Long Wait

For some, the long wait is never over

they are always in anticipation

hoping that the tide would change

perhaps, if this happens or that happens




Yet nothing ever does if you are

at the lower echelons, bottom of the pyramid

only the power wielders change- from kings

to white skinned sahibs to brown skinned ones




The powers that be, would like to keep them yoked

to use, manipulate, use as oxen to do their bidding

would like them to be unread, not be able to use head

ask questions, compare their lot with the chosen few

 

Therefore, close all doors of a possibility of higher education

is the sweet mantra used by manipulators, passed on

from generation to generation- ensuring the weak remain weak..




So, there they remain in eternal wait

for better days- economically, socially, spiritually

yes, a mirage, but they know not; Poor things can't

give up 'Hope', the only thing that they can cling to

during all seasons, at all times!

Eternal Search for Delicacies

"It seems Ajay is back in town" 

"Ajay who?" asked Greeshma 

"Our classmate in plus two" replied Lekha 

"You remember him, he was quite a handsome guy" 

"Oh, that introvert! He used to find excuses to talk to me, sometimes in the library, sometimes in the canteen. Then once he opened his mouth, no word would come out." 

"Can't blame him. After all, you were the beauty queen of the college with so many guys pursuing you. 

"Those were fun times, a glorious period while it lasted " 

" Three of our seven member Girls' gang are already married Greeshma. Two have taken a considered decision to not marry at all. That leaves the two of us" 

"Who are neither here or there! We have not married nor have we said we will never marry. Yet here we are, all of 29 and soon to touch the 30 landmark"

"Well, in your case Greeshma, it was not for want of suitors. You turned down so many of them giving some reason or the other" 

"In any case, Marriage is not something that is mandatory. Both of us are well employed and can go to our dear "Heaven's Kitchen" restaurant whenever we choose to keep us delighted and satiated"  

"Yeah, and those girls who married face so many curbs on their freedom. Sad, when you consider that our gang was formed on the premise 'Living free as a bird' " 

"Leena and Sarita are tied down by motherhood with little time for themselves since they are also working" 

"Asha may not be a mother. But she is fed up of her possessive husband who frequently intercepts her mobile" 

In college, Lekha and Greeshma were members of the "Lip Smacking Foodies- LSF" all exclusive girls’ gang that had the twin objectives of 'Freedom' and 'Indulgence' of lip-smacking delicacies. Their interest in the boys came only third in the order as a result of which they were looked up to with envy by most collegemates. Lip smacking delicacies and the freedom to go after them anywhere and everywhere seemed to be their motto. 

The connection between the LSF members started long before they started college or formed the LSF. As children, all of them grew up in the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)company’s township as their fathers were executives in the company. In the self-contained township you had the post office, market place, company’s school, club, all in walking distance. Three of the seven girls studied in the company school while others went to other schools in the city. However, a common place of residence had built up a camaraderie and bonding right from childhood. They got into trouble even as children given their ardent love for food of any kind.

A colonel by name Prakash Mehra, who joined the company after retirement from the army, was allotted a bungalow which had quite a few mango trees. All the earlier residents of the house welcomed children and allowed them to have as much mangoes they wished to eat during the season. However, Colonel Mehra was furious when children came to pluck mangoes.

As they were forbidden, the children began to pelt stones from far away. This enraged the colonel even more! One day he fished out a gun and pointed it at the children and threatened to fire. The story spread and the parents were worried. They forbade their children to go anywhere near the colonel’s house. In any case the incident made the colonel very unpopular and not very long after that, he chose to leave the company. So, Greeshma and friends resumed their ‘pilgrimage’ to the bungalow during the mango season.

All the members of the LSF gang had one family or extended family member who were great cooks. A major part of their meets were over homemade delicacies. But they also set aside time to constantly hunt for new taste and enchanting restaurants. Their choices included Koshy's the hot favourite of old timers to the best of Andhra, Mughlai, American or Chinese food joints. Each of them contributed an equal sum periodically to a kitty that would then be used for restaurant hopping and trying out mouth-watering delicacies. The gang survived their higher education phase and even the initial period when they had all secured jobs. It was after the wedding of three members that the meets became infrequent and was now as good as defunct.   

“So, what’s new Lekha? Why did you mention this guy, Ajay?”

