Reading or Writing #BlogchatterBlogHop #shortstory

"Reading or Writing?", she asked.

She means Urmila Bhatt, the admission officer of the school in which we had come to enroll both our children. I had heard a lot about this school. It was also the wish of Mita that we should enroll both our children here. This was the most important work for me after my transfer to this city recently. I was among the top positions in a reputed global bank. There was no problem with the house. A large bungalow with all the furnishings was allotted by the bank, and that too in the middle of the most expensive locality of the city. Everything else was set. The new sessions of the school were starting from next month. That's why early admission was necessary. Children also liked this school. Maybe they both saw something online and found quite positive about it. Mita and the kids, if all three wanted this then what was the problem for me. Anyway, I had found out in the bank also from my staff, everyone had praised this school very much.

"So what do you think? Reading or Writing? Which section would you enroll your children in? I believe you should enroll one of your children in the writing section and the other in the reading section.", Urmila Bhatt, Admissions Officer was trying to convince us. 

"What the hell?" I screamed. 

"Is the child going to learn only to write, or just to read? Aren't both necessary for every child? We have to teach both to both our children", said Meeta, looking into Urmila Bhatt's eyes very seriously. 

Photo credit: Atelier Teee on Visualhunt

I nodded my head in approval.  

But there was no effect on Urmila Bhatt. "It's just not possible", she said.  

"You get us to talk to your principal, now", I probably got a little annoyed. It was justified. I didn't know there were a few more shockers in store for me. 

"Which principal would you like to meet? From the writing section or from the reading section?" She asked.

I was horrified now. Mita also seemed to be losing her temper. I was like crying out loud in fret now - "I will get your school locked. It's sheer nonsense". "I'll get shut it down". "I'll get shut it down".

Mita was shaking my arm loudly. 

"Bhanu, wake up, have a sip of water. Are you dreaming of something horrible? What will you get shut down? What happened? Get up. What are you muttering in your sleep?" It, probably, took her a while to pull me out of that.

When I opened my eyes, I found I was at home. There was nothing like school. I drank two sips of water from the glass that Mita was holding, offering me. She understood that it was having a bad dream. "Okay now? Let's go back to sleep. It's just three o'clock in the night. Take rest. In the morning we have to go to the new school for our kids' admission. 

"In which branch?" Readin or Writing?" I wanted to ask Mita.

Instead, I thought it better to sleep quietly.

A few days after admission, when I told Mita and the children about this dream, we all laughed for a long time.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop

यादें - कविता #hindipoetry #poetry #हिन्दी #हिन्दीकविता

चलो सारा सामान जांच लेते हैं,

 एक और बार,

 सभी बक्सों में से,

 जो सालों से बंद है,

 धूल इकट्ठा करने में मशगूल,

 कोनों में,

 अलमारियों के ऊपर,

 पलंगों के नीचे,

 जहां भी उन्हें रहने या छिपने के लिए जगह मिली।

 कितने छोटे,

 और बड़ी चीजें,

 बक्सों में हैं,

 जो रखी थी,

 यह सोचकर कि जरूरत पड़ने पर,

 उन्हें निकाला जाएगा,

 लेकिन भूल गए,

 समय की अवधि में,

 उनको मौका मिला,

 धूल इकट्ठा करने को, 

 या आसपास मकड़ी के जाले उगाने को।

Photo credit: Winter Jefferson on VisualHunt

 कुछ दवाएं हो सकती हैं,

 कुछ शैंपू,

 या कुछ तेल,

 मसाले आदि

 एक बार खोल कर,

 प्रत्येक की जांच करना आवश्यक है,

 इतने सालों बाद,

 फेंकना भी जरूरी है,

 जो समाप्त हो चुके हैं,

 क्योंकि वे किसी काम के नहीं हैं,

 उन का उपयोग करना,

 अपना नुकसान करने के बराबर हो सकता है।

वैसे इस बहाने,

कुछ खाली जगह बन जाएगी,

जहां हम कुछ उपयोगी सामान रख सकेंगे,

 या उन बेकार बक्सों को फेंक कर,

 वहां पहुंचेगी ताजी हवा,

 और साथ-साथ कुछ खाली जगह बढ़ जाएगी।

 मुझे याद,

 मैंने एक बार कुछ कहा था,

 भावनाओं में इतना तेज,

 जिसने तुम्हें घंटों रुलाया था।

 ऐसी बहुत सी बातें,

 सालों पुरानी,

 मुझे अभी तक याद हैं।

 तुम्हे भी याद होंगी,

 मेरे बारे में ऐसी बहुत सी बातें,

 उनमें से कुछ,

 मन में कहीं दब चुकी होंगी,

 ऐसे ही, बक्सों में सामान की तरह, 

 वर्ष दर वर्ष।

 ये अधूरी पुरानी यादें,

 इतनी जगह घेर चुकी हैं,

 जिन में बहुत ऐसी हैं, जिनका, 

 कुछ करने को नहीं है,

 हमारे आज के जीवन के साथ,

 और हमारी खुशी से।

 फिर भी,

 वो पल पड़े हैं,

 पुरानी यादों से भरे हुए,

 कुछ जगह तो चाहिए होगी,

 याद में आज की मधुर अनुभूति रखने को,

 इसलिये,

 दिल और दिमाग में जगह बनानी है।

 वो डिब्बे, और,

 उनमें यादें,

 हानिकारक हो सकता है,

 अप्रभावी, या,

 अर्थहीन भी।

 हमें करने दो,

 एक बार फिर,

 उन बक्सों को खोलने का यत्न,

 जो धूल चाट रहे हैं

 हमारे दिलों,

 और दिमाग में,

 सालों से।

 चलो उनको खोलते हैं,

 आकलन करना,

 समाप्ति तिथि,

 उन सभी यादों की।

Bella #shortstory #BlogchatterA2Z #PebbleInWatersWrites @blogchatter

Bella.  I could never forget her.  Even after so many years.  Her silky hair was golden brown.  Her hair used to shine like gold in the sun.  She was not ordinary at all.  There was a different kind of vibe in her.  There was a different look on her face all the time, very graceful kind.  As long as she was there with me, I could twirl her silky hair without a hitch.  She probably didn't have a problem with it either.  I could feel her face, her eyes, her hair, her head very precisely with my fingers.  Maybe with her consent.  I also think she liked it all.  So the point was that both of us started having a lot of fun in it.  Every time I encountered her during the day, I used to repeat this process.  Her elegance and slim body were amazing.  As if a sculptor has made his best idol and put life in it.  As if a creator has created a creation full of life.

Photo credit: chiaralily on VisualHunt.com

Bella was not her name when she first came into my life.  She probably didn't even have a name then.  I would have been maybe four or five years old at that time when I met her first.  It was evening time.  I was playing outside the house all alone.  And I found her hanging on a grape arbor/vine in my verandah.  She was frightened badly.  She needed help.  Just helpless in that meek voice.  She was not more than three weeks then at that time.  I didn't know how she had reached the middle of the arbor.  And when I saw her, I found both her back legs hanging in the air.  It was such that she would fall now or fall then.  And before she lost all courage and fell down, I had my eyes on her.  It was not that I had not seen any kitten before that.  But I had never seen such a young one and in such a helpless state.

