Blue (Nila)

आसमान का रंग है नीला, पानी का भी रंग है नीला

कहते है पंडित बड़े बड़े की, हिम्मत का भी रंग है नीला

खुली जगह है खुला आकाश  है , कुदरत का भी रंग है नीला

देख के डूबा गेहेन सोच में, अंतर्ज्ञान (Intution) का रंग भी नीला 

हस्ती रोती आंखोमे आंसू, संवेदना का भी रंग है नीला

किसी  वजह से मन में जोश चढ़ा वो प्रेरणा का भी रंग  है नीला

खुली हवा में बेखौफ लो साँसे, आज़ादी तेरा रंग भी नीला

प्रकृति की चद्दर में सोया बादलो का रंग भी नीला

दरया की गहराही सा, भुद्धिमता का रंग है नीला

कर्त्तव्य में जो दिख जाती है, वो निष्ठां का भी रंग है नीला

बिना लालसा कर्म किया जो, ईमान का भी तो रंग है नीला

संतोष भरा जीवन है उनका, भरोसे का भी तो रंग है नीला

स्थिर मिजाज़ और आत्मविश्वास है , आत्मा का भी तो रंग है नीला

हा जरा सा शोर है भीतर पर आस्था का भी रंग है नीला

पूरी कोशिश कर आज़मा लो, एड़ी छोटी का ज़ोर लगा लो

फिर पश्ताना बनता ना  तेरा, ठैराव का भी तो रंग है नीला

मेहनत पूरी तुमने करली अब थोड़ी तक़दीर को करलेने दे 

चैन की सास अब ले ले तू , धीरज का भी रंग है नीला

खुद की खोज में  लगजा तू अब ,भीड़ जा अपने आप से ही तू 

खोज में लग जा जन्नत की तू, जन्नत का भी रंग है नीला 

----साद 

The Dogs Bark

Orbital veracity has confessed with ocular evidence that nights are over at the pleasant arrival of flaming daylight and so is the grief over abundance. - Gaurang Sheth

The Dogs Bark 

Narrator Vishu, Age 14, Place Mumbai.

The darkness of that night was only visible all around me.  Ache of the unlit flavour assisted with howling cry of the dogs was turning the eventful evening into a bland night. After a delectable evening with bosom buddies, night was set to pitiful state. Alone in the mission I was heading back, overlooking the emotions of the darkness, in following my own rhythm reached at avenue through the pavements about to get inside the compound.  

Sudden large woof stumbled on me for a second. There was a black Bakharwal dog was barking on me. Predominantly not afraid of street dogs I kept walking my pathway. To my surprise, he followed me with breathless barking as if he is going to bite me. Never experienced that before from the dog I was now little scared stiff trying to scare the dog away. I was more agitated seeing the dog coming back at me again and again after few back steps. Somehow took the other long side of the road and got away to ploughed inside my house from that tensed locale. But that episode took over my mind for considerable while.

The chapter continued the next day in the morning when I was about the same pathway and the dog barking at me with same potency. That did really scared hell out of me. More than fear I was concern about how spook I would be seen as by on goers and would be crowned as clod by fellow mates. Somehow hiding the signs of fright I acted furiously saying

“Whose dog is this,” I added “can’t you tie your dog?”

The voice from behind had almost made me dumb face. ”Brother, Don’t be afraid dog is not going to harm, just go on”. Again I took the round trip via longer path as usual.          

I knew I would be circumspect about the dog’s behavior further; I was looking for dog’s whereabouts whenever I pass through the dog’s territory, as he would bark on anyone trespassing from his area. Specially, on those late evenings when there was nobody around to give me mental contentment. I keep waiting aside for someone to accompany me if I am loner there. Though part was to do it pretending I’m not afraid and without giving any cue. I had no plans of how to open that Gordian knot for past few days now. Although it wasn’t as bigger problem but did really distressed me a lot, for me it was like I have been fugitive from that area.  Every day I wished the dog to be far away somewhere.   

The dog’s bark was playing within my consciousness. It was undesirable cord holding us.

But, suddenly one day the dog was no more visible, I kept looking but couldn’t sight a flash of it.  I surveyed many times with no luck, initially glad to have rid of him, but sooner I realize that I kind of reminisced about it.

The remorse was that I could have chosen to be a friend with the dog. I went to the person whom I presume was caretaker of the dog. Bearded guy with close to Van Dyke style mustache looked to me in about early thirties greeted me. I asked about him and then about the dog.

He introduced himself “hey, I am Joel I stay in nearby colony”.

What followed then was great talk which touched me thoroughly with affection.

He said, ‘exactly a year ago when I was coming back burning the midnight oil from my wok, the same dog barked on me. I choose to brace amity over hate. After several recurrences, I feed him with biscuits, and we became friends. I went ahead with curiosity of finding out the reason of the behavior. Then once he stood barking near the half broken manhole which was barely noticeable unless seen carefully. It looked as if somebody fallen inside which the dog observed, Thus barking when he sees someone passing that side.’

