An Ode to the Neighbor

Upon my parents' relocation to their current residence two decades ago, they were warmly greeted by the neighbor. Tragically, his wife fell ill within a few months and eventually passed away. Following his wife's demise, he, a widower, distanced himself from our entire community. For the past 21 years, he lived alone, typically maintaining solitude. His interactions were primarily limited to the essential vendors—those providing milk, newspapers, and food supplies.

He had a routine of rising at 4 am, taking a morning stroll, consciously avoiding encounters with fellow residents in the colony. To ensure minimal social interactions, he preferred going shopping around noon. By 8 pm, he would retire for the night, dozing off into a peaceful slumber. While his wife was alive both of them used to interact with my parents. However, following her passing, he started avoiding any interaction with them.

Whenever his son had the opportunity, he would visit him. According to what we learned from the son, his father chose not to move in with him. Additionally, he had completely severed ties with his wife's relatives as well. On two occasions, his son reached out to us on our landline when his father didn't respond to his calls. When my parents checked on him, he barely expressed gratitude and instead ended the conversation with a brief "hmm." However, I was truly impressed by him as he lived his life adhering to a routine, in his own unique way, and must have found happiness in his own world.

Recently, as I accompanied my dad to the hospital, I observed him sitting on his balcony, providing instructions to the painter working on the gate. The following day, I hurried back with my mother to gather more belongings for the hospital since my dad had been admitted. Once again, he was on the balcony, giving instructions to the painter. That was the last time I saw him.

Upon our return, we noticed his gate was locked, assuming that the son had possibly taken his dad, as it happened occasionally. However, today, a neighbor hurried to our home after reading about his death in the newspaper, seeking additional information. As anticipated, none of us had his contact details, but after a few inquiries, we managed to reach the son. According to the son, his dad had passed away two days ago. Feeling unwell, the son had requested his cousin to take him to Kochi, where the son lived. Unfortunately, his dad passed away on the way.It dawned on us that it was the very same day when my dad was discharged, and we had returned from the hospital.

It must be acknowledged that he opted for a solitary life and passed away in solitude, without causing any trouble for anyone, including his son. He serves as an illustration of the idea that we enter and leave this world in solitude, with others merely acting as spectators, adding drama to our lives.  confess a sense of sorrow, knowing the 4 am glow of his bedroom lights and the sight of him reading the newspaper until the milk vendor arrived will be missed forever.

Even in silence, he made his presence felt.

What's in a name?

What's in a name? Many of us must have come across this question in our lives. Last few months, most of us would have discovered that everything is in our name. If the names on our Aadhar and PAN do not match, they cannot be linked. Going back to the scenario, I discovered the pain when I was trying to open an account at SBI. Thanks to the lady at the counter, my PAN and Aadhar have the same name, and so does my passport. There are other IDs where I need to get my name rectified. Yet another battle I need to fight.

Last year, I visited a bank to move my investments from another bank as it was closing its operation in India. The branch head was a soft-spoken guy who understood my concerns and was ready to help me. He got all the papers signed and asked me to relax. "It's all taken care of," he said with a smile. As it was the last month of the financial year, he expected me to do some investments to meet his target. I had to politely decline his "investment" proposals as I was taken for a ride by the other bank. Within a week, I saw opt-out happening from the previous bank and the investments appearing under my new bank. I was elated. Little did I know that the bank mandate was still linked to the old bank, which is no longer operational in India.

As I am sitting trying to figure out how to sort out this current mess, I wonder why we have this issue in the first place. If an educated person is struggling, what about the uneducated ones? The answer is straightforward, someone somewhere is not doing his job honestly. If a person at work cannot copy the name from the proof submitted for ID generation properly, is he fit for the job? Why does a person selling insurance, mutual funds etc never insist on providing a nominee? In an era where we talk about climate change and planting more trees, why do some institutions still insist on paperwork?

That day is not far away when one cannot withdraw one's money from the bank as the name does not match the ID. As someone told me recently
"If you really think, it is a matter of just changing an entry in a simple database table." But for bureaucracy, "it's my way or the highway."

Does Goodness Deserve Loyalty?

 

This question has been lingering in my mind for a long time. If I pose this question to anyone, the answer would be an obvious No. But, if I change the question and ask this if nicety is taken for granted or considered as someone's right, how do you respond?

