Chitra’s Palace of Illusions

Sometimes you experience a certain joy, after finishing a book. And sometimes you feel a strange void, a kind of sadness that the book ended. Those kind of books are written in an extraordinarily engaging & captivating way, leaving the readers craving for more and more. Now, that’s a compliment that every writer looks forward to. Isn’t? Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s “The palace of Illusions” left a similar void on completion. Unlike other books, I took quite some time to finish this book, because I’d read the pages slowly – to envisage the princely moments described in the book, the magnanimous characters and the mysterious feeling of belonging to the era.

The book is about the great Indian Epic, Mahabharata – the tale that’s known to everyone, its colossal battle, moral values, virtues, righteousness etc. But, the difference here in this book is, it’s narrated by a woman(& written by a woman too), who shares her own insight about this timeless classic – a massive battle, of her own life…sometimes as a daughter, sister, wife of 5 Pandavas, daughter in law, mother, and the queen of Indraprastha. A woman who epitomises strength, a woman who dared to think her mind. Yes, it’s she – Draupadi or Panchaali, as the world fondly calls her.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's The Palace of Illusions

I enjoyed reading it, knowing Draupadi, learning about her strengths, her weakneses, her perceptions, including her emotions that she displayed fearlessly – all the “navarasas”, nine aesthetics (as an artiste would like to call) in different circumstances. As a woman, there were many instances where I could connect with her emotions, thoughts or even the way she would feel – restless, disillusioned, sometimes with pride, jealousy, passion, love, kindness, anger, fear,  - characteristics, which we are all familiar with, at some point in life. Isn’t?

Image Courtesy : Google

An evening,

… spent reading a book (Almost Single, by Advaita Kala) on my balcony while munching buttered popcorn! Sometimes the birds & sometimes the pleasant breeze would distract me but otherwise I go on…dreaming & flipping the pages interestingly. (On the book, so far it’s humorous, shall try & review on completion)

Look ahead…

The best part of reading a book to me; has been picking up specific instances/sentences/phrases that I find truly inspiring. I record them, and try to take them forward in the journey of my life. You know; if not entirely… it helps. I mean, at least I try to make things slightly easier in life, get inspired by several such little means. 

Well some nostalgia adds sweetness, while some don’t. The “Don’t” part should unquestionably be forgotten; as the character in the fiction work “The Shadow Lines” By Amitav Ghosh says “Nostalgia is a weakness, a waste of time. And it’s everyone’s duty to forget the past and look ahead and get on with building the future…”

Yes, I want to bury the past and work on building a beautiful future. A dream like world. My little world of fun, happiness & laughter.

The return of Khokababu(Best of Tagore)

Recently, I read a translated book of Rabindranath Tagore’s collection of short stories, The Return of Khokababu by Sipra Bhattacharya. I was completely enthralled reading the chapters, so much so that for a minute I did not want to abandon it and wanted to finish it uniterrupted. Needless to say, this book is one of my most prized possessions now. Simple language, touching stories & characters are portrayed with great sensitivity. Tagore has taken us through…possibly all shades & emotions of life in this collection of short stories.

Most of the tales have women as protagonists of 19th century from Bengal, very poignant & subtle by nature. Their plight of endurance, everyday struggle, unexpressed desires, woven delicately in the form of the tales; indeed touched my heart. But, I also loved Tagore’s imaginary world, sometimes as “Highway”, sometimes as “The Ghat” .  An excerpt from The Highway’s Tale reads as ” I allow nothing to remain – neither laughter nor tears. I only let myself remain, alone, for ever.” There are several such thought provoking lines in the book, that I have underlined them (Out of habit).

No, I do not have the audacity to review such a literary genius’ body of work. These were some of my thoughts after finishing the book, that I wanted to record.

Arz kiya hai…

Ye diwano ka sheher hai…
Yahan ba wafa bikhre khwabon ki khaak chhan-tey hain, aur bewafa pyar bant-tey hain,
Samhal ke chalna yahan, kisi badnaseeb ke tutey dil ke tukde…chubh sakte hain paon mein,
Zehreeley nishan chhod jaatey hain, jin par aansuon ke marham bhi kaam nahin aatey…

- By Penthusiastic 

Thanks Penthusiastic for allowing me to post this! 

Dedicating Ghalib’s another couplet to you,

“Kahun kis se main ke kya hai, shab-e gham buri bala hai
Mujhe kya bura tha, marna agar ek baar hota”!

Latha Aunty

“Come in Parul”, said Latha Aunty in a feeble and trembling voice. She was resting in a swing that swung gently in her terrace garden. Breeze flowing softly and the sweet fragrance of jasmine flowers wavered in the air. Her skin grew pale and she looked tired. “Do you want your favourite strawberries from the potted plants?” She asked and got up gradually with hands resting on her knees to pluck them for her.

Tasting one of the berries she said proudly, “you can never find these succulent berries except Latha Aunty’s garden.” Parul tasted them too. 

