Aree O Henry - Gulzar Theater Fiesta at DUCTAC

The above quote was indeed the central concept of the literary master pieces woven out by the wizard of fiction Sir O Henry. Each of his stories took us down unexpected adventures of life which he presented with ample dose of humor and wit. Sir Henry’s stories are very relevant even in the contemporary times.  I was lucky to witness not just the enactment of his play but also its modern interpretation by none other than the power house of talent Gulzar Saheb.  

 A three day event celebrating Theater and literature, called the “Gulzar Theatre Fiesta”  unveiled at Ductac Dubai. Commemorating American literary genius O Henry, India’s very own living legend and lyrical maestro Gulzar Saheb, scripted a beautiful ensemble of 4 plays adapted from O Henry’s lesser known plays. The plays came to life and assumed a extremely enjoyable dimension under the directorial guidance of Mumbai based director  Salim Arif. Seasoned actors like Bakul Kakkar, Vrajesh Hirjee, Lubna Salim and Nissar Khan captivated the audience with their impeccable timing and impeccable acting. The set of 4 plays had been Indianized and titled as Nuksha (The Love Philtre of Ikey Schoenstein ) Shaadi Kara Lo (The Exact Science of Matrimony), Madam (While The Auto Waits) & Bal Bal Bache (The Barber Talks).The play started at 4.00 PM followed by RUBARU (face - to - face) with Gulzar at 8.00 PM.

The play opened with Nuksha, a story about young love (between a retired military officers daughter & an actor), competition between two suitors and the ultimately destiny that favors the triumphant lover duo. This was followed by Shaadi Kar Lo where two friends open a marriage bureau to make some easy bucks. Each applicant is promised a wealthy & handsome match with a young widow (Neetu Pandey) for some amount of money. As predicted the ending is comical and unpredictable. The third play titled Madam with Lubna Salim as a wealthy lady’s handmaid impersonating her mistress was the most entertaining, impactful and enthralling act for me. Lubna Salim enthused, Gulzar Sahebs characterization of the maid impersonating her mistress, with electrifying and lively energy. Last but not the least the story Bal Bal Bache with Jamaal Khan as the tricky Barber was the icing on the cake.

Gulzar Saheb’s simple, comic and yet effective script, was performed expertly by the artist. What added miles to my smile was that Gulzar Saheb was present to witness the unfolding of the entire play and graced the occasion by coming up on stage to join the entire crew in the end. As Gulzar Sahed descended from the box to come down to the stage there was a slight delay. An apologetic Salim Arif said “intejar ka phal mitha hota hai.” (The fruits of patience is always sweet). As everyone in the audience awaited with bated breath to catch a glimpse of the living legend, some in the audience screamed out “We can wait an eternity for him.” Right then a humble Gulzar Sahed came onstage in his customary white attire and the audience stood up to give a standing ovation.

Foreign illuision

Foreign illusions

Sikshya’s joy knew no bounds. At last Abhinash’s success will be her pride and the envy of  all the pompous, sniggering relatives. Sikshya hailed from an affluent family with most of her relatives settled abroad. Her parents had however always been down to earth modest individuals who prided themselves as Indians. Siskya too was strongly influenced by these qualities. She found all these attributes reflected in Abhinash. It was inevitable for love to bloom between the two. Her love translated into marriage with the consent of her parents. Abhinash unlike her was born into a humble household. It was through sheer grit and determination that his career soared. When Abhi (as she lovingly called him) received the award for the youngest achiever in his company he rushed to her side. “Siki Baby, you are my lucky mascot! Our wedding is still a fortnight away and you have already started waving your magic wand.”

