Storieo

Category: Life

  • भूल जाते हैं ना!

    जिन्दगी की रफ्तार जब वक्त के रफ्तार के आड़े ना आए तब जिन्दगी खूबसूरत लगती है। लेकिन वक्त के साथ पीछे, और भी पीछे चलते चले जाना हमें ज़ार – ज़ार कर देता है। ‘समीरा’ भी ऐसे ही दौर से गुजर रही थी। छत की ओर टकटकी लगाए कुरेद रही थी वो अपना वजूद, अपना बचपन।

    ”चुनाव के अभाव में हमारे हिस्से आना वाला दुख भी गहरा हो जाता है हो जाता है।” उसने भी कहाँ चुना था वो दर्द, उसे तोड़ती तो छुअन। ये तो उसके साइंस टीचर का चुनाव था । 7 साल की ‘समीरा’ जब हँसती तब उसके चेहरे पर तारे टिमटिमा जाते, दो छोटे-छोटे सपनीले तारे। वो औरों से अलग थी। स्कूल जाना उसके लिए बोरियत नहीं अपितु उसका सबसे पसंदीदा काम था। लेकिन अचानक से वह स्कूल जाने में कतराने लगी, स्कूल न जाने के बहाने तलाशने लगी कभी पेट दर्द, कभी सर दर्द तो कभी खेलते वक्त लगे खरोच का बहाना। वो अपने साइंस टीचर ‘अभिनव’ से दूर भागती, चाकलेट के बहाने गालो को छूना या टाई ठीक करते वक्त गले पर उसके ॲंगुलियों का फिसलना सुन्न कर देता था उसे। वो डरने लगी थी मानो कोई एक झटके में खींच ले जायेगा उसे दूर….बहुत दूर।

    ”जब हादसे अपना भेष बदल दोहराने लगे खुद को तो ऐसे में, अतीत से,वर्तमान से भाग जाने को जी चाहता है।” समीरा भी अपने अतीत से भाग जाना चाहती थी, वर्तमान से भाग जाना चाहती थी। वो भाग जाना चाहती थी उस छुअन से, जिसके बोझ तले वो आज भी चिहुक उठती थी।

    “हाॅय, हाऊ आर यू?” कहते हुए जब उसके प्रोजेक्ट हेड ‘शेखर’ ने उसका रास्ता रोका था तब कितना डर गई थी वो। उसकी रेंगती नज़रों का अनुमान होते ही वो सिमटने लगती , उसकी रूह चिपचिपी हो जाती और वो बिखर जाती थी जैसे रेत के टीले बिखर जाते हैं हवा के एक झोके से।

    ‘ अस्तित्व सह लेता है तपिश फिक्र की, अपनेपन की, इंसानियत की लेकिन हैवानियत की तपिश लम्हा- दर- लम्हा राख कर देती है है हमें।’ समीरा अब ‘शेखर’ की हरकतों को नजरअंदाज करते करते थक गई थी। उसे ‘शेखर’ में अभिनव का अक्स नज़र आता। बचे हुए वजूद बचाने के लिए वो दूर चली जाना चाहती थी।ऐसे ही चली आई थी वो बचपन में, बहोत दूर। पापा के तबादले की खबर से समीरा बहुत खुश थी। उसने दबा दिया था अपना डर, कहीं एक कोने में सबसे छुपाकर।

    डोरबेल की आवाज से वह वापस वर्तमान में आई। दरवाजा खोला तो सामने गुस्से में हाथ बाॅंधे उसकी दोस्त रिया खड़ी थी। आते ही उसने सवालों की झड़ी लगा दी। कहाँ थी ? दरवाजा खोलने में इतना समय क्यों लगाया ? फोन क्यूँ नहीं रिसीव किया ?…….और भी बहुत कुछ। इतने सवालों को सुनकर समीरा मुस्कुरा दी। लेकिन उसके आखिरी सवाल, ” तबियत कैसी है? आज लीव खत्म हो रही है। सिम्मू तू कल आ रही है ना ?” को सुनते ही समीरा फिर खामोश हो गई।उसने सपाट लहजे में कहा नहीं मैं रिजाइन कर रही हूँ। ” इतना सुनते ही रिया हैरान हो गई। उसने घबराते हुए पूछा, “एनीथिंग सीरियस ?” उसने देखा था समीरा का शेखर के सामने असहज होना। उसने फिर पूछा, “शेखर ने कुछ…. ?” नहीं, कुछ नहीं। बस मुझे वहाँ नहीं र… ह….कहते हुए समीरा का गला भर आया और वो झट से रिया के गले लगकर रो पड़ी।

