The Inexplicable

Sitting calmly; before sleep; thinking about self, people around who matter in life, things which add meaning to my existence ...etc,etc. Feels good to be back. It’s been long since I held a pen and paper to express my thoughts. A feeling of deja vu creeps in at this moment. Such an abstraction of human mind creates a sense of belongingness to everything. Strange, but true!
Life has changed a lot. There was a time when I didn’t feel the need to explain myself to people. Everything used to be self-explanatory. There used to be a plain talk, that talk used to go manifolds and end up with a feel-good factor having a hidden message saying – Enjoy this moment, it won’t return. This is it! At that point in time, never gave a thought about how would life be after this, without such things, people, situations. May be, never felt the need to.
And now I am. Altogether in a different environment. New people, surroundings, way of reciprocating. World is very different. Coming out of one’s shell makes the person realize the reality. The outside world is not as I perceived it to be. Reason may be hidden in the fact that I was never exposed to it earlier. People are different, the way each person thinks is different. It becomes difficult to make a consensus. Showing dislikeness is acceptable. Every individual has the right to expression. If it tends to create rift among people, it’s better to keep it to self. This applies to certain situations as well wherein clearing out matters is not possible. And where there is a hope of doing so, people take it otherwise. Also, there is no dearth of “Doubting Thomas’s” around, either.
That was all about natural behaviour of people which is invincible.
Next comes self analysis.
Change of state of mind has become frequent these days. Thinking about a thing links to another one which sometimes brings a curve across my face. It makes me feel good walking down the memory lane. It even happened once when I was supposed to call someone and after placing the call I suddenly realized that it was a wrong dial. Happens. It’s also difficult to make people understand what you think. If it’s not properly conveyed, the whole thing gets messy. People who are sycophant are a challenge to handle. I simply hate those who don’t even care if a known person is passing by(it’s taken if you haven’t noticed the person). An acknowledgement always makes you aware of the fact that a certain person is connected to you in some way. Body-language plays a key role in passing the right message. No offence to people who don’t agree with the above.
Now comes the generalisation of the whole story.
A man is all alone. Friends, acquaintances, business-connections are attributes which/who help us lead our lives in a simpler way. Of course, priorities differ and they should, in fact. Facing the obstacles boldly and finding a solution is the real test. Expect little, give much. Care a damn about the person who feels the same for you(there is hardly anyone if you are genuine ;) conditions apply...). Try to avoid negative thoughts, people. Feel the dextrous. Think rational, be real. That’s the key. I’m still trying to explore the mystries of the world. I’m glad that I’ve come across some good souls in this expedition. Meeting them, adds flavour to life. This journey is becoming interesting day-by-day. Hope it continues likewise. Feel free to share and add more if you’ve experienced such things in your lives too. Now, it feels great being myself. Back in ation. Watch out this space for more!!! Till then, keep smiling.