Shishya was deliriously happy. Soon her wedding date drew near and relatives started flocking around inquiring about the lucky groom to be. Nilu Aunty was first to pass the snide remark. “ Siskshya could have got the best in the market. What a nice proposal I had got for her. Bikas is such a good and handsome boy. He is settled in Australia too!!” she started shaking her head and clicking her tongue remorsefully. Sikshya just couldn’t control her self. “Aunty I didn’t buy Abhinash from any market and he is better than the best. I don’t want to be a trophy wife to any foreign settled spoilt brat.” Her mother had pulled her away startled as much by Aunt’s remark as by her outburst. “Shikshya, is this what we have taught you? How can you talk to Aunty like this?” Almost simultaneously she turned to Nilu Aunty and said  “Nilu, every body has a right to their life and their choices. We respect Sikshya’s decision and commend it. I am happy to have a self-made man like Abhinash as my son-in-law” Nilu Aunty’s jaw fell flat that day but Sikshya could not ignore the constant buzz of disgruntlement reverberating among all. “ Madhu’s children will be born Americans you know…..” Geeta Chachi just couldn’t stop gushing. The constant comparison didn’t stop even after marriage. Lavya, her cousin was to visit Sikshya’s new dream house that day. Yes’ Sikshya had always dreamt of a small cozy yet comfortable house with some one like Abhinash. With her tasteful touch she had transformed her 2 bedroom house into a paradise. At least that is what both Abhi and she felt until that day. “ Sikshya Didi, how can you live in this suffocating flat and what tout locality!” Lavya screamed instinctively as Sikshya opened the door to her. Looking at Sikshya’s grim and tearful face she said it was just a joke and hugged her. “Thank God Abhi was not around to hear this.” Sikshya thought. Sikshya knew that her relatives could never credit Abhi for the man he was or realize his worth unless he too had a stamp on his Visa. Shikshya had no doubt about Abhinash’s capability. In fact Abhinash had refused 3 lucrative job offers from abroad because it meant leaving India permanently. Sikshya had no fascination to become a foreign resident she wanted all to know that Abhinash could stand up to the status parameters that had been erected. She never voiced her feelings explicitly. Sikshya would however become extremely animated each time Abhi informed her about the offers and then her face would fall involuntarily when Abhi rejected them. She didn’t want to push Abhi or make him commit to anything against his wishes. Abhi couldn’t fail to notice all this. He was also aware of Sikshya’s relative’s attitude towards him. He could empathize with her anxiety. So when the right opportunity had come Abhi had grabbed it. “Siki baby come on pack up!!! We’ll have to leave this place in 15 days.” Abhi said when he stepped into the house that day. “Why Abhi did you get transferred somewhere? This is mean; you should have informed me earlier. I could have prepared myself mentally to live in a city away from Mom and Dad.” Sikshya said a little disheartened. “I’m sorry Siki, but now you have to prepare yourself to live in a different country from Mom & Dad for a year.” Abhinash said smiling mischievously. Sikshya’s eyes had popped out and she screamed in excitement and hugged Abi. “Ok, ok my opportunist wife. I get a hug only when you get to travel abroad.” Abi said laughing out loud. Sikshya had shared the good news with enthusiasm, especially after coming to know that Abi would be posted in Florida. An added bonus was the prospect of getting to meet her Cousin Madhu who was also in Florida since 4 years. Although Geeta Chachi was a show off Sikshya was fond of Madhu. Fate had drawn out a trump card in her favor and she had got a chance to mute her fastidious relatives.

Siksya’s parents and Abi’s only close kin his elder brother came to see them off. Sikshya’s spirit was way too high for her mother’s teary eyed farewell. “Mama, please! We’ll be back in a year. So don’t give any wrong impression to all the people here. The security might give Abhi a tough time while checking in if they go by your wails.” Soon Sikshya was alone in the flight with Abhinash. She grabbed his arms and planted a romantic kiss on his cheeks. “Hey mam, what’s the motive?” Abhi joked naughtily. After a stiffed kneed 18 hours journey they reached Florida. Sikshya was bowled over by all the glitter, extravaganza, neatness and convenience right from the time they stepped out of the flight. How sordid India seemed in contrast to this sheen. Her parents were rich enough to afford vacations abroad, but they always wanted Sikshya to have her feet firmly grounded. They had visited every nook and corner of India but foreign territory never figured on their agenda. For the next 3 months Sikshya hungrily relished everything Florida had to offer. She felt a little bored when Abhi left for office during the morning hours especially since she didn’t know any one around. But soon she found out ways to keep herself occupied. From raiding malls, to preparing new dishes for Abhi to surfing channels and reading books. The evenings were mostly spent in sightseeing trips with Abhi. Most of the week ends were spent with Madhu Didi and family, at farm houses, in the tropical beaches of Florida and barbeque dinners.  Everything seemed like a dream, an extended vacation, and Sikshya was giddy with happiness. Life abroad was indeed a feast.

