It's election time

So, it's the election time,
many candidates are in fray, 
announcing in loud speakers,
the significance they play! 

It's music and food, 
sloganeering in localities,
requests from many supporters,
voting for the candidates. 

Leaders come and go, 
acting as a star campaigner.
promises were being made, 
influencing voters into their banner!

We see, also hear,
words of despair and hope,
changing the perspectives,
and widening our scope.

So, it's election,
I want to care,
as a citizen of country,
work for my share!

But policies were disheartening,
issues that being discussed,
not the ones, we could relate.....
decisions that being rushed!

I, one of middle class,
bearing most of brunt,
not branded as weaker ones,
just being ignored.


Then why should I vote,
choose my elected ones,
not just sit back,
and keep doing my work?

Maybe...just maybe it's,
not about responsibilities,
not about the charms,
nor the advantages,
of money or social class....

It's matter of choice,
to avoid the worst,
some new expectations,
evaluating the cost.



So, it's election time,
I will give my vote,
for it is a democracy,
and I value my nation....the most !  :)

Sikharpur days ( Bandits attack-4)

Dhanush and Lata went to their hideout. They would later meet Parvati in the hideout but first they needed some preparation. Lata was sitting on the stone seat and Dhanush was searching for the things that could help.
" We would need the ropes, this bed sheet might help too, and ohh..this sling shot, I was searching it for a while. Let me take them all." Dhanush murmured as he was rummaging through their belongings in the hideout.
" Do you need my help?" Lata prompted.
" No, no..just seat outside and look for Parvati to come.' Dhanush replied, 'Call me if you hear any footsteps or other signs!"

Dhanush was ready bundling all the things he could find, a rope, slingshot, bed sheet, small kitchen knife, some pepper, chilli powder, some glue and other things that he could carry. Lata called him when she saw Parvati approaching the hideout.
" Was everything alright, where's Dhanush?" Parvati queried.
"He is inside, I will call him now." Lata replied.
" You don't have to, I am here. Seen anything suspicious?" Dhanush asked.

Both the girls denied the same. 

" Now that we have all the things available, let's teach these bandits a lesson!" Dhanush proclaimed as they proceeded for their journey.

They slowly walked behind Parvati, trying not to make any noise. Parvati would go ahead a little and check for any activity and then signal both of them about it. They reached the Bandit's camp sooner than expected. Parvati showed them a hiding place behind a rock, Their were small scrubs giving excellent coverage. It was opposite of the camp so, the Bandits couldn't detect them too.

There were 2 Bandits, the average built 5 & 6. They were doing some maintenance of their weapons, like knives, swords, hatchets and others. The swords were kept inside their scabbards, which were rough and not like the beautiful ones that the soldiers use.

They had a couple of cloths and weapons kept aside. The two Bandits had already prepared and dressed in black cloths, with daggers, swords hung on their waist. The children waited till they left the camp for some reason, but they were not leaving.

" These guys are not leaving their post, what should we do now?" Dhanush was frustrated.
" It looks like they were waiting for someone and ordered to be on post.' Parvati explained her observation, ' but we can make them move."
" How?" Both Dhanush and Lata asked in unison.
" Just surprise them, and make them move." Parvati said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Parvati went into the scrubs just near the camp, and hustles started to happen around it. It startled the bandits and they stood up. One of the bandit went near it to see what's there while the other bandit tried moving round the corner with holding his blade.It was what the children were waiting for!

" Lata go and put chilli powder in the cloths and I will put glues in those weapons." Dhanush ordered as he slowly run towards the camp.
" Alright, I am on it." Lata answered as she swiftly moved towards the cloth chamber.

Dhanush put Glue inside the scabbard and all other weapons. He made some attachments and system, so that the cloths and sandals will break or become clumsy if some force applied to it. They want to make their actions inconspicuous and undetectable or else the plan would have fell. 

" What is the sound" Bandit 5 was talking loudly and irritably, as he couldn't find anyone. " Did you find anyone Raka?"
" No one's here, Cheetah.." Raka answered back, " wait, I see it a wild cat running away." 