Utopia 1

As I sit down to write this piece, there’s a mesmerizing scene outside – I’m witnessing a heavy downpour!! After a break of one whole week, again the mighty blow of monsoon. Feels great!! But it makes me think of the fact that it’s June end. There are myriad examples from our day-to-day lives which, I believe, are of utmost importance and need to be taken care of but unfortunately are left behind. We all imagine of a world which would get better as days pass, a world free from sins and atrocities. If you don’t imagine likewise, I appreciate you for being realistic but pity you for not being rational. So now, there are two things you can do: either skip reading further coz we’ll be going through a journey involving small things which make huge differences (not for REALS) or, go through it and decide for yourself.
Some instances of our lives follow which I really can’t understand why can’t they be the other way round…
1. We see many kids playing around our homes, in apartment lobbies, playgrounds etc. (especially outdoor activities considered). They enjoy playing & are engrossed in themselves. When they play on streets ,where there are more chances of hindrances, if by any way their playing gets disturbed, just lend an ear to their conversation. It’s a perfect blend of arrogance, disobedience, anger, attitude and vigilance. All we can do is – ignore!! (bachche hai..) I agree that not all fit into this bracket but what about those who fit in? This definitely is not a good behavior to carry f/w. Who’s to be blamed?? Dunno?!?!? Let there be peace…….
2. A pure & subtle relationship – between parents & children. No need to discuss about its purity but due to some wild reasons, has become messy. Peer pressure & mishandled children. Why can’t parents understand what their child needs & why can’t the children make their parents proud by enjoying the just?? Let there be peace……….
3. Well, this point of mine is not at all an objection but a wonderment at how some things and people can make one go crazy… I’m talking about the Bollywood actress – Katrina Kaif. She can’t read, write and speak Hindi still she is a superstar with her fan list increasing infinitely so also is her charge per movie ;-) Oh, come on!! It’s a big game misunderstood by many. Let there be peace…….
4. The least bothered but the most important part of our homes – the dustbin, is not made the right use of at many places. If u reside in a flat, it’s not a regular sight. But for those who have independent establishments would have come across a problem – garbage getting collected near the entrance gate. I can’t make out why people don’t think of the right ways! Morally, to keep the surroundings clean one should collect the garbage & put in the dustbin. Many people have the good habit of collecting the garbage from their area but the worst habit of dumping it at the boundary line of their neighbors!! Ridiculous!! I guess none of the 206 bones gets affected if the garbage is properly dumped in the respective dustbins. Let there be peace………
5. When a person does something wrong & anyone witnesses the wrong doing, the accused is in a state of guilt. The lone feeling of committing a sin is enough for the accused to confess. But some blatant creatures are there on this planet who are unbelievable! I’m talking about Ajmal Kasab. I wonder, at such an age how can a person unite all his energies to work against humanity! Circumstances make one lame but there’s always a way out. This also makes me think of all those who destroy mankind for other men. Absolute pity for the brains which can work wonders. Let there be peace………
6. Another small happening, least bothered – our street-lights working in the daylight & remaining blind during nights!! I was listening to a Radio Station at which the RJ was discussing the same problem & he was out with a suggestion. The Corporation authorities can provide switches at suitable places for the street-lights. We have so many old people coming out of their homes for morning &evening walks. Why can’t they be given the responsibility of operating the switches to avoid wastage of valuable energy? After all , they are the most reliable and responsible!! This implementation will take ages to digest. Lack of faith, I guess. Huh…….Let there be peace………..
7. Recent happenings in towns & cities found a place as my seventh point – Honour Killings! I feel ashamed of such people. What type of pleasure are they seeking for their families by killing those whom they loved their entire lives?!?!? Clueless about the mentality of gentlemen and ladies!! Truly….Let there be peace……….

There are a lot many situations in our living scenarios which make us think opposite. This is gonna become lengthier so I’ll put them in parts. When I’ll get another set of seven, it’ll be UTOPIA 2. An appeal – think of the right way, follow the just. Till then………..Let there be peace!!

An illimitable gift

It’s not the usual way of opening a write-up but being rhetoric doesn’t always mean a jargon! So here comes the query : Have you been friends with anyone? As I said earlier, it’s a rhetoric. It’s a lovely feeling when u get to know people around you, get woven into a tangible fabric called friendship, enjoy every moment, everything seems magical…. The reason behind sharing such an immaculate part of our lives is not to put an end to its aura but to enliven the spirit.

Just ponder for a while – you are alone, you find no other soul to share your feelings with, no company to be with, no conversations to get involved in, no celebrations….leading an eerie life!! Sounds ridiculous! After all, each one of us requires a mate who will always be there, no matter what may come. Having your family with you is incomparable to the fact that you have myriad friends. They are two different worlds.

Though this frenzy journey begins from childhood, the ordeal comes later. Friendship can be true, mean, short-lived, everlasting. Will he/she be a good friend of mine? Can I trust him/her? Such questions do arise but not at the advent of it. Or should I put it this way – are they needed at all? How can a person be judged in the first meeting itself? And on top of all, the rumours about an individual makes him/her an imperfect company to be with. These are the actual happenings and no exaggerations. I’ve experienced such instances and learnt a lot, so sharing them is never a loss!

