सरहद

मैं तीन मंज़िल के एक मकान मे रहता हु।

वो बालकनी जहा AC टेंगा हुआ है।   

तीसरी मंज़िल पे वही मेरा घर हैं।
मेरा घर एक सरहद का काम करता हैं। 
इसके एक ओर गगन चुम्बी इमारते हैं। 

इन इमारतों में सैंकड़ो घर है। 

इन घरो की खिड़कियों से मैंने किसी को भी।
कभी झांकते हुए नहीं है। 

शाम ढलते ही मनो रौशनी जो कैद है। 

इन्ही खिड़कियों से निकलने की कोशिश करती है। 

मैं खुद इसका गवाह हु। 

मेरे घर के दूसरी ओर एक बस्ती है। 

इन लोगो ने अपने माकन  ground floor 

तक ही सिमित रखा है। 

इन्हे नहीं पता की सरहद के उस ओर क्या है। 

यह मुझे मेरे किराये के मकान मे देख 

कर  सोचते है की यह बहुत अमीर हैं। 

यह सब मेरे घर में रौशनी कैद पते हैं 

मई खुद इसका गवाह हु। 

वो सरहद वाले। 

मेरे घर की उम्मीद मे है। 

और मै सरहद के उस ओर वाले की। 

कभी न कभी हमारे हालात बदलेंगे। 

सरहद के उस ओर वाले इस और आएंगे 

की नहीं यह तो समय को ही पता है। 

पर फ़िलहाल मेरा घर एक सरहद का काम करता हैं। 

                                                                    - साहिल 

ख़त

जब तुम्हारी तस्वीर देखता हु। 
तो कुछ इच्छाएं उठीती है मन मे।  
की तुम अगर इतनी दूर न होकर। 
मेरे करीब होती तो।
इन चिट्ठियों में तुम्हारी खुसबू न ढूंढ़ता होता। 
जो पिछले महीने की चिट्ठी जिसमे। 
मेरा नाम तुम्हारे एक आंसू की बूँद ने मिटा दिया था। 
संभाले रखीं है मैंने। 
काश के हमारे बीच इतनी दूरी न होती। 
तो  तुम्हे रोज़ गुदगुदी करके रुलाता। 
और तुम्हारे रूठ हो जाने पे पागलो सी हरकते करके मनाता। 
तुम्हे सुलाता अपनी बांहों में भरके। 
और सर्द सुबह मे अदरक के चाय की गरम। 
प्याली ला कर के जगाता। 
उन्ही सर्द रातों में तुम्हे ओढ़ता और तुम्हे ही बिछाते हुए। 
खुद तुम्हारे अघोष में सो पता। 
तुम्हारी हर अदा और नखरे को। 
अपनी कविताओं में कैद कर पाता। 
तो शायद यह पहाड़ सी ज़िन्दगी। 
आराम से कट पाती। 
पर हकीकत तो यह है। 
की तुम वहा हो और। 
मैं अपनी मजबूरियों के बोझ तले। 
दबा हुआ यहाँ हू। 
तुमसे बहुत दूर। 
यह कुछ इच्छाएं है मेरी जो इस खत में लिख भेज रहा हु। 
इसी वादे के साथ के गर इस ओर न पूरी हुयी यह। 
तो उस ओर पूरी ज़रूर करूँगा। 
मैं तुम्हारा था और तुम्हारा ही मरूंगा।

तस्वीर

मैंने आज वो folder 

आख़िर delete कर दिया।

मैंने उसे कयी परतों में छिपा रखा था।

भारी मन से उस भरी हुए folder को,

हटा काफ़ी जगह बना ली है मैंने।

कयी सालों से क़ैद था मानो,

कुछ विडीओज़ ओर वो अनगिनत तस्वीरें।

वो जिसमें तुमने अपनी पीठ की तिल की

तस्वीर भेजी थी उसे भी delete कर दिया।

मैं जानता हु तुम कह नहीं पाती पर,

यही चाहती की मै उन्हें delete कर दूँ।

मुझे मालूम है तुम्हें भरोसा है,

की नीलाम नहीं करूँगा तुम्हें भरे बाज़ार में,

बस तुम्हें बताना था की बेफ़िकर हो जाओ अब।

वो हाथ जो हर महीने की 21 को

मेहँदी से रंग कर भेजती थी तुम

उन्हें भी delete कर दिया है।

बस कुछ तस्वीरें रखीं है हमारी पहली की

कुछ और इस आख़री मुलाक़ात की

उन्हें भी हटा दूँगा मैं बहुत जल्द।

पर वो फ़ोटो जो मेरे दिमाग़ की परतों मे

छपी हुई है उसे delete कर पाना 

इस जन्ममे तो नामुमकिन सा लग रहा हैं।

Prejudice or Patriotism

We were born slaves.

