Who Is Divine?

It was the time of Nabakalebara  Rath Yatra.I went for the divine 'darshan' of the divine lords.Indeed I was excited to be one among the lakhs to go to the holy city of Puri.The weather was apt for the journey.The sky was hovered with grey clouds creating a possible situation of rains.While we were standing in the crowd awaiting for the turns of our small gathering to enter the temple premises my eyes fell upon a little baby.She was in her mother's arms and her mother was finding it difficult to manage her in the sprawling crowd.I could see a tinge of helplessness in the baby's doe shaped eyes.Though she was n't my kin I felt a strong tug in my heart for her.I asked her mother the reason she had got the baby who is hardly some months old in the crowd.Her reply shocked me.She replied that Nabakalebara Rath Yatra would again be after 19 years so she does n't want her daughter to miss the view of Lords on Aadap Mandap  this year.The occassion is very divine and hence she should have 'darshan' of divine lords to get divine blessings,so that she could excel in her life.I was shocked with the explanation.I could n't understand the psychology that a child who has n't uttered a complete meaningful sentence,how could she be able understand the meaning of divine view of lords.I doubt if she could have recognized that at far the seated statues are the Lords.Even before she has seek her education she is being expected to excel in her life.Strange are the dreams and fantasies of people.A child is considered to be the most divine form of God.A child is an epitome of divinely innocence.What could be the more divine than the sparkle of smile on a child's face.The smiles and laughter of a child is the most coveted view.I don't understand why people run in search of divine inspirations when their own soul is the Temple and the conscience is the God.The Parents are the living deities and the child is the divine blessing in disguise.
Hope people understand the truth and realities of Life and withdraw their blind views about certain ways of living and leading life.
P.S.The opinions expressed are the personal opinions of the author based on true life experiences.

Father--- You are a Priceless Possession.

21st June,Sunday marked the Father's Day.The world sprang upon to celebrate the day dedicated to fathers and fatherhood.Indeed fathers are the warriors who endure much than mothers in this turbulent life's ocean currents.They are the first heroes,inspiration,and admiration of our lives.Searching for life's ideal or inspiring icon??  Take a penetrative look at your father.There is your  ideal and a man who is worth admiring.
                             I still remember how my father used to place a towel over the cycle's top tube so that I can comfortably accompany him to the local market.I have often heard my mother grumbling over the fact how I forget my water bottle at school and lose designer pencils.She even threatens that no new pencils would be purchased as a sort of punishment for not becoming responsible about my things.Father frowns yet a new pair of pencils would be secretly kept in my pencil box when mother would be busy in domestic chores.The best thing about fathers are that they surprise us like no other near and dear ones do.
               I still remember my first day in school when he took me out holding my fingers in his curled right fist and lead me through the gates of the school.He never asked if I was afraid or would scream and cry out loud once he left me because he had that unflinching faith upon me.I would behave as required in the school.The results time are hard and testing times of a student's life.When all others create a fuss over a not-so-excellent results,he keeps mum and I remember him telling me silently near the balustrades of the balcony that I have the potentiality and talent its just that I need a sheer determination and zeal to utilise them to the best.His one-liners laced with faith and trust act as driving forces.Every stifle matters reach his cochlea.
                    As we share the same passion for travelling,reading and writing we bond just like friends more than a father-daughter.His love for my hand made tea and constant teases for my love for crisp spicy snacks  keep me wondering how I would survive without his presence near me.
                   My father often says 'Becoming father is no child's play.Its a huge responsibility.'I absolutely agree with him.He is protective and strict yet a great mentor and loving friend on the other side.A person with multi talented caliber;he is the coveted boy,man and friend I dream of possessing.
Its no wonder that why every girl would feel like a  princess in her father's arms because every time I cut the onion,lemon or slice the cucumber he keeps on voicing out--'' Who sent you to cut these?Hey! be careful with that knife.Its sharp.Is any anti septic cream there at home or not??''I grin and ask him not to worry too much and pat comes the reply--'' You are my priceless gem.I can't afford to see you get hurt.''

