Freedom to Watch, Catch and Match

 
I used to watch the girls hold hands and walk their way back home. They were talking, giggling, well the expressions on the face of the one with the pony-tail hair style were cute. What caught my attention was the sound of the anklets around the time they crossed this way. Well the sound of the passing vehicles was load enough yet I could hear this rhythmic sound.

The children resided on the other lane, parallel to my street. They would generally take the street where I stay, probably to talk and enjoy the time, because this was a longer route. I had seen the other child many a times, at the kirana store near that street so figured it out, that they stay there.

Now the interesting observation. Well I had taken a break off my laptop screen gazing and was taking a stroll on the corridor. I would watch the people on the street and the vehicles plying once a while. These two children would be seen once a while, I assume they went to fetch milk or some grocery because they both held a cloth bag. At times, one would probably accompany the other.

The sound of the anklet was always a mystery until that day. I saw them walk up to the end of the street. There is a peepal tree there and the leaves provided a good canopy to those who chose to take shelter. These two girls stood there for some time and then they took a turn and head towards their homes, again. I could now see the source of the anklet sound. The pony-tailed kid. But how come I never noticed.

The truth is I would not notice anyways. She wore it only after they stopped by the huge tree. I figured out their bond of understanding and friendship. She would give it to her friend to wear when they were safely away from the sight of their families or homes. Once they were near to home, the owner adorned it again. The momentary joy was precious and unseen to the world.

The gratitude gesture was the smile of the other child , expressed through her eyes, only her eyes. The rest of her innocence look was hidden under the grey long veil (burkha). Freedom as we take for granted every time, might mean, just a few 20 steps of the same as a short-lived liberation from reality, to experience freedom and to pass it on for a beautiful dream.

You are indeed lucky if you have the freedom to wear anklets or do anything you love, for that matter. FREEDOM - one should watch, catch and match its frequency that humans of different religious communities believe and make others do the same.

The Tata Way of Colonization

I feel blessed to be born in an era where neighbors had a special place in our lives.

No matter where to we shifted our place of reside within the colony,

We got introduced, to new faces, new cultures and definitely a new language to learn,

The benefit of living in a mixed community had its perks as some become extended families for lifelong,

Where love and compassion was showered in abundance with the assurance to stand for one another in times of need,

Trust was the most popular human quality that never stood for trial,

Respect in words and honesty in deeds was the way of life by anyone for all age groups,

There was not a blink of apprehension while seeking help for anything, be it cash, commodity or counsel at any hour,

Because there was prompt solution available with a smile to help us best,

Festivals all year round was celebrated with equal excitement above the political lines of North or South Indian,

A neighborhood like that was truly a paradise where we learned virtues of humanity, selfless acts of kindness and unconditional love for others.

Times have perhaps changed and sadly the newage boxed lifestyle debars people from crossing their line of privacy or welcome neighbors with smile.

Even more now, the need for social distancing in lieu of containment seems to have masked any faint interaction to self-sustainment,

I am glad that as a lucky millennial I practice the qualities as a good neighbor with mutual understanding, in any city, I have travelled over the years,

I thank the one of the largest conglomerate in the world, the Tatas, for gifting us a perfect paradise colony flourishing the trend of friendly neighborhood committed to well-being of all.

Naysayers , thank you!

While we look at admiring the good in the people who are good to us,

We also ought to understand that there are those with indifferent of opinion who tend to rule the society,

They have their self conceived notion about caste, creed, color and everything under the Sun,

Much with the intent of portraying others in frame of the misfits,

They are the ignorant and self -bragging class whose ignorance outshines every quality leading to wishing for 

well-being of human race,

Mostly they are wonderful examples for their acquired habits of their upbringing in the dogmatic society,

They definitely stand as a positive challenge for those who walk the talk of pragmatic virtues,

Well they do deserve a bit of gratitude and sympathy, but no respect or kindness,

It is for them that we see that people rise up from the hollowing fears infused by the naysayers,

To emerge as self- reliant, confident, inspiring individuals who defy anything that is against humanity,

To lead an honest life based on being good to oneself and to others in thoughts, words and action,

Coz kindness has an eternal presence and it only grows stronger even when the cynics aim to rule the masses,

It is a big world and thanks to the naysayers, humanity always wins hearts and gifts altruistic citizens of highest honor.

