A Letter to PMO India..

Respected Prime Minister Sir,

My name is Gayatri Mane and I am a 28-year-old IT engineer from Pune. I stay here with my family. My parents are always there to take care of me. I work for an organization which is extremely particular about women safety.  The people here make sure that all women travel home safely by providing guards in our buses, providing home drop and by giving us a call once we reach home. All my childhood I have heard everyone saying that ‘Sarkar kuchh nahi kar sakti'. As I grew up, I made up my mind to not to think that the Government would take any right step for its people. The day when you were honored as a Prime Minister, the majority of the people changed their view towards Government, including me. We do believe in our Government now and we will keep doing so until the time you are leading our country. We have high hopes for you and we all Indians do believe that all your steps are for the betterment of India. You are going to give India a bright future which India has always deserved. All your initiatives such as Swachha Bharat Abhiyan, Make in India, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, etc. are being openly accepted and appreciated by all Indians. We must thank you for showing us hopes that India can be the superpower one day.  We must thank you for the way you have represented India as a strong and emerging economy in the outside world.

The purpose of this letter is quite different. Initially, I was not sure who and how should I speak with about this concern. The first and foremost name which struck me was – Sushma Swaraj. Let me take a moment to mention here that every Indian woman is proud of her and we all respect her, just like we respect our mother. She is praised not only by Indians but also by people from all other countries. Since the topic of this letter is nowhere linked to External Affairs, I thought of sending the letter to you instead. Somewhere around mid-2016, I was traveling home by my office bus. I usually skip reading all negative news like robbery, accidents, murders, rapes, etc. That day I somehow – unfortunately – read the headline of the Bulandshahr Gangrape of the mother-daughter duo. Against my will, I scroll down to the news feed and started reading it. The 14 years old girl and her mother were raped for 3 hours and this was done by a wide group of 12 people. After I finished reading and since I could relate to the pain these people must have gone through, unknowingly I started crying on the bus. In a few minutes, I had to control my emotions and be back to normal. I was trying to hide my tears from all my bus-mates. I came home and had my usual routine that day. As soon as I went to my bed, the news I read on the bus flashed in front of me. I could not stop myself from thinking about the duo. Being a girl, I could definitely understand what both of them had been through. I always imagine it as an event which takes away all the self-respect from women.  May be it makes them a living dead body. It is a state which no woman ever wants to be into. The 14-year-old girl has not even seen the world and she was made to face such a cruel scene. I am still not able to imagine what her father must have felt. His daughter and his wife were raped when he was there. My heart – without my knowledge –was so deeply saddened by reading the news that it didn't let me sleep for numerous nights after that. I was not sure what I could do to relieve the family from that never-ending pain. I wanted to meet the girl and just hold her close to me, without speaking a word. She has seen the brutal face of the world at such a young age. That day onwards, I stopped skipping any news and started reading at least the headlines of all kinds of news be it the terror attack, rape or murder. With time I realized that every day there was at least single news of rape. I had lost my sleep and my nights were spent thinking about the agony of victims. I soon realized that many Indian girls like me must be aware of the current rape accidents in India and they must be as sad as I am. I eventually understood why my father becomes so worried when I or my sister does not reach home on time.

I am sure that you want the ladies in India to live life peacefully and without the terror of rape. I am certain that you are sensible to understand my concern. I am sure there are millions of Indian women who want this issue to be addressed. The rapists should be punished in a way nobody dares to reiterate their actions in future. I am writing this on behalf of all mothers, daughters, sisters in India. I am writing to you for the sake of every other Indian woman; can we have some law under which rapists would be offered strict retribution? Can we have a mission to create a rape-free India? You are the one who has always started different initiatives and people have worked on it acutely. People in India listen to you and they admire you. I am certain that you can definitely solve this problem.  We all youngsters believe in you. Your love for India's growth gave me the courage to write about this issue to you. I must, again, thank you for giving us a platform for connecting with you. Hope to hear back from you.

Yours faithfully,

An Indian woman.

I can't stop loving it..

It was 8.30 on the clock. I planned my next thirty minutes in such a way that I don't miss my office bus to home. I wrapped up everything, got off my desk and made my way to exit. I saw Rohit on my way, he was packing his bag.

‘Hey, wait a minute. I am also going downstairs'.

‘Let's catch-up tomorrow. I need to catch a bus at 9 and before that, I need to go to the other building'

He knew what I was talking about. He laughed, gave me the usual look and got engrossed in his things. I checked my watch again, it was 8.35. I realized that I had spent full five minutes in collecting my stuff, putting it in my bag and heading to the exit. I was not willing to wait for an elevator; I decided to take stairs. The view outside was beautiful. The romantic evening, the mild breeze, the yellow lights, the silent roads and the excitement to reach to him made my moment extremely beautiful. I entered the zone after walking for over 5minutes. The bench by the side of his stall was empty. I was happier than before. I thought – today, I can peacefully sit here. I approached him. Seeing me, he quickly got up from his stool and asked me – ‘Kya loge madam?'

