Sukharpur days (the hideout Part 1)

" Its a great day for fun" Sambhu proclaimed, as he set out for the journey of his sanctuary.
" And we will have a blast !" Lochan joined in as Sambhu's enthusiasm was infectious.

The group had decided yesterday to meet in their hangout place...a hideout away from the village. As the meeting point was the hideout, Sambhu didn't have to wake up early as he did yesterday. He was refreshed and as energetic as ever.

" Alright guys, have you taken the goods, and the games?" Dhanush queried one last time as he looked towards Sambhu and co.
" Why are you giving me this doubtful look? I have packed everything we need, have some trust in me !" Sambhu laughed off his questioning look.

" I have also packed them in this bag,' Lata replied with a big smile, ' This time I have cooked our favorite halwa too." She gave a proud look.
" So, lets move, or else we will be late." Dhanush ordered and held the bag tightly on his back.

His arms were more muscular now, with his sturdy back. He was exercising more after the encounter with the dacoits. Few months have been passed and the effect is now visible. Lata watched the assuring back as she followed Dhanush and they depart.

Parvati was happy as she had got her permission to go out of the cave. Devi Sikhareswari, the resident deity have become more flexible and kind to our resident spirit girl!

Parvati had planned some games for the day as it was mant months since her visit to their hideout. She really loved to have fun and picnics like the human children and also thought herself as one. Now that she could control her power, she could enjoy their pastime .

The children were the first to reach the destination. Dhanush oped the gate and all of them entered inside.

" cough, cough, what is the all this dirt inside. I had cleaned it all last time." Lata declared, visibly upset with all the dirt, soil and other growth of vegetation. "

" Can't help it, we have been away for weeks this time." Dhanush answered, " So, first we need to clean this mess."
" We will clear the plants," Sambhu said as he took Lochan with him in search of a sickle that they had kept somewhere.
" Alright then, I will clean the dirt while Lata, you should set our bags and wash the storage area." Dhanush ordered. Lata nodded in agreement as she went to the storage area.

It  took the children the next hour to make the hideout usable. The garbage were collected and discarded in the natural pit that was present just a few walks away. Lata had already cleaned the store and was making lemonade for them to drink.

" Ah, I wish, I could drink this lemonade with Parvati,' Lata sighed, ' Why is she late today !"

Suddenly a gush of wind came over, tripping the bag that was on the table, Dhanush reflexively caught it on time. Lata turned to see what happened, only to get a faint cold wind touching her ears.

" I am here !" Parvati whispered.

She was surprised by this sudden entry,  Lata couldn't see her as she tried searching the room.

" So, you got a new weapon in your arsenal," Dhanush chuckled as she look around to find her.
" Where is she," Lochan got exited, as he started running all over the place, only to be stopped by Sambhu.

And just as the children were calming up, Parvati appeared from thin air. She had a new one piece dress, with light pink color. She put her arms around Lata and hugged her from behind bringing a big smile over Lata's face.

" Oh, Parvati, you are becoming more and more naughty these days." Lata hugged her back.

" So guys, everyone has arrived, time to start the party !" Dhanush said.
" Yay....." All shouted in unison.


-------- to be continued -------

Something genuine !

We talk free,
out of concerns,
and when we walk...
hand in hand,
with smiles and laughs !

in the solitude,
watching the horizon,
am I lonesome?
socially awkward....an outcast !

sometimes I view,
to be mingled,
not lose in this race,
and left abandoned !

Try, try and try,
with hopeful prospects,
some differences, contradictions,
and all ends in failure !

The spring of life,
everyone's wishes and desires...
the stimulation of heart,
brightening up the flares !

Then comes the cold wind,
of rational calculations,
splashing out the fires..
out of personal aspirations !

Of all talks,
and the explanations,
avoidance of the inevitable,
rebelling out of social norms !

My heart craving it out,
and mind reasons...
in the end, what I seek ?
is something genuine !!

The one, natural and honest,
the grasp of the pure,
may be, all I wanted...
was something genuine !

Empathy

What does it takes,
to see what's there,
out in the world,
spread out open and bare.....
The breath of life,
subtle or rough,
display of their existence,
around of us all !!