Become a True Yogi . A Pillar of Humanity.

Photo Courtesy: Isha Foundation, AdiYogi

Daily rituals of acquiring positive energies need dedication

Dedication that seems like an effortless daily chore for a Yogi 

Life shows up progressive changes in the most unexpected forms

Forms that may be invisible to the eye yet  engraved for life in the heart.

The Heart that says yes to changes with thirst for inner peace

Inner peace with which each challenge seems a breeze

A breeze that inspires every breath to seek the purpose

The purpose to be blissful and dutiful to nurture the soul.

The soul of a Yogi yearns the true essence of love and humanity

Humanity that sees beyond the lines that divide countries

Countries together follow ethics of governance for the welfare of all

Welfare that becomes filtered to serve the egoistic interests to warfare.

Warfare brings in destructive silence challenging humanitarian practices

Practices and retaliations that obstruct the source if positive energies

Positive energies yet finds a way as inner engineer to mend the wires

Wires of purity get revitalized and humans come together to witness divinity.

Divinity that sparkles as a spectacle from the sky above to the world as midnight meditation

Meditation together with the mystical theory of pancha bhoota aradhana for yogis

Yogis who take pledge to serve others with love and do daily acts of kindness

Kindness that is a true human virtue beyond caste, creed or religion of people

People who join hands with the mystic to stand together as messengers of world peace

World peace that bombs the evil intensions and showers self-esteem, compassion and care

Care for self and others, proactive deeds and happiness though daily practices by us as a Yogi

A Yogi who does the right thing at the right time to serve the highest good to safeguard human race.

Can Love Be a Reason or Mistake? - Part 2

She burst into tears. Samarth invited her to stay at his place till the water situation was brought into control.  She literally swam through the water to reach his place. Samarth was waiting for her at the doorstep. There was no power in the building. She collapsed in his arms.  Samarth caressed her forehead and puller her into his arms, hugging her tightly. She never felt safer. She had a quick shower and put on Samarth’s shirt and the duo had dinner under candle light. They sat on the couch close to each other reliving their college days. Shreya couldn’t stop looking at Samarth’s eyes. In spite of the darkness, his eyes comforted her. The events of that day were haunting her with even though she knew she was safe. Her fingers were trembling while she held the cup of coffee, her favorite Cappuccino flavor that he offered. Samarth could feel her fear which was quite obvious from her expressions even though she was trying hard to look normal.

Samarth sat beside her and as he was covering her with a shawl, he hugged her and whispered in her ear, ‘Don’t worry, you are fine. I am there with you right. You are my brave Shreya.’ Tears started rolling down her cheeks as she let go the shawl and cried embracing him. She had no clue what was happening but then she wished to be with him. While he told her to calm and he wiped her tears, his fingers caressed her cheeks. His kissed her forehead and she was speechless. ‘Can I kiss you, Shreya’, he asked. Time stilled that moment and all she wanted was love. She leaned in to kiss him.  And within no time, they were exploring each other’s bodies. It was the first time she felt like a passionate lover as in the novels she read, craving for physical pleasure. Samarth was warm and wanted to shower his feelings of concern for her. The severity of the rain slowed down and the sound of the winds calmed down by mid night. That night, Shreya slept peacefully. When she woke up next morning, she saw Samarth lying next to her. She didn’t know how to react and left without informing him. Facing Samarth at work became difficult after that. Though she didn’t feel guilty about the fact that they made love, there was something that she couldn’t understand about the relationship.

