Naboborsho..

Naiba elo notun bochor kanshor ghonta bajiye..

Naibo holo notun jaama, khwa - plate ti shajiye.

Naiba pelaam notun dine gurujoner ashirbaad..

Naiba gelaam thakur bari Bhaangte maye r upobash.

Naiba elo ghore ghore paaka aamer gondhho..

Naiba holo beler paana ar pora aamer dondhho.



Holoi jodi icche amar ekchute jai paliye..

Chottobelar dingulite – shei bejai gorom dupur e...



Tobuo bujhi ashbe na ar notun bochhor eidike?

Tobuo ki ar bolbo na “suvo noboborsho” – shobaike??

Hopes in despair

My heart bleeds for the Afghani mom that was shot in the chest
She was on her way to the doctor’s and was clad in the vest
Walking alone in the streets, cradling her feverish son
She cared for her child so did not wait for ‘her’ man
Men stamped on her body and said – “this is what will happen”
If you break the rule - and do not listen.


My heart bleeds for the African girl who was barely ten
Sold off in the name of marriage to a fifty year old man
She did not know what it is to be a “newlywed”
So her husband took charge and beat her to death.

My heart bleeds for the Iraqi boy who was blown into pieces
By a ‘grownup’s toy that fell in the crevices.
He picked up a bomb thinking it was a ball
Couldn’t tell the differance – he was too small.

What forces them to act such? – I wonder
Looking out in the rain to ponder..
Why does so much hatred fill this world?
Where did all the love go – with which God built this earth?
Did it all get buried under the hate’s pyre?
Giving out a heinous world for us to bear?

Walked in my little princess – drenched in the winter rain
I looked closer – her eyes were drenched as well - but not with rain..
She put forth a grimy bundle in the shape of a dog
A little creature that was rescued from the bog.
“mommy please do something – this doggy is in pain”…
My heart swelled – all is not lost – there’s still some hope left!!!

Why God made wives...

Arunava walked in through the garage door – expecting his 3 year old daughter to run up to him – which she did..He picked her up and peeked into the living room.
Empty!!
He peeked further and saw Anima – his wife of 15 years scurrying across the kitchen to prep the night’s dinner and occasionally nudging/ scolding their 8 year old son to do his homework correctly. He sat with his homework on the kitchen counter and Arunava saw that Anima had not even changed out of her work outfit....Both Mom and son were oblivious to Dads homecoming!!!

He was feeling particularly good that day –his prized shares went up the bumpy stock market ride and one of his projects got approved at work too..so all in all - a successful day. He wanted to share this with Anima but looking at the 'kitchen' situation – decided it was not a good time. So he quietly placed his daughter on the ground and went upstairs to freshen up. When he came back down in an hour – she found Anima sitting on the couch. She was now monitoring Akash’s piano practice. But she seemed relaxed– her hair tucked up, make up removed – she looked totally homely and beautiful. He loved her!!

Arunava sat down with a glass of beer and picked up the Wall Street journal – hoping to pick up from where he left in the morning. He casually started the conversation and when told her about his gain in the market – he just managed a “Really?? Good for you”. He realized for the “n”th time- with dismay - that a woman’s attention does not go deeper beyond the worthless metal and piece of stone!!

He delved into the WSJ again and was lost in the world until Anima asked “Did you call up the number I gave you?”
Arunava’s first reaction was – “what number?
”“Oh don’t tell me you forgot..I emailed you and pinged you and called you to remind ..today was the last day for registering Akash in the summer soccer team!!”
Arunava felt like running away from the house. He knew exactly what was coming next..the litany of charges…..
“You do not seem to pay ANY (stress on this word) attention to what I say these days”
“I am doing a triple full time job (she considers her family and kids two separate full time jobs!!) with no help from you - the least I can expect is to do the tasks that I request “.. (was that a Request????)
The decibel level rose in steps with each sentence…
“I am suffering since the day we got married and no matter how I try – you will not change”
He was confused – he thought she started off with “…these days” which means he was better before..but he dared not argue.
In the end came the final declaration or realization “I know all men have MDS – but you are the worst”
She has come up with this term – Male Deficiency Syndrome that identifies the 'not-able-to-take-hints'(he calls it plainness') selective-forgetfulness in men and many other things women think men are lacking and jokes about this with her girlfriends.
For this - He hated her!!!