Her home appeared ancestral & the furniture was antique and soiled. She cared less now, as she was growing older and had no dependents. Parul visited Latha Aunty frequently. She lived nearby in an orphanage.

A dismal desire

Beautiful brown and velvety body with sparkling black eyes. It appeared delicate, yet strong with the flock around; as it hopped in the woods with amazing swiftness, carefree yet wild. Behind the tree trunks I would peek and adore, always wanting to caress it gently with my hands. Once, I tiptoed and tried to touch, but it ran away as fast as it could, out of my reach, far off somewhere in the woods. 

An evening during summer holidays; near a river bank I was playing. Wearily, I plunged into the river to clean myself of the sweat and grime. I found the carcasses of a deer much to my surprise. A deer that I wanted to touch and caress once.

Under The Tuscan Sun

It’s a simple movie based on the book by Frances Mayes, about a woman who’s just divorced & who buys a villa in Tuscany on a whim, hoping things would turn towards better.

I liked this quote that I found to be wonderfully true and motivating

Martin tells Frances: “Signora, between Austria and Italy, there is a section of the Alps called the Semmering. It is an impossibly steep, very high part of the mountains. They built a train track over these Alps to connect Vienna and Venice. They built these tracks even before there was a train in existence that could make the trip. They built it because they knew some day, the train would come.”

Fiction with a pinching truth

She smiled gently and holding his hands they both looked at their angel who seemed to be at peace, sleeping unremittingly in the cot all wrapped up after entering into this whole enigmatic world. Their life seemingly now revolved around her, nurturing her, providing all the possible happiness that she could have dreamed of. While Eliza was still in the womb, her parents were thrilled as any parent would be. They had all the plans to welcome their child. Painted the room, filled up the place with all the cute looking adorable toys, bought tiny little sweet clothings and of course chose a nice cosy cradle for her snooze hours. Each day passed with electrifying excitement and hopefulness… And, now there she lay, her face glimmered with serenity – their bundle of joy had arrived. Life was never the same anymore.

Three years they waited hoping to see some miracle but alas! Eliza was pronounced as a special child. The doctors identified it was Cerebral Palsy.

It’s devastating; I know and can so much empathize with what the parents might be going through during such a circumstance. A friend of mine is facing this life time crisis. All I wish sincerely is may almighty God provide them with immense strength and courage to fight this.

Four Women and their personal lives

Mrs. Joshi – She worked with a bank and sought retirement to spend rest of her life with her husband at peace. Life is all topsy-turvy when her husband’s extra marital relationship comes into light, she moves out of the house disheartened and feeling deceived after 30 yrs long married life. Her husband makes every attempt to reconcile things but it’s too late and he passes away. Trouble lies, when later she digs into facts that the business has faced tremendous loss and there’s a daughter too out of his other wife, who after his death claims share in the property. Mrs. Joshi makes an effort to deal with the situation pretty gracefully.

Pooja – Faced a severe domestic violence in her newly wedded life. Has a husband who is a psychopath and loves to see the fear on his wife’s face. He waits for an opportunity to abuse her at the slightest fault. Once, the things go awry & Pooja is beaten up black and blue by her husband, she ends up lodging a police complaint. This results in her husband’s overnight jail trip, where he gets smacked by the officer too. Male ego, as they say decides to avenge his sufferings and he cheats her and her mother & confiscates their only ancestral property leaving Pooja and her mother helpless and at his mercy.  

Nanda Shinde – A simple middle class family, but Nanda is overtly concerned about her teenage daughter Geethi’s safety in this exceedingly wild environment. Once while commuting she encounters a young retarded orphan teenager who gets impregnated by a fraud. This leaves her extremely disturbed & concerned towards her own daughter. She tries every possible means to keep her daughter distant from any sort of trouble, but sadly she isn’t spared. Her innocent daughter is conspired against a plot by her college friends where she gets arrested by the policemen in a drugs affair. Looking at her family background she is set free but the guy who got her into this trouble is reprimanded by Geethi’s mom, Nanda also pursues her daughter to give a statement in the court against the college fellow. He gets sentenced, but because of his father’s strong connections he gets freed easily. He then targets Nanda by attacking Geethi, who is her weakness by all probability. He molests her and in turn dies accidently. Geethi is again in Police custody, as they think its she who killed him. Her family is struggling against all odds to prove their daughter’s innocence.

Bubbly Chadha – A happy go lucky girl, who is brave enough and has a solution for each problem. She is stuck in her middle-class life by availing all the possible luxuries through EMI’s. Has a loving husband though who tries his best to see his wife happy at whatever cost…

All the above four women commute by a local train, Ladies Special to their respective workplaces in Mumbai.  They chuckle; they bond and support each other in their own ways to combat life’s struggles.  I am not too much of a television person, and especially hate saas-bahu or crappy TV shows…! This is one soap that I kinda like it probably because it has bites of reality…! It somehow motivates me and reminds me of what Mahatma Gandhi  had quoted once, “ I complained that I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet”!!!

