In memory of my darling grandpa-my Puthaaa... R.I.P.

And there chimes the air;

With aura of your existence;

Yet amongst us, with your holy embrace;

Beloved  you , forever will be you,

Amidst the hearts of your children;

Whom you have never made feel so deadened;

You’ll be missed, as you rest in peace,

In the hands of heavenly abode;

with the times immemorial as it beckons!

Popular with the persona of grace;

Always up with a smile so bounty;

Like an epitaph on the tomb of gaiety;

You knew not how to negate,

Whatever it was on the verge of destiny;

Forgoing is what you behold;

And that is the rule of life you taught us to hold;

Beloved you , forever will be you;

Amidst the hearts of your children,

Whom you have never made feel so deadened;

You’ll be missed, as you rest in peace,

In the hands of heavenly abode;

with the times immemorial as it beckons!

Lessons of wisdom, of wit, of emotions surfaced;

Always you with your frantic agile;

Oh merciless time , why you made them so fragile;

You knew us, you knew them;

And we know how you loved all,

Kindness was all that reined his tone;

Forgiving was what he decides to mold;

Beloved you, forever will be you,

Amidst the hearts of your children;

Whom you have never made feel so deadened,

You’ll be missed Putha ,as always;

with the times immemorial as it beckons!

Oh Putha! so adorable you as  you wore that smile;

the smile so full of bliss, of happiness, embedded with peace;

no matter how callous time rode,

always you were up with your unmatched chivalrous trail;

the trail of charisma, of purity , of regale;

you taught the reason to be pleased with life;

"…That whatever it is, just to let it be as it  is...

Just plead it hard from thy heart whatever you need;

All will be yours as you rhyme it within…"

Beloved you, forever will be you;

Amidst the hearts of your children;

Whom you have never made feel so deadened;

You’ll be missed Putha,as always ;

with the times immemorial as it beckons!

I know not whether your dreams fulfilled;

Whether you pleased with our deeds we tried to knit;

Forgive us , O’ holy grandpa if anything remained incomplete,

Beloved you, forever will be you;

Amidst the hearts of your children,

Whom you have never made feel so deadened;

You’ll be missed Putha ,as always;

with the times immemorial as it beckons;

your smile ever imprinted with the moments you traced….!!!

Not to forlorn..and to adorn... never quit!!!

Gone are the days as were they;

Amidst the laughter’s, of regale;

With banters that echoed out loud,

Of the puns that merely managed to fade;

Like a smack on my face I felt the hit;

As the wind so boisterous whispered aside;

Mark it as a blessing in disguise;

As these days would never come by

Live life to the fullest folks;

These days would never be sung again;

I wonder how pitiless it could hum by;

Oblivion of the bond with the time we made by;

Today, I see the path unknown;

Amid the wary, sometimes disdain;

The road has twirled like never before;

Bereft of the time that ever smiled before;

With banters that once echoed aloud;

No more the platter to ruminate about;

The aura with the wind merciless this time;

Whispered aside as it passed by;

Life’s capricious, you ought to know;

Full of ups and downs , you never know,

I wonder how pitiless it could just hum by;

Oblivion of the memories that sheer as ever;

Of memories we yearn to live by;

Oh! Gone are the days as were they;

Of the laughter’s, of regale,

Shun it! Whispered the hovering wind hysteric  all within;

Unrecognized, unheard that suddenly busted within,

The journey to be marched alone;

Fearless and upright; of faith to just hold by;

The battle is yours no matter you win or lose;

Just not to refrain amid the tides of uproar,

Yes, this is the key to life, of guts to carry by;

No matter how unpredictable it sulks to be;

Life is once, just once, so breathe it bold,

That embeds opportunities, of treasure some of mystics;

For it is all there in the midst of shambles;

It’s all on us what we ought to choose despite the rambles,

The heart knows it all as it reckons the faith alive;

To just allow the rapacious mind to stay abide;

The aura to be shunned, of disgrace, of negates;

Busted out the kind wind as it chided this time,

Life is full of mystery, a plethora of gaiety;

Not that lousy as it seems to be;

No days are gone as they are always to adorn;

In the wake of the challenges that life subsist,

It is always you, alone to tame, just tame with some risks;

Life is once, full of beauty and frisk,

No days are gone as they are always to adorn

Of laughter’s , of regale, never feel forlorn.

stay naive stay alive

In the race......all to win!!!

In the race of the unending toils;

Bereft of the appease of hues,

No more a plethora of bounty;

All that lay by the sail;

Of the duo so dainty,

Either of the loss or of the victory!

In the race of the unending toils;

Bereft of the appease of hues,

No matter how relentless is the trails of ruse;

Crafty it seems as your fellow proves;

Of the throngs of distress they feign to muse;

Of the abysmal pain, yes full of disdain!