When I saw her for the first time, I felt like a bond forming with her.  I grabbed her with my little hands, took care of her wihile taking her off from the grapevine, and brought her home.  She didn't even try to go anywhere.  I could comfortably fit her my hands.  After bringing her home, I gave her milk in a bowl, caressed a little and after that my house became her too. I named her Bella because I found her hanging on a vine.  After that Bella and I had a special relationship.  I was 23 years old when she breathed her last in my own hands.  For a long time, I was very depressed and even food had almost stopped.  Then, slowly I calmed down.  Even after so many years, she is still in my mind as she is around somewhere.  Bella is with me even after going for so many years.

I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z and this is post is part of it.

All Is Well #shortstory #BlogchatterA2Z #PebbleInWatersWrites @blogchatter

All is well.  I asked Ramesh how is everything going.  He gave me this answer without bringing any emotion on the flat face.  At first I felt very strange why he spoke in such a rude manner.  Then I thought what should I do and why should I bother.  We were in the same class in school.  And every year we moved together in the same next class.  I took science.  He also took science.  12 years ago we all separated after finishing school education.  After that, even meeting after so many years, he only recognized me.  His face had changed a lot.  I probably hadn't changed much.  We didn't have much friendship in school.

He was top in studies and I was thoroughly in sports.  I was fine in studies.  Yes, never came first like him always.There are some things about him that I still remember and have never been able to wipe off from my memory.  Till that day I was sure that he had nothing to do with sports.  I always thought he was just a bookworm.  We had reached the final of our region in badminton and our position was also very strong.  We were almost certain to win the trophy.  Two days later it was the final match and one of our great players got sick. I don't know from where our coach brought Ramesh in his place.  We all wondered what had happened to the coach.

No one dared to go and question coach about that.  Now,  none of us thought that we would win in the final.  But there was another surprise for all of us.  We won the trophy and won on the strength of Ramesh.  I asked him then how he did it.  Even then he had the same answer, all is well.  Then I came to know that this person was not only top in studies but also had a hidden talent in many other things.  I remember one more incident about him.   It was our last year in school and final exams were going on.  On the day of the last examination, Ramesh entered the hall after 15 minutes of the commencement of the examination.

He was absolutely calm.  No excitement.  No panic on the face.  Very calmly he started giving the exam.  Yes, on that day, his pen was a little quicker than the other days.  After the examination, his close friends asked him how was the examination.  He had the same answer, all is well. When they asked his he got late he told on his way he found a calf stuck his front legs in an open gutter and was not able to move out. So, Ramesh decided to put his exam on stake that day and save the life of that calf. And he succeeded. In both. The interesting thing is that despite all this, he came first.

He was a unique personality.  Never used to pretend.  He had a calm disposition.  Didn't speak more than required.  He was serious all the time.  One more thing I came to know about him after meeting him today.  How high to keep the level of competence and success is always in our hands.  Even after coming top in IAS, instead of taking any post of royal fun, Ramesh took the responsibility of working for the development of far flung villages by making a special request to the government.  If anyone has the power to stand on the scorching sands of the desert and say all is well, then he will be Ramesh or someone like Ramesh.  And that person will also have enough power to grow roses in the sand.

Ramesh is the owner of a different personality. I termed that personality class as - All is well.

I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z and this is post is part of it.

Those Moments #MyFriendAlexa #pebbleinwaterswrites #poetry

Many years ago,
during our childhood,
we met for the first time.
I don't know what flashed in your mind,
in the foggy face of the evening,
what did you feel, that
you secretly held my hand
very innocently
and we sat down in a corner, on the terrace boundary,
silently,
without any effort of listening or understanding
the silence between us,
and within.

Someone came and asked you
"What's going on?"
you answered innocently
"Oh! I thought it was him."
I still remember that long time,
which, in a few moments,
said a lot, so silently,
and then vanished in a void.

Do you remember that till now?

If yes, call me
from your window sill
shake the branch of stuck flowers.


Another memory of yours
emerged,
same childhood,
me and you,
outside a room,
stuck to
the window bars
in the back lane
holding with innocent hands
peeping inside with
utter silence, and astonishing eyes
soaked in the aquarium kept in the room,
having different colors
of little fish
dancing in a rhythm.
How long we stood there,
mesmerized, I do not remember,
when my eyes turned away from the fish
and got stuck on your face.
Life became finer in those moments.
I could see
colorful fish
on your face, in your eyes,
wavy and glittery.

Do you remember?
That was our second
and the last meeting.
If you also still remember,
go to your window
having flowers outside,
just shake the twigs lightly
and the flowers that have fallen on the ground,
place them in a corner,
by the wall,
and let
those flowers dry,
I will wait
to meet you,
or lose.

All three of us together,
at our respective places,
will wait.

I neither remember your face,
nor your name.
But I still remember those little caring
hands and that innocent touch.
That silence and those colorful fish
on your face.

Photo credit: pedrosimoes7 on VisualHunt

I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s My Friend Alexa

मुस्कुराते रहिए - #ghazal #ग़ज़ल #हिन्दी

खुश रहिए ना रहिए, मुस्कुराते रहिए।

किसी भी हाल में रहिए, मुस्कुराते रहिए।।

क्या कहा, हाल यहाँ हो गया बेहाल आपका?

यकीं करे ना करे कोई, मुस्कुराते रहिए।।

कत्ल करने का शौक़ रखते हैं अगर आप।

खंजर की नहीं ज़रूरत, मुस्कुराते रहिए।।

अटका था कोई अश्क पुराना जो बह गया।

मकाँ हो गया फ़िर खाली, मुस्कुराते रहिए।।

खामोशी हुआ तकाज़ा, जो रिश्ते हुए कमज़ोर।

ये वक़्त की है मार, मुस्कुराते रहिए।।

Photo credit: Nick Kenrick.. on Visualhunt.com

This post is a part of #BlogchatterHalfMarathon hosted by Blogchatter.

Tainted Is Better #shortstory #shortstories #DelhiMetroStories 1

Whether you believe it or not public transport is a superb source of real life stories. At least, it's 100% true in my case. Whenever I travel in Delhi Metro, by the time I reach at my destination, irrespective of covering short of long distance, I have at least one story in my pocket. And these stories are realistic, full of warmth, carrying a high level of human touch, and are instantaneous, mostly. This first story is pre-Covid time. It was about to be that evening time rush hour peak time zone in next 15-20 minutes when I boarded it from Connaught Place. Luckily, I got a seat. A young girl was sitting next to me. She was on the phone talking to her father. It was something quite serious that they were discussing over the phone.

Photo credit: Thor Edvardsen on VisualHunt

The girl was going back home after office. It seemed this was something she wanted to discuss only with her father in privacy, not at home in presence of the whole family. She was least bothered about it being discussed in metro with so many people around. Probably the matter was more serious and the girl was quite matured. She was discussing about her love with a boy who is divorced. "Papa, whatsoever it is, this Shankar is far more better than that boy you finalized for me a year ago. This guy is innocent and genuine. He is straightforward and clear on his thoughts. He himself told me that before we move ahead, you need to know something about me that you don't know at all. He clearly told me about his wife and how she bluffed him."

