Needless

The witch has shaken the potion thrice, bowing to the prince who paid the price.
The prince had walked under the sky, as the countless stars twinkled by.
Half the way he paced to pause, to look at how the sparkle was.
The cork tipped and rolled down the mire, and the magic did the lone prince hire.

His body shackled as if to die, he would have if it wasn't the firefly.
The buzz and light had disturbed his sleep, and into the new world did he creep.
The forest thickened through his rest, and his sight was put to test.
The path was the same mire over the lake, but with tar like cream over a cake.

Men who were clad like butlers all over, bound in speeding steels did hover,
To and fro along the mire, in a way the prince did admire.
The steel carts had lights in the front, which never flickered as they went.
The prince headed back towards the palace, jumping to the buzzes of the carts’ race.

The city had more houses and more light, which never flickered and burnt bright.
The prince made way as people stared, and honked and foul words twice they shared.
The palace he entered where none was same, his family was all now in the frame.
He ran in panic over the stairs, to the roof where his true self pairs.

Into a world that is awkward and new, into a world of lights in different hue,
Into a world that was scarily fast, only did his calm roof top last.
He lied down over the warm stone, and looked up to stars for he was alone.
To his surprise the count was halved, gone was ‘the Orion’ he always loved.

A tinge of orange did blur the sky, that of the lights that below him lie.
He wished to shout loud and clear, for of none should the prince fear.
The glory of the man seemed to fade, like the stars of ‘the long spade’,
All that sped and lit seemed useless, no not useless, needless, needless.

The prince closed his eyes and said his chant, "needless, needless, none to enchant.
O witch, O witch, O ditching witch, bless the magic to switch,
What is a sky without all the stars? A canvas whose artist died in the wars.

Needless, needless, needless is the light,
The light so bright in the darkest night,
That shall blemish the sky with scars,
That of the beautiful sparkling stars. "

Saying so his eyes closed the last time, and into another star did he sublime.

P. S.:  The 'needless' is a campaign that creates awareness about light pollution, prominently emphasising on the deterioration of the quality of the skies. For more, please visit http://www.need-less.org.uk/

The nerd glasses

"The wheat fields wave in the summer breeze, over the Caro Island in Greece, to the port is a stranded way, orange and rising from the Dumtak Bay. To my home it leads mate, on the hill of Bestinlate, come today and embrace us, far away from all your fuss. How does it sound, honey, to welcome your friend in my way?" Teo was speaking loud from the balcony where he rested in his armchair to Hana who was in the kitchen, mashing the boiled eggs.

Teo was 43, a writer with a grown beard who spent his days lazing on the island of Caro. Hana completed him, being a professional cook, and singing all day what she heard in the party previous night. The time when she would put on her long gowns and jasmines and stride down to the beach for wine in the dusk would be that when Teo would let his pen run on the white sheets. "She's coming to us in crisis Teo, don't you dare frighten her” Hana replied smiling as she carried the coffee pot to the balcony's table where Teo would always write. The brew was quickly vanishing in the breeze and the aroma filled the balcony. "Touch it before she comes and I'll push you into the Saturday night's harbour shake" she warned walking back to bake the bread. Teo wondered about how their kids would also be leading the hostel wings, given their mother's petty traits.

The doorbell chimed accompanied by the knock and Teo jumped out reaching for the door. As he pulled the door inside, there she stood, Sushi, her hair curled in a mess over her face, dusted, and her eyes, half closed. Her sleeplessness was painted dark below her eyes, her limbs drooped as she bent forward and her shirt wrinkled and folded up her sleeves. Hana walked out of the kitchen and welcomed Sushi in, pushing him aside, and took her to the couch in the balcony. Sushi lay down and held her palms against the brightness of the summer's hot sun bouncing the golden field. Her eyes crouched behind the lids and shrunk in light.

