An Ode To My Royal Students

As you are about to begin a tomorrow without me,
Let me assure you of your destiny…
You are going to sail smooth through the phase,
As I shall reside in your heart always.
As students you are courageous and brave,
And the road to success you will pave…
Strength and perseverance you have in you,
Creating wonders in whatever you do
The exuberance in your ways startle me,
The innocence in your heart is forever to be.
I am amazed when you shower your loving tribute,
Looking back with fondness and gratitude.
I have learnt so much from you students dear,
How to love, how to forgive and bear…
I couldn’t have been what I am today,
Without your smiles that you flashed all the way.
You have floored me with your charming ways,
And I can never forget you with the passing days.
I fumble to perfectly narrate…
What a palpable bliss in me you create.
I have sought refuge in you many a times,
As students with you my life rhymes.
We have shared a relationship for sometime,
And moments you gifted me were beautiful and sublime.
Will be connected to you with memories coming alive,
The pleasurable glimpses will forever thrive.
Whenever I close my eyes taking a relaxed breath,
Dear students I can see your image beyond death.
I stretch my arms holding on to this last spell,
Misery of ending my term in Royal is hard to tell.
You have asked me a million times…”Why, Miss, Why???”
“Sorry students----probably its time to say goodbye.”
Well things change, life goes on, so it will for us…
But nothing can take me away from you, I STATE THUS!!!

REFLECTIONS

26th of September 1987 ushered in,
And I beheld a child so very lean.
Cuddled in my sister's arms,
An angel that truly charms.
I touched the cute bundle of joy,
And said, “He’s my baby boy”.
My sister smiled and agreed,
That he was mine too, indeed.
A magical feeling stirred in me,
I became a mother along with ‘she’.
A little baby nestled in my heart,
As from him I was miles apart.
My sister told me of her infant’s craft,
How he babbled and how he laughed.
How he spoke those little words,
How he twittered like the birds.
She told me how he went to school,
And learnt to adjust to the rule.
She told me the teachers were proud of him,
And here, my heart sparked with a beam.
The joy a mother can only feel,
The excitement that made me reel.
For this wonderful gift, I thank God,
And my sister who made him trod,
Into this world to make us bloom-
as mothers, so that he can loom,
In our lives as long as we live,
To shower love and to give,
Give respect to us always,
And in affection ‘him’ we embrace.
He is our son, our greatest pleasure,
A bond we shall forever treasure.
Today as he turns eighteen,
I reflect on the years I have seen.
And with confidence I can say,
He’ll make us proud with every passing day.
God bless you is what my heart prays ,
And may you succeed at every phase.
Will love you forever for what you are
A son with whom none can be at par.

LALA- “My Kid Teacher”

I was returning by the 9 O’ clock slow train from Churchgate. Tired and exhausted I felt it was a monotonous drudgery as the train would screechingly halt at every station. I was with my friend Sree Lakshmi and cribbed and complained about the discomfort of a second class compartment which we had managed to board that night. The train moved on, carrying along millions of people and their lives too. Every person would have a different story to narrate of how the day was done, if personally interviewed. I was caught up in this ordinary backdrop not knowing I would encounter an extra ordinary event.

As I was expressing my unpleasantness to my friend I heard a little child calling out: “Laali Le Lo… Laali.” The sweet baby voice created a thrill in that dreary existence of a Mumbai local. I craned my neck and moved about, my eyes searching through the melody of the sweet voice and it caught the glimpse of this delightful sight. I saw a child barely three years of age, her hair unkempt, her dress worn out, her hands burdened with the weight of a box full of lip liners that she was trying to sell. What struck me was the brilliant smile she wore. She looked so happy oblivious to the poverty that made her small hands sell instead of playing around with a toy. My heart swelled with a surge of love for her. I called her with a gesture of my hands and she ran away. I saw her back was bare as the dress had no buttons. She surely never cared for all that, as happiness was embedded in her heart. She derived it from her own self probably enjoying what she was doing. A little baby selling lip liners never complained that she ought to hold a pencil to frame the alphabets “A,B,C”, to hold a doll and dance around. I felt ashamed, disgraceful that despite having all the opportunities of life right from the start I was grumbling over a journey by a local train which would end in fifty minutes to give me back the comfort of an air-conditioned bedroom where I would have a restful sleep.