Both the bandits returned back soon as they were ordered to remain in the camp waiting for their boss signal and also act as rendezvous point for other two joining them in the evening hunt. They checked the cloths and weapons again to make sure that nothing changed. They found them in th place where they had left, which assured them and they went back to their post.

" And that would be your mistake," Parvati laughed as she looked towards Dhanush, " Great job."
" Lata is as much responsible as I am." Dhanush pointed at Lata as she had done some brave work.
" Yes, yes, Lata is my brave friend" Parvati hugged and kissed Lata.
" Shh..don't make noise. Let's make some traps in the forest and look around for their boss...The big guy, right Parvati?" Dhanush cautioned both.
" Yes, the big guy...I know where he is." Parvati said, ' Let's go and also make some traps to welcome these fools." 

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

Sikharpur days (Bandits attack-3)

Her feet were floating in the air. As the children had decided, Parvati was getting ready to explore the surrounding jungles. Bandits could have been anywhere. Some of them must have spread to survey the location, some might have weapons. It was a very dangerous situation for the children but they have Parvati,their very own spirit friend who is invisible to others. 
" I am going, wish me luck!" Parvati said in a motivated voice. They had planned in detail about all the steps to be taken and Parvati was central to it all.
"Yes Paravti, go and see how many of them are present. Only obseve and come back, we don't want to startle them!." Dhanush said in a concerned voice.
" Parvati, please be careful and come back soon." Lata cheered her.
"We are waiting here, so take your time." Sambhu added. Lochan was waving his hand as Parvati went out. She smiled and waved back, it was like an adventure.

Parvati was moving swiftly through the jungle, passing through trees and other obstacles. Thanks to her training, she could control her emotions and focus to change her energy between spiritual form and physical form, with physical form only for handling the things and stuffs.
It was not long before she encountered her first Bandit. She named him Bandit 1.
Bandit 1 was dark and big person with lot of body hair, wearing a pagadi (turban like) and holding a big machete. Parvati even being invisible, had a big fright and hide behind a tree just in case. He looked like a leader or sub leader with his menacing look. He was sitting on a rock probably waiting for his subordinate to come back.
A little further than the place, Parvati encounter Bandit 2, a thin young lad, with a long knife placed on sides. He was cautiously moving towards the village, looking around for other villagers. He was one of the spies who was given the task of gathering information. Their we no further Bandits on that side of forest.

Parvati moved further, towards the farm and found Bandit 3 & 4 , keeping a stake out in between the trees. They were both tall, muscular and were holding sword with them. They also had small knives on the side. Parvati could sense the danger these men possess, for they were focused and completely observing the villagers in the field like a wild animal.
She could feel the urgency to alert the villagers but no one could see her. So, she decided to complete the rounds and check for any other bandit hidden or not and report the same to the children as soon as possible.
She went back to the hideput as further down the place, they had discovered the camp of those bandits. They had only seen one bandit, Bandit 5 and another one, Bandit 6 she found out near the streams, collecting water. They were of average built and probably were left behind to watch their belongings and also act as back up.

Parvati couldn't find any more, so she decided to went back. The children were waiting for her anxiously. 
" Parvati, welcome back, how was it?" Dhanush asked nervously.
" I found out 6 Bandits in total, 2 were looking out near the fields with swords. they were dangerous and probably want to block the villagers to return or capture them."

"Another two were at the outskirts of the village," Parvati added, " with one looking like their leader. He had a big weapon in his hands. The camp had two."

"Alright, I get the idea. We have six bandits and may be more but not in the jungles. The two near the fields will be Sambhu and Lochan's responsiblity. Bring Sheru Kaka near the field by any means and then other villagers might help in capturing the Bandits." Dhanush said.
"Parvati, show us the location now, and we will bring Sheru uncle there. The bandits will probably attack by the evening when they get together with other bandits." 

" Parvati, me and Lata will follow the Bandits near the camp. They must have their weapons there and we will try to stall them as much as possible. " Dhanush planned the course of action as he was their leader. " Lata, you should hide as it's dangerous,"
" No, I will help too. It's my village and my father is in danger too." Lata protested.
"Don't worry, I will protect Lata." Parvati said confidently, " Now Sambhu and Lochan, lets go and I will show their location." 