In the race of the unending toils;

Bereft of the appease of hues;

All I see the eyes that quench for the calling;

Amid the ghastly galore that seems so appalling;

Yes it’s a journey of the novice;

Oblivion of the tangled platters of their niche;

Who knows not what they destined to cling,

In the sea of mass so cut throat;

All for the battle to fight as they sling!

 Today, it’s a world of the known;

That knows not to bemoan,

Yes, it is the path full of bumps and bolts;

But just to remember forever and always;

Not to refrain the reigns once hold;

Of the reigns that hones your being;

Of the reigns that seeks your true calling.

In the race of the unending toils;

Bereft indeed of the appease of hues,

No matter life a race in the midst of boos;

All it requires to sway over the rues,

 Of the freaking mind, Oh the fretted soul;

Spare no time, spare no time;

For its all yours,

 At all toils of the hardships

That you chose to reach the pinnacle of bliss!!!

IN THE FLEET OF......... (A short story- all thanks to to the T.O.I Writer's campaign for the outline designed under author Madhuri Baneerjee)

‘Ladies hurry up; we got to catch our flight’, announced Mr. Bala Vijayanathan, Gayatri’s disciplined father, who recently got his transfer to Bandra O.N.G.C colony, Mumbai. That was their last lunch together with their close family friends, the Rajan family. ‘So Gayatri, what’s next in Mumbai? Job or further studies?’ asked Alok, Rajan’s eldest son, a successful banker by profession and a loving brother to his sister, Esha. Just she was about to respond after a minute pause, Gayatri’s mother gently interrupted as she looked pleadingly to the Rajan family. ‘Well, we’ll really miss these get-togethers; this entire family...thank-you for everything... ’ she choked as her eyes moistened. Everyone emotionally drenched. Alok gave a warm handshake to Gayatri She hugged Esha before they bade adieu with the last reunion of the two families in Delhi.

That was some two years ago when Gayatri and her family left for Mumbai and became a part of the Bandra O.N.G.C colony. The colony was huge with a wholesome of different families from varied backgrounds - some Marathi, some Punjabi, few Assamese, with two more South Indian families now and a Muslim family. So, introducing Gayatri Vijayanathan, 25, somewhat introvert yet fun-loving, dusky complexion, some 5.6 inches in height, slender with angular features and with a pierced silver nose ring. She joined as a corporate lawyer in a reputed firm and was the younger daughter of the family. Her elder sister got married recently with her long time family friend that resided in Mumbai itself. Born to conservative parents, Gayatri was rarely allowed to hang out with her few friends in the new city. She never got the chance to explore much except when she was with Akshara, her cousin and best friend. Akshara stayed with her widowed mother some miles away from Gayatri’s place. Stuck to the mundane family routine, every Saturday Gayatri went to the Shiva temple with her family that was nearby while the Sunday mornings she reluctantly did her karnatic music practices in company with her mother and most of the free evenings she went to the colony badminton club, something that really made her happy. Though she was born to strict parents but never was it that they forced her to excel in anything. But Gayatri was somehow lonely. Something missed in her life she never shared with any, might be the special someone she has left on the destiny to decide. Unaware of what was in store for her in the new city; Gayatri went with the flow of life with her unshared thoughts.

Like any other day, that night Gayatri whispered her normal prayers before she could doze off. But the sultry weather with every cranky swirls of her fan kept her awake. The wall clock struck dot 12:30 p.m. She walked up to the window pane some feet away from her bed. As she gaped out, the chill gentle breeze just caressed her along. She was completely engrossed with the mesmerizing atmosphere with the silent empty street lamp lit road, the ruffles of the leaves fallen off from the gigantic Gulmohar tree planted on the other side of the road. That night was the last day of the auspicious Ramjan month and so the holy Eid, the next day. Gayatri was lost in her thoughts. But suddenly something struck her. She noticed someone right down the garage near the house just opposite theirs, restlessly searching for something. The house of the rich Delhi based Kaif family and their very front neighbor. It was Syed, the only son of the Kaif family. He was searching for his lost car keys. Unaware of Gayatri’s constant stare, Syed went on hunting for the keys until he found them. Just before he could close the gate, he realized someone was watching him. Suspicious enough, he didn’t hesitate to look up and there it was when his eyes met hers’. The eyes that met with all curiosity, was undaunted and poised. Both completely sunk in the perfect moment under the perfect moonlight. However it wouldn’t have been disturbed if Syed hadn’t been called by his mother to get inside. So that was Syed Kaif, 26 , fair, with muscular frames, some 5.10 inches in height, with little shades of stubble and the black pair of spectacle that always gave him an impressive look. An extrovert and compassionate Syed, a recognized entrepreneur by profession was however more passionate playing drums and always dreamt of raising his band ‘Vibes’ to an international platform. Unlike Gayatri, he belonged to a very cool, frank and a non-conservative Muslim family. But Syed was somewhere somewhat lonely too, although quite popular and loved by many.