    ‘दर्द खामोशी की पैरहन से आजाद होते ही फफक पड़ता है।’ समीरा भी फफक पड़ी। एक- एक कर सब बता दिया उसने | परोस दिया अपना बूँद-बूँद पिघलता अक्स रिया के सामने। वो सिमट गयी थी खुद में, मानो कोई खींच ले जाएगा उसे खुद से । हाॅं,खींच ही लाया था वक्त ने उसे 18 साल पीछे, 26 साल की शक्ल में।

    ‘जब आँसू, सिसकियों में बँधने लगे और एक बार फिर खामोश होने को तैयार हो तो उन्हें थपथपाना पड़ता है, सहलाना पड़ता है उनके खुरदुरे सतह को ताकि बचाया जा सके उनका होना।’ रिया ने समीरा की हथेली थामते हुए कहा, “सिम्मू भूल जाते हैं ना।” समीरा चौकी, उसने पूछा, “क्या…भूल…जा…ते…जाते…हैं?” उसने कहा “भूल जाते है कि तुम अभी बच्ची हो, कि दूर भागने से सब ठीक हो जाएगा, भूल जाते है कि इस कहानी का अंजाम भी वही होगा। भूल जाओ कि तुम्हारे हाथ में अब कुछ नहीं।आज तुम लड़ सकती हो समीरा अपने लिए, उस बच्ची के लिए जो कभी लड़ी ही नहीं। तुम उसका बचपन सहेज सकती हो समीरा जो आज भी अपनेपन को तरस रही है। जिस बचपन को कहीं कैद कर रखा है तुमने आज उसे तुम्हारी जरूरत है। मिल के लड़ते है ना।”

    रिया की बातें सुन समीरा की ऑंखों से दो बूंद छलक आए। उसका अंतर्मन छोटी समीरा की खिलखिलाहट से गूॅंज उठा था। एक बार फिर उसके चेहरे पर तारे टिमटिमा रहे थे, छोटे – छोटे सपनीले तारे।

    ~ Saumya Srivastav 

  • True Happiness

    True Happiness

    Once  a time in a quaint little village nestled in the rolling hills, there lived a young girl named Lily. Despite the simplicity of her life, Lily radiated an unmistakable aura of happiness that captivated everyone who crossed her path.

    Lily had a secret, a special power hidden within her heart. She possessed the ability to find joy in the simplest of things, illuminating the lives of those around her. Her infectious laughter and genuine smile brought warmth to even the coldest of days.

    One sunny morning, as Lily strolled through the village, she noticed an elderly man sitting alone on a bench, his face etched with sadness. She approached him and sat down, offering a kind word and a warm smile. Intrigued by her youthful spirit, the old man began to share his story.

    He spoke of lost dreams, regrets, and the weight of a lifetime of unhappiness. Lily listened attentively, her eyes filled with empathy. She pondered for a moment, then decided to impart her secret to him, hoping to kindle a spark of happiness in his heart.

    “Lift your gaze beyond the shadows of the past,” she gently said. “See the beauty that surrounds you in this very moment. Find solace in the laughter of children, the song of birds, and the vibrant colors of nature. Happiness is not confined to grand achievements; it can be found in the simplest acts of kindness and the appreciation of life’s blessings.”

    Inspired by Lily’s words, the old man’s eyes welled up with tears, not of sorrow, but of a newfound hope. He felt the weight of his burdens slowly being lifted, replaced by a lightness he hadn’t experienced in years. With renewed purpose, he thanked Lily, promising to seek happiness in the little things from that day forward.