It’s true that we can’t have Samaritans all our way but we do have some of them. There are so many genre of individuals around us – sycophants, incredulous, sordid, apposite, mediocre… finding friends from this pool is not an easy task. But why to think so much when what we need is so little – an impregnable bond. This is where most of us fail. A person’s identity is neither written on his/her face nor it is in need of recommendations. Why can’t a true friendship be built on a true foundation?!? Again, ‘friendship’ is mostly misunderstood as a ‘relationship’ which gives rise to yet another question : can’t boys and girls be ‘friends’ ? (A good topic to debate upon…..some other time though ;-)) A friend is one with whom we can spend our lifetime, fearlessly. It is the richest gift of nature. A real and true friendship is free from the clutches of tenterhooks. Meeting people, knowing them, getting closer, sharing joys and sorrows makes every day count. While handling such a tender string new beads are bound to get involved. That does never mean one should forget the starting beads which made it stronger. It really hurts when old ones get sidelined due to new entrantsL

Repercussions are many but the strongest is – veracity. As it’s said : bring-in new ones but keep the old coz new ones are silver and old ones are gold. (I never expected myself to have been through this. Thanks to some… experience is a gr8 teacher) So friends, value every soul that makes you smile even for a moment, forgive those who hurt you for they helped you learn a lesson, spread your love and never cry in friendship cz for whom you cry may not deserve it and who deserves it, will never let you cry. There’s no other thing as important as that of returning thanks, so here I go… A true and big “THANKS” to all my pals who made me realize what life is and helped me grow as a person. Cheers!!

The Invisible Hand

We live in a world, created by Him, which is incredible. When would a thing happen ,under which circumstances and how it would be handled, no one knows. Every creature born is His wish. Perhaps it’s due to this belief the saying goes: each child born is an indication that He still believes in us. What an immense pleasure a mother experiences when she gives birth to a child!! Tears of joy start rolling down. Elucidation of happiness…The harsh reality accompanying this fact is that every individual who is born, has to die. This is an eternal truth. The more you run away from it, the more it follows you. Death establishes its supremacy over all the other facets of life.

An individual’s life is attached to many people. Human life is divided into phases as:

1. 1-12 years:

Always surrounded by people who love and care & most importantly, protect.

2. 13-18 years:

The joyous heart considers all good and bad, & goes with the flow of time. We get to know people better, get attached to them and live freely. New bonds rush on the path of permanent ones.

3. 19-23 years:

The saga of responsibility creeps in. we find our friends, recognize foes, grow stronger.

4. 23 onwards:

Living life to its fullest. Establishing identities for ourselves, so that people bonded with us feel proud to be there.

At every of the above stage , we are strongly linked to people. Be it family, friends, guides or admirers, we cannot detach ourselves. But life is not a bed of roses. Grief is a part of it. The bereavement leaves our souls craving. Why our hearts sink in the memories of the loved ones when they leave us mourning? Why is this feeling so painful? The answer is LOVE; its strife is with death. The macabre is horrifying. The lone aim is to obliterate life. The soul is in disdain and unable to stop the unconquerable hand of the merciless monster.

The fact is- death is impregnable and we are helpless. No one’s here to experience eternity. The only thing we are left with is – reminiscence…

The Vagary

Throughout the write-up:
A=Anonymous
F=A’s friend
(Over phone)

A : What do you think of XYZ’s (third friend) decision?

F : I didn’t get you..

A : I mean, do you think he’s right?

F : hhhmmm…..well….the coin has two sides. The dilemma of what to do and what not to, was troubling him. Even the phlegmatic wind had no effect. One part was saying to maintain
the candor n the other was suggesting to keep mum. A situation like this, where heart and mind become poles apart, is painful.

A : yeah….I met him a couple of days back. His soul seemed to be torn in two parts. He was sitting on the fence!!

F : Right. And today, we’re aware of his decision.

A : I wonder how people struggle through the odds and arrive at a conclusion!! And that too…..
(gets interrupted by F)

F : Sorry buddy, another call’s waiting. I’ll catch u later…..buh-bye!!

A : Okay….cya.
(Telecom disconnected. A yawns.)

A (to himself) : I wonder, I really wonder….how….zZ…..zzzzZZZZZ……I’m feeling sleepy…..it’s already 1 a.m. ….O’Lord , bless me!!....zzzZZZ.


( A is fast asleep)

Where am I going? It’s all dark here. I can’t see anyone. (Suddenly, the path brightens up resembling the arena of mind.) I had been here several times. I know this place. Yes,yes….I had been here before.

(There were some huge pillars forming a circle. They were : Humbleness, Selfishness, Love, Sadness, Attitude, Humour, Philanthropist, Anger, Betrayal, Boastfulness, Rebellion, Hatred, Happiness, Jealousy, Arrogance and Peace-the Queen, was at the centre. A was standing near the Queen.)