As I watch in silence,
showing my sympathy,
and here I acknowledge,
the fact of their presence.

The freedom of choices,
assurance of the group,
feeling of the safety,
out of natural affinity!

And slowly yet surely,
they go down n down,
nothing for the support,
the one to form rapport.

Ah, the adversaries are many,
homeless with no asylum,
and even in display of sincerity,
become the object of pity!!

Where have we lost ?
the sense of belonging,
being part of nature,
appreciating all it's feature !

And so I write,
the pain of hurt,
of them, of mine,
as no one should be fine...
Of things done in need,
for pleasure and greed,
and all deserve their chance,
experience the feeling of warmth.

Show of solidarity in action,
preserving their part of life,
be out of compassion or sympathy,
Just have some empathy!

Open eyes and look around,
feel the loss with your heart,
also joy of kindness and humanity,
with a little help of....Empathy !

Sikharpur days (new meet-2)

Parvati was holding Lata's hand tightly. Earlier the boys would have been surprised about the fact that she could squeeze their hands but couldn't even touch a flower outside the cave, but now Parvati was trained enough to physically handle most of the materials outside. She is still invisible to others and they feel privileged to have this miracle for themselves.


Its the magical valley, where they first met Parvati. With it's beautiful and mysterious flowers and fruits, with lot more to be explored too. The small animals were friendly and curious while there is absence of any dangerous animals to be wary of.

Lata and Parvati went to collect flowers while the boys decided to explore the valley again. Dhanush went to the north, while Sambhu and Lochan towards the South. Today's mission was to collect some fruits and water from the stream. Most of these things become normal once they went outside the cave and lose their distinct flavors, so they had decided to relish them in the valley itself rather than bringing them to their home.

" Parvati, how are you feeling now?" Lata asked as she was concerned about her well being.
" I am good. Look how healthy I am, " Saying so, Parvati jumped in the air and ran in a circle.
"Alright, you look great, let's play now" Lata laughed by her funny display.
" But first lets talk about how was our week, how was your village doing?" Parvati questioned as she went and sat besides Lata.

And so, the two girls got busy in their talks and gossips as they plucked some wild flowers and stitched garlands and other structures from it.

Its was noon and sun had just went on the top of their head, so the girl shifted their sitting place towards a shadow of a tree. The boys have returned too with their gatherings.

" Lata, take these berries and apples and serve them in a plate." Dhanush requested Lata while transfering the contents of his bag to her.
" Also take the water, I have collected it myself." Lochan hurriedly gave the bottle to her.
" What are you competing for?" Sambhu teased Lochan and had a hearty laugh.

The children had their lunch in merry. They laughed and talked about their adventure and plans for the evening.

" So, Parvati, can you go outside now?" Dhanush asked her.
" Yes, I am refreshed, we can again go out in the forest." Parvati answered.

" Then we can hangout in out secret house!" Sambhu joined excitedly.
"So, that's we will do tomorrow." Dhanush decided and others nodded their head in unison.


---- to be continued----

Sikharpur days (New meet-1)

Its been days after the incident of bandit attack to their village. The villagers were slowly returning to their usual life. Thankfully no one was killed in the attack and those injured were recuperating well. The bandits were sent to the Kotwal and would be sent to jail or so they had heard.

Lata was helping with the cooking with her father. Dhanush went to help in farming with parents while Sambhu and Lochan were playing as usual with other kids. It was the usual routine as peace returned in their village. As per Parvati, she was holed up in her home in the cave as she had spent a lot of her spirit energy in their adventure. She needed to recover her powers back to normal, so the friends had promised to meet few weeks later.

" Dhanush, when are we going to meet Parvati?" Lata asked as Dhanush returned home one evening.
" This Sunday, I think." He answered, " we should discuss with Sambhu and Lochan as well."
" But I want to meet her and play with her now." Lata protested.
"Don't be selfish, Lata." Dhanush tried to make her understand.

Sambhu and Lochan joined them near Dhanush's veranda as both returned after their play.
"So, what's the plan? Sambhu asked gleefully, ' I am getting bored and need another adventure!"
" Me too, I am missing the fun we had in that valley" Lochan joined in.