    Word of Lily’s remarkable ability began to spread, and soon people from far and wide flocked to the village seeking her wisdom. Each person carried their own unique sorrows, and Lily patiently listened, offering them a piece of her happiness.

    As time passed, the village transformed into a haven of joy and contentment. The inhabitants embraced Lily’s philosophy, realizing that happiness was not an elusive destination but a journey to be savored in each passing moment. Laughter filled the streets, and acts of kindness became the village’s currency.

    Lily’s legacy lived on, as the once-sad old man became an advocate for happiness, sharing Lily’s teachings with anyone willing to listen. The village thrived, and its newfound happiness became a source of inspiration for neighboring communities.

    And so, the story of Lily, the girl who possessed the power to find happiness in simplicity, became a timeless tale of hope and resilience. The world was reminded that true happiness is not dependent on external circumstances or achievements but lies within the power of embracing the present moment and finding joy in the smallest of things.

  • The Therapist

    There he was, sitting in his office, with the clock ticking, and his eyes wandering around his huge office. On his left, was a large window that would let him greet his neighbors with a wave once in a while. There was a couch in front of him, and further behind that, a shelf, with all his awards or accolades arranged in a systematic way, just how he likes it, and of course, his most precious achievement, his certificate of excellence in the field of psychology that attributes to his fame as a therapist; one of the best in the business, Raghav Madan.

    Known to be a smart and empathetic man, the words, “Thanks to you, I am doing so well,” from his patients were not very unfamiliar to his ears. In fact, that’s all he ever heard, and that’s not an exaggeration.

    He kept staring at his awards, one of his flaws being harboring a small sense of superiority in his mind, for he was the only one he ever thought of, which made him a genius because he was still able to comprehend what others were feeling and that too so well!

    He heard the door open on his right, and there she was, one of his patients, he knew exactly what she was going to talk about: her boyfriend, who doesn’t give her enough attention, and she knew exactly where she was going wrong and what her pattern was. She just never acted on it, which made her a victim of unsatisfying relationships. How does one cure someone like this?

    His next patient was a man who was suffering the loss of his wife who passed away. The one after, was a woman whose dad was unavailable for her as a child.

    He kept listening to one patient after another, and he sure as heck, wanted a break from it, because being so amazing at the job came at a cost, his energy. But just when he was on his much-needed break, he saw his pleasant neighbors walk by outside, through his window and as usual, waved.

    The neighbors walking by were an old couple, a man, and a woman. The woman said, “Oh, I hope that man is doing all right,” to which the man asked, “Why?” The woman replied, “The poor man very dearly loved his wife, but she recently died. I think it got to him because he keeps talking to himself all day.” “Oh, that’s too bad, maybe we can try to get him some help,” the man replied.

  • Threads of Fate

    Threads of Fate

    The small town of Crestwood woke up to an unusual phenomenon. Overnight, every resident received a letter, each sealed with a distinctive emblem. The town buzzed with anticipation and confusion as they gathered in the local community center to open their envelopes together.

    As the clock struck 10 a.m., a hush fell over the room. The mayor, Mr. Anderson, stepped forward and opened his envelope. Inside was a single piece of parchment that read, “Every choice you make is part of a grand tapestry. Embrace your destiny.”

    One by one, the townspeople read their letters, discovering the same enigmatic message. Speculation and excitement filled the air, and discussions of destiny consumed every conversation.

    Days turned into weeks, and Crestwood’s inhabitants began to experience a series of remarkable occurrences. Sarah, a shy and reserved librarian, found herself drawn to painting. With every brushstroke, she unearthed hidden talent and a newfound passion that she never knew existed within her.

    Meanwhile, John, a middle-aged accountant, discovered a hidden talent for playing the piano. He spent nights practicing melodies that echoed through his house, captivating his own soul. The music transported him to a place where time seemed to stand still.

    As the town continued to unravel their hidden abilities, the threads of their lives began to intertwine. People who had never met before found themselves inexplicably connected, their paths crossing in serendipitous ways.