So, the next day arrived and it was Eid. Syed’s family all remained busy with preparations. They invited few of their friends and some relatives to celebrate along. Their house was decked up with silver lights that beamed in the moonlight. That evening, like every Eid, Syed went to the nearby market. Almost done with his purchases required for the feast, he rushed hurriedly to his car before he gets late reaching home in time. It was a crowded market that day. He wondered if Eid might be one of the reasons for that. Just before he could get in the car, suddenly it was Gayatri who crossed him. She was back from her badminton classes when her mother asked her to get some vegetables on her way home. But co-incidentally it happened to be the same market place where both met again. Quite surprised being that close they stood still as they gawked for a while. They didn’t exchange any word yet their eyes did the talking.

With time Syed and Gayatri started liking one another and both knew that well.  Both successfully kidnaps each other’s attention whenever they aware of their presence. Although their lips did not smile acknowledging each other, their eyes said it all. They wanted to talk, curious to know one another but it never gave them a chance. However things started to change from the day they happened to meet in the coffee shop. That day it was some around 6 o’ clock in the evening. Gayatri and Akshara, decided to meet after work. They met at the café near the Band stand side, their usual meeting place in Mumbai. They talked, they laughed and their gossips continued. Soon after Akshara got a call, Gayatri walked up to place the order.

‘Umm…two cappuccinos. No add-ons and two choco donuts’, Gayatri replied to the café boy as he approached for the order. No sooner she turned paying her bills; fortunately it was Syed to her notice. She gaped at the door just to confirm twice. And it was him. Akshara however watched from far quite confused with Gayatri’s expressions. To Gayatri’s surprise, Syed assertively walked towards her as he frankly waved with his warmest smile. It was some five feet lap as they stood across and Syed initiated the talk with the formal ‘hi-hellos’. They finally talked and it was the first time both talked to each other that followed up with some more conversations till they met the next time. Both happy in their company started meeting each other. They met every Thursday at 5 p.m as it was the day she managed to meet him freely and their conversations lasted for hours. They didn’t know how they somewhat loved each other and they never said it. As such, their paths would never have crossed if it hadn’t been for that fateful day when Syed walked into the café.

Syed and Gayatri didn’t mean to fall in love. But love happens when you least expect it. It creeps up suddenly when someone needs attention, care, conversation, and maybe even intimacy. Love doesn’t look at logic, or at backgrounds, and least of all, religion. And the same just happened with Syed and Gayatri. They just got lost in their world of happiness oblivion of all odds. But somehow something daunted Gayatri whenever she thought about the untiring inquisitive society and especially her family. But yet Syed kept her happy. They didn’t stop being loved and to love. They met in every possible places, sometimes in his car, at the café and places she could never tell her friends about for she knew they would never understand. So, love was in the air for Syed and Gayatri. It had been a year since they shared the bond – of friendship, of trusts, of understanding and love.

But after a year things didn’t remain the same. It just went upside down if that day Syed wouldn’t have left for his audition in Los Angles. It was a week before when Syed and his band got a call to perform on an international platform that has ever remained his dream. Though he was excited, he was sad to leave Gayatri for a good month. On the day of his departure, Gayatri came to see him off after she took a half day leave from work. They hugged each other as he kissed her on the forehead. His eyes moist while Gayatri almost in tears. As he moved for the further check-ins biding her adieu, he blew her a flying kiss. She waved him back with all teary eyes. But to her dismay, awestruck she stood when she turned around. It was the Rajan family that was right in front of her. Infact they too were surprised to see her in the airport and mostly when she was with the moist eyes. ‘Ayyo Gayatri! You are here?’ Alok’s mother asked with all curiosity as the rest waited for the reply. Completely confused Gayatri just mumbled. ‘Hey...Aunty! Hello…errr…yes I came for Akshara, my cousin…um...she left for Los Angles…You guys in Mumbai?’ Gayatri exclaimed quite shocked and definitely she had to lie. But later she realized Akshara was the wrong name she took for she was already in the city and they somewhat knew her. Alok’s family came for a three week stay in Mumbai to attend a family wedding. They also came for the surprise that was however known to Gayatri’s parents.

