The Watsapp Love

The cold white snow..
The thrill of the chilly winds..
The sunlight's gleamy glow..
With a hot cup of coffee..
Thru the panes of the window...
Wrapped in your arms...
Your shoulders and their warmth...
On my waist are your hands...
And the whisper of your breath....
I read your watsapp message..
Feeling you beside me..
I long for the day to see you again..
I wait to hug you again..
Thru the winters, the summer and the rain...
Tears trickle down...with a smiling pain...

Year end Reward...When the going gets tough, the tough gets going

I wrote this blog of mine at the starting of 2018, lest aware that this shall become the Top 10 most loved blogs among 18000blogs posted at Momspresso (biggest parenting platform in India) and getting featured on their FB page...is no less than a dream come true as a blogger. Join me in this journey of mine....

When a woman becomes a mother, she forgets the entire world. Her only world is her 'child'. Her hobbies, passion, dreams, everything goes for a small nap till one day she realises that she has 'moretome', in addition to all other roles that she exhibits in her daily life, and this is what happened to me also. Here goes my story.

Our daughter was only 8 months old when my husband was transferred to Dubai. He tried to cancel the order but I insisted that he should go as it was a golden opportunity for him. I was not ready to move along with him to Dubai with a small child, also, my career was booming and I was earning in 5 figures. So I decided to stay back in India till our daughter turned 2+.

I never wanted to leave my job but being an ambitious person, I decided to explore the international market and thought that the family shall be together. So we flew to Dubai when my daughter turned 2years.

All my excitement of an international market started fading away when I was not able to get a job as per my requirement. I was rejected on the basis of being not versed in UAE labour laws. And with the passing time, the break in my career was also increasing.

It was about a year since we had moved there and I was jobless. I was very disheartened that I was not getting any job of my calibre. I was not able to accept my rejections. Day by day my morale was getting low. I was not able to believe that once an outstanding performer in a big organisation in India, is now hunting for a job. I felt like a loser. I longed to see the 5 figures again in my account. I started getting impatient and decided to return back to India again. I was very confident that I shall get a job in my country. My husband tried to make me understand that I should have patience and wait for some more time. But I was not ready. 

Since his contract was valid for two more years, he could not come back before that. So I and my daughter came back to our hometown. And my hunt began. I was pretty sure that within days I shall get a job. But to my surprise, I was struggling here in India also. 

The interviewers used to ask me " how shall you manage your child without your husband? You have dependent parents. We shall not be able to grant you leaves frequently" and some used to say " oh..you have two years of career break. You are not updated with the latest tools of HR. How shall you cope up? 

I got shocked. I had worked as an HR Manager and had interviewed many such Moms who are returning to work after a break. But I had never asked such embarrassing questions. Is being a Mom an end to a female's career? Why is she asked questions such as who shall take care of the child? Why aren't the men asked such questions? Does a Mother become so helpless after a childbirth that people sitting in big organisations think she is useless? 

But I did not lose hope. I tried for freelancing jobs, work from home, but nothing was working out. I even started to apply to schools. But to my surprise again, the schools said that I did not have the required qualification and so I cannot teach. Since I am not a Montessori trained teacher, I cannot even join a Montessori. How disgusting was that? A mother who is the first teacher of her child is asked for a degree to teach other kids. Frustration started engulfing me again. I became aloof from the society. Stopped taking calls from my friends. All my colleagues with the same experience as that of mine were excelling in there careers, and I was not even getting a job. I started feeling useless. 

And one day, at an event at my daughter's school, parents were asked to do something creative they could. I could not think of anything, so I picked up my pen and then and there wrote a poem 'If I would not have been a girl......' my feelings and emotions all came out through that poem. It was very much appreciated at the event. I could not believe that I could write so beautiful. 

This gave me a trigger as to why was I running after a job, I remembered how I always used to write poems, stories, speeches, dramas and a lot during my school and college days. How creative I was during those days. How could I forget that my creative writing landed me to work in one of India's leading Advertisement Firm? And I had won lots of prizes also. But all those got buried somewhere...deep under the workload of an HR Manager...beneath my motherhood...lost in the fast life. When I told this to my husband, he suggested me to write blogs. And I landed on the platform of Momspresso (earlier mycity4kids). My first poem was published by them. I could not hold on to my tears when I started to count the likes...the comments...everything was just incredible. I called up my husband and just cried and cried. 