“Our annual alumni meet is due in one month’s time. It seems Ajay has confirmed that he would attend now that he is back from Europe, not sure whether it is Germany or France”

“How did he land up in Europe?”

“Heard he went for higher studies and has been working there for about six years now after completing studies”

“What course did he pursue there?”

“No idea. I understand he was very happy there and highly valued by his employers. Had to return due to dad’s illness as mom couldn’t handle it herself”

“Hey, how about going to “Heaven’s Kitchen” this evening?

Lekha gave Greeshma a high five in response. It was almost a week since they ate at their favourite food joint.

Two days after their conversation it happened. When she returned from work, Greeshma found a large food carrier at her doorstep in the apartment she lived in. Curious and surprised, she opened it to find lip smacking, melting in the mouth, tender chicken dish. As she ate with relish, she wondered who could have sent it? She spoke to Lekha, her mother and all the old members of the "Lip Smacking Foodies" gang. But none of them had any clue as to who could have sent the food.

This then continued as a daily routine delivered with precision timing, before the return of Greeshma from office. Each day had a different cuisine. If on Monday, it was Coq au Vin (chicken cooked in wine) and Ratatouille (vegetable stew), Tuesday it was Peking Duck and Dim Sum. On Wednesday, it was Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles) and Tom Yum (spicy soup) and on Thursday it was Hummus, Shawarma, and Mansaf (Lamb dish). By now Greeshma was excited, gave the news to the “Lip Smacking Foodies" gang members. The gang was abruptly revived with excited members, only this time it was almost a daily meet at Greeshma’s place!

The procession of food delicacies continued and included steak, grilled fish, pasta, and soups on some days and on others Pizza Napoletana and Pasta Carbonara, and even the Pakistani Biryani and Nihari (slow-cooked meat stew). Of course, there were many Indian delicacies as well be it the Mughlai Butter Chicken and Shahi Paneer, Chungdi Malai (prawn curry with coconut milk of Odisha, Andhra’s Ghongura chutney & other spicy delicacies, Chingri Malai Curry (prawns in coconut milk) of Bengal, Karimeen fry and appams of Kerala and many more!

The bonding of the “Lip Smacking Foodies- LSF" gang had never been better. Leena and Sarita began to bring their children along too with occasionally the husbands joining. The excited girls began to research the various dishes through the internet. They found out the history of how a delicacy was first invented and the countries it had travelled. The information about the food culture in their own country was itself so very revealing and rewarding.

The members distributed the job of collecting information amongst themselves and eating was a lot more fun when they also had a lot of anecdotes to chew on as they ate. The gang members felt it was payback time and, invited to dinner the family and extended family members who had once treated the LSF to some great food during their peak period.  The carrier that brought the food was quite huge and catered to all their requirements.

The gang also discussed old times and some of the adventures they had encountered. They once decided to try out a new restaurant in the outskirts of the city that boasted of traditional delicacies like Coorgi Pandi curry, Kori Gassi and  kori rotti. Asha had said that it was her treat for having got the fastest first promotion amongst the members. Leena who normally handled their common kitty did not bother to bring any money as it was Asha’s treat. They enjoyed the cuisine a lot but when the time came to pay, Asha found that she had forgotten her purse!

The gang went into a close huddle. It was rarely they encountered a problem of this sort as their regular restaurants knew the LSF and would have gladly let them pay the next day. But this was a new place altogether! “What if they refuse and ask us to go to the backyard and wash vessels?” asked Lakshmi. They finally came to a decision and it was “On your marks, get set, go!” The seven of them dashed like rocket to the two-wheeler parking area, got on to their vehicles and fled for dear life.

The next day, they came back to apologize to the manager and make payment. He was amused and said that he would have known from one look at them that they were not criminals. There was no need to run like that. As they recalled the incident with bits being added by different members, the mirth brought tears to the eyes of some of them. Seven-year-old Arun was surprised and amused that his mom Sarita had run away like that from a restaurant.  

Even as they were enjoying the food received every day, everyone was curious to find out the source of such bounty they were receiving. The problem was all of them were working. As Greeshma was living alone, there was no one to check as to who was placing the carrier at her door. Finally, Greeshma, Lekha and Sarita decided to ask their bosses an hour’s permission so that they can catch the ‘culprit’ who was placing the meal box every day without fail.

