Holi with Shiva

 He handed over a glass of Thandai with a mischievous grin . As it went down my throat, a strange warmth spread through my body. Colors became sharper, laughter echoed in slow motion and the world around me began to swirl like a whirlpool. 

 

My head felt light, my limbs heavier. Gradually , the EDM and Bhangra around me faded down. In the distance, I heard the slow, rhythmic beat of a Damru.

Someone tapped me from back. He had matted hair lock and was tall and handsome. The calmness on his face was infectious.

With soft husky voice he asked " What happened bro?"

"I think someone added Bhaang to mine one" I replied. 

"No" . He said . "You are in the World of Maya bro."          

 " Nothing is real in this world"

 

“Play,”  tossing a handful of ash at me. 

As soon as it touched my skin, it turned into a flood of colors and smeared me red. 

I laughed out loud happily.  The weight of my worries, my regrets, my past, all diffused in the vibe of  cosmic celebration.

I kept shaking my head, still lost in the craziness of the moment.

“It destroys  illusions. Colors strip away differences and intoxication removes the chains of the mind. But true freedom, my friend.. is when you realize it." He said in a thunderous voice. 

He tapped my forehead gently, right between my eyebrows. 

“There you go.” He said.

The next thing I knew, I was back at the Holi party. My friends were laughing, splashing me with colors and shaking my shoulders.

Someone yelled at me " Ei ta gala na bo"

I touched my forehead, no ash just the inexplicable warmth  beyond words. I smiled. Maybe it was just the bhang.

Or maybe… I had truly danced with Shiva.

Love at first sight

 On a crisp, Sun-lit winter morning in 2005, after finishing his usual yoga routine, he wandered over to the garden to water the tender, budding plants. 

The water-pipe poured life into the thirsty marigold pots, while he  lifted gaze toward the sky.

 A pair of birds sang sweetly as they fluttered between trees. The Sun gently began to rise behind the hills. Nearby, a caterpillar emerged from the damp earth, curling itself around a delicate stem. 

The cool breeze added a bite to the air, sending a shiver through him and leaving him with goosebumps.

And then suddenly his eyes caught sight of her.

She was mesmerizing,  wrapped in an orange salwar, her black, lustrous hair cascading down her back, she walked gracefully, completely unaware of her own beauty. 

Her eyes were fixed on her sandals, each step deliberate, as if she was lost in thought. 

He stood there, completely entranced, watching her until she disappeared beyond the edge of his view. When he finally returned to himself, he realized the water had overflowed from the flower pots and stood there.

A rush of warmth and joy filled him. 

She had unknowingly lifted his weary, battered spirit.

In that moment, he felt reborn, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

For the rest of that day, she consumed his thoughts. 

Yes! It was love at first sight.

© GautamWhatIFeel

Last Day of Veer Surendra Sai

I was about to be  Maharaja of Sambalpur’s land,  

Yet I am here with no kingdom at hand.  

I don't have regrets as fate is unkind,  

I merely had vision of complete freedom in my mind.

I feel I wouldn't able to see the dawn,  

And witness the freedom which I had sworn.  

I have been imprisoned for a score of years 

Ashirgarh is so far from my near and dear  

The struggle was on right path with British might,  

But betrayal by Dayanidhi dimmed the burning light

I am now reduced to reed thin and blind,  

With the flame of revolt in Sambalpur I left behind

Once I roamed the jungles, fierce and vigil,  

Now I am bound, my spirit cannot see.

I feel like trapped in dark cave which is endless 

Away from mother land in foreign, desolate place.  

I feel like weeping for the land we have lost,  

May my people keep fighting against unjust 

For freedom’s call, my soul will yearn,  

Until the next life’s turn, my spirit will burn.

A journey through North East

 Amid Shillong's misty weather, 

our journey began,

In an Innova rolling uphill, 

into the clouds we ran.

Roaming to each destination, 

a new home we find,

In every Homestay, comfort and peace entwined.

Cherrapunji's drizzle and dense fog did amaze,

Clouds unveiled Seven sisters water fall 

and offered a breathtaking gaze.

The high mountains stood tall 

Those were decorated with roaring waterfalls, 

We rode to Bumla pass where stories of bravery were told.

Hats off to army men so brave and bold.

En route was Sella Pass which was a meadow of flowers 

A placid lake with tiny ripples from gentle shower 

On the way under cold waterfall ,

We felt as if we got draped by a warm shawl.

We relished steaming Maggie in warm shacks,

Braving freezing breeze how comforting it makes.

Each destination reveals a story untold,

In the heart of adventure, we unfold.