"Look at the boy you finalized for me. He was a complete flirt. Despite we for engaged, he kept his relations intact with his girlfriends that too beyond limits and shamelessly. What respect he had for you or for me or for that sake our relationship?" She paused because his father was arguing with her from the other side. No, Papa. I don't agree with you on this. It's my life, my marriage, and my happiness. I care least for society and opinions of our relatives. I am clear that Shankar is going to keep me happy all my life. He has very clearly told me that we won't be marrying until his divorce case is over in the court. Probably, that will take another year. And till then, he says, we are just good friends and need to stay within our limits."

"Finally, Papa, if You think he is tainted, for me tainted is better. Please, this is my life. How could I live with a person who is my husband and is cheating me openly by having affairs with so many other girls? You please call Rahul and tell him clearly that we break our engagement and he is free to carry on with his colourful life his own way."

Xenagogue - Where Are You? #poetry #BlogchatterA2z

I am continuously searching for, 

My continuity in this slowed down, 

World that has almost come to a, 

Standstill and I feel like lost totally, 

As if somebody blindfolded me and, 

Left me in an unknown territory, 

Where even the known faces look, 

Unknown. I stand alone. Fearful.

Frightened. All of a sudden tears, 

Start pouring out without any pain, 

When I start finding out the reasons, 

Of painless tears flowing through, 

Years and the tearless pains in the, 

Looms of my mind losing a track of,

The one I had always around me,

Who used to be my light in the dark, 

My Xenagogue.

Photo credit: Rod Waddington on VisualHunt

Life was not so isolated ever in the, 

Past where even the encrypted, 

Eruptions were never so strange to, 

Everybody knowing the fact that, 

Behind every complex situation, 

There is a simple solution to keep, 

Life moving smooth sailing through, 

Hardships sooner or later because, 

Somebody somewhere around was, 

There to hold the hand and show, 

Right path in a very natural way, 

Even if I was standing there in, 

Entangled and estranged roads of, 

Life I was never too down and, 

Drowned as it has become now, 

Because of breathlessness and, 

Losing my Xenagogue. 

I am not sure if I will be back on, 

Track after losing all my hopes, 

Getting every single prayer lost, 

In vain not resisting my pains and,

Disdainful feelings wondering in, 

Mind that has forgotten to regain, 

Back with the power of prayers, 

Mindfulness and meditation now, 

Fearing every moment on slippery, 

Muddy path that is so uncertain of, 

Potholes and puddles underneath, 

Making every step full of surprises,

Every step I take I pray to get back, 

That time when things were not, 

That bad even though troublesome, 

Times were there but not that, 

Painful, tearful, and fearful because, 

Every step I had my Xenagogue. 

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I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z - 2021

Quirky Q #BlogchatterA2z #poetry

What if I call you my querquedule? 

I will become your counterpart, 

with a broad white stripe, 

from eye to nape.

If you become a quark and I, 

an antiquark, 

We both can live together, 

in this universe as quarkonium. 

First time I saw you, 

you became my quaaltagh, 

Everytime, 

Everyday. 

We both make a good quader

We never have to figure out, 

if there's anything better in life, 

than you and me? 

Photo credit: S!nny on Visualhunt.com

We meet at a quadrivium

and then there was no turning back, 

We had only one path ahead, 

Path of unity. 

When you told we are together

for only a few days, 

I made every second of that

a quadragesimal.

As long as you are with me, 

it's all quaff-tide. 

Whether you agree to it, 

or not. 

Your love is the biggest, 

and the only one

Quandorum in my life, 

nothing more nothing less. 

You can see very well, 

all the time I am 

Quaquaversal, 

Filled with your love. 

The moment that, 

love of yours go missing, 

I just go, 

Quaumsy.

During those moments, 

Every situation for me, 

becomes, 

Quavery-Mavery. 

You were, are, and will remain, 

my quean, 

And I forever yours

Quean-crazed. 

Before you even think of, 

calling me, 

I will be there, 

Quicksticks. 

With you in my life, 

What else I need, 

I am okay with

Quidamity. 

Now, for me, it really, 

doesn't matter, what I like, 

What I don't, 

It's just quicquidlibet. 

When it's you, 

with me, 

nothing is, 

Quiddle. 

When you are not around, 

I’m so confused, 

And lost, that every moment is, 

Quidnunc. 

Your eyes are so full, 

And I am thirsty for life, 

I am just

Quifting, every moment. 

Your eyes are nothing

But deep oceans

Whenever I dived in

I Quobbled. 

The whole world is

Busy in

Quomodocunquize, and I 

In you. 

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I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z - 2021

Piya Tose Naina Laage Re #BlogchatterA2z #shortstory #shortstories

I hope you remember Tara Roshnipuria and Roshan Lokhandpure, my protagonists in the previous post. If you remember, at the end, I marked that post as 'To be continued... ". Well, so this is the concluding post. Let's recapture the key events of the first day of Tara in her college. She is feeling as if she has entered a huge sea all of a sudden and this is a major change in her life. Till her school it was just like a small pond with everything so rigid and fixed. And here, it's a mix of do much of vibrancy, energy, zeal, rhythm, and variance. Tara is mesmerized by the super melodious voice of Roshan who sings a song in the formal meet of freshers, seniors, and professors in the college canteen. Tara is fond of music and books. Also, Tara has a graceful personality with a strong aura. She is sharp, intelligent, beautiful, and intelligent.

Photo credit: Thank you, my friends, Adam! on VisualHunt

It was an open atmosphere in the canteen. The get together was till the lunchtime after which the first two classes of the session were there. There was enough time for that. The stage was open for anybody and everybody. Snacks and drinks were going on. For Tara, it was a good opportunity to get acquainted with her classmates, professors, and seniors. It was quite a congenial environment. While she was talking to Dr. Saraswati she found that the professor is as passionate about music and books as Tara. That created a strong bonding between the two. And then all of a sudden Professor pushed her gently towards the stage - "Let's sing, come." "Sure mam but which song?", Tara asked her. "Oh, come on, any classical will do. We can decide on the stage itself." 