Oh, hello everyone!! I’ve travelled a long way…right from my heart to this brainy mesh. I need help to get out of the obfuscation. That’s why I’m at the other end of this jugular vein. My heart says something else and now the ball’s in your court. Help me!!

Humbleness : You are welcomed, sir. I think you should low-down yourself.

A (looking straight) : Right…..

Attitude (A is turning 90 deg to rt) : No, not at all. Why should you?? There’s no one superior to you. You are your own boss. Nobody can order you.

Humour (A , to the next rt one) : That’s right, no, that’s wrong. After all, Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. Ha ha ha…

A : he he he …very true….

Selfishness (A turning 90 deg to left) : Oh, just shut up you ass!! Hey, listen to me. No need to think much. Just do whatever is in your favour. And enjoy your life.

A : But…..

Arrogance( A turns to rt. of humour) : I agree. At the end of the day, you are the only deserved candidate in the long run. You are presumptuous.

Philanthropist(A turns 180 deg) : What nonsense!! Pay attention here. These guys are leading you the wrong way. Life is for others. You should think of others before yourself, always.

(Anonymous is now feeling the real heat…..head’s spinning….)

Anger( A’s turning to left of previous) : I don’t want to hear anything hereafter. You just go for it. Give the situation a tight slap……tit for tat.

Betrayal( A turns to left of previous) : But no need to let the other person know. Keep a low profile, understand?

Love(A turns diametrically opposite) : Pyar deewana hota hai mastaana hota hai ; har khushi se, har ghum se, begaana hota hai…..

Sadness(A turns to left of Love) : I really pity your sight. But what can be done? Everything is so painful…no one to care.


Rebellion(A is turning to opp. Direction) : What rubbish!! Why to care when others don’t? You want what u wish and you have the right to do it your way. If not,give a punch…

A : But it’s wicked….

Boastfulness(A turns to rt. of previous) : Huh…now just end this commotion. I know the solution. A is very strong. No worries, no pains. Actually, never had one. Can tackle the problem as if it were a child’s play.

A : I don’t think so…

Hatred(A’s head movement towards rt.) : This is not the end. The world around you is insane. Don’t be compassionate or else you’ll end up being a loser. Keep a distance. No one is yours. Remember!!

(Anonymous’ neck is paining coz of the jerks)

Happiness(A turns to RHS) : No matter who you are and how you live. These things don’t bother people. They are not going to remember such daft things. The only thing they’ll remember is how you made them feel. Spread happiness all around and the world is yours and everything in it..

Jealousy(A turns to RHS) : If you are not getting anything, don’t let others enjoy. Snatch away everything you can….


A : How can I think….(interrupted)

Peace(A pays attention to the centre) : Silence everyone!! Listen child. These are bound to make you unstable. First attain your stability n then arrive at a decision. I suggest you to choose the dexterous among these . Make it stand if front of your heart. Weigh them. Go with the strongest. Wish you luck on your return journey.

Thanks a lot!! This was the path I came from. It’s bright. I can still see the way….Oh no, no, no….It has become dark again…..where’s the light??....I can’t see the way….where am I going??.......where am I????....whereeeeee???

ALARM : It’s morning! It’s morning! Wake up!! Good morning!!

A : What was that?? I’m OK…I’m fine…. What a dreamy reality!!
(gets up…rubs eyes, trying to see the sunlight coming through the window pane. Sits straight with hands joined, looking upwards..)

O’ Lord, thank you for this beautiful day. I don’t know whether there is going to be a situation like this in my life. But give me the courage to face it n emerge as a true winner. Amen.

Come on….get to work….yet another day….
There shall be showers of blessings……

Labyrinth of Faith

The following lines express the feelings of an old man who, at every stage of his life, finds himself vexing between two ends; not able to trust anybody or choose the dexterous stuff. The whole write-up, in the form of a poem, takes the reader through all the obvious happenings of one’s life.
Disclaimer:All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.


Again a new beginning,
Again a new day,
But I know this wait,
Will end in the labyrinth of faith.

The story started way back,
When I enjoyed being on my mother’s lap,
And others’ efforts to lure, went in a pack,
As I doubted their every knack.