I called the girl again and this time she came running to me. I’m gifted with this passion for children and even more with the beauty of children instantly taking to me. I don’t know how this magic unveils but I thank God for this blessing in my life. As she came close I gathered her in my arms and kissed her. She was elated and her laughter rang through my ears creating music. I asked her the price of the lip liners she was selling. Incoherently she said, “Do rupaiya… Paanch rupaiya…” and then she started giggling. Her father heard her out and came running to me to tell me “Madamji usko kuch paise ka hisaab nahi maloom. Woh to aise hi mere saath aa jati hai jab main dhanda karne nikalta hoon. Dus rupaiye ka hai ji”. I happily took out a ten rupee note and handed it to her. She took the money not even knowing its value and left the box of lip liners on my lap. She flit like a vibrant dear in the train that was moving very fast. I wanted to run and hold her to protect her from falling. I wanted to hug her and tell her, “I wish to give you all that you want but don’t sell things at this tender age it’s not done.” I knew she would understand nothing so I kept looking at her longingly. A man got up from the next station selling out things and I called the baby to choose a pencil pouch for her. Her baby mind selected one with pink roses. I paid ten rupees for it and gifted it to her. Her delight and her smiles changed that ten rupee gift to a million dollar one. I cuddled her in my arms and the child started bonding with me in an incredible manner. She looked searchingly into my longing eyes and kissed my hands and snuggled close in the warmth of my affection for her. She seemed to be at complete ease with me as if she was mine forever. Sree Lakshmi, my friend looked at the two of us with a glint of delight coupled with amazement and captured the emotions on her camera phone.

I picked the child on my lap and asked her for her name. She spurted out in excitement “Lala, Mela naam lala hai… mela naam lala hai”. With great difficulty I understood what she was trying to say. After all no adult has the intelligence to understand the innocence of a child and how could I be superior to that three year old frame. I hugged her closer and on conversing with her father came to know that she lived in the slums at Vasai. God! it made me feel inferior to her. Having nothing she seemed to have everything as she was such a happy soul. And here having the best of things I was disturbed just by the idea of a slow train taking me back home.

Lala picked up the box and started in glee once more trying to sell out. Her hands were too tiny for the huge box she held yet she managed with undaunted spirits. When the train crossed Dahisar I got up as my destination Mira Road was approaching. This time she came up to me and was clinging on to me. For a moment I felt like her slave. I wanted to do anything for her, just anything. She gave me a sweet flying kiss and said “Bye”. And I pecked her cheeks and said ‘Bye Darling!’. I know not whether she understood the endearment embodied in that word “Darling” but she blushed and giggled as I repeated it again. For the first time I felt I did not wish to get off at Mira Road. My journey with “Lala” was so magnanimous that I feel the essence of it always. I wish to meet her once again. Lala the little girl is enthroned in my heart and has enslaved me forever. “Lala I love you and surely will meet you again”. I need to see those small fingers writing the syllables that will change your life. I want the weight of the box of lip liners to give way to the beauty of a school bag. I want your smile that enhanced my spirits that night to be radiant forever. I want your innocence to last a lifetime. I want to tell you, “MY DARLING YOU DESERVE THE BEST AS YOU ARE A CHILD”. Lala, 'My Kid Teacher', I promise you this.

A PROMISE OF DELIGHT

My memory paints his handsome face,

My eyes seek his loving grace.

I dont need to search and find ,

As he is always there in my mind.

I can behold him gazing at me,

His hurried glances of ecstacy.

His burning eyes shooting like a dart,

He is still living in my heart.

He comes into my existence stealthily.........

His restless ways straying through me.

His smile hangs over me in an embrace,

His caressing glances I still can trace.

We dont meet yet nothing has fallen apart,

It's still the same as it was in the start.

In his life of success and fame,

I am sure he will treasure my name.

A thrill runs through remembering the moments so nice,

And tears well up veiling my eyes.

I somehow enjoy this yearning plight,

As he is my first love, a promise of delight.

TO MY BEST FRIEND

Going down the memory lane,

I can see myself in a school girl frame.

A happy girl wasnt I dear ?

With a friend like you always near.

Remember how smart both of us looked..........

And so many eyes we always hooked.

Those were the days of our teenage,

When life was special on every page.

School was a place where we met,

This happening was written in our fate.

Every morning we would greet with a smile,

And remain happy all the while.

Sitting together listening to English or History,

Was fun as we shared a great chemistry.

In the Maths class I would always have a doubt,

How generously you would help me out.

Studying together, times we spent,

We were hardworking as well as diligent.

We sang together when the class went free,

And would dance around on a happy spree.