Satpathy Sir

 In the early days of my SBI journey

I met someone so gentle and wise

Guiding us through the ups and downs

A mentor to us juniors with timely advice

I admire his excellent organising skill

A tech wizard and efficient in all tasks

He is a great listener and problem solver 

Always ready to help if someone asks

We were lucky to have you as leader 

 

Who kept lifting SBIOA flag high

With all the gratitude and admiration 

I bid  him good-bye 

Like an elder brother,

he always cared for me

I wish him retirement that's joyful and carefree

Food Bank of Champaran

 

Busy natives of jungle named Champaran,

Looked for food under scorching Sun.

As soon as the Sun ceased flaunting its fiery glow, 

it disseminated a pinkish hue and sank low

Upon hearing the Lion King's roar, 

everyone gathered under the cliff near seashore.

In night they make merry under the Moon

And dance crazily to nightingale’s tunes

They consumed their food while setting some aside

 since storing food was a law that everyone has to abide

A group of tigers acted as custodians of an essential key

they stored and locked in a den near an old banyan tree

These loyal creatures kept records of foods

and traded them in exchange for necessary goods. 

This practice flourished on trust throughout generations 

as loyalty passed from from father to son.

A troop of monkeys showed up with bagful of meal

They mingled with the gullible Tigers for a deal

Cunning ones with sly smiles said “We’ll take a ride to Madagascar.

Get rid of 10 bags of bland tasting meal through barter”

Greedy tigers overlooked everything and citizens were befooled,

and exchanged their hard-earned foods for these deceitful monkeys' bagfuls.

In dead silence at midnight, when even tiger were in middle of dream, 

these mischievous monkeys fled after receiving their fair share from this bogus scheme.

The trust that everyone banked upon vanished forever;

Champaran paid dearly for their custodians breach of trust

The King summoned the tigers and commanded for their exile

With loudest ever angry roar ever heard for miles

Sambalpur of the 90's (1)

 

The place had its own sleepy charm

With lungi clad men engrossed in card games

 

At times they break into fights that’s so puerile           

It would put all naughty kids to shame

 

The wafts of aroma from Sarsatia shop is so inviting

The breeze of Mahanadi spreads it

 

The feel of crunchy bite is heavenly

Everything conspired making  it hard to resist

 

I save few coins for savouring Aamkut and Borkut

And for luxury of Poppins, Melody and Guruchela

 

For the idea of sipping green Frooti that tasted real

While licking melting Kulfis from thelas

 

While I strolled back to home after hearty bites

I stopped for sight of the Sun getting dissolved into the Mahanadi

 

The sky turned black and twinkling diamonds showed up

Like scattered fireflies that gathered around trees

 

I lit up the lantern and got engrossed in “The Little Prince”

Sighed at starry night that resembled gateway to heaven

 

 

I kept reading till my eyelids turned heavy and

fan lulled me for a sleep after power restored at Seven

 

I woke up to roaring Rajdoots and Chetaks

Sound of Clanging hammers from gold smith shop

 

I gobbled bowlful of stale roti soaked in milk

and hustled with quick steps to rooftop

 

The breezy summer morning was so colorful

The sky was filled with tossed up kites

 

Mine one swayed like a lost drunkard

As a bully kite cut it from insane height

 

a kid chased it down the mazy lanes

and nearly sprinted till half a mile

 

and the kite now found the new owner

he flaunted his possession with arc of smile

Truck Driver

 

Rolling away this roaring metal monster,

to the destination far off from my tribe.

Never ending stripe of dusty road and stinky cabins,

are companions of my monotonous life.

 

The warm sleep-inducing breeze that gushes in,

through rolled down window of side door.

While struggling to keep heavy eyelids up,

I was startled by clock that beeped at four.

 

I halted Truck and hopped down for a stretch,

put my happy mask on and greeted passer-by.

looked up and sighed under millions of stars

which glittered across soon-to-be twilight sky.

 

I climbed up and started it again and drove,

through the lonely road full of bumps and pits.

As Sun started showing up from hillocks,

the pitch dark windy road got dimly lit .            

I mumbled prayers for reflex and mindfulness,

With watchful eyes on the long road.

As soon as cargos safely reached destination

Burden inside my heart could finally unload.