Parvati, Sambhu and Lochan went away.

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

Speak not..

Speak not,
for you will be heard,
things you had sought.

There's a lot,
from where I have come,
remember it, when 'm gone!

But I am living the life,
for the present..right now,
and I am seeking it out,
things that were missing till now!
.
..
...
Tell me what to do,
tell me the way too soon,
of the choices to choose...

Show the path to pursue,
for me to get my due,
clearing my way...widening the view!!

But I am trying hard,
figuring from what I have,
waiting for the boat to sail,
in this windless night!
.
..
...
Is it the hope,
the power of optimism,
or the entertainments,
keeping off the pessimism.

The tricks of distraction, 
innocence of ignorance,
the things that will help,
to hide the desires!


Speak not,
for it will rise,
the thoughts not open,
words not spoken....
from the whispering heart!

Sikharpur days (Bandits attack-2)

The children were running fast. It was mostly downhill. They had to be cautious when they left the hideout, wary of being discovered. So, they had lost some time and wanted to reach their village as soon as possible.

The moment they reached their village, they first went to the house of village guard Sheru. Sheru Singh was a tough middle aged man with a thick mustache. He was sitting on a Charpayi (wooden bed) smoking a hookah. The village had a laid back life with seldom any threats, which made them relaxed. 

"Sheru kaka(uncle), there is an emergency, bandits.... danger...!!" Sambhu uttered with an exhausted voice.
Dhanush came behind him followed by Lochan and Lata. 
"Calm down kids, what's the matter?" Sheru asked in a heavy voice.
"Uncle, we saw some suspicious people outside in the jungles, they could be dacoits,' Dhanush said in a slow tone.' Please do something." 

It was very difficult for him to say it in single sentence, they were so tired. Parvati was there standing behind them but she was invisible to Sheru. It was noon and sun was overhead, people prefer to remain inside or in the shelter near the farm.

" You must be seeing things, who will come this far for a loot." Sheru singh said in an arrogant reaction, ' now leave me alone." 
"But uncle, we were sure about it." the children requested but for no avail. Sheru singh was busy smoking his hookah as they returned dishearteningly.


"Let's go to my father, he will listen." Lata said. His father Shyam Singh too was a big man and strong enough to protect them. 
"Isn't he in the field right now." Dhanush questioned.

Indeed, most of the adults in the villages were working in the field and only a few remained in the village. They would have returned in the evening, tired and might be caught unaware. The children went to village chief's house but it was closed. Apparently he went to his cousin's village for some function.

"There are no one here, who will help us?" Lata was worried.
"Why don't we do something about it." Parvati added as she supported Lata.
"But we are children, what can we do? Besides I don't want to put Lata or any other my friends in a harm way!" Dhanush said in a serious tone.
" But I can do something, they will never discover me!" Parvati said with confidence.

The children didn't realized the fact that they had a ace in their sleeves. They started discussing the idea and Dhanush made a strategy.

"We first need information, Parvati will go and bring it to us and then we will decide what we can do to stop them." Dhanush announced in the end of the meeting.
"Yes, I also wanted to show off result of my training." Parvati said eagerly.

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

Sikharpur days ( Bandits attack-1)

Its been a week since the children had their hangout. They had the great time in their hideouts, playing in valley and of course training of Parvati. Parvati was exhausted by the time they reached the cave because of the expenditure of all those energy in the training.

The group had their farewell and went home. Next few days, they had to help their parents in the farm and also pluck the seasonal vegetables like cabbages, brinjals and tomatoes. So, a week had passed and they were missing playing together. 

Thankfully next day was for rest and Dhanush along with others planned meeting with Parvati . They started early as to reach the cave and have the breakfast with her. Lata had made her best food with all those vegetables she had harvested. They walked through the forest path with Lata collecting wild fruits for some early snacks. 

They reached the valley and Lochan went to collect the water from the stream. It was mostly his job, but this time he was little tired on his shoulders as he was supporting Sambhu who as usual was not the morning person. As he returned in their group, they heard a pebble falling by their side. They searched for the culprit, but couldn't find any. Again a new pebble fell near their feet. It continued till Lata discovered the guilty. She giggled and waved her hands, which made all others realize the miscief maker, it was Parvati !

