The Inner Tide

I had written the following piece during my pregnancy, but never got around to publish it, until now. It is not so much a piece of blog, as it is a journal entry. ~ Maanvi 31/01/2018 Today is a happy day for me: the weather is good, I feel no sickness or tiredness, and most importantly, I am deliberately trying to keep myself in a happy mood. But it was not easy to achieve. Today there is going to be a lunar eclipse and I have been asked by my family to follow some rules and restrictions that are believed to be done during pregnancy. It has had me upset for the past couple of days, but today I am decidedly happy and don't want to be bothered by the eclipse. Belief is a very big phenomenon. I feel that its worth is underappreciated, in spite of so many believers in God everywhere. They say faith can move mountains; and I truly believe in it. What makes me believe? For that matter, what makes anyone believe in anything? As per my understanding there are two reasons...

At dawn She is a new mother to you, the baby crying helplessly in Her arms. By morning She is feeding, and nurturing you, 'cause you are Her dearest one. It's noon and She watches you explore, learn, laugh, cry; She talks to you, guides you, as you look around and give each new experience a try. Soon you drift away from the shelter of Her love, looking for more; Patiently She waits, waits to see you return to Her. As sunset approaches and you sense Her absence, you start to look for Her, still holding your handful of possessions. She is still right there but invisible to you due to your ignorance. By dusk time when you feel a deep, dark, void, you call Her out but She isn't there. Unbeknownst to you She awaits too; with arms wide open, yearning for you to seek Her. The Night's here and you're still not close to Mother; so you tread all possible paths to reach Her. She, too, helps to clear the obstacles in your way, Her kind heart singing for you in joy!...

I once heard that humans have a tendency to call anything that happens easily, a miracle. I could truly relate with that when I saw those two pink lines that announced unbound hopes, joys, and a lifetime of being-a-parent for me and my husband. My pregnancy is nothing short of a miracle to me, and it has reaffirmed my faith in God's immense grace. As I go about grappling with the everyday struggles and challenges of pregnancy, I cannot help but revel in the surreal realization of the impending happiness. Each morning I wake up thanking this little one for having chosen us. Although my husband and I weren't consciously planning to embark on this journey anytime soon, but now that we are here, we both know that it is definitely something we both wanted! Each day of pregnancy dawns with new hopes, renewed challenges, increased enthusiasm, and sometimes declining energies... basically every day is different. Pregnant women have a go-to explanation, one which we are happy to ...

I once met this guy, he swept me off my ground; A feeling of solace and fullness, in his company I found. Like two split pieces of a jigsaw puzzle his hands did fit  in mine; His envelope of arms made me feel like a Sufi, who finally found his shrine. I feel like a revered Goddess when he looks at me; Just like a delicate flower he takes care of me. No riches in the entire world could bargain for his love; I bet he was sent just for me, by the Divine, from the heaven above. In our journey of love, as we face some trials and a few tribulations, The dream to become one reinforces the strength of our foundation. His love and his company is all I need in life, each day; May our bond of love be everlasting, .is all I pray night and day.

रूठ के हमसे यूँ चले गए, आपकी याद में यह दिल रो रहा है; ख़ामोशी से यह क्या ग़ज़ल कह गए, कि दिल का हर साज़ बेसुर हो रहा है. ज्ञान का सागर था बहता झर-झर, पर हम प्यासे भटकते इधर-उधर; न कुछ लिया आपसे, न कुछ कर सके आपको अर्पण, और आपके अंतिम आशीष को तरसते हम मूढ़-मन! "नारायण हरि " का नाम आपके मधुर स्वर में, अब केवल गूँज रह गई है हमारे इन कर्णों में ; शिष्टाचार, आचार-विचार, सब आप ही से सीखा हमने, पर अब इस जीवन को कैसे सुधारें ,बिन उत्तम-मार्गदर्शन के. आयु बीत जाती है, एक गुरु-दीक्षा कमाने में, पर हमारे गुरु तो आए थे  'टाठाजी ' के बहाने में; न अब गुरु रहे, न गुरु-ज्ञान, न गुरु की वाणी रही, न गुरु-प्रेम; अब तो बिन ताल ही स्वर सजाने हैं जीवन के तराने में. Translation : You went away from me, like you were upset, Your memories make my heart weep; You’ve silently spoken a verse, And no note of the heart’s music suits it. An ocean of knowledge was gushing by me, But ignorant of my thirst, I roamed hither and thither; Never benefited...

I daresay  we women, are among the most astonishing creations of nature: most adorable, and yet the strongest! We carry the load of running the whole house and yet are tagged as the "physically weaker sex". We endure mental and emotional cruelties, torment, and still, when the time comes, we don't shy from service to the ones who were unfair to us; yet we're called "moody".  We fall in love, stand by the one who gives us love, stay strong to our commitment against all odds; but still, we're slut-shamed. We take care of our parents, our spouse's parents, our siblings, our spouse's siblings; still our birth is considered a burden. We are inspiring leaders and efficient co-workers, yet the glass above our heads is not shattering.  We love to chat, and gossip, and to sing, and dance, and we love to be pampered like a princess. But when it comes to ruling a kingdom we are majestic and just, like a queen. The 8th of March is celebrated as Int...

Image Courtesy: Google Images “You don't know my reasons, So why judge me for my decisions?” “Right or wrong, we shan’t see, Judged in our eyes, you always will be. Doesn’t matter if you get beaten or abused Even if being overpowered is all you ever rued; So what if your dark skin isn't your fault; Your bravery needs to be brought to a halt. Listen up you, a girl you are, If you dare to fall in love, you’ve gone too far! As for a guy, it’s his wish as to who he chooses, Be it for sleeping or marrying or loving as he pleases. But you can't desire him, until you are, by him, chosen, And don't be offended even if you're not his first one. Why wouldn’t we judge you when you leave him for another, for its worth ridicule when the commodity becomes the bidder! ’cause once you’ve been loved ’n you loved back, you mustn’t find a new love, Since a guy may come n look for you, in his rightful continuous search for ...