Grand pa

I crouch on water tank of terrace

on quiet ,moonless and starry night

It glitters  like an ocean of diamonds

Few resembles flickering street light

From the lone star with brightest shine

He still whispers me fables and tales

Though he went back light years away

I believe he can see me as well

countless faint and vivid memories

and little memoirs which mean a lot

connects souls in glittering pole star

and our tiny insignificant pale blue dot

At times he comes down as falling star

As tear drops fall on hand cupped mug

As gush of wind brush past me

I feel his love filled warm hug

From a group of stars near Orion

I spot his beautiful arc of smile 

I waved it a cruel bid of goodbye

And  it adjourned awhile

Musings of a Medico

 

As I munched the last slice of butter smeared bread

The early morning sky turned purplish red

 

The heart was as heavy as coin filled bag

Tear drenched shirt smelled like an old rag

 

 I stared at front wall and it started melting again

To figures of lifeless bodies and faces mincing in pain

 

The day didn’t guarantee time for sleep and meal

Still it guaranteed eyes filled with gratitude as I would heal

 

I picked a clean white apron and a biscuit packet

And slid the next and last meal to apron’s front pocket

 

In between highlighted abstruse words of cells, ailments and organs

I recall dreaming of stethoscope and magical healing hands

 

By blending the education intelligence, experience and fact

I act as savior and keep the string of fleeting life intact

 

I strive hard to be the God’s obedient son

By instilling love sacrifice and compassion in to profession

God

That was hell of a sleepless night

After a suffocating lonely fight.

 

I needed fresh air to ward off blues

So jumped off bed and buckled up shoes

 

As I strolled along avenue filled with fog

I got startled by hooting of a dog

 

She was beautiful furry Huskey who stared me

Her old little rug was wet with pee

 

I untied her collar and rubbed over nose

She took careful steps and came little close

 

Her eyes beamed with love as she stood

Then barked meekly and hustled into woods

 

I followed my intuition and chased her

Could only see her glowing eyes and shiny fur

 

She looked back and transformed to light worm

And vanished into starless night as body went numb

 

I felt a touch at forehead and closed my eyes

It welled up and I was ecstatic with joy

 

 

I could sense positive energies around me

It soaked up ego, stress, pain and anxiety

 

I vividly sensed the body wrapped soul within

Gets beautiful with virtues and uglier with sins

 

The body that soul wears on every rebirth

Counts on every deed that committed on earth

 

That formless eternal part of super-soul

Gets closer only through self-control

 

To attain salvation from cycle of flesh and blood

soul be pious enough to rest in lotus feet of God.

An unforgettable evening

Suddenly the power went off. She went inside and came back with a blinking candle. Her face glowed in dim light. Darkness accentuated her beauty and I kept looking on, unaware of world around me.

Her tiny ear rings glittered like her lively eyes.

She looked at me. Caring not to make her feel insecure, I had to look away. Window offered nothing but outlines of moonlit trees.

 I hated waft of Jasmine smell which made its way through window. The urge to propose her was even harder to resist.

“Is nt it hot in here.” she almost startled me. “And a lovely evening outside” I said with a hope to moving up to terrace.

The rooftop offered a picturesque sight. Full moon was winking me. Gush of cool breeze started blowing out of nowhere. My hand involuntarily moved to adjust her hair and tuck that behind her right ear.

She seemed pleasantly surprised. I wanted to say it now.

“ It is such an obsession. These never ending thoughts with only you in it.”

“ Worse, you scare me in dream too”

She kept noticing her feet and I carried on.

“ You are very very special” “ most wonderful girl in walk of my life till date”

“This confession will make me feel lighter though you may not want to hear.” With a deep sigh I finally said it.

“ Believe me, I love you.”

I steeled my nerves to face worst reaction.

She lifted her chin to look at my eyes again. Tears rolled down her cheeks which glistened in moon light.

The setting Sun

I gazed at a distant rain-washed Mango tree

With fond reminiscence of my pre-teen days  

The wet deserted road looked like molten Gold

and shimmered beautifully in  slanted rays

The twilight painted Sky with a tinge of Saffrons

Which gradually got sprinkled with stars

The Sun sank in in amidst two hills

Creating silhouette of a temple afar

Transcendental  blow of conch startled sleepy charm

while birds hurriedly flapped back to their nest

In between drifting clouds resembled an Unicorn

The winking Moon peeped after a long rest

With calm mind and determined heart

Took deep sigh and whispered out a prayer

                                                     

May this twilight bring back a brighter dawn

and vibe of hope, compassion, affection and care.

Maa Samleswari

I drove through sleepy lanes

To offer prayer in dead of a night

I was welcomed with stoic silence

my sweaty hands trembled with fright

I instinctively pushed the bell near gate

Got startled by it’s sound

The wafting smell of earthen lamps

Accentuated good vibes all around       

As I stepped in to the dark Garvagriha

I felt my body getting separated from soul

A moment caught me looking at Her .

And I got merged into Black Hole.

Blinding clouds of light started fading up

And Maa Samlei emerged from above,

I was euphoric and jumped delightfully

As she looked intently with motherly love.

I involuntarily danced to sound of “Mridung”  

And lifted eyelids to come back to sense

I was surrounded by people who looked concerned

And my dress got completely drenched

I felt like a new man as I got up

With my newfound faith and belief

I keep thanking Maa for every moment of joy

And She is ray of hope for profound grief.

