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