He allowed the storm to subside and made special conciliatory effort that night to clean the dishes and load the dishwasher ‘exactly’ the way she wanted it.. He even attempted to tell her that he will call the next day and implore and beg them to Akash in the team.
“thanks but I will take care of that”

Arunava went upstairs – hoping that Anima will forget this episode after a good night’s sleep..
Next morning was indeed better. Anima woke him up with a soft nudge before starting out for work at 7.30.
“The coffee is downstairs – don’t forget to rinse the cup though.”
She walked out with Akash and Arushi – to drop them off at school on her way.
At around mid morning – Arunav got a call from Anima. Not willing to repeat last nights blunder, he picked up the call.
“Few girls at work are planning for a week-long girl’s only trip to a resort”
“Oh Ok”
“They are asking me to join…”
In a moment Anima’s daily soap flashed in his mind
“I have to toooo many things to do-you don’t help at all – I wish you and I could swap roles so you understand what I go through” etc etc.
“Off course – go ahead”
He wanted to show her that what she does around the house is no big deal and he can take care of everything - easily..
“Are you sure?”
"Absolutely”
“But Arushi has not stayed away from me ever”
“Oh but she has to learn – don’t worry they will be fine”

The trip was to a hill resort a few hours away. The rest of the gang carpooled but Anima insisted to drive her own car – in case she had to come back sooner. Arunava tried to tell her that there is no need to drive alone – and come back sooner but she insisted. And like most arguments, she won!!So, off she went - on a Sunday evening – posting numerous notes on the refrigerator doors and giving numerous instructions to Arunava on how to run the house when she was gone.

Mostly Arunava shut his mind off to them… As soon as her car went out of sight, Arunava picked up the phone and called one of his friends – whether he wanted to play poker that night. His friend was not that “lucky” – he had to run some errands for his wife..errr..family. So, Arunava fed the kids with whatever Anima had left for that day and send them to bed. He himself then settled down with a pay-per-view and a carton of beer… Next morning he woke up from the nudge of his son. "daddy its time for school"
He jumped off the bed - it was 8.00 in the morning and he had 15 mins to get himself, his son and daughter - ready for the day!!
"Shit!!!!! " was all he could say..
What followed the next 20 mins could put any marathon runner to shame.
He threw some cereal in cold milk and gave it to Akash while he ran upstairs to wake up his daughter. When he came back - the cereal and the bowl stared at him - and Akash too..
"Eat your cereal - fast" he yelled ..
"But today is toast and omlette day" ..
"is that a rule????" Obviously he was unaware if there "was" one..
"yes - Mommy always gives me that on Monday"
"Eat whatever I gave you"
"But mommy said not to break any rule of the house"
(Shut up and eat it or go hungry") was what he felt like but that would seal the fate of his married life - so he had to admit to his son that he did not know the rule and besides no one should waste food. (That had to be another rule in Anima's house!!)
He did not have any time to make his coffee..

Akash was late for school and so was he - for his meeting.
The evening followed in a similar manner and when Anima called to check on things - Akash gave an "accurate" detail of things around the house. Anima asked him if things are okay and whether she should come back home - sooner than planned. His ego would not let him admit that and ask her to come back.

That night he did not venture into pay-per-view world and put the alarm on for 7.00 AM the next morning.
He woke up and made toast and omlette for the kids only to learn that it was hash brown and sausage day....he pleaded again and tried to brew some coffee.

When he opened the cabinet - he found numerous tins of coffee. That did not make sense at all..why would Anima have so many tins? (That coffee has different flavors and that you are supposed to store them separately - did not occur to him) Anyway, he picked one and not knowing the proportion - threw in an amount which he thought would make a 'strong' cup.

He sipped it "Yikes!!! it tasted like hot beer".

The morning went without much catastrophe but he got a call from his daughter's school at 3.00 pm - that she had an 'accident' in school and needed to be picked up since there were no extra clothes provided in her back pack that day.
He hurriedly picked her up and brought her home - barely making it to his another meeting.

When he came out of the room to check on his daughter whom he had given a box of crayon and a paper to draw on - has painted the walls instead!!.
He gave a "reflexive" scream and off came the loud wail at the highest decibel level she could muster.
Next came his son - sullen because he got a "tardy" slip at school.

As the evening progressed - things worsened...Arunav discovered that helping his son with his homework is not at all easy. Akash seemed to be interested in everything else but his own homework - which frustrated Arunav to the n th degree. He wondered how Anima put up with this day after day....

Dinner was another disaster..
Arunav managed to burn the chicken in the oven and the rice seemed to have been harder than usual (Anima did not put a note on how much water is needed for how much rice!!).
And the kids just refused to eat. He was debating whether to go out and get McDonalds or let them go to bed(after all - one night's fast would not kill them) when Anima called.