It was a Friday and Sikshya had prepared something special to commemorate their 4 months of stay at Florida. Apart from this there was extremely happy news to share with Abhi. Abhi picked her up and kept on grinning and glowing when he heard that Skishya was pregnant. “Baby, take good care of yourself. We’ll break the good news to your Madhu Didi when we visit them this weekend. She’ll be able to give you some good advice and tips. After all she is the mother of 2 kids.” Madhu Didi was happy to hear the news. Since Sikshya was advised to take less stress and strain they all decided against going out to any farm house. In fact it was the first time that Sikshya was to have an overnight stay at Madhu Didi’s place. Sikshya tried to help Madhu Didi as much as she could in the kitchen. Although Madhu Didi always tried her best to be cheer full the strain of having to take care of 2 small kids had always been evident to Sikshya. Sikshya thought it was a part of motherhood and had never discussed it at length with Didi. That night after packing the two kids to sleep Madhu Didi sat down tired beside Sikshya. The men were on the Balcony enjoying a puff. “ Didi how do you manage all this. Lav and Kush are really a handful. I’m very scared now that it’s going to be my turn to be a mother.” Didi looked down for a long time as if she had not heard Sikshya’s question. Slowly as she looked up at Sikshya there were tears in her eyes. “What is it Didi? I’m sorry if I said anything wrong.” Asked Sikshya, rather startled at seeing Didi break down like this at an innocuous question. “ No Sikshya it’s not you. It is this life that I have here. It’s taking a toll on me. Do you think this is what a 31 year old should look like? I already look like a bag, my hair is almost non existent, and my eyes look like I have been hit black and blue.” Didi cried covering her face. “No Didi it not true you are judging yourself too harshly.” Although there was a lot of truth in Didi’s statement, Sikshya had to be supportive of Didi in the present state. Didi raised her face as if she had not heard Sikshya, and kept on talking as tears cascaded down her face. “I too was so attractive. Now I don’t have time to take care of myself. Don’t I feel a piercing pain when Pravir look’s wide mouthed at those attractive women out there? But can he lead me a helping hand, no. He has to earn those big bucks to afford this big house, bringing up two children and what not. May be I’m being too harsh on him. He does try to compenstate by taking us out on weekends and helping me with kids once in a while. But Sikshya it’s simply not enough.” Didi, why don’t you hire a helping hand?” Sikshya suggested.” Don’t you think we have tried that out? Everything and everyone is so materialist here. Even the few close friends we have can’t be relied upon in emergencies because everybody has too busy a schedule. There is absolutely no moral support system of close family members like in India. In any case we don’t even have any family members here. Day care and a house help is so expensive we just can’t afford it. More ever their system of child rearing is so drastically different I just can’t digest it. I have had to drag myself out of bed even during sickness because there is no body to take care of the children. When the children are sick sometimes it only me who has to cope up with all the extra physical and psychological strain because Pravir is way too busy. Today when you told me about yourself I just couldn’t control my self. In you I found my old happy self reflected, one I have lost long ago. No Sikshya life is not worth it away from all near and dear ones, away from home land. I will not have to put up with so much of stress after the children are grown up but I would have lost the best years of my life. Do you think even then I will have any peace? This culture will always be alien to us. May be the children will make it there own, but that will cause us even more tension. What with live in’s, dating and all. Can we as Indian’s ever accept it?”  Sikshya looked on at Didi perturbed. It was like watching a long dormant volcano erupt with all force. She had little words of consolation to offer. All she could say was “Didi please you are thinking too much. This a passing phase. You have had a bad day please take some rest. Every thing will be all right.” On Sunday she returned with a heavy heart. Perhaps she had been little envious of Didi’s NRI status. But after all that transpired the day before, she felt really bad for Didi.  She was only a visitor to this country but for Didi it was a daily torment. Perhaps Didi was just exaggerating. So many NRI’s people do live here don’t they? They learn to cope with life. May be not all can and may be she too was one of them. Then again she thought life is too short to run after material pursuits and sacrifice the pleasure of being away from people who really matter. May be some day Abhi will be transferred to a different city in India and she won’t enjoy the proximity she has with her parents. But at least she won’t have a cultural shock, and she doesn’t have to worry about her children becoming too ultra modern and out of sync with Indian culture. More over she was sure that Mom and Dad can easily visit her anywhere in India but to expect them to spend long periods and be comfortable in an alien civilization is unreasonable. Sikshya didn’t discuss any of this with Abhi. She didn’t want him to think that she was worrying herself in this condition. More ever all this discussion was immaterial. After all they will be leaving for India soon in a few months time.