Movie Reviews

  Vishal Bhardwaj has proved it yet again. He is one of the best film makers in Hindi Film Industry. I guess Omkara was his last one and with Kaminey promos and “dhan tadaan” song I was so much looking forward to watching it. It has a simple story line, but scores very very high on performances delivered by every character in the film. I think that’s a speciality of Vishal’s offering, he chooses and portrays his characters with fine nuances even if they have a ten minute appearance, but they do leave an impact. Cinematography, is worth an applause! The movie has some crass humor, drama & lots of violence, so may not suit the audience who have a subtle taste of movies otherwise!

Finally remember that: “Waat iffe nahi lagti ki tu kaun fa rafta chunta hai ….waat iffe lagti hai ki tu kaun fa rafta chorta hai” you have to watch the movie to understand this

  

There are very few movies that touch your soul, and Stepmom is one of them. I watched it a few days ago on HBO. Jackie(Susan) is fighting a terminal cancer & a LIFE that involves Luke – her ex-husband(Ed Harris), her children – Ben…Anna; and stepmom, Isabel(Julia Roberts). Isabel learns that Luke cannot do without his children and makes every effort to win their love & affection. She TRIES and continues to try through every means & does her bit, while Jackie with great dignity and poise endures the pain of both the disease and life’s emotional battle. An excerpt from the movie that’s worth a mention:  Jackie telling her daughter while celebrating her last christmas with children: “People go on forever; because there’s always somebody to take you along in the journey of life!”

“Love is universal! Almighty God’s only law is love…” – Quirk of fate

The house was adorned with “toran” and bright marigold flowers in the form of garlands. Guests had started pouring in to rejoice the week long functions. Everyone in Sharma Jee’s house seemed to be busy with the wedding arrangements. Mrs. Sharma wore a bright yellow Banarasi saree with lots of gold ornaments and walked out perfecting her saffron color bindi and mogra. At the backyard where all kinds of savouries were prepared, she yelled at the “halwai” to make laddoos only with “shudh desi ghee” for her son’s wedding. Sharma Jee at the other end; was busy instructing and placing orders for various other wedding necessities.

It was an auspicious occasion at Sharma household after several months’ of stress, “vraths” and “pooja-paath” at Mata jee’s mandir in order to get rid of their only son’s past liaison with the Christian girl, Annie. They sought several remedies from their ancestral purohit jee, travelled far & wide to save their son from any sort of evil eye. In due course, their prayers were answered. Mrs. Sharma’s faith in God had strengthened galore as never before when Ajay, and Annie had parted ways.

Slice of Life – II

Slice of Life

Some time passed. The place, the people all continued to be strangers in disguise. She was entering into that tract of life which was uncertain, unpredictable and dismal. At times she would renounce under the given circumstances and muse over her decayed and chaotic past; the next instance she would wear a smile, a smile that promised all wisdom and progression and made her even stronger. Life was difficult but not impossible. All that she wanted now was to defeat life’s pace which had come to a standstill.

It was 2 years since they split. Arunima had moved to a new city, into a new dwelling place; hoping to begin a new life with newer challenges and optimism. It was a beautiful two storey independent house, surrounded with lavish palm trees…a much desired place of her choice. One of the windows opened to a spectacular view of mountainous chain and plush greenery faraway. The gleam on the palm leaves and the chilly air signified that it had rained the day before. Arunima loved the nature’s splendid abundance. She took a deep breath standing at the window sill, and rejoiced over her victory – a victory over self-esteem.

Slice of Life

The curtains made of fine linen were flowing gently with serene current of air and she sat looking outside the French windows thinking of what happened last night. Her eyes were moist and she looked crumpled and forlorn.

“Please give me one more chance, I plead & beg of you”, Arunima fell at his feet weeping inconsolably. Shailesh conveniently shrugged her off and mercilessly said “I don’t care but it’s all over now”. “Shailesh, but I love you, and I am being sorry about the whole thing” and “No” came the answer. “Have you ever thought what would happen to me later, what if I do something to myself? Arunima whimpered. “Huh! What else can be expected, you would leave me with more troubles” said Shailesh. “I would do everything you want me to; I would become the way you want me to…please don’t leave me Shailesh….please… Arunima appealed and fell on her knees. “I can’t start over all this just out of forced guilt you moron. Just get off” and Shailesh walked out…

 “Oh, I must persuade again, after all I love him and want him…relationships are not meant to be lost but worked upon, She pondered over this and suddenly wiping her tears got up. Shailesh seemed to be impassive. By then he was already watching TV in the living room. She was just getting restless…but that went unnoticed. She went and sat next to Shailesh quietly; thinking when he would turn and say something. His phone beeped… he answered politely “Would call you back a little later”, Arunima asked “who was that at this hour?” Shailesh replied indifferently, “A very close friend of mine, does it matter?” Her heart pinched to the core on hearing this. “Shailesh, I need to make a call can you pass on your phone?” said Arunima. She acquired the hand phone and rummaged through the messages sent by his new so called “close friend”…and was appalled to learn the developments. Shailesh yelled, “How dare you, you liar, you &*#$^% bitch…Arunima stared expressionlessly and then rose; slapped him and walked into her room.