Akash made a beeline to the phone and picked it up. Arunav looked intensely at his son trying to guess the conversation - and signaled him to ask mommy to come back but Akash could not get the hint. Alas – his son inherited the SAME MDS that he suffered from!!!!

Anima asked for her husband and after asking ‘seemingly’ general questions announced that she was coming back the next day..
Arunav jumped with joy.
Thank God Anima was a woman and did not have MDS!!!!
He thanked God again for making them…women... and more so WIVES….

Writing is Tough!!!

I seem to have a passion for writing - like myriad other things such as shopping, sleeping, eating etc etc. ...the list is long. I particularly like to write romantic love stories – you know the likes that you see in most Hindi films or the ones you have read in Mills and Boons or Barbara Cartland – while in teens. The girl is poor but possesses exquisite beauty – the kind that you normally do not see in settings such as hers (unless some king/indrustialist is living in the slums with his queen/ex filmactress wife in disguise). And the hero – a successful self made man, a TDH( for those who have not read Mills and Boons or have forgotten these “youthful” terms – TDH stands for Tall Dark and Handsome). He is very strong, arrogant and egoistic on the outside a hard nut (to crack) – but has a soft pulpy core that is dying for true love(to be cracked)!! ButI did not want to write about the usual “girl-meets-boy-and-falls-in-love” He meets the girl in an unfavorable setting – in an antagonistic environment – and the relationship starts off with a fight. My story is about the “girl-meets-boy-hates-him-and-then-falls-in-love” They hate each other at first but are attracted helplessly towards each other none the less, like the 2 poles of a strong magnet…..and at the end – “You-know-what”…

A similar plot was cooking in my head for quite some time and I wanted to pen it down, lest I lose it like I had several others before. But I am a Mom with two kids – and a working one too – hence my hours for writing are quite limited. Plus I have zillion divursions in life...But this time I was determined, so I decided to take a day off and “focus” on the story.

I called in sick next morning and after sending my kids to school (hoping to get some quiet momemts) and at about 9.00 o ‘clock in the morning - I bolted my door. As I settled down with my laptop, a bird decided to sit on my window pane and announce the “spring” with its chirps. I looked out- the hills were beautiful lush green. The fields were green too but had liberal sprinkles of violets and yellows. The sky was blue and bright with the beaming sun - happy after being released from long days of captivity under the cloud’s clout. So many colorful birds chirped happily flickering their wings. The entire nature seemed to be in celebration - enjoying while they can - before the fearful sun scorches them with its summer heat. I stared mesmerized, immersed in the beauty until I was awaken by a soft knock. “Oh you are home?” – It was my husband who usually works from home. Yes,,I said, I called in sick today. He looked at me sitting with my laptop and gave me a quizzical look and closed the door behind him.

I looked at the clock – it was 11.30. Oh my God!! I stared at the blank WordPad document in front of me – I haven’t typed a SINGLE word! I hurriedly started on the story – with the description of the beauty of the ”lead” lady. The bird and the nature inspired me today. Her hair was a bounty of winter clouds (It rains in winter in California) , her lips were like the petals of a fresh red rose that blooms in early spring. When she walked, even the most gracious deer fell down in shame. And her eyes…..here I fell into a dilemma. I always thought green eyes carry much depth in the character (No, not associated to green-ocean-depth thingy) but looking at the bright blue sky outside, I thought blue eyes is not a bad idea after all when…


“Knock-Knock’!!
“Yes” I said.
My husband peeked in..”what’s for lunch? Since you are home today, I thought of asking”.
“There’s plenty of food in the refrigerator – go eat anything and everything that you want and ‘pretend’ I am not at home today”
Did you think I said that aloud? Off course not! – I am a dutiful wife you see! So I got down, warmed up his lunch, served him on a plate and came back up to ‘focus’ on my story.

About half an hour later while I was still debating whether to pick her eyes from the depths of ocean or to get it from the blues of sky, comes the knock again..
“What now”?
“Are you not going to have your lunch?” He actually “NOTICED” that I hadn’t eaten…

“No I am not quite hungry yet” (I will eat whenever I feel like and STOP disturbing me!!)

“Ok” – was his response..
The watch said 1:30 in the afternoon..

