Sikharpur days ( Mountain of west-The Waterfall-2)

White milky stream of water falling above them and deep pool underneath gave the kids ample opportunity to spread their wings. The warm sun rays were acting as support to them from the chilling cold water. It was loud, and fun as the guys were swimming in the pool while Lata near the shore where it was little shallow to her liking.

" Dhanush, check out my new move that I had learned from swimming in the village pond." saying so, Sambhu took a deep dive and remain inside for a while. Before Dhanush could realize, Sambhu jumped behind him.
" That was fats, how did you do that," Dhanush seemed surprised and admired his trick.

"Lata, take that..." Lochan threw handful of water to her face and laughed.
"What are you doing, go play with Sambhu...let me take my bath in peace.' Lata scolded Lochan, ' I wonder where is Parvati, It would have been fun if she was here."

With his mischief ignored, Lochan lost his interest and went towards the boys. Sambhu and Dhanush were having diving competition. Lochan joined them, though he was no match to them. Lata watched them from far, from her secure location. She had learned swimming but still remain cautious as she had promised her father.
" The guys are really having fun, and the waterfall looks great, I want to stand underneath it." Lata sighed while enjoying the view.
" The what is stopping you, go have fun." a soft whisper to her ear startled her. She looked back only to see Parvati standing there.
" Parvati, where have you been? We were so worried that you might get lost in unfamiliar place."  Lata said with a concerned voice.
" The way the guys are playing, they looked less worried about me," Parvati chuckled.
"Parvati..." Lata gave a fake pout, which make Parvati giggle more.
" No, no...I know you were worried as you are my best friend. But then...I can find you from above, is I ever get lost. Did you forget that I can fly?" Parvati sid with a smile.
" Yes..you can," Lata answered realizing the power of Parvati. The reason, the boys could play without concern was also because they believed in Parvati. But for her, she was a friend,  a young girl of her age. It makes her forget sometimes that the girl is actually a spirit, a being similar yet different form her.

" Why so gloomy face, I am still your friend. Also...I have a surprise for you all." Parvati said with a cryptic sound. But first, let me join the bath. I will take you towards the waterfall."

Parvati took Lata's hand and slowly moved towards the fall. The rocks were slippery at first, but later it become deeper and she swam freely with Parvati by her sides. The boys had drifted from the fall and were busy in their diving games. They hadn't realized Parvati's presence. It was magical for Lata as Parvati took her hand and slowly floated above her as they reached the fall. Lata felt the pressure of water falling from above which was partially diverted by Parvati for making it easier for Lata.
" It's great..thanks Parvati for you help." Lata shouted.
" Don't mentioned it. Now we can play here for a while. Parvati started diving and smimming around her. Before long, it was noon with sun above their head. The boys had already gone towards the shore and waiting for Lata to come. They saw Parvati with Lata and shouted them to return.
" Hey. Lata, Parvati....come back. Its getting hot out here." Dhanush called them back.
"Let's go back, Parvati, " Lata puuled Parvati's hand as she was immersed in her play.
" Alright, I am coming back." Parvati answered and both returned slowly with Parvati holding hands of Lata.

" Parvati, when you come back?" Sambhu asked her.
" Just when you were doing your monkey dive!" Parvati said with a mocking voice.
" What did you say..?" Sambhu was offended.

"Now, now..don't fight." Dhanush stopped the.
" Let's have our lunch...Uncle gave us some delicacies!" Lata said as a diversion.
" Yeah..I am so hungry for the play." Lochan said.

" Yes, the lunch..now I can have it freely." Parvati too spoke as she had to eat silently in the village as the children ate with their hosts.

" Yes, let's have it, then Parvati can share the surprise, she talked about," Lata was still curious about it.
" Surprise...what surprise?" Dhanush and Sambhu said in unison.

"Ahh, the surprise...I will tell you all about it.....prepare for it!!" Parvati said with her mysterious laugh.

The children were curious...

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

Luxury

Luxury,
the richness and comfort,
splendor of extravagance,
a lifetime of leisure.


Ah, world being the stage,
moving through the marketplace,
choices and preferences,
carefree, spending our days.