The week at office was uneasy for her. She was finding a name for her relationship with Samarth. She was a small town girl, ambitious and was confused about what happened. Days passed and Samarth’s boss, who was also his friend, was moving out of town. Samarth had discretely told Shreya few weeks before the night episode, he got the news that she needs to look for a job as the company was not performing so well in the last few months. But Shreya loved the comfort zone she was in and the pay was more than sufficient to pay off her rent. After that night, Samarth had called up many a times as if nothing really happened. She was afraid to ask him fearing something which was unable to understand. He had of course asked if she was fine and she had said with a positive answer, she was. She loved listening to Samarth every day despite the emotional upheavals and believed that everything would work out fine. She had fallen for Samarth.

By the end of the month, Samarth went on long leave.  Shreya’s heart was literally jumping with joy when he came back. But Samarth didn’t look his usual best. He told Shreya that he had a girlfriend who was a Bengali, but his parents didn’t want him to marry her as they wanted him to marry a girl from their caste and from Lucknow.  That’s when it struck Shreya. There was another woman in Samarth’s life, with whom she wanted to spend the rest of his life with. She was shocked. She had no idea how to cheer him up and handle her own emotions at the same time. She choked. She didn’t ask him a single question. Instead, she got him a glass of water and gave him a comforting hug. He smiled. When she returned to her seat, her heart was pounding. What was happening to her? She confessed to Samarth that there was more to the relationship and that she had fallen for him.

But the moment she confessed her feelings for her, he began acting strange. She started losing focus at work so much so that when Samarth quit as hinted, she put in her papers without another job in hand. Samarth had begun maintaining a distance from her. When the frequency of calls had come down drastically, she began stalking him online. Though Samarth lived in the same city, he was barely in touch with her.

She willed herself to not check her phone to see if he had replied. It had been about three days now. She hated that she was constantly checking his 'last seen at' status and yes, he had logged in just five minutes ago. Yet she couldn't stop herself. This sinking feeling to find absolutely no communication from him was becoming unbearable, almost torturous.

And then, just as she sat down in her chair, her phone vibrated. With her heart thudding in her ear, she unlocked her phone and stared at the screen. Finally! It was his message.

But when she opened it and read it, she nearly stopped breathing. She didn't know if he was joking or not. What was this?

 ‘It was a mistake. Look I am sorry. You trust me right?  I am getting engaged next week and its time you accepted the truth. I tried helping you that night. There’s nothing more to it. My parents and I want you to be there for the engagement function. Please come Shreya. Thanks, Samarth’.

She considered him her best friend, mentor and a loving person. He understood her much better than her; and she had always respected his feelings and valued his words. But when she wanted to hear those magical words from him, all she received was ‘a mistake’.

The entire phase in her life seeking his love and care was gone- just like that. What was she to do now?

Can Love Be a Reason or Mistake? - PART 1

Courtesy:Google Images

“It was a mistake. Look I am sorry. You trust me right? ….”

Shreya was reading the line again and again in disbelief. Her eyes were brimming with tears and had reached her spectacles, blurring her vision. Shreya had known Samarth for the last 11 months.

A young, aspiring girl all the way from Jharia, the land of the coal mines in Dhanbad, Jharkhand; Shreya had made it to Chennai with the sole aim of becoming an accomplished copywriter. She was fluent in many languages and since her childhood friend was from Tamil Nadu, she spoke a little of Tamil as well.  This was one of the blessings of having brought up in Jharkhand, she took pride of.   A petite youngster in her early 20s, Shreya had gotten in touch with her college senior Samarth to find a job in Chennai, a city and its vibrant culture she had always wanted to explore. She had made a few phone calls to him and Samarth had gone out of his way to help her find a job. Reaching there was sheer destiny, she believed.  The place had a lot of Ad agencies and the cost of living was lower when compared to the other metro cities. She was supported by her father, a Government Official by profession, to give her best shot in Chennai and he had arranged for a stay in a Paying Guest accommodation in the heart of the city. Upon enquiring, Samarth said that it was hardly 30 minutes drive from his place and that it was a safe locality. This was truly an assurance.