    As the townspeople embraced their newfound talents, they also began to notice a pattern emerging. Each pursuit seemed to align with a long-forgotten dream, an unfinished chapter of their lives. It became apparent that their destinies had been hidden from them, and now they had the chance to reclaim them.

    With this realization, the residents faced a crucial decision. They could continue living their ordinary lives, ignoring the echoes of destiny that resonated within them, or they could take a leap of faith and embrace the unknown.

    Courage gradually replaced doubt as the people of Crestwood made their choices. Sarah left her job as a librarian and opened an art studio, dedicating herself to painting and inspiring others to discover their creative sides. John quit his accounting job and became a piano teacher, sharing his passion for music with eager learners of all ages.

    In the months that followed, Crestwood blossomed into a vibrant community of artists, musicians, and dream chasers. The town became a beacon of creativity and inspiration, attracting visitors from near and far.

    Years passed, and Crestwood flourished, its people embracing their destinies with unwavering determination. The once-sleepy town had transformed into a hub of artistic expression, attracting artists, musicians, and creative minds from all corners of the world.

    Sarah’s art studio thrived, serving as a sanctuary where artists found solace and inspiration. John’s piano school produced virtuosos who went on to mesmerize audiences with their talent. The residents of Crestwood had not only discovered their own destinies but also played a part in unveiling the destinies of others.

    The town had become a living tapestry, each individual thread weaving together to create a magnificent whole. The echoes of destiny that once whispered quietly in the hearts of Crestwood’s residents now resounded loudly, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

    Epilogue: The Ripple Effect

    The story of Crestwood and its inhabitants spread far and wide, inspiring others to listen to the echoes of their own destinies. Across the globe, people began to take chances, pursuing their passions

  • A THURSDAY


    Sisel stood in a corner watching the cheerful people around her dancing to the American beats with glasses in their hands. She swayed her head from left to right, trying to find someone involved in something else but couldn’t. Until her eyes could stretch, people danced, sang, and drank.

    Dejected, she pulled her dress lower. She didn’t want to attend the party in the first place, but her mother forced her. Her words, “This is how you will behave?”
     “Mom, but I don’t like such things.”
    “Yes, I very well know what you like. Sitting in this room, reading these nonsense books the whole day and roaming with your stupid friends at night.”

    “How can you say that! Yes, I enjoy reading, is it something wrong? And I chill with my friends at night. You also know I go to the park for fresh air.”

    “And what good it brings?”

    “It gives me peace, happiness, satisfaction, and energy to carry on with life.”

    “Oh shut up, these poetic words, that’s all you have learned from these stupid books,” she grabbed the book from her hand.

    “Mom, return that back to me.”

    “Listen, Sisel, you are my daughter — Mrs Brown, one of the fashionista of the city. Live to my esteem. You are going today to the party and don’t spoil my reputation. I will send you a dress and driver till night.”

    “But Mom! I don’t fit in there!”

    “You definitely will. You are my daughter,” and she left the room.

    Sisel exhaled, recalling her mother’s words. She thought to himself, “Yes, I am her daughter, but I can differ in traits. Why she thinks I like what she liked, I love how she lived, and I desire what she desired.”

    The volume increased in the background, and Sisel moved across the pool to suppress the sound.

    “Hey, you are Mrs Brown’s daughter, right?”
    “Yes, hello, myself Sisel Brown.”
    “Oh, hello darling,” she immediately hugged her, “nice to meet you.”
    She was confused. Neither she knew the woman nor did she know how to react.
    “Do you recognise me?”
    “Ahhh…” she smiled awkwardly, thinking, “Have I even met her before?”
    “Oh, no problem, no problem. I can understand it had been a long time since we met last. Myself, Rosy, Rosy Bieber. Your mother and I are full-time shopping enthusiasts. We never miss a new or trendy collection in the market.”
    “Oh hello, nice meeting you.”
    “Nice meeting you too dear, I must say this dress looks gorgeous on you. The light green colour, the shimmer, and the pearl jewellery are so on the spot. You have your mother’s taste.”She wanted to say it was her mother who decided the outfit—but thought better not.