Being focused to out needs,
adding up to our greed,
we hangout, make merry,
cherishing with our breed.

Luxury indeed,
we live it out,
work and play,
life is all about.

Those silent screams,
desertion and despair,
being taken for granted,
obscured in the chaos.

Living in the bliss,
those loud noises,
the blinding brightness,
placed on their habitat.

Broken, torn in pieces,
poisoned, skewed faces,
captured or thrown out,
surrendered to their wishes!

Luxury indeed,
for, we don't matter,
everything you took,
that we had to offer.

Luxury,
virtue of knowledge,
convenience of facility,
diving into superfluity. 

Be it our innocence,
or lack of empathy,
reaction of competition,
or result of selfishness.

As long as we live,
expand as a species,
seeking out prosperity,
comfort of our facilities.

Fortunate we are,
for, we were cared,
our needs being met,
by devouring the resources.

Luxury,
longing of opulence,
living in excesses,
partaking nature resources.
But, we need awareness, 
for the sake of harmony,
who compensates our demands,
what's the price....of our luxury!!

Sikharpur days(Mountain of west-waterfall)

The path was continuous and straight as the children went back towards the road they took to come to the village.
" Narendra uncle told us that there is a small passage somewhere here?" asked Sambhu impatiently.
"It will come soon. Just keep your eyes open and look for the large Peepal tree." Dhanush answered.

Apparently, the nice sightseeing they wanted to have, was a famous waterfall of that village. They were early, so decided to have some adventure of their journey. The large peepal tree, as told by Narendra uncle, would be somewhere to their right and could be seen from the road.

"But I don't see any here," Sambhu complained as they walked through the dirt filled road.
" Why are you so impatient, just enjoy the walk!" Parvati commented as she flew from his side.
" You are the one to talk? Your feet is not even touching the ground!" Lochan protested.
"It's been a while that I went outside, let me have my fun!" Parvati ignored Lochan and laughed.

And so, the fight ensured as Lochan and Parvati started arguing. Dhanush tried to stop Lochan as Lata took hold of Parvati.
" Parvati, don't start a fight, we have a lot to cover!." Lata stated.
" Wait, do you hear something?" Dhanush pointed out.

Everyone stopped their activity and listened. Lata closed her eyes and moved her head towards the direction of the sound.

" It feels like bustling of the wind, from the dance of thousand leaves." Lata said,
" It's the Peepal tree, " Parvati said excitedly as she flew high to look for it. The children followed her. It was little far but withing reach.

The children found a small curve towards the right. It's smaller and hidden by bushes but a definite path as people had walked through it making it like a walkway.

"What did Narendra uncle told about the waterfall?" Sambhu asked.
" We have to take this path for half an hour and then turn left towards the rocky path above. It will take some time but then we will see it." Dhanush answered.

So, the children run as they have to save time too and now they have found their path. It was indeed as uncle told but they reached the rocky path earlier than expected. Now they had to be slower as it looked little dangerous for them to take. Parvati was in the front, followed by Sambhu and Lochan. Dhanush hold Lata's hand and slowly walked though the clearings away from obstructions

" Hah, ha, it's tiring,' Lochan said as he reached the top of the small hill, holding his knees and looked behind to see Sambhu and Dhanush slowly catching up. Parvati was circling around him.
" You all are so weak and slow," Parvati rued, " Let me go ahead and check around the place. It's towards this path?"
" Alright, you go ahead. I will come with Sambhu." Lochan replied.

"So, should we rest a little." Lata suggested.
Yes, I would like to have some." Dhanush said and he sat on a small rock while Lata settled on a patch of grass.
" Where's Parvati? I don't seee her here," Lata asked Lochan as he was the first to arrive.
" She went to explore the area.' Lochan answered, ' Should I go to find her?" Lochan had rested enough and wanted to go towards the waterfall.
" We will go together," Dhanush said firmly, as it was a unknown land, " Also, we could hear the sound of waterfall from here, it's near anyway."

It was prenoon and the children had rested enough. They decided to move, and Dhanush leaded the pack. As they finally reached their destination, they were greeted by sprinkles of water drops. The floor was slippery and in front of them was a big waterfall, with water reflecting as white, it looked like milk.
"It's magnificent, I have never seen something like this."Sambhu was in trance.
" Yeah, it's beautiful," Dhanush agreed as he saw the water falling from above.

