.. first birthday

A couple of months now and we had met several times,
had many a long conversations while driving about all aspects of life,
with ample time at our disposal, you know, traffic in Delhi never disappoints.

Winters were knocking at the door, sedate sun spreading the warmth of sunshine,
tired as if, napping now, after all the shrieking, giggling and tickling, like a mischievous child.
It was a beautiful morning, we went to get the blessings at bangla sahib.

.. and protocol ensued, monotonous of sorts,
we parked the car, removed our shoes, washed our hands, covered the head,
and ready to climb the stairs when I suddenly stopped.

You looked at me, a bit apprehensive, maybe surprised,
I said a silent prayer in my heart and held your hand for the first time.
Nothing could've expressed it better, we looked at each other and smiled.
It was your first birthday, frozen in time. 

A couple of years now and I'm wearing the same smile,
just an ordinary man, I know, I've fallen short many a times,
I won't make any promises though, words won't suffice,  just this once look into my eyes,
you will see the reason that gives me life.

Reflection

From heavens up above, descending gracefully the first drop of rain,
holding the reflection of entire earth in its tiny little frame.

As gravity brings them closer, an apprehension it maintains,
but when it touches down,
earth flourishes, sprouts,
absorbs it within her loving embrace,
of all things beautiful and divine, this tiny little drop of rain is giver of life.
As the skies open up and pours down with all its might, every drop of rain paints similar magical sight.

Surreal as it might be, the same magic happens to me,
whenever in your beautiful eyes, I see a reflection of me.

A second without you ..

Enamoured by bright red rose right outside our window,
wearing a charming smile,
swaying in the wind,
it seems to a musical note.

Like a saintly soul dancing with devotion,
sunshine makes it glow.

It was so endearing, yet someone's presence I sought,
I missed holding hands,
I missed that smile,
I missed those eyes,
that make me fall in love every single time.

Lost in sounds of silence,  it seemed like forever had passed,
when, with an epiphany of sorts,  I realized,
just one of many infinitely long seconds without you, it was.

Ring the BEL

Those long tiring days, those early wake up calls, 

cutting, chopping, cooking in the battleground kitchen where time has declared a war.

Always amongst elite group of passengers, catching the bus on last boarding call :)

Back to war front kitchen after hectic office hours, 

where lentils and greens await an assault.

And just when you think the battle is won, late night sitcoms come heavily armed.

After years of hard work the day has finally come, 

when you say goodbye to BEL, your accomplice in this marathon run.

Could I understand how you must feel, millions of things, coming back, all at once,

memories flashing through your mind, your first day, your first boss, your first meal,

your first friend, your first task and all else that seemingly you forgot. 

As you step out for the last time and swipe your card, with many a friends, with many a celebrations, 

you leave your sweat, you leave a piece of your heart.

And here, now, after 38 years, I see the sacrifices, I see the love, I see my mother, I'm proud of.

With folded hands ..

With folded hands, I prayed to God, why you give me so much love when I don't deserve it all. God said, my child, loving you is not an option, guide you I shall.

.. walking in the sunshine

Here I am searching for words again,

what should I write, what to spare,

lots of bitter-sweet memories, lots to say,

but fool that I am, I realize,

all this while walking in the sunshine, with a candle in my hand hoping to spread the light.

With humility I concede ..

The day to express love, they say,

the day to celebrate togetherness, they say,

make all the promises and shower all the gifts,

for most, that’s the Valentine’s day.

I wish I could find the words to convey, wish I had promises to make, wish I was a better man,

someone worthy of love and sacrifices that you make.

It brings me down to my knees, a blessing you’re to me,

with humility I concede ..

god must be kind, even to the sinners.

You make us all proud

Last year you embarked into new phase of life, an independent girl armed with knowledge stepped into the world outside.

On your quest to find meaning of the life, 

there might be times when you may be perplexed and surprised.

With self-belief and confidence always keep your head high,

remember world is a beautiful place with love in your heart and compassion in your eyes. 

With each passing year, we see you getting wiser,

With each decision that you adhere, we see you getting stronger,

You make us all proud.