Showing posts with label Happiness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Happiness. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

! A journey by train !



Sometimes I wonder how God handles all of us. Yes it includes ALL of us, everyone on this planet - human beings, animals, insects, every flora or fauna. We are indeed puppets in HIS hands as rightly said in an old Bollywood cinema. Everything happens for a reason and that too a good one. There is a reason behind the chirping of birds, there is a reason behind roar of a lion, there is a reason behind life and death, and there is a reason behind every accident and incident. In my, not very long lifespan, I have not come across any incident, which has not positively affected me. Even the mistakes & blunders did make a huge impact on the environment around us.

Recently I encountered an interesting episode, in which the mistakes done could have been a disaster, if it was not God's wish. But to view it in other way, again it was a lesson to teach how to avoid our carelessness and un responsive behaviour. And there is a third view to it as well, that there are infect many good people around us. Its up to us if we encounter them or not!

We were returning from small town of Punjab after attending a family function. Our trip was very comfortable while going from Delhi to a small green village in Punjab. We were traveling by train this time leaving our cozy comfort of the car. My husband actually does not like to go for long drives. :) Isn't this so unromantic? Anyways romantic long drives are there only in movies and TV. So we got our train ticket's print outs and identity cards to show at the time of travel. We boarded the train in the evening around 7 pm from Punjab to Delhi. As soon as we boarded we found ourselves in the compartment full of Sikh men and women. I was amazed because it cannot be a co incidence that whole compartment is full of Sikhs. In few minutes we came to know that the whole compartment is full of a group from Sikh community. They were coming back from holy expedition to their famous pilgrimage located in Amritsar. They were of all ages and gender. Women were doing their 'path' and men were also in the process of arranging seats to their people or just relaxing after their holy encounter. What was making me furious because some other people also occupied our seats? Especially I was annoyed, as I having habit to react very quickly on any action done in front of me. Well! My husband was just trying to understand the situation at that time instead of getting angry. He has this innate capacity to be calm and quiet in worst of situations. 

After discussion for few minutes, kids and me were given a seat in the nearby compartment. There also few of their seats were booked. After good 15 minutes of wait, my husband came to me and told me shyly that we carelessly checked the timings of train and our train to Delhi is already gone in the morning at 7 am. And that strange '24 hours format' has done it again. The moment he told me this, I gave him a stern look as if he belongs to some terrorist group. 




But it took only few seconds to regain my calm back. 
What amazed me was the behaviour and attitude with which people in the compartment held this situation, especially group of Sikh people. They not only gave us seats but also provided us the dinner for all. As it was a ticket, which would have provided us with dinner also, had we boarded the right train? My kids were accommodated comfortably and played throughout the journey with other kids in the train. Overall it was a pleasurable journey and a great learning experience.

Though we could not get a chance to formally thank them, but in my heart I prayed for them. 

This incident solidified my belief that we all are interconnected with each other in this world. 

It’s only about striking the right chord. And moreover its up to you only, what kind of people are attracted towards you - good or bad: clever or simple. 


Thursday, September 12, 2013

Bloom



I know a female who shared this story with me and I expanded it as a thought, a thought to be considered as it is related to future youth. 

My Friend is married with two sons and she also 'claims' that her husband is very loving, loyal, efficient, caring, independent & trustworthy. Sometimes I feel funny when she lists so many qualities of her husband.
How can a human being have so many qualities that too when his first name is HUSBAND! :) Anyways here we are not concerned about husband. Idea is to give a thought to youth and future brigade. Let's give a name to my friend, lets say her Gauri.
Hmm! Seems I like the name.

So, one day Gauri went to a toyshop in a nearby market to buy some gift for her kid's friend. After looking at many gifts she could barely decide on a stuffed toy for the kid's friend. The lady sitting on the shop had very small eyes, reminded her instantly of Bollywood actress #Sridevi, portraying hugely big eyes in most of her work.
Somehow we remember someone similar when we look at the person but the case was different with Gauri. She starts visualizing opposite features when ever she meets some one. People with long neck reminds her of Cricket player from England #Gladstone small with a very small neck, virtually invisible. A person with short height reminds her of Bollywood legend #Amitabh bhachan. Opposites attracts, I guess!
Any ways the lady shopkeeper started packing the gift. She hairy, round and fair complexioned face. May be her parlor visit was due. 

The lady started conversation with Gargi.

"Which school does your kid go to?"

"ABC public school." Gargi replied.

We shall avoid taking school names here. Why to give them free publicity when they deserve nothing of it. 

"Oh, and the younger one?" She said with a glimpse of sadness.

Gargi wondered what’s going on in her mind. She seems to be in talking mood with her customer.

"The same one." Gargi said.

"Oh Didi, I must tell you, remove your sons from this school. It is good for nothing. This school is useless." She told Gargi as if sharing the most vulnerable information on the planet.

"My daughters are going to St. XYZ convent school. It is the best school in this locality." The lady disclosed so proudly that Gargi felt like a snail. 

While holding a nice gift pack in her hand Gargi was feeling like a brain less mother who has sent her kids to worst school of the area. But the truth was not this. 

"Like Diamond, truth has many facets."