" Everyone, be careful and watch your steps" Dhanush was in leader mode.
" Where is Parvati? " Lata asked.
" We will look for her later,' Sambhu said, ' first let's have a bath"

The children got excited and took out their clothes. Lata went to a small pond, as it was shallow and she could have little privacy.
The boys jump staight to the fall below. They were strong and confident. The pool below look deep and devoid of rocky formations, an ideal place to dive.

" It was great,' lochan shouted, ' its been a while that we had such a great bath"
" Yeah, let's have fun" Sambhu shouted back.

The noise of the fall was masking their sounds. But they didn't care as they laughed and shouted and played with water as much as they can.

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

Infectious Syndromic Testing: The next step for diagnosis

Diagnosis of multiple pathogens in a single test: Saving time,  saving life

Clinical microbiology is transforming with the advent of newer technologies. Molecular technologies are opening up new avenues.  One of such technologies that came recently in the field of laboratory  diagnosis isFilmarray technology. It’s a nested multiplex PCR. 
It’s advantages are diagnosis of multiple pathogens involving diversity of organisms including Bacteria, Viruses, Fungus and Parasites. 

When a patient presents at a hospital, Clinician in a hospital expects from the Microbiological laboratory to diagnose the presence of infection, and report of the same as early as possible. Routine  diagnosis techniques are slow and takes hours to days to be reported.  But with the arrival of  Filmarray technologies, everything will change. The diagnosis of multiple organisms can be done in  60 minutes.  It’s a molecular study in a closed setup, preventing contamination and increasing the  specificity of the test. 

So, with the introduction of panels like 1)Respiratory and Pneumonia panel, 2)BCID panel for sepsis, 3)Meningitis and Encephalitis panel, 4) Gastrointestinal panels,  has revolutionized  the field of clinical microbiology and also helped in speedy detection of infectious pathogens.  This has prevented the guesswork, and lead to more accurate diagnosis of the same. Since the test has high sensitivity and specificity,  it helped in correct diagnosis of infections present and resistance genes to antibiotics if any, thus it is also used for antibiotic stewardship in the hospital.

Since it detects multiple pathogens in one single panel test, it also prevent the days lost in multiple diagnosis forum like conventional culture,  serology testings, and even PCR detection of single microorganism. There are many bacteria and viruses which can't be detected by any of these methods because of cost constraints, but are included in these panel, thus making it more easier to detect.

Finally, Molecular Diagnostic technologies are the future, as they are time saving and accurate. Though it's in nascent stage in Indian laboratory diagnosis scenario, but more and more hospitals are taking up these technologies to help detect infections. 
It's costlier than conventional diagnosis techniques but when one compare it with the total money spent in medical diagnosis and treatment,  length of hospital stay and resulting increase in morbidity and mortality of patients, it's the best option available today.

This Deepawali,

This Deepawali,
a festival of lights,
with rows of diyas,
glowing in the night.
Some group of children,
their smile so bright,
being together with family,
joining for a beautiful sight.

This Deepawali,
the allure and goodness,
of celebration of reunions,
bringing joy and happiness.
Some gathering of friends,
or the strangers joined,
for heartily conversations,
showing their gratefulness.

This Deepawali,
time for some fun,
crackers and sparklers,
to fire or burn.
being cautious in the game,
ready to douse the flame,
enjoying to the fullest,
before there left none.

This Deepawali,
welcome the festivity,
togetherness of loved ones,
brightening up the city.
But remain responsible,
vigilant of your surrounding,
as other lives too matter,
nature at it's essentiality.


HAPPY DEEPAWALI !!

Sikharpur days (Mountain of west-Exploration begins)

The children made merry. It was a fine dinner, even for their surprise. The villages on the other side of mountain have so many different type of food. The boys were gulping it down while Lata was polite, respectful of their hosts. Narendra's wife Sita was a good lady, friendly with motherly aura. They laughed and chatted for a while.