He said..now you got to know what you have and had more to you? And I started to share my experiences in momspresso. Got recognised as a blogger. I developed my own site and currently write on many other topics apart from parenting. My creativity encouraged me to form a startup. And today I am a proud owner of a small start-up dealing with exclusive Indian handicrafts.

And all through these dips and rises, never ever did I neglect my daughter nor my duties towards her. 

It is said and I now believe that life gives us a second chance to live our passion.

Today I have my lost confidence back that a mother can do wonders no matter what the world thinks. Today I am a published author, a recognised blogger and a creative writer. I know this may sound quite small, but I win as a mother and as a woman.

The College Love

She stayed in the hostel and he was a local of that place. It was the first day of the college, she walked towards the Commerce department, he stood at the gate, she said "excuse me" and passed by, he just stared her thru the edges of his eyes.

"Hey you hostelier, you should greet us, we are your seniors" he said smiling.

Silently she just turned towards him and smiled. Something was there in her smile, why he couldn't speak a word? Why he kept staring her? She stood up from her bench and walked up to him "I came from another state to study here thinking that I shall not feel alone and have friends, but alas..I got only seniors" and she went back to her seat.

He was silent and dumb. Day ended and she was about to leave when he held her hands from behind "I promise to be your friend forever, never to leave u alone".

It's 20 years, both sat on their couch remembering their first meeting. Yes, he has held her hands never to leave and both hugged their little angel... 

माँ

मां आज तुम बिन ये घर इतना सूना क्यों ?
क्यों तुम्हारी जाने का एहसास इतना खलता है?
आज ना जाने क्यों रह रह के
तुम संग बिताया बचपन याद आता है

कितना लड़ती मैं तुम दोनों स
कितना खरा खोटा सुनाती थी
मां तुम फिर भी हंस के गले लगाती
और पापा समोसा खिलाते थे ।

गई तो तुम बस पल भर के के लिए हो
लेकिन लगता है जैसे अरसा हो गया
देर ना करो बस अब लौट आऔ
कि कहीं आंखों से आंसू ना बहने लगे मां

मां आज तुम बिन ये घर इतना सूना क्यों?

ऐ दोस्त

ऐ दोस्त आओ थोड़ा बैठे हम
इस खामोश पल के शोर में...
हवाओं की भीड़ में.....
क्या है क्या नहीं सब भूलकर..
चुपचाप यूँही बाहर तकते हुए...
वक्त की ना कोई दस्तक हो...
ना कोई बुलाने वाला हो..
जी लें आज ये पल बस...
ऐ दोस्त आओ थोड़ा बैठे हम।

Henry and Mama

She kept weeping in the dark. The warmth of her tears melted the white Christmas snow on the cemented ground. Why after so many years I had to face this situation...she thought in herself and tears kept rolling.
'Mama you are here and I have been searching for you since evening' little Henry stood in front of her.
'My child, my son, I am so sorry, I am not a good mother. I lied to you, this is a sin that I have committed' she said with a heavy heart.
'Mama, you never lied to me. You always wiped my tears when I cried, you always laughed with me, you scolded my friends who made fun of me, you take care of me and give me my warm hugs, you are the best Mama in this world. Let's go home, daddy is waiting' Henry hugged her tight and tried to make her comfortable.
'No son, I won't, I broke the promise, but believe me it was all unintentional. I never wanted you to know the truth and break the promise that I had made to your dad, now I have lost both of u' she kept weeping.
'You didnot break the promise darling, it was all God's will and it happened. Me and Henry are incomplete without you. It is good that Henry got to know who was Martha. He is a big boy now and understands everything. Martha gave birth to him, but you have nurtured him like a flower, he is your son only. Come honey, let's go home' she could hear her husband's voice and feel the warmth in his voice, he was kneeling down in front of her.
She couldnot stop herself and hugged both of them.
They lighted candles and offered flowers on Martha's grave just like every year. It was Christmas and Henry's 10th birthday. 

Yes I am a Girl

If I would not have been a GIRL….

Life would have been so different…….

No door to stop me…..no Clock to guard me……

No relation to worry about…….

No one to remind me “hey you are a GAL”………

No one to stare me at………..

No taking scarfs & dupattas…………

No dad & brothers for my guard……………

No chik chik of parents to make me mad………….