Enslaved by the rulers for ages,

soon after stepping out of the caves.

There were kingdoms all around,

there were rules that had us bound.

We obeyed all their orders, 

even if it meant killing brothers across borders.

It started with the Maurya dynasty and

continued till Brits left ghastly.

The nation was torn apart and

was forced to restart.

We were fooled in the name of freedom,

standing in its way would not be less than treason.

We are still the same herd,

controlled by the wolves and overlooked by a bird.

It was carried out in the name of democracy.

Not known to many but, it sounded classy.

In reality, it was nothing less than aristocracy.

Few were moral but, to many it was debauchery.

The scene today has completely changed,

the prey picks the predator,

the one that is not in close range.

Just trying to delay its own death.

The hero continues to martyr, as they obey the order.

Today they are killed within their own border.

The nation that once was home to communal harmony,

is now divided, scattered and lost in the religious cacophony.

Our mothers, sisters and daughters are appalled,

knowing that they are considered as meat and 

the names that they are called.

The belief is pruned and doubt is rooted.

The yin is garnered and yang is uprooted.

But somewhere there is a frail thread of hope,

the thread that once was as strong as a rope.

That the chivalry in the people will transcend,

and lead us, to put an end. 

We will catch hold the wolves and the bird,

tame them and no longer be slurred.

It is not prejudice that runs in our blood,

Patriotism it is and we announce it with a thud.

Birthday Surprise

          In a small town called Hattiesburg in Mississippi was a house that was at the end of the farm. The house was on the border of the town. It belongs to a Hastings family. They were Australians and had moved to America in the early 80’s. Since then they have made Hattiesburg their home. The Hastings had two sons Sean and Michael they were 16 and 12 years old. Both the brothers loved each other very much. It seemed that they were two bodies but one soul. If Michael wanted anything Sean made sure that Michael receives it. Such was a scenario when Michael wanted a large mirror hanging on the wall of the study which was opposite to their bedroom door. Sean had to convince his father and finally he gave in. When Sean turned 16 he moved to Connecticut for his higher studies. Michael was not happy about the decision but never showed a hint of sadness on his face. He knew how important that was for his brother. Moreover he was sure that in a couple of more years he would join him in the same college. But they made a pact before Sean left that he will call Michael everyday and discuss everything.

          Sean usually used to call after finishing college and before going for football practice. It was late than usual and Sean had not called. Mother was trying to explain Michael that his brother might have slept or would be busy. Soon it was time for bed. His parents were in their bedroom and he was in his room staring at his older brothers bunk. The door of the room was wide open as it was a full moon night. He saw a shadow on the mirror. He went out of the room to see what it was and followed it to the kitchen. It was his brother, trying to scare him as a ghost. Suddenly the sad and gloomy face of his cheers up. He was happy that his brother had arrived home a day prior to his birthday. He finishes his glass of water while his brother waits for him. “You know I have learnt a few new magic tricks that you might like” he tells Michael while juggling 4 lemons at a time. Come lets go to the study and play, otherwise our parents might wake up. And they head towards the study

          The study was just opposite to their room. Right next to the door of the study the wall had a large mirror hanging for them to look at themselves before leaving the house. Michael had insisted the mirror to be placed there. He saw it in one of the movies and it looked appealing to him. During the full moon night they would leave the door open of their room so that they could see the reflection of the moon on the mirror when it would be a certain angle. Before they entered the study Michael took out all his toys and brought to the study. While he was entering he saw his brother was able to float the lemons in the air. As he entered he hugged him and asked him to teach him the magic trick as well. His brother promised him that he will certainly teach him the trick. They played and talked all night. Michael told Sean all about his day and his plans for the next day. He also told him that he was angry with him when he didn’t call him last evening. The time just flew past while they were talking and playing.

           The reflection of the moon on the mirror was fading away. The sun was marching his way up. Michael was feeling tired and sleepy. He convinced his brother to make a castle out of bed sheets. It looks more like a tent and less like a castle Michael said to Sean. They both burst into laughter at his statement. In some time they both slept in the castle that appeared as a tent. In the morning Michael was unable to find his brother Sean. He looked for him in the entire house. 

