At The Year's End

Memories, their threads of vibrant hues,

Weave our story of this year's journey through, 

Rainy nights, fleeting car lights, eyes cast a shy glance 

They watch on as fluttering hearts together dance.

Tales fragrant of jasmine tea unfold with glee, 

A smile blooms, while your poems carry me,

Into their deep warmth, where cool winds find ease, 

And the painful chaos of the souls cease.

Spellbound nights, whispers in the air, 

We remain entwined, in a world beyond compare. 

Mountains conquered, storms faced, hand in hand, 

No fear or doubt live in this promised land.

Stream of memories flow, and another year takes flight, 

We will write new songs, bathed in the brightest light. 

My hand in yours, hearts close together, this love stays, 

One that transcends time as the pendulum quietly sways.

Home - A Secret Wish

At 7, home meant the cozy, warm house where mother in her pink cotton saree would be preparing potato fritters while father, in his white kurta pyjama would be busy calculating the monthly expenses. While brother played with his 'hot wheels' in the living room, I would be watching the newly hatched baby sparrows on the electrical box at the verandah with dreamy eyes, fantasizing about a new home.

At 19, home was the shared hostel room where I would be lying inside a blanket, embraced by white noise created by the rain, reading the mushiest romantic novel of the time and fantasizing about a new home.

At 29, home was a cozy apartment, with a partner. A warm abode where school friends and family came over to play poker, and remember old days over a drink and a warm meal. Home was a space which was carefully created with a lot of love knitted into every corner. But this time, I did not fantasize about a new home.

At 37, when I handed the reins to the divine while I rested to heal; it took me to a new home, yet again. Home was stillness, but this time it was within me. Can I say I am finally home? Not yet. I wish for all of the above in this new abode. When I say all, it means the warm, fuzzy shared love, dreams and companionship, along with the stillness within.

You Were There...

You were there...

When I walked into this strange world; an unfriendly, indifferent world

You held my hand when I stumbled

You noticed the tears that stubbornly refused to spill out,

Ones that created a mayhem deep within me

You were there...

You protected me from the bone chilling storm

And created a safe haven...

You gifted me happiness and peace, once elusive dreams

You were there to lift me up into the skies

You were there to pull me out of murky seas

You were there...

And even without words, you made me feel loved...

When you were vulnerable, when you prayed for me

When my pain made you restless...

When your soul engulfed mine in darkness,

When you strewed happy stories all around

When you listened to a hundred unfounded fears

Without budging, to let me know, how much I meant...

You were there, my love. Always.

As long as I extend my hand and find you, I shall live

Because if I lose you, I will be lost too.