In the month’s that followed by Sikshya realized the truth of Didi’s words. It was difficult for her to travel frequently to Didi’s place. Although she would have liked the presence of some one close during her pregnancy, Didi too couldn’t always come over to her with two demanding small kids in line. Abhi was there during weekends and evenings and he did his best to cheer Sikshya up and cater to her many whims and mood swings. Some times she would crave for the pampering and attention that a new would be mother wants. Mama’s rasogola’s, Dohi Mach, and many such delicacies had to be postponed till the time she was back in India. Ho! India how much she missed it. No sniggering remarks from her relatives could ever make her feel uncomfortable again. She had re-learnt the lesson she had in childhood. The Grass always seems greener on the other side.

Love is enough

Nitin absolutely adored Sneha. He was not one of those pigheaded male chauvinist who preferred an eye candy on their arms. It was Sneha’s compassion and innocence, a rarity these days, that drew him closer to her. Sneha was no plain Jane. At 5ft 5 in, sporting a slim figure, and a pretty face she was one of the prettiest girls in office. Of course her overt charm had attracted him initially but then as an accounts head at a reputed PR organization he was used to seeing beautiful faces around him. Nitin’s impressive presence and charisma along with his communication skills had won him this job and many weak kneed ladies hearts.

Sneha’s list of admires in the office and outside were countless. There was nobody who knew and didn’t find her charm working on them. At 28 Sneha was independent, fun loving, helpful, cheerful and sensible modern lady whom every man wanted . She had received count-less roses and numerous love notes but not a single marriage proposal. Yes she had no serious suitors. Who would like  to have a wife with artificial legs strapped to her knees. Sneha had no qualms about the lonely life awaiting her, which vexed her mother incessantly. If  someone comes to her life he has to accept the whole package artificial legs and all. That was her philosophy. So she never hid anything from anyone in the office or outside.