          In the mean time his parents were also up. They were unable to understand Michael but they noticed that he was missing his elder brother as he was lying next to his brothers photo frame. They tried to tell him that all the events that he is talking about are just a part of his sheer imagination. Just them the phone rings and on the other side of the phone is the principal of the College in which Sean was studying. She informed her that their son had died in a tragic accident. Sean had drowned in the college pool. It was Michael's birthday that day. The date was 11 January. He had bought a beyblade for Michael as he loved playing with it. The parcel arrived just when their mother was talking to the principal over the phone. They all looked at the parcel and cried out loud. Michael had gone into a shock and just then he saw his brothers image in the mirror. It looked as if he had come to wish him on his birthday. After that day Michael had seen Sean in the house many times.

          Even after so many years the day brings chills to his spine. Making it difficult for him to sleep in the night. He often goes for a jog in the cemetery whenever he is unable to sleep. His eyes wide open and always looking out for someone. As if he is following someone or trying to catch up with him. He stops at a known grave. The headstone was all muddy and the name was hardly visible on it. It had rained last night and the dirt rose on the headstone because of it. Otherwise the family has been given clear instructions to keep the grave clean at all times. 
          He stood there for a while, tears rolled down his cheeks and fell on the grave. He went ahead and started cleaning himself until it was free from all the mud and dirt. The name on the headstone read Sean Hastings a loving brother and son. He told Sean about the sleepless nights and said to him that this has to stop now. I will have to let you go. And so he takes out the beyblade, which he had kept safe for the last 40 years and placed it next to the stone. He sat there for a while crying and trying to compose himself. After a couple of hours as the stroke of the sunlight reached out of the shadows in the sky, he left for home. 

          Michael now visits the cemetery only on January 11 to pay his respects. He hasn't seen Sean around the house lately. After all Sean was a loving and understanding brother.

Papa - The P in Patriarch

This is for the man who never gets tired.

Carrying out the responsibilities charmingly, 

to which he is wired.

You see the world from a 360 view on his shoulder.

He keeps the family warm when it gets colder.

He is tall, broad and huge for the tiny us.

Our cribbing is handled without a fuss.

He is tough and at the same time he is gentle,

He supports us at every step, he holds the mantle.

He teaches us how to play the ball,

Ensuring that we set a goal.

While growing up he is our idle.

Mostly he preaches like the bible.

He is your first pillion rider.

Always making sure that your grip is tighter.

He is your very first super hero.

The one that never thinks of you as a zero.

You often see him coming home late,

He might have made you wait 

a lot but,

He is committed to put food in the plate.

And the dues too, need to be paid.

But after all this he may never show his pain.

All he wants from us is to certain 

that

All his efforts will go in vain.

He demands us to be a better person in life.

He dreams for you to have children and a happy wife.

But Dearest Dad,

You have been growing old as I am catching up with your height.

You should know that my career has taken the flight.

But I still need you by my side. 

And

To go on another bike ride,

To the look at the ocean and its tide.

I am used to seeing you young and strong.

You’ve grown frail all along.

Eat healthy and enjoy now, as this is your turn 

to sit back and watch your son come along

the life you had foreseen.

This is for the man who never gets tired.

It is a failed attempt to show that your efforts are admired.

Your Loving Son

ECHOES

I saw you on my first day of college. 

You were sitting in the forth row 

from the front,

and I heard you shut a boy, with an answer

that was blunt. 

Your top was white with green leaves 

drawn over it. 

All my efforts to sit next to you

went down the pit.

Finally at 1 we were two seats away

from each other. 

I saw you go out to take a call,

maybe it was your mother. 

I was called to another room 

to verify my documents.

I saw you sitting on the other end and

boy I was eager to pass a compliment. 

Next day I saw you in the auditorium and

you were wearing an orange t shirt. 

And I looked at my self and 

found my shoes full of dirt. 

It was hot outside and 

you had your hair tied.

I was a few rows away from you,

I could feel my heart swell and 

I swear it is true. 

I was sure it was fate

When I saw you walk into the class late. 

Our classes were bang opposite,

She studied journalism and

I was learning about alcoholic composite. 

One fine day I gathered enough courage

to say Hi

My heart was beating faster than the bullet train and only I know why. 

We bonded over art

and your glares were sure like dart

piercing right into my heart.

Waiting for you at the bus stop was a daily chore,

My friends would laugh at me and call me a bore.

Handing you the chocolate on our way to the class,

That smile could make diamonds out of sheer glass.

How can I forget that first kiss,

it was completely bliss.