"Would you like to have a coffee?" Hana inquired already pouring into the cups. She took a cup to Sushi and waited for her to take it. Sushi regained her posture and drank the entire cup in a shot and fell back into Hana’s lap. She blabbered in a murmur, "It was not my fault him hell and principles. Selfish." Even before Teo could pose before her the questions of inquiry, her eyes closed into a deep sleep. Hana moulded her body straight and gestured, mouthing "quiet now and call me when she wakes." she walked back to her mash and Teo sat staring over into the far waters, where steamers sailed calmly, occasionally pumping their buzzing horns. There Sushi slept, her mouth wide open, as if gaping in serenity.

Two hours later, Sushi woke up to see Hana, staring, resting in Teo’s arm that curled up over her shoulder. Surprisingly, he was staring too. She sat up instantly and was searching for words to speak. "Hush sweet girl. Come let's have lunch and then sit to speak. No need to worry. Feel home. It is half past 3 and his tummy has been rapping since ages." Hana spoke, pointing to Teo, as if she could read her friend's mind. Sushi stood, and she wondered if there is any part of her body that was relaxed. She walked to the basin, washed her face and to the table where the couple were busy serving. She snatched a glass that was on the table, moist from the outside, and gulped the freezing cold water. She blinked long thrice and the scent of spices crept into her mind. The lunch was quick and heavy and not a word was uttered. Sushi ate the food, proper food, after a long time she felt. But not her buds knew any taste. All she could tell was that the food was good.

Hana suggested, "The tub is ready with warm water. Bathe long and be at rest. I have my purple gown for you. Call me in case you need me." Sushi stood up silently looking down into the circles of hell and walked in to the bath. She was different, Hana noticed from what she used to be. Earlier, she was a playful child who would always accompany Hana into every mischief. The difference was Sushi loved what she learnt and was always fascinated by the job she would do, and dreamed of enjoying an eminent position in the society whereas Hana loved to be quiet, yet naughty, dancing and singing and passing her life in herself.

The pleasant radio played blues that echoed in the house, as the couple regained their cuddling on the couch. It was an hour since lunch when Sushi returned to dress. She wore the gown and walked to the mirror and stared towards herself. Her wet hair was messed up, her eyes looked sleepless, her cheeks were pale, her hands were thin, and her frame bent. She picked the comb and walked directly to the couch. Sushi dropped it in Hana’s lap and sat on the floor right at Hana’s feet waving her to comb. Immediately, in care, Hana picked her up and made her rest in the arm chair and combed gently, drying her hair and curling it back clean. Sushi had closed her eyes, but still a drop managed to slip over her tender cheeks. Hana bent down and wiped it and inquired, "What’s it darling?" Teo calmly watched. Hana too sat down facing Sushi, her hands folded in confidence.

The sea behind her roared. Sushi spoke, after what she thought were ages or may be, seconds since the last moment of her life when she was at her office in Lika, 40 miles away from Caro by sea. What followed from there was memory vague, running to the port, calling her old dormant friend stopping by the street phone, stealing into the open cargo carrying coal, begging the sailor with the heavy moustache who was kind and running up the steep Bestinlate, her heels tearing apart. She spoke, "Hana, I am sorry for troubling you both like this.” Guilt echoed deep in her voice, as deep as from her heart. Hana spoke in the tone of an angel, her kindness consoling, and “We have been friends since childhood Sushi. You are always welcome here. Countless times I asked you to take a break and spend with us. It has dawned upon us today. Tell me first, what brings you here. What happened to you?” A teardrop already rolled on Sushi’s cheek, Teo noticed.