Sneha often accompanied Nitin as an assistant accounts executive. For the first few months their interaction was strictly professional. On a rare few occasions their conversation traversed to short personal chats. It was a busy Monday with hovering deadlines. Nitin and Sneha were already running late for a meeting.“ Sir, I hope the client is also stuck in this jam.” Sneha said, as she looked back irritated at the honking car at the back. Nitin smiled at the casual joke and started honking at the car in the front “It’s better to piss others off than get pissed off.” Nitin found Sneha’s irritation unusually hilarious, he laughed out aloud. “Oh! Poor thing, how did you get here?” Sneha quipped at something peering down the car’s window. Before Nitin could solve the puzzle Sneha opened the door and scooped something up and ran towards the side walks. He saw a dirty little puppy jump out of her hand on to the side walks. She returned almost instantly unconcerned of the visibly perplexed onlookers. “That pup must have had the best ride home so far. The cheeky little thing is sure to grow into a real road side Romeo”  Nitin teased Sneha. There had been numerous more animal rescue episodes involving Sneha. On a Saturday evening he called up Sneha to the cafeteria on the pretext of some urgent discussion about the current account. Sneha looked stunning in her crispy cotton Capri and figure hugging blue shirt. Nitin heaved in relief as he saw Sneha enter. Nitin had told her only yesterday that blue was his favorite color. As their conversation dwindled into an uncomfortable silence Nitin mustered up all the courage he could. The timing was perfect and of course he was armed to the sleeve with all his charm. It was late noon and there were very few people at the cafeteria. “ Sneha I’ve got something for you”, he said lifting up a basket, which had been hidden from Sneha’s view till now, carefully onto the table. Sneha’s perturbed look transformed into a sweet smile as she opened the basket and peeked inside. A snowy white puppy slept blissfully unaware on a soft white cloth.  “ Sneha I want to raise this puppy with you together. Will you marry me?” Nitin asked with a quizzical smile on his lips. “You sly guy, you trapped me.” Sneha said smiling demurely.

http://readerspost.femina.in/stories-poem/love-is-enough/

Letter to God

Dear God,

Yet another day threatens to scurry by at its frenzied cyclonic pace. I drag my disheveled sleepy self, to glance at the scampering hands of the watch. They look back mockingly; it’s 6'o clock in the morning already. Oh! I would need two clips to hold my eyes open. Can’t you squeeze in one more hour for me to snuggle under my beloved husband’s warm protective grip? There’s my baby with a cherubic smile on her lips and her tousled locks on her silky smooth fore head. Please freeze time for me Dear God to reveal and dwell in these peaceful magical moments. As time paces on, they will remain etched merely as memories. In this frenzied madness, called world and life these moments are my only solace.

The world and the people have a serious agenda to follow, feverishly chasing materialistic, political, religious and often selfish goals. People are busy making money, planning for future, living on hope and realizing dreams. We mortals perspire to achieve our aspirations. You too Dear God ascribe to your divine agenda of crushing them, creating a Tsunami here, a flood there. No, I’m not an atheist or a cynic. I’m a believer or at least I want to believe. What eludes me however is the suffering of perfectly innocent and chaste mortals at the hands of other fellow humans, nature and fate. My religious faith (path to God ; godliness) entails that the suffering of this birth is also due to the sins of the past birth. Your ways are ostensibly so elusive. Doesn’t it make more sense to assuage the poor and innocent, rescue, protect the good, and punish the bad? It simplifies the entire legislative, judiciary and executive process in your system. It makes law enforcement easier in your department doesn’t it? The Good and their faith are preserved; the bad are either eliminated or rehabilitated. My mental realm is now like a person who believes in the Government but questions the policies of governance.

Doomsday is drawing near isn’t it? The world is about to end. Mother Earth has been inundated with suffering inflicted by humans. There is an overload of evil and it has to end. Nature retorts with fury and vengeance. Yes I understand it completely. Corruption, terrorism, over population, poverty, frenzied fanatic, racism, violence, abuse against nature and fellow human beings. The list runs endlessly, unceasingly. However, dear God I fail to comprehend with my mortal knowledge what you seek by dispensing death, disease and devastation. Is it retribution, trepidation, or some unfathomable divine ordain? Man begets the fruit of his/her labor. The futility of expecting a sweet return from devilish deeds is understandable. Nevertheless, there are still those who follow the light and are bestowed with darkness. Are they mere puppets you created for entertainment?

I feel brave everyday day, and I salute to the innocent courage of my child as I pack her off to school each day. I’m sending her off to a wild battlefield with faceless enemies. A child no longer has the right to his/her childhood. Innocence is no longer a shield against the vicious tentacles of violence and abuse. A fire in the school building due to gross negligence by authorities, perverts who see all females/males from 1- 80 as mere objects to satisfy their sick desires; to dangers of deadly infections from a contaminated vaccination syringe, congestion and pollution translating in chronic sickness, at every step of living this life disease and malice loom ominously. Is this a novel device designed by you Dear God? Is it a device to keep man from forgetting their creator? A design to ensure the rational man of this age seeks refuge in you to fathom the perfectly illogical enterprise of living.