When she had booked the tickets and packed her bag, she sent an email to Samarth and also said that she had managed to arrange a couple of interviews by her own.

He replied, ‘Welcome to Chennai. All the best, Shreya, to become an ace copywriter.’  She smiled as she read. His words boosted her confidence. She was eager to see her cool friend in the new city.

And on her first day in Chennai, Samarth was there to receive her. Shreya had heard Samarth over the phone during their conversations while she was still in Jharia, but when she met him in person in Chennai, she was over the moon. He was a handsome guy and had oodles of energy. She loved his curvy smile and the spark in his eyes when he spoke. He was a perfectionist when it came to his looks. His hair was short and he had a French beard. He treated Shreya with care and trust. There were days when Samarth would wait in the office even after he finished his work, just to ensure that he dropped Shreya home safely. He would crack jokes and lighten her mood, when she was down.

Samarth helped her overcome her fear of interviews with mock sessions. He would be really harsh to her as an interviewer, but she knew it was for her own good. After a month of job hunt and rejections, she finally joined an advertising agency referred by Samarth. It’s been 30 days in Chennai and it was time she had some money in hands.

Shreya was ambitious and hardworking. Under Samarth’s guidance, she was evolving as a good copywriter. She had begun reading a lot of books and learning different writing styles. Her ads were out on leading national dailies and she felt like a great achievement. She shared her happiness with him. Samarth was from the city of the Nawabs, Lucknow and his style was unique. He had the pride and an unassuming nature in equal measures. Shreya would at times, visit Samarth and his parents, and relish homely food. They were fond of his naïve girl from small-town. She was overwhelmed when they bought her a pair of jeans for Holi. Samarth later said that he was proud of her achievement, especially the recent laminated brochure content that she had written at one shot.

 Samarth was a good listener and Shreya ended up sharing every little detail about her life. He also gave her a glimpse into his past and his girlfriends. Shreya loved listening to his stories. She would love to hear about his adventure trips and his feats when he would help people selflessly.  Perhaps somewhere within she had started idolizing him and never ever found a flaw in his character. She knew that he was always there for her as a good friend. She would always make small creative bookmarks and paintings for him. Samarth was always himself with her, she believed. He was not her boyfriend but she cared for him a lot. It was his honestly, humanity and humbleness that made him special for her. He never gave her gifts but he was a gift himself who made her smile and cross her fears in life with courage and self-confidence.

The biggest surprise for him was a big A3 sized laminated card that she designed and printed to wish him on his birthday. He was speechless and sent an email, ‘This is one of the BEST gifts I have received in live, I shall treasure lifelong. Thank you so much. Love, Samarth’. She was glad seeing him happy and the thought that perhaps she was a reason for his smile.

Work was getting hectic and even then their friendship was fun and she never wished for anyone else.  Once a while she would go for dinner with her friends and Samarth would call up by 10 pm to ensure if she was back to her room safe. He knew she was very simple and innocent while the city of Chennai and the advertising world was not so. He was a marketing professional and knew the world better than her. He was working in the UK before he came to Chennai and so he had learned much about the corporate world. Shreya respected his words and she strongly believed that he would always want her good.

Once, when there was a heavy downpour in the city and the whole of Chennai had come to a standstill. Shreya finished her work and left her work at the usual time. By the time, she had reached her hostel, wading through the water; it was late in the night. The warden asked her to shift to a temporary place for some time as the hostel was flooded with water. Shreya was blank as she didn’t know anyone in the city other than Samarth.  Though she had a few friends in her hostel, they had moved in to their respective relatives’ house and were an obligation themselves.  That’s when Samarth called her.