               Its needless to say why I consider him as my priceless possession of life.He loves unconditionally yet never shows off.Someday I can find my Prince yet my father shall remain my King.
P.S.:The characters,story and setting is based on true life experiences of the writer.
(A small gift to my father who taught me the first alphabets, counting numbers and taught me the morals of life.Thank you for everything father and especially for bringing me into this beautiful world. )

Once In The Rain

Month-June

Time-11.30a.m.

      It was an overcast day with strange chillness engulfing the atmosphere.I assumed that it might rain in the afternoon.I could see my daughter making play boats out of the color papers.I sighed looking at the contrast of the murky shade of the sky and the bright colors of the boats.Suddenly I got the phone call that my boss in the office wants me in the office.I scowled because I had taken a day off to complete some important works at home which I failed to do due to my busy schedule at office and successive tiredness.I picked up my handbag ,office folder and rushed to my neighbour's house with my daughter.Leaving her with their care I hunted for a transport to reach the office.Unfortunately I found none convenient enough to ply in.

             Adding to the adversity it suddenly started to drizzle.I searched for the umbrella I usually keep in my handbag but to my utter disappointment I found it missing.I remembered then that I had taken out that to wipe it clean and has completely forgotten to put it back in the bag.Finding no options or any alternatives I ran for shelter into a tea stall.My phone was continously vibrating due to the incoming calls and messages to arrive early at the office for the meeting which was preponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

               I was partially wet for the tea stall hardly could provide roof to 6 people.Clutching the folder to my blazer I awaited for the lashing rain showers to stop.Then my eyes met with a familiar face and with a closer inspection I recognised her as my neighbour with whom I was not in good terms before a few days back due to a ugly verbal fighting.She was on her scooty driving back from the departmental store.I immediately extinguished the flicker of hope of getting the lift.

              But to my utter consternation she halted a few centimetres away from the tea stall.With quizzing eyes she voiced out --''Are you going to office''?? I nodded in affirmative.She turned her head away from me and looked at the showering rains.I was cursing the rains at that moment for keeping my job at stake.That instant she voiced out again--''Would you like me to drop you at your office,because I am afraid you can't get any autorickshaw in this place and also in this diabolic weather.'' I was surprised at her suggestion,shocked that I had resolved to not take her help in any adversities even.Yet she is suggesting me for a lift on her scooty.With the next call from my colleague to arrive early because the meeting was due to start made me forget all the inhibitions,rejections and considerations in which I was deeply involved a few second ago.

          I finally requested  her to drop in my office nor I would get late for the meeting.She held out a spare raincoat to me to wear since I had nothing to save myself from getting wet tip to toe.She sped her vehicle through the muddy lanes,lashing showers and amid flashing lightnings and deafening thunders.Ultimately after 25 minutes I reached my office and hopped from the back of the vehicle.I ascended  the stairs and pushed open the glass door.She waved me a good bye and I found myself raising my right hand to wave her back.

           As I dashed into the conference room,I held an apologetic look and muttered a ''sorry'' to my chief.He held a sight of relief on seeing me hale and hearty despite these non stop rains.After I occupied my allotted seat I remembered that I had not said her a 'Thank You'.I made a note in my mobile so as not to forget this amidst the heap of chores at home.

      The rains had finally stopped by the time we wrapped up with the meeting.I folded the raincoat and kept it neatly in a spare bag which I usually kept in my office locker.My colleague cum friend enquired that how I was able to reach the office in this weather.I narrated the events and she was pretty surprised at the turn of the events.She was the one who had consoled me few days back when I was very upset with the differences with my same neighbour.My friend dropped me back home and as soon I dismounted from the vehicle I met my neighbour.She flashed a smile and I remembered that I owe her a 'Thank You'.I took tentative steps and finally I was standing facing her straight.In an audible whisper I said'Thank You for today'.She laughed and I was amused to the core with her behaviors.She then placed her right palm over my left hand knuckles and giving them a mild squeeze she said--''What are neighbours and friends for ?? If they would not stand in each others difficult phases then who would?? I let out a chuckle replying ''Might be people of village''.

        Both gave each other a brief look and burst out into a loud laughing.The drizzling started again but we were glad that our differences had got sorted out amidst drizzles,rains and thunders.