The good old times rewinded for the two families in those three weeks. Their happy get-togethers where everyone savored the moments. But Gayatri wasn’t that happy for she missed Syed every second. Rarely could they be in touch as Syed remained busy struggling with his dream, even though he missed her terribly. Unfortunately, everything just cluttered for Gayatri when her marriage knot with Alok was suddenly proposed in the two families. She was unsure of everything. She knew she couldn’t share about Syed to anyone for no one would understand. And not that she didn’t know Alok rather he had been her good friend since childhood. In fact, Alok had always secretly admired Gayatri. But the sudden proposal of marriage was something she didn’t expect. She knew someday she will have to marry someone and that was never a possibility with Syed whom she loved truly. But she loved her parents too. With time, her engagement with Alok was announced to be held next year and all celebrated with the news. But Gayatri was terrible. She felt guilty for Syed, about everything. Mostly, when he stopped replying to her mails and texts’ she sent before she could tell him about her engagement. That night she wondered if destiny had to do anything with loved ones or she had any role to play in it. And thoughts just baffled her mind.

In the meantime Syed was back. He was completely taken aback at whatever just happened within a month. He knew it was not Gayatri’s fault. He knew her conservative family and the relentless societal perceptions. But he never expected the way it took its pace. He was just marred and helpless, unable to decide. Initially he thought not to meet her for they have nothing to share new and it would be just pain to be left with. But however they met and it was the same cafe. After a long pause since they sat down, it was Syed who initiated the talk. But Gayatri couldn’t speak anything. She choked with her eyes moist. She just broke down in tears when Syed hugged her. Both knew their situations despite their unfathomable affection towards each other, which no one would understand.

Two months passed. Syed and Gayatri were no more in contact. The two families were in Delhi as a week left for the engagement. That very evening both the families kept a small get together for their would be bride and the groom where only their relatives and few friends were invited. As Gayatri was introduced to some of Alok’s relatives, suddenly her phone beeped. She ignored for that moment but later she checked. The number was unknown that displayed the text as she read ‘On my way, got to tell you something important—Syed’. Amid the crowd Gayatri got numb. She realized she got knots in her stomach. She pretended to be normal though several thoughts flooded her mind. She remembered well she didn’t tell Syed about her engagement which he actually got to know from Akshara the last moment. Secondly she wondered what could be so urgent for him and where he might be. Curious enough she quickly texted ‘Call me tomorrow, I am in Delhi’. ‘Meet me tomorrow anyhow at Hauz Khas’ Syed replied. Gayatri more shocked when she got to know he’s in Delhi too.

It was evening 4 o’ clock that day. She somehow managed to meet him at the destined place. For her family she had gone to the nearby parlour. ‘Syed…hi….You here? What is it? All ok?’ She pleaded with all nervousness. ‘Good to see you Gayatri. Whoa! Hold on! Yes I’m here but today I’ll be leaving India...may be for good. All with my band to Los Angles. Sorry if my message scared you but I found no other way to contact you… It feels weird now’ Syed sighed while Gayatri’s eyes pinned on him almost moist. ‘Before I leave, I just want to wish you a very happy life ahead and you have to promise me that you’ll just stay happy and be a forever fan of my band’ he whispered with his voice choked. He kissed her on the forehead as she hugged him with all tears. That was the last goodbye Syed waved her as he moved inside the airport.

Syed was strong but he never stopped loving Gayatri which she knew well. But certain things she had to consider which Syed knew too. Their love was eternal which only they understood. That night Gayatri couldn’t stop her tears but she didn’t stop her belief on the destiny and tried to abide by Syed’s words which he whispered for the last time. While Syed who never learned to regret for anything, walked off and finally left to fulfill his dreams.

***Thanks to T.O.I, and blessed to have you Srute A.***

In the wake of the ailing boos!!!

As I walked off by thy side,
In the wake of the ailing boos;
All I get to see the churns of the rising rues;
Of the unending toils sometimes so mulish;
Of the yen’s sometimes so fetish,

 I wonder have I really lost the key for respite;
Or it is the callous time bound to abide,
Amidst the daunts, where I only see the clouds;
Upheaval in the air that never seems to subtle;
With its arrogance only up with its bustle,

 Like the seasons that ensue the time;
With the doctrine of nature that makes its chime,
Oh! The tides of despair you be mime;
No more you lurk the uneven bleak tranquility;
And to buff up with the grace of sanguinity,

With the spirit of connecting the dots;
Yet unfurnished, with its dismantling slots,
Yes true, to struggle a part of life;
And life indeed a race amid the gaffes,
I wonder if it is really for the sane who embraces all toils;
Or it is for the famished mind that never recoils?

 As I walked off thy side;
In the wake of the ailing boos,
I stride all way more to wipe out,
The churns of the rising blues;
Adieu is what I don’t feel like,
And it is for all I imply to be alike!