A road less traveled

I hopped in to the empty bus
I sank onto the window seat

The sleep inducing soothing winds
Was the only respite from heat

Wind came with soft whispers
Which slowly  lulled me to sleep 

I was drifted into a dreamland
Through a dark hypnotizing trip

The smiling moon winked at me
Over silvery strip of coast

He watched  me as he knew my secret
As I spoke in solitude under moonlit lampost

A wonderful smell of burnt sandalwood
From a distant jungle where  flame glowed

A tiny spark over dried and parched leaves
In a blended colour of orange and yellow

I made way to a deserted avenue
And strolled along rainwashed road

Strange forms appeared and disappeared 
What added to spookiness was croak of toads

I yelled with fear by a gentle tap on my back
It almost startled and toppled the Bus Ticket boy

Amused passengers burst in to roar of laughters
While I got down the bus and bid them bye.

Orkut

The sky blue profile with pink ring
with weird English and attitudes  to flaunt

Open for public page was decorated
With one liners in uneven font

Greed of earning score of testimonials 
Cool trustworthy and sexy meter

And those hate communities
Where discussions always get bitter

It revealed sneaky page visitors
Sparkling cliche goodmorning scraps

Cafe overflowed with keyboard warriors
Orkut was a pretty addictive trap

It now looks strange
Sad, quiet and eerie

Sunk into the dark abyss
With its nostalgic glory

Budharaja hill

On every Saturday evening, which assures me that I wouldn't have to dress up for school next day, I pick up a stick, wade through bushes and pass by spooky cemetery for a solo trek to Budharaja hill. I pick a smooth flat stone, pulling it off from the cracked boulder blown off by dynamites on previous night. I carve the name of on a bark of a fleshy stem. I stride with trepidation on hearing hissing noises from nearby bushes. The sound of my breath and cracking dry leave makes the surroundings look eerie. Thanks to quicker strides I reached to the upper most part of the hill sooner. It offered panoramic view of the half of the town. Fatak Overbridge looked like a tiny Hot Wheel track,  Modipada Panitanki resembled a small budding mushroom. I could see green patches of lands where tiny dots were taking quick singles.  I open my right fist. The little stone was still on my palm. I aimed at a distant tree which frightened a flock of piegons and they fled away in one direction.

It absorbed my depression. It dissolved with thin air.

My favourite Prime Minister

Sky opened up with tears of joy

For a wonderful soul, their blue eyed boy

An oratory of divine with long pause

Every decision for a well thought cause

A right man got stuck in a wrong group

While other ended up in soup

He had a  big heart with an open door

Who carried message of peace  to Lahore

Catapulted our country to the league of superpowers

Succumbed after shocks during difficult hours

He left us with an irreparable loss

Yet his speeches will continue to inspire us

A lost visitor of Chillika

I know it is going to be a long flight

Still flapping my wings at a modest height

Fighting back tears, thirst and hunger

As hopelessness might make my journey longer

I still feel caged in this unlimited sky

May be I wanted to bid them last goodbye

Hovered over half of world without clue

Sky and oceans have painted me blue

Let the wind blow and take me away

And battered wings get healed by sunray

I ask myself "is this the end"

Flying alone aimlessly without friends

Their prayers and my hope shall not go in vain

I ll keep on going till I meet them again

Water

I am those flowing tears
Welling out of grief, joy and fear

I am those vast oceans
And Clouds, mist, fog and rains

I am those roaring streams
Who flow to merge with supreme

I never stop but go around obstacles
I am the life, I am the miracle

I palaryze resistance with persistence
I am the reason for your existence

Death of an innocent

I could'nt communicate you across the wall
But that was my last scream brother

My body is now lifeless like a doll
Please convey this to mother

Ears and body couldnot take it more
Those abuses and ugly treasons

I fell silent amidst their abusive roars
And lost my body without reason

I remembered smell of deep forest flowers
My ears reverberated with tribal drum beats

I ll miss that small world of ours
Hard day's work and evening meets

I regret not bidding last good bye
For these so called guardian of laws

I believe these bad times would fly
And end deceit, corruptions and flaws.