The days of crawling were gone,
Came hurriedly the ebullient storm,
which carried with it, different norms,
About people, surroundings and sweet corns.

I made many pals in my school days,
But wonder about the wrong chase,
Never took seriously that important phase,
Which bought along with it, misguiding rays.

Then came the moments of flamboyant juvenile,
Which had ambitions longer than the Nile.
Mind knew that it had to go miles,
But ignoring the spurious files from the old pile.

The course of life was diverting at every act of distrust,
And so I had to remove the surfeit dust,
In order to prevent the new poppings from rust.
And then I understood that it is a must.

Shades of light started changing,
I heard bees humming,
Also saw the flowers blooming,
Felt like promulgating.

Was waiting for the only one,
With whom life would be an absolute fun.
Didn’t know that in the course of such sate
I would find myself in the labyrinth of faith.

Understanding, understanding and more understanding,
Felt like the world was revolving,
Finally found one soul blending,
And I started subliming.

Everything was in place,
When I was enjoying with her, life’s every race,
One day she withdrew her pace,
As I laid her soul at rest taking with me, her adorable face.

Now this old heart doesn’t allow that perfect gait,
There is strength, neither to gape nor to wait,
This soul pleads for a peaceful state,
Through the heaven’s gate.

I’m skeptical about the Almighty’s wish,
Don’t know what will be in His wand’s swish,
But when I think of His majestic lathe,
I find myself in the labyrinth of faith.

Que Sera, Sera

They say, full stop is not the real end. Very true as far as human emotions are concerned.But at the same time we have a priori intimations coming our way. The more we try to avoid, the more they follow us. To Emote is the strongest tool a human possesses. Imagine a day when u’ll be devoid of ur emotions. A paragon of inferno!! Don’t believe it? Give it a try and the realization will make u ponder why man is at the apex?!?! Talking about emotion, it again is a Pandora’s box – full of surprises. What comes after, is hard to tell. Happiness, sadness, excitement, candor, vilification etc, etc…….the list goes on. Every time a new popping!!

A very crass but true muttering is – “WHY ME?? “ which is the outcome of setbacks: back-to-back. When we talk about the alpha and omega of the journey called life, both the ends are uncontrollable and unconquerable. The remaining(the middle one) phase is under our supervision.

It’s not so important to add years to your life as it’s to add life to your years. Difficulties are bound to come (in the form of situations, people who try to demoralize …..), but how one faces it, is imperative. It is not at all true that all the hell’s fury was bestowed upon one. It was just the testing time to make the tree stronger when heavy wind blew, to make it firmly rooted at the time of crises. Just lamenting over the issue that the day/month/year was an awry, is not a good sign (though we r helpless at times….:-(). Agreed that things do go wrong, but still, for some good! I remember the Murphy’s law which says that “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” No matter who u r and what u do.

Another facet is the Mea Culpa where acknowledgement gets eulogized. Believe me, it needs a brave heart! The problem is not that there is a problem. The problem is thinking that having a problem is a problem. Keeping this attitude really helps combating failures. But while doing so, one thought which keeps hammering is “why was this supposed to happen to me?” And at this juncture we r forlorn n avoid interactions. The other side of the coin speaks differently. I’ve never heard a Nobel Prize winner asking – “why me?”, or for that matter, any individual receiving prestigious positions, handlings, responsibilities, etc. That is probably because “self” gets enveloped by the merriment around. A paradigm which explains the ecstasy of life follows:
Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983.
From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed : “why does God have to select u for such a bad disease?”
To this Arthur Ashe replied:
The world over-
50 million children start playing tennis,
5 million learn to play tennis,
5 hundred thousand learn professional tennis,
50,000 come to the circuit,
5000 reach the Grand Slam,
50 reach Wimbledon,
4 to semi final,
2 to the finals,
When I was holding a cup – I never asked God “why me?” and today in pain I should not be asking God “why me?”

The worth of living explained within the small window said a lot!! Frustration, anger are things which harm us without our permission. If it’s gonna happen, it will. Everything’s decided. We r just puppets(emotional, of course).Now that doesn’t mean we start taking things lightly. Matured thinking is needed. So rather than wasting the much stored energy in mourning, it’s always better to be cheerful and accept the truth coz :
Everything that happens, happens for good!!