Conflicting Minds

There was a time when we had open doors, Open hearts and open minds, To see the kids go to school and drenched in rain To see them play and shout and scream And teach them baby steps and see them grow We had no elevators, but slow steps to progress And came together to celebrate new beginnings And stand in times of distress and need It wasn’t just one community, one race But never-ending unfathomable grace Soon to realize we lost our near ones Till soon some birds flew from their nest How could aged parents rest Their worries knew no end We did what we could best There stood some silence in quest We will always wish and pray To hope someday a golden ray Cheerful hearts would one day unfold We had many but now few hands to hold Every time we watch and listen How the birds came to chirp and sing The rain, quake and stormy weather We stood together like birds of a feather To our surprise and solemn promise Change is evident and the only constant Drifted away but yet connected We tried ...

Freedom is Free-Dumb these days. You can do what you wish but you cannot say as it turns to vish (poison). There was a time when you were told “Jaa jee le apni zindagi” Even in the world of ‘Jio’ emotions are almost dead and you’re least connected. And when you wanna fly high into the sky and dream big. You’re always nudged to take a step back and warned ‘Babuji Dheere chalna.’ From the bondages and atrocities, you have surpassed them all and risen high. Be it silent mothers at home or freedom fighters who die You always thought of the highest pursuit that gives you courage and confidence. And when as a woman you knock the doors to opportunity, there’s a shout “ O stree kal aana.” What does it takes to achieve those heights and always prove to everyone else that you are worth it. Until beauty brands like L’Oreal told us. Freedom is therefore to think and express freely what you are and can do. And for every move you make, and every step you take, you just know “Kuch karne ke liye kaayd...

Pretend to be smart or act like you’re dumb Know your moves but ‘no’ your grooves A world of being liked or else commented on Always being judged and validated on Did you ever realize you’re part of one big chase Lost in transition, not everything’s fair How can it be fair? Else I would be call a racist! Prove yourself at every stage yet deliver your bit I try hard to live in sanity and bring out my wit To keep me going, seems rushed at times No clarity, no purpose, no direction I find Losing weight, my calm, my mind.   We are made to sit in boxes, expected to think outside the box What a paradox it is, I find it hard to comprehend Only wars were fought once upon a time And now we fight for even being heard The problem is the solution itself Come to my aid, my rescue Trial and error are one big chance Challenge or opportunity to dance Distancing was great but was of no use Spaced out completely, off went my fuse Controlled by lives and ...

A lot can happen over coffee. Or chai pe charcha  Whining over wine  Or whiskeying away in glory!  This festive season I had neither Not me, blame it on the weather. Times are tough and I ought to be stronger.  Nights are short and days pretty longer.   A thought that always comes to mind  Missing the ones, please help me find! Genuineness that’s lacking, I hope someday.  What I seek is comfort and getaway. Love me truly and harder than ever, All I wish for a moment of bliss than forever.  Nothing makes me glad than a glass of cheer, Mind I cherish the bottle, remember dear! Closer it gets and there comes a barrier, I haven’t doubted or asked why here?   Tell me what not I have done to reach nearby. The only simplicity I choose, Just win me one, nothing to lose. I realized deep within my heart, That it wasn’t meant in the start. There’s something to I always wanted to hear, Be not afraid my love, th...

From the simplicity of comforting and familiar beverages to adventurous and indulgent experiences, flavors can be familiar, welcoming, distinctive, addictive and above all deceptive! Taste is more than just flavor. It’s what drives people to purchase their favorite flavors in foods and beverages. Adventure and indulgence go hand in hand as consumers travel and are ready to explore, this is where fusion pairing come into play. Social media have influenced with play of colors and textures to try and drive new consumers and penetrate existing ones. Innovative recipes with do-it-yourself meal and cocktail kits for house parties are seen on a rise. Curiosity more than necessity is now the mother of invention – conscious health consumers also need taste delivering the same experience and flavor as indulgent foods do to crave for more. There’s much more joy in simplicity with ingredient play and association to a reference flavor or aroma tried before and has remained in memory for long....

Roses are red and with different hues, Bloom in splendor and all the dews!   Roses are one of the most popular flowers around the world, often seen bloom in various parts of the world. The Loire climate in France is particularly well adapted to roses, and you will often see them in gardens in Touraine. The colour of roses can be combined to form an attractive picture with subtle fragrances as well. The queen of flowers has been grown in China and Persia for over 5000 years. Roses have a powerful symbolism that has developed over time. Several legends are linked to roses. In Greek mythology, the rose was a nymph brought back to life by Chloris (the goddess of flowers), embellished by Aphrodite, perfumed by Dionysus, and given all its charm by the Three Graces. As for the rose’s thorns, Roman mythology saw them as Cupid’s arrows. In the language of flowers, in the garden and at the florist’s, rose colors convey a very precise meaning. · ·      Red roses: the ...

Failing and falling, Dawning and realizing Follies of youth, Fantasies of truth Never a miss, The breath of kiss, It’s hard to tell, Stories that sell, Deep down the burning desire, Heaven or hell in fire Not on purpose I trod, Realms so broad.   No rhyme no reason, Passed every season, Situation so tense And feelings intense Everything unplanned All I needed is a hand, Keep the very caress, My needs to address, Unsure what it’s named, None of us to be blamed, Had this not be a sign, To err is simply divine.