Sushi continued, “Today I was at the museum by 7. My work was perfect till yesterday. Perfect, Hana, as if I was everything I ever dreamed of. I had everything I wished for. A beautiful house that would look over the far sea, lots of people going around my exhibits and wondering at the marvels of ancient Greece. Everyone at the museum was so pleased with my work. I myself was, too. I walked, like every other day, today to the museum and went to my desk. As soon as I pulled up my chair, I noticed a new foolscap placed under my paperweight. It was not on the top but it was new I know. Even before I read it out, he came up to me, my boss, and pointed to me, a paper stamped ‘UNADDRESSED’ in red. I could notice that it was a copy of the same sheet I had in my hand. It was an invitation to France, I quickly ran my eyes through. I was being invited to work on their plans regarding the Bastille's underground. It would be a dream project to anyone who held a job like mine. If it went well, Hana, everyone in Europe would know our company. The name of Lika would have been heard far as Malaysia and Alaska. The deadline, highlighted in bold, was two weeks ago. I still wonder how it could have missed it. I never missed any before this, believe me, Teo, not a single piece.” Her last words were to Teo who was eyeing her suspiciously, or so she thought. Teo nodded, for he believed, and was curious.

Drawing a long breath, Sushi spoke, her voice more heavy, her eyes moist, “He ordered me angrily to address the board meeting by 8. I could not hear any of his words then, for I could see how furious he was, and how costly my untidiness had been. I was afraid for I would get fired. Indeed, Hana, I was more frightened about the fact that my life would be over, for the mistake would spread like fire on hay. Losing that deal was like forgetting to eat, Hana, will it ever happen?" Hana was keen and nodded in confirmation, that she understood what Sushi meant.

Sushi explained, “So, I slipped out calmly using the elevator before everyone knew, and as soon as I was on the road, I started running to the port. Midway, I was panting and about to faint, but I soon realized I didn’t know where I was headed to. All I could do was find the street phone beside me. So I reached for it and called you. And then, I ran again I didn’t know why, to the port, sneaked into the coal cargo instead of the ferry that would have started in ten minutes. I tell you, Hanna, the sailor pitied me looking at my helplessness and out of everything he asked, all I could say was Bestinlate. So, he dropped me on the shore and I was inquiring ‘Teo, writer, Hana’ around when they pointed me here.” Hana listened, as if it was an epic tale being told.

Teo, with some enthusiasm jumping out of his eyes, spoke, as if he was a kid being gifted a packet of toffees for opening his mouth, "Bastille I know. I received an invitation recently, from Bibliothèque nationale de France regarding an exhibit of the museum this month. Bruno invited me for I was keen to visit the royal hall for my research work. Is it a development after that period, Sushi?" Sushi, who was listening curiously since the start, with her expressions changing rapidly from desperation to fury, exclaimed, "What! I didn't know this. I should have known Maria, and believed when everyone whispered she seduced Antony. I need to go back." she turned back even as she spoke to trace back her morning journey.

She could have gone back, drooping and straining, unless Hana spoke, in the deepest of her thoughts, “Wait Sushi, think about it again. You work. You don't manipulate. You are the one who never got along with mates who hated you, cheated you behind your back. Remember Sushi, as I always say, you are a worker, brilliant and dedicated. But, someday you are to retire. You need to get away from all this fuss. You have worked a lot Sushi and the world needs you.” Hana sandwiched Sushi’s palm between hers’, as an assurance that she believed in Sushi’s work.

Hana explained, in a hurry that seemed to be out of the fear that Sushi would start going back, “Look at you. Look at the change in you, how limp your limbs seem, how tired your body is. Please, Sushi, stay here with us. There’s a big world out there to know the history. Stay, for I need you to." Hana broke down into tears, falling onto her knees and the balcony stayed calm. Teo could listen to a holiday commercial over the radio, as he looked at how both the ladies were kneeling, tears trickling along their cheeks.

That night, long after the dances at the beach, tired Hana retired to sleep. Teo was busy smoking his pot in the balcony, staring into the sea. Sushi tip-toed to the backyard, her mobile phone clutched in her hand.

P.S.: The characters have been inspired from the people I know, thanks to everyone so, in person. A few imaginary places, I have tried my best to describe, excuse at misconceptions. Also, I thank my editor, the old kid, for inspiring me to work. I have a sequel planned if this is good. Tell me, by any means, how you felt, if you could read upto here, please.