Thats why people FALL in love…

Picture this:

She slowly entered the room where Pia lowered her head down and sobbed bitterly. She put her hands over the shoulders and Pia gently looked over to clasp her hands and wail out loud. She could not help but let her cry and feel less burdened. They both have been friends for years together. Rida never believed all this love and crap. She was a carefree, independent and happy go lucky gal. Once the aura had subdued Rida tried to put in plain words and counsel her, “Is he worth all this”? “Oh! Come on all this is ridiculous! How can you be in this state for someone who doesn’t even care?” And there’s nothing called love, its all “draamebaazi”. No one deserves such care and attention other than your family members. Pia whispered slowly “I love him and would always love him, Am sorry but you wouldn’t know since you have not experienced this.”

Two years later:

Pia rushed into the hospital. She was all perturbed and frightened. Rida lay there unconsciously with several life saving equipments. Someone hushed nearby, “Oh poor girl, she did not quite deserve this… and, it’s a heinous crime to kill one self.” Pia sighed heavily thinking how happy she sounded a few months ago when she discovered her friend had found someone special in life.

She was weak…

She would carefully & soulfully listen to other’s tragic incidents so that she could gather enough strength and fight her own tragedy.

She survived as she never lived.

Nariyal Pani

It was like an oven outside one summer afternoon. She stood there frail and frowning; selling coconut water that was neatly stacked on the fragile wooden cart. The sun was sizzling. Her face was half covered with her ragged saree. The wrinkles on her forehead were evident and lips moderately dehydrated. She stopped everyone who passed by; to offer her coconut water and that’s how earned herself a few rupees. Behind her laid a child who would barely be a few days old; wrapped in a cloth under the shade of a mango tree. It wailed loudly when unattended & after a while would fall asleep famished & tired.

It grew hotter as the day passed and she was exhausted. Since her child birth she grew restless and without wasting even a day she got back to her business taking very little care of herself. She also could not feed the child due to undernourishment. During her intermittent breaks she would caress the child and feed him.

It was dark now and she moved her sleeping child to the cart and waded back home. On her way back she counted the money and smiled. With the extra money earned she bought some milk for the child. She reached home and tried to shift the baby, but the body had turned cold & lifeless.

His discomfort

 She was engrossed in the play staged at a nearby theatre. The audience was enthralled too.  She sat quietly in the row behind & looked pretty with her doe eyes and porcelain skin, dressed in a crisp cotton saree with pearls locked in her ears. The only make-up that defined her pretty face was her kohl-drawn eyes. When, the play got over…she stared blankly at the stage while everyone began vacating; some of them, passing by brushed against her elbow and noticed how attractive she looked. Her beautiful lock of hair fell against her face but she was lost…lost in her own thoughts until someone called & she sighed “Oh it’s over?” Yes, & now we shall leave” said Akash. Arranging the folds of her sari… carefully she rose. Akash loved his wife dearly and he ensured he did everything to keep her happy. Today it was one of those days when he surprised her with 2 tickets to a famous English Play.  Akash had secretly read from her diary how she used to love watching Plays…It was now two years to their marriage but Akash failed to see her gleeful and full of life…

Back home, after the change and light dinner Akash leisurely walked in his veranda…It was cool and windy outside. He then, pulled out his cigar and lightening it… he sat on the edge….thinking in retrospect… how Nalini was escorted by her elder sister to the drawing room, where Akash waited eagerly to see her. He was accompanied by his mom. Nalini coyly, bowed down dressed in a plain salwar kameez sat right opposite to them. Not a tinge of make-up she wore…except for the kohl-lined eyes which had actually swept him off his feet. When she slowly looked above, her eyes defined so much pain within. Akash could comprehend that to some extent…but was already smitten by Nalini.  Their engagement was announced, and soon after…they got tied under sacred marriage vows.

Nalini remained the same, unchanged, quiet and gloomy. She rarely ventured out and hardly chose to make friends in the neighbourhood. Her peculiar manner and moods did not excite any curiosity or deep friendship either amongst the acquaintances. As a dutiful wife she cooked the regular three meals and served when Akash came back from work. By then she claimed she already had eaten and would leave him unfinished to retire to bed. Akash would yearn to talk to her, but Nalini would pretend to have slept by then…. Akash patiently bore the same…awaiting positively that someday she would show some love and concern towards him.

He extinguished his remaining cigar and sighed heavily with severe discomfort.

Breakfree

    

The heavy stormy night…and the morning next day was misty and full of sweet fragnance. After waking up, she opened her french windows and gazed outside enjoying the pleasant weather. It was cool, windy & the leaves were strewned around. Later, she was served with some hot cup of tea with warm croissants.