Taking you out on my friends bike,

Where you told me you don’t like spikes.

The way you hugged me on your graduation,

I knew I had to start my preparation,

for a life without you.

You marching into my class and 

asking my professor to see me was real bad ass.

My friends envy you till date, for that gate crash.

I am sorry that things didn't work out 

as we expected amongst our religions.

I think that love still has to fight against these legions.

But we shall meet once we rise above these differences.

And hope that love brings down these fences.

Until then I will reside in the palace 

of rapture.

We shall meet again in solace.

I saw you on the first day of my college.

My Mona Lisa

While he was busy answering the call that abrupt our conversation about the results, my mind was running several calculations about the obvious possibilities. Out of which one being the planning for my parents anniversary. And the other being about the embarrassment that I might face. I wasn’t worried about the embarrassment the result might bring, as the other two didn’t make the cut. If your friend is also part of the competition and doesn’t get through, you don’t feel bad. The suspense was building about the result and I was starting to get annoyed with the phone call. Just when I was about to step out of the cabin with an excuse, he disconnected the call. Leaving me in an awkward position where I was leaning towards the door with my back towards him. I adjusted myself. He said you are through to the next round. You better be prepared for the next round as this happens tomorrow.

Just a couple of months before the competition there were new hirees that joined our department. Out of which one girl was my best friends junior from college. The moment I saw her, I fell in love with her. In these couple of months we had become good friends and I wanted to take this opportunity to really impress her. So I did the most obvious thing any boy would do in this situation. I asked her to be cheer me at the competition. She was there for the GD and the extempore and she said she will be there for the physical round too. One part of me was happy but the other half was scared about she watching me fail.

The third round was the physical round. Trust me my boss didn’t fancy my chances of even qualifying the round. So the drill was to climb 15 feet up the ladder. Cover the distance of 15 feet hanging to a rope, then steer our way across a plank that is narrower than the size of ones feet, while balancing a marble in a semi cylindrical object in one hand. Then take out a chit from a fish bowl full of rats and then dunking your had in a bucket full of cow shit to find a pen of the same colour that is mentioned on the chit and finally drinking 250 ml of healthy karela (bitter gourd) juice. The entire drill will be timed and four participants with the best time will make it to the next round . That was scheduled to take place on the annual day.

It looked easy and fun to me initially but was tougher than any army training, I thought at that time. The first person prepared himself and started the drill and Boy! He made the rope crossing look tougher than ever. I was cent percent sure about me that I will make a fool out of myself while performing the drill. The organisers asked me if I wanted to go next and all I could do was run towards my boss and yell no while running. People who saw me running, were laughing. 

While I was standing behind my boss, he leaned towards me and asked, Yeh karle ga bhecho (will you be able to pull this off fucker)? I could understand the sarcasm in his tone. But could not do anything about it as I was asking the same thing to my self over and over again. 

My eyes were searching for the sight of my love. But she was no where to be found. She was definitely working that afternoon shift. Moreover she promised me that she will be present today at the event. Soon, I was the last one left to complete the drill. The boy who went before me was of the same weight as me. I saw him completing the drill which made me more nervous. As I started approached the ladder my heart rate started climbing with every step up the ladder. I saw her coming towards the activity area.There she was! The most beautiful girl I have ever known, looking for me. I loved the colour of her red lipstick. Her red lipstick was always different from the other girls in the department. It was neither too dark or too light. It was just the right amount of red. I wanted to shout and tell her where I was. But my throat had already dried as usual. 

Getting up the ladder was easy. But crossing towards the other end was the toughest part. You see the more heavier you are the gravity helps to you fall faster as per Sir Newton’s law. So here I was midway, trying to pull my overweight body towards the finishing end of the rope. The task that was looking impossible then. I could feel my hands losing the grip. My left hand slipped and I saw aluminium ladder was right under my head. I could hear the bystanders shouting a terrified oooooh fffuu… I told myself that if I lose the grip I may end up in the hospital with an open skull. Somehow I managed to pull my self up and cross the first obstacle. In the next task on the drill I was to balance the marble which fell twice before I could cross the finish line. Finally in my third attempt I finished the second obstacle and in no time I was dunking my hand in a bowl full of rats followed by a bucket full of shit. It was the time to drink the health potion the karela juice. I did it in no time. I couldn’t wait to see the look on everyones face who doubted me. I was jumping with joy in the inside and calm as a Mahendra Singh Dhoni on the outside. 

