विदाई

ज़िक्र ना करो उसकी बेवफ़ाई का,
पानी भी ले गया वो तराई का,

पल पल जलते रहे याद में हम,
एक आँसू ना बहा उससे जुदाई का,

निकाल फेका मक्खी की तरह उसने,
जो बनाते थे कभी स्तंभ चारपाई का,
 
वादें किए ज़ालिम ने सैकड़ो हज़ार,
हल्का सा डर भी ना था खुदाई का,

ज़िंदगी बाँटने चले थे हम प्यार में,
एक पल भी ना जिया अंगड़ाई का, 

इस कदर सॉफ किया था सपनो से,
इनाम मिल रहा हो जैसे सफाई का,   

घुट घुट कर मर रहे थे हम 'साकी',
हुस्न मना रहा था जश्न विदाई का ||

सपने तेरे वो लाई

चाँद चढ़े देखा जो तुझको,
नींद मुझे ना फिर आई,
रात मुझे जब भी छू गुज़री,
सपने तेरे वो लाई,

क्या सूरज, क्या आसमान था,
कैसे सुंदरता पाई,
भीषण गर्मी सहलाने को,
सपने तेरे वो लाई, 

भूल चुका था, समय रुका था,
हैरानी संग संग आई,  
पल पल नोचे सत्य मुझे पर,
सपने तेरे वो लाई, 

पूछूँ खुद से मैं ये पल पल,
क्यूँ तूने ली अंगड़ाई,   
सुबह के हर एक जगते पल मे,
सपने तेरे वो लाई,

होश नही था, दोष नही था,
जब धीरे से मुस्काई,
होंठो के बस हाव भाव से,
सपने तेरे वो लाई,  

दर्द निकट था, समय विकट था,
याद तेरी जब लहराई,
लाखो खंज़र सह डाले जब,
सपने तेरे वो लाई,       

दिल भी रोया, मैं भी रोया, 
तूने की जो रुसवाई,   
लेकिन फिर भी रोज़ रात को,
सपने तेरे वो लाई,   

आँखे दुर्लभ, साँसें दुर्लभ,
स्वर संगति यूँ पाई,
कर्कशता के बाग मे लाकर,
सपने तेरे वो लाई,

साँसे डूबी, बातें डूबी,
कब्र ही बस राहत लाई,
जीवन की सब अंतिम रातें,   
सपने तेरे वो लाई |     


   

टूट चुका हूँ

टूट चुका हूँ मन से मैं,
ना तन का बोझ सहा जाए,
जब भी आस लगाई मैने,
केवल अंधेरे पाए,

अपनो ने तोड़ा मुझको,
जीवन बचपन से रूठा है,
खून भी ना छोड़ा सबने,
कुछ ऐसा मुझको लूटा है,

बस्ती है ये तन्हाई की,
जीने की आस यहाँ किसको,
है नर्क से भी बत्तर ये युग,
कहते है कलयुग हम जिसको,

यहाँ मोल नही कुछ इन्सा का,
बस कष्ट ही मिलते है हर पल,
प्यार ही करता है निश्चित,
अब कैसे तू यहाँ पल पल जल,

और नही तड़पना मुझको,
कुछ पल का आराम तो दे,
हे भगवन!, धरती के बदले,
चाहे नर्क का धाम तू दे |    

तन्हा सपना

चल चला चल, तू अकेले,,
अपने ना यहाँ तेरे है,
सूरज ना जलता है अब,
सपने यहाँ अंधेरे है,

साथ तेरा जो कोई देदे,
बदले में माँगे वो जान,
खुद के सपने पाए जो,
पाएगा तू बस अपमान,

हर कोई समझाएगा अब,
क्यों होते सपने, सपने,  
पर जो एक पल तुझको देदे,
समझ तू उन सब को अपने, 

अंधो की बस्ती है अब ये,
पैसा केवल दिखे महान,
साथ तेरे सपनो का तू रख,
पैसा ही बस है विद्वान,

मेहनत जो धन को पा जाए,
केवल वो मेहनत कहलाए,
लाख घिसो तुम पल पल प्यारे,
तन्हा सपने रह जायें | 
 

रोती किताब

 

हाल पे किसके रोए वो,

जो बेचे या जो बिक जायें,
कहती है धन्यवाद उन्हे,
लिख लिख जो आधे हो जायें,

है दिखती जो अब नन्ही सी,
क्या बोलेगी इस दुनिया को,
पाकर अमृत भी देवो ने,
आख़िर ना देखा मुनिया को,