    The waiter came from the side. “Would you like something, ma’am?”
    “Yes, sure,” and Mrs Rosy picked a wine glass.
    “No, thanks,” Sisel replied
    .“What! Mrs Rosy’s daughter’s empty-handed. No, no, no, it doesn’t suit you! Take,” she picked up another wine glass and handed it to her.

    She took it but she had never drank before. She was starting at the glass with a great desire to keep it down, but her mother’s words, “Live to my reputation,” stopped her.

    “Drink, drink, don’t be shy,” she pushed the glass into her mouth. She sipped once, twice, thrice, before Mrs Rosy let her go. Instantly struggling to swallow, she couldn’t bear it. Still, she forced a smile on her face and said, “Nice meeting you. Will take your leave now.”
    “Yes sure, dear. Will meet again.” She smiled and ran from there towards the exit. But she has to cross the dance floor before she could leave this party!

    Coughing, she skids into the crowd, trying to avoid people as much as she can. Still, she bumped into a lady, “I am sorry,”
    “No problem. Hey, you are Sisel, right? What a pleasant surprise!” she said with a big smile.
    “Hello,” she replied slowly.
    “You look fantastic, totally like your mother. Confident, bold, yet elegant at the same time. Come, darling, dance with us.”
    She wanted to shout, “NO! NO!” but her mother’s face came before her eyes and she started dancing with the ladies.

    After 10 minutes of useless movement, she couldn’t tolerate it anymore. She moved her eyes towards the lady, busy swaying with the beat followed by the lot. She walked to her. “Nice meeting you. I will take your leave now,” she said, forcing a smile on her face and trying to remain as calm as possible.

    “Please say yes!” she prayed.
    “Yes, sure Sisel. Will see you soon.”
    “Thank you,” and she ran towards her car.

    Opening the gate, she sat inside instructing the driver, “Drive home.” As the car started moving away, she relaxed.

    She sat back, recalling how tensed she had been in the last few hours. Though it was a party, she couldn’t enjoy it. How desperately she wanted to run from there and put off these jewels! “Why Mom didn’t understand, I don’t like these parties. It’s her style, not mine. Yes, I am her daughter, but I have my own traits. I can differ from her. Why she forces me to be what she likes? What about my wishes? My liking? My dreams? My aspirations?”

    “Ma’am, we have reached.”

    She stepped down from the car with a headache and a feeling of drowsiness. Barely able to walk, she pushed herself towards the room. Hardly she seated herself then her mother entered the room.

    “You came. How was the party?”
    “It was fine,” she wanted to say worst, but she was not in a state to fight
    .“What you did there?”
    “Stood for some time, then met Mrs Rosy, had a drink, then danced with a lady and left.”
    “Oh, you met Mrs Rosy. Nice, she is a wonderful lady. Whom else?”
    “I don’t know her name. She knew me, but I didn’t.”
    “And these are your manners? You wouldn’t even ask a lady who she is?”
    “I was not feeling well.”
    “I know, I know, how can you feel well at a place picked by your mom! Totally want to do the opposite of whatever I say. I am fed up with you. I really wish I had a better daughter,” and she left, slamming the door behind her.

    Sisel lay on the bed, sobbing heavily. She did all of this to make her mother happy and instead of seeing a smile on her face; she received criticism.

  • Embracing Rejection

    In a cozy room adorned with the warm glow of the setting sun, a young woman named Emily found herself immersed in a melancholic moment. As the light danced across her desk, she opened her laptop, her heart brimming with anticipation. Emily, an aspiring writer, had recently submitted one of her stories to a company she had dreamt of working for.

    With trembling hands, she navigated to her inbox, hoping for a positive response. Among the messages, she spotted an email from the company. Anxiety gripped her, causing her heart to race as if attempting to break free from her chest. Despite her nervousness, Emily summoned her courage and clicked on the email.