We both were there on the stage. "Roshan, please come to the stage immediately with your keyboard and my tabla set. Your services are required SOS." Roshan was there within a few seconds. For the first 5 minutes, Dr. Saraswati and Roshan had a jugalbandi session. That created a heavenly atmosphere in the canteen. Every moment was as if it had frozen for a while except the music that was floating in the air moving from ears to ears binding heart-to-heart. After that magical spell, Dr. Saraswati told Roshan to set his keyboard for - Piya Tose Naina Laage Re. She confirmed from me if I was comfortable singing that with her. I was. We started. Our vocals gelled quite well. On top of that tabla and keyboard made it excellent. 

piyaa tose nainaa laage re, nainaa laage re
jaane kyaa ho ab aage re, nainaa laage re
piyaa tose nainaa laage re, nainaa laage re

ho, jag ne utaare ho, dharatii pe taare,
par man meraa murajhaaye
ho, un bin aa_ii ho, aisii dIvaalii
milaneko jiyaa tarasaaye, aa saajan paayal pukaare
jhanaka jhan jhan jhanaka jhan jhan, piyaa tose   
piyaa tose nainaa ...

bhor kii belaa suhaanii, nadiyaa ke tiire
bhar ke gAgar jis gha.Dii mai.n chaluu.N dhiire dhiire
tum pe nazar jab aa_ii, jaane kyo.n baj uThe ka.nganaa
chhanaka chhan chhan chhanaka chhan chhan, piyaa tose
piyaa tose nainaa ...

ho, aa, ho, aaI holii aaI ho, sab ra.ng laaI
bin tere holii bhii na bhaae, ho
bhar pichakaarii, ho, sakhiyo.n ne maarii
bhiigii morii saarii hay hay,  
tan-badan meraa kaa.npe thar-thar
dhinaka dhin dhin dhinaka dhin dhin, piyaa tose 
piyaa tose nainaa ...

raat ko jab chaa.Nd chamake jal uThe tan meraa
mai.n kahuu.N mat karo cha.ndaa is galii kaa pheraa
aanaa meraa saiyaa.N jab aae
chamakanaa us raat ko jab 
mile.nge tan-man mile.nge tan-man,
piyaa tose
piyaa tose nainaa ...
piyaa   
ho ho piyaa

Source : Lyricsoff

It was a standing ovation from all around in the canteen. The lunch was about to start. Dr. Saraswati introduced me with Roshan before she left us to join her colleagues. About Roshan, I got to know he was in second year of Biotechnology. He had an aim of going for some medical research later. His father was working with Indian Navy as a very high rank. He was a marine engineer. His mother was a surgeon with Indian Army. Roshan was the only child of his parents. 

Gradually, we developed a great friendship during college days. Participating in college festivals was regular for both of us, and we won many awards in music. After college, we both joined our respective streams in different colleges at different locations. Finally, we got married. 

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O Hansini #shortstory #BlogchatterA2z #shortstories

Hello, my name is Tara Roshnipuria. I am sharing my story because I still believe in love despite what all has happened to me in the past, is happening now, or is going to happen in the future. If you had asked me a few years back, specifically before my marriage, I would have very clearly convinced you that whatever happens in life is all written already in your destiny and you despite you putting all your energies for or against it, if it is not destined to happen it will never, and if it has to happen, it definitely will. But today if you ask me, I will say it is all debit and credit mechanism of life that is dynamically updated on every life transactions we make on every day basis. I don't want to force you to believe what I am saying. For you, there could be any other formula. So, let it be.

Photo credit: Nick in exsilio on Visualhunt.com

Music and books used to be my passion during my school days. In music, I loved Bollywood melodious romantic songs and I never got bored with listening to those. That evergreen song "O Hansini Meri Hansini, Kahaan Ud Chali, Mere Aramaanon Ke Pankh Lagaake, Kahaan Ud Chali, O Hansini Meri Hansini". In fact, many nights it would happen that I set my music player on auto reverse mode, put earphones, and go to bed. So, this music would keep playing the whole night. I would put it off at 2 or 3 or mostly in the morning when I would wake up.

It was my first day in the college. That first day of college is always a special day in everybody's life in many ways. I had topped in my school and hence had got admission in the course of my choice. It was a college of repute. One of the top colleges in the country. It was my good luck that it was in the same city where I lived, and I got admission here quite easily because of my superb academic record. The college had their own luxury buses running on various routes in the city to facilitate the pickup and drop of their students. I had to walk hardly 3-4 minutes from my home to board one of their buses that had its starting point there.

Everything was informed and arranged will in advance at the time of admission so that there were no hassles at the beginning of the session. The college was very professional and well organized. Every route had a trial run 10 days in advance for two days. So, on the first day we had classes from the second half. In the first half we had to collect our joining kit, have a complete tour of the college, and then for two hours everybody was supposed to be there in the college canteen for a formal acquaintance of all our professors, classmates, and freshers from other courses, and of course seniors. Ragging would happen, but that would be more of an introducing and getting familiar mechanism.

After collection of my kit, badge, and other relevant information, I walked towards the canteen. Our college was a big campus. From office to canteen, it was a little distance along the green corridors of the college. I think most had reached to the canteen because on the way there were very few. In the office also, I found a few freshers collecting their docs. During the college round it was the library that fascinated me and I spent a lot of time there exploring a huge collection of international class of books on various categories. That's why probably I was a little late.

"Hansini, hey there" I noticed somebody calling from my back. There was nobody in front of me for a short distance. The call was for me perhaps. Somebody might have mistaken me for somebody else. I turned. "Hey, Hansini, how are you?" There was an element of naughtiness in his voice, smile, and eyes. He was smart, tall, handsome, and sober looking boy. "Excuse me, I am not Hansini", I said curtly. "Doesn't matter, I am Roshan Lokhandpure", he pulled his hand towards me. "I am

Tara Roshnipuria," I said and started walking towards the canteen. He pulled his hand back with a bit of glow vanishing from his face. We entered the canteen together. There was a small stage at one end and a number of tables on the other with a good number of drinks and dishes being served. In between there were long-standing tables, bar chairs, normal chairs, etc. The next moment, Roshan was there on the stage having a mouth organ in one hand, a huge professional keyboard set there, and he was singing in a superb melodious voice:

O Hansni Meri Hansni, Kahaan Ud Chali
Mere Aramaanon Ke Pankh Lagaake, Kahaan Ud Chali
O Hansni Meri Hansni, Kahaan Ud Chali
Mere Aramaanon Ke Pankh Lagaake, Kahaan Ud Chali
O Hansni Meri Hansni

Aaja Meri Saanson Mein Mahak Raha Re Tera Gajra
O Aaja Meri Raaton Mein Lahak Raha Re Tera Kajra
O Hansni Meri Hansni, Kahaan Ud Chali
Mere Aramaanon Ke Pankh Lagaake, Kahaan Ud Chali
O Hansni Meri Hansni, Kahaan Ud Chali
Mere Aramaanon Ke Pankh Lagaake, Kahaan Ud Chali
O Hansni Meri Hansni

Der Se Lehron Mein Kamal Semblable Hue Man Ka
Jeevan Taal Mein Bhatak Raha Re Tera Hansaa
Der Se Lehron Mein Kamal Sambhaale Hue Man Ka
Jeevan Taal Mein Bhatak Raha Re Tera Hansaa
O Hansni Meri Hansni, Kahaan Ud Chali
Mere Aramaanon Ke Pankh Lagaake, Kahaan Ud Chali
O Hansni Meri Hansni

It was a treat for every ear the way he sang it, played on his mouth organ, and mixed in on his keyboard. 