On the very next day she went on to meet her son's 'ex tuition teacher'.
 The word 'Ex' is very commonly used and misused now. Unfortunately teacher's community is also untouched by this use. After explaining issues about her health and telling her what kind of religious activities teacher is indulging herself in, discussion centered on kid’s studies. It was a natural move but gave Gargi a brain storming session.
Teacher asked Gargi if her kids are still going to ABC public school? She advised Gargi she should put her kids to St XYZ School or PQR international school or EFG international school. Gargi told me what the teacher said to her, and I found it really strange. Teacher told my friend as her kids are boys, present day schooling will matter most to them once they are grown up. If they have a label of convent school or International school then chances are they will get very good and educated spouses.

Phew! And here comes the 'awakening'. Teacher told her that when she will go out to find a perfect match for her sons she will be welcomed warmly by her future 'Bahus’, only if they are in these respected schools. And when they will come to know that they studied in Convent or International school then their families will also give you a hearty greet. 

Oh gosh! I was very much astonished & laughed out on this kind of idea. But it gave me a shudder down my spines when I realized the gravity of this kind of thinking process. 

“We are addicted to our thoughts. We cannot change anything if we cannot change our thinking.”

And I strongly believe " What I think moves on to next generation, of course with few individual changes here and there."

Very Firstly the thought of gender biased schooling disturbed me here. Being a female of course I have a soft corner for girls but also I am not a commando with a woman empowerment flag in my hand. I equally love boys. :)

Issues being faced by females are more or less similar as faced by boys in our society. Yes I know except some biological processes. One, the teacher is denying the idea of girls studying in convents and International schools. Second she is depicting short sightedness of future would 'bahus' and their families. Like as if, at the time of marriage will the girl see if the boy had studied in convent or not. What about his education? Boy might be working in country's top MNC on the top management position and did his schooling from Public school or Govt school. Oh sad ! He is not eligible then. And what about his honesty, loyalty, disciplined life style and caring nature? Will these Convents and Internationals give the guarantee to imbibe these qualities in ‘boys’? 

Well, it may be this teacher's lone thought but I am sure If an aged female teacher thinks like this then definitely there must be 100 other people who are thinking like this.

Second Idea behind this thought, which I could not reciprocate in the same manner, is Gargi's sons are very young and overlooking at their ability in academics, sports, or extra curricular activities, their marriage is linked directly to their schooling years ahead. Now, that’s funny!
What if they fall in love and opt for love marriage! :)

Give kids some time to settle and let them breathe. Let them germinate at their own pace. And please keep gender differences away from basic right of education.

I think that the best thing we can do for our children is to allow them to do things for themselves, allow them to be strong, allow them to experience life on their own terms, allow them to take the subway...let them be better people, let them believe more in themselves.

Too much of water and fertilizer before time spoil the beauty of plants. Isn’t it?

But I shall tell you that Gargi is still bewildered about her kid’s schools. J

“We must teach our children to dream with their eyes open.”
Harry Edwards











Sunday, September 8, 2013

When mystery never unfolds !


HIS warm breath was still on HER neck,
humming though ears and going till the heart
embracing the heart from all four quarters


His sweet nothings were still in the air,
dancing with glory of their togetherness
making an incision in the middle of her heart.

HIS affectionate sight was so intense 
looking into HER eyes as if meeting them 
halfway while making space in HER heart

His subtle and restless touch of fingers
still loom large on HER knotted fingers
and caressing her finger tips with her thumb

HIS look travelling till the road end
still layering HER own glance
in whatever or whosoever SHE saw

HIS lips twirled like vine of grape
mere look of which melted HER 
as if she is a snow ball melting near the fire

HIS voice looming around like a whirlwind
making a funnel in which HER being
is twirling deep down & down.

In spite of all the remoteness
HE is not around HER
but SHE is still clinging to the mystery
which might unfold

May be at the time of 'The ultimate journey'

#Love - The eternal journey






Friday, September 6, 2013

Love


We can not force ourselves to love - or to withhold it. At best we can curb our actions. The heart itself is beyond our control. That is its power and its weakness. 


Thursday, April 11, 2013

हैप्पी बर्थडे आरिन !


वो झिलमिलाती हंसी
वो आँखों में शरारत
वो नन्हे हाथॊ से
मुझे छूना ,
वो छोटी छोटी उंगलीयो से
मेरे गालॊन को सहलाना
वो तेरा तेज़ी से दौड़ना
और मेरे ऊपर जम्प लगाना !

वो तेरे ढेरॊन सवाल
और उनके  मुश्किल जवाब
वो तेरा टॉयज के लिए मचलना
वो तेरा टीवी के लिए रोना
वो तेरा चॉकलेट के लिए
झीकना
वो तेरा घूमने जाने के लिए
मनाना

वो तेरा लेटेस्ट फ़िल्मी गाने गाना
वो तेरा टीवी में देखके
डांस कॉपी करना !
वो तेरा हमेशा अपनी पसंद के
कपढ़े निकाल कर पहनना
और सारी अलमारी खराब कर देना

वो तेरे मीठे बातें बनाना
और उन्हें बार बार सुनाना
वो बड़े भाई से लड़ना
और फिरउसी के साथ
खेलना !

यह सब कुछ सालों में खो जाने है,
और तुझे एक समझदार और परिपक्व
इंसान बन जाना है !

पर मैं वहीं हूँ  अभी
जब तीन साल पहले तुमने आकर
मेरा घर खुशबू से भर दिया था !
मैं हमेशा यहीं रहूंगी
इन् नन्हे कदमॊ के साथ
इन् प्यारी बातों के साथ
इन् नन्ही  उंगलियों के साथ
इन् शरारती आँखों में
इस छोटे से आलिंगन में

सदा ही !

हैप्पी बर्थडे आरिन !