P.S..--The characters,scene and the story are purely fictional.Any resemblance with true life and character is completely coincidental.

The Unbridled Passion For A Man of 7th Sense--- Mr.Sherlock Holmes

221B,Baker Street,London-- The world wide famous address of the consulting detective Mr.Sherlock Holmes.Accompanied by the physician companion Dr.John Watson and the house land lady Mrs.Hudson,this great detective with an awarded wit and sharp,keen and accurate observational skills undoubtedly creates an illusion of a real man of existence rather than  a character derived from the figment of imagination.

                 The most striking feature of this detective series is that it not only reveals the culprits and the cause of the crimes but also reveals the turmoils of human psychology,the mayhem of the world and paints a perfect picture of the society that showcases the extent of deception,revenge and greed.It highlights the Victorian society to a certain saturation extent while keeping mystery and thrills attached like an unsevered umbilical cord that nourishes the whole story throughout.

               Its the commendable talent of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to have sketched such a character who towers over not only its contemporaries but also its own creator.Giving a list of in which field Sherlock Holmes is proficient in 'The Study in Scarlet'--we can happily declare that he is the man of multiple caliber.With profound knowledge in Chemistry to a master in jujitsu,from playing the violin well to having an immense knowledge in sensational literature...He is not a man,not a person ,not a drawn character but a personality.An inspiring personality who never pushes but lights the flame in heart to go for ''In search of Truth''.

           The adaptations of this great character traverse through centuries till today.Many actors have given their best as Sherlock Holmes but  Basil Rathbone  and Jeremy Brett have been considered the best in playing the quintessential character.People have loved Mr.Sherlock Holmes not because he is  an intelligent wizard rather because all his words,actions,theories and deductions are 'elementary'.

           He is not only a great helping hand to the Scotland Yard in solving the 'not-so-seemingly-simple' mysteries but he is a great social psychologist.He quickly yet accurately deduces the characteristics,recent and past history of his clients or the suspects from their diction,dressing sense,attitudes and marks on skin e.g.tattoos.

              The world and especially the genre of detective and thrillers would always remain grateful to the inspiring figure behind this towering detective characters of all times--Dr.Joseph Bell.Not to forget the  striking illustrations by Sidney Paget which gave a quick outline of how does the 'gifted man'look like.Acclaimed for his astute logical reasoning and  awing Watson and Hudson with his disguises,he the great Mr.Sherlock Holmes remains as a man of 7th sense for whom I harbor an unbridled passion.

            He is a high functioning sociopath for whom it is stupidity rather than courage to refuge to recognize danger when it is close upon us.

''When you have eliminated the impossible whatever remains however improbable must be the truth.''

P.S.:The opinions expressed are personal views of writer except the facts.