Crescent

A beautiful night with a smile in the  sky
A pair of stars twinkled  near tiny horns

An overcast sky in month of July
Clouds were now object of scorn

The half moon resembled a bright boat
Brushing softly over trees and clouds

Now clear sky steadied the moon's float
Those stars twinkled which the Moon sowed

Everything were smeared with creamy rays
An owl hooted from a tree at far

It was a lovely night of twinkling bouquets
With The moon atop Constellations of stars

Life before birth

Floating in a dark and warm place
I am yet to witness nights and days

I am aware there is a world beyond
I am within someone I still have bond

I am yet to see and speak to her
Yet we can feel each other

I take food through umbilical cord
she eats for me I have heard

She talks to me with soft whisper
Which makes me feel chipper

Alive and kicking in small swampy room
And trying patiently to come out of womb

Evening walk

It was a lovely windy evening
Sky had changed to pinkish red

I needed smell of fresh air
As I was feeling blue and sad

I put the sweat shirt on
And strolled toward the avenue

I strided with quicker steps
Occasionally Smiled to few i knew

I splashed my face at road side tap
In the process my  shirt got drenched

This hydrotheraphy soothed me a bit
And sank on to a nearby bench

I hummed a song and stared at moon
It stared me back with smirk and wink

Tiny drops of rain fell from no where
Fresh smell of earth was so good

I felt nature has a lot to offer
Embrace it to lift up your mood

Kite Runner

That day was windy sunny and bright
I rushed to rooftop with my  kite

I tossed the  kite to sapphire sky
It went with wind with majestic fly

I wanted the kite to kiss the cloud
And then tie the other end on to ground

The light breeze was as excited as me
Which shrunk my big kite to the size of pea

Suddenly my kite got detached by a crow
And floated in air to and fro

It made my hear skip a beat
I started perspiring with inexplicable heat

I hopped off my rooftop and ran like a crazy
Through the lane sleepy and mazy

I was running with eyes still on kite
Which danced all the way from such height

It landed  teacher's rooftop bungee
And got stuck on his white wet lungi

I climbed up to a nearby tree
And jumped to his roof like monkey

Kite laced wet lungi with orange colour
And resembled an orange collar

Sir Namaskar! Sorry! -Anonymous I scribbled

And came back with my kite as hands trembled.

Mohenjo-daro

River Saraswati was placid and clear

I untied the boat and steered

The full moon accentuated beautiful night

Ripple glittered under moon light

The buliding atop cliff now looked taller

That housed few priests and scholar

I pulled the rudder and steered ahead

To reach Mohenjodaro the city of dead

A city without religion but just belief

A city of joy and grief

The Great Bath was an experience

It cleaned my body, soul and sense

People would work hard all day long

Evening was colorful with dance and song

All attention was drawing to dancing girls

Their confident moves and clinking of bangles

Houses had abundant water and grains

Clean and hygienic with well planned drains

Language was music to ears

incomprehensible yet pleasant to hear.

Proud of this wonderful awesome history

But end of this civilization is still a mystery. 

Life after death, an imagination

I gave up trying to gasp for breath
I could then smell death

My limbs were stiff and numb
And vanished the pain I succumbed

I sank in to a dark well
And floated through a tunnel

Suddenly surrounded by flood of light
It was delightfully blinding bright

I lost the sense of "I"
And merged in to it with a joyful fly

Soul was welcomed with melodious "Om"
Inexplicable peace in this new home

The soul was reduced to size of thumb
I then discovered myself in a womb

Unaware of caste, religion and creed
Form of life, species or breed

Gradually developed tiny legs and arms
Waited patiently for my new form

Life

Life is beautiful
Death is an ugly truth

Old age is bitter
Not as sweet as youth

But is'nt life is a wonder
It gifts us with lessons

Be it dusk or sunshine
Keep learning with fun

Take some time out
 talk loudly to your soul

Let your gloom drown
In to big black hole

Close the door tightly
And loudly sing a song

Call up an old pal
And gossip for long

Try to be real
So that fake guys hate

Take your time
make own group of mates

Countryside

It was a narrow dusty
And bumpy ride

Through the
scenic Countryside

The smell of earth
Mixed with cowdung

Sunburnt farmers
With stuck out tounge

Few happy and
carefree Playing kids

Lost in their world of
Marbles and tamarind seeds

Mustard field
Resembles a yellow bed

Colourful butterflies atop
Give a lovely shade

Few kids are
hustling to school

A blacksmith is
Busy shaping his tool

Sea of stars was
a breath taking sight

Milkyway accentuated
Wonderful night

Village is lively
Colourful and fresh

The best place
To bust your stress

Rain

A black blanket of low grey cloud,

a delightful dusk all around.

Waft of fresh and earthy smell,

A rainbow was formed by Sunlight and drizzle

Few pigeons have ventured out of nest

Little squabs are also flapping to their best

They took it all through their parched beaks

Tiny drops that branches leaked

Far off places are now opaque

Potholes on roads merged to a tiny lake

It drenched me and washed my soul

And rejuvenated me as a whole.

Wish I Could

Wish I could talk to sparrows,

And ask them whereabouts of their  cousins,

Wish I could shout at soaring eagles,

And ask how much my town has lost her greens,

Wish I could say this to a Pig,

That all ponds are made for you and buffalos ,

Wish I could ask to cows,

How many poly-bags they inadvertently swallow,

Wish I could say to stray dogs,

If they can count  piles of garbage,

Lets buckle up to clean up this town,

And bring back its glorious “Squeaky clean” days. 

