The Sweet Little Cravings..

The word'craving' is often used for citing either mood swings or digestive ailments.But I am not here to discuss the cravings we all irrespective of age and boundaries experience at midnight.This sweet little cravings are the few sweet joys and playfulness of life which we miss out in confirming to chaos of standardisation in recent times.Recently I  witnessed an incident which compelled to pour my heart out here.A small boy aged around 8-9 years was returning from school.I remember while I was in school I used to play games like word games and some others,I remember discussing with my friends the new household work they have learnt like sweeping,tiding the study table,applying cover on textbooks or at best washing own uniform while returning from school.Our innocence was not marred by the advanced technological gadgets and chaotic hectic life.I found the child operating something with speed on the mobile screen.He was not aware of his surroundings.The blooming flowers didn't attract him neither the crowd amazed him,he was lost in the world of videos and images.I remembered the times when my friends would compete for picking pebbles and throwing them in trajectory to see how far it goes.I have seen the scoff in my class teacher's eyes when we all got drenched in drizzling rains on one afternoon.She was angry but she took up a towel and wiped all of us clean.The small joys of childhood are visibly missing in today's international branded schools and aristocracy.No doubt times are changing yet the values we learnt as children are severely missing in today's tiny tots.Its wise to change in keeping rapport with the time yet we should n't forget our roots.The sweet little cravings of dancing again to tunes afloating in air from a far away reception party,sheltering under a tree to saviour road side eatery,riding a cycle and enjoying the morning hues of nature still linger.But we are unfortunately caught in cob webs of modern life.We have trampled the cravings being confirmists.Is this the real value of our life? Does our life revolve around the vicious circle of routine-work/studies-connecting with people via media-sleep?Answers are bound to vary.Yet we should all no matter what squeeze out few minutes and spend in fulfilling out sweet little cravings irrespective of what people around us say or how they react.Life is like a bubble and we don't know if 'Kal Ho Na Ho'.So let's derive the maximum pleasure from the smallest cravings of our lives.

The Freedom We Claim

Before plunging,probing,dissecting and criticising the post I would like the readers to forget temporarily the cliched quotes and ideas on freedom.Its not about the freedom of human beings only rather about animals also.Few days before I went to the Nandankanan  Zoological Gardens,Bhubaneswar.I was near the enclosure of  lions I heard a co visitor complaining about the lost freedom of lions.Some others agreed with him.But a question prodded me for too long.Are the animals not happy with the amenities provided to them? An animal is definitely entitled to freedom.Each one of us is.Its our birth right.But if our freedom is exchanged in for some good expenses which are beneficial for us only would we hold grudge against the institution? In my opinion NEVER.Let's visualise a certain thing.We are in a room well maintained and well ventilated.Yet we have no freedom to go outside some barriers.Provided barriers ensure our safety only.Crossing the barrier means danger to our life only.We are provided with sumptuous meals as per our requirements.A doctor is available round the clock.Would anyone of us break free from the room and its set barriers and claim freedom jumping over the barriers' boundaries.That would be real folly if anyone does the same.Like wise no one can claim that we are free.We are bound by rules of authorities and institutions.We are shackled by set barriers of community/society.
       Similarly zoo is an institution with its own set of rules.The animals are not only kept in the zoo for amusement or recreation.A heap amount of money are spent for them to cater to their needs.The animals behind the enclosures feel safe from predators,unfavourable atmospheric conditions,loss of habitat,fear of poachers,loss of herd/group and even mates and finally the unavailability of food.Perhaps Zoos have all been painted with a darker shade by people.While children enjoy watching the royal bengal tiger yawning and the Siamese crocodile basking in the sun dipping its snout in the water adults let out snorts of disgust with the idea of keeping animals in captive.Are we not being a bit too judgemental about the freedom in the zoo that the animals enjoy? I asked a few of my friends to write an essay on zoo,and I was shocked that all of them have mentioned it as a place which deprives animals of their own habitat and ''freedom''.A place of research,breeding and amusement is what I define a zoo as.If we think a little out of box we can visualise ourselves in a zoo too.Are we not in an enclosure of  materialistic comforts,friends and partners,lavish living and  fulfilled desires? Yes we are.Who is free in this world? None.When our own planet Earth is not free from the rule of rotating and revolving around its axis and around the sun in its specified orbit then how can we crib about our and the animals' lost freedom.
        Freedom is not breaking away from rules,regulations and shackles that bind us.Freedom is never physical its always psychological.We break rules claiming it as breaking free then...we meet with accidents and lose our dear lives.What is that freedom which endangers our very existence.I prefer  living in a safe enclosure than roaming in freedom and getting attacked by predator or poacher.If being a human with a thinking mind I choose safety over freedom then why an animal will not opt for safety.At the end of the day we all dearly care for our precious lives.Be it animals or we...There is no difference.

P.S.:The opinion expressed are personal views of the writer.Constructive criticism for the post is allowed and welcomed.
Creative Courtesy:
                               Yann Martel's 'Life of Pi"

The Reckoning Wait

Life moves on
turning at some points
sharp,uneasy and ruthless
leaving  us to bleed,whimper.
Scream pain and pool tears.

I awaited at infinite stretch
for one who promised
who left with out a spare glance
the wait became reckoning.

The wait is never over
nor it would ever be.
For he is my favourite mistake
I am still awaiting....

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.