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नीलोफ़र #लघुकथा #shortstory #BlogchatterA2z

निकेत तब 5 साल का रहा होगा जब वो पहली बार नीलोफ़र के विशाल भवन में आया था अपने काका के साथ। जब काका ने उसकी अंगुली थामे उसे उस विशाल बंगले के अंदर चलने को कहा तो एक पल के लिए तो वो बिल्कुल जम गया वहीं का वहीं। कहाँ तो उसका छोटा सा गांव और उसमें उसके बाबा की पुरानी हवेली और कहां ये उसके गांव के जितना महल। ये भी किस्मत का खेल था। अब उसका गांव, लोग, हवेली, मां, बाबा, भाई, बहन, सभी बाढ़ में बह चुके थे। कुछ नहीँ बचा था। बचा था तो सिर्फ निकेत जो बाढ़ से एक हफ्ता पहले काका के यहां चला गया था जब वो उसके घर आए और बाबा से बोले इसे मैं अपने साथ ले जा रहा हूं। बाबा ने हंसते हुए कहा था निकेत को - "जा बेटा, कुछ दिन चाचा के यहां रह आ। "

काका उसके दूर के चाचा थे। और फिर एक हफ्ता गुज़रा नहीँ कि ये भयानक हादसा। बाबा के बाबा कभी राय प्रताप सिंह के यहां काम करते थे। राय प्रताप सिंह अब लगभग 80-85 के होंगे लेकिन थे बिल्कुल तंदरुस्त। उन्हें जब इस हादसे का पता चला तो उन्होंने काका को खबर भिजवाई की वो निकेत को उनके यहां छोड़ दे। निकेत की देख रेख और पालन पोषण का ज़िम्मा उन्होंने लेने का निश्चय कर लिया। इतना बड़ा महल निकेत ने असलियत में तो क्या कभी ख्वाब में भी नहीँ सोचा था। इसीलिए इसे देख कर उसे ऐसे लगा जैसे कि जादू हो। राय प्रताप सिंह का महल जितना बड़ा था इतने ही ज़्यादा उसमें नौकर चाकर थे। परिवार के नाम पर सिर्फ राय प्रताप सिंह, उनकी विधवा सुपुत्री कृष्णा और उनकी पौत्री नीलोफ़र, बस गए तीन लोग ही थे। 

Photo credit: Magdalena Roeseler on Visualhunt

राय प्रताप सिंह के पुत्र और पुत्रवधू यानी कि नीलोफ़र के माता पिता का अभी दो वर्ष पहले एक विमान दुर्घटना में देहांत हो गया था। कृष्णा का पति भी उसी विमान में था। अपने पति के देहांत के बाद कृष्णा अपने पिता राय प्रताप सिंह के पास रहने आ गई थी। हमेशा के लिए। अब राय प्रताप सिंह के पास जीने की कोई उम्मीद थी तो वो बस नीलोफ़र और कृष्णा। और तब आया उन तीनों की जिंदगी में निकेत। निकेत का भोला मासूम चेहरा सभी के मन को भा गया। पहली ही नज़र में। निकेत को भी एक अपनापन सा मेहसूस हुआ यहां और उसका दिल भी यहां रम सा गया था। नीलोफ़र और निकेत दोनों एक ही उम्र के थे। राय प्रताप सिंह ने दोनों को इकट्ठा एक ही स्कूल ने दाखिला दिलाया। निकेत की किस्मत ने अजीब सा खेल खेला।

कहां वो अपने गांव के किसी सरकारी स्कूल में होता। और कहां वो अब नीलोफ़र के साथ शहर के सबसे टॉप स्कूल में था। उसी की क्लास में। तीन बरस बाद राय प्रताप सिंह का देहांत हो गया। कृष्णा ने दोनों बच्चों का ज़िम्मा अपने सर लिया और उसे बखूबी निभाने का निश्चय किया। राय प्रताप सिंह की वसीयत के हिसाब से प्रताप महल की पूरी ज़िम्मेदारी कृष्णा की थी। नीलोफ़र के बालिग होते ही ये सारा उसके नाम हो जाएगा। दस बरस कैसे बीते मालूम हो नहीँ चला। नीलोफ़र की मासूमियत, भोलापन, और अलौकिक सुंदरता उसके चेहरे पर बरकरार थी। निकेत भी 6 फुट का हो गया था। निकेत के शौक और लगन के हिसाब से उसे लंदन के टच कॉलेज में दाखिला मिल गया। जाने से पहले उसने नीलोफ़र से अपनी सच्ची मुहब्बत का इज़हार किया।

हालांकि नीलोफ़र ने अभी तक उसे एक दोस्त की नज़र से ही देखा था पर उसे इस रिश्ते में कोई आपत्ति नहीं हुई। उसने निकेत से सिर्फ एक बात पूछी - "सच्ची मुहब्बत सच्चे दिल से उम्र भर निभा पाओगे?" निकेत ने हंसते हुए कहा - "हाँ, ज़रूर।" तो अगले दो महीनों में मंगनी और शादी हो गई। क्यूंकि दो महीने बाद निकेत को लंदन कॉलेज जॉइन करना था। निकेत के जाने के बाद नीलोफ़र ने अपना सारा ध्यान प्रताप properties सम्भालने में लगा दिया। और जो वक़्त बचता उसमें वो अपनी पेंटिंग का शौक पूरा करती। शहर में ही नहीँ पूरे विश्व में उसका एक नायाब आर्टिस्ट के तौर पर अच्छा रुतबा था। इन्टरनेट और ऑनलाइन की वज़ह से उसके artwork की फर्माइश जगह जगह से आती रहती थी। और उसकी paintings की कीमत भी लाखों में ही होती थी। नीलोफ़र अपने दादा के स्टड फार्म से वापिस आ रही थी कि एक ज़बरदस्त एक्सीडेंट में उसकी आँखों की रोशनी चली गई।

जायदाद में ये साफ लिखा था कि अगर नीलोफ़र की जान किसी हादसे में या किन्ही शक़नुमा हालात में जाती है तो सारी जायदाद एक ट्रस्ट को जाएगी। निकेत फौरन लंदन से आ गया था। रोज़ाना की बिजनेस deals अब कृष्णा या निकेत के हस्ताक्षर से चलने लगी। निकेत ने लगभग सारा कुछ ऑनलाइन कर दिया और banks का कंट्रोल उसके हाथों में चला गया। मगर बैंक के सभी deposits और withdrawals bank managers नीलोफ़र की जानकारी में लगातार डालते रहते थे। नियति का ये खेल होगा ये किसी को अंदाजा नहीँ था। निकेत ने अमेरिका के एक प्राइवेट हॉस्पिटल में नीलोफ़र को ले जाने का निर्णय लिया। इसके दो कारण थे। एक, वहां का Chief surgeon Dr Smith जो उस hospital का मालिक भी था, निकेत का पुराना दोस्त था। दो, ये हॉस्पिटल आंखों के इलाज के लिए काफी उम्दा गिना जाता था।