Anger

I realized I am not quiet again,

 And my wrath did not go in vain,

I raised my voice for right

and did not give up my fight,

The rage followed by a strange calmness,

by then everything fell in to place,

I sat down silently to cool off the heat,
And experienced slowly decelerating heartbeat.

Thought of all persons I love,
Sighed a little and stared at clouds above.

Had I remained silent to a pure evil,

The inner wound would be hard to heal.

An eye opener dream

I had this dream once.

I was lost in deep woods the Himalayas. It has world's best fruits, best berries and best vegetables. There were animals including poisonous reptiles around me. Only thing that disturbed the tranquility of the jungle was their hissing sounds. I trembled in trepidation and took time to settle down. I survived on fruits and berries.  The wood was so dark and deep, I lost the hope for going back to the place where I can find my own species. I accepted the truth that I ll be here for rest of my life. I spent times meditating all day long. It was very slow process, but my mind was in utmost peace. One day, I was so absorbed that I lost the consciousness of “Self". All I could see were sea of blinding lights all around, energizing and full of optimism.

Oneday while I was lost in deep meditation I was bought back to consciousness by an enchanting voice that sung in praise of Lord Ram.. I lifted my eyelids very slowly and looked back. It was dead of night. I saw an outline of a very powerful saffron coloured man who had  a long tail and a face of monkey.

He was Hanuman…the Mrutyunjay! My eyes welled up with tears.  

If my Sambalpur had a beach

If my Sambalpur had a beach,

Sand and sun within reach,

I ll stroll along the shore of sea,

Sipping my clay cupful of tea,

Eyes riveted on a dancing boat,

Waves help its rhythmic float,

Dawn would paint sky reddish yellow,

Town would come alive with festive glow,

From Supreme Soul, with love

I went into deep,

dark yet somber sleep,

On  bed of sands below water,

Though I could still hear faint splatters,

Gradually my soul was set free

A  blinding light was all I could see,

I felt good as I was lifted upward,

Sailing in to a new yet beautiful world,

A world sans anger, jealousy, greed,

Country, Religion, caste and creed,

Yes, I am in the Supreme Soul in utmost bliss,

I assure you , I am resting in peace.

Nobody is perfect

At times I keep walking in rain,

Crying out loud like an insane.

While rain drops keep washing up my tears,

I motivate myself to wipe off my fear.

To face the silent world of numerous mumbling lips,

Where miss out words of wisdom and humorous quips.

At times I sob in a dark room,

Talking to self, soaked in gloom.

While I stare at sky through skylight,

A tiny ray of sun that sneaks gives a pleasing sight,

Sometime playfully I capture it through a prism,

And perceive those colours as hope and optimism.

At times God asks me if I am Okay,

“Hey Hi! This gift of yours perfectly normal”, I say.

Now I am inured to discrimination and bully,

Also insulated my ambition from being sullied.  

This quietness is conductive to lend you my ear,

and communicate with you through my prayer. 

My Sambapur: Foodie's delight -II

Rise up rise up to sip your tea,

At Y shaped crossing in Ainthapali.

Cool and fresh air of town will set you free,

While you start your day with soft idlis.

Lunch and Hyder have close affair,

Romance of biryani with curry is yummy.

While you gulp Shakti’s gulabjamun pairs,

You hardly care for your inflated tummy.

Inexplicable joy that Golebazar Jalebi brings ,

King-sized paan only adds to fun.

Hongkong Chinese is  next to best thing,

To make your evening with chow-chow and prawn.

When the town is quiet at night,

And your taste-buds savored all foods.

You would be lulled to sleep under dim light,

With happy, relaxed and satiated mood.

My Sambalpur: Foodie’s delight

Wafting aroma made its way to my nose,

I traced it to  Disco Gupchup stall. 

It titillated my tongue making saliva flow,

While I gulped plateful of spicy panipuri balls.

I scooted my moped through sleepy lanes,

And made a halt at Baidhnath Chakk.

“Mis”ordered green bhaang kulfi,

Resulting serpentile walk across Saan Sadak.

I sank onto a bench at sweet shop of Nanda Pada,

Relishing  a pair of Gulabjamuns.

Then went down to stair of ring road,

Gazing at placid water and full moon. 

And slowly munching that king sized paan,

Waiting the hangover to calm down.

This is how I called it a day,

With lovely food at my lovely town.