Angels of Death, Fighting for a Freedom

Photo Courtesy: Google Images 

While the debate of intolerance‬ is making waves and we hear suicide incidents over baseless arguments for statements made by celebrities or politicians, my heart goes out with high respect for these young ‪Kurdish‬ women who take weapons to fight against injustice and slavery, seeking freedom of women and their country from the ruthless ISIS terrorists.

1.
They refer to each other as Comrades and march shoulder-to-shoulder to curb the advances of these ruthless militants who are slowly infecting the entire globe calling it a fight for their rights while adopting cruel, inhuman ways to kill. These barbarous men have a good support of their so called friends who surface as their enemies to the Rest of the world.
2.
The girls are courageous and most of them seem to leave their homes in their early teens for a bigger cause, to fight for freedom and die as a martyr than having to die each day as victims in the hands of ruthless militants.
3.
They are fearless while taking up guns and shooting their enemies. These young comrades spread the message of humanity and with to protect their society from evil.
4.
They are very much like us I say. Their smile is pure and infectious. Their passion is to win the war and save their country. They sing, dance, play and wish for the good of innocent lives and believe that women have the power to send these evil doers to hell.
5.
While we talk about fashion or movies with a smart phone for entertainment since we all live a carefree life, let us a take a moment to SALUTE the spirit of these Kurdish women and similar comrades who carry a weapon, who are always on alert to strike back at their enemy for their safety as well as of others.

I believe the wave of intolerance can be respected in here than in any other context as in present times.

100 Gratitude Reasons...

1.        Thank you for a life.
2.       Thank you for the best parents.
3.       Thank you for a good family.
4.       Thank you for the best good friends for life.

5.       Thank you for the lovely experiences.
6.       Thank you for good health.
7.       Thank you for a cheerful face.
8.       Thank you for my eyes.
9.       Thank you for fingers to type.
10.   Thank you for feet to feel the ground.
11.   Thank you for my 2 nephews.
12.   Thank you for the best education @ best school in Telco.
13.   Thank you for the enhanced degree @ best college in Calicut and Cochin.
14.   Thank you for the sense of love and care.
15.   Thank you for the peaceful sleep at night.
16.   Thank you for an elder sister.
17.   Thank you for the good humans in life.
18.   Thank you for my honest and impressive smile.
19.   Thank you for my lovely short and silky hair.
20.   Thank you for my tastebuds to help relish food.
21.   Thank for my ears to hear happy and positive things.
22.   Thank you for the rising Sun and the sunlight in my life.
23.   Thank you for the Sunset that promises to keep good things near me and others at bay.
24.   Thank you for helping me travel safely to workplace and back home.
25.   Thank you for the miracle of happiness called humanity.
26.   Thank you for the best friends in life to count on.
27.   Thank you for making me financially stable cos it’s the greatest blessing.
28.   Thank you for making me happy that I am alive.
29.   Thank you for my dreams and helping me realize them
30.   Thank you for cheerful people around me.
31.   Thank you for a life partner.
32.   Thank you for a loving heart.
33.   Thank you for the pure air to breath in and out.
34.   Thank you for the best of experience in my academic career.
35.   Thank you for the spiritual guru ‘Sai Baba’ in my life.
36.   Thank you for revealing me to “The Secret”.
37.   Thank you for the wonderful people in my life.
38.   Thank you for the peaceful sleep at night.
39.   Thank you for reasons to smile in life.
40.   Thank you for the best of simple food.
41.   Thank you for the ways to show me to higher career.
42.   Thank you for the lovely music that makes me smile.
43.   Thank you for my gratitude thoughts each day.
44.   Thank you for helping me attract positive people.
45.   Thank you for helping me with money to live each day happily.
46.   Thank you for the romantic thoughts that nourish my love life.
47.   Thank you for keeping me healthy and happy in mind each day.
48.   Thank you for healing me of any illness soon with a smile.
49.   Thank you for my communication skill that is power.
50.   Thank you for all the lovely surprises.