Lata too joined in and started pestering Dhanush about it. Dhanush tried but in vain and finally gave in.
" Alright we will go tomorrow. I don't have any work too, what about you two? " Dhanush said with a sigh.
"We are ready to go even today, but it's evening now." Sambhu answered.

So, the group decided their next meet for tomorrow. Lata prepared some dishes for breakfast and lunch as she wanted to give it to Parvati and also present it Devi Sikhareswari. Dhanush had brought sweets and bananas for the same. As per Sambhu and Lochan, they brought some of village snacks but probably would gobble it up during their travel.
They slept early and told their parents that it's their forest exploration to find consumables. Their parent protested as they were still recovering from the shock of bandit attack, but the children assured them of their safety.

It was early morning, even sun didn't rise yet, when they embark in their journey. Lata was excited to meet Parvati while the boys too had their interest, of games and treasures of forest, they might get. They walked fast and reached the cave sooner than expected. Even Sambhu was awake for a change even though he was not much of morning person and always need Lochan's support to walk.
Lata started calling Parvati as she entered the entrance of the cave, as the golden rays of sun were falling through it, illuminating the inside.
Dhanush and co went near Devi Sikhareswari's temple and paid their respect while offering sweets and banana. They prayed for their village prosperity and thanked for saving it from bandits.
As the children went behind the temple towards the short path inside, mist started to flow.
They were not surprised as they had seen it so many times. It the mist of magic that transport them to Parvati's home. They were or smiling and laughing while anticipating the meet with their spirit friend Parvati !!

A cooing voice they hear and they turned to see that it's Parvati's room. Parvati was excited and jumped on them. She hugged Lata as if they hadn't met for years. The boys greeted Parvati and all the children went outside towards the magical valley.

---- to be continued----

The nature calls

The nature calls,
with a saddened heart,
and the voice so weak,
I wonder...it will be heard !

Again and again,
bringing out the pain,
no time for healing,
only leaving the dark stains...
Some want to leave,
or change with it,
no hiding would help,
nor escaping any lanes !

Ah..it cries in silence,
as homes broken down,
choking out their freedom,
with laughter and merry,
were hunted to oblivion...
the ones stranded by,
destroyed without a thought,
years of struggle and survival,
lost for some momentary gain!

be it conscious or not,
every action had its way,
responsibility that's not taught,
hurting it night and day..
innocent lives were lost,
raising the life's cost,
but its too cheap for them,
as they have the final say!

As the time goes by,
it fails to protect,
the good and bad,
also one's that we won't detect..
everyone, everywhere,
the ones within it's reach,
would be enveloped along,
as it brings the consequences !!

The nature calls,
it's time to listen,
attentive heart, open ears....
as it calls, as it warns,
of the dangers..that we brought !

Essence of happiness

Being happy,
for what I own,
being understanding,
of choices and perception.


Words that go by,
with it's bit and pieces,
infusing light and darkness..
like the fireflies.
I see them all,
bring out my smile,
being part of them,
hiding out my vile!

I do enjoy them,
of all it's social form,
be it their adventures,
from their explorations.
They share their picture,
share their experiences,
involving the known ones,
out of innocent wishes.

But we do like individuality,
seeking of our desires,
holding the central position,
beyond other's care.
World from our views,
colorful or grey it may,
that others will understand,
and we have our say!

Not all work as it should,
and the life revolves,
and we have our shares,
of frustration and disappointments.
smiles would become fake,
words filled with lies,
heart filled with envy,
suppressing the muffled cries.

The emotions hidden,
anger in voices,
annoying attitude,
feeling so distant..
and words that hurts,
being so spiteful,
how can one retains,
the essence of happiness?

Wilderness

Wilderness...
middle of nowhere,
Nothing that I seek,
nor I aspire.

Is it a meadow,
or a forest land.
a sight of mirage,
from this dune of the sand!

Ah, its beautiful,
full of nature's glories,
as I assimilate within,
freed of any worries.

Be those ancient timbers,
the vines that it carries,
with numerous living being,
like some little fairies...

Immersed I was,
and I went deep,
barefoot on these pebbles..
with the softness of grass!

Some encounters I had,
brief as it may,
the dwellers being curious,
for this stranger's stay.

Yes, we..being outsiders,
forsaken by ancestor's past,
driven by greed and pleasure..
endangering their species so fast.