Think Before You Leap

Think before you leap

The invention of language was a giant step forward for humankind. It is impossible to imagine the void which humanity would have experienced, in the absence of this wonderful vehicle of communication. Our life would be so dull, awfully simple and devoid of exciting interaction. Then I re-access the situation and ruminate about the consequences of a life without language.  Wonderfully simple, sweet and convenient - I feel. Perhaps I could have escaped with a few grunts and growls when my new recipe failed to make its mark, as opposed to the full-fledged lecture on the hardships of “laboratory animals”. My husband insists on referring to himself and the kids as “poor laboratory animal” on such occasions. Our world would be smaller and cozier. Our husbands would not return home eager to put their fingers on the lifeless TV remote, I jealously ponder. They would be forced to kill time and shove ennui by giving us a hand at house chores and with the kids. The often unnecessary discussions that escalate into full-fledged battles would have no ground to gain root. What a heaven it would be, not to hear our sweet kids complaining notes, personalized verbal wars and endless demands.  At least we will be spared a few embarrassing moments for sure. There would be no incidences like, once when a kid screamed in the poor mother’s ear’s, “Mama …Aunty Look’s fat in that dress.” right in front of the victim and after the mother had complimented the aunty lavishly. The redeeming feature being, the scream was supposed to be a whisper. Of course, it became a little more audible then required. The memory of the irate looks of certain elderly couple, whose tranquil moments at the movie hall, was wrecked by my young daughters incessant and apparently innocuous questions, still evokes goose bumps.

My thought process oscillates, and I am unable to be conclusive.  How would any mother live without hearing the sweet nothings from those innocent lips.  How can I ever skip those zesty chitchats with friends, my daily dose of natural mood boosters?  Now that I come to think of it, how could I ever do without some spicy cat and dogfights with my bitter (assuming I am the better half) half. These infuse new meaning and character to life. My mind travels towards a different domain. We teach our children things, as honesty is the best policy, speak your mind. Yet on the same plate, we also serve values like, avoid hurting others even with your words, hold your tongue and play along especially when guests are around. I am worried that we imbibe self-contradictory values in our children. Won’t they grow up as confused adults? We all enjoy our time with friends. A huge chunk of the fun time comprises of gossip and tit bits about others. There is a nagging itch however that we erode our souls when we back bite. I begin to see a little light and a new thread of thought emerges. Gossiping, speaking up, honesty everything comes with certain boundaries, certain limitations and restrictions. Freedom of speech or expression is not an absolute thing. Every kind of freedom comes with its relative restrictions and boundaries.  There is always the danger of misusing absolute freedom and abusing it, hence we have to put some reins on freedom. We are human and sometimes thoughtless, spiteful, purely ignorant or merely beaten by circumstances. Our mental state does sprout out through words. A very wise men once said, words are like arrow, once shot they cannot be taken back. It is best then to use them with care and love.  Our thoughtful act would save us from inflicting many unnecessary hurt.

Vacation Fever Part-1

Vacation Fever Part 1-(Dedicated to Rainbow)

I had got up from sleep 2 days prior to the kid’s vacation date ….sweating, chest heaving, panting; apparently trying to save myself from the mountain of piled up toys …a horrible nightmare in my dream. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids, but we all dread those holidays don’t we…huh?! huh?!...Some one save me from these guilt pangs I suffer now in the aftermath of that nightmare. God!  Grrrr I cannot control what happens in my unconscious mind, my dreams- now can I. Well, it turned out that my fears were a little exaggerated if not misplaced. The kids settled down, to late mornings, late nights, eventful days of extra-curricular and so did I….oooohhh! the bliss of watching a late night movie on TVJ -J getting up without tripping over slippers as one struggles to keep eyes open….BTW has anyone managed to make tea with eyes closed-quite an achievement aren’t it? Well everything was going great guns, when boom events took a dramatic turn.