अमेरिकन हॉस्पिटल में डॉ स्मिथ की देख रेख में नीलोफ़र को एक साल गुज़र गया था। डॉ स्मिथ की देख रेख में छोड़ कर निकेत लंदन वापिस चला गया था। डॉ स्मिथ के हिसाब से जब तक दिमाग की चोट ठीक नहीँ हो जाती, आंखों का ऑपरेशन जानलेवा हो सकता है। दिमाग की चोट ठीक होने में एक या दो साल और लग सकते थे। डॉ स्मिथ अपने तौर पर दवाई और टेस्ट लगातार कर रहे थे। अमेरिका और नीलोफ़र को अब एक साल से भी ऊपर हो गया था। पेंटिंग तो उसकी छूट चुकी थी। बस हॉस्पिटल में थोड़ा बहुत चलना फिरना जो होता था, वोही होता था। यूं तो डॉ स्मिथ कभी हॉस्पिटल छोड़ कर जाते नहीँ थे कभी भी। मगर अभी उनको 15 दिन के लिए Birmingham जाना था क्यूंकि उनको एक इंटरनेशनल बेस्ट eye surgeon का अवार्ड मिल रहा था लंदन की क्वीन से।

सो 15 दिन के लिए सभी अवॉर्ड से सम्मानित होने वालों को क्वीन के महल में रहना था। डॉ स्मिथ इस अवार्ड की वजह से काफी उत्साहित थे। जाने से पहले उन्होंने हॉस्पिटल का चार्ज अपने जूनियर डॉ शामीन को दिया और उन्हें सारा कुछ समझा दिया। डॉ स्मिथ के जाने के एक दिन बाद से शामीन सभी खास patients का खासकर जिनका ऑपरेशन होना था, उनकी फाइल देख रहे थे शाम को थोड़ा समय मिलने पर। नीलोफ़र की फाइल देख कर डॉ शामीन एक दम भौचक्का रह गए क्यूंकि नीलोफ़र दिमागी और शारीरिक तौर पर eye सर्जरी के लिए बिल्कुल तैयार थी। उसी रात डॉ शामीन ने नीलोफ़र से मिलने का निश्चय किया। जब डॉ शामीन ने नीलोफ़र को बताया कि दाल में कुछ काला है, तो दोनों ने मिलकर निर्णय लिया कि अगले 10 दिन के अंदर डॉ शामीन नीलोफ़र की आंखों का ऑपरेशन कर देंगे।

दो दिन बाद डॉ शामीन नीलोफ़र को ले कर नज़दीक के एक दूसरे हॉस्पिटल में ले कर गए और वहां उसका आंखों का ऑपरेशन कर डाला। ये सब से शामीन ने बड़ी सावधानी से किया ताकि डॉ स्मिथ के हॉस्पिटल में किसी को कोई शक ना हो सके। ऑपरेशन क़ामयाब रहा। नीलोफ़र अब सब कुछ साफ साफ देख सकती थी। डॉ शामीन ने नीलोफ़र को डॉ स्मिथ के सामने अंधा बने रहने को समझाया। और ये भी समझाया कि जितना जल्दी हो सके वो यहां से वापिस इंडिया चली जाए। डॉ स्मिथ वापिस आने के बाद बहुत उत्साहित थे और उन्होंने अपने खास दोस्तों के लिए एक खास पार्टी रखी। पार्टी के दो दिन बाद नीलोफ़र ने डॉ स्मिथ से गुज़ारिश की उनकी बात कृष्णा बुआ से कराने की। कृष्णा बुआ को नीलोफ़र ने किसी तरह से मना लिया कि वो वापिस उनके पास आ रही है।

जब ऑपरेशन होना होगा और डॉ स्मिथ कहेंगे कि वो ऑपरेशन के लिए तैयार है तो वो वापिस अमेरिका आ जाएगी। इसके बाद नीलोफ़र ने निकेत को फोन मिलवाया और उसे बता दिया कि वो वापिस बुआ के पास जा रही है। निकेत ने नीलोफ़र को समझाने की कोशिश की मगर वो नहीँ मानी। उसने कहा अगर मुझे अगले एक साल तक ये टेबलेट और capsule ही लेने हैं तो वो वहां भी ले सकती है। फिर एक साल बाद वो यहां reexamine कराने के लिए आ जाएगी और जैसा डॉ स्मिथ कहेंगे वैसा करेगी। निकेत दो महीने बाद इंडिया आ रहा था अपनी studies खत्म करके। नीलोफ़र को एयरपोर्ट पर लेने कृष्णा बुआ और एस्टेट के दो तीन लोग आए थे। दो महीने बाद निकेत का फोन आया वो इंडिया आ रहा है। एयरपोर्ट पर निकेत को लेने कृष्णा बुआ और नीलोफ़र गए।

नीलोफ़र की आंखों पर काला चश्मा और हाथ में सफेद छड़ी थी। लेकिन जो सामने आया वो नीलोफ़र के लिए बिल्कुल असहनीय गुज़रा। निकेत का हाथ किसी की कमर में था और वो दोनों बिल्कुल दायरे से बाहर एकदम चिपके हुए चल रहे थे। और भी कमर किसी और की नहीँ नीलोफ़र की बचपन की खास दोस्त रश्मि की थी। अचम्भे की बात ये थी कि कृष्णा बुआ ये देख कर बिल्कुल भी हैरान नहीँ थी ब्लकि मुस्कराते हुए उन दोनों को देख रही थी। पास आने पर निकेत ने रश्मि के कान में कुछ कहा और दोनों अलग अलग चलने लगे। निकेत ने नीलोफ़र फिर बुआ को गर्मजोशी से गले लगाया। पूरी भावुकतापूर्ण नुमाईश के साथ नीलोफ़र को दर्शाया की वो नीलोफ़र से कितना प्यार करता है और हर पल नीलोफ़र की याद में कैसे डूबा रहता था लंदन में।

नीलोफ़र ने पहले भी यक़ीन किया था उसपे, उसके विश्वास दिलाने पर। नीलोफ़र को अभी यकीं करना था उसपे ताकि पूरी असलियत जान सके। थोड़ी छानबीन करने के बाद नीलोफ़र ने सब पता लगा लिया। नीलोफ़र की कार एक्सीडेंट, नीलोफ़र की आँखों का जाना, डॉ स्मिथ का ऑपरेशन लटकाना, ये सब निकेत का कराया हुआ था। बुआ को उसने अपने साथ मिला लिया था। शायद सारी जायदाद नीलोफ़र के नाम होना उन दोनों को गवारा नहीँ गुज़रा। नीलोफ़र को जिंदा रखना उनकी मजबूरी थी। और ये सब करके जो वो चाहते थे वो आज़ादी तो मिल ही गई थी। मगर ये आज़ादी क्या नीलोफ़र के रहते नहीँ थी उनको? शायद निकेत को नहीँ थी, रश्मि वाली आज़ादी। ये सब उसने ज़रूरत से ज़्यादा ही कर दिया। और इसका भुगतान उसको करना ही होगा। पिछले दस दिन से रश्मि यहीं है। ज़्यादातर निकेत के कमरे में।