Classics are back but I miss my letters. Digital media has got it better. Skipping words and using shortcuts Emoticons have replaced, I’m going nuts. Interpretations are many to guess What it brings to mind is mess! Lost the memory and the touch Friends too many, posts too much! I recall the days that mom read out Each letter to us that came about. Emotions so true and way I understood. Making us feel the way it should.   Times have changed and so have I, Minds are ruffled and ought to lie. Seems all so superficial, Words became so artificial. Framed with so much thought and care Say those words that fail to dare. I still have treasured the words so true Years had passed, it gave me a cue That I should bring back prose and poetry Do the right, just and contrary. My love for letters never grows old, For eternity, some stories unfold!

Silently working, Hiding emotions, Subtle the breath, Meaningful actions. I hold onto the emotion, The feeling is real The outcome is uncertain Although my mind is here. Nothing can tell The true confession. Lies ahead of me, A total unseen direction!   My heart that dances, For the hope that’s there. What to interpret There’s none to care. When it’s only mine, And no one else’s. Treasured so secure Believe it exists. There’s always a yearning, Blissful, magical and special! Thinking about the next move, Looking forward for that unseen direction!  

There’s always a reason to believe, Never have I ever tried to deceive. Hidden words could express My emotions you could guess In love with what I am And have the potential to Walk miles to achieve The very road I wished to travel Couldn’t stop being free Nothing could stop me ‘being me’!   Storms that cannot cease me Winds that cannot change me Bring on every weather No fear, no flutter Uniqueness is now overrated It’s simplicity and genuineness That strikes a bond Being true to what I stand for, It’s that little acknowledgment I seek. Nothing could stop me ‘being me’!

Gazing at the beauty, Treating to the eyes Touching my very soul At the blink of an eye Sweet caress of the Moon Dreams that cover me In quiet little moments Surrendering all I have Living the Moon Dance!   The Love I sense The touch I can guess Swiftly beaming so pure Shines in all its splendor Shimmering like the gem Treasured as it appears! Rare as long as you stare Breathes that emotion Living the Moon Dance!

Raised and reared, Rooted and grounded. Breed so rare, Standing with stare. Better off a dozen, Learnt life’s finest lesson. Dearing to dare Thoughts that scare. Way beyond measure. Rooted in treasure!   Every moment it takes, Every breath that awakes, Succumb to pressure, That is life’s gesture. Times so leisure Coming to a closure. Does not that ring a bell? I have a story to tell. Listen to me instead, Rooted in treasure!

I have not run out of vocabulary, Every word I mean literally, Day and night, the thoughts set in Calls from my heart within. Riding on my mind for sure Is this making me feel insecure? Never have I felt like this. Boggling ideas is a bliss! And it is the only one That eases as done.   Somewhere read in between in lines, It says clearly, I am not fine The grass is greener on the other side, Comes to me with arms open wide. Distinct is the sound so familiar Way to far, I am not so near Yearning for that only desire, Burning intense like the fire Emotions drive afterwards Stand still, it is way beyond words!

The genesis of rich heritage, Clinging to mother earth Deeply rooted in tradition, Springs the varied cultures. A melting pot that reigns supreme, Designed with a sacred intention Coming together as one family, Diversity in unity.   Many have come and gone too soon, Times that tell, stories that should History that now repeats itself, Hold the future strong ahead. Lying beside that dainty look Offering the deal that never stood. In my heart, the only desire, Comes forth burning with fire.   Words fall short and expressions leave I know that someday we will believe The truth that unfolds Lies that we hold. Multiple ways to reveal the unsaid, True patriotism is when it bled. The days have gone, yet apart Courage, my friend shall depart.   Into the deep shall we be, Eyes that have now to see. Into the depth, shall it roar Eagles in the sky that soar. A new day dawned Memoirs so fond. Still remains among a mill...

It is all about mixing and matching these days, that’s how creativity and innovation takes place. An interesting way to collaborate and learn from cross-industry expertise, I always used refreshing alcoholic beverages to inspire developing fragrances in the citrus space, like a Mojito based shower gel, with zesty grapefruit, mint, basil and bitter lime, bergamot hints of clean, refreshing cues. I came across some enthusiastic mixologists and bartenders over Instagram and social media. Just like the Yuzu ingredient is trending and now Bira comes with this flavored beer, I am not surprised to see things turn the other way round. Recently, at the Phoenix Mall, Lower Parel, Mumbai (India), one of the most popular fragrance brands ‘Jo Malone’ conducted this amazing PR activity to get consumers smell their fragrances, experience, and dive into some refreshing ingredient-based cocktails. Successfully, this enthralled the audience and not forgetting inviting newbies into the sensory spac...

It comes so natural, All the wit and humor, The presence of mind, Assertiveness and Inquisitiveness, When I speak, when I write, It just flows like milk, So genuine and spontaneous, It’s all in my Genes.   Extreme in my expressions, With vibrancy and enthusiasm, Excited and quiet at the same time. Ironically, I can be straightforward. It’s no sarcasm or conflicting paradox. A play with words and pun intended. So subtle yet to the point, It’s all in my Genes. Buy Life's Little Treasures Book Online at Low Prices in India | Life's Little Treasures Reviews & Ratings - Amazon.in    

Light shines in the midst of darkness Weary stands me alone In all my nothingness I wonder What brings me to my abode There’s only one way now That I could foresee To come out of my slumber To the thoughts that awaken me Dawned a quick realization The army of Façade!   Trembling winters, sleepy nights Holding brother, my only fright Comes in time the sultry wave Beneath the sea, was all I gave The most prized possession I have an inclination Troublesome days are very close Holding up high, opening doors Waiting for the right moment, Here and now end the Façade! Buy Daffodils - Volume 2 Book Online at Low Prices in India | Daffodils - Volume 2 Reviews & Ratings - Amazon.in