That day…!

 He was sad, and some amount of tension had wrapped him up strongly. He could not believe what had just happened…he just did not want to…he wished it was a nightmare…but unfortunately it was not…! He was thinking, how is he going to handle this…what is he going to say to his family…Just last year he had taken a home loan, and had gifted a nice two bedroom flat and a car to his loving parents who were bursting with pride on their only son’s beautiful & thoughtful gift. With immense joy & pleasure they performed the “Gruha Pravesh” ceremony and had adorned it with lots of love and care. ..he was just too coiled in his own thoughts that he was almost shaken by continuous honking of cars amidst traffic.

He booked his tickets and left immediately to his nativity where his parents resided. His parents were a bit surprised to see him at an odd season…and somehow parents have a great knack of sensing their children’s discomfort how much ever you may wish to conceal. Later, the family had a quiet dinner.  He did not reveal anything as yet, and hesitated to open up. Just smiled saying…” took a short break from work…to spend time with you all”…! His mom gently caressed his head, and gave a wry smile.

Two weeks passed by and he became restless, and he insisted it’s time for him to go back….He chose to drive to the station, and his dad sat next to him …it was some 45 minutes drive to station from their “Nirmal residency” …that was the name they had chosen for the home, built with so much love and hope. He was quiet throughout and was extremely preoccupied in his own thoughts that weaved in his mind again and again. After dislocating the luggage, he took his dad aside and uttered, “Dad, I do not know how to say, but …you know…we may have some difficult times ahead…actually…err…I have lost my job…” He looked down, and the train whistled…it was time for him to board and depart.

On his way back, he thought of options to consider once he reached. Later, he had his food that his mom had packed and then he switched off his phone …and gradually closed his eyes with a sense of relief since he shared it finally with his beloved father. Next morning he was shaken by the jolt. He woke up and rushed since his destination had arrived. He got down, and switched on his phone to inform his parents that he reached safe…instead…his phone alarmed with a beep…”Your parents met with a fatal accident, please rush back”

A tribute to his aunt

He called Reena exceedingly late in the night. She thought it was a general call. He sounded pensive. “Did you have your dinner?” Reena asked. “Well, yes I had macaroni mince” and then he paused and continued, “Reena, my mom’s elder sister is in ICU and has been kept under ventilator. You know they give a support when it’s predictable and nearly fatal. “She gasped on hearing this since she knew how his aunt had raised his mother & the bond was so strong that the loss would be irreparable.

He was planning to pay a visit to his aunt at Allahabad, when Reena said, “Don’t worry too much, get some good sleep and call up your relatives’ to check tomorrow morning’s progress on her health and then start off immediately for Delhi, since it was only via Delhi that he could reach Allahabad after 16 hours of strenuous travel. “Hmm” …”Okay”…is all that he said and hung up. Few minutes later he called up again, and Reena thought may be he is too stressed to sleep, when he shrugged his voice and whispered, “Reena, my aunt expired at 10.40 pm in the night. Just received the news”!

Her woes…

Piya was aggrieved and distressed to see her parents’ face everyday over the disappointment of not getting an eligible groom for their only daughter. Their daughter was good looking, matured, sensible, classy, competitive, yet down to earth with her basics and principles right, self-dependent and possessed all the skills for a suitable bride. She hailed from a conservative yet semi-modern family where social values were given utmost importance. For her, going against her parents’ wish was a sin. She prayed everyday to God to help her find anyone for that matter even a physically challenged or disabled person…so that it would lessen her parents’ burden and they would be very happy in the wedding arrangements of their daughter and to see their daughter wedded happily under social norms and conditions. I know it was more on an emotional ground that she thought that way but deep in her heart she believed her parents can never be happy with that…

One of the days they found a guy and a family who agreed for the proposal. The guy was of the same religion and cultural background….. They agreed to meet up in person to take it forward and the day arrived when the girl and the boy met for a while. An hour’s communication can’t reveal too much but over the given circumstances, seeing her family overjoyed after meeting a guy so simple and genuine, she could think of nothing but say yes to the alliance. Thinking that she would adjust herself as other girls do!! Bottom-line was she had to leave her parents’ home and go away and her family would not have to bear the brunt of answering to questions like, “so when is your daughter getting married?” “Did she get engaged yet? Not yet? Why”… “Time is flying, and you must get her married….why looking for everything…you won’t find all qualities in one…” etc etc as the known circle of friends/ neighbors would intervene and rip them apart.

Excerpt

She looked into his eyes, and saw the innocence that enveloped. He was fuming with anger, and at the same time he was being apologetic of his behavior. She reeled back thinking of the fight they had in the morning, when all the time Mohak screamed and Piya holding his hands tried to take control of the situation…and make him realize it was too small a thing to over-react. They fought over a minor issue that day. Her thoughts were stirred for a moment when the attendant brought over two Iced Tea that they had ordered at the café`. Mohak was still buzzing about it when Pia silently said “I love you” into his ears, and Mohak smiled and said “I love you too”!