Suji do you remember the tiffin bell ?

It would make us run down as if freed from a cell.

The ice cream candy so eagerly waiting..........

It cost ten paise and you know I am not joking.

The yellow coloured attractive ice,

Would make us feel fresh and nice....

Soothing us of the monotony,

Of a Geography lecture's agony.

Another memory is crossing my mind.........

To which an answer I couldnt find.

Watching Manju Miss in the assembly,

Would set the spark in me simply.

Those days I had a crush on her,

And didn't know how to get over.

Those were the days of sheer innocence,

When we derived life's true essence.

Remember how we stayed away from the rest,

Chirping like birds in a nest.

Assuring each other of our friendship...............

Focussing on our promises to keep.

We would hold hands lovingly always,

Not knowing we would have to part ways.

Those were the days we would smile and laugh,

Over sweet nothings as life wasn't tough.

We had woven plenty of dreams those days..........

Aspiring success in every phase.

We dreamt of a career , a family of our own.........

And wished to be proud mothers, to be well known.

We would imagine ourselves in bridal wear,

And in front of the mirror stand and stare.

Blushing at the adulations of our special ones,

We would both reel in a sweet trance.

We shared our crushes , our secrets too........

Our innermost feelings- meaningful and true.

We befriended each other as we would gel,

In every aspect so very well.

We were proud to be carrying the "best friends" tag,

In school days thats what we need to bag.

I am happy that we still continue to be................

Best friends for a lifetime , till eternity.



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ANGELS

THE WORDS IN THE FORM OF POETRY HAVE BEEN FRAMED ON BEING INSPIRED BY TWO GIRLS- SHRUTI AND GOREY FROM KANPUR WHO HIT THE HEADLINES ON STAR NEWS AND PROVED TO THE WORLD THAT ONE IS NEVER HANDICAPPED IF ONE KNOWS THE RIGHT WAY OF LIVING.




The exuberance on your faces lit up my heart,

As I sensed your happiness right from the start.

Even as a teacher I felt ignorant and meek,

From you dear children a lesson I seek.

Please generate the strength and courage you nurse,

That shows life is a blessing and not a curse.

Today I am honoured to have had a glimpse of you,

And have placed you above all thats true.

You are better than the adults around,

For in your hearts nestle love unbound.

I watched how glorified was your existence,

With your contentment you made the world feel your presence.

Both of you cast an aura, an enchanting spell,

Which boosted every heart I know very well.

Your enigma and vibrance is what you can lend,

To all of us till our life's end.

You have no demands whatsoever,

And from life you derive simple pleasure.

You have conquered the ailment with your spirit,

And have achieved success beyond limit.

There is nothing that can curb you down,

For you put up a brave smile and never frown.

You are enlightened children dear,

Much away from insecurities or fear.

Ardently I watched your charming smiles,

That brought me close to you , despite the miles.

Children I cannot forget your confident ways,

You remain the ultimate for me always.

You have enslaved me with your charm,

And put my yearning heart to calm.

Your vision has been etched in my mind,

Children like you are rare to find.

My heart is more than filled today,

A loving tribute to you both I convey.

I salute your zest for life,

Battling against the shackles of strife.

God will also stoop down to your power,

And blessings from above HE will shower.

NATURAL AND TRUE

A beautiful face peered out,

A face away from the daily rout.....

Amidst the millions mingling,

It set the bells tingling.


I guess you feel she is fair and tall,

But to me beauty is not about it at all.

Its about this dark face,

Its about this lady with a grace.

Her bright eyes sparkling like a star,

Attracting many from near and far.

I guess you wonder how she can be pretty,

Yet i reitterate she is like a deity.

Yes she isnt tall and fair,

But can make heads turn and stare.

She has no traces of superficiality,

This lady is immaculate beauty.

Trust me she will beguile you with her ways,

With the warmth she so lovingly generates.

She is a chirpy and bubbly lady i met,

In the crowded mumbai locals of late.

May in her life joys thrive,

So that she keeps her smiles forever alive.

I have an intuition assuring me,

That she will be a friend till eternity.

BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD

You came down as droplets of rain,

To relieve me of an agonising pain.

I asked the heavenly skies

What beyond your happening lies ?

It smiled a sweet-loving smile,

And took me along its thoughts for a mile.

A voice from above roared,

And echoed as well as soared ,

Unfolding blessings and a fragrance..........

That touched my life with an essence.