51.   Thank you for the strength to withstand the world alone.
52.   Thank you for the creative tag that sails me on.
53.   Thank you for the chocolates and sweets.
54.   Thank you for the power to see the good things in life.
55.   Thank you for the power to dream big and achieve my goals.
56.   Thank you for the food to eat and the home to sleep.
57.   Thank you for the faith the confidence within.
58.   Thank you for the travel destinations beginning with Bangalore.
59.   Thank you for the ways to feel happy and loved.
60.   Thank you for giving me a happy face.
61.   Thank you for the words to express my thoughts.
62.   Thank you for the healing power of Reiki.
63.   Thank you for the love and respect from strangers I meet.
64.   Thank you for helping me pass Divine message to my dear ones .
65.   Thank you for the healthy breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.
66.   Thank you for keeping me safe and protected Gaurdian Angels
67.   Thank you for introducing the spiritual healers.
68.   Thank you for helping me spread the message of love.
69.   Thank you for making me feel special each day.
70.   Thank you for the twinkling stars that guide my route.
71.   Thank you for the Moon who makes me happy.
72.   Thank you for the Sun to brighten my day with positivity.
73.   Thank you for the water that purifies my body and soul.
74.   Thank you for the safe travels each day.
75.   Thank you for the wind that calms and soothes my senses.
76.   Thank you for the shelter to protect me with care.
77.   Thank you for fulfilling my wish as a lone traveler.
78.   Thank you for making me the reason for people’s smile once a while.
79.   Thanks for the greetings conveyed by my dear ones every day.
80.   Thank you for the electricity that helps me work effortlessly.
81.   Thank you for the wonderful Nature and lake I see everyday
82.   Thank you for the gift of writing that earns me a livelihood.
83.   Thanks for the colorful flowers I get to see everyday
84.   Thanks for the humble and cheerful people I meet each day.
85.   Thanks for the rains to cool mother earth.
86.   Thanks for the beautiful clouds that sail in the sky.
87.   Thanks for the Himalayas, the land of the sages wisdom.
88.   Thanks for the sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
89.   Thanks for the architectural marvels in India and abroad.
90.   Thanks for my inclination towards humanity.
91.   Thanks for the power to help my parents financially.
92.   Thanks for the ghazals that mesmerize my soul.
93.   Thanks for the helpful people who come each day as an angel.
94.   Thanks for the sight of the playful puppies each day.
95.   Thanks for the calm while handling a harsh situation.
96.   Thanks for the senses of sight, hearing and speaking.
97.   Thanks for the compassionate heart that connects to like-hearted people.
98.   Thanks for the love of the Divine and messages.
99.   Thanks for the innocent smiles of small children.
100.                        Thanks for making me a helper to serve others unconditionally
 

No Stardom Required.

Tring! Tring! The newspaper is coasted in. Gautam gently gazed at the main door and then resumed sipping his cup of tea. Quite absorbed in the rhythm and tune of the sarod. He has not mastered in music ever but he has a very sharp ear when it comes to ragas. The music stopped but then Gautam seemed deeply involved that the sudden silence made no ripples in his absorbed posture. 

Finally, the silence broke with the sound of the telephone. No options but to get up and attend the call. He opened his eyes as if enlightened by a discourse, got up the chair and advanced to pick the call. Could have been a little fast, the phone stopped ringing, in vain probably. The day has begun hereon. 

He moves on. Changes the music to something more ‘rocking’. Lifts the newspaper and scans through it. Then finally gets glued to the stock market details. Huh! He raises his brow and then the very next moment, takes the remote kept at the tea poy. A random browse through the channels and finally settled for NDTV. The Breaking News Flashed-Satyam Scam exposed! So that’s going to be the next string for news channels to harp on. This is indeed a slight relief from the indecisive melodrama between Indo-Pak, hammering upon each other in the terrorist tug-of-war. 

