SUNSET



I stood near hill cliff till I saw the sun sinking in the horizon into dusk. I shouldn't be here I know. Everybody is expecting me at home. Still this red, orange sun which blends in strange melange of golden hue entrapped my imagination and I was compelled to stay there. I tried to remember the last time I saw a sunset. 

It was when I came to this same place with grandma six years ago. I so used to enjoy my visit to this place with her. I remember how it used to elate me to see the smile on her face while she endlessly stared at the sunset till the sun buried in the skyline. Her face lit up with that strange melange of golden hue. It was the most cherished site of my life. She once said that she would love to die watching this picturesque moment. Who knew her wish was going to be true someday. 

One day while returning from the hill cliff she had a stroke. Even before she could reach the hospital she died. This came as a shock to me. I couldn't even cry that day. The person around whom my whole world stood was no more. 

Since then hatred was itched in my mind for this place. Yet, today, I found myself compelled to come to this very hillside again. This hill side reminded me of her. Here I sensed her presence.  This sunset reminded me of her smile. I vividly could visual the golden smile that this sunset brought on her wrinkled face. 

I know she is no more yet her memories will be with me forever. Because everyday this sun would set and would remind me of her lively smile.

Slowly and gradually this golden hue turned into a mix of blue and purple and I came back from my reminiscence. I started walking towards the slope which headed towards my home.

Two Nights at Neempani


I drove all night and did not stop till I reached Neempani. I know the name is strange but the place was too familiar to me. First time I came here was with Sonal. The night was surreal. It was our first date and I drove 55 kms from Betul, just to give us a chance to know each other without any interference. Call it bizarre or just unusual; the date was arranged by our parents. Not completely though. They decided the date and time and I was supposed to take her some place nearby but eventually we ended here at Neempani.

I had heard that she liked long drives. So we took the highway towards Bhopal with her permission of course. The ice between us broke after we crossed Sonaghati. We talked without any agenda. A moonlit night, endless roads and large and ancient trees arching the roads and a beautiful companion to share your thoughts; the night was truly surreal. As we reached Neempani I realised we were too far from home. I suggested we should go back. It was her idea to dine at Neempani. She said she had heard of this place and food here was good. I must say she was right. 

We got married within 5 months from that night. we shifted to Bhopal to commence our nuptial journey. Everything was so perfect: too good to be true. With the passing time, the equation of our relationship changed, so did we. Our initial compromise to make each other happy gradually turned into complains and dissatisfaction. As the charm of our marriage withered out, none of us could restrain the urge to pour our bitterness out. There no particular reason we fought; rather it was simple differences that aggravated. One strange day we decided to be civil to each other and came to the conclusion that it would be better if we part our ways mutually. Yesterday we got divorced. 

Tonight as I waited for my order to be served I wondered the enigmatic nature of life. Two nights and the meaning and connotation of my life changed. Both the nights are so different yet so similar. Both the nights changed the course of my life. That night witnessed the budding bonding between us and tonight avouches the end of the bitter and spiteful marriage we were in for past 7 years. 

I recommenced my journey. While driving through Ghati I could not clear out the thoughts of my married life. As the meandering roads lead me towards the end of this story I thought about the key chapters that twisted this tale forever.

I am Happy Again

A 55 words Fiction.

I walk down the streets. I don’t need anyone to hold my hand while I walk. My legs don’t go numb any more. . I sleep peacefully at nights. I have dreams again. I smile without any pretence. I am tasting freedom after two decades of excruciating pain. One surgery and I am happy again.


Ek Nazm Likhna Chahti Hoon


Ek nazm likhna chaahti hoon
Par alfaz kam padh jate hai,
Khayalon ke is jangal mein 
Sab jazbaat goom se ho jate hai.

Waqt Ki hateli itni tang kyun hai?
Koi pal theherte nahi kyun hai?
Kisi chalachitr ke jaise
Lamho ko guzarta dekh rahi hoon main,
Na Jane kab lamha guzar gaya woh
Abhi muththi mein jakad rakha tha joh.

Ab na jane kab woh shaam hogi
Jab hoton par muskaan aur ankhein nam hongi,
Jazbaat ki lehre hoton ke kinare payegi
Kab woh log milenge jinke hone se
Kisi aur chiz ki zarorat na padhegi...


#SnippetsOnLife2 - Life and Darkness

Have you ever thought about the bright side of darkness in your life? Recently I had the opportunity to ponder upon the reality and even th...