Now, why am I asking this question? Well, I have a maid who has been working for nearly a decade. Unlike everyone else, she comes to my house only when I call her which is maybe once or twice a week. Understanding her situation back home, I ensured she gets paid the same amount as her other employers in whose house she goes every day without a break.

Even when I had moved abroad, I continued to pay her. Even during the lockdown, she lost her job almost everywhere but I continued. My whole thought process was that instead of helping any unknown person, I should help a person whom I know personally.

But here comes the problem, whenever she needs money and she asks me as if it is her right. I did help her financially on a couple of occasions without expecting her to pay back and at the end of the month, she still expected to be paid her full salary.  

What saddened me was that even if I had called her for work, she wouldn't turn up and I see her working for my neighbor where she doesn't have any such expectations.

This month I had similar incidents. One day she came home and asked me to reach out to my friends in the US and start a donation drive for her ailing mother. I just ignored her statement and she did her work and left.

A few days later, I called her for work, but she didn't turn up. Today, I saw her at my neighbor's house and asked her to come to work. She came and did a very half-hearted job.

The question popped up in my mind, I have been helping her but why is she taking me for granted? She is loyal to people who don't even exchange pleasantries with her.

 I am not a perfect human being, I have my shortcomings too. What do you think I need to do now?

Guns 'n' Roses

 

Thor, Love and Thunder soundtrack made me listen to Guns'n'Roses's Sweet child o' mine after a long time. It's one of my Liked songs on my Spotify list. More than the song it's the memory associated with
the song that made me look back to my younger days.

Immediately after my graduation, I got a job where I met an incredible bunch of people. It was my first time away from home but these people never let me miss home. Though we didn't speak the same language, there was lots of warmth and affection among us.

In this group, we had this insanely talented guy who had learned the strings all by himself. He was the musician in the group, playing and singing Western and Bollywood songs with ease. It was during those
times, the early 2000's we had the email boom, and this guy had his email ID as axlrose***@xyz.com. Any gettogether, he was ready with his guitar, singing songs so effortlessly. It was due to him, that I
explored Guns'n'Roses, Queen, etc to name a few

We were in touch till we worked for the same organization, then he left for higher education in the US. When I heard the soundtrack of Thor, I remembered him, his ever-smiling face, and all those good

Conjectures over Corona

Many have shared opinions on Corona, what to do, what not to do, whether to have lockdown or not over social media, newspapers, news channels, etc. Herd immunity, lockdown, many such jargons were thrown in. However, within the current population, no one has experienced such a pandemic before. The virus did bring the entire world to a standstill, and with all the lockdown in place, it still found its way, infecting anyone that came the way.  Plotting a chart, checking the patterns doesn't help, they are mere conjectures from scientists, epidemiologists, and purists.

The solution to containing the virus lies within each human being. However, has anyone ever been successful in analyzing human behavior? Everyone's thoughts ought to align and they should work in cohesion, an impossible feat to achieve. Till then, let the virus make us dance to its tunes.

Universe Conspiring Mane Story

This may sound absurd but it is a true story. I never had a fascination with long hair since childhood. The shorter, the better was always my myntra. My parents took it in their stride or they accepted me as a tomboy. All through my growing years, I had maintained my short hair look.

It was during my pre-university time, my grandmom visited us and decided to stay back for a few months. During that period, we found a long lost connection and all she requested was to see me in long hair. I budged. As she was around, it was not difficult to maintain my mane.

During my graduation and the first few years of my employment, I had hair till my shoulder. There were few relatives who thought I looked good with that look. Opinions matters during that stage. One fine day, I went ahead and shortened my mane. What triggered that action, I still have no explanation. That look stayed for a few years.

I succumbed to the pressure of elders as they thought no suitors will agree to my hairstyle.  Around the late 20s and early 30s, I got inspired by the straight hair look and went ahead and got my hair chemically treated.  That was the worst decision I had taken, not only it was a costly affair but also it damaged my hair.

My rebel soul woke up again and I went ahead to shorten my straightened locks. There was no looking back again. Many did tell me to be more feminine and to grow my hair but this time I was very determined.

I had shifted to the US and that stint really was a revelation. The female who is supposed to be the "man" in the lesbian community adorns such a hairstyle. I was approached by many females in clubs and pubs as they misread my hairstyle.

When I returned back to India, I had this deep desire to be this typical Indian girl in kurta pyjamas, bindi on her forehead, and neatly partitioned hair.  But I had become so used to my short hair and its hassle-free maintenance.