No attendance in kitchen 24*7………………

No In Laws to treat as real parents…………

No cumin home early from office & Party………….

No one to say that my habits are dirty…………….

No one to look me a “PREY”

“Girl u better be at home” as they say………..

But then YES…I am a girl……….

A Mother, a wife, a daughter, a colleague, a bahu………

A home to take care and attend an Office too……….

I am a doctor at home, a cashier on 1st of every month………..

A chef in the kitchen and manager when needed………..

I don’t have any off days ……….

I am found in kitchen even on holidays………….

Early to rise and late to BED…………

That is how my day ends……….

 BUT....

HEY PEOPLE even I have a heart…….

I do cry alone…………

Feel like taking a break…………

Lots of agony and tons of pain……….

But all in my heart and never to be shown…………

I am blamed for all the mishappenings………..

And I am always the victim……….

STILL I STAND AND START AFRESH

COZ………..I AM A GIRL AND NO NONSENSE……………."

A Tribal Conclave - Talent that needs recognition

When I left my small town Noamundi Iron Mines in Jharkhand to pursue my dreams and aspirations, I had never thought that my culture and my state would call me back to witness an absolute mindblowing programme called 'Samvaad - A Tribal Conclave'. The whole concept of Samvaad is to bring different tribal groups of India and abroad at one place, where they exhibit their talent to the mass. Organised by Tata Steel in the lush green field of Gopal Maidan of Steel City Jamshedpur, this conclave is under tight security, drone cameras, volunteers, acute cleanliness and hygiene with separate washrooms. Use of bottles was prohibited and one had to either carry a bottle or drink from the tap.
Be it their cuisine, medicines, handicrafts, costumes or they themselves, every tribe brings with them their unique identity. Why a conclave of Tribes? To answer this question, let's walk through Samvaad. The entire exhibition was mesmering, but my eyes got stuck on the handicraft items brought by these tribes.
I knew jute is a wonderful item but when I saw the Jute handicrafts, I was left dumbstruck. Tribals from Birbhum (West Bengal) had brought masterpieces made of paperpulp base and jute over it. They had items such as flower vase, Lord Budhha, penstand, horses and many more home decor items. The perfection in their work is not only worth appreciating but also keeping them in our homes. Every stall was decorated with their handicraft items, narrating the story of their culture and existence, with their uniqueness and perfection. Naming them below:
Paddy Jewelleries from Birbhum by Shantal Tribe
Organic Soaps, creams, litions, mosquito repellants by Sumi Tribe, Nagaland
Sheep fur items and copper items from Ladakh by Bota Tribe
Lah Bangles from Jharkhand
Home Decor items by Kondh Tribe, Odisha
Bamboo Craft by Maurya Tribe, Chattisgarh
Wood Craft by Santhal Tribe, Jharkhand
Cane products, stolls, shawls, woollem items from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Shillong, Naga Jewelleries all under one roof.
To add more to the flavour paintings of different art forms were also present such as Saura Art from Odisha, Oraon and Gond Art from Madhya Pradesh, Warli Art from Maharashtra,
My next stop were the medicinal stalls where tribes from Srilanka, Mexico, South Africa and Uganda were present alongwith Indian tribes from different states. These international tribes brought with them century old medicines derived purely from herbs, trees, plants, flowers.
Four Doctors from Srilanka with expertise in Snake bite treatment, bone setting, astrology were present with their medicines and giving advise to the people present over there.
His Majesty Bekano from Cameroon was himself present to share his wide knowledge of tribal therapies and medicines. I bought a herbal tea from Jharkhand Stall that was a mixture of different types of herbs, is said to cure paralysis, cancer, and even gynaecological problems.
And when the guests get tired after purchasing the stuffs, the aroma of tribal food is enough to attract them towards the food stall. The food was being prepared there only and served hot to the guests. The evening follows with cultural programme where different tribal groups show their dance forms. The evening becomes so colourful and full of happy vibes and energy that it is difficult to leave and go.
Be it an Indian tribe or International Tribe, their fight is for their recognition that is being lost because they are not getting their recognition that they deserve. Today when we talk about Ayurvedic medicines, we end up in spending lots of money buying them. But who are real source for these medicines? It is our tribes. Be it the dreaded disease cancer, asthma, jaundice, arthitris, they have herbs to cure for every disease.
It is their art that is originally being made by them but sold at exorbitant price in the market and intetnationally.
Samvaad was an eye opener for me to see amd appreciate the real talent hidden somewhere. These tribes are the real creators and healers who deserve to be recognised by the world. Organised every year in the month of November for 5 days, this tribal conclave is a must visit and make their talent reach to other parts of country and abroad.