Dhanush and Sambhu were talking with Narendra, asking him of possible places for visiting around the village. Lata went with Sitaa to the kitchen, asking about some recipes. Lochan went outside of the house, to look around and attend nature call. Parvati, though invisible to their hosts, was following Lata, wherever she went. Lata was discrete with her silent communications with Parvati, so as to not raise alarm or doubts in the mind of her host Sita.

" Aunty, can you tell me the recipe of this sabzi and halwa. The taste were wonderful." Lata asked Sita.
" Ask about the Achar (pickles) too..." Parvati, our spirit girl, whispered to Lata.

"Yes, yes, Aunty...also tell me how to make the Aam a achar(mango pickles) too. " Lata added.

"Ohh, you are such a sweet young girl." Sita was flattered by the praises and also liked Lata, " if only, you were my girl."
"You are like mom, although I don't remeber much about her." Lata said with a smile.

" Ohh, poor girl, you can call me mom too." Sita said while hugging her.

She told her the recipes while the boys chatted. Lochan too had joined the boys, sharing their laughter.

" Now kids, its time for bed. I have put bedsheet on the floor. Come with me Dhanush, Sambhu and Lochan,' Narendra added, ' and Lata, go to the bed with Sita."
"Yes, Lata, come with me." Sita took Lata with her, followed by Parvati.

It was early morning, with a few birds chirruping, when Dhanush wake up. He went outside, to see Narendra was doing Yoga and exercise.

" Do you always do these vyayams (exercise)," Dhanush asked as he went near him.
" You need to do these to remain healthy as you get old." Narendra said in a strained voice.
"Uncle, as I was asking earlier,' Dhanush continued, ' What places I could visit near these villages. We want to do some sightseeing before we go."
"Hmm.. There is a Shiva temple towards the northern path., and a small waterfall towards the east path, it's the path you came from. Narendra replied.

" I would like to visit the waterfall!" Dhanush said, ' that way we can return earlier.
"Be alert, there might be wild animals too.' Narendra warned, ' there have been incidences of strange sounds in the evening just a few day ago. "
" Is it dangerous, anyone attacked?" Dhanush was concerned.
" No, no, it's safe during the day. You might find some villagers there now, but make sure to return by the evening." Narendra assured him.
"Then don't worry, we would be out by afternoon as we have to walk through the mountain pass too today." Dhanush replied.

As the sun came out, Dhanush went to wake Sambhu and Lochan. Lata was already awake and sitting with Parvati. Sita aunty was making the tea and packing the food for them.

" I will miss you Lata, come anytime." Sita said with a tearful eye as Lata was ready for the departure.
" I will come again aunty," Lata hugged her and then joined the boys.

" Thank you uncle and aunty for your hospitality. We would come again." Dhanush gave his farewell along with the children.
" Be safe," Narendra shouted as the children were near the gates waving their hands.

...... To be continued......

Sikharpur days ( Mountains of west-Part 2)

" The air was cooler here,' Lochan exclaimed, ' It's refreshing"
"Yeah, indeed so, I would like to take rest here," Sambhu added, he was feeling a little sleepy too because of their early departure.
" The wind is cooler here, I admit that.' Dhanush added, ' But don't you dare take rest here, we have a promise to keep. Also, I don't was you to catch cold and risk our exploration plans"

" Yes, yes, listen you kids, fist you all should deliver the package to the that village merchant and then we will explore this area while we return." Parvati scolded Sambhu and Lochan.
" Who made you the leader here?" Sambhu protested, offended by Parvati's attitude.
" I am your guide here, give some respect." Parvati retorted.
" Boys, don't fight, Dhanush mediated, ' Parvati is right, we need her to scout the surrounding to make it safe for us to explore. We need to appreciate her help here"

Parvati smiled proudly, as Sambhu sighed at his defeat. Lata saw the fight and decided to join in.

" Sambhu don't be angry, we are all friends, right?, 'Lata said soothingly, ' Take this crackers that I made and smile."
" Parvati, you come with me, let us pick some flowers that are growing here ion the sides." Lata called Parvati to her side to bring down the tension and lighten the mood of the group.


Dhanush looked at Lata and smiled at here sweet manipulation of her friends. The had gone down the mountain trail, carefully treading the steep path. After that it was a little rocky jungle path with wild shrubs growing on the sides. The fruits and flowers were inviting but they need to reach the village early.