Respect and love to Braveheart

Dad, I don’t want to go to haven,

Though I can’t succumb anymore to this pain,

Those devilish laughs keep ringing in my ear,

And mental agonies are hard to bear,

Death keeps visiting me each night,

Still I am stronger to win this fight,

Haven is comfort but I want to be here,

Stand up one day to wipe your tear.

---------

I am no more in this body but did not die,

Feel my soul and your dampened eyes.

I ignited youth power and women’s courage,

To change the system I ll keep burning this rage,

I am like flower who faded away,

Leaving back fragrance to show you the way.  

My travel diary: Manali

Day1: June 4^th: I made a check list of documents and tickets ready for long and arduous journey for next day. I took all the printout of e-tickets, including a Volvo bus ticket from Chandigarh to Manali. Smriti insisted that we should pack all the stuffs in one extra-large suitcase and squeeze that below the seat we would be allotted. But the luggages ran up to three large suitcases of same size. The train we were about to board was Hirakud Express which was booked 3 months earlier in order to ensure a confirmed ticket and good long break from stressful day to day Banking job. I also applied for SBI Holiday home at Manali in order to save accommodation cost and canvassed people who could help me to confirm my application but did not receive any booking confirmation  till the day I left Sambalpur for Manali.

Day2:June 5^th: I ensured to include some more important  things in my checklist. We reached Sambalpur station where we were supposed to board Hirakud Express up to Ambala cantonment. The train which was scheduled to arrive at 1.30 PM was almost 2 hours late! It was near impossible for me to wait under glaring sun with my family especially 18 months old son Ekansh. I looked for a place to shelter and moved to air conditioned waiting hall inside the platform.  Atlast the train showed up at 3.30 PM. We were again disappointed to see the seats we were allotted. One was near entrance and alongside the path and the other was upper berth. TTE even took Rs. 700 as the pending amount due to hike in train fare at the time of budget announcement. I foresaw the two long day’s journey is going to be exhausting and uncomfortable as well. What added to our miseries were worst kind of services by Railway service boys and inedible meals. The starting day of the journey was really really disappointing.

Day3:June 6^th: We reached Ambala Cantonment at 7 PM. My plan was to stay here for a day and catch a train to Chandigarh from where we would take a Volvo bus to Manali. We were approached by some liquor stinking Sardars who pestered us about taxi hiring. However, we managed to escape them and crossed the fly over just opposite the station. I scanned around for a hotel nearby. There were liquor shops all lined up. The place hardly guaranteed safety and security. However, my eyes caught a hotel named De Metropolis which was in decent location. The room tariffs were reasonable as well. The room we were allotted was a spacious as well as vintage one. The guy at reception told us that it is 1902s. Although it was air conditioned, we were not required to switch it on as the room was cool enough. There were Dhabas and liquors shops all lined up fifty metres away from hotel. This place is surely an alchoholic’s delight. It looks likes the city has a huge surplus of butter. They drop a big piece of butter cake on every steaming curry you order. There were huge rush in each and every dhaba. I am sure they must be earning in lakhs daily.

Day4:June 7^th: Every hotel has check out time of 12 Noon. So we have to plan our stay accordingly. Our overnight stay followed by further stay till evening ran our hotel bill double of original cost although we stayed for less than 24 hours. Ambala Cantonment is a junction and has more than half a dozen of platforms. Therefore, you cant do without hiring a porter. Unlike other stations, porters too maintain their dignity and they don’t pester you. Rather, you have to approach them to bargain. We had to board the train Jansathabdi Express up to Chandigarh which arrived much before scheduled time. Our journey was pleasant and peaceful till we reached Chandigarh. Chandigarh was the worst experience of the entire journey. We were accosted by a couple of taxi drivers as soon as we got off the train and made our way out of the station. There were roughly fifteen more taxi drivers waiting outside the station surrounded us. It was almost impossible to get rid of them. They kept ranting their starting fares and whereabouts of our dropping point destination. It was so irritating, with four heavy luggages and an infant baby, we stood closer to two patrolling police men who were in charge of protecting tourists from touts.  They hardly did a thing to protect us. Rather, they supported those taxi drivers and asked us to go ahead. But we took the advantage of the situation. One of the taxi driver quoted very low rate, far lower than fair price I had inquired in Government Tourist Inquiry counter. We hopped in to the auto and that was a huge relief from the hoards of taxi touts who were fuming  while we left. Auto experience up to bus stand was a joy ride though. The neat and clean city wide roads, well planned sectors, well managed traffics, luxury cars, etc. left me impressed. We checked in to a dormitory near bus stand for the four hours gap before arrival of the bus. Bus was late  and arrived at 11.45 PM. We got ourselves adjusted inside the bus and light cool breeze of air conditioner above my seat lulled me to sleep. I couldn’t resist peeping out in between and noticed the change in vegetation alongside the road as soon as bus made is way on to hilly regions.