नीलोफ़र कई बार गई उसके कमरे में अपनी छड़ी ले कर और काला चश्मा लगा कर ताकि किसी को कोई शक ना हो। आज सुबह अचानक निकेत नीलोफ़र के कमरे में आया।नीलोफ़र को canvas पर देख कर उसको एक ज़बर्दस्त झटका लगा। किसी तरह उसको यकीन दिलाया कि डॉ स्मिथ ने ही कहा था जब तक आंखों की रोशनी नहीँ आ जाती, अपना पेंटिंग का शौक चाहे नाम को ही, कायम रखना। निकेत को ना चाहते हुए भी यकीन करना ही पड़ा। "कहीं जा रहे हो?" नीलोफ़र ने पूछा। "हाँ, सोच रहा हूँ थोड़ा एस्टेट का चक्कर लगा कर आता हूं।" निकेत बोला। "मैं भी चलूँ साथ?" नीलोफ़र ने पूछा। "नहीँ, तुम क्या करोगी? तुम बैठो मैं आया थोड़ी देर में," निकेत बोला। कार में रश्मि और निकेत दोनों इकट्ठे बैठे। निकेत को अपना खास ड्राइवर नहीँ दिखा तो उसने खुद ड्राइव करने का निर्णय लिया।

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रश्मि आगे साथ बैठ गयी। आधे घंटे बाद कृष्णा बुआ को फोन आया निकेत की कार का बहुत बुरी तरह एक्सीडेंट हुआ है एक ट्रक की साथ।निकेत के सिर पर गहरी चौट है और दोनों पैर भी बुरी तरह ज़ख्मी हैं। शायद ट्रक पैरों के ऊपर से निकल गया है। रश्मि बच नहीँ पायी। 15 दिन तक हॉस्पिटल में जुझने के बाद डॉक्टरों ने निकेत को बचा ही लिया। मगर उसकी दोनों आंखें और दोनों टांगों से उसे हाथ धोना प़डा। एक महीने बाद निकेत को हॉस्पिटल से छुट्टी मिली। घर आया तो नीलोफ़र ने पूछा - "डॉ स्मिथ के हॉस्पिटल जाओगे आंखों के इलाज के लिए? मैंने बात की है उनसे, वो बता रहे हैं कि दो तीन साल तो लगेंगे ही।" निकेत का wheelchair से बाकी की उम्र का नाता जुड़ गया। परिवार की सारी जायदाद से बुआ और निकेत दोनों को हाथ धोना पड़ा।

नीलोफ़र ने दोनों के लिए एक अलग से घर खरीद कर दोनों को वहां भेज दिया। जाने से पहले नीलोफ़र बोली -" निकेत, जिस दिन तुम सच्ची मुहब्बत सच्चे दिल से निबाहते थक गए थे तो शायद ये सब ना होता। और अब तुम मुझसे बिल्कुल आजाद हो। रश्मि तो गई मगर किसी और को भी चाहते हो तो बताओ। और हाँ, तुम्हारा और बुआ का हर महीने का खर्चा पहुँच जाया करेगा।"

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Harry Puttar and Herby Kaur - A Love Story #lovestory #shortstory #blogchattera2z

Dear Pappa ji, Sat Sri Akal and Pairi Pauna. I am good here, as usual. How are you? You know whenever I am disturbed, I write you a letter and relieve myself from the stress. You only taught me - "Increase your happiness, increase your blessings, and keep offloading your excessive baggage that burdens your mind and heart." I am strictly following it. Pappa ji you know very well how deeply I love your daughter-in-law Harbhajan (Herby) Kaur. If that was not the case, I would have never left you within 4 months of our marriage. And along with you, I left so many things of my life there. After that, we never walked together. Herby was always a step ahead, and I was always following behind her. For the last three months, I developed a severe pain in my left shoulder.

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I remember you always used to tell me, "Harry Puttar, life without discipline is always going to be troublesome sooner or later." But I never followed it. You know that I never wanted to visit a hospital for this as I have always been scared that hospitals are there to complicate the case. So, I stared finding its cure on my own trying different remedies. Now, after three months, it's under control but not fully cured. Now, let me get back to the point. 20 days back, I had chicken and the next day I noticed a little relief in my pain. So the next three weeks I ordered chicken online, prepared it at home and had it during lunch. Herby had left eating non veg. So it was only me consuming it.

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Three days back she declared all of a sudden that no chicken shall be prepared in the kitchen henceforth. That was shocking. She said I can order ready-made and have it but no raw deliveries at home. It's Not that she doesn't love me. Rather, I think, she loves me more than I love her. During all this pain period she always ensured asking me about my pain at least once a week or so. She is definitely very soft-hearted. My point of concern is that I am missing chicken 🐔. You know very well, I don't order ready-made food from outside. Like I don't trust hospitals, I don't trust these delivery points, their hygiene, and their ethical practices. I just keep wondering where is my chicken. You suggest what should I do?

Thuvadda Sauna Puttar, 

Harry

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फ़ुरसतिया - एक कविता #BlogchatterA2z #हिन्दी #कविता #hindipoetry #hindi

कुछ ख़ास नहीँ है करने को बस फ़ुरसतिया रहे हैं।

इस दहलाने वाले माहौल में दिल को बहला रहे हैं।।

जानते हैं हालांकि ये कोशिश नाकाम है और रहेगी।

फिर भी खुद को इन्हीं बातों से महफ़ूज़ करा रहे हैं।।

तुम कहते हो सब ठीक है पर जानते हो कि नहीँ है।

ये हालात ही ऐसे हैं लगातार कमज़ोर बना रहे हैं।।

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झगड़ने की कोई वज़ह भी तो हो या फिर ऐसे ही।

बेवजह अंधेरे में जुगनू की रोशनी से भरमा रहे हैं।।

ये जो कहते हैं अपने को मसीहा ये करो ये ना करो।

वक़्त का फायदा उठा कर सब को बरगला रहे हैं।।

तुम भी और हम भी यूँ तो जानते हैं वक़्त खराब है।

और कुछ है भी नहीं सो इसी का साथ निभा रहे हैं।।

चेहरे की मायूसियों को देखने की कोशिशें फिजूल।

चेहरे के हर रंग को अब महज सब से छुपा रहे हैं।।

अब क्या बताऊँ ये फ़ुरसतियाना क्या फ़ुरसतियाना।

एक उम्मीद है जब कहें अच्छे से फ़ुरसतिया रहे हैं।।

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Collars - A Double Murder #poetry #BlogchatterA2z @blogchatter

She gripped my collars with both her hands, 

So tightly, 

That we both suffocated to death, 

Because of breathlessness.

We were standing on a cliff, 

So narrow to accommodate even two feet, 

Her feet were on mine, 

I would have been completely out of balance, 

But for her.

We have been here before, 

Many times, 

Just she and I, 

To test our closeness, 

And a little space of selfishness, 

Between the two of us.

Many times, 

I tried to get her too close, 

In an attempt to kill selfishness, 

But we both were selfish enough, 

To let her stay freely in that closeness.

Climbing on this cliff is an art, 

Which she taught me, 

She was an expert, 

I was a rookie, 

Now we both are experts in zooming-in and zooming-out.