    “We are sorry to inform you that…” were the words that greeted her, dashing her hopes and dreams in an instant. The weight of yet another rejection bore down on her, and tears welled up in her eyes, cascading down her cheeks like a torrential downpour. It was her fifteenth rejection, each one chipping away at her spirit.

    Emily had always been a bright student, her mind brimming with thoughts and stories waiting to be shared. From a young age, she had dreamt of becoming a writer, fueled by the encouraging words of those around her. But the relentless stream of rejections had begun to take its toll, breaking her spirit and leaving her in despair.

    As she sat there, tears streaming down her face, the thought of sharing this news with her parents loomed over her. They had always been her unwavering support, her backbone. She felt as though she had let them down. Comparing herself to her successful friends, who had secured well-paying jobs, only intensified her self-doubt and self-loathing.

    In that moment of vulnerability, her mother entered her room, having heard Emily’s cries. Without a word, she sat beside her daughter, embracing her tightly, offering solace through her silent presence. Moments later, Emily’s father joined them, understanding the depth of her pain. Together, they provided a comforting embrace that spoke volumes of their love and support.

    In the hours that followed, Emily gradually regained her composure. Her father shared stories of his own struggles and rejections that he faced, before becoming a successful Professor. Upon hearing her father’s story Emily had a newfound respect for him, and she realized that setbacks were merely stepping stones on the path to success.

    With a flicker of hope rekindled within her, Emily resolved to be patient with herself, to persist despite the obstacles she faced. She drew strength from her father’s unwavering determination, vowing to follow in his footsteps. That night, after a soul-soothing walk with her parents, Emily returned to her room, a renewed fire burning in her heart.

    The next morning, armed with resilience and a newfound perspective, Emily opened her laptop once again. Rather than dwelling on the rejections, she embarked on a new journey of exploration, seeking out fresh writing opportunities. She had come to understand that it wasn’t the absence of setbacks that defined her, but rather her unwavering courage to persevere, no matter the outcomes.

  • THE NIGHT SKY

    THE NIGHT SKY

    Have you ever looked at the night sky? The dark clear blue sky when Orion is the brightest is especially close to my heart. I always used to take a stroll in the neighborhood at night after work, my sole comfort in my hectic life and then somehow the intersection of the roads became an integral part of my life. I had never travelled by those roads but at the bus stop opposite to the intersection was exactly why I ever became so close to them and him. He was a pretty rough young guy who looked like he had been separated from his mother for quite some time now. I was never so fond of him or any of his kind, in fact for me he was just another “it” but that’s the beauty of life I guess, for today it’s him in whom I am ever so more invested. It was when Orion shined the brightest that I crossed the intersection for the first time in the months I had been there. I would usually leave late from office and my night walks were all between 10 and 11 but that fateful night I was home at 7 and thus I decided to go on a long walk. However, it was cut short the moment I saw him on the opposite side of the intersection, sitting all alone on the sidewalk feeding a small fluffy black cat. I looked at him and I have no recollection when I stopped seeing everyone else beside him. It was a pretty quiet neighborhood and only occasionally would a vehicle or man take those roads. Maybe that’s why I walked towards him as if possessed. He appeared somewhat of an introvert purely based on my guess for I was one myself but I didn’t want to be her that night and so I asked him how was he so pretty. I know it was creepy of me to initiate a conversation with a stranger that way, but it was my first try after all. Though, what matters is I was successful in the end. He was taken aback for he was very concentrated on the cat but other than that he was so welcoming that it felt like I had made an error in my judgement which I of course had. “Akio, Akio is my name. Nice to meet you Miss..?” 

    He sure was outgoing to give out his name first and definitely smart for he knew my intentions. No wonder all our coincidences seemed far too deliberate to be one. I stopped working overtime, but I would occasionally be late for my night walks and coincidentally Akio would also be feeding cats in other neighborhoods. Anyhow we managed to meet each other almost everyday rather every night and we became friends really quickly. He was a veterinarian by profession and a cat lover by passion. We talked about all sorts of things, his workplace, my workplace, his cats and kittens and why to name blacky, “blacky”. One evening after our coincidences became planned meetings Akio confided how he was searching for a home for blacky as he was supposed to leave for Russia for a seminar the next month and he was worried about blacky for it was a really quiet neighborhood. I never liked cats, but I was sure by then that I certainly liked Akio and a lot at that to not take the opportunity to have him visit me frequently and that’s how blacky became the part of my family. 