The Swirling Feet

 ''Dance''.... the verb itself signifies freedom,liberation and not surprisingly passion.Today every parents want their child to attain expertise in one or the other performing arts but with me it just happened.Clutching my 'very' long skirt in both my fists I used to swirl a few rounds in my study room and there my teacher happened to notice me.He was our guest for the day and I had no knowledge about his occupation.After a few formalities I shut my self in my own little world of colours,music,books and not to forget the occasional tunes of my anklets.These anklets were the ones who somehow inspired me to dance to my hearts content and for me dance was never a practising art or a career prospective.It was just swaying with the tunes and getting lost in a world away,very far away from melancholic reality.
           My formal dancing class started on one fine Sunday afternoon.I with complete interest and attention learned all the steps he taught me.He was a great teacher and companion who not only taught me the dance steps but also taught me steps to take in this oblivious world.My love for dance turned into a passion.I used to swirl a few steps in kitchen much to the amusement of my parents and siblings.The bonding of ours over the cups of cold coffee in scorching summer,piping hot cups of tea in cold winters and learning the dance poses of ras-leela while observing the monsoon showers are etched in memory for ever not to be erased due to any malady.
            With the sweet smiles came the pal of gloom when  on one indolent afternoon he informed  me that  he has been chosen as the cultural brand ambassador of Malaysia and he is going to settle there.Tears pooled in my eyes.He wiped the lone tear that escaped my eyelids and promised me to stay in contact.That was the last glimpse of his.I was shaken to the core.I left dancing because each time I posed a pose his straightening of my wrists and fingers in perfect 'mudra,' made me remember him.I was emotionally connected to him and without his guiding presence I felt despondent.Time rolled on and I completed my studies,got a job and got married.
                  15 years have passed yet.It was the annual night of my 6 years daughter Namya and the moment I watched her tiny foot steps swirling in perfect synchrony to the tunes of a classical tune the dormant dancing soul in me rose from a deep slumber.I however supressed my urge to dance again forgetting all the pathos of my life.Because I was skeptical that how my husband and in-laws would react?? The few skeptical thoughts made my advancing foot slow down.
           It was a holiday and I had engrossed in my gardening work.Suddenly I heard the tunes of 'ghungroos' coming from a distance.I carefully listened to the tune and realised that it was none other than my  Namya who has worn my ghungroos and is swirling around the room.I smiled at her mischief of  taking out my ghungroos from the purse kept at the ennobled platform of the shelf.I looked at the aluminium made ladder stacked to the shelf door and looked at my daughter who was doing poses,pirouettes and was lost in her tiny world of  joys.I held her before she stumbled and fall flat on the floor.She smiled and kissed on my cheeks whispering  'Thank You Mumma,your ghungroos are too big to wear and dance.Please get me a pair of my size and I want to join the dancing classes held at my school.'I nodded in affirmation.I saw a glimpse of my child hood in her.
                 Randomly I took the ghungroos lying on the floor and put my foot to the tunes of 'Shiva Tandav Strotram' played on the deck.The strotram was coming for my mother-in-law's room.I swirled my feet to match the tunes of the melody forgetting my identity and the position I was in.After dancing to my heart's content for a good 20 minutes I was amazed that the dancer in me was still intact.I heaved heavily and wiped the sweat beads from my forehead.I prepared to leave the room and return to my left out work at the garden.Then I got the biggest surprise of my life.My mother-in-law accompanied by father-in-law were looking at me with shocked expressions.I felt bit shy and then I remembered that I had worn the ghungroos whose jingling sounds were enough to attract the attention of others present in close vicinity.I quickly removed them and touched them to my forehead before placing them safely in my purse.I felt short of words as to what explanation and justification to give to my in-law parents.Then my mother-in-law said -''You did a good deal of dancing.That was beautiful''. I stood fixed to ground and in an impulse gave her a tight hug.She caressed and pat my back and asked me to promise that every Sunday afternoon I would present her a show.I was elated to the core and tears threatened to spill through my eyelids.
                      Again after very long time I danced to my heart's content and that was a pure bliss.I just wish that if I could only see my dance teacher again and learn something more...about dance and life.

        P.S.;.--The characters,scene and the story are purely fictional.Any resemblance with true life and character is completely coincidental.
                      

Is That What We Wanted??

''They say the most romantic kind of love is the unfinished kind.The kind that will forever burn and mark your soul"...

The innocent souls Abhishu and Artika met everyday near the under constructed shopping complex after the 3 hours of coaching class sessions which left them tired and completely exhausted.They were above average students of class with dreams and desires like any student of their age and class.Though both were neighbors still they were more comfortable in school and coaching class.Life was not a bed of roses for them still they were happy and satisfied.
                       Every time they met at 4.30 pm they talked about school,functions,family,sports,recent politics and everything under sun.Their little world revolved  around sweet nothings and weaving dreams of future.Every time they parted their ways to go to their respective homes they asked each other the same question days after days,months after months ...''Is That What We Wanted??Will we be able to meet tomorrow??''  Thus their ways used to part with smiles and a hope for the following day.---'' Yes !! this is what they wanted and Yes! they will be able to meet the following day no matter what..'' The words of affirmative however were buried under layers of their frenulum.
                When the birds chirped at usual time,the clock at the end of the street ticked away without any fluctuation,the school bell rang at regular intervals,the community was busy with its daily activities..Destiny played a cruel really cruel game.
                        A hardcore criminal targeted the community to terrorise the Police force.The innocent buds were busy in their small garden of wishes,hopes,faith and love.They were parting at dawn of sunset with the same questions .But surprising each other  spoke at same time for the first time...''YES''.However destiny had some other plans stored for them..
                            Suddenly gunshots were heard and deafening blasts followed.The community that boasted of  harmony,cooperation and peace turned into a field of bloodshed and violence in extreme forms.With the 5th blast that targeted the under constructed shopping complex ,the weaver bird's of dreams and love was devastated.Two bodies lay in pool of blood.away from each other at distances with signs of violence unlike them.
                      The  dreams they had woven with each other with the bricks of the complex  laid in rubble.Their irregular breaths  mingled with the dusty air blowing in smoke filled atmosphere had one question lingering--''Is That What We Wanted??Will we be able to meet tomorrow?? Neither the air,nor the birds had any answers...The clock at the end of the street was hit hard and the time on the clock had come to a stand still.The hours didn't change yet lives changed,atmosphere changed and most importantly Dreams changed.
                   The flames rose high in the sky from the funeral pyre.The innocent souls had left for the doors of Heaven.The flames intermingled at a distance above ground perhaps answering the complete answer  to  their doubt filled questions ....The words they could n't complete in their lifetime..
'' Yes !! this is what they wanted and Yes! they will be able to meet the following day no matter what..''....
Some times its not about the ending rather about the story.
''You and I will always be unfinished business..''