Birth of a Writer

When I walked thru the lanes of life....

I wanted to smile...I found you smiling...
I wanted to dance..  I saw you going crazy...
I wanted to cry....I kept weeping on you...
I wanted to shout..I shouted on you...
I wanted to give a hug...and I hugged you...

I kept coming to you..
and you never said 'no'...
Rather gave me a reason to shine...
And power to grow...

Yes 'U' are my heart and soul...
Yes 'U' my pen and paper....
How can I forget that day...
When I was born as a writer....

The Ant ride

Mama, see it's raining...
So beautiful are the raindrops.
There's a small river flowing...
And also there's a small pond..
Let's make some paper boats
One, two, three and four...
Let's put them in the small pond
And they shall sail thru...
 Mama see the ants are going to my boat
I think they want a ride...
But Mama, the wind is blowing...
My boats are drowning..
So let me put some pebbles...
Arrange them at the pond side..
My boats shall be safe..
And ants can go on ride...

Just Once Today...

Just Once I touched the rains today
Just Once I touched the rains today
Just Once I touched the rains today
Just Once I touched the rains today

With a promise to have this 'once' everyday
I close my beautiful eyes tonite..
The stars twinkle, the moon sings lullaby for me..
The fairies cradle my bed and I say goodnite.

A Child's Imagination

Rainbow Rainbow up in the sky..
Where is your home? I really wonder..
Shower your colors and paint me..
And mom shall not be able to find me.

You green Trees, why are you so tall
Are you not scared that u may fall
Lift me in ur arms and shake me.
Isnt it fun playing with me??

Butterfly Butterfly all around me
Do u want to race with me???
I on my cycle you on wings.
Lets race and also sing.

You little birds how do u fly.
Can I also do that if I try.
Hold my hands and take me along
Together shall we fly and sing a song

But I keep wondering day and night
In the dark they go and cum in the light
To play and dance and sing with me
Thank u God for such beautiful friends to give me

Togetherness

Togetherness…..

You and Me…
Me and You…
Walked a long way thru….
The Sunny days…
The cold nights….
The angry we…..
Our Stupid Fights…..
Our Sorry to each other…
With eyes full of tears….
The smile that made our day…
Tough was the road but we made our way…….
The Trust..The love…the belief…
What else could we feel…….
Near or Far, Sad or happy….
Together we fall..together we rise honey…
You and Me…..
Me and You…….

When elegance speaks

Sharing few mesmerising and jawdropping idols of Maa Durga during Durga Pujo in Kolkata

The hidden lost talent

It was during the Durga Puja hopping time when I visted a pandal at Kumhartoli, kumhars are called as Potters. I was dumbstruck to see the awe and beauty of Maa Durga's idol at every puja pandal. It was here when I met the actual artists who are the creators of these idols. There talent is so much so hidden and unnoticed that we only admire the final output whereas forgetting the real art. Sharing few pics....

The Soldier

She sat beneath the table, trembling, crying, tears rolling down the cheeks. She covered her ears tight with hands, and just prayed 'will anyone come to take me?

'Hey baby, hold my hands, come out' she opened her eyes to see a smiling face in front of her.

'Don't be afraid, I shall take you to a safe place, come, hold my hands' he said and put forth his hands.

She immediately held his hands and came out of the table. She quickly jumped and clinged on to him.

The sun rays shone on her cheeks, she opened her eyes to hug the morning, a morning that has come after many nights.

He brought her to the shelter, gave her food and water.

'Uncle, is the war over? Where is my orphanage? Where are my friends' she asked with her twinkling eyes.

He took her hands in his and walked outside.
'Do you see that white piece of cloth? That is the sign of peace. War is over, but we couldnot save the orphanage. Goverment shall send you all to a new building'.

She saw a big piece of white cloth, it shone so bright, taking away all the darkness that she and her friends had faced for the past few days in the war. Her friends were waiting for her as she was the last one trapped in the demolished building.

"Thank you uncle for saving all of us" and they gave a big salute to the soldiers.