With the corona scare and the nation under complete lockdown, and no parlors opened, my hair has started growing. I feel that this is the way, the universe has conspired to get me what I wanted.

October Challenge

I need it as much as you want it
When I need you and you need me
We shall together do it together
Till then,
Don't misconstrue my silence
And force yourself on me!

#consent #intimacy

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Don't worry, say sorry
Convenient way to cover up for one's actions

#sorry

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If I were Ravan
I would never abduct Sita as I know what the outcome would be

#ravan #dussehra

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Friend "You look depressed. What is your problem?"
Me "Well, not having any problem is my problem."

#problem #kbc

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Beware and be aware, Karma can strike any time!

#karma #dussehra

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If I were a pilot
Though I will be always up in the air
I will remain grounded

#airforceday


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Your faith in yourself can change your fate!

#faith

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If you were paid for every word you spoke
You may end up being eloquent with your words
But, will you be elegant with your thoughts?

#paidforeveryword

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I chose to be happy
Instead of chasing it
And it made the difference

#choice #chase

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I am feeling so low, even getting high doesn't help

#low

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Eat + Exercise + Sleep = Good Health
If health is taken care of, rest will be a cakewalk!

#2019

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I am too raw for a RAW agent and it will be definitely a raw deal for them

#raw


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Seven

"You can do it tomorrow." said sloth with ease
"What is love without desire?" asked lust to tease
"If you are angry, let it out." said wrath with a frown
"You deserve more." stated greed with a moan
"You are different from the rest." said pride
"Why them and not me?" envy cried"
"You are never devoid of hunger." said gluttony
The sins leaving me in a state of mental agony

YourQuote Challenges

I am what I am
A little shade of white
A little shade of grey
Stay afar or hold me tight
Or bend a little my way!!

#whatami #stigma

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Things I don't say out loud
I say it through social media
Trolls, comments, I do it all
Under a dauntless disguise

#idontsay #socialmedia #coward

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Love, a feeling, so tender
Why restrict it based on gender?
Truth eventually wins
Against societal abstract sins!!

#section377

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I cleared all my exams
But I have failed in life!!

#exam #irony

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I'm inspired when
Nature breaks her forgiving trance
Succumbing her children in her hysterical dance
Teaching them not to take her for granted
As she has always taken in their filth unwanted

#aminspired #nature #naturaldisaster

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Mirror

Constantly reminds me "What is left in you may not be right for me. What is right for you may not be left in me. Tread your path in the right way with whatever is left"

#mirror #mirrortalk

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When I read
I unlearn whatever I have learnt
Getting a new perspective of things

#literacyday18

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A relative: I was about to call you. Where have you been? I missed you so much.
Me: Really? I received many missed calls. Was it you?

#whitelies #mycomeback

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3 things I want to change about myself

1) To listen to the head and not the heart, the former speaks from experience, the latter wants adventure
 2) To use the power of silence over words, the former is potential energy saved, the latter is kinetic energy wasted
3) To live my life my way, not by norms, the former gives me the steering,   the latter gives others the baton

#ichange

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She is a bundle of contradictions. Her confusions will lead her to her final destination

#pointofview

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She decoded Life to build a software called Happiness

#headlines

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Don't kill yourself
Why invite an unwanted guest called Death
When he will surely visit you uninvited later

#reasoonsilive

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Anger
Holding me tight in your clutch
Why you drain me so much?

#anger

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To the oppressors,
What are you trying to prove? What are you trying to claim?
Taking innocent lives is an act of cowardice, a matter of shame
Don't you think you are playing a futile game?

#totheoppressors

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I don't have enough
Strength to battle my solitude
Patience for unwarranted attitude
Time to work on my aptitude
Words to express gratitude

#notenough

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Patriotism is at its peak during a cricket match between India and Pakistan

#madeinindia

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That ring, so common, so familiar
Everyone checks if it's their phone
Every time the situation is quite similar
For every brand has its tone

#ring

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Dear Death,

This is a challenge, can you resist me?
I will celebrate when you visit me
You can do me no harm
You will be captivated by my charm

#deardeath

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Engineer
The word used as my job title
Whose description I haven't found yet

#engineer

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Even 32 teeth cannot stop a nonsensical tongue

#tongue

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Humor is his tool to diffuse any situation

#8wordreview

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We only say goodbye with words
As life is short, the world is small
A probability of meeting again is not zero

#backtoblack

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Democracy
A word used to describe our country
A freedom abused within our country

#democracyday

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If I were a ghost
I don't have to waste time to look good

#ghostlife

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It's sometimes good to put your foot down when you cannot put up with stupidity. Do not try hard to put a smile on someone's face by enduring it patiently

#put

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"Nobody's perfect" is the best way to console a baffled mind

#nobodyisperfect

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I am so lazy
I lost my battle against laziness
Even felt good about it!!!