 

That’s the fundamental essence of love – an unconditional emotion. It makes you more forgiving, calm and selfless by nature. It gives you more power to endure any pain & makes you more tolerant.

It rained that day…

It was the month of August, when heavy rains had hindered the mobility of the people in the city. It rained incessantly for 3 days. The clouds were still floating around and Raghu was worried. He wasn’t able to go to the hospital as commuting became highly impossible due to knee deep water everywhere. No other transport was accessible. His father was admitted due to some medical emergency. He sat back at home looking helplessly outside the window at the rainfall. It was only through calls at the hospital board line… that he could check his father’s progress each time. His mom grieved at the other end. Each incoming call from the hospital would rip their nerve apart. They could do nothing but pray…pray for Raghu’s father’s well-being.

Next day, the prayers were answered, and the clouds cleared. There was an insignificant dash of sunlight pouring in…and the water had percolated enough to give way to a new life…a life after so much natural disaster. So many lives & property were lost all across. Raghu was all set to leave for the hospital with his mom when the phone rang…and the other side the Nurse said…”I am sorry Raghu, but your father….”

Hope

A decade passed by and he never heard from her. He had moved to a new place now where he lived alone. Neer sulked for a few months when they separated. He thought that in this life he is never going to fall in love again… not at least after he lost Nandini. There was no point in analyzing what went wrong between them, who was responsible, how could it be saved etc. etc.  In due course of the time… all came to an end. Everything was lost.

 

It was a pleasant morning that day and Neer had recently shifted to his new apartment. The view was spectacular from his terrace. The sun rose at its own pace, spreading its radiance around. The dew drops were scintillating on the bed of roses. The air was cool and the breeze swayed the twigs and flowers. Neer sat down by the terrace and started reminiscing his old days… sweet old days when he and Nandini were together. He liked everything about Nandini, her eyes, her long lustrous hair, her sweet smile…the way she conversed hysterically. Time used to fly whenever they were together. He remembered how she fought with him innocently and then said sorry. She was a wonderful person too who had no ego or qualms whatsoever. It was tough to live without her but not impossible. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted, when he saw someone resembling Nandini on the opposite side of the terrace…

Darkest Lane Ever…!

Diya chose to walk down, though she was worn out from the day’s hard work. It was hot and sultry and she was perspiring. The roads were busy, with cars and other vehicles honking erroneously. Hurriedly she crossed the road and zipped into a lane….a narrow one…with very few street-lights glaring. Her heart started pounding since there was no-one in the vicinity. She thought why did she choose this route of all..? Every stare made her heart skip a beat. It was the stare girls are used to. Suddenly all sort of bad thoughts crept into her mind. The news papers….the news channels that splashed stories of “yet another girl’s misery”, “molestation”, “rape” etc…! She was scared thinking what if someone pounces on her…NOW? She could think of no ways to defend herself…what would she do…if such a thing happens to her..? She started praying silently and boldly walked as if there was no fear, “a fearsome soul invites more trouble”, she thought. Suddenly there was a scooter that passed by. She nearly lost her life when the riders passed some comment. She ignored and paced up high. Finally, she could see the busy street again….and she breathed a sigh of relief when she got nearer to the crowd….!

April 16th 2008, Wednesday

Mrs. Rao’s face shone brilliantly as she advanced towards Rimi along with her son, Naren. She held his hands tightly. Naren looked confident. She shook hands with Rimi and introduced Naren to Rimi. Then they headed towards the center where Naren’s IV Semester M.A. Literature exam was carried out…One of the staff members made them sit near the principal room. Over a period of time Naren’s Professor passed by and wished him good luck for his American Literature paper for the day. Rimi and Naren conversed briefly, about his preparation and over some general topics. The bell rang and Naren was guided to a nearby room, where he was seated comfortably. Mrs. Rao explained Rimi how the process worked. Rimi was a bit apprehensive as it was something she never heard or did before. One of the staff members of the college came and handed over the question paper and answer sheet booklet to Rimi. Mrs. Rao profusely thanked Rimi for the help she extended to offer. As a concerned mother, she placed a water bottle and the exam board on the desk and wished good luck to Naren and left for her work-place.

In the meanwhile Naren revealed he wanted to become a Sanskrit scholar and was fond of music too. He was also learning Karnatic music. If luck favored he wanted to choose music as his profession. Rimi told him about her profession too. They instantly shared a quick camaraderie.

It was time to start for the exam. Rimi read out the question paper aloud. She could see the contentment on Naren’s face as he thought he had known most of the answers well. He strategically chose to answer those questions that he was confident at …and attempt the rest in the end. The time allotted was 3 hours with an extra half n hour. Naren answered and Rimi scribed. Yes, Naren was a visually impaired student amongst the lot who was trying to make a mark in this competitive world. He was ambitious and had the confidence to accomplish his dream. Rimi chose to scribe on his behalf. She didn’t know him personally, but was informed about this urgency through a friend. Rimi learnt that day life could be a real struggle for Naren’s Parents. It has its own blessings & challenges dealing with him everyday.