Exactly at 5.30 PM in the evening a young man came and left the carrier and was about to turn to leave when the front door flew open and three young women confronted him. The poor guy was flustered by the interrogation but was unable to provide any clue. He said his name was Selvaraj and was a delivery boy for a food chain. But this was a special request by a third party who said the food would be sent to his residence which in turn was to be delivered to Greeshma’s place. He hadn’t personally met the party; the deal was struck over phone and he was being given good money. Therefore, Selvaraj had asked no more questions and had promptly commenced his assignment which was to continue till such time he was sent the meals carrier.

The LSF gang let the guy go without torturing him anymore. Instead, they thanked him for the prompt delivery of the lovely food all these days. They decided not to waste anymore time on this matter but enjoy the bounty as long as it lasted! They took the carrier inside and was inpatient for the others to come in order to commence the feast.

Towards the end of the month, the meal time conversation apart from food included the upcoming alumni meet. It seemed that a lot more people who were in far flung areas of the country and the planet were expected to attend this time. The new president of their alumni association Ashok had taken the initiative to speak over what’s app to many who were not in touch for years. They were happy and agreed to join the alumni meet this year. There was lot of expectations and excitement in the air!

The LSF gang had agreed during their dinner conversation that they would create a bang at the forthcoming alumni meet. It was an opportunity to announce to the world their revival as a great gang, beating the ravages of time and circumstances. It was agreed that all of them would be dressed in pink and would travel to the venue on their old two wheelers reviving the memories of the past! Alumni members began to arrive one by one to the decked-up venue of Hotel Le Meridian. The LSF gang made their appearance together in full strength. There was so much of bonding and excitement in the air. Some of them were meeting for the first time after they left college.

The alumni President Ashok welcomed the gathering. He said this meet was special as members who have never attended the meet have come from places such as Nagaland, South Africa, Greece, Madhya Pradesh, Singrauli and US . Then an opportunity was given to those who had come from far away to address and share their feelings on meeting their classmates. Archana who had relocated to Indore after marriage was almost in tears when she said how much she missed her former classmates. Similar sentiments were expressed by John who related how US was a land of opportunities at the time of his going there but it now seemed polarized as there are some who resent the ‘foreigners’ taking away their jobs. Gokul shared about his life in picturesque Nagaland while Prasanth explained the challenges of working in a coal mine in Singrauli. Arti shared about her life as a teacher in Cape Town and Rakesh about his work in the tourism sector in Athens.

Ashok then took over and as the president announced that everyone who had come from afar have had their say but there is one person who is presently living in the city but was till recently in France. “Let us invite Ajay, our classmate and presently the chief chef at the Taj to say a few words on this occasion after which we will break from formality and bond over drinks and food” The girls of the LSF gang glanced at each other knowingly.

Ajay explained the circumstances under which he had to return to India, to take care of his father. “Of course, there is one more reason. I have been closely following the life of one, entrenched in my heart for a long while. I have been longing to meet her once again” he concluded. As soon as he finished his talk Ajay walked across the room to where the LSF gang was seated. He confidently went to Greeshma, took her hand and asked “Tell me dear, how would you like to marry a chef? A pretty good one at that, I assure you!”

Forgiveness

 

Had never been easy for him, this business of forgiveness

He resonated with the lines of a film song

“It’s so easy to say forget!

it’s a lot easier not to take birth on this earth!”



Resented that his uncle didn’t help, when it mattered

put in a word for a good job that he deserved

that he was qualified for, in both degree & temperament

now, even after two decades, in spite of success

in chosen field, without help from anyone

he was bitter; unable to forgive



Resentment lingers; stories spring up in his head

as to why help wasn’t forthcoming- uncle didn’t want

him to do better in life, than his own son

an assumption that he hadn’t confirmed

as he was no longer on speaking terms…



In all social gatherings, relatives & friends came up to him

after initial small talk, always came up with the appeal

that he forgive his uncle, stop living in the past

the latest occasion was a naming ceremony

“Your uncle is counting his last days;

expressed ardent wish to see you,” said a cousin



He was about to shut him down as usual

when a man butted in, as if from nowhere

“When you forgive, you don’t do it for the other guy

you do it for yourself” he affirmed



As the two stared at the stranger, he continued

“Notice, how it’s your heart that remained heavy and bitter

missing out on the sunshine, the freedom of free breath

Unwanted thoughts chaining you to the past

When you could have enjoyed the present!"