#lazybum

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Just imagine
Together, you and me writing the chapters of our life
Growing up and growing old as husband and wife
For the last two decades, we did have a helluva ride
Can our friendship and trust handle the unforeseen tide?

#justimagine

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If you let the desires sway
It may lead you astray

#sway

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If I ever forget you
It implies, in my life, you were a cameo

#forgetyou

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I tried to solve the jigsaw puzzle called Peace
But I am unable to find the most critical piece
It's happiness!!!

#peace

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If I ruled the world
I may be haunted
For not fulfilling my vow
I may be taunted
For unnecessary row
So,
Why should I take up a thankless role?
When it was never been my ultimate goal!!!

#gameofthrones

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Note to self
Self-love is the greatest form of love. You will eventually find everything falling into place

#notetoself

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Get your hands dirty, try not to get caught
Wash your hands off whenever you are caught

#wash

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Dear Bully,

You can't scare me, for I know how to take the bull by the horns

Yours ...

#dearbully

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If I had a daughter
I will never ever clip her wings
Instead, will add more feathers for her to soar a lot higher

#deardaughter

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The best way to find yourself
Is to take time off from your busy schedule
And make trips around the world
Experience the facets that the universe provides
Good, bad, ugly ... Wild, tamed ... Have, have-nots

#gandhiquotes

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Why are women portrayed as an object of desire?
Why are women portrayed as an emotional wreck?
Why are women portrayed to be envious and scheming?
Why are women portrayed as incomplete without men?
Why are women portrayed as the one who sacrifices her life for her family?
Its high time women are perceived as they are with no preconceived notions and predetermined future!!!

#women

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Could have been
Should have been
Would have been
Early symptoms of self-pity

#been

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I wish I was Thanos who brought the population under control by snapping the fingers

#sillysuperpower

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I lost my inhibitions and I found new experiences

#allthingslost

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Dear students,

Learning is a continuous process. Books may just be facts, fiction or fantasy. The best book is life and the greatest teacher is time. So learn from your past, apply changes in the present for a remarkable future.

Yours...

#worldteachersday

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If I were an animal, I'd be
Following the rules of the jungle
Restoring the faith of Mother Nature
By nurturing, preserving & maintaining her ecosystem

#worldanimalday

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3rd October

I witnessed lots of old parents abandoned by their children at a temple corridor. Their children must be really thick skinned for this gruesome act. The love that the parents have towards their children and the children have towards their parents cannot be compared. Parents accept the children as they are for their love is almost unconditional

#parentslove

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Dear Heart,

Let me pour my heart out. I always took you for granted and you kept forgiving me. Not it's time to mend my ways and take care of you. Please support me wholeheartedly.

Yours

#worldheartday

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Wednesday Wisdom

Never react to situations or people, stay calm and just act

#wednesdaywisdom

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Dear Winter,

You are always cold toward me. You make me numb. Luckily, we don't cross paths quite often

#winteriscoming

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Where there is love
There are heartaches & heartbreaks!!

#gandhiquotes

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"I saw a dream about you."
"What was it about?"
"In my dream, I was dreaming about you."

#dreamchat

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Relationship Status

I am in a committed, complicated relationship with solitude! I want to be single but it's not letting me!

#relationshipstatus

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Dear daughter,

Never doubt yourself. Nothing can stop you. Go ahead and live your life to the fullest!!!

Yours...

#betibachao

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Don't give the privilege to anyone to create ripples of either ecstasy or misery in your heart

#ripples

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Teacher: You are late. You cannot enter the class. Tomorrow, bring your dad and meet me

Student: Ma'am, I am your student and not my dad

#worldteachersday

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In any relationship, if one needs to owe explanations for ones' actions, the relationship is not for keeps

#tuesdaymusing

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You got freedom from the British but you are still slaves to your dubious minds!!!

#gandhigiri

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Sabarimala Verdict

Woman in me is elated, believer in me is dejected!

#sabrimala

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If your eyes could speak, what would they say?