P.S.--The characters and the story is entirely fictional.Any resemblance with real life is purely coincidental.

The Library and Afternoons

What if you meet nearly everyday and yet remain strangers till eternity.Sometimes a few words do not surface because the question jerks the cerebrum ''What I am to him/her''?? And there stops the generation of a new relation.Faces turn around.The falling yellow afternoon  leaves are only witnesses to the unnamed,unbiased and under developed relationship.
         It was  such an afternoon when Nandita went to the three storeyed building study centre.Semester was fast approaching and there was a need for elaborative rehearsal of notes for majors.Strapping the 'Pristine' monogram bag she was taking forward her steps  absent mindedly. An array of fantasies,questions and classroom scenes flashing across her eyes now and then .In precise,she was lost.Ouch! Did something hit her?? Yes! A falling yellow leaf and a part of a broken blue chalk.Though the leaf didn't hurt her the chalk surely did it's infamous job.She lifted her gaze to scrutinize the environment who the prankster was?? And there she found three pairs of eyes looking at her in apology.Wait! Apology? Ruling out two pairs of eyes there was one pair which seemed more of scrutinizing her rather than a brief apologetic look.The same dark pair of eyes which she has been meeting since the very day she had taken a wrong route to library.That day the eyes had a frustrating look and desperation of searching something lost until that time.May be friends or perhaps library.Well! she had other matters at hand to complete than to analyse the mystery behind the two rolling pupils.Over two years those eyes have turned from frustration and desperation to a mischief glint.This certain Mr.X with talking and mystery pupils had certainly reserved a sequestered place in her cerebrum.She knew nothing about the affairs around the library except the pupils of Mr.X.,the library card and falling yellow leaves of the Deodar trees.Yet the time came.The time to depart.Though she felt nostalgic of all moments of her spent in the institution yet the library and afternoons and the dark pupils of Mr.X. tugged a string in her heart.She was surprised when a teardrop trickled down her left cheek.Was that a fond memory or heart rending past?? Answers yet unanswered.
                      She went to the library for a final look where she had spent her afternoons raking through the book shelves searching for a single topic in voluminous piles of foreign authors.She again stole a look at the deodar tree whose yellow,ripened and senescent leaves falling in piles on the sandy path.There he was even today.Those pupils wore a look somewhat similar to the mood on the first day.What was that dullness today?? May be Friends,may be farewell ceremony,may be memories and Can it be She??
                         Mr.X. smiled a bit and that left her shocked to core.She stood so amazed that she forgot to respond back a smile.Perplexed and confused she turned her head away.That was the end of the glances of   moody pupils nearly everyday near the library in the afternoons under the shade of deodar trees and their canopy of yellow and green leaves.The essence has remained for an eternity.Both turned around for a while and flashed grins because ,Perhaps and may be they knew -- That was the End for them to embark a new Beginning.
P.S.--The characters,scene and the story are purely fictional.Any resemblance with true life and character is completely coincidental.