After man left, his haunting words lingered

two decades was too long to live in the past

now, it was he who was impatient for event to finish

uncle’s house wasn’t far from this venue




He would go, soon after- A little awkward perhaps

yet he would go, to finally wash away

years of pain, resentment and heaviness 

to breathe freely, to have a lighter, happier heart!

NB: This poem was composed for the Seniors Today poetry meet and recited during the online meet on 2nd May 2025.

Jasmine in Your Own Garden

  

This was ten years back when Sweta had just entered her teen age. Her classmate and best friend asked excitedly "Hey, Sweta, is Sreelekha the writer, your grand mom?"

"Yeah" she replied nonchalantly.

She did not feel any of her friend's enthusiasm. She had heard that grandma wrote for women's magazines and was also a published author of a few books on self-help and fiction. This did not mean much to the young girl who was busy in her own world and hardly had any time to interact with grandma or grandpa for that matter. As a student of class VIII, she not only had schoolwork to contend with but also tuition classes and music lessons. This left hardly any time for socialization particularly with senior citizens. Moreover, although living in the same city grandma valued her independence. She, therefore lived in the family ancestral home 15 kilometers away along with grandpa. It was only occasionally that Sweta and her brother Arjun accompanied their parents when visiting grandparents.

Then it happened. Covid struck so bad, that papa insisted that his parents live with them at least until they saw the back of the pandemic. After all, lot of unforeseen situations had to be dealt with such as social distancing, lockdowns and restrictions on going out for purchase of essential goods. He and his wife had to work from home and the children also had no option but to stay at home and attend online classes. In a way it was a blessing in disguise as the children got the opportunity to spend more time with family members. Slowly and steadily with each passing day Sweta found herself more and more attached to grandmom. She noted that her grandmom was not only very wise and knowledgeable but also endearing and kind. When a neighbour abandoned a kitty, grandma adopted her saying she would take her with her when they returned to their home.

However, Covid was slow in going away. Repeated lockdowns meant that Sweta and Arjun would enjoy the company of their grandparents for a long time. Sweta began to spend more and more time with her grandma. She asked her advice on a variety of things- What books to read other than the academic, how to choose one's friends and to what extent secrets can be shared with friends. She even asked her about handling break ups. Although she herself had not yet encountered the need for it, her best friend had got attached to a boy in class X. When they broke up it was she, who began to shirk studies and in general found it difficult to move on.

Grandma talked to her about anything and everything. No subject was taboo. It was almost as if she had also missed the bonding with her granddaughter and was now trying to catch up for lost time. Then, one afternoon after lunch when grandpa had retired for his short siesta, Sweta asked " Grandma, can you share an unforgettable incident in your life?"

"Yes" said grandma. "By the way, it is interestingly connected to my writing and my ambitions as a writer". Sweta was all ears as her grandma continued.

“ This was a time when I was experiencing writer's block for almost six months. Your grandpa suggested a change of scene. He advised me to visit my parents in Kullu for a break and rejuvenation. As planned, I took the Delhi- Chandigarh train from where I would travel by road to Kullu . But then this happened, in the second AC compartment in which I was travelling. A masked man appeared as if from nowhere; 'Don't move!' he said pointing a gun at me. All the passengers were staring in shock and disbelief. I moved swiftly and overpowered the assailant. Not for nothing had I learnt Karate at school! But all this was not of much use as another man hit me on the head from behind and I fell down unconscious. I came to know later, that motivated by my response, other passengers joined in and kicked the life out of the robbers who fled away jumping out as the train neared a station."

" You were a karate champ grandma!" exclaimed Sweta for whom this was a surprise. Her respect and admiration for grandma went up immediately by a few notches.

"Well yes. The incident prompted me to return to Delhi abandoning the plan to visit my parents. However, the writer's block vanished; I started writing freely again starting with subject 'an attack on me by a gunman'. "

Sweta felt a mixture of emotion on hearing the story. On the one side she was happy that grandma came out safe from the encounter while on the other, she was thrilled and a bit amused by the thought of a crooked toughie being overpowered by a young woman. Although it was a thirteen-year-old who was initially impressed by grandma's heroics, as she grew older she began to appreciate many more things about her grandma including her body of work as an author. Now Sweta's is very proud of grandma and keeps talking about her to her friends every other day.