"My tears already spoke a thousand words, I have nothing more to add!!!"

#eyesspeak

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I can't explain how I feel when you asked me what I feel

#feel

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Sacrifice needs to be experienced and not explained

#sacrifice

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It's my choice
To listen to my inner voice
For any consequence that may arise
I & only I shall pay the price!!

#adulterylaw #section497

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Dear Ears,

You dutifully provide me balance, can you also balance out my life by filtering out the unwanted noise?

Yours...

#bodyparts

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Procrastination gives me hope that I will be alive tomorrow!!!

#givesmehope

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For me,
Tea is a necessity
Coffee is an indulgence

#tealover #coffeeday

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If I could travel the world
As one ends...A new one commences
Marking memories and moments as references

#tourismday

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A guide to get good sleep
Change your mattress and your pillow

#theguide

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He told me "Babe, in our relationship, love is unconditional!"
I wondered "His statement in itself is a condition. Irony!!!"

#condition

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I am no Sheldon Cooper that I need to worry about my spot. Bazinga

#myspot

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I want to write about my
Deepest fears
Darkest fantasies
Clandestine truths
Harmless lies
Endless pursuits
Undisclosed desires
Unlocked emotions

Wild themes from a tamed mind!!!

#ideabank

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If I were a pilot
Though I will be always up in the air
I will remain grounded

#airforceday

Science of Love

For a layman, love is all a mystery
But do they know its a science?
With a solid foundation of chemistry
Between two diverse atoms in compliance

It defies the laws of physics, of gravity
For its all about falling out or falling in
Its a remedy for societal depravity
It's magnetism holding through thick and thin

Love is all biology, for it affects the nerves
Its a constant fight between the head and heart
A platter of variegated emotions that it serves
Its a process, enjoy it in whole or in parts!

PS: The challenge was to write a poem on love inspired by scientific concept or phenomenon

Sleep Paralysis

“Hold me close, hold me tight
Don’t hesitate, you will be all right”
The mumbling got closer and loud
I looked out for the voice in the crowd
“Let me go, set me free
You will be good without me”
Two different verses in a brief span of time

Ode To A Soul Sister

Bundle of exuberance, oodles of energy
She never exhibits a bit of lethargy
Genuine, affectionate, with talents so rare
She is a magician, selfless extraordinaire

A soul sister whom I acquainted late
Will miss her terribly when I leave the state!

Lyrics Of My Life

"Teachers leave the kids alone!"
My mind mumbled when entering the class
"I want to break free" was the chant
All through my growing up years
With a twinkle in his eyes, he whispered
"Everything I do, I do it for you"
Only to be beleaguered by my question
"Have you really ever loved a woman?"
While choosing to remain a "Bachelor Boy"
"Sometimes I feel like my only friend is the city I live in"
Death being just "Two steps behind"
I live my life with "I don't want to miss a thing" zest

PS: Challenge was to write a poem about your life taking lines from your favorite music album/artist

 

Clear Night

Defeaning silence caught her ears
As she took over the duty
As birds happily called it a day
She wondered "How are they under sunray?"

Her companions had given it a miss
For she shared sparkling banters with them
Clouds, that always shrouded her light
Didn't turn up for the night!

"I feel so lonely out here!" she lamented
Shredding few drops of tears, at a farther distance, she saw
As an inmate was capturing her beauty, she blushed like a bride
"Thank God! It's a clear night!!" she said with a sense of pride

As Pink as it gets!

It was the last week in college. All were signing autographs and filling in the slam book. The college magazine will be handed over in two days’ time. There was a section in there where we had to fill some trivial questions about ourselves like your favorite film, favorite quote, favorite song, so on and so forth. I was the last one to submit the questionnaire for I had difficulty in figuring out my favorite song. I started thinking how the entire process went.

 “Will anyone really care about others’ likes and dislikes? It was easy to fill in details about the film, quote etc but what about the song?” I wondered.  

I shrouded off “It’s me being typical.”

I made a quick glance through my music collection, all the downloaded and copied songs. It had taken lots of efforts to have that kind of collection. Thankfully I had it i.e patience.

“I like all of them, that is why I listen to them. Now which one to pick?” I contemplated.

“Everything I do, I do it for you by Bryan Adams. Should I pick that one? Nooo … People will judge me as a hopelessly romantic person when I have always been portrayed as this studious kind.  There was one person besides me in the class who liked that song. If he suggests the same, everything will be out there in the open.” I wondered.