Guilty as much I am,
still welcoming my presence,
letting me the blessing of forest,
cleaning all of my senses.

A hiker, adventurer,
be a social escapist,
a nature or animal lover,
or some TV program enlist!

Time had changed,
so are we...
for better or worst,
understanding their plea.

But do I care?
as I walk,
on these treacherous terrains,
with all my packs?

Looking at the Rainbow

Being content,
for what I get,
in my life...
in my world.

I was shy,
awkward and nervous,
or just eccentric,
to my cause!


And being in grey,
faded on the backgrounds,
observing from the side,
waiting for my turn....
All the faking smiles,
words that don't bind,
searching for the meanings....
in my encounters!

Going with the flow,
like the wind that blows,
out in the open,
plains and the meadows...
Or fear that had sprout,
as one faces the crowd,
to eyes and their views,
or my own perception.

Grey it was,
assimilated in the dark,
no colors that I saw,
just the routines that I ask..
Emotions that may came,
feelings that won't  last,
making resentful that I am,
dwelling in my past!

But then I saw,
the ones passing by,
changes that I avoids,
things that I ignore,
with excuses so many,
framed over the time,
dismantled as it came,
sweeping out my defiance!



Blooming like a flower,
fragrances with invisible powers,
filling over the blue sky,
fresh after morning showers,
giving me the nudge,
to make me budge,
whispering into my ears,
as I sat pouting....

looking at the rainbow  !!!

Sukharpur Days (Bandit attack-final)

The crowd was jubilant that they had captured the three bandits. They hadn't expected this sudden invasion of new bandits for which they were not prepared. Even Dhanush and Lata were surprised as the two bandits that were supposed to be fallen to their traps were little hurt but standing strong along with two new recruits with strong physique.

'Dong' the bell sounded as if to warn them, cower them into fear as they entered slowly inside the gate. One of them run towards the bandits and untied  them. Every villager were standing still as they knew they were cautious of the weaponry. One of the bandit was middle aged man, and he was constantly gazing at Dhanush and Lata. Their traps were effective but childish, which make easy for the bandits to find the culprits. One bandit came near Dhanush and slapped him, it was so strong that Dhanush fell back. Lata started crying as other women tried to protect him. The bandits shouted at the crowd and waved their weapons as they pushed anyone who came forward.

" You have hurt our leader, and all those pesky plans of yours have troubled us until now. Today I will show you what happens when you interfere with our job." The young bandit roared.
" Chotu, bring that hatchet that we use to strike our enemies." The middle aged bandit ordered.
"Here, show these villagers what it means to make us angry." said the young bandit as he provided the weapon.
Dhanush was shocked from the slap that he recieved and it took some time for him to come to his senses. He still can't listen from his left ear, the site of the attack.
"You will never get what you want. ' Dhanush continued. ' It was a mistake coming to our village." Dhanush said angrily.
"Please don't hurt him. He is a child!" the women requested but were pushed away.
The bandits caught Dhanush hand to restrict his movements and the old man raised his arm holding hatchet as he prepared to attack.
"Noooo, don't " Lata shouted as she run in between Dhanush and Bandit, while other run to pull Lata's hand.

Dhanush could see the fading sunlight behind the raised arm, and could see Lata running towards him from the sides. He could listen to distant screams as his ears were numb .
"DHANUSH, DHANUSH....." someone was calling him
He was rudely shaken and he opened his eyes. Was he dreaming everything? He saw Lata was crying by his sides while Sambhu and Lochan were sitting near him. Parvati was looking at his head.

" What happened, where are the bandits? " Dhanush asked.
" They were captured and were sent to the Kotwaal. ( police). " Someone's voice he heard. It was Lata's father.

Apparently, just within the moment hee was attacked, Parvati came and pushed the bandit away. He must have been shaken by this invisible force. Before he could recover, Lata and women took Dhanush to their protection. He might have fallen unconscious by that time.
Soon Sambhu, and other village adults came and overpowered the other bandits. They beat the bandits and tied them. They weapons were taken away and Kotwaals were informed. Sambhu, Lochan and Parvati were successful in capturing the bandits hidden in the farm and also came back to help them.

