Just Thoughts

2026-05-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

थक के बैठी हूं आज शाम

सूर्य की आखिरी लालिमा देखने

पानी पे थिरकते हुए गेरूए रंग को

निशब्द कांति अपनी भेंटते हुए

थक के बैठी हूं आज शाम

दिन भर का हिसाब लिए

बीते घंटों का असमंजस जो बीता नहीं

है उम्मीद फिर भी कल के लिए

थक के बैठी हूं आज शाम

कि तुम भी थे क्या दिन के किसी लम्हें में

संजो के रखूं उसे दिल की तहों में

आने वाली तनहा शामों के लिए

untitled

2020-04-13T07:17:00.001-07:00

काफ़िर हूँ
रंज छुपाता हूँ
तेरे दर पे आके
मैं बस मुस्कुराता हूँ

कतरा हूँ
तेरी ही ज़िन्दगी का
दायरों को मानता नहीं
दिल में रहूँगा सदा
मैं कोई अंत जानता नहीं

ज़िद हूँ
कभी तुम्हारे अलफ़ाज़ बनके
कभी तुम्हारी रूह की तहों में
यूँ लुक छिप करके
तुमसे ही मैं बचूँगा

चाहत हूँ
जो पूरी कर लो तो अधूरा रहूँ
और छोड़ना चाहो जो साथ
एक आस बनके तुमको तड़पाऊँ

मैं तुम हूँ कभी
कभी एक अनजान
ढूँढोगी तो भी ना मिलूँगा
बरसों की है तुमसे पहचान
रोज़ उलझन सी ज़िन्दगी को
जब तुम सुलझाओ
मैं वो हूँ
जो देता जाऊं तुम्हें मुस्कान

hisaab

2020-04-11T00:49:00.000-07:00

सिकुड़ी है दुनिया,
मेरी नज़र आजकल बस
मेरे आशिएँ तक की
फ़िर टकरा जाती है
सख़्त निर्जीव दीवारों से
वापस मेरे ही ज़ेहन में,
सिमट, सिकुड़ जाने के लिए

आसमां का टुकड़ा है एक
जैसे हिसाब से दिया मुझे
वही टुकड़ा रोज़ देखती हूँ
गर्दन को लम्बा किये
उसके बदलते रंग निहारती हूँ
उड़ते पंछी रुख करते हैं
कभी कभी इस टुकड़े को ओर
मेरे मन को पुलकित करने के लिए

चाँद रोज़ नहीं दिखता
कभी मुझसे मिलता है
तो कभी मेरे पड़ोसियों से
हिसाब उसको भी आ गया है
पर चाँदनी है अल्हड़
रोज़ मिलके गुदगुदाती है मुझे

कितने हिसाब किये हैं
जीवन भर हमने
आज वही चुकता रहें हैं शायद
टुकड़े जो किये हमने कई बार
उन्ही को समेट रहें हैं अब

नज़र है बेचैन
और श्वास है व्याकुल
किन्तु सूर्य की लालिमा जैसे
रूह अब भी है प्रबल
कि जो पूरा आसमां मिले कल सर पे
हिसाब कर देंगे हम सारे लुप्त
टुकड़ो के फ़लसफ़े पीछे जाएंगे छूट
जो सृष्टि दे हमें जब ऐसा कल

wo awaaz

2020-04-07T11:38:00.003-07:00

एक अनजानी आवाज़
दौड़े मेरे कदम... एक दम..
फ़िर ठिठके और ठहरे
मैंने कानों को टटोला
सुना था क्या तुमने सही ?
या यूँ ही ख़यालों की बोलियों
को माना तुमने सच ही

नई सी थी वो आवाज़
पर कुछ थी जानी सी भी
जैसे एक भूली याद
मिलने को मचलती हुई
सोचा मैंने...
राज़ खोल दूँ, कि जाने दूँ
पर फिर सोचा...
रुकने का नाम नहीं है ज़िन्दगी...

फिर क्या था...
मिनटों की थी दूरी
क्षणों में पार करी
खोला किवाड़ अपने घर का
झट से.... अकड़ के
आखिर हफ्तों बाद
घंटी बजायी थी
मेरे घर की किसी ने ... !!!!

doori

2020-03-26T00:18:00.002-07:00

दिल तो कहता है,

पर रहने दे

ये कुछ कदम की दूरी है

बस रहने दे

तेरे बस में भी है

और मेरे भी
तेरा भी इक जहाँ है
और मेरा भी

आज खुद को ही
इस ख्याल से गले लगा
कि साथ होने का एहसास
कुछ तुझ में है
और कुछ मुझ में भी

दिल तो कहता है
फासलों को जोड़ दे यूँ ही
पर रहने दे
ये कुछ कदम की दूरी
आज... बस रहने दे

Courage!