I was not aware of my time and as per my superstitious ritual, I left the sight and went back to my work station after washing my stinking hands. Everyone in the department avoided shaking hands with me because of obvious reasons. I got a call from the human resources guy asking me to come at the competition site as I am through to the next round. I couldn't believe it. It was surreal. I was so happy that I could not stop smiling in the pictures that were taken by the HR. I was on cloud nine. But the journey to the clouds was cut short when I was told that I have to perform on the stage and showcase a talent in the final and decisive round. I have no talents, except for the fact that I can be really sarcastic and insult you without you noticing it at that very moment. That was the only thing that helped me save my ass so many times. This was the reason I didn’t want to participate in the first go. But now I was standing here trying to figure out how can I make a fool out of myself in front of everyone.

I sat in my room and started thinking about the talents I posses. The more I thought the more I wanted to murder my boss. He was the reason I was in this spot. That is when my roommate walked in and calmed me down. He went back and forth with all the options that I had. I was tired and started watching random videos on youtube. I came across a video of a speed painter. It is a new form of painting where the painter paints the picture upside down in a 90 seconds. The audience has no clue about the actual painting. It is no less than an illusion. My drawing classes came in handy and I decided to go with this option. But the trouble here is that I could barely draw something straight after so many years, forget about drawing something capsized.

So we came up with the plan that I will draw Gandhiji’s profile with the National flag on the side. I bought a couple of chart papers, paint brushes and colour. The back side of the main door was my easel. I had 2 weeks to perfect the craft. I was finally getting a hang of it. Five days prior to the final showdown I get to know that a fifth participant has been added and he will also be drawing. I was puzzled and scared. I spoke to the HR and was assured that he is not doing something similar to my craft. I wasn’t convinced tough. In the mean while I was focusing completing the art work in 90 seconds as per the guidelines of the competition. I made a sound track for 90 seconds to run behind while I will be drawing.

The D - Day arrived and I was all set to rock. I had informed the organisers to tell me 10 minutes before hand when I am supposed to go on the stage as I had to carry all my tools along. It takes a minute or half to setup the easel and brushes and the paint on the stand. But to my surprise my name was announced and I was puzzled. Somehow I managed to land up on the stage all haphazard. I asked them to rewind the music and play it all over again. I started painting. Soon I could hear the crowd yelling, “yeh kya kr ha hai tu” (what are you doing)? That is not the colour of the national flag. I was smiling when I heard them. I knew I have almost won. The moment the song stopped I dropped my brushes. I turned the easel and I could see their jaws drop. That was the loudest applause that night. 

This is a photo of my parents from the Goa trip I won as a prize.

                      

She was a mystery...

She was a mystery 

and

he had history,

with 

drug abuse;

but

Still she choose

him.

She was hopeful about future

but,

he continued his torture

until,

she had enough.

She left a note 

stating,

baby I can’t cope

any longer.

May you get your head straight

but till then

I can’t wait.

I am ending this today

in my own way.

Love, Chaunrey.

He took out his cell

to call her.

There was a bell

but

she won’t answer.

His temper rose

and

his feet froze.

His heart slowed down

and

he had frown

on his forehead.

He moved to the bed

to get his pills.

He gulped one after another 

he tried to call her brother.

but in vain.

Clearly, he was going insane.

His throat dried

when he saw his would be bride

lying in the tub, 

in her wedding gown

with her wrist slit.

It looked as if she had drown

in her own blood.
His mind went numb
and 
eyes were teary.
Certainly,

She was a mystery 

The Gadget Free Sunday

He grew up a hoteliers child. He used to see his parents on Sundays. It was their day. They used to call it The Gadget Free Sunday.

As both the parents worked at the hotel, they had little interaction with their son throughout the week. Sunday was where the whole family got up late, get ready and head out for a ride. The used to leave all their gadgets at home.

Everyone around them found it a little weird at first. Some still find it annoying, “What if there is an urgency?” they say. But this does not bothers the family. When they go out they carry their books or other reading material and their dog buddy. Sometimes they travel to a new place and sometimes to the same place as last time. They laugh, talk, play, eat and most importantly spend time making memories and not waste while capturing them from a perfect angle. 

By the evening they drive back to their place. The father tucks the little fellow in the bed and they themselves go off to sleep prepared for the next six tiresome days. On the first floor the little fellow dozes off to sleep wishing the next Gadget Free Sunday comes sooner than the this one did.

In this new age we are missing out on making memories and busy capturing them. We should make time for our loved ones and set our priorities right.

May You Find Time For A Gadget Free Sunday.