Gautam scurried with the morning chores and left for his office. As usual he had managed to keep an apple to be munched when stuck in the traffic. Breakfast during breaks from driving! Persistent nagging over the phone did have some effect. From no time for breakfast, it was ‘breakfast in the car’. Gratitude completely goes to his mom of course.

After jostling in the traffic for an hour, he made it sharp on time. He waved a morning smile to all around and entered his cabin. He believes that a genuine smile would do good to onself and others. Perhaps the proportion varies. Well, he boasts of his charismatic smile wherever he goes. That’s his USP, they say. Ask him the secret, he would simply smile and say ‘smile naturally’. 

Takes his seat, keeps the wallet, his i-Pod and his mobile on the desk. Starts his lappy and begins with a short prayer. Gautam opens his mailbox. Well, well, he is going to have a pretty hectic day. With two client meets and a presentation to wind up for the evening. Alongside he has to call up the clients and vendors for price negotiations and follow upon agreed quotations. Well, it is all a breeze!

Recession and layoffs had actually affected the business by and large. The Board of Directors had tightened the policies and as such layoff was not operational. Amidst all fiasco, Gautam seems unaffected or rather deliberately unaware. He spreads calm and positive strokes all the time. Above all is his quick-witted jovial nature. Not even the security man is spared. Despite the managerial post that he beholds, his flexibility is incredible. He can dine with the elite and also stroll along with a colleague for a cup of tea at a kirana store. He would speak unpretentiously and that made him popular and liked.

These clients were a bit late. Punctuality remains confined to a bold mention in the code of disciplines in business. But then, some clients have a freedom to outdo the norms. Specifically, those contributing a great deal in the company’s turnover and profit. Gautam would be given such clients because he truly had a thick skin to handle them. Had it be any other person, the business would have suffered huge losses without the backup from such clients.

His calm nature and intelligent business propositions would leave no room for the clients but to agree to the company’s pricing quotation, at times after a bit of negotiations. He did manage to spare some time to hog some heavy luncheon. Well, he does believe in healthy nourishment to the body and mind. Even though a little lazy about breakfast.

The scheduled presentation was postponed for the next day. Gautam was much more than grateful to have spared him for the day. There were chances for a heavy downpour so he thought leaving early would save him from getting sopped. He was lucky just half way. Had not the traffic been so horrendous that he could by no way beat the rain.

Opened the main door and then. As expected, the sneezing was well beyond a few counts. Even a slight drizzle would have wonderful and immediate effect upon him. He could not make it fast from his car-poach to his apartment. He dried his hair and changed to dry clothes. The sneeze subsided. The mobile rings. He was like, what a timing mom! He could never figure out the connection between his sneeze and his mother’s instant call. He would always ask her that how on earth would she know? He would get a sharp statement-coz am your mom son! That entertains no more doubts indeed.

As the night strolls in, Gautam had the other side to life. This one was different from his marketing guy persona. Not that all knew of this, except for a few. He had this separate room in his house which was not welcome to all. He was an artist in shadows. Nourishing the creative zeal in him was however a passion since some years. The thought of making this shadowed muse the mainstream would not bring in much revenue. So earn for a smart living and live the passion alongside. He has of course a stream of ardent readers who like his works – all under a pen name of course. Sounds very Bollywood script like though. Well, there’s no doubt from where these ‘original scripts’ emerge.Real life incidents turn reel life hits. Now that some directors are modest enough to accept that they are ‘inspired ’. Gautam feels blessed.

What is it that makes his articles, so very interesting? Simple, he writes features that would leave no option for readers but to smile. Yes, when he writes, he has just one goal in mind-‘Smile’. So when the goal is clear, he has just to find alternatives to reach it. Since, his innate nature is embellished in happiness so it just comes natural. The royalty that he earns of the sale goes to the charitable trust. So where marketing seems to be the mainstream to one’s earnings, there is always a secretive side of satiating the creativity and humanity with utmost humility. No stardom required.

Celebrating Life !