खुद को रंगते रंगते जालिम,
ऐसे बदले कुछ रंग उनके,
जिसको जन्म दिया था कल,
तोड़े सारे सपने उसके,

अब अंधेरो मे रहती है,
मालिक को देखे सोने में,
जिसने जीवन फिर लहराया,
अब फेका उसको कोने में, 

किसको बोले दिल की बाते,
जिसने पाया वो मुस्काया,
इंसान रहा फिर भी इन्सा,
खुद से आगे ना बढ़ पाया |

We are together

I was just back from the office and I saw my father getting ready. I was a bit down because of an argument with my boss and I was really feeling disgusting. I was constantly thinking of leaving that job during my way back to home. As soon as I entered my house I saw my father getting ready.

“What happened?” I asked.

“Today is surprise party so get ready, we are going out in 10 minutes”, He said with a smile.

“We all?” I said in surprise.

“Yes, all of us” He said and I went to my room.

I was thinking of staying back as my mood was out. I just wanted to sleep and think about the problem. I decided to say no to him.

“What? No way, you have to. We will come back early don’t worry” He said and I again went inside.

In the next fifteen minutes we reached that place where we were supposed to enjoy our dinner.

“Surprise” Few voices came from behind.

“Oh my god all of you?” I looked at them and laughed.

“Yes, we all were invited” They said in chorus.

I looked at my father and he smiled.

We had our lunch and then we were set to play lots of games in the mall. My father was also enjoying. I asked him after the lunch whether he had money and he replied that he only had 100 Rs left. I checked my purse and had 200 Rs. We were 8 players ready to play. I thought we would play one or two games and then we will go back. In the midst of all these fun events I have also forgotten all those tensions about my office and was feeling fresh.

After playing for half an hour one of my cousin came to me.

“Brother, we have to take extra coins. I want to play more” My cousin said, looking at me.

“I don’t have money. I don’t have my ATM card also” I said, looking at my purse.

“Oh, it’s ok, you can still play for one more day” My father laughed from behind and gave his credit card.

“But you didn’t bring your credit card. You only had cash” I asked my father in awe, as we both got ready together to this venue and I saw what he was taking with him.

“He went back home and bought his card” A cousin of mine said and he hugged my father.

The happiness was beaming from the face of my father. I didn’t notice, but my father was standing nearby us and he overheard our conversation. He also was out of cash, but he also had a card at home. He went outside the mall all the way, just to get enough cash. It took half an hour, but he didn’t think for a minute.

We played games for another hour and then all of my cousins went back to their respective houses.

While coming back  I asked my father.

“Why you went back, we could have played less”

“It’s not about money my dear child, it was about the happy faces.” He said.

“But we would have also been happier if we would have played only for half an hour” I said

“I bet you all wouldn’t have been ” He said and smiled.

We reached our home and I went to my room. As soon as I realized its time to sleep again, those thoughts of resignation or facing that boss came across my mind. But I realized during todays event that how a person can go to an extent for what he want or for the person he love. Somewhere in the thought of earning money we forget that our main aim is to live happy and that’s how we have to choose our job or that’s how we should perform there.

While I was thinking about all these things my father came to me.

“Is there any problem” He said looking at my face.

“Not at all, I am just feeling sleepy” I tried to avoid my problem.

“Oh, it’s ok, I thought you were in tension. I just came here to say that we believe in you and we are with you in every situation. The money will come and go, but we will be together for every situation and will fight every situation together. So don’t worry too much about anything. Just give your best and accept the result in your life, as you do while playing. We are together” He said and hugged me.

As he left the room, I smiled. I was feeling very light. I had actually started feeling as if I had no problem at all. I ran to his room and told him everything that was bothering me. But this time I was just narrating him like a story because of my father’s action (bringing money to see us playing) and his words without even knowing the problem I had. I told him how he gave me strength. My mother was smiling looking at me sharing my problem. We started having a lovely time together for the next hour.

I went to my room at 12 and was relaxed. I knew the next day I had to face that same boss and that same office, but now I was a new person with respect to my thoughts. A person with positivity. I thanked god for giving me such family and I thanked my family for being around. I understood how a family living together can become each other’s strength. I closed my eyes and slept to wake up to a fresh morning.

https://housing.com/

Surprise ( A Short Story)

“What can you do?’, Rob asked.