A Bowl of Rasgullas

Rahul had a set if keys, so he very slowly opened th door of the house and steped in. He was very sorry that he had forgotten their Anniversary date and so wanted to give surprise to Seema. He had bought two movie tickets, booked a table in her favourite restaurant, got her a beautiful dress that she had seen in the mall few days back. He was all ready to hear her scoldings...after all he had forgotten their 1st marriage anniversary.

He walked slowly into the bedroom, he knew that this time Seema takes a shower, so he waited eagerly sitting on the bed.

Suddenly he heard his Mama's voice "Rahul, Rahul...have you come from the office?"

He didnot want Seema to know his arrival, so he immediately went outside and whispered "Mama shhh...I forgot our anniversary, so I am home early to give her a surprise."

"You naughty boy, I knew you would do this. You know she is so upset. Listen, I have made her favourite rasgullas and it's inside the fridge, keep this with your surprises, I am sure she will be very happy" her mother said.

"Mom, you are the best mom and MIL in this whole world" he kissed her Mom and quickly took out the bowl full of rasgullas and kept it along with other surprises.

Everything was set, movie tickets, dinner table booked, dress, flowers...above all bowl full of rasgullas. Rahul couldn't wait more. He just wanted to hug her, take her in her arms and say 'sorry'. He could listen the shower from outside and he was becoming more impatient.

"Rahul, what are you doing here?I am waiting outside" an elderly person tapped on his back.

"Dad, shhh...I forgot our anniversary....so I have planned a surprise..Seema is about to come out from shower. See, mom has made these rasgullas" Rahul couldnot hold on to his breath and happily said this to his dad.

"Son, come let's wait outside, she will change and cime out" his dad took him outside.

"But dad..." Rahul wanted to stay but his dad forcefully took him outside.

"Ouch" shouted Rahul.

"Thank you doctor for your visit and giving him injection. Since afternoon he has gone out and I was so worried for him. After all he is everything for me. Life was so beautiful for we 4 of us. But that accident took away Seema and his mom on his first anniversary and he has not been able to come out of his grief. It has been five years since this accident, but every anniversary he behaves exactly the way he did on his first anniversary. Poor child, he could not ask 'sorry' from Seema" his father cried on the doctor's shoulder.

Papa

The clock struck 6. The sun was never so beautiful. The heat and the rays of the sun made her more strong from inside. She woke up and was soon ready to go.
She called 'Papa..Papa..‘
But heard no answer. She walked and stood at the entrance, worried and depressed.
'Where has Papa gone? He said he shall drop me today. I have to rush or I shall be late‘ she thought in herself, with her eyes stuck on the road in front of her house.
She turned to lock the door, when someone tapped from back.
'Papa..where have you been? I was waiting for you. Come let‘s go fast' hurriedly she started to close and lock the door.
She sat on the back seat, happy and smiling in her thoughts, thinking about the beautiful journey that she was to start today.
Her father coudn't stop himself laughing on seeing her impatience, he dropped her, gave a peck on her cheek and said 'bye‘
'Papa, you thought I could never know. But the day I started to read the words, I read all the documents that said, you had mortgaged our only home and farm to make me study and go to school. You had borrowed uncle‘s cycle so that I never come to know that you sold your's to get me all the school stuffs. That is why you were late on my first day. It‘s 15 years now, but seems as if yesterday only‘ and she handed over the original papers to her dad.
'It's all ours now, Papa‘ and the duo hugged each other with tears and happiness.

The White Lily

He has returned after 6 years. He sat on the seat in the park with a beautiful white lily in his hands. Will she come today? And if she doesnot, then it shall be only him to be blamed. After all he left her alone in this world. Why did he take the decision of joining the Army in such a haste? He could have waited for few days for her to reply him back. But his male ego did not allow him. And he left her all alone. Though he knew very well how she had lost her father and brother as armymen. The past haunted him and he sat there very much determined to seek 'sorry' for what he had done to her.

Twilight fell in, but she did not come. Suddenly the breeze set in and he started to feel cold. Two warm arms held him tight from behind. He felt so warm.

'Where have you been dear, I have been.waiting for you since long?' he heard her sweet voice.

'I am so sorry, please forgive me. I have come back and shall never leave you again' he cried loudly with folded hands.

'I wish that day you had come. I sat with a white Lily to tell how much I loved you. But then I got a letter in braille that you have gone to join Army. You could Iearn braille for me, but couldn't you wait for my reply? I ran for you, but it was dark everywhere and a car hit me hard. You knew I was blind. Still you left me. I can never forgive you' and the voice faded away.