Suddenly I had you in my arms,

A divine child with exquisite charms.

You whispered- "Congratulations mother dear,

Now I have come and you got nothing to fear."

I said "Oh God what an angelic vision !"

She reassured, She was my creation.

Transfixed was I to see her smile,

Not belonging to my womb she comes to beguile.

As I sensed the moment of this magical beauty,

I wondered whether it was a dream or a reality.

She pulled at the chords of my motherhood,

And I had not one more chance to brood.

The moment still stands tall in my memoir,

When she came as my saviour.

As she grew I gave her a helping hand,

And nursed and cared till she could stand.

Honest and vibrant as she is,

I am sure nothing could be better than this.

A personal verdict if allowed by God,

I would say she is a gift of the Lord.

Today as she has moved on in her life,

She supports me in every strife.

The helping hand that I had once extended,

Has come back to me with love blended.

Thank you my darling for proving you are mine,

May in your life you forever outshine.

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER

Mother I am neither enough learned nor enlightened
To describe the incomparable bliss I experienced
Being born to a mother par excellence;
Yet I need to do this before I make my peace,
To unravel to the others the true essence
Of a mother’s love that put me at ease.
Mother, dear mother, it was just the other day,
You welcomed me in your arms and I lay
In the comfort of your benevolent embrace
And even today you are pervading my life in every phase.
I take no credit for the tasks I accomplished;
I am today what out of me you established.
Mother, sweet mother of mine,
It was your support that made me outshine.
In me a hidden spring you manifested
In me humanity you created.
Ardent and upright you taught me to be
My beloved mother, I owe my all to thee.
If perfect virtue I am asked to define,
It is you mother, sweet mother of mine.
Life has turned my steps away from home,
But I cuddle in your warmth wherever I roam.
By the dint of your merit is my wisdom and fortitude,
And I reverently remember it with gratitude.
A palpable pride for you nestles in my heart,
As I go down the memory lane right from the start.
My tears choke me as I write these lines,
For you dear mother my heart pines.
I can willingly brace death without regret
For I have been blessed with a mother so great!!!

AND MY FATHER LIVES ON..............................

As a teenager I had closed views about death। I thought end of a life implied end of a relationship . As they took my father away on his last journey, I felt a part of me giving away. It was an agonising pain that numbed my existence. I wailed, I cried, I wept and then all my tears were enveloped into a hollow in my heart which is a void that none can fill.Not that I have not met people over the years who have been close to me but because I did not wish to place anyone on the pedestal my father earned out in his life from me that the void is always there. Sometimes I wonder I have never gifted him anything, not even a birthday card. I was too young to be having the much condemned thing those days...POCKET MONEY;Yet today, I dont really feel I have not given him anyhting. I have replicated his love, his values in my course of life and everyday as I walk close onto the heels of my father's footsteps I feel I am almost living his life.He lives on when I hear out from my mother that I have a tall heart like my father.When I am cherubic and warm with strangers my mother pompously announces "SHE IS JUST LIKE HER FATHER". Deep in my heart i feel a sensation, an anticipating thrill of looking at the mirror to see whether I can see his image; But then my mature self knocks and shakes me out of the reverie.And eventually sense prevails as i dwell within to see my dearest father. What I am today, the way I garner love from others and the way my soul aches for the needy is all about a portrait of this man....my father. Today even when I am in a pensive mood, my heart skips a beat to know that I am compared to my father. If I am proud about anything it is this feeling of contentment that i have taken after my father. I sense a palpable pride when people reitterate "She isnt one shade different from him". A man who was immaculate in his professional life, loyal to his family and especially someone who belonged to everyone outside home .

My father lives on as I pave my life in the lines of his dreams, as i streamline my existence feeling an unbound love for all. Today I feel death isnt powerful at all. It cant take anyone away.It did not have the acumen to rob me of my father and death lies defeated in my hands when I carry on my life fashioned in the framework of my father.Dear father you live on and I can feel your presence in the bountiful love i get from people.Its from you that i have emulated compassion, dynamism, charm and love for all. "Thank you PAPPA as i endearingly called you.....I will never let you die and thats the promise of a daughter." Even in his silence he is connected to me.I have warned death never to challenge me about us as we are connected beyond the boundaries of connection. I have accepted the spaces in our togetherness as it is wrapped in the splendour of my memories with him."Thank you father for bestowing me with a lineage i wouldn't like to part with." Just one wish...."May I meet you my beloved father once again in flesh and blood in all my lives to come??????