2020-03-24T00:26:00.001-07:00

Questions knocking our door,

more than the neighbours next door

Fear finding it's place

in our minds, in our space...

What's next if there is one?

Will there be a day where anxious will be none?

That feeling of doom,

That was hiding somewhere

is out in the open

with a challenging stare

Worries dominate our eyes

shut or wide open

Panic is getting it's share..

whispering...we may be done!

Should we falter?

After all humans are we,

Should we surrender?

May be this is how it had to be

Should we give up faith?

After all ambushed are we,

The numbers, the charts and science

All struggling against an unknown enemy

Should we stall and retreat?

In the mid of our journey..

But...

Why should we surrender?

We are heart, minds and soul...

We form the life

for which this earth is known

Why should we bow to defeat?

without even a fight..

For we are warriors

Even though today,

we are in a silent zone..

Why should we give up faith?

without first believing in our strengths

Why should we succumb?

before the enemy bends..

Why should we despair?

without building mountains of courage

Why should we not win?

For...

After all humans are we!!!

Yes...humans we are!

That day when it is over

2020-03-18T22:25:00.002-07:00

That day when it is over...

I will just sit by the window

And bask in the rising sun..

Take in the moment

Of a fresh start

After the fear of uncertainty is done

That day when it is over,

I will smile at my friends lovingly

For just remembering them some of the days,

Had put a smile on me assuringly

That day when it is over

My kids will get that special treat

It may just be my time with them

But it would be without this...

constantly rising disturbing number sheet

That day when it is over

I will thank the birds that are around me

For even though I was not listening to them whatsoever

They never stopped singing to me consistently

That day when it is over

I will forget that it had ever happened

I will forget these hopeless jitters

I will forget to crave for virtual connection

I will enjoy, with people, the beauty of the evenings

I will hold every hand that needs me

I will welcome the warmth of humanity

I will embrace nature's soothing beauty

And I will forget these lonesome days

That day, when these days are over...

-Ritu Sama

Your home is your haven this summer

2020-03-16T00:13:00.000-07:00

The universe is strange - there are so many of everyone and everything - humans, microbes, flora (though decreasing), insects, machines, phones, garbage, germs and of course virus! There are so many of these and we are just one of them, but we are a part of this whole, so any of this can affect us, even though we are just a minuscule particle in one minuscule corner of the world. We are at a point where we have realised how linked we are and we can affect the whole chain and get affected too.

It's time to move ten (or perhaps hundred) steps back and change the course of our day-to-day life now - right away. It's time to be with yourself and let the universe be - it's time to cut off, just be spectators - not participate, build a world of your own in your corner. Let all the corners stay away for a few days, weeks, so that we are able to rebound.

Is it so difficult? Are most of us scared of living with our own self or rather with just our family? Are we wary of a slow and simple living so much? What can we do?

A few steps in that direction - hopefully changes the perspective and helps us to embrace this temporary change with a smile....

1. Your house is your haven. Create corners and zones. Corners for reading a book, for finishing that long pending sketch, for watching television, for a board game with family, for that special cup of tea by the window, corner for introspection. Different corners add variety to your life and the day shall pass by without having to look at just a few boring walls. (mothers of course may not like to get out of their reading corner for the whole day though :-D)

2. Set times - Don't let the hours blend in...it makes the day seem long and by the end of it you are thoroughly bored and exhausted by the monotony. Set different times of the day for different activities - more energetic in the morning - finish off that strenuous work or exercise and then after lunch sit with your favourite book or hobby. The enthusiasm will not die down this way - every hour would have something different to offer and your senses will always be pleased :)

3. It may be time to take out your old albums with slightly yellowed photos at the edges. Go down the memory lane with your kids. Reminisce your childhood and share with your kids. You may also realise how different their childhood is than yours was. Digitise the physical photos if you want.

4. Ask the kids to organise their stuff and if you don't step into their room, they will be happily engaged for hours!!!

5. Learn a new language - make use of any language learning book if you have or you bought with the anticipation of learning but never got the time. Do it with your kids and mind you, they will overtake you in no time!

6. Don't be obsessed with television and news - while watching the idiot box may be our favourite pastimes but it creates a sudden vacuum as soon as it is switched off. Watch it in small time periods.