“I can dance”, Ram said.

‘Show me how’, He said

‘Are you a judge or a contest organizer?’, Ram said in irritation.

‘Oh, so sit here and preach”, Rob said and left that place.

The library was packed with students. It might be surprising for parents, but for students it was exam time. Examination is the only time when a student goes to the library, not to revise anything but to find a book they have to read to pass the examination. But alas, few unlucky students yet discuss about their passion, of course, not study. Rob was not so irritating from childhood, but as he joined high school he saw a different atmosphere. School is for the growth of a child. It is a place where a flower blossom and spread its fragrance around the world. A school is like a coveted sky in need of stars to shine and show the path for others to follow. But then it is all in the books. A good fiction book or, of course, what else but poetry.  

As soon as students and teachers around rob found out the passion of photography inside him they like to tease him with a few of their dialogues like – ‘Do come to my marriage and click a photo’ or; Click my photo and when I will become a model I will keep you in my team’ and many more. Most teachers will taunt him with their harsh words like – ‘First study history and then only you will be a photographer’. With so much of negativity around, he had become a rebel. Not a positive rebel, but a rebel who opposes because he has to.

“Hey look Mr. Photographer is here”, a voice crossed Rob’s ears.

“Stop this” He pleaded.

“Oh Mr. Photographer is depressed today”, another voice came from the mob and everybody laughed.

“Stop this I said”, Rob said with furious eyes and picked up a stone.

Everybody laughed and went to the other side. Rob threw the stone in the water and he saw his mother on the other side of the road. She was watching him and looked furious.

“What were you doing?” Rob’s mother inquired.

“They were bullying me”, Rob said in a low voice.

“What? You have not done anything as of now what they would bully you for?” Rob’s mother said.

“For my dreams”, Rob said.

“I also don’t believe in your dream, so will you throw stones at me too?” She screamed.

“No, Mamma”, Rob said.

“So concentrate on studies and do something. You can click photograph in your leisure time, but stop drowning in this mad world. This will not bring you anything.”, she said, and tears started falling down.

No child ever wanted to see his mother cry because of him and so he hugged his mother and said,” I will study for sure”.

His mother smiled and they both had their dinner with the family.

For the next eight years he hasn’t even thought about photography. He started thinking that photography was the reason of bullying and so he should stop thinking about it. He was so convinced in his thoughts that he actually started making a different aim. He graduated from a good financial institution and started earning handsome amount of money. His family was very happy and proud of their child. But somewhere something was missing inside him. He was not enjoying his life, he was not smiling freely. May be he started believing that this is the way life goes. No one ever understood the reason of this.

“We are going on a trip”, Rob’s mother said.

“I have a lot of work in my office, you can continue with your plan”, Rob said.

“No you will also join us for this”, She insisted.

“Ok, as you wish”, Rob said and left the room.

They went to UK for 4 days. UK means Uttrakhand, a place in India.

“Mumma why this place?” Rob started out of the taxi and said.

“This is such a beautiful place”, she smiled.

“Not for me”, Rob said and started listing to his mp3 player.

The taxi was crossing the squeezed road. The mountains were standing with the proud, signifying a legacy. A legacy they are known for challenging every human being. All human beings can’t fight with those natural body builders, but those who can know and respect them. Rob was sitting inside the taxi and looking outside. The green pasture was attracting him to touch them. The Zig Zag roads were like an amusement park ride. He could observe the carving on the walls on his left. The taxi was fighting for the race against the natural speed breaker.

The window was closed as they were travelling in an air conditioning taxi. Rob was listening to music and looking outside. The sun was dancing on their head, a little afraid of black enemies, he can sense at a distance. Rob’s father looked at the sky and smiled.

“Switch off the AC”, He said to the driver and he switched off the AC.

“Hey dad why are you switching off the AC” Rob asked surprisingly and took off his headphones.

“To enjoy the natural AC”, He said and smiled.

“What?” Rob was unable to understand the hidden meaning.

“Let my son enjoy the AC”, Rob’s mother said patting Rob.

 “Yes, Momma, you are right”, Rob said and again put on his headphones.

 “Ok, as you wish” Rob’s father said.

As he was about to switch on the switch of AC, he saw in the mirror. He smiled and stopped. Rob’s mother was not able to understand this and she saw Rob.