It so seemed

I, by my wit, tell the heart wrenching tale, of three such souls of diverse thought.
Tulip was free by thought, free as a content eagle, soaring high above the clouds that mask the blistering truth.
Bunny was dear, or so seemed, for deep inside were webs, woven of treachery and selfishness.
Rose was chaotic, appealing to the thirsty, seductive by sense, and desperate to be plucked.

As do waters merge to fall, into the deep abyss, roaring, so did bunny meet tulip, and was enchanted.
Bunny wanted love, or so seemed, of the divine waters, such of the tulip, for none hate purity, though many envy.
Tulip drowned, weighing into the bliss bunny had garnished, over his deepest trenches of desire, painful and malicious.
Thus, in the sweetest times, when bunny and tulip, fell in love, of Immaturity, and infatuation, the fragrant rose bloomed.

Rose bloomed, to be embraced, and glazed upon, by such fur, as of bunny, despite the rigid clutch.
Bunny ignored, or so seemed, for tulip and rose, in dawn or dusk, in spring or storm, bloomed, never together.
The tulip was in delight, as was every free heart ever, until the moon, rose in the East, red and full.
The day was of nature's summons, the rose was withering, the moon in bloody tears, for none knew why.

Bunny hopped, mesmerized, towards the drooping rose, to help the fragrance, last longer.
The drooping rose, or so seemed, was delighted to see, the bunny approach, to caress and care.
None knew but the rose, of the malice planned, for obsessive was her petals, soft as a velvet.
The tulip witnessed in silence, her petals wet, for bunny was her world, she believed in replica.

The red moon blossomed, the bunny felt the petal, soothing was the touch, healed was the rose.
The stars glittered, the redness wore off, but not one breeze, that passed the tulip, went dry.
The bunny loved the touch, rather obsessed, addicted, drugged by the pollen, that night.
On the edges, then deep inside, into the maze of rose's petals, bunny's fingers circled, into the mire.

The bunny still not knows, what treachery and malice, had he been deceived by.
The rose, evil and thirsty, now enjoys, what's not hers, truly, living a false life, a dream, that none knows, when may end.
The tulip cries, but never is soothed, calmed by breezes of sea, old and learnt.
None knows, or ever shall, how to rewrite the tale, for such have been penned, again, a ton times.

Celebrating the world's poetry day. May the magic in words of people around, those whose works provide deeper insights, with a tinge of humor, into the deepest meanings of life, and of those surrounding them last forever and more. And thanks to every such one in name around me, for all that you have unknowingly dumped on me, making me smile and feel blessed everytime I get to read something penned by you. CHEERS!!!! YOU MADE ME HAPPY SOME DAY!!!
In name, a very special thanks to rebeca for, without her, I couldn't keep the fire kindling, that made all this possible.

Nostalgia

It's the time when owls too sleep,
It’s two past ten when foxes do weep,
I think to write my day's diary,
The one which I love to skip daily.
Tons of mail had been sent,
Puns of Arnab had been re-learnt,
But about today I think I write,
What was a memory faint and light.

Of white shirts and navy blue trousers,
When men who searched were called browsers,
When sports meant cricket and only cricket,
When stones stood on one another as the wicket.
Of times when chocolates priced half a rupee,
And happiness was a pack of Frooti,
Bicycles were a mark of driving pride,
And dreams were of a bus to ride.

The memoirs of Pani Poori gulping,
And of the canes of sugar pulping,
Of sodas of lemon bubbling,
And rainbow sugar jellies wobbling.
Of times when I was a child,
Oh when my mind was clean and voice mild,
Of when world was a happy place to live,
And when there was nothing god could give.

And the clock squeezed ahead into teens,
Into t-shirts and rugged jeans.
And slowed into an ecstasy of paradise,
When into college life rolled my dice.