7. Step out - morning and evening are of course the best times to enjoy the cool weather. Don't do this in groups. Enjoy the solitary walk with your favourite music humming in your ears. Observe the nature and people around. You don't always need to be with them, to be with them!!

8. Develop more indoor hobbies - there are many and with the power of net, there is no dearth to explore. For instance - kids would enjoy card making. Ask them to make cards for all their friends's birthday in the next quarter or if they are enthused then next six months. There are beautiful you tubes of 3D card making. Dust those big building blocks and thousand pieces puzzles!

9. Go for a run or jog - go for an early morning drive (no eating outside). Practice driving now that the traffic is less :). Go for hiking on nature trails or just cycle around.

10. Read, read and read - step into the dream world of books and stories, it takes the stress away. Write book reviews and post it online (kids can also learn to write elaborate book reviews). Who knows that by reading so much, by the end of a few weeks, you start writing as well :)

11. Use technology to be connected to your near and dear ones - this is the time to do video calls - this will keep you happy after all humans are social animals.

12. If you have a garden - plant a few vegetables. See them grow which you wouldn't have been able to in your hectic lifestyle.

13. Enjoy home food - involve your kids (boys or girls) in the kitchen. Appreciate the art of cooking - don't hurry. You may never know by the end of it, your kid may want to become a baker or a chef!!
14. Setup a small tent in the balcony or that terrace of yours - that may turn out to be the favourite corner of the young minds.

15. Let the kids get bored and then reward them by playing a board game with them after your work is over. Let their mind be idle for sometime, idle minds finally turn into creative ones.

16. Talk to kids...let them talk and you listen. Let them share their dreams, mindless thoughts and ideas, senseless jokes and laughter.

17. Needless to say, there is a lot of online stuff where the kids can enrol to. But let us do that in moderation - its time for us to connect with them and let all of us connect with ourselves too.

18. Let the time crawl slowly and in no time, these days will be over and we will emerge richer (not in the literal sense of course!) and stronger!

There can be many many more in the list...just shed your inhibitions of leading a slightly different life for sometime. And while you do all this, wash your hands often !!!
This too shall pass and soon we can go back into our connected universe!

Women's day....

2020-03-07T02:35:00.003-08:00

Its that day

Get ready

That shimmering dress

Lying in the closet picked

Makeup's minimal

I highlight the shades of kohl

Rummage through my jewellery box

those special earrings

Oh! Adorn I may

Yes, hesitantly my heart says...

Why not today?

Family calling

Hurry! those precious hours

waiting just for me

Table booked

Friends invited

It's all set

Oh! Be charmed I may

Yes, anxiously my heart says...

Why not today?

He meets my eye

doling out affection

I wink at him...

at the sudden transformation

You are unique

As he toasts just for me...

Its ethereal

Oh! rejoice I may

Yes, lurchingly my heart says...

Why not today?

Its the next morning,

The kids cry out for their things

He's in a rush,

The clock's characteristically speeding

I get ready

leaving yesterday's magic behind

It's no longer my day,

Flowers have withered

Sparkling cutlery's gone

dresses and tresses no longer flowing

It's just another regular dawn

I pick up the cup,

Of my tea,

to toast just with me,

Oh! cherish I may

Yes undoubtedly, my heart says...

Indeed why not everyday....

Beyond

2020-03-06T09:47:00.001-08:00

Look into my eyes
but they may deceive you
You may never come to know
For I may be just looking through you...
I may be with you
but...
weaving my own dreams
For there is a vast space
apart from what is just under your gaze

Touch my heart
but the beats may elude you
You may never come to know
For I may not be want you to construe
There are layers to unfold
and...
you may get lost in the maze
For it may be beyond your fathom
that your restricted mind may trace

Talk to me with words
but you may not like the sound of mine
You may never come to know
For I may not be just speaking of you
There are stories that go beyond you
So...
Just be with me
beyond words
beyond beats
and beyond dreams
For there are just simple tiny moments
that are waiting for just you and me....

Ghunghroo - my first tryst

2020-03-04T01:15:00.001-08:00

While the whole world has been talking about COVID-19 and how rampant it has become, and the TV channel reporters have been screaming at the top of their voices about how many cases are being reported every single minute, I continued with my Kathak classes. A one and a half hour of pure detachment from the real and sometimes ugly happenings of the world. A childhood dream that I am realising after hitting forty - nevertheless a dream come true if not sooner then later.