The window panes were on from last 2 minutes and the wind was hugging Rob like a good old friend. The wind coming from the mountains was instigating a smile on his face. They both saw him smiling after a long time. Rob looked towards the sky and he can see black clouds hovering around. The temperature had gone down and a chill was evident from the wind. Rob was smiling. In the next half an hour they reached their destination.

“Not bad”, Rob said, looking at his dad.

“This is just the beginning”, he said, and both of them smiled.

“Look, we will go back in 2 days and then will go to Agra”, Rob’s mother said.

“We will decide after 2 days”, Rob’s father said.

“But why are we here?” Rob said.

“Just for spending some time”, Rob’s father said

“Your father enjoys this atmosphere. I don’t understand why?” She intervened.

“Really?” Rob smiled.

“Without a doubt”, Rob’s father said with a smile.

“And we have a surprise for you too”, He said.

“What surprise” Rob was puzzled. He looked towards his mother and his mother also smiled.

“We are going to see that surprise” She said.

“What?” Rob was surprised.

“Yes so get ready in half an hour”, Rob’s father said and they started settling into their rooms.

After an hour they started their walk from their place to the required destination. While climbing up and down through the mountains they could see the clouds so close to them as if they were in the heaven.

“Where are we going” Rob again asked

“Ha ha innocent guy. He didn’t even know that he is about to get axed for life.” Rob’s father laughed

“Stop joking”, Rob’s mother said to him.

“What is all this” As Rob completed his sentence he saw his parents looking towards a gate.

They knocked the door. The door opened and all of them greeted each other. Only after 10 minutes Rob understood that his parents were there to meet the friends. They were neighbors 10 years ago for 6 to 8 years.

“So you told little guy”, the Uncle said to Rob’s father.

“No, he is still in dreamland”, Rob’s father said and everyone laughed.

“Don’t worry, same with me” Uncle said and both of them laughed.  

“What is this all about”, Rob asked with a big question mark in his face. 

“Son, this is about your marriage” Uncle said and in an instant he understood the whole conspiracy.

“On no, why this”, Rob said with his hands on his head.

“You have no choice but to go through this process”, all of them laughed and saw Tina standing equally stunned on the other side of the gate.

“So young boy and girl you can take your time and talk to each other outside or where ever you want to be” Rob’s father said.

Tina and Rob looked at each other and they were both puzzled. They wanted to revolt but they respected their parents and so they decided to go outside for some time. They both walked a fair amount of distance without talking to each other and reached a place where they can sit.

“What is this?” Rob suddenly exploded while talking to himself.

“Exactly, they should have at least asked once” Tina was equally furious.

“I am not talking to you” Rob said, looking at Tina with anger.

“Excuse me, Mr Whatever, I am also not talking to you,” Tina said and sat at a distance from Rob.

Suddenly rain started pouring heavily. They both ran and stood under a big shed. While they were sitting they got a call from their parents regarding their well being.

“Yes, I am fine” They both said.

After 3 minutes Tina finally said to Rob

“We will say our parents no. I don’t want to marry now”

“Yes, even I don’t want to marry.” Rob said and sighed at that thought.

“It’s ok, we can deny” She said.

“Okay, thanks” Rob said to Tina.

“It’s ok, even I don’t want to marry so no need to say thank you” Tina said.

“Oh yes, great” Rob said.

“You have been living here since birth?” Rob asked.

“Do I look like a girl living here since ages” Tina said in anger.

“I just asked, looking at your dress. In city girls wear jeans, T shirt and many stylish dresses, but not suit.” He said.

“Excuse me, I also live in the city and girl wear whatever they like. They wear all types of dresses.” Tina said

Rob sighed again and turned towards the falling rain. He stood close to pouring rain. He could sense that chill of natural beauty. The rain falling from the sky and wind carrying it to his face was instigating the smile. He was smiling and looking towards the rain. He never felt so close to nature. While smiling, he turned and saw Tina busy in taking selfies.

“What? Selfie?” Rob laughed.

“Mah phone, Mah choice, do you have any problem?”, Tina said.

“No problem. If you need help then I can click your photos from your phone”, Rob said sarcastically.

“I don’t need help but you can fulfill your wish” Tina said and gave her phone to Rob.