Reading the few lines that I had typed, I felt writing too much about the beauty of the “heroine” seemed to take the focus away from the actual theme.. so I concentrated on the story itself. I was weaving my thoughts around a highly dramatic moment of their first meet when “BANG” – the door opened!
My eight year “energy ball” stormed in. MOMMY you are home???” He comes back from school at 3.00 P.M
“Yes honey – Mommy was not feeling well today”. At first I did not want to admit that I wanted to write – wanted to surprise them all by my creation.
“How come you are not lying down on bed then?”
“I am not actually sick but wanted to write something..” Could not argue against the “strong” logic.
“Do you have an exam?”
“No – I just wanted to write a err…story”
“You mean – like in Books”?
“Yeah – kind of..”
“Then you can print a book?”
“Well…..if I write enough stories and nice ones that people like ..then yes”
“What if they are not nice?”
“Then they won’t get printed” Can you sense my dejection at the rejection - even before the expectation began?
“Oh whatever!!’ He bolted out…
After a few mins came another BANG and this time “I need a snack”.

I couldn’t ask him to go to daddy since he was working and I – sitting idle at home. So, away I went – further from my story. As I gave him a cup of Yogurt and some strawberries, I sensed the need of food for myself. I grabbed a sandwich and sat down with my son talking – mostly he filling me in with his daily “happenings”. After snacks, I asked him to focus on his homework while I focus on my story. Obediently he went, only to come back a few mins later – he needed help with his homework and wanted to do it BY Mommy!! So, I put aside my laptop and focused on his homework instead. By the time we were done, walked in my little princess!! Daddy brought her from school at 5.30 P.M. And this time “SHE” needed attention.

I shut down my computer – not caring to save whatever I had put down the “whole day”. Writing is not at all easy, it’ s very tough – especially for a wife and a Mom like me – so I gave up!!

As I went on with the chores of the day, I felt a tinge of sadness for the lovely girl not being able to fall in love with her prince charming …….and the world missing out on a classic “love-story” lol

Growing Up..

My seven year old has only two things in his world of favorites - his 'cars' and his 'mommy' - the first love being his cars offcourse!! He owns about 500 + of them - of different sizes and models - and colors. He' knows' each one of them - personally and cares for them passionately. If you are sensing 'jealousy' here - you are sensing it right!!! I was terribly jealous of this 'possessiveness' of his possessions - until one day.......
During one of our bed-time chat (the only time of the day when his 'second' love gets precedence over his 'first'!) he confessed to me that he does not want to become a 'truck' driver anymore (that was his choice of profession the night before) - but an airplane pilot instead. (His world still revolved around vehicles but I guess he could sense mommy's disconcert the previous night - so he wanted to make amends). I felt a shade better - after all an airplane pilot 's mommy sounded much better than a truck driver's. So, I relaxed a bit and asked him what else he wants to do when he grows up - he said 'I will go to work and earn money like you do and buy you "stuff"'. Great thought!! - I said. He then asked me what 'I' wanted to do when he grows up and I said - I would be an old lady then and would like to retire and stay home. Immediately he asked me - 'will you die then?' (Even his young mind had 'oldness' and death closely associated). I said - 'eventually yes..coz' everyone has to die when they get old.

After a moments silence - he gave me the best hug in his life and said "I don't want to grow up Mommy - I want you to be with me always". I burst out with laughter at his innocent thought - but inside I jumped instantaneously to the seventh heaven to be so indispensable in someone's life!!! And concluded for the 'n'th time that children are the best blessings of God.

Bijoya

The journey from Mahalaya to Bijoya is over
But the celebration and fun is still there -
Smells of flowers and candles still fills the air
And the beats of dhak - lingers in our ears.

Our minds are crawled with memories of the past
The fragrance of shiuli and the shafts of kaash.
The crowds on the streets - dressed in their best,
Neglecting the worries and enjoying the fest.
Then comes the Bijoya – the moment of parting!
To leave the fun behind and get on with living.
We celebrate that as well to cherish
With plates of food and sweets - with relish.
And blessings of elders and wishes from friends
To overcome life's all arduous moments..
I wish someday – I too will be a part of the fun
Taking the blessings at 'home' – in person
And not from a distance - over the telephone.

For now, thoughts of food and diet are battling in my heart
and I give no prize for guessing who's the winner.
With this I wish you - all that's best on the earth -
For now – and to be continued till the Pujo next year!!!

New Year's wish.

Gone is yet another year

This – to some – was fun and pleasure

But to some was pain and tears.

There were some events on this earth

That bled our hearts

And some that cheered us up.

Now the New Year is here –

Let us forget the pain and the tear

And begin with hope and expectation.

A new set of resolutions

Some to be kept – some – broken

Some sorrows to be endured

Some happiness begotten

With this, I wish you dear friends...

A new year filled with joy and love,
and all things that a wish can fetch.