Music and dance hitting those notes in my life, which I had been wanting to hear for so long, as long as I have lived may be. And yesterday, when I danced with ghunghroos on my feet for the first time, it was elation that I could never think I would experience...So, here's a short poem for the new addition in my life...

They kissed my ankles..

I danced to their rhythm

A foot at a time

in quick succession

Sounds they echoed

Gentle, musical,

A beat at a time

but sometimes...

like a hundred little kids

rejoicing as they intermingle

And...

and touching my heart

blessing my feet

caressing my mind

soothing my ears

as they clung to me

following my movements

and making my soul truly dance

within a joyful me...

Those dreams

2020-02-22T00:27:00.001-08:00

Sometimes in my dreams I see you ..
Or only sometimes I remember
those dreams when I see you...

Those are the mornings..
that are rewarded
And those are the afternoons
that are treasured
Then those are the evenings
Those dreams are like a sheath of you
Those dreams when I had seen you
Those dreams where I remembered you

Finally those are the nights
When those dreams feel real
And in my sleep, I remember the days
Those days when I remembered the dreams
Those dreams when I had seen you

O Romeo and Juliet

2020-02-16T08:26:00.001-08:00

O Romeo and Juliet
Names of you
more than just your names
Like eternal love
in life's insipid veins
Like that greed
to be immortal
in thy lover's eyes
Like that insanity
Which never leaves
Even when love dies

O Romeo and Juliet
Stories of you
more than just words
Like gifts of wishes...
in the hollow cove of life
Divine as to be felt..
even for a tiny moment
A lifetime of treasure
that would be thine
Like psalms of faith
salvaging wavering minds

O Romeo and Juliet
Why were you two to be met
For naïve would have been love
And as explicable...
As rage, pleasure and regret
You made it felt....
like fire in a soul
like rage never known
like heart throbbing with ecstasy
like death's last moan..

raftaar

2020-02-11T08:49:00.002-08:00

मैं चलाती ही रही साँसों का कारवाँ
ये ज़िन्दगी ले आई मुझे कहाँ
फलसफा शायद रह गया अधूरा
या फ़िर इसी को कहते हैं
चल हो गया सफर अब पूरा

बहुत लम्बी लिस्ट इच्छाओं की
जो अब भी मेरे मन को है कचोटती
वो जो खुशियाँ सदियों से हैं बटोरी
उनको बांटने को मैं हूँ तरसती

मेरी जेहन में ही हैं क़ैद
अभी तो लम्बे फ़लसफ़े
सोचा था बैठूंगी कागज़ कलम लिए
और बना दूँगी उनको लफ्ज़ सुनहरे

अभी तो बस लगा था थमी है
वक़्त की कुछ रफ़्तार
और मुठ्ठी में आयी है
जीवन की ये धार

मेरे आँगन के हर पौधे को
बताना था मेरा नाम
और सेहला के उनके पत्तों को
पूछना था हौले से मेरे लिए पैगाम

पडोस में झांककर
बनानी थी नयी दोस्तियाँ
फिर कहकहे गूंजती घंटो भर
और बीच में होती मधुर
चाय की चुस्कियाँ

कदमों को आज़ादी का
तोहफ़ा देना है बचा
आजतक तो बस तेज़
रफ़्तार की गिरफ्त में था कारवां

मग़र धागे बहुत उलझे से हैं अब
जैसे मज़बूत जाल एक अनंत
निकलेंगी इससे जो साँसे बदहवाज़
कौन जाने रहेगी तब उनमें कोई श्वास?

aisa kyun

2020-02-01T02:48:00.001-08:00

ऐसा क्यों लगता है कि तुम होके भी नहीं हो
कि तुम्हारी हँसी तो गूंजती है कानों में मेरे
पर तुम्हारे दिल की मुस्कराहट
मुझसे दूर कहीं क्षितिज पे ठहरी हो

ऐसा क्यों लगता है कि हाथ थामे चल तो दिए
पर एहसास नहीं होता मुझे होने का तेरे
मेरे मन के कोने में एकांत सा है वातावरण
और भीड़ में भी संग तुम्हारे हम अकेले

ऐसा क्यों लगता है कि तुमसे कहके भी कुछ ना कहा
लफ़ज़ कई तुम्हारे पर दर्ज़ हुए ना ज़ेहन में मेरे
जैसे घंटों किस्से बोले तुमने मुझसे
पर मेरे कानों में ख़ामोशी के आलम ही रहे

ऐसा क्यों लगता है कि तुम्हे आज भी ढूंढती हूँ
कि तुम्हारी ही आँखों में कहीं पा जाऊं तुम्हें
ऐसा क्यों लगता है जब भी साथ होती हूँ तुम्हारे
कि तुमसे ही माँगना चाहती हूँ मैं तुम्हे

Did it happen?