Time flies so swiftly. Another year in my life has gone by. A quick anamnesis should be an ideal farewell as I welcome another year with a smile.

When you are left alone in the battlefield one fine morning where even your shadow disappears and the support forces offer prayers for your victory and well-being, it was the same for me. A hope that was to weave new dreams was shattered and the companionship was being distanced for a better cause. A battle where there was no enemy but a rugged road and uncertain destination. I had no choice but to pick up that was available. The journey was not a smooth one but then as I have completed 365 days, I definitely understand the meaning of life better and emerge a wiser human.

Celebrate Life

1.       At times when we truly put our head and heart into achieving a goal, destiny may change things against our will, right when we at our zenith of accomplishing that dream. It takes some time foe us to realize that it was something meant for the good, or a blessing in disguise that we thought was unjust and wrong.

2.       Experience and knowledge is always appreciated as long as you obey those who have the power and wish to say the last word in anything. Appreciate that your talent is treasured but we want it that way. Two ways to survive – be a good listener that an orator. You save your energy and gain appraisal.

3.       Good support system is always a blessing. Family, no matter how far they are, you can always feel their warmth and love. You do miss seeing them often due to commitments in life, but their prayers always help you in life.

4.       Friends add a magic. Life is like a flowing river and friends are like the streams that join you while you meander through different ridges and terrains. Some of them stay close and help you cross the obstacles on your journey of life easily. Some are busy yet they remember to wish you once a while for a smile.

5.       At times life gives magical surprises. You perchance get acquainted with like-minded souls who seem so much familiar in faith and deeds. The little surprises and the happy notes that we share with for them is truly genuine and unconditional. It is perhaps when God wishes to pass a message, he says it through messengers. You meet many friends often but you treasure good friends lifelong.

6.       Angel friends especially who cross a couple of decades are your soul. They will be there no matter what. Even when technology and smiley rules, it is always nice to hear the voice of your good friends and this cannot be replaced by any innovation or social media. Make a call and they would be there. Not much thought required and no excuses too.

7.       People who can make others happy feel relaxed and content. You should try it more often and it can be anything simple too. Anything from your heart will be appreciated and will win many smiles. After all people want a little bit of care and love that is all. Rest is the karma of life that makes us all running behind money and fame.

8.       You will be so much encircled by the social issues around you. It is only when you look at the world around and the atrocities happening everywhere in the name of humanity, that you will start counting on your most prized possession- “Freedom”.

9.       Every human is gifted with intelligence and you should use it for good deeds and well-being of the society, promote unity in thought, and respect each other’s religion for the righteous actions.

10.   Love is a universal power. It is boundless and can help you win a battle without a fight. All that is required is patience, empathy and the human connect. Aggression is needed only when things fall apart from the path of peace and love.

These are the major things I observed and am glad I have lot of reasons to smile, a lot many things to accomplish, a family that believes in happiness and love, a treasure of good special friends to cherish in this life. God has His ways to connect so many people, near or far. Technology helps them connected today every second. Celebrating life for every episode that comes by with a smile!

A Breeze Calls for Humanity

 

Desert Rose

1.

The gentle breeze was moving near

Green pastures made her mornings cheer

It was a sign of peaceful calm to come

Perhaps a graceful blessing to some

       

 2,

A sudden thud was the wake-up call

While his eyes captured the ashes and debris fall

The smell of fresh blood filled the air

With hopes for peace and humanity in despair

 3.

The chirping of the birds became symphony for ears

The sailing of angel clouds a spectacle seen in years

An omen leads her away from her homeland

As the breeze turns dry she heads towards sand

 4.

A call for truce he knew was a short term relief

The disturbed mind reiterated the calm belief

Amidst the smoky wind he felt a pleasant chill

It was a pleasant moment weaving hope to the hill

 5.

He picked the gust and moved on with magnitude

She was at peace to witness the positive altitude

Nature has its unique ways to spread love and sanity

As soothing breeze touches desert roses to empower humanity