Rob clicked a few of her photos and then he clicked a few photos of rain from his mobile. In the next 10 minutes, the intensity of rain decreased. Now it was drizzling and Tina ran out to enjoy. Rob was clicking the photos and accidently he clicked one photo of Tina.

“Hey, I accidently clicked a photo of you. You want that or should I delete this.” Rob asked Tina.

“Sure, give it to me. Whatever mine is mine, no one can do anything with that without my consent” Tina said and took her photo through Bluetooth function.  

As they were walking they saw a crew clicking photos and enjoying the drizzle. One of them came to Rob asking to click a group photo.

“Yeah, sure” Rob said and clicked a photo.

He suddenly saw a rainbow in the sky and he clicked the photo of that scene from that high resolution camera.

“I think we should go Mr Photographer” Tina said sarcastically.

“Sure, let’s go” He said.

“You are a photographer?” She asked.

“No. Why are you asking this” Rob said while walking.

“Then why are you clicking the photo of that crew. You know they were professional photographers” Tina said.

“So what, I am not going to meet them soon”, Rob laughed.

“Their good luck” Tina said and they both laughed.  

As they reached home they saw that Rob’s mother and father were ready to go. They both were puzzled as they thought they will have to again answer the question they don’t want to face. But to their surprise nobody asked them any question.

“What was the joke”, Rob said to his father while going back.

“Which joke?” He said.

“I thought we were here for my marriage” Rob said.

“Who told you this?” Rob’s mother was surprised.

“You said we are only going to  slay you. Surely you will not kill me, but the only way to do it is to tie a knot” Rob said.

“Do you think I was slain years ago?” Rob’s father said and everyone laughed out loud.

“But why you called them without asking me” Tina said irritatingly to her father.

 “Excuse me my dear girl, he is my friend and I just called my friend to my place. Is there any problem with this?” He said.

“No, but why you send that guy ” She said.

“Because we knew that you both will get bored by our age old talks and so we just told both of you to talk” He said.

“Oh really? I thought it was about marriage” She said.

“Oh my little princess is thinking about marriage now” He said as if teasing her.

“No, Dad” Tina shied away and went to her room.

“Don’t you think we will ask you before even thinking about your marriage?” Rob’s mother said.

“Oh, thank god” Rob said and looked outside.

The sun was on the other hemisphere of earth and on this hemisphere star were twinkling in the sky. The moon was spreading his love on this hemisphere and that soothing atmosphere was getting inside him.

Next day they again went outside and enjoyed the greenery, mountains and that side of nature. While coming back Rob started thinking about his trip and realized that he actually clicked photos after a long time. But as he was relishing the memory in his mind took him back towards his teenage and he started haunting him of the bullying. He instantly put his headphones and started listening to music.

After six months Rob got a call.

“Hey Rob how are you” A voice came from the other side.

“Hey I am good Jose”, Rob said. He was his school friend.

“Congrats buddy”, Jose said.

“What happened?” Rob was again surprised.

“You won a cash prize of 1 lakh and a trip to Dubai for 2 days”, He said.

“What a joke?”, Rob was taken aback.

“Open your Facebook account” Jose said.

“Which account? Oh yes, that account which I opened a few years back and got bored.” Rob said slowly.

“Yes, that one” Jose said and disconnected the phone.

Rob logged in and was surprised to see 100 friend requests and various messages.

“What the hell”, Rob was surprised at this as he rarely logged in and had only 50 friends or so.

While scrolling his profile he saw 2 photos in which he was tagged in. While he was still in a fix to understand things, he again got a call from his friend.

“Dude, you saw that?” Jose said.

“I am not getting it. I never participated in any contest” Rob said surprisingly.

“Look at those photos clearly” Jose said.

He again started reading that tagged post and started remembering as if he was missing something.

“Oh my god, this is Tina?” He suddenly remembered her and then he saw next photo.

“Oh my god, this photo I clicked” He was surprised to see that photo of a rainbow. He saw that they were a part of a contest and both of it won the 1^st place. The person who clicked the photo of Tina was her friend. He tried to ask tine about Rob but she also had no idea and so he had no option but to wait for you. He said that he loved the photo you clicked and that’s why he entered it into the competition.

“But how he got my name?” Rob asked him.

“He asked Tina and Tina asked her father after telling him and they tagged you 2 days before” Jose said.

“Okay” Rob said and after 5 minutes he put the phone down.