2020-01-25T08:56:00.003-08:00

Did you really meet me that day?
Or was I dreaming all the way?
Was the twilight sparkling like diamonds?
Or was it just a few drops on my window's ledge?

Did the moon wink at me?
Or was my heart just dancing with glee?
Were we sharing that cup of tea?
Or were your thoughts driving me crazy?

Did my neighbour give me an appreciative glance?
Or was it just my radiant self doing the prance?
Was the path rolling dreamily underneath me?
Or were my frivolous steps causing the symphony?

Did the happy moments really knock persistently?
Or were they just the sounds of my wish to be happy ?
Did you really tell me what I wanted to hear?
Or was it my heart's wish just playing another trick on me?

wo darakht mere shehar ka

2020-01-03T22:42:00.002-08:00

एक दरख्त मेरे घर से कुछ दूर

लंबा मज़बूत तना सीना

और टहनियां सर्पीली, फ़ैली हुई

लहराती हवा में मौज मस्ती से चूर

जब गुज़रती थी मैं वहां से

खुसपुसर पत्ते करते थे मुझे देख

मैं मुस्कुराती तो फ़ूल उसके

बिखर जाते ज़मीन पर

गहरे लाल और पीले

मुझे छेड़ते - कि रौंदों फूलों को जितना

नई सुबह के साथ नए रंग और भी खिलेंगे

मैं भी थी अल्हड़, खूब झूलती

टहनियों को तोड़ती

और वो चुपचाप अपनी बाहें फैलाये

छाया की गोद बनाता मेरे लिए

रोज़ का दस्तूर था सहेलियों के साथ

उन रास्तों से गुज़रना

उस दरख्त का मुझे देखना

और मेरा उस पर नज़र रखना

बहुत सालों बाद लौटी हूँ मैं

अपने शहर

लंबी काली सड़के पार करके

अब मेरा घर भी बड़ा है इस शहर की तरह

आधुनिकता की ओर अग्रसर

पर अब उस दरख्त की आवाज़ नही पड़ती कानों में

एक शोर उसे निगल गया है

बस एक छोटा सा जख्मी तना है मेरे बंगले के पास

भीड़ के बीच में उपेक्षित परिवेश पहने

ना छाया और ना ही रंगों का एहसास

अब धूप बहुत कड़ी लगती है

जब उस रास्ते से गुज़रती हूँ मैं

आंखों में चुभता है अब वो रास्ता

सख्त बेजान और कोरा

उन टहनियों के साथ मेरी यादों के पन्ने गुम गए

सिहाई हल्की सी और शब्द मिटे से हुए

अब अनजान है वो रास्ता

अब अनजान सा मेरा शहर मुझे लगे

Winters

2020-01-03T06:06:00.003-08:00

I see the sun shying away
sooner than the past few days
Taking more hours off
like a child running off to play
Or an old man going senile
Panting for breath,
tired after just a mile

The chill reaches the bone
Like a demon ready to devour
Warm hearts feeling alone
Watching the sun shrink every hour
Even the horizon is hiding behind the haze
As if the sky is suddenly closing its gaze

The days squeeze between the nights
trying to find a place in winter's story
The greys blues and browns dominate
As if the palette has lost its glory
Till the spring flowers show their smiling face
Till the air is sprinkled with the spring's grace
Till that speck from the sun carries a warm trace
Its just a surrender to the winter's blaze

Another year

2019-12-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

Didn't time just up its speed lately?

Or in a hurry, it's just you and me

Those boring afternoons are extinct

Instead it's the notifications staring continuously...

The year had begun just a few days back

Jumping it's way into our hearts' track

Overjoyed were we, it was a new year

Who knew it would last just a few breaths

A conspiracy of the universe perhaps
To make us rush through this adventure
For we traded our precious time to...
Silly races heading nobody knows where

As we sprint towards yet another year
Let's play the symphony step by step gradually...
Close our eyes for a moment or two
Make memories that we revel when..
One day this year passes by through

Sweet Nothings

2019-12-18T22:29:00.000-08:00

The heart strums to the sound of them

Ears listen to the symphony

Sounds of the around exist no more
Nor does the world’s cacophony

Glazing with warmth amidst the stares so cold
Like a soft velvet, it touches the soul
Words so few, but lovingly are they told
Echoes in me, that sense of being whole

No promises, just plain syllables
No long stories, just what’s said then and there
I still look for those sweet nothings
As if lungs desperate for air
For they make moments so beautiful
Adorn my life with those moments so rare

Kiss from you

2019-12-13T10:03:00.002-08:00

That time of the day when silence creeps in

That time when the night sky sings

And that time when a tired me says to the world adieu

It’s that time my dear for a kiss from you….