Day5:June 8^th: Bus made a halt a dhaba for tea and breakfast. I noticed the change in climate as soon as I stepped down. Weather was chilly and breezy. Yet Manali was a more than a hundred kilometres away. Engine started roaring and bus rolled speedily. Soon the scenery outside was more and more picturesque. It was really beautiful indeed. I must say although the journey was long and exhausting, I loved each and every moment post morning. I looked below out of window. The river Beas flowed with smooth pace over rocky beds in between hills. It looked straight out of calendar/ greeting cards photos. I took out my mobile and captured few of sceneries. We reached Manali around 12 of Noon and checked in to the hotel. It was peak season and road was almost jammed. Narrow streets of the town could not afford ample space to the numbers of vehicles that migrated  from neighbouring states. Much to my delight, the hotel which I had booked in advance was in good location. It was on the bank of river Beas and ten steps away from Club House. Yet again, temperature of the town was less that 15 degree celcius, which made me feel as if the whole town is centrally air conditioned! We washed our face, had tiffin followed by dinner and slept like a log under the blanket.  

Day6:June 9^th: We decided to rest the whole day and explore the market in the evening. Market was at Mall Road. The market mostly sold Kullu Shawls, sweaters, hand painted wooden items, even they inscribe name on a single grain of rice. The street side foods were delicious and worth trying. Especially, Steaming Gulab Jamuns and Halwa. There were circus show on streets and kids perform for in exchange of pennies from crowds. There was a snake charmer too, who drew more crowds as well. In the evening we talked with Hotel guy to arrange a taxi for us the next day. We had to visit Rohatang Pass. The hotel guy informed us we will have to start early preferably at 4 AM as the road from Manali to Rohatang Pass would be packed with taxis and the 52 kilometers uphill road could take us around ten hours to reach Snow Point!

                                                                            

Day7:June 10^th: True to his words, although we moved up to the Snow Point without obstacle, it tooks us roughly five hours on our way back. Vehicles almost made a chain, all jammed and ran down the mountain in a snake like fashion. The uphill journey was a painful one though. I experienced pain at lower abdomen, with vomiting tendency followed by chest pain and difficulty while breathing. I saw snow field for the first time and inexplicable joy ran with in me. There were few stalls selling steaming cup of tea and Maggie. We tried our hand at Sking. I slipped for a couple of time and then gave up. We sat on Yak’s back. It was so warm and soothing. We stayed there for a couple of hours after which I experienced dizziness. I asked driver to take us to Manali. On our way back, the car moved at snail speed as the road was jammed. Himachal Government should re-consider starting a ropeway from Marhi to Snow Point to avoid jam. We made a halt at Marhi to have our lunch, after which we went back to hotel through Nehru Kund. I was overjoyed to see apple trees on both the side of the road. They were unripe though. Temperature variation as well as low pressure at high altitude did not suit mine as well as Smriti’s health and we stayed indoor till the day ended.

Day8:June 11^th: Although Manali was a nice place to be at, there were nothing much to see in the town. We decided to visit the places as much as we could and check out of the hotel to spend a day in Kullu. We went to Club house first, which was few steps walk from my hotel. The club house charged a nominal membership fees for which you will have the privilege to enjoy the activites inside the club house. There were boat ride, horror house, ropeway, videogames, and many other enjoyable things. There was a big hall selling Kullu Shawl and winter wears at discounted price. We  went to Buddhist Monastery from there. It was at Mall Road, around three kilometres from Club House. I thought it was geographically misplaced with markets and hotels surrounding it. I always thought Buddhist temples are located at lonely and quiet places. From there we went to Hidimba Temple. It was located at quiet and scenery surrounding unlike Buddhist Temple. There was a long queue of tourists for darshan. We were too tired to stand in queue and gave up. On our exit, few Himachali women asked us to take picture with rabbits for Rs.20/-. Rabbits were fat and cute. My son was happy at their sight. We took some photos and left the place. We  decided to check out of the hotel next day and started packing after few hours of rest. We had to spend a day at Kullu.

Day9:June 12^th: We made a halt on the way to Kullu at a Government Sponsored Shawl shop and bought few shawls. Road was narrow and jammed. We reached Kullu far later than estimated time. We found Kullu warmer than Manali. I had initially planned for river rafting and other adventure activities here. But I decided to save that for my next trip. My son would be a grown up kid then and I wanted to enjoy this together with my son. It was 3 PM and we had our lunch immediately after reaching the hotel. The room was good and it offered entire view of mountains as well as river Beas. When the sun went down, the lights from houses on the mountain looked beautiful. As we all were not feeling well, we decided to cancel Kullu’s local sight-seeing plan and arranged a taxi to our relative’s place at a place near Himachal Pradesh border.