"It's time celebrate." Parvati whispered as the villagers were discussing the day's event.
"Yes, it is.' Dhanush smiled, 'they had successfully thwarted the attack, and faced all the troubles. They deserve the celebration."

And the village was filled with merry as they dine and drink. The children played along with other village kids. The adults too participated, unknowing to the fact that their unknown savior is also playing with them. A invisible spirit, Parvati!

---- to be continued----

Sikharpur days (Bandit attack-9)

The big and dangerous looking ruffian who had captured Lochan's mother along with other women and went towards the village storehouse was a big reason of worry. Dhanush knew that they had to take urgent action but also take care that the women were not harmed.

" Dhanush, we must go around the village porch, there are some green covering for us to hide." Lata suggested.
" Yes, and we need few other things as we can't fight with him, he is strong." Dhanush said as he went towards other women. " we need some irritants, bring that leave from the weeds growing near the big well, and aunt we also need to chilli powders."

As they received their ammunition, they departed for their duty. Two older girl accompanied them, named Rekha and Sita as they were worried of the children. The children told them that they know what they are doing and also requested others to wait there as to watch the tied bandits and look out for back up that may come avoiding th traps they had set in the bandit camps and in the forest.

As Dhanush reached near the storehouse, he could see the two women in front standing near the gate. Kalu, the fierce bandit had threatened them so they were scared stiff. Kalu was taking out the grains and other vegetable that were stored. The women were crying but were silently looking at him.

" Come on Rekha didi, Sita didi, this Kalu guy is distracted, let us rescue aunty." Dhanush instructed the older girls.
"Lata, you and me will make the attack. Ready to run when I signal" Dhanush added.

As they planned, the girls cautiously went near the women hidden behind the tree cover and rescued them. Kalu was so busy sorting the bags that he didn't hear them, or he was confident. Dhanush made sure that they had left and then started to act.

He threw the irritant leaves and some chilli powder on the floor as kalu was not looking. He also had some broken glass and other pointed rocks he had brought, which he was waiting for proper timing to use. It came when Kalu was bringing one of the bag out and walk over these leaves and got itchy at first on legs and then his hands, he had discomfort and became less aware of the surrounding. And in the moment of chaos, Dhanush threw the rocks and glasses.
It worked and Kalu was now writhing with pain and he knew someone is there, so he walked out to look for them, and in the moment Dhanush gave signal.

" Lata run!" he shouted as he threw the chilli and salt powder on Kali's face and run towards the village home.

Kali infuriated by the action followed them but his eyes were blinded and burning. He was shouting angrily as he followed them.

What welcomed him, was a mob of women and girls who started hitting him with lathi and danda ( wooden sticks). Once weakened and bleeding, he falls. It gave Dhanush to tie him up.

Dhanush gave a triumphing shout of the successful capture of the three bandits and the crowd cheered.
" We did it Dhanush, we did it!!" Lata was jublient.

But the happiness was shortlived as came a loud band from their behind. They all looked towards the gate. There, standing with swords and other weapons, were other bandits and they looked pissed.


------ to be continued----+

Sikharpur days ( Bandit attack-8)

Cowherd Ranjit was a adult and helped the children a lot. For Dhanush and Lata, he was like a big brother. So, it was natural for them to feel assured after seeing him but they were not prepared for the scene that was going to unfold in front of their eyes.

Ranjit started questioning the bandits as they seemed suspicious and sooner a fight ensured. The smaller bandit accompanying the bandit boss started hitting Ranjit. Ranjit too fought back with equal might. But it didn't last long as the bandit boss cam from behind and threw his big fist on Ranjit's jaw, which made him unconscious. The bandit boss also kicked Ranjit's belly and blood came out of his mouth. Dhanush and Lata couldn't do anything but the resulting fight and violence alarmed the cows who started running here and there.

"Lata, quick pass the whistle and pebbles." Dhanush ordered Lata as she was standing there dumbfounded looking at the bleeding Ranjit.
"Lata !" Dhanush gave her a good shaking.
"Yes, yes, here's the thing you need." Lata haphazardly pulled out the pebbles and whistle from the bag.