    I read it somewhere that watching the first snow with a lover meant a happy marriage for life with them and it was a Sunday when it grew super cold. I was certain that it would snow but uncertain if Akio would be willing to watch the first snow with me, I had a reason, but I was also certain that he definitely had no reason, for we were only good friends. It didn’t snow all day and we had no meetings planned that day either, so I decided to go on a walk that evening. I reached the intersection and was standing just in the middle when I saw at the bus stop a familiar back of a man in a black suit (my favourite) holding a bouquet of white and red roses and with him blacky. I was wondering whether or not to cross the road when he turned to me, walked straight with his lips forming a small curve with every stride,  knelt on one knee, handed me the bouquet and in his low deep voice which was a bit shaky, said slowly, “I know this is way too surprising to be a surprise but I hope Lumie you do feel the same way as me. So, Miss Lumie please allow me to make your breakfasts, drop you at work, pick you up every evening, carry you to your bed and kiss you goodnight for the rest of your life.” I always thought why people would ever cry at their happiest moments and I was right, I was just too happy to let a tear overshadow my loudest yes! It felt so exhilarating to not have to resist any more to kiss that handsome face and so the moment my lips touched his and his eyes grew wider, the first snow of the year fell, and I said yes. 

    For our families it was a flash marriage but for us it was as if we had known each other for a lifetime and so on the day the heaviest snow fell we got our marriage certificates. The whole world seemed too white and blinding and so as usual in our wedding dresses we decided to talk a walk back home via the same intersection we met each other. Akio was the most compassionate man I had ever met but my selfish self wanted him to be a little less compassionate towards others but I never wanted to be proven right in either. We were at the bus stop with the roads covered in the white snow as bright as my wedding dress so much so that it was even blinding. Maybe that’s why neither him nor me could see the truck crossing the quiet neighbourhood but Akio did see blacky and in the next second, I remember my wedding dress and the snow were covered in the brightest red I always hated.

    It is our twelfth anniversary, and I am still waiting at the bus stop this winter night when the Orion is at its brightest for it is the day we first met. And until we meet each other again I have decided to wait here at the intersection searching him in my memories, always smiling at me happily, the only place where I can see him with my eyes. 

  • Petals of Trust 

    Petals of Trust 

    In a quaint little cottage, a world of enchanting beauty, resided a little child named Alka, blessed with the wisdom of her loving grandpa. Together, they cultivated a magical garden, where nature’s palette unfolded in a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues.

    One serene evening, as the golden sun began its descent, casting a warm glow upon the land, Alka ventured into the garden, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. Amongst the tapestry of blossoms, her gaze fixated upon a mesmerizing pink rose, its velvety petals beckoning to her like whispers from a secret realm.

    With tiny fingers, she plucked the rose from its abode, cradling its delicate beauty in her hands. Unbeknownst to her, her grandpa watched her with a twinkle in his eyes, appreciating the innocence that danced within her soul.

    “Dear Alka,” he gently spoke, “May I admire the rose for a fleeting moment?”

    Clutching the precious bloom tightly, Alka retorted, “No, it is mine! I won’t give it away.”

    Her grandpa, the paragon of patience, replied, “Indeed, my dear, it is yours to cherish. Yet, might you lend it to me for a mere minute?” And so, she surrendered a single petal, reluctantly parting with a fragment of her treasure.

    Her grandpa, adorned with wisdom, smiled tenderly and said, “Thank you, my dear.” However, he repeated his plea, requesting the rose once more. One by one, Alka relinquished additional petals, caught between her desire to keep the rose and her curiosity about her grandpa’s intentions.

    Petal by petal, until only the bare stem remained clasped within Alka’s grasp. Her heart sank, disappointment tugging at her innocent spirit. She wondered why her grandpa insisted on the entire flower.