" Parvati, what are you doing here?" Lata smiled and asked.
"Just a morning stroll, as I felt you could come today." Parvati said mysteriously. In reality, she was feeling lonely and wanted to meet them as early as possibly but valley was the limit that her mother, goddess Sikhareswari set for her. She was going there everyday and waited for them till sun came overhead.

" So, how is your training going?" Dhanush queried as he was expecting Parvati to follow his training schedule.
" It's going well, I have developed lot of focus and stamina too." Parvati said with a confident voice. The pebbles were her show of strength.

They chatted for a while and decided to have their breakfast. It was their little picnic.
" Parvati, look I have brought you my favourate subzi, Baigan ka bharta ( Mashed brinjal)," Lata said as she gave few spoonfuls in Parvati's container.
"Yes, It is delicious" Parvati too complimented Lata. 
The three boys were talking between themselves about the planning for the day, the games to play or go for consumables.

" Also listen friends,' Parvati said in an alarmed voice as she remembered something, ' I was strolling around here when I saw a group of strangers in the northern part of mountains. It was near our hideout. 

Their hideout was a secret location that other villagers didn't know about and Parvati knew most of the villagers. For her to say strangers brought concerns in Dhanush's mind.

"Tell me Parvati, what were they looked like," Dhanush asked.
" Don't know much but they looked shady, with dark cloths and some weapons in their hand. They were feasting a deer, laughing." Parvati answered.

"Sambhu, Lochan, let's go and see this ourselves as I am having some bad vibes about it." Dhanush said in a concerned voice.
" Yes, I think so too as I had heard about recent loot in our neighbouring village." Sambhi added.

" Lata, Parvati, wait here as we go and she it ourselves." Dhanush tell Lata.
"No, no we want to go besides Parvati knows the location." Lata didn't want to be left behind.

Dhanush thought for a while and decided to allow them. First they went to their hideout. Thankfully no one had discovered it yet. They went ahead little further, saw a small camping site. Only one person is sitting there and other's probably had went for hunt. They looked suspicious and had different kind of weapons and boxes with them. 

"They are not soldiers as I have seen some." Lochan said first.
" Shh, slowly or he might hear us.' Sambhu warned. ' I don't want to think about this but they look like Bandits!" Sambhu whispered with a scared voice.

Bandits were feared by villagers for they came for loot and kill without caring about people's life. The villages which were separated and not much protected by army were easy targets for these bandits. 

" If it's true then we need to warn the villagers." Dhanush said as he ordered them all to return back for they don't know when others will return. 

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

World Poetry Day

So, today is the World's Poetry Day. My earliest memories about poetry is about all the school books that I had read in my school day. Those were simple, rhyming ones and really delightful to read. I was inspired by those writings and tried my hands on poetry. My amateurish attempts were fun to read or so being told by my parents. 

I used to keep a diary too. Most of my writings were in Hindi and some in English but as I grew older, it changed to English only. For me, it was first a expression of my creativity which would vary from being an outlet of desires or conveying of emotions. To write was my way of letting go of daily stuffs. Be it frustrations or disappointments, happiness or joy. 

So, today I would just write a few lines just to celebrate World's poetry day in my way;


Its a day,
a little celebration,
a thousand of voices,
expression of letters...
It was simple,
a welcoming conception,
with rhythms or rhymes,
making an impression.

So, I would write,
some passage or portion,
convey my gratitude,
to this wonderful medium...
For many who passed,
and more to come,
to take pen and paper,
and bring out the emotions!!
 

Happy World Poetry Day. :) :)

Who will know..

Who will see,
to visualize, to realize,
Who will know,
to appreciate, to recognize....
the beauty of life.

Be it the wild flowers,
blooming in the morning,
residing on the paths,
away from the intruding eyes.

Or those streams,
gleaming of the flow,
reflecting the sunlight,
unexplored and untouched.

Some remain hidden,
waiting to be discovered,  
not to be plucked,
or be taken apart...

Fragrance need to be smelt,
nature to be experienced,
the wonders...concealed,
needed to be unvieled.