Rob didn’t know what to feel for the next half an hour he was still looking at that post and prize money. He had left this few years back. He didn’t want to face that turmoil again. He sighed again and signed out of his account. His eyes were wet, but he knew he was right. He remembered the words of his mother. He knew he had to earn money and live a good life away from this monster called bullying.

 He turned around and saw his father standing with a smile.

“Congrats son” He said.

“For what?” Rob said.

“For this”, He said and gave a packet to Rob.

Rob was surprised. He took that packed and opened it.

“Oh No, not for me”, the tears now started rolling down.

It was a Nixon camera for advanced photographers.

“Yes only for you” Rob’s father said and hugged him.

While Rob was still hugging his father, he saw his mother coming in. She also hugged the hugging duo of father and son.

As he came to his normal senses and washed his face, he looked at his father again.

“No more surprises dad” He said with a smile.   

 “This was a surprise for me too” Rob’s father laughed and they went to their drawing room.

“Congrats Mr Photographer” Uncle said and patted his shoulder.

“Congrats Rob” Tina and her mother said in chorus.

 “Thank you so much” Rob said with a smile.

“So now you both young boy and girl can go and talk anywhere” Rob’s father said and everyone laughed.

Both of them went towards the terrace and sat on the chairs.

“So how are you Mr Photographer”, Tina said.

“I am not a photographer, I only clicked photos for 6 years and then I left” Rob said.

“Why?” Tina was surprised as she thought Rob was clicking photos since long.

“Because of me” A voice broke from behind.

As they both looked towards that voice they saw Rob’s mother coming towards them with some sweets.

“Really, aunty?” Tina was surprised.

Rob didn’t say anything as that whole episode again started flashing in his mind.

“Yes, I told him to start concentrating on his studies instead. But when your uncle came to know about it, he got angry and was about to discuss about this with him. I stopped him as we were financially not stable and even Rob would have needed a good amount to pursue his passion. We decided that as soon as we will become financially stable, we will grant him his wish”, Rob’s mother sighed looking at the Tina.

“It is ok aunty”, Tina could see tears in her eyes.  

“And that’s why we bought this gift for him and to our surprise we got this news of his winning this competition.” Rob’s father came from behind.

While Rob was surprised at these continuous events of impossible possibilities according to him, he was still confused about one thing.

“Dad, but what about that bully thing. You said I was bullied due to photography and now you want to gift me that same thing”, He asked his father.

“I know your soul, my son. I saw your photos back then and realized that it was not just anything. Apart from what we told you earlier about financial things we want you to be strong enough”, He said.

“Strong? To fight for whom?” Rob asked.

“Everyone has to fight with all those who bully a passionate person. There are enough people in this world those who can’t stand people different from themselves. Passionate people find happiness in their passion and that passion radiates in their personality. Even if such people don’t speak anything to others their passion speaks a lot and makes a few people irritated. So a passionate should learn to deal with all these persons. And I am sure you have that endurance now”, Rob’s father said looking at perplexed Rob.

“Uncle, I thought you left both of us to talk to each other, but now you are not giving me a chance to talk”, Tina said like a child.

“Hey you, how dare you not allowing my little princess talk to a person she like”, a voice came from behind.

“Oh no Dad, when I said I like him?” Tina shied again.

“Do you mean my son is so bad?” Rob’s mother said.

“No aunty I didn’t mean to say this” Tina was puzzled at this situation.

“Everyone present in that room laughed except Tina.

“How dare you laugh at me” Tina said, looking at Rob.

“Oh, let them fight alone, we shall sit in the next room” Rob’s father said and they left the room.

“By the way I only came to say thank you,” Tina said looking at Rob.

“What have I done now” It seemed as if Rob was fed up of surprises.

“You clicked my photo that day and I love that photo including the rain, me and that beautiful atmosphere around me. It gave me a new fresh perspective towards me” She showed him that photo.

“Oh, thank you for your appreciation?” Rob said with a smile.

Rob was still in his own world where he was not able to believe that what has happened in last 2 days. He was feeling light now. No broken pieces and no sadness. He never believed in destiny, but today he was spellbound. Today he was forced to believe in that. He looked towards the sky and he saw clouds hovering around with wind flowing. That camera was still in his hands. He smiled, looked at Tina and said “Can I click a photo of you?”  

Tina laughed and started giving a pose.