He sat there crying...and knew that he shall never be forgiven now.

The Operation Theatre

She was very nervous. Her heart was beating fast. Not aware of the future,she just lay on the bed. But she knew that soon her turn shall come and that she cannot escape.
He held her hand and said ' Don't be afraid darling, I am there for yoyu, the time has come. Be strong'.
And they took her away. She was inside, they were moving here and there. She looked up, it was so scary for her. Suddenly something pinched her and everything seemed to be hazy. Her lower half had become numb and she closed her eyes.
'I told you that the time has come. Look our angel has come in the world for whom we waited for 9 long months' and she looked her and closed her eyes gently with a smile. She was relaxed that she was out of the operation theatre that she always feared to go inside.

So what I had an abortion?

This incident happened 4 months ago. I do not know this lady who I met in the clinic, neither does she know me. But I have a big problem. I keep hunting for stories, incidents around me that make me think, that make me understand parenting, and that make me understand another mom's situation. And so out of curiosity, I again poked in this lady's story.

I had been to a clinic to collect my thyroid reports. The counter person asked me to wait for some time. I sat on a couch when I noticed a very impatient lady sitting beside me. In fact, she was very restless. She somehow was not able to sit at one place. She was moving like a pendulum. And above all, her 5 year toddler was all around, jumping and playing. She jumped on me all of a sudden and started laughing. That lady (her mother) turned towards me and started apologising. I said it is okay. I then spoke to her in a soft manner, "Please don't mind. But I find you very tensed and restless. I am no one to ask you, but if you feel comfortable, you can share your story." She immediately held my hands and said, "I just had an abortion in 5 weeks of pregnancy. Post termination, I had my ultrasound and I am waiting for my reports. My husband works abroad. Though he supports me in every manner and he knows about this abortion, but still I am scared. I stay with my mom and she is unaware of this. What if the abortion has not been successful? I just cannot think of a 2nd baby". And her name was called for reports. She immediately opened, read it and hugged me tightly and said, "It's over. No pregnancy." What a relief I could see on her face. How cool she was looking. 

"Great. But tell me one thing. Why were you so afraid of this pregnancy?" I asked her out of curiosity.

"You know I am 36 years. I left my first job to take care of my baby. My husband supports me always. He works abroad. Raising a child all alone is very tough along with a job. I still tried managing, till she was 3 years old. He left for abroad when she was 6 months old. Though I have maids to help me, still, my body did not support much. All those nights when I was awake for my child, all those days running after her to make her have her food, then running to office and then managing the kitchen, wardrobe, and medical... it is really tough yaar. And, I get so drowned. Now when my daughter is 5 years old, she has fallen in a routine, I get some time for myself, to look for job, to exercise, go out for a movie, or even dine out. Very soon we both shall be joining my husband abroad and I shall start working again. This is the reason I terminated this pregnancy. I cannot go through all that again. And at this age, I know that I shall not be able to take care of a small child. I do not know if I am right or wrong. My husband is with me and he understands. All this time of abortion, my daughter was with me and was a big support. I was very tensed and now I am relaxed."

"Hmm…”was the only word that I could utter.

"I do not know why I narrated all this to you. But, I am feeling very light and happy. Can I know your name?" She asked.

"Rohini..." I said

"Thanks for listening to me." She stood, held her toddler, waived to me, and went away.

That entire day and till date I have been thinking of her and her story. Was she correct? 

Yes, she was in her own way. She knew her limitations. She knew what she wanted and how to manage. Abortion does not mean that a mother does not love kids. But what she said has a point. She is a mother but was not willing to be again.

Share your story if you had any such incident where you heard a mother whom you never knew.

Happy Reading!

Dear Husband..when I saw you today..

Dear Husband, 

When today I saw you on a video call, your eyes seemed to be crying. No tears rolled down your cheeks, and you kept smiling and talking to me. I kept chirping like a bird, and you kept listening as a gentleman. Your daughter did not want to talk to you on a video call, but you were okay with that also. 

When you went 'there' to work, I thought that I and our daughter are meaningless in your life. And so, you decided to go alone 'there'. Why did I never understand your pain when you were leaving us? Your heart ached, but you smiled. Our hands lost the grip of each other, but you smiled. I kept crying, but you smiled. And I thought you were very happy while going. I thought you were running away from your responsibilities of a 'dad'.  Why did I never understand how difficult it was for you to leave us, your home? 