By the one who care,
with a gentle touch,
let the beauty be discovered,
by the human heart.

Who will know,
who will see,
things past the symbolism...
unmasking the  veiled words.
 

Ocean waves

Strong winds,
the smell of salt,
splashing waves,
inviting me....to view,
the serenity of life.

It's cold as it touches,
the wet sand receding,
caressing my feet,
as it takes away...fatigue,
out of the worn out legs.

Is it the tranquil,
the silence of mind,
away from any stimulus,
be it any obligations,
and I stand, closing my eyes!

Ah the waves,
they are calling me,
this breeze embracing me,
accessing to the deep,
as I open my heart and soul. 

Ocean waves,
the voices of the sea,
the whispers of the wind,
always welcoming to everyone,
just listen to it.....  :) :)

Sikharpur days ( New adventure..contd)

Parvati was running ahead, touching and picking up flowers, branches and even pebbles on the path. They had decided to first reach the valley and from there, they would visit one of their hideouts.

"Parvati, don't go too far or you will miss the location." Dhanush warned.
"Alright,' Parvati shouted back while waving her hands, ' I will take Lata with me"
" Wait, I am coming," Lata said as she followed her.

Parvati was still walking frther than them but Lata catched up to her when Parvati stalled a little to pick something. Dhanush and co slowly followed them. The valley came to their view and Dhanush called both the girls back. They decided to have their breakfast and Sambhu went to bring water from the streams.

" Parvati, have these Sooji Halwa, I have made it myself." Lata said while passing over the container to Parvati. She knows a little cooking which includes making of tea, rice and some cooked vegetable but Halwa was one thing she was proud of. Her father doesn't allow her to make anything more as he was scared that she might get burns. Even though she consider herself grown up enough to make them.
"Yes, Lata the Halwa is great." Parvati complimented her.
"Yes yes, the Halwa is really great." Sambhu added as he took a major portion of it.
"Sambhu, leave some for me too." Lochan said in a hurry. He knew the gluttony of Sambhu.

After the food, they decided to play a little while Dhanush and Parvati went for their practice part. Parvati was given the task to climb the tree and then bring back the fruits on the top of the branch. She could have flown too as she being a spirit, could levitate too. But climbing need more focus and would be a good training practice for her.

" Get me the mango from the very top branch. No matter how many time it takes, only climb and not float, remember?" Dhanush ordered.
"I know, I know, ' Parvati complained, ' don't say it again and again."

Parvati tried to climb, but after a few step, before even catching the first branch, she fell. She tried it again and again but the result was same. She couldn't keep the focus for longer time.

" You can do it Parvati !' Lata encouraged her, ' I am here for you."
"I know,' Parvati smiled showing her teeth, ' Wait here and I will bring that Mango for you."

Parvati tried again, this time a little more focused. She got her determination by listening to Lata's word. Slowly she was getting the hang of it as every time she climbed, she reached a new branch. Before long she reached the final branch and plucked the fruit and just like losing her strength, she fall. But this time both Lata and Dhanush were there to catch her.
" You did it, Parvati.' Dhanush congratulated her, ' Today's practice is over and you must be tired too." 
"Come with me. We will have our lunch in our hideout." Lata said while hugging her, ' It's a great place and I am sure that you would love it."

Although th lunch time was long past, Dhanush called back Sambhu and Lochan. They went to their hideout which was not that far from the Vally. It was near the stream overlooking the flowing water and mountains far.
They had their dinner and discussed about today's activities and their conquests. 

--- to be continued.--

Sikharpur days (Begining of adventure)

It was early morning. The children had woken and were on the mountain trail. It was a big day as they had promised to take Parvati, the mysterious spirit girl for some sightseeing around the jungle and their hideouts in the valley. Dhanush, the sturdious lad is taking the lead followed by Lata while Lochan the tall, slender guy is lagging behind while supporting Sambhu, the short and stout boy, on his shoulder. Sambhu, though the most energetic guy in the group, is not much of a morning person.