I thought – why does he ask me every day when he knows what do I take from his stall?

Before I could come out of my thoughts, he said – ‘One plate, steamed. Right?'

I was delighted. ‘Yes..and chutney thoda jyada daalna'

‘Yes madam'

He opened his cabinet and took out a paper plate from it. Keeping the plate on the platform, he took his napkin and held it in both of his hands. He opened the lid of the container. I noticed how carefully he was holding the lid under the napkin. Keeping the lid and napkin down, by the side of the plate, he lifted the Forceps. His hand moved inside the container. He was slow and careful. He lifted the first piece. The piece was squeezed a little bit, at two diagonally opposite points, by the pressure of the forceps. He skillfully placed it on the plate. My eyes were content seeing the inception of the process of filling the plate. He went on drawing all the remaining five pieces from the container. He then arranged them in a roughly circular shape and put red colored chutney in the center. I thought –Only a few seconds more and then I this will be all mine. He asked – ‘Madam, Mayonnaise loge?'

I was happy and excited about the offer. But still keeping calm and showing him that I am very patient and not that fond of whatever he was offering me, I said – ‘Ha thik hai. De do'.  

He opened his cabinet again, took out a bottle of Mayonnaise and served it on the plate, by the side of Chutney. I loved the combination - The white plate, the red chutney, the white mayonnaise, the yellow light around, the brown bench and those six pieces of momos sitting proudly on my plate. I had already taken out sixty rupees from my wallet. I offered him the money first. He opened the drawer, placed the money in it and then gave me the plate. I was successful in showing calm on my face but my heart was jumping impatiently and was forcing me to take the first bite no matter what.  I made myself sit and held the first piece and dipped it in the chutney first and then in mayonnaise. I was all set to take the first bite.  Moving it towards my mouth, I ate it. My tongue sent signals to my brain that I was more content than any time before. It was a wow moment. Rest five pieces were waiting for their honor. I applied the same strategy as dipping in chutney first and then in Mayonnaise to gulp the three of them. By the time total four momos were finished, I had achieved the sense of accomplishment. I soon realized that I also had to catch the bus. I quickly checked my watch. It was 8:53. I was so delighted that I had walked for five minutes, and had eaten more than half the plate of momos in just eighteen minutes. The remaining two were ready. While I held the second last in my hand, I feared something, looked around and thought - OMG, he is back. 

I was completely scared of him. I ran away from him whenever he had come to me in the past but that day I was not in a position to run. He was courageous enough to stand by my side. I knew his love for momos. He knew my fear for him. I was sandwiched between my love for momos and my fear for dogs. He was staring at my plate continuously. People offered him food, but I was not generous enough to offer him my momos. I started chanting God's name and gulp the one I was holding in my hand. The last one was remaining. He came two steps closer to me. We both were looking at the last piece. There was hardly a distance of hundred centimeters between him and me. I was not ready to give up my momo and he was not ready to leave without having the last piece. I was determined and he was optimistic. I slowly moved my hand towards the finisher. I didn't bother to dip it in anything else on my plate. With the faster speed than that of light's and before my other organs could understand what had happened, the last piece of momo was sitting in my mouth.   I thanked my brain and of course my hand for their joint efforts. I was the winner. I happily crushed the plate and got up from the bench. The feeling of achievement made me proud of myself. I proudly walked to the dustbin, thrashed my plate inside, came back to the bench, lifted my bag and left the food zone. He was looking at me while I was walking away. He decided that he would have a better strategy next time to fetch my momos and I decided that I would never let him win a single momo… since I can't stop loving it.

The Proposal...

The air was fresh and the sun was rising, mist was gone and wind was blowing

While he was standing on the road with chest wide, he could see her coming from the other side

The mild sun rays were falling on her face, making it shine with more grace

When their eyes met his heartbeats increased, he was stunned and the adrenaline was released

He liked her brown eyes; more attractive were her brown hair and slinky thighs

He was dark but handsome; he was in love with her – without being ready to overcome

He could not take his eyes off her, he saw his girlfriend in her

She had many such people after her; she had a bunch of choices to prefer

He kept following her and was not ready to give up; he knew that she just had a break-up

He was a confident cool dude; she was a female with attitude

She was walking in style; he made up his mind to shadow her for miles

She knew that he was walking after her; he was desperate for their love story to occur

Seconds passed by and then minutes, she then liked his determination and spirit

Though she was not ready to be with someone again, a lot of love she wanted to attain

She was amazed to know the distance he had walked, she wanted the things to be talked

They reached in a park after a long walk; she realized that it was a perfect time to talk

She stopped and looked back, he was adamant but thought she would attack

Her eyes conveyed her feelings; he was then relaxed and went forward for further dealings

She was convinced and displayed it with her actions; she had for him some attraction

Both of them started walking together then, convincing a woman is a quality of men

He had gathered the courage and proposed her in the park, she finally said yes with a loud bark

He knew that he would not fail, seeing him at first she had moved her tail

Her Power...