After the exam, Rimi precisely took his thumb impression on the answers’ booklet and submitted back to the Exam Department. She was handed a fee of 60 Rs. for the job of scribing on behalf of Naren. Looking at it she wondered what to do. She quietly slipped the money into Naren’s pocket and asked him to spend or give away to someone needy. Then, she left for her workplace.

Kavya Roy

Her little hands and feet waded as if she knew someone was coming to hold her, someone was approaching to own her forever. Her eyes twinkled. She was barely a year old, lying on the cot. Aesthetically beautiful, and Malini knew instantly that this is the one she wanted to shower her love upon. They finished the paper work and rushed towards her; she held the angel closely to her bosom and determined never to leave. The little one, unaware of her life ahead, gave a heart-warming smile and snuggled upto the warmth.

Malini was a woman of strength; she knew what were the challenges involved… in taking up a decision like this. She had to convince herself first and then her husband and finally her in-laws. It wasn’t an easy job at all. Everyone had their own apprehensions. “Would you be able to love her equally and be concerned the way you have been towards Zinia?” Zinia was the first and only biological kid of three years borne to Malini & Ashutosh. “You need to be extra careful dealing with a kid like that, for even if it’s a genuine rebuke, they take it too personally, and react strongly”. “It could be diseased…”..“We never know from which parenthood he/she would come from”, “What if he/she becomes a rebel later, knowing that they are not his/her biological parents”, “It’s mostly in genes, what if the kid turns out to be a total spoilt one” etc etc…But, Malini was stern about it. She could deftly handle the situation. Ashutosh was a loving and an understanding husband. He mostly supported her for the fact he knew that Malini always thought carefully before plunging into anything. It was a noble thought after all to adopt and nurture a child.

Her flat was adorned at the arrival of Kavya, the little angel into the world of Roy’s. Kavya Roy – that’s what she would be known as, they contemplated.

Forever and Ever…!

It was hot…and sultry. The sun shone intensely, he perspired and little drops of sweat trickled down his forehead. He looked at the sun and sometimes looked at his watch. And then, she appeared with her usual vibrant self. She smiled and waved at him. His heart skipped a beat. He smiled back, but it wasn’t a very happy one she thought. Something bothered him and he was under stress. This is exactly what she sensed. They have been around and together for more than five years now; and were planning to tie the knot soon. She came close and asked him if everything was alright and he nodded a yes. She was busy discussing her chores of the day and he patiently heard every bit. They decided to stroll by the side where the effervescent daffodils swayed and far away the sun was about to set. He didn’t know how to break the news to her. He was struggling with his mind and heart. “When are you taking me home to meet your mum?” she asked. “Hmm…well…let’s go for some coffee” he said. They walked by to the nearest coffee shop and ordered for two hot cups of cappuccino with sugar coated doughnuts. She smiled; he knew it was her favorite. He gazed her almond shaped eyes which was her most beautiful feature he thought. Her eyes speaks volumes is what he told her always. Once done, he chose to drop her home. She loved biking with him in the open air. It was cool now and the breeze was soothing. Both were quite for the first time. In the due silence she reached her place. He paused for a while, and in a lower baritone, said “Nishu” that’s what he called her fondly…”goodbye and take care of yourself” and darted off.

She tried several times to call him next day, but of no use. She tried calling his place but no response. He was gone. Gone forever…! A year later, she learned from a common friend he died of a brain tumor.

 

It’s always too late…than never!

 

He ran across the road…only to realize that something, somewhere, someone was lost. It was a narrow road, covered with huge trees along the sides. Far off your eyes the blossoming mustard crops were stretched out. The sun was setting leisurely spreading its pastel colors across the horizon. He had to catch the next bus. The glow in his face was wiped off…his eyes were moist…he looked tired…he pondered over a while about her, sitting on a nearby hill. All past memories flared in his mind. The time spent together, how she cared for him, how she always craved for his well-being, how she was emotionally bound with him, how she was concerned about his nitty-gritty things. He choked and gulped down the forlorn moment.

All these days he could not see through her eyes the unconditional love that she bore in her heart…all for him…He made fun, he cracked his jokes, he enjoyed, he talked about his daily chores, and she listened to him carefully every bit he said. They met by the lake side today to tender goodbye; they spoke for a while and unconsciously she expressed how she felt for him.

“Err…but…how…when…you ne’r told…” is all what he said when she further added that she is soon to get married.

The other day..!

She was not too well but somehow she was not willing to skip the meeting and rest. Instead, she headed for the meet. The meeting started and her pain grew intense. She started feeling uneasy. He could perhaps sense and could feel through her eyes. At the crucial point he interrupted without even giving her a hint what he is going to announce and amidst all he said they may have to leave as she could not sit through …due to her pain. All attendees there got amazed probably at the sudden interference…but she was spellbound and never expected such a concern! …However, all empathized with the situation…and further they could leave the place.