" Where do we meet Parvati?" Lochan asked.
" Parvati will meet us by the cave entrance, right Lata?" Dhanush answered while turning his head and then giving a questioning look towards Lata. Lata nodded as it was a promise made between her and Parvati.

As the sun brightens the surrounding, they reached near the entrance of the cave. They could see Parvati waving her hands frantically. She was excited, rightfully so, for she came outside of her house to this side of the world alone, and exploration of this world was something she was looking forward to.

" Parvati, you haven't forgotten that it's also part of your training to see how much you can hold the things here in our place?" Dhanush reminded Parvati as she was busy hugging Lata and making plans for the day.
" Yes, I know and that's why I am happy. Mother won't tell me anything but I have ideas of my own." Parvati answered as she giggled along with Lata.

Dhanush admitted defeat and decided not to bother those two girls for some time and went to Lochan and Sambhu for deciding today's course of action. Lochan was too tired and resting on a rock while Sambhu was yawning while taking a lazy stretch. They had a whole day for themselves so, they first plansed to explore the jungle.

" Parvati, try holding on to those plants.." Dhanush instructed Parvati. 
" And try to remember the feeling of that time !" Lata encouraged Parvati mentioning the previous successful attempt Parvati had in Lata's home. 

Parvati did what she was asked for. She had mentally prepared form it. She slowly extended her hands towards the plant and tried to held it by the branches. She was a ethereal being and her hand passed through the branch. Again and again she tried and failed. She was getting impatient and frustrated, just then she felt a warm hand in her palms. 

" Calm down, Parvati. Take your time, you can do it." Lata whispered gently. Parvati realized her hastiness, she went back a little and closed her eyes. She could now hear the encouraging words of her friends. The friends with whom she could play, she could hold their hands, play and eat together. Yes, she could also touched Lata's toys too, she could do it. 

But why she did it? Because it was natural for her, she wasn't thinking strongly about it. Parvati opened her eyes, her mind was relaxed and just naturally hold the branch, she could touch it !! 
The children cheered her and the tiny droplets of morning dew on the leaves fall down on the soil. 

"You did it Parvati, I am so happy for you!" Lata exclaimed as she hugged Parvati tightly.
" Yes, Yes, I am so happy." Parvati was jubilant. She looked at Dhanush who was silently observing her. 
"Are you not happy, Dhanush." Parvati questioned.
" I am happy for you. So, you could touch them and hold them when you are calm. It's a good start." Dhanush answered.
"So, what will we do next?" Sambhu asked Dhanush as their primary objective got cleared sooner than they expected,
" What next, We need to see that she could be normally touching or holding things like us in our place.' Dhanush answered as he looked towards Parvati, ' the training has just started." 

There was a air of mischievousness in his voice but Parvati wasn't minding it at all. She was happy to be a little more closer to her friends. And then, there is a valley to explore, hideouts to see...so many things waiting for her.

--- to be continued----

Voices everywhere

Voices everywhere,
making of opinions,
restricted, in silent screams...
or in overflow of emotions !

It's chaotic,
the advent of madness...
dividing the fault-lines,
spreading the sadness !

They are selfish,
greedy of their cause,
devouring the peace of mind...
without a single pause !  

There's no justice,
a lack of conscience,
discussions amid vested interests.....
becoming the humanity's vice.

Voices everywhere,
they just don't know,
or rather turn the blind eye,
against the interests of many!


Who am I to say,
whom should I care,
every one have demands,
everyone is valued....
and for everyone's sake,
we maintain the silence....

Interactions

Interactions,
some chance meetings,
could be joyous,
or be lot of pains!

We have our thoughts,
a way of being,
connections that we sought,
complimenting our feelings.
Wanting our own group,
people of similar interests,
sharing our time together,
everyday be like a fest!

Not all have the choice,
being victim of circumstance,
so, hiding their voice,
they feign their ignorance.
They could see it all,
being an outsider supporter,
but ignored in their moments...
becoming a side character.

Voices needed to be heard,
one who could understand,
meeting in the leisure,
slices of sadness or pleasure.
a sense of togetherness,
living for the moments,
of some wild rendezvous,
making of precious memories......

Interactions,
that I would want...
the ones that I desire,
that would spark the fire...
in this frozen heart.