I thought you wanted peaceful sleep at nights, and so you went away so far. Why could I not understand that all those nights you were only planning things for us? Why did I forget that all through the night, when you slept on that bunk bed, you missed your spongy bed here at home? I always cribbed about my pain, my sufferings, and my problems, and never asked about yours. When did I become so selfish? All those days when you stepped out of your bachelor's room, you are not sure about you lunch, evening tea, or dinner. You just think about us. I never asked you if you had enough money for your sustenance, but you always sent us more than enough.  

How could I not notice the 'sorry' that you always wrote whenever I was angry, despite the fact that I was at fault. You could not come on our anniversaries, our birthdays, and I thought that you are emotionless. How stupid was I? How can I forget that you are the man of our life, love of mine, dad of our child? You are the person who always made every occasion special in your own way when we were together. Circumstances made us live apart. Situations prevailed over our togetherness and happiness. 

But I know dear husband that you shall not leave any stone unturned. I thought that as a mother only I have sacrificed, but I cannot even measure the sacrifices that you are making. You missed your child's smile, her first step, her mischievous plays, her demands, her love, and everything. And today, your eyes said everything. Today I noticed that loneliness in your heart and life. Let tears roll down dear husband, let them get wet... Let them release their pain... 

Today in this tough world, there are many couples who are living apart because of financial needs and job requirements. Whether a mom or a dad, both are sacrificing… So I really pray that all such couples stay together as a family soon overcoming all the problems. 

(Inspired by a true story) 

Happy Reading! 

Grandma's Last Wish

Roma knocked at the door, but to her surprise the door was already open. 'Grandma never keeps her door open' thought Roma in her self.
Grandma..Grandma..she called. But there was no response. She walked slowly inside the house. She had returned to her Grandmom after 4 years of her studies. She looked for her in the whole house. But she was not to be found anywhere. Her heart was thumping. What could have gone wrong? She sat on a chair and closed her eyes. She went in a deep sleep.
'Roma, it's been 4 years since you went for your studies, come atleast once to meet me. My old eyes are waiting for you' she heard her Grandma whisper in her ears and she woke up immediately.
'Grandma, where have you been? I was waiting for you since morning. See I have come' and she hugged her tight.
'Oh, my dear child. You have become so thin. Now you shall stay forever with me and I shall make you fat' laughed Grandma.
'Oh yes. I shall be with you forever. You know how much I love this place and you. The jungles and the silence here. But let me inform mom and dad that I have reached safely' Roma ran owards the phone with shining and happy eyes.
Suddenly they heard footsteps coming inside the house.
Roma ran to see. She saw her mom, dad and relatives coming inside. She was so happy.
She ran to hug them. She shouted 'Mom..Dad'
But..she couldnot hug them. She tried again and again. Her parents also couldnot hear her.
'What's wrong grandma? I am getting worried. Please tell me' tears and fear showed in Roma's eyes.
'Look there' and grandma turned her towards two senseless bodies wrapped in white cloth.
Wind blew and the faces were clear.
'Your bus fell in the valley today. And no one could escape. When I heard this I ran for you. And my leg slipped. I fell and bumped my head on a stone. When I woke up, I saw myself lying dead on the ground. And a little far away I saw your senseless body' weeped grandma.
'No this can't be true grandma' shouted Roma.
But that was true. Her parents carried out the last ceremonies for the departed soul.
They locked grandma's house and went away. But Roma and grandma never went out of that house. They are present there because they wanted to be together forever.

Selfie memory....

I took this selfie when I went for a coffee date with my 5 year old daughter. I wanted to send to her dad who stays out of India due to work. And so wanted to give a nice pose. But when I clicked and saw, she had made faces in the selfie. Initially I wanted to delete it, but then I saved it as treasure for us. When her dad saw, he couldn't help laughing and thanking me thousand times. He has been out since our daughter was born, and has missed her childhood. He was very happy that I captured this face of her. We shall show her when she grows up. Definitely she is not going to make such faces when she grows up. This is one click that is the best and the most valued selfie. It has captured my daughter's valuable innocense, her childhood, her naughtiness and also flaunting her pink nailpolish. This selfie has not only been captured but frozen in our hearts forever.