Chat, Nat, Riya, Reet, were enjoying a ball games in the play area, while we both mothers indulged in our favorite sport- chatting up and giggling. Mayura noticed a small movement near the pillar, and viola there it was!…A small colorful parakeet, hobbling on a broken leg. What a beautiful bird it was and what a racket we created. My excitement resulted in temporary amnesia  and started jumping like an highly animated over grown kid gesturing at Sam (life Guard)….regret  the shock I must have put the poised Mayura  ( Sam I’ll l just have to conveniently overlook and  pretend he didn’t notice)through. Sam managed to safely grip, the bird, despite the onslaught of excited kid. I ran upstairs home for a carton to house the bird as Riya and Chat brought in a bowl of water. I left Reet and Riya in Mayura’s care and rushed to a super mart for the bird feed and a cage. I returned with the bird feed and a picnic basket with lots of holes- This had been handpicked by the shopkeeper, one side duly cello taped to suit the specific purpose, as they had no cages- what empathetic shopkeepers we have here. Well  when I returned with my cargo the kid’s had made use of the time to decide how they are going to share this newly found piece of time pass  between them-poor bird, I could see its pupils dilate and constrict while it tried hard to decipher its fate discussed in an alien language. After much bargaining it had been decided that Riya will keep the bird for the first 4 days and then to share responsibility and keep for 2 days at a time between themselves. However, Riya was fast changing tracks- an overly slippery integrity was gripping her. She whispered in my ear’s “Mummy I don’t feel like sharing the bird at all. Can I keep it all to myself?”  My appeals to her goodness and reminders that the bird has to be freed eventually (once it recovers) somehow dispelled the issue. 

The Old Man And The Train

He sat on the rugged wooden bench, almost immobile and unaffected by the curious glances of the passerby's. In the hurried, rushed hours, with busy bustling of feet on the weathered floor of platform No.10, he was like a grand old banyan tree, unmoving and majestic. He was lost in his own world, juggling between the thoughts of surviving odds and the moments of triumph in the golden days. Most pass him by too busy in their pace to stop and ask why he had so much of sadness in his eyes. The curious or the more sensitive one's feared they might intrude on his privacy and so just glanced with a little puzzlement. May be by looking hard or long enough the mystery might unfold on its own. His eyes spoke volumes. He was like a magnificent ship wrecked with time, lost in a tremulous sea storm. Suddenly the anticipated and familiar sound of the approaching train echoed throughout the platform. The hustle bustle of the hurried feet increased. If anyone cared to look at the Old man, they could see the cloud in his eye lift off. His eyes lit up, eyeballs darting here and there, as if searching someone or something-seaching for that someone who was the only inspiration for his zestful life,alas lost somewhere in this maddening crowd.It seems like yesterday when both of them were together. Just for a moment he closed his eyes to feel the closeness of there being together,doing things together......................oh no !a blink of an eye lid and it seems like it ended forever.Still hoping against all hopes he managed to open his wrinkled eyes to again rove around for that someone.The train drew closer and closer to the station and finally came to a stop.it was like a big jolt shaking the old man to the present.If anyone was observing him keenly would not hv missed those aquatic drops stuck up like dew drops in the far corner of those freckled eyelashes.

ROSY RIZI OFF TO SCHOOL

http://www.lulu.com/product/file-download/rosy-rizi/185113?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

This is an initiative for a series of childrens book. Have a free look at the first one of the series for toddlers!

Rosy Rizi embarks on a new journey each day of her growing up years.This book traces her journey through anguish to acceptance and ulitamely joy, on one of her regular school days.In a subtel humours way it highlights the common fear of seperation in children and the delightful manueavors to mould an adult.This book helps the child to read the story through pictures and illustration.