इकरार हुआ

गुलांब को चूमते चूमते,

सवेरा हो गया,
जो मौज़ूद था वहाँ,
सब तेरा हो गया,

काली घटाओ में डूबा,
असमंजस से पार हुआ,
चाँद की चाँदनी से,
रोशन संसार हुआ,

मदहोश सांसो की चुभन,
जगा जाती थी,
आग भीगे जिस्म मे,
लगा जाती थी,

बाहों से लगाया मैने,
अपने संसार को,
खुदा भी रोक ना पाया,
खिलती बहार को,

मुस्कुराहटे जी थी मैने,
जब दीदार हुआ,
हैरान था उस रात,
जब इकरार हुआ |

Belief

I could feel the pain running through my eyes. But no one else could figure it out. Everyone was busy running around & saving their bodies from rain. I was still sitting on the bench and the every continuous rain was trying to wake me up. The rain was trying to wake me up from the dream. It was a dream which was on the verge of breaking. My fear was multiplying and my eyes were drowned in the sea of negativity. I decided to end it all now. No more pain, no more indecisiveness and no more tears. I looked around and saw a child playing freely and my incessant tears continued.

*********************************************************************

“I want to fly high” I said with a smile.

“Fly? Do you even know how to walk in life” My mother said.

“I will, directly, learn to fly” I said and laughed.

“Really? We will see.” My mother said and went off.

We both were fighting over my improbable future. I wanted to become a writer and my parents wanted me to do a 9 to 5 job and earn money. It was so normal to them that they never ever talk to me regarding anything else. They used to tell me that people do the job, take a loan and repay them in order to live happily. I mostly counter them by saying “A loan can never give happiness”. They had already termed me as a “Foolish person”.

I was about to complete my college and was all set to, choose my career as a writer. I knew that initially I would not be able to generate money, but was confident to grow as a writer with few years of time. I was sure that if I would do what I ever wanted to do, I will surely not face the monetary problems. It was all about the transition phase. I was confident that my parents and all those who loved me will be with me in this decision.

But destiny had its own say.

“I am going to become a writer” I told them on completion of my Masters.

“What? How many more years you required?” My mother said.

“I am sure within 1 or 2 years I will be able to do good” I said with confidence.

“1 or 2 years? That’s why you spent money on the Masters and that too in business?” My mother was shocked.

“Yes, only while doing my masters I realized that I am good at it. I have written since my school days and now I wanted to take it professionally” I said.

“No, you will not get enough money. We have already invested a lot in you. First give us back that money” My mother said.

“What? Investment? I am not a bank account” I said in amazement.

“No, you have to do a job and while doing the job you can do anything and that’s final” My mother said and closed the door in haste and anger.

I looked at her and it was evident from her anger that she was not in a mood to listen. I went off to my room and sat on a chair. I was quite disturbed at what happened today. I closed my eyes in hopes of a dream. But it was all real.

********************************************  

“When will you learn to learn” My boss shouted at me.

“..” I was standing quietly.

“Do you ever understand that we are paying you the salary and we need output from you” My boss was fuming.

“Yes Sir, I understand,” I was quite dull and slow.

“I don’t know, do whatever you want to and bring out results otherwise I have to take some harsh decision” My boss said and went off.

I came out of the conference room and went out of my office. My mind was starting to become numb. I was feeling as if I was just dragging myself to live. I was still writing, but all after the office hours. With my mind divided in 2 things, I was unable to take a feel of completeness of one thing. Even as of now I was all ready to take writing as my career.

“I want to give up my job,” I said to my father.

“What? No son, you should not.” My father replied.

“I am not able to concentrate on the job due to it” I tried to tell him the truth.

“So then leave your writing for some years. Writing is not so important. You can write after retirement also” My father tried to teach me the truth.

I was a bit shocked. For me, writing has become an integral part of my life and when someone tries to show the importance of it according to them, it hurts a lot. When my father told me that, I understood that they will never let me what I wanted to do.

“Money is more important in life. You will understand it afterwards and then there will be no time” He told me.

“Money? I will also have money through writing. I will only have to invest my few years” I again tried to tell him.

“What is the guarantee that you will start earning money with this? There is no surety. So do a job and earn money. While doing a job you can write also. Learn to be on the safer side.” He said and went off.

I was all dejected and out of my mind,. I told them everything I could, but they were not in a position to understand my side. They termed my ambitions and goal of writing as an immature decision. They even said that one day I will have to regret about this. They were clear that they are by no means allowing me to follow writing as full time.