On the way back, he cracked his jokes to create a light atmosphere and preferred to drop near her home. Throughout the journey in the rick he ensured she was alright by asking the driver to go slow and checking if she was fine and all…!He waited until she reached her doorstep safely…!

Saawariya- An adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story, “White Nights”…

Well, I saw the movie yesterday…and had a feel-good factor after watching it…this is literally a piece of an art, and it would impress the art lovers. It’s certainly not for the mass entertainment, running around trees and a typical bollywood masala movie. The director’s love for making classical movies is clearly depicted. The sets are breathtaking. It did remind me of Raj Kapoor movies of yesteryears, like Awaara, Sri 420, Jis desh mein ganga behti hai etc…  which were of similar genre … and I liked it for its simplicity, freshness, and innocence.

It isn’t that worse as been hyped… I am sure Sanjay Bhansali (The Director) after delivering such great hits like Devdas, Black, etc would not have ventured into something senseless without any vision. Each character was suitably chosen and all made justice to their respective roles.

True love is all about sacrifice…for the one…you love truly… after all!!

OSO Ok…after saawariya, how can I forget its rival…the much awaited Shahrukh’s release Om Shanti Om…! Well…it is an entertainer of the sort wherein, you need to take a break and go for a hearty senseless laughter. It’s an intended drama of its kinds, the typical bollywood filmy isshtyle..! Deepika was so seasoned…and chilled out…!!

The Hope

Her tiny hands were grimy with the mud castle that she built along the coast-side…she gazed at it for a while and then heard her mom calling,…”Kelly…lets get back home,..its about time and we must..” Kelly reluctantly rose and headed towards the direction her mom was standing still. They marched together casually stirring up a conversation. Kelly was a 6-year-old blonde, with very sharp features, and white complexion that tanned while playing in the sweltering heat. Dressed in a floral skirt and blouse, which became muddy all over… she looked very cute and innocent…

They reached home tired and thirsty…Stella quickly rushed to have a shower and called Kelly too for a change. Judy, the maid of the house served them a pitcher of chilled lemonade, which came as a refreshing end after they gathered in the porch. It was evening time and the neighbour’s kids were stomping around playfully…and Tom toppled over suddenly on the flower bed near the porch.. Tom and Kelly had 3 years age difference. Tom was younger to Kelly and both behaved like typical siblings quarrelling o’er petty things,.. fights,..hair pulling etc…Stella, noticed suddenly Tom’s knee was bruised and bleeding profusely,. She immediately rushed to get the first aid kit and called over Tom to get the wound cleaned…she made him sit on a chair and neatly wrapped a gauge after cleaning it and Tom began complaining all the while how Maria pushed him ahead when he snatched her ball…while Stella listening attentively. Maria lived next door, otherwise a calm child but got down to some notorious activities when in a group. Maria’s Dad was a supervisor in some factory and her mom, a school teacher in a nearby school. Eric Crawford, Kelly and Tom’s father worked as an Investment banker in England’s famous bank. Stella worked earlier, but chose to discontinue after she got pregnant and decided to attend to her growing kids that demanded more attention. Kelly and Tom went to a nearby school and they were having their summer vacation now. Usually the family plans a trip to some exotic place every summer however, this time due to Eric’s strict work schedule he could not take them out.

Kelly was a shy girl by nature, she lived indoor most of the time and hesitated to play outside with kids. Most of the time she played with Kitty, the brown fur pussy they owned or preferred going to the coast along with Stella. She never made friends even at school and it worried Stella a lot. Sunday evening even Tom agreed to come along with them to the coast so that they can picnic together. Stella insisted Eric to join them too, and all headed towards the coast. It was a pleasant evening & the gentle breeze washed away the shore. Stella carried some fresh lemonade, ham sandwiches, fruits, and a nice plum cake in a basket. The kids started playing along the beach and Stella and Eric were walking along the shores allowing the water touch their feet.. and enjoying the togetherness after a long time. Stella was a very understanding wife and she never complained or nagged with Eric’s busy schedule and Eric appreciated Stella and respected her all the more. Eric discussed work, and She discussed kids and domestic chores. “Dad…Mum…please come here,,,,” they suddenly got interrupted by the call. They turned back and noticed Tom and Kelly emerging into a fight…

Part 2 – Comin’ shortly…!

 Stella rushed towards the scene to help them come out of it, but by the time she reached they moved near the shore. Stella kept screaming ..but as it was destined Tom was washed away by the violent shores. Kelly stood there speechless not knowing what to do. Stella knelt down and cried out her heart…Eric was in a state of shock not knowing what to do…Stella and Kelly were uncontrollable. A matter of few minutes and all turned gloomy. Eric mustered up enough courage and hugged Stella and tried to compose her and Kelly. Somehow, they returned home and was still in a trauma phase when they discovered Kelly was not reacting to the whole incident…