I inhaled my cigar so intensely, 

That my chest started paining, 

I had no other option than to spit all my venom, 

On her face, 

She just turned blue from pink.

I never knew, 

One can be murdered just by holding collars, 

That was so easy, 

But now it was useless, 

It was too late to run back the time.

This was the only shirt, 

She gifted me on our first kiss, 

Tongue to tongue, 

And before I could guess, 

Transferred her poison pouch in my mouth.

 

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She never found a reason to gigil, 

I never found a reason to love, 

But still we both lived together, 

As two strangers with two hearts and one brain, 

Stashed in a single body.

We were standing on that cliff, 

Squeezed too close not for love but fear, 

Had there been a little more space, 

I would have never let her come too close, 

Now I understood why she brought me here.

She wanted me to close my eyes with my mouth open and tongue out,

She wanted to plant our second kiss tongue to tongue, 

She pulled me in,

I pushed her out, 

And we both lost balance.

I would have survived if she had not gripped my collars before falling from that steep height,

I had enough time to listen to my heart to unzip my collars and let her fall,

But mind was common, and I had already done a blunder of our first kiss, 

I had to suffocate to death with her,

Because she was my alter ego with her collars on me.

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BEATITUDE - A Short Story #BlogchatterA2z #shortstory #fiction @Blogchatter

BEATITUDE - Age 5

As far as I remember, it was my fifth birthday when I first met Janaki. Baba (my father) had organized a small party to celebrate my birthday. It was just a few of my friends from the school and the locality we had shifted recently. Baba was in the Army at a high rank in the vigilance department. Though at that age I was not too familiar with his frequent postings but gradually as I grew I learned it very well. Maa (my mother) was history teacher in Army School. My parents got married 7 years ago. I was their eldest child. I had a younger sister, Mishti, who was hardly a year old. She was in Maa's lap in that party. I was just moving here and there and enjoying with my friends.

 

Maa called me - "Hey Debu, come here for a while." Janaki was standing there, talking to Maa. "Janaki, this is Debu. He will be joining school next month with the start of the next session." Janaki sat down, held me from my shoulders, and hugged me. It was something extraordinary. Her touch was as serene as Maa's. Maa was quick to notice Janaki's BEATITUDE spark the moment she hugged me. Janaki expressed her BEATITUDE to me by planting a warm kiss on my forehead. I could see tiny droplets at the corners of her eyes.

Janaki was the newest and the youngest teacher who joined Maa's school. We had shifted to this locality not because of Baba, but it was Maa's transfer to this school that made Maa, Mishti, and I move to this new house. It was a villa provided by the school. Baba was posted somewhere we were not exactly aware of. He had to keep his location secret due to his job demand.

Maa was the first to notice an instant sacred connection between Janaki and I when she saw Janaki's eyes at the time she was kissing my forehead on my birthday. Usually, I was never comfortable when anybody other than Maa or Baba hugged me or kissed me. But Janaki had the same touch as Maa's. It was quite strange for me to understand at that time.

 

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BEATITUDE - Age 5-15

So many things had happened during the last 10 years. The Next month after my 5th birthday, I joined Maa's school. Janaki was the in charge of the nursery section. I could see an element of beatitude whenever she would see me in the school. She was around 25 at that time. I was good at studies as well as in sports right since beginning. I had a very special connection with Janaki. In fact, I had started calling her Janaki Maa. I remember I would rush to Janaki whenever I had any problem in the school rather than going to Maa who was in the same school but in the senior section. Janaki too would take the same action that Maa would have taken. I was about to finish my high school.

 

That year, Janaki was asked to resign from the school. She had developed a medical complication a year ago and the condition had deteriorated to the extent that she was not able to continue. It was something related to her mind. She started forgetting things very fast. Student's names, classes, periods, lessons, roll numbers, almost everything. Doctors were not able to ascertain the issue. Unless they could identify the cause, the problem was difficult to address. Janaki had not married. Her parents had died long back. She was all alone in the world.

 

Maa brought her home in that condition. She started consulting private doctors. I topped in the school in my high school and started appearing in entrance exams. I got admission in Army Medical College. Furthermore, I had to leave home in a month to join a college hostel. Janaki was off-memory most of the time. During the day for a few moments she would have flashes of her memory back with her and during those moments I could feel sparks of beatitude on her face as she would see me. Otherwise, most of the time she was lost, sitting near her room window, looking outside in the lawns for hours. I would hold her hand sitting next to her, but of no use.

Beatitude - Age 15-25

I finished my graduation from Army Medical College in flying colours, topping in the college and getting a good medal. Immediately after that I joined MS with specialization in brain. Soon after completing my Masters, I joined one of the top medical institutes in the world situated in Geneva. I started my research under world's top brain surgeon and under his guidance, I finished my research in 4 years. During all this time I never went home but would have video calls with Maa, Mishti, and Baba.

 

Mishti was in Michigan doing Masters in Computer Science. All three were at different locations. Janaki was still with Maa with no improvement in her condition. Very few times I was able to talk to her when she was in her memory - on condition. I could feel the sparks of beatitude on her face during those very few moments, and mostly she would go off very fast. Janaki Maa is 45 now.

Beatitude - Age 25-26

I have only one mission in life as of now. I have told Maa to take a flight to Geneva with Janaki Maa. Furthermore, I know it would be difficult for them to travel under those severe conditions of Janaki Maa, but it is important. Some special arrangements are made to get them here. Two senior doctors from Army Medical College are coming along with them. Finally, they are here. Brain specialists from Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne will be here tomorrow. All examinations on Janaki Maa will be completed by tonight. Tomorrow is Janaki Maa's surgery.

Surgery day

Just a few moments ago Janaki Maa revived her memory as usual for a short while. I was sitting next to her bed holding her hand and looking on her face. She opened her eyes. It was a quick flash of BEATITUDE on her face, and then it went off. For a few moments I could see life in her eyes on her otherwise lifeless face.

 

It's surgery time. She has been taken to the operation theatre. It is going to be a long surgery. Doctors have to fix something related to nerves, tissues, and veins in her brain. I could not dare to be part of the doctors team operating her. I was just praying outside the operation room to God with my folded hands. Later, Maa told me that for all those 4 hours, I was just whispering prayers with my folded hands and tears kept flooding endlessly. 

Next day

The operation went successful. Janaki Maa is still unconscious. Doctors say she would be gaining consciousness anytime after the next 24 hours. 

Surgery day +2

Janaki Maa is back to normal. The moment she opened her eyes, just before that she was whispering my name - "Debu, Debu, Debu". I was holding her hand throughout. She opened her eyes. Maa, Janaki Maa, and I, we all were crying. But these were tears of joy. It was an amalgamation of BEATITUDES. 

BEATITUDE - Age 30

I have joined as faculty of medicine in the university of Zurich. Maa and Janaki Maa have both agreed to shift here and live with me. Meanwhile, I have established a state-of-the-art hospital in India specialized in curing rare complexities related to the brain.

BEATITUDE - Age 32

I am back in India with Maa and Janaki Maa. My new hospital is fully operational. We are admitting patients from all across the globe.

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