Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Dhoke Baaz...


In KamZarf Mahollohn Main 
Jahan Taqreeban Sabhi Dhoke Baaz Rehte Hon
Wahan Jab Maut Bhi Aayegi 
To Dhoke Se
Maa...
In Sab Ko Tum
Phir Ek Baar Maaf Kar Dena!

Feb 15th, 2017 2am

Monday, February 13, 2017

Shopping after maa

U go to the supermarket after three months, and as usual pick up something for mom.
Next second it feels like someone just shot ur heart point blank.
Maa not there..who are u buying this for?
There is no one now to accept it with a smile and twinkle in her eyes. No one to tell u not to buy and then read label for what it is and the price on it..
U want to cry but being a grown up u are expected to behave. So u buy whatever and exit the supermarket in a hurry.
(Buying things for her was part of my strategy to make sure she understands that she remains in my mind no matter I go. That she is needed and wanted and loved. When old people feel neglected and not needed, that is when they decide to go - I believed.
I spent all my life letting her know she is needed forever in my life).
Life was never this painful. Never.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Shia _ Sunni, a love story

Baant Ke Apna Chehra, Maatha, Aankhen Jaane Kahaan Gayi?
Phate Puraane Ek Album Mein Ladki Jaisi Maa ....

(Nida)
Nov 1954. She was 19. They had just seen a movie at Super Talkies, Grant Road.. This picture was taken against her wishes. She was a Shia and father was a Sunni. May be she was not sure about how wud this 1400 years old divide wud play in her life.
In those days Shia - Sunni debate was as nasty as it is today. Of course it was minus the suicide bombers. Rest.. ..all mutual hatred, all biases and prejudices were the same.
She hid this picture from everyone. Even lied that it is someone else's. When I found out its hers, I went to town showing this picture and admiring her guts to be a rebel, for following heart. For doing the right thing.
They would marry in 1955.
Her next picture would be taken after a GAP of 25 years, by me.
Since then she remains the most photographed woman of my life.
Always will...