Staring out of the dark wooden doors,
As the rain onto green fields pours,
Walking up and down a path to know,
Life is more than a yes and a no.
To learn of cultures versatile to me,
And of such mixture am I to be.
I drove off into silences far,
Amidst the deep forests of Kolar.

And then the dead fire lit back bright,
Like a bright star in the windy night.
People to never lose were many met,
Some into whose tales is my own set.
Trips to places which over centuries did flourish,
With sweet memories that shall never cherish.
To learn to understand the right people,
Those who pat your back when you feel feeble.

And today I stand regretting what has past,
For I know the ship has set its mast.
Leave the life of flawless smiles,
And of those grooming weekly styles.
An older life welcomes with ignorance,
I shall rule it with brilliance,
I love what life does to me,
For it knows I am not a routine to be.

Quoting Kiddo if the ending is sad,
You can never be happy about the happy times you had.

The suicide

I folded the letter into two and gave him. He was looking dull and sad. I could read it on his face that he didn't like the idea of committing a suicide together. Unwilling, he too signed it and I snatched the letter back, put it under the pillow. Pulling him by hand, I made him walk out of our home. We had been there for sixteen years, together, celebrating, playing and jumping around. The memories were embossed onto every brick. Our parents loved us.

He paused to have one last look, deep and long, and we moved on. He was panicky, his heart weighed heavier, his pace slowed down behind me. A few minutes later, on the dark road, he finally collapsed onto his knees calling out for me. I was quite busy in my own thoughts to notice that he was lacking behind me. I turned back and called him to catch up. He looked up at me, a blaze raging in his eyes that dug the guilt of taking him along with me.

"If that's how it ought to be, I'm not coming.” he shot the words with a power I've never seen in him. Yes, I am the one who was guilty. I didn't study well, I failed my exam. The pressure was too much on me. Father hated me. Mother felt that I was insensitive to their concern. I indeed was. But, why him? It's been sixteen years and father still fed him. Deep in the heart, a soft corner to let us cherish was always evident in his jovial smile.

"Why are we to die brother?” he pleaded. I was stubborn and I was already speaking before I realised I was. I uttered, “We have failed an examination. We are losers. All we knew was to be a nerd. Today, we broke that only title. Who are we now today? Losers. Why live? Let's die. Come.” I stretched my hand out for him. He didn't move. Instead he muttered, “It’s been a boon to live. Since ages had a man lived without passing any examination. Our parents wish we live. Remember how dad and mum would feel at the death of our cousin? The house went gloomy for what I felt like ages. They are two smiling people who wish we live and let them rest when they need to. They don't expect us to feed them, all they expect is for us to live and earn a living. They are not going to be happy with what we shall do.

After all, what did we do? We failed an examination. A girl didn't like you. What about the hundreds of those worthless exams we cleared in a higher distinctions? Don't they count? Don't we deserve, thus, to live a hundred lives more. Don't we like each other? How add a life to each when die for someone not liking you? I am not coming. We had seen lives devastated. We had seen how crippled could live. We had heard of people, learnt of many more who grew their own food, ate and survived. We have a life today. We are humans. To err is human. We shall correct it. What do you think is easy? Jumping off a cliff or laughing at yourself on a Facebook post that reads, "A failure is all I need, to dry my bottle and throw the weed"? I prefer the second. I am walking back. I can live. You can come back." he stood up, turned away and walked.

I was determined and walked to the edge of cliff. Today, looking down at it, I feel afraid of death. Living a life is much easy. I close my eyes and jump in, but only after I turn around. "Here I come, world." I hopped and danced and ran back to my home. He disappeared into my own deeper self. Quickly I pulled out the letter and burnt it to Ashes. "Life is a gift, live It." the oldest song played on the radio and I slept in peace.

I lost my little examination. I will pass the biggest, my life.

P.S. : It is not about me. I was trying to just reproduce the old suicide note, if you remember.