Dhanush started aiming and throwing the pebbles towards the cows who were moving away from the village gate, which made them run towards their home. As the cows were running towards the gate, the bandit boss took out his machete, and just started to scare the cows coming towards him.

"Now the write time. Lata pick up the stones and throw on them and shout with your might!" Dhanush shouted and then deeply inhaled the air and started to blow the whistle.

" I will not forgive these bad guys." Lata shouted angrily and threw stones at them as she was charged with adrenaline, "Alert alerts, there are thieves and Bandits here. Alert, alert everyone. Come here at once."

Along with sudden loud whistle, and falling stones and pebbles, the cows panicked more and run straight towards the gate leaving no room for escape for the bandits. They were also shocked by the discovery of their identity.

The cows were shoving away the bandits, running over them, even Ranjit who was fallen on the side of gates got trampled.
When all the cows had run away, the field had a deserted look with clouds of dust spread all over. Dhanush and Lata were silently looking at their exploits.

" Lata, the ropes," Dhanush gently nudged Lata as they saw Bandits fallen on the ground.

Dhanush took the ropes and tied the Bandits as they were confused and delirious. Lata run towards Ranjit to see if he was alright. Thankfully, he had some cuts cut scratches all over his body while no visible serious injury were found. Even now, the villagers have come and helped both children to take Ranjit to his hut. A village elder accompanied him.

" Who are these people?" Dhanush's mother asked as she hugged him.
" Lata, are you hurt?" asked another concerned woman as Lata was their darling girl.
" I am good aunty, but Ranjit bhaiya( brother) is injured." Lata said with a deep concerned voice.

" Everyone please help me tie these bandits who came to loot us." Dhanush asked the villagers.
" Also beware, there is another guy", continued Dhanush, " we need to capture him too."

" Yes, yes..he had taken Kalpana aunty and Komal aunty as hostages and went towards our storage house." Lata also remembered and said with an urgency.

Villagers mostly constituted women and were scared but decided to join the children to capture other bandit Kalu after they tied both the bandit boss and his lackey.

----to be continued-------

Sikharpur days (bandit attack 7)

Dhanush and Lata were following behind the bandit boss. They tried to be as silent as they could be. The Bandit boss and another bandit were slowly treading towards the village. They were cautious, with lowered head crouching just 50 meters from Dhanush. Dhanush too tried to keep his distance while thinking hard of the ways he could stop them from their heist. The dangerous looking new guy was far ahead from the Bandit boss, probably he would be the one doing all the coercing or use of the force. They were scared of him but had to do something about it too. They were the only one who could stop them as they knew their plan.

"Lata, do you have anything with you in your bag. Something that can use as a trap or weapon?" Dhanush asked as he was tracking the big guy's movements. The big guy 'Kalu' as they have heard, was almost near village gate.
"I have a rope with me, a whistle, some pebbles and some cloths, I think." Lata said meekly.
"Alright, we have to make use of them." Dhanush whispered.

Kalu had reached the gate and was hiding behind it. Soon the Boss and second bandit joined him. Dhanush and Lata decided to hide behind the tree and look for their activity. They saw two women chatting near the chaupal. One was their friend sekhar's mom and other one was Lochan's. The bandit boss said something to Kalu and he went near the women.

Dhanush as afraid as he saw them arguing and Kalu hit Lochan's mom. The women were crying as he ordered them something. Dhanush knew the urgency but couldn't find a way to help as they were too big for him to fight. As he was looking at the situation with horror, the women started to walk towards the direction of village's storehouse.
Lata had tears in her eyes and she was praying hard. They needed to do something but what? As they were pondering their options, they saw the bandit boss started to walk inside the village. Dhanush decided to take action and asked Lata for the whistle. They were cornered and needed to distract the bandits. Just when Dhanush tried to blow the whistle, he heard the familiar clinking sound from the bells. It came as a big hope for them, it was Godhuli times in the evening. That is, the time for the cows to return home. They were tended by the cowherd, another help.

" I think I know what I can do. It's time to take action. Be ready Lata. " Dhanush said with a confident voice.

Lata opened her bag to bring out the materials for their fight while Dhanush waited for the right opportunity. It's came sooner than expected, as the cowherd Ranjit stopped Bandit boss from entering village and he started questioning them.

------ to be continued-------