It was late evening, as they reached the village outskirts. Only a few people were walking towards the gate and the gatekeeper was scrutinizing them. The children thanked their luck to pass over the jungle before night or they had to camp outside and it could have been dangerous.

" Who's there, " called the gatekeeper as the children were coming out of jungle path towards the gate, happily chatting among themselves. The gatekeeper was concerned about the stranger faces near his village. Although, not in alarming way as they were only children.

" Sir, we are from Sikharpur village. I am Dhanush and came here deliver the package." Dhanush announced as he made contact with the gatekeeper.
" Oh, you are from Sikharpur village, but that's so far and the jungle is dangerous. Where are your guardians?" gatekeeper asked.
" It's alright, we were in group. We had taken parent's permission and also Anuj kaka's permission.
can you tell us the location of Narendra's shop?" Dhanush replied.
" Narendra's shop is just straight from here, you will find the big board and fancy designs there. You should hurry as it's his closing time." The gatekeeper said.

" Straight from here, thanks sir....?" Dhanush thanked the gatekeeper.
" It's Ram Singh," answered the gatekeeper, ' now go, hurry!"

The children run straight towards the shop as they wanted to deliver as soon as possible. Sambhu was the first reach the shop. The shop was just going to be closed as Narendra was closing the door.

" Sir, wait...." Sambhu shouted as he inhaled deeply to retain his strength.
" Do you need anything son? Narendra questioned, surprised by the arrival of unfamiliar faces.

Narendra saw this kid, breathing heavily, may be tired from a long journey. Following him are a group of kids, two boys and one girl, all looking too tired. He invited them inside the shop.

" Sit on the chair here, do you need water? " Narendra said.
"Thanks sir, I would need a glass. Kindly give some for my friends here." Sambhu thanked Narendra as he sat on the chair.
 All the children sat on the chair and drank water. Dhanush and Sambhu went near Narendra to talk.

" So, what you kids need?" Narendra enquired.
" Sir, I am Sambhu and this is Dhanush. We are from Sikharpur village and here to deliver the package that Anuj kaka promised." Sambhu took the lead.
" Oh, the package, I needed that urgently. Do you have everything that I asked." Narendra was happy as he recieved the package.
" Yes sir, all the medicinal herb that you asked and other things, I don't know. " Dhanush assured Narendra.

" I believe you, don't worry." Narendra said looking at the nervous kids, ' Anuj always keeps his promise."
" Thanks for believing and also for the water." Dhanush said.

" By the way, how you kids crossed the jungle alone? Were there no porters who normally bring these packages to me?" Narendra asked.

" Actually, they were busy and package would have gotten late. So, I asked Anuj kaka to allow me deliver the same." Dhanush replied.
"So, that's what happened! You kids don't have a place to stay, right? Narendra understood the situation, ' Come to my home and spend the night." he invited them to his home.

" Really, thanks, we were really worried about that." Sambhu said excitedly. Sleeping inside a house is far better than sleeping outside.
"Yes sir, thanks for inviting us. We will return back earlt morning." Dhanush showed his gratitude.
" No, no, pleasure is all mine. You have really saved me by bringing these herbs. I could do this much." Narendra added,' after all you have come to our village of Kanpur. Allow us to show you our hospitality."

Dhanush and Sambhu went back to the group to announce the good news.

" What, a place to stay.." Lata said excitedly.
" I too wanted to try new food," Parvati joined in.
"And tomorrow would be day of explorations...yeah" All the kids joined in.



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

Sikharpur days ( Mountains of west-Part 1)

"Careful, The slope is steep here" Sambhu shouted as he turned back to warn his friends of the danger.
" Lata, walk slowly, and take support of my shoulder," Dhanush advised Lata, as he held Lata's arm.
" Don't worry, I will save you all if anything happens," Parvati announced with a smug face.

The children were going for their first adventure after many months. This time, it was exploration of the furthest mountains in the west, which were restricted for the children to visit. Only a few adults pass the mountain pass, mostly to travel to villages and towns of the other side.
Since Parvati, our spirit girl, had learned to control her powers, she wanted opportunity to show off. The children too were curious about the mountain pass of the west and the villages beyond it. The opportunity came as the local merchant fell ill and he had a deal promise.