The following night, I saw Armageddon. More than the film, I loved the soundtrack “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.” I had it in the music collection but never knew it was from this film.

I realized that the entire western collection was from a friend. To be precise, he was my senior in school. We had never exchanged pleasantries in school.  Our friendship started because we were doing courses from the same university, he was doing his masters and I was doing bachelors, both in computers. We had the same books and similar topics. We were introduced by a mutual friend, who was my senior and his junior.

Apart from exchanging books, we started exchanging movies, songs etc. He introduced me to the world of western music. Earlier, my western music was limited to one and only, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.  Apart from being a good singer, he was a prolific musician. Few times, he did perform “Hotel California”, “Lady in Red” for me within the closed doors of his home. I had heard him take the name of Steven Taylor too.

After watching Armageddon, I decided to hear the songs from Aerosmith from my collection, this time very attentively.  I was immediately addicted to the song “Pink”.

“Pink is not only my favorite crayon, it’s favorite song too!” I thought as I happily filled in the questionnaire.

By the end of the week, we received the college magazine.

He asked “Pink? Is there any song by that name?”

 “Of course. You will get it today. Wait for my email.” I chuckled.

We left college. He moved on, I moved on. We were never meant to be together.

I was dating a guy who was not from my region, who didn’t understand my language or my culture. All we knew was that we could tolerate each other and there was a comfort level.

We were invited by a friend for a Karaoke night. I was super excited when my turn came. Without any second thoughts, I declared “Pink is my favorite crayon and my favorite song.”

Clamors were replaced by deafening silence.  I flustered. I was never used to this kind of appalling attention. I looked at him, his face had turned red.

“What is happening? Is he, all right? Why does he look mortified?” I wondered.

That didn’t deter me. I sang my heart out.

We left the place in a hurry. All through the trip back home, he was all grumpy.

After few heated exchanges, he said “Do you know the lyrics of the song? Do you understand its meaning?”

“Of course, I do. It’s about color Pink. So well written!” I said.

“Are you sure? If you had known, you would have never declared it as your favorite song! Go and do some research. One more thing, please don’t embarrass me next time with your acts.” he said angrily.

That night, we never exchanged our custom good nights and sweet nothings. My ego was hurt, so was his.

I started doing my research. As I discovered the hidden meaning of the song, I was really amazed by the clever craft of words. My respect for Steven Taylor increased in multifold.

“There is nothing condescending in the lyrics. You need to grow up!” I texted him.

“Ok.” He replied. That was the last time I heard from him.

Bleeding Blue

As they descend the ground
Clad in blue
The cheers and shouts grow louder
Welcoming the heroes of their country!

The toss plays the crucial role
So does the pitch
Does it favors batting or bowling
Wonder the boys in blue

Each ball hit outside the boundary line
Each wicket falling in quick succession
Crowd goes berserk in this commotion
While the nation bleeds in blue

Rage of this sport in the country
Surpasses the interest for its national game
For the boys in blue have tremendous respect
For they unite the nation in every aspect!

PS:The challenge was to write a poem on a color and the color should appear at least once in every stanza

Humor Unfolded

Last week I was handling high priority customer issue.

I was coughing badly. Customer in a concerned tone, asked: "Do you have a tissue?"

I replied, "What is the new issue?"

The customer said "Issue? Did you find any new one? By the way, you are coughing badly. Take some medicine."

Realizing my mistake, I said "Sorry! My bad. My ears now listen to words that my head is accustomed to!"

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I said "I need to get going. Will meet you at night."

Bed said "Baby, I need you. Don't leave me and go."

Finally, I listened to the bed. I didn't want to disappoint anyone.

Unborn Tomorrow

“It’s 9 pm, hand over the remote” she said. Curiosity was killing her. The whole day, she was thinking about it, venomously cursing all the characters who could possibly be the perpetrator. All the while, he has been noticing her. Her zaniness brought a smile on his face. “Mom, it is just a TV show. They can change the storyline anytime. Why do you suffer so much?” he asked amusingly. “You do not know the ordeals women have to go through. It’s always been a man’s world even though the world is said to have progressed” she said dishearteningly.

There was an unwritten pact between him and her. He got to watch television till 9 pm, after which she takes over.  She watches three shows back to back. In the morning while doing her chores, she thinks about the characters and how the stories will move forward. During lunch, when she discusses with him, he has seen her messing up the storyline and the characters. Correcting her, he said “Mom, you have got it wrong. Don’t you know that this character is not a part of the show which you are talking about? He is the part of the next show”. Immediately, he chuckled “What is wrong with me? I am following these unrealistic TV shows. I need to find ways not to waste my time watching them with her”.