It is now the year 2025. Grandma's birthday is coming up in a week's time and Sweta has planned a surprise party for her to which she has invited all her close friends. Hidden between the gifts would be this note specially prepared in advance "To the best grandma in the world who turned a gawky teenager into a poised and confident young woman that I am today. Lots and lots of love. Your little Sweta". What was grandma's reaction to all this? Well, for that you will have to wait until 7 PM of the D Day.

Yet, this story was basically about jasmines and specifically about the one's in your own garden. You tend to take them for granted, believing they are not fragrant enough. The proverb in quite a few Indian languages states " The jasmine in your garden has no fragrance”, akin to the Hindi saying "Ghar ka murgi daal barabar". Fortunately for Sweta, although initially she did not know the value of having Sreelekha for a grandmother, she has today realized that she is a treasure accessible to her anytime at arm's distance.

NB: This story has been included the ALS 2024 Annual Anthology released on 26th April 2025 in New Delhi.

Wonderment over the Big Wide World

There's no dearth, of things to be in awe,

To be in wonderment about

the marvels of nature- from the blue sky, of daytime

to the twinkling stars in the night sky

to the mysterious depths of the huge ocean



Why, the human body is itself such a wonder

how the complex system works in unison

the cells repairing itself rejuvenating

the heart beating nonstop for years

until it's time to say good bye!



As a child we have no problem expressing wonderment

to watch open-mouthed, ask many questions

marvel at a beautiful rainbow, or the flickering fireflies



It's when we have lost the knack of embracing wonderment

when ego has stepped in or ennui has set in

that we start saying things like

oh yeah, the sunset seen it come and go

a number of times, what of it?

It’s then, that life becomes listless



The charm is gone, we just go through the motions

running after what someone else thinks is important

desiring to be labelled 'achiever', the 'successful one'



Eschewing wonderment is a big price to pay

after all, what's life sans a little bit of awe

expectation each day of new discoveries, curiosity, excitement

about the bountiful and mysterious world we live in... 

NB: This poem was composed for and recited at the Seniors Today Poetry Meet on 4th April 2025 on the theme Vismaya/Wonderment  

Flying High

He looked at the kites, far up in the sky

Kites of all hues and shapes were on show

After all, it was the kite season of Western India!



People everywhere in open spaces, rooftops, gulleys

Adults and children alike, revelling in the fun, excitement

For there is nothing like flying a lovely kite

As they soar up in the sky, almost as if

It is the flyer, who is on top of the world!



He recalled his own time of flying

Of flying kites with their unique tail and body type

Then, as a child he believed he would always soar high

Up above, like the colourful joyful kites

That was prior, till childhood gave way

to youthhood and middle age

and now, soaring was a distant dream!



A dream that had turned sour with

Too many people telling him what’s not possible

Advising to quit day- dreaming and come back to earth!

And he felt like a broken kite, weak and defeated



Ah, if only he could go back to those days

Full of confidence, zeal and drive with belief

That anything was possible; that soaring high was natural

If the kites could do it, you could too! 

NB: This poem was composed for participating in the monthly contest of Million Muse Facebook Group. I received a certificate for the effort. 

Breezing Beyond Borders

Gentle breeze, breezed through the land of Himals/ranges

Sagarmatha, Annapurna and many more..

then, went far beyond,  oblivious of borders 

be it  India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China or Bhutan

borders that are sacrosanct only to the puny humans...

The breeze could only see simalarities

in fauna, flora, agricultural pursuits 

the embrace of nature and happiness writ 

on the faces of people, coexisting in harmony  

So much in common between people 

cultural ethos, values of right and wrong

food choices, seeing the guest / "Athiti"

as God, to be welcomed with open arms... 

Moving on in its journey, a gentle prayer

emnated from the breeze- "May this lovely region

retain, the innocence, simplicity 

 lost to an extent by modern world exposure 

May they continue to live in love, peace  harmony 

in line with the glorious heritage!  

NB: This poem was written for and published in the anthology "Global Rhythms"