The he went praising the Dog saying he is true friend. ‘He brings all the stuff I need, helps me and even signals when my bus is there.

Somewhere he mentioned Miley her wife, I could not hold back but to ask about where she was.  He told me Miley was the same girl that fallen on that manhole which she failed to see on that dreaded night. Her head smacked on that metal manhole cover the blow she could not survive I never listened her, at least I started listening to people now. Finally, I asked him, ‘where’s the dog gone?’ He said, People complained about his barking so the Dog catcher had caught him.  

         

Soon I realize and summarize to the Joel’s emotions, I talked myself, and sure I could not perceive the Dog’s bark. 

   

     

Silent Talk of love

It was a windy Saturday morning of December. Puff of cool air brushed my face while I leaned out of my balcony window. Sipping on a hot cup of tea, I waited for its magic to kick start my otherwise dull weekend into an enliven day.

About 10.30 in the morning, some loud whooping from the neighbourhood caught my attention, making me intrigued as to who has come. Do I ask mom? I thought and then refrained as my sister who had read my mind provided with an explanation.

“A guest at Aunty Bakshi’s house. A cute girl” My sister smilingly whispered so mom could not listen. On the spur of moment, I decided to get ready to visit their house and calm my anxiousness.

In a few minutes I was at the Bakshi’s door. My eyes were eagerly looking out for the angel who has cast her spell on everyone, but she was somewhere inside. I kept talking to Aunty Bakshi and others in the house, hoping for her to come out anytime soon. Her description had already made me desirous to meet her.

My wait was fruitful, for after a while she came out and honoured me with her presence. The moment I saw her I fell in love with her, just like everyone around who had become her slave. She was adorable, beautiful and cute, but that was the least thing about her. That slight dip in her cheeks when she smiled made her look prettier. Oh! And her eyes, I never saw such dark eyes with so much light in them. An aura of freshness in her presence was the reason behind all cheers inside my heart. I knew then, that I could keep looking at her for ages and never get bored.

As a guest, Aunty Bakshi’s place was new to her so her face was flushed with excitement and eyes were still trying to figure out the strange surroundings.

Even though everybody was around, I couldn’t stop myself and stepped in to greet her. As usual with girls, she kept silent, but that didn’t deter me. She gazed at me in amaze as if I was a street ruffian or a vagabond. Initially, she didn’t even bother to notice me, but after sharing a few awkward smiles, I got her to at least look at me. The confidence in me roared with every passing minute and so I attempted to hold her hand to say Hello. I was taken by surprise with warmth in her soft hands and sleek fingers, but soon she pulled her hands back. She still didn’t talk a single word to me and all I could do was try to read her actions. My patience was soon wearing off and so I made another attempt to hold her in my arms. Never did I feel so lucky, when she showered her gorgeous smile on me. Hesitating, I planted a kiss her on her forehead and succeeded too, but you know what? She still couldn’t speak a word to me.

Well, wait !! Have you been wondering what is happening here? Let me clarify. All I am talking about is the 10 month old niece of my neighbour J

Flaming Sunshine

Venerate the glory of the glistering sunshine which abolishes the frequent corollary of darken nights. It gives out second chances to brace the ray of divine light from long old darkness for which it long awaited. The remorse of old times has buried its all guilt.

Slightest whispers in awaken ears feels like loud whooping sound of ovation. The sky is busy spreading hues of blue cheer; its one lost color now gleaming bright as if finding his true spirit. Invisible is now visible. Glory has started returning to its own kingdom.

                       

Semblance of sun had haled the sound of the sky, once a mumble is now loud roar.

Seeing these, I got courage and I called out my old companion, reminding him of good times when we enjoyed the rain together, it was the first greet of the morning for which they waited all night long. Just to say “HI” was no more than a reason but to have glimpse of each other again.

“Do you remember? Of course you do, for in your eyes I see the agitation of my tormented face clearly visible. When I was waiting for you to return, the anxiety of responding back to me on every night. Your blooming face every time when you saw me. All of these cannot be any less than brilliant companionship.

Do you recollect? Then what are you afraid of? Do you fear losing or being wrecked? If you must, then only lose one thing – let go of that menace which is bulling your happiness. If you had to ever compromise your choice, always choose bliss over sorrow first. Dreadful tides are present in our minds for which we are frightened to brace the creed that has always taken care of us.

Let’s go with the flow, Let’s enjoy some time together, who knows may be some time will be long enough for lifetime!. “

Voice came from my companion, It Takes Time!!” to heal , waiting is my duty, responding is yours, and that one thing has taken away all my misery, my faith is still alive, the life is still alive in my fantasy, beam of love still blowing our hearts, and the angst of result does not despair me anymore!!