However, he always enjoyed watching the shows with her. She cursed, she cried, she laughed along with the characters. “She is such a pure, innocent soul” he thought. Once she is done with the shows, she goes to the kitchen to make sure that it is clean and the new day can be welcomed with a hot, strong tea. After that, while she calls it a day, he continues to watch television.

“Didn’t I tell you? He was always mean to her. He deserved the punishment. It is called Karma” she said beamingly. “Mom, this is insanely crazy. The fictional show makes you so happy!” he said.  “Here is the remote. Tomorrow, we will come to know how the story will unfold from now. Let me go to bed” she said. “Have you already done with your kitchen chores?” he asked. “Yes, I did. I am feeling little tired. I have been anxious all the while. Now I can sleep peacefully.” she chuckled.  

The next day morning when he got up, he saw her sleeping peacefully from a distance. “Why hasn’t she woken up? These shows are really ruining her health. Let me make the tea and then wake her up” he thought. The kitchen was pristine clean. “It’s been ages since I made tea for her. I need to do it more often” he thought.  He went near her and saw a hidden smile on her face. When he touched to wake her up, she was all cold and numb!

Unwarranted Expectation

Two decades back they had met each other at college. Within no time, they became the closest of friends. She liked his humor and his general attitude towards life. “Everything seems so simple for him. He never cribbed anything about life. He took each day as it comes.” she signed.  She was very aloof, extremely diligent and studious. Her seriousness towards life and her dedication to whatever things she awed him. “Within that diffident, reticent girl lives another fun-loving woman. “he thought.

They left college, got busy with their respective lives. Like any relationship, they had their share of ups and downs. But every time they got back together within no time. They were not regularly in touch, however, whenever they talked, they could start from wherever they left previously.

He met the girl of his dreams and decided to take his relationship to the next level.  She came to know about it through another friend of theirs. She felt miserable. She thought “Why didn’t he tell me? It’s an important decision in his life and all the while during our conversations, he kept it hidden from me.” She expressed her displeasure to him. He said “I was about to say to you. It was not intentional.”  That was all she needed, no other explanations or arguments after that.

Days passed, years passed. She frequented him and his family whenever possible. The warmth they shared, transpired to his family as well. More good things happened to his life. In some instances, she came to know about them through their friends or through his wife. She wondered “Why didn’t he tell me? Does he even value me?” She confronted him but he had reasons for everything. He had no issues with her, whatsoever. 

There came a day when his hard work was recognized by his fraternity. The news was broken to her by his wife. Instead of being happy for success, she got upset and dialed his wife. She told her “Why is that I am always the last person to know about him.” Before his wife could answer her, she hung up. After a while, when everything had settled, she thought “What did I just do? I feel ashamed of myself. How can I face her? She always has been the peacemaker. Also, he has been consistently inconsistent. I should have just accepted him the way he is. Sometimes we create our own heartbreaks through expectation!”  She texted his wife an apology.

Work Nirvana

At work, she opened her inbox. She was flabbergasted to see several emails that were generated in the last fifty minutes. She never felt so important at her workplace. Chat messages popped up on her system asking her to join the ongoing escalation call. She had seen this issue earlier and had reported it. “No one took any actions then. Work in my office gets done only during escalations.” she sighed.

When the customer escalated it as a service impacting issue, he needed someone to bear the brunt. He had seen her email earlier, he handpicked her to face the heat. “She had raised this issue, why didn’t she fix it?” he thought.  All he wanted was a cover up for his negligence and due diligence. He overlooked her statements in the emails that she had written asking for help.

She joined the call, everyone was taking her name. “Who are they? Why do they keep asking me the status? I know the issue but I don’t know the fix” she thought.  Every two minutes, they were asking her for updates. She pinged him, he never responded. She was on the call throughout the day, with absolute no progress. She needed help but no one seems to understand her predicament.

By late evening, he joined the call. He pinged her on her messenger stating that the issue has been escalated to CEO and he will join the call. She replied, “It's good, the more, the merrier!” He was taken aback by her response. She chuckled “All the while he was blind, deaf and mute to my request. It doesn’t matter whoever joins the call. If I don’t know, I don’t know.”