Many faces I met, and they are blurred now

Laughter that filled my ears have taken a final bow

Noises have surrendered to the calm milieu

In the air so still my dear, I so would like a kiss from you…

Talk was what we did across the table

Words poured along with coffee cups innumerable

Memories plugged with the smell of our favourite brew

The taste lingers on me dear, eager for a kiss from you…

Promises you had made of beautiful times

The sunsets, the shimmering moon and of stars shining bright

When we would have endless hours stretching through

But Isn’t now a beautiful moment?

Those wishes may not come true

So why should I wait my dear? …for that kiss from you

Phir se wahi

2019-12-07T07:54:00.000-08:00

फ़िर सहमी हुई सी है उसकी फितरत
फिर रह रह झुक जाती हैं पलकें
फिर अनजान रास्तों का कौफ है उसे
फिर कभी बेड़ियों में पाया है खुद को उसने

फिर राह पे चलते हुई ठिठक के पलटी
फिर राह पे कांटे बिछे उसकी
फिर नाहक ही उसे अपने होने को सजा मिली
फिर हौले से उसने टपकाए आंसू

फिर चाहत हुई फिर से धरा खा जाए उसे
फिर से इस दुनिया की नीयत ने दुत्कारा उसे
फिर सदियां बीती इन्हीं चक्रव्यू में
फिर से बली चढ़ी बेवजह बेझिझक उसकी

फिर से उसके जीवन के सर्फ किसी और ने लिखे
फिर से उसकी सांसों की गिनती रोकी किसी ने
कहने को तो इंसान का दर्जा है उसे भी
पर फिर से इंसान सा सुलूक किया ना किसी ने

main aur tum

2019-12-02T04:02:00.000-08:00

मेरे चलने की आहट क्या
अब भी आती है तुम्हें ?
मेरे आने की दस्तक सोचके
जैसे एक बार बेवजह ही द्वार
खोल दिया था तुमने

आज भी क्या धुंध में
ढूंढते हो मेरा एहसास ?
कल की सूनी राहों में
जैसे मेरे साथ होने की आस

और फिर जब बादल घिर आते हैं
हवा में नमी लिए,
क्या अब भी ख़यालों में होते हैं
मेरे कदम तुम्हारे कदमों
का साथ दिए

जब अटल सूरज
करता है उजली सहर
तुम्हारी ही परछाई में क्या
दिखती हूँ मैं तुम्हे हर डगर

बोल दो ना अब ,
कि आज भी मैं,
न केवल गहराई में हूँ
तुम्हारे दिल की बसी...
तुम्हारे जीवन की सारी लहरें
मुझी को लेके हैं बहती

Soft Moon Light

2019-11-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

A lonesome sigh
A gaze that doesn't slide
A starry night
Soft moon light
glimpses many, but they don't suffice

Silent paths, I see her glide
hesitating shadows
she turns surprised
looking for cues
of me being there

The turn of her neck
strained and startled
As if trying to penetrate
what the sights hide
Finding the visible
that was certainly not me

As her footsteps pause
sensing and hoping
A sight watching her
She tracing me with her gaze
Or is it that I think so
And she's just held by
the moon's soft glow

BAAT SAATH CHALNE KI THI

2019-10-31T09:47:00.003-07:00

बात साथ चलने की थी
वरना कदमों की आहट भी नही होती
बात दिलों की लय मिलाने की थी
वरना धड़कने अपने दिल की हर वक़्त सुनी

पीछे पलट के ज़िन्दगी को देखा है बार बार
यादों के पार्सल आते रहते है बारम्बार
बात कुछ ख़ास ख़ज़ाने संजोने की थी
वरना किसको याद है रोज़ का कारोबार

आंखों के पर्दे पे तस्वीरे करती है कब्ज़ा
जब दोस्त किसी मोड़ पे सुनाते हैं फलसफा
बात उनकी आखों से खुद को देखने की थी
वरना आइनो की कमी हमारे जहाँ में नहीं

वैसे तो कितने ही रास्ते नापे
पर खामोश से आगाज़ ही टकराये
आख़िरकार, बात साथ चलने की ही थी
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