    With a gentle touch, her grandpa lifted her chin, gazing into her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Softly, he spoke, “My dear Alka, I asked for the rose because I wished to fashion it into a splendid hair band, a crown befitting the beauty that resides within you. It would have adorned your flowing locks, reminding you of the magic we share in this garden.”

    Alka’s eyes widened, realization dawning upon her. The rose she had so ardently clung to was meant to be transformed into a wondrous symbol of love from her grandpa. Yet, in her reluctance, she had missed the opportunity to wear nature’s gift upon her head.

    In the echoes of this tender tale lies a timeless message, 

    Just as Alka learned to trust her grandpa’s intentions, we, too, are called to place our faith in the loving embrace of the Divine. When God asks for something from us, be it a possession, a dream, or a piece of our hearts, He does so not to deprive or diminish, but to create space for renewal and transformation.

    Embrace the dance of faith, for in giving everything to God, we discover that His blessings know no bounds, and His love envelops us like a gentle breeze, carrying us closer to the fulfillment of our truest purpose.

    So, dear friend who ever read this, when the Divine calls upon you, listen with an open heart, and offer your gifts without questioning. Trust him and he replaces with abundant blessings, love, growth, and a deeper connection to the beautiful symphony of life orchestrated by His divine hand.

    GOD BLESS YOU – WHOEVER READS THIS :  )

  • Journey of Lily: Revealing the Real Treasures

    Journey of Lily: Revealing the Real Treasures

    A young girl named Lily used to reside in a small coastal village. She was renowned for her spirit of exploration and curiosity. Lily enjoyed exploring the sandy shorelines, gathering seashells, and taking in the ocean’s natural beauty.

    Lily came across a strange thing that had washed up on the shore one beautiful morning while she was strolling down the beach. It was a map that appeared to be very old, with fading ink and enigmatic markings all over it. Lily was intrigued by the finding and made the decision to investigate the map’s secrets.

    Lily set out on an amazing journey with her devoted dog, Max. The map guided her up perilous mountains, through raging rivers, and through deep forests. She came across helpful creatures and overcame difficult obstacles along the road, but her resolve never faltered.

    After several days of nonstop searching, Lily finally found a secret grotto. She found a sparkling hoard of riches inside, complete with priceless gems, gleaming money, and relics from a bygone past. A renowned pirate captain previously lived in the cave and left his treasure, which was secured by traps and riddles, behind.

    Unfazed, Lily made her way through the perilous road using her wit and analytical abilities. The cave awarded her with a piece of the pirate’s loot for each obstacle she overcame. Lily was astounded by the artefacts’ inherent beauty and historical relevance.

    Lily came to the conclusion that the knowledge and experiences she had acquired on her voyage were the actual treasure, not the material wealth she had discovered as she came out of the cave. Her incredible journey had been guided by the map, which had also taught her the value of having the fortitude to pursue her aspirations.

    When Lily eventually made it back to her hamlet, she told the curious locals about her experiences, encouraging them to embrace their own ambitions. She gained popularity as a result of her daring and contagious energy. While Lily’s travels persisted, she now had a broader goal in mind: to encourage people to set off on their own paths of self-discovery.

    As a result, the young girl who had once aimlessly walked the shoreline rose to become a symbol of inspiration and hope for future generations. Everyone was reminded by Lily’s story that treasures might be found not only in the physical world but also in the discovery of one’s own self and the environment.

  • Life

    “Finally”,sighing in relief,she got off the work. Work isn’t it? A job of an actor ,what we play everyday ? Putting on the mask to face the entire world,where truth hides in shadow and evil looms in every corner, wouldn’t it be a lie to say everybody is victim of Corrupted mind? Survival is a game and humans are the players,dancing on the strings of destiny ,fed by the pity of fate?

    Everyday is like a challenge, a Rollercoaster with ups and downs of laughter ,tears, horror etc. Is it really the way of life? To be hidden in depth where no one can find you?

    Thinking so she stepped on the accelerator drove off her car leaving behind the scattered dust of emptiness in search of solitude.