" What happened kaka (uncle), you look so worried?" Dhanush asked Anuj Kaka, the village merchant, as he was brooding near his veranda.
" I need to supply these medicinal herbs and baskets by tomorrow, but I caught cold and don't have the strength to walk the distance" Anuj kaka rued,
" Why, there most be some porters available in the village." Dhanush questioned as he tried to understand the situation,
"Yes, but no one is available now, they are out of the village and return only after day after tomorrow. I don't know what should I do?" he answered.
"Tell you what, you can rely on us." Dhanush had a epiphany, an opportunity for new adventure.
"But you are children, and you shouldn't be walking that far!" Anuj kaka protested.
" Don't worry, we fought with dacoits, and we regularly go to the mountains to bring the medicinal herb for you anyway." Dhanush replied.

Anuj Kaka thought a little and decided to go with it.
"No, Lata shouldn't be going that far!" Lata's father protested while the Lata cried.

Dhanush and co went to Lata's father to get his permission. As she is the youngest, and also a girl, there were some hurdles. But the adventure would be incomplete without her!

" Papa, I will be alright, I am not kid anymore. If you love if, then you will aloow me to go with my friend." Lata emotionally blackmailed him.
" No, means No." he retorted angrily.
"It's alright, Shyam. Dhanush will take care of them. It's just two days journey and relatively safe as our porters regularly follow the path." Dhanush's father tried to calm him.

Shyam Singh calmed a little. He loved his daughter dearly, and didn't wanted to risk her life. The Sikhareswari mountains are under the protection of Devi Sikhareswari but other mountains are far and not visited frequently by their people, so he was concerned. But he didn't want to alienate her daughter and he like other villagers, have trust in Dhanush and company. They were the most responsible and active children in the village and also support the village too.

" Alright, but make sure to return by 3 days and don't move further than the pass." ShyamSingh warned Dhanush.
" Don't worry uncle, we will make sure to walk safely." Dhanush assured him.
..
...
.....
" Let's go Lata, talk my hands...." Lata was immersed in thoughts. They are near the mountain slope, one of the difficult terrain that they had to pass before reaching the entry point of Mountains of the west. A place to begin their new adventure....they were cautious, after all safety first.

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

Bird and the tree

It was there,

standing tall and proud,

always open, welcoming,

with it's spreading branches.

The roots well placed,

and plenty of nutrients,

letting it flourish, to grow,

to the place...it is now.

The fellow brethren too,

grew as they would,

some taken to places,

in orchards, parks and gardens.

Standing lone, looking out,

it's friend..far ahead,

some visitors that came,

bringing news with them.

The birds flew overhead,

making it's leaves to sway,

fluttering the wings above,

with the breeze it create.

Ah, it wish...

extending branches towards it,

to help it rest,

a place comfortable to sit.

To find it endearing,

and be it's friend,

being part of it's life,

even be of different kind!

The bird looked perplexed,

only interested for cover,

a place for respite,

and some fruits for hunger.

Only for few moments,

but that's all it asked,

as they were with each other,
and the comforts it brought !

The bird and tree,

one free, other attached,

still finding happiness together, 

a story of opposite attracts.

Sikharpur days (the hideout-2)

" Its fun,' Lata exclaimed as see was running behind Parvati, ' we should do it more often."
"Yeah, we should," Parvati answered. She was floating in the air and running away from the children while the others are running to catch her.

It all started half an hour back. The children were gossiping as usual, having their breakfast,although a little late. It was almost noon as they spent a lot of their time in making the hideout habitable.

"So, what should we do now?" Lochan asked as he was getting bored from not being part of other's conversation.
"Hmm, lets have some game after we clean up." Lata replied as she went to collect the utensils of the kids who have eaten.
Lochan nodded and went out to wash his hands and mouth. Sambhu followed him outside.

