a soothing blanket,

putting my heart into a calm state. 

Outside world is too loud,

with its gatherings and crowds,

even in this chaos, it's my cocoon, 

in this ocean, it's my lagoon.

For, I crave the quietness and peace,

where I can find rest and relief,

a place of comfort, a place of escape,

forget my troubles, and just be. 

So it arrives, as my savior,

muting my surrounding, creating layers,

between the noise that disturbs my hearing,

and this sensitive soul that needs caring.

Finally, I could have a comfortable stay,

as I close my eyes to drift away,

like being underwater,the world is faraway ,

immersing into this hypnotic white noise. 

In the whirring of the fan in my room,

listening to the stream of running water,

hearing the raindrops falling on the roof,

Or putting ambient music on my phone.

Find your white noise,

that suits your choice,

it's indeed a beautiful thing, 

a way to embrace our peace.