In shear dejection I went out of my room. I started walking and my eyes were all wet. I loved my parents and used to think that they are best ever person alive in the earth. I looked at the sky and it started raining. Within few seconds the rain became heavy. I was still walking slowly. Everyone around me was in haste. I looked around and saw a bench.

I could feel the pain running through my eyes. But no one else could figure it out. Everyone was busy running around & saving their bodies from rain. I was still sitting on the bench and the every continuous rain was trying to wake me up. The rain was trying to wake me up from the dream. It was a dream which was on the verge of breaking. My fear was multiplying and my eyes were drowned in the sea of negativity. I decided to end it all now. No more pain, no more indecisiveness and no more tears. I looked around and saw a child playing freely and my incessant tears continued. I looked at the child and his smile. He was looking all free and fresh. He was enjoying every single moment and spreading smiles with his.

I stood up and started walking with all dejected thoughts. I saw a school of disable children. I was amazed looking at them. They all were enjoying the rain with each other. They were smiling and dancing. I saw on my left and someone was carrying a big glass. I saw my image in it. I was all sad and dejected. All contrast to them.

“What I didn’t have” I asked to self.

I again saw towards those children. I was all superior to them with respect to physicality, but was nowhere near to them in living my life to the fullest. Those children left me in awe. It left me with a stark contrast of life.

“Am I too weak for the situation around me” I again tried to find the answer.

 

“No, I will not fall apart” I said to myself while wiping my tears off.

“I will show them that what they think is wrong” I was in a mood of revenge.

As I stood and began to move I saw a museum. I don’t know, but there was something that was trying to force me to enter inside it. The name of the museum was – “The greatest Visionary”

I went inside the museum and started walking around. There were numerous heroes of their times. From the freedom fighter to the golden writers, they were from every corner of the world. Suddenly I was all surprised and inspired by it. I continued looking at their photos and I saw bookshelves. It was all filled with their autobiographies and stories. It was the time when I started reading them.

“Trin Trin” My mobile rang.

“Where are you” My mother inquired.

“I am in the museum” I told her.

“Ok. I was just worried about you. It is raining heavily for the past 6 hours” My mother said.

“Yes, I am fine,” I said and disconnected the phone.

I came out of the museum and looked at the sky. There was sheer darkness due to clouds. It was raining heavily but I was feeling light. I was not at all irritated or dejected now. I started walking in the rain and there were few children playing football. I started playing with them and enjoyed my time a lot. After finishing the game I realized that I have learned few important things while reading those things. As I was coming towards my home, I heard a voice.

“Oh Robin,” I said.

“You are looking so fresh” He said.

“Really?” I laughed    

“I saw you walking off few hours back in a heavy mood” He said.

“Oh, that was just overflowing emotion. Forget those moments.” I said with a smile.

I started walking towards my home again. I have read about all those great souls, their lives, their misery and their determination. I was awestruck at the situations they faced and yet came out of them. I have learned a thing called “Determination” and promised myself to rise. I promised self to stick to my passion. I learned the lesson of humility. I learned to give respect to the people and to your goals. I recalled how the attitudes bring a talented personality down to the ground. I realized the importance of overall growth. That museum taught me few very major things which were surely going to impact my life in a very positive way. I started to feel lucky about so many things that I posses which I was overlooking when I was dejected. In dejection we forget to respect the positivity in us. We stop giving importance to the things that we admire earlier. We should come out of negativity. I promised myself to live, no matter what happens. As I was walking, suddenly I met someone.

“You are DV right?” He said.

“”Yes, I am,” I said.

“I like your poems” He said

“Really?” I was a bit surprised.

“Yes, I am in the same group as you are in” He said and we started talking about writing.

While talking to him I started to understand new facets of writings and started to think beyond my problems. It gave me a new freshness and a feel of living my passion. I started understanding the real meaning of passion and about following that passion. Last 6 hrs had given a lot to think about and to follow. I was more confident and determined with all negativities disappearing from my thoughts.

I entered my house and my mom said.

“Tomorrow you have to go to the job”

“Yes, surely I will,” I said with a smile. There was no anger and no disappointment.

I knew exactly - what and how I have to do things to set it right. I have gained a lot of positivity. I went inside the room and closed the door. I started my laptop and connected to the internet. I started searching more and more positivity to create the history. 

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