"So Parvati, you got some new skills. Why don't you show us more?" Dhanush teases Parvati. He was impressed by her entry today, which was like she was the wind herself.
"Yeah, I will. I am so excited to show it after all the training I did!" Parvati was elated that her hard work was noticed.
"Why don't we play pakdan pakdai (catch), where we will all try to catch her." Lata suggested.
" Actually it's a great idea." Dhanush said, ' so,what do you say Parvati?"
" Hmm...think again, you all will fail." Parvati said in a menancing voice, and then giggled.
" Don't be so sure about that." Dhanush answered back. He hates to lose and was confident of his new found stamina.

" What are you guying talking about?" Sambhu asked as he returned back.
" We just made the plan for today. Today's game is to catch Parvati and whoever catches her first will get a prize." Dhanush answered.
"What's the prize?" Lochan asked as he was excited by the prospects of a prize.
"That's a surprise !" Parvati smiled mysteriously.

And here we are.

Parvati was passing through the forest with ease. Lata was following her hapahazardly. She was getting tired now as she was the first to take the dash with a hope of catching Parvati early. Alas, it became her own downfall. She sat on a nearby rock to rest and regain her stamina.

" What happened Lata, giving up so early?" Sambu taunted.
" Yeah, yeah, girls are so weak!" Lochan laughed as he went near Sambhu to join the conversation.
" Lochan, you know the plan, right?" Sambhu whispered.
"Yeah, lets ambush her." Lochan answered back.

Parvati was running straight ahead toward's a tree. Actually she was chased to that direction by Sambhu and Dhanush. Apparently, Dhanush too had taken part in their plan. There was a thick bush near the tree, where Lochan had already hidden and was bidding his time. The moment Parvati cam near the bush, Lochan pounced on her, only to fall on ground. Parvati had vanished, and both Sambhu and Dhanush were puzzled.

Here I am, Parvati announced. The boys looked back, and there she was sitting near Lata. Lata was surprised to see Parvati sitting beside her when moment ago she was so far from them. But Lata didn't let the moment waste and hugged her tightly.

" I won, I won!!" Lata laughed.
" Yes, you won." Parvati smiled brightly.

" This is unfair, she let her win." Sambhu protested.
" It's alright Sambhu, we lost." Dhanush said as he admitted defeat, ' Parvati how did you know about the ambush?"
" I could sense people.' Parvati replied, ' I know someone was there in bush."

" Ah, again a new skill of yours." The boys sighed.

" We should do it more often," Lata said recalling Parvati's words.
" Yeah, why don't we plan some new adventures? Parvati  said excitedly.

" Hmm...I too want it!" Sambhu added.

" Then, we will do that. I was also planning some get togethers like this. It was scary when the bandits attacked and the adventure were fun." Dhanush answered,

So, the children decided in the meeting, to plan for some adventures, explorations.

Stasis...

Stasis...
this dormancy,
and monotonous life,
infused in normalcy.

I feel nothing,
within my calm self,
the joy or sadness,
nowhere my thought dwells.
And the emotions,
feelings that's expected,
one that still eludes me,
as much as I waited !

When did I stopped caring?
immersed in daily life,
engrossing in multitasking,
buried those occasional strife.
For, I had my belief,
opinions of my own,
not confering to social values,

questions too being raised.

Stasis...
a kind of inertia,
going with the flow,
devoid of the tryst...something new!

Ignorance is indeed bliss,
knowledge brought the thirst,
more I know, more I seek,
disappointments makes me meek.
Things that I can change,
actions that should be taken,
lack of courage, the fear.....
led to failures, being forsaken!

And then came the savior,
infusing passion to my dreams,
appreciation of my wishes,
some ears to my screams!
The delights of new discovery,
making me lose my cool.
things got easier, being nearer,
exploiting my leisure as a tool !

Stasis...
moment of quiescence,
falling towards the sluggishness...
loosing out of my conscience.

The distractions kept me occupied,
unaware of passing days,
oblivious of my responsibilities,
I let others to be driven away!
There are reasons,
not to be spoken of,
nor it will be understood,
even if I try to convey !

And so here I am,
penning away these thoughts,
as I retrospect,
from the moments I recalled.
Regrets of my past,
worries of the future,
but actions of present,
might make things work !

Stasis,
not an act of passivity,
it's just a consequence...
of my desire of harmony!

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 !