One morning my maid was back from a long leave, I was busy and thought of talking with her in the eve

She seemed upset and engrossed in her thoughts, I was not sure of the reason since I am not a bad boss

Thought of talking with her about her mood, I first ensured she had cooked all the food

Her husband was an alcohol addict; his behavior nobody could predict

Her in-laws had an accident and were hospitalized; she was in trauma since they were paralyzed

I saw a deep sadness on her face; then she was different with no grace

I changed the topic and asked about her son, I thought she would cheer up if we talk about her loved one

Then too she put forward a sad story, he had taken off her life's glory

Police was searching for him and he was on the run, I was curious to know what had he done

He had hit his wife for dowry; such instances had been consistent in her family history

I was surprised and speechless, I knew her situation I was still helpless

I wanted to ask about her daughter but I avoided the topic, I was not ready to hear one more gossip

I had a sip of water and went to the living room, she followed me there she wanted to share something I assumed

I sat down on the sofa and she sat on the floor, I knew on my way stories were more

She started telling me about her teen-age daughter, she was neither like her brother nor her father

She was neither a college topper nor office champion; she was uncommon and was running some campaign

She was a girl with average intelligence, but she was doing her work with diligence

She was treating mentally challenged with smile; she used to walk to hospitals for miles

To talk, to feed and to entertain them were her responsibilities, she accepted the challenge to give life to people with mental disabilities

Her job was to be their companion for whole day; it was a service with no pay

I was surprised to know her occupation, was not sure why had she sent them her job application

Her mother told me she is a girl with a different mindset; she was earning no money and still had no regret

Her life was colorless but she wanted to live for others; she wanted to make others happy and create wonders

She was not impacted with her family situations, humanity was peeping from all her actions

She was giving others something which she never got, for their happiness she had fought

I realized that day not everybody is same, following crowd is not everybody's aim

She was an exception I realized that in an hour, humanity staying in her was her power.

My Valentine..

I still remember the day I met you, I was in pink and you were in blue

Then we were not in love still the feeling was awesome, I recall those were the days in autumn

Thankfully there was traffic on the road; we could talk more when you dropped me home

I like your intelligence and you liked my honesty, you saw a lover in me and I saw you as my bestie

Second meeting was a turning point, after that I never felt that we were disjoint

My attachment for you was increasing, you were not just genuine but appealing

You became significant for me gradually; our talks became as frequent as daily

I never knew I was so involved in you, at the same time your love for me grew

The day arrived when you planned to propose me, you gifted me roses and did get down on your knee

I was stunned to know your feelings; do you remember then I was smiling

Those were the golden moments when love was in the air, the chemistry in our relationship is rare

From your shopping to my exam preparation, every such thing acted as a foundation

We studied, laughed and traveled together; being with you has been like wearing a crown with feather

Wandering here and there and eating road-side food, our love was hiking many altitudes

Tea you made and the view from your balcony, always owed their taste to our love’s harmony

It was a time which I now missed a lot; I must thank you for many things you taught

No matter whether you are here or oversea, our love is growing you must agree

The time we have spent together has been blossomed with wine, let me mention here wholeheartedly – you are my Valentine

My Dream..

As I wished everyone good-night and switched off the light, a dream was on its way that night

Thoughts were crowded and hence the scenes, I was clueless by all means

Something was lost and I was searching, I was trying my hard but nothing was working

Everyone whom I knew I could see in there, nobody knew I was heading where

I could see my office and my house, my paintings, writings and my laptop mouse

I suddenly walked to the station and boarded a train; looking at me people thought I was insane

I traveled for some time and then got-off the train; I could see some stairs in the rain

I walked on the stairs and reached the airport, I was allowed to board a flight without a passport

I was still unsure what I was looking for, It was uncertain if I needed a peace or a war

The plane took off and there was no other human, there was a single seat and windows were open

I could feel the wind and the sun, where I was heading was the question

The plane landed in some time and I came out of airport, to my surprise there was a sea-port

I boarded the boat and kept traveling; I thought my destination was nearing

As the beach arrived I could see something, It was far but surely amazing

I started running to see what was there, maybe it was something I was already aware

As I reached there I was stunned, it was not gold or a diamond

I could see a bunch of all colors; those were followed by a path of flowers

I was amused and I kept going, it was unknown for me what was waiting

The path took me to a world of fragrance; I could see then a known entrance

I went inside and could see someone, I was not certain but maybe she was my loved one

As she turned I could see her face, it was me with a full grace

She was content and smiling, She was not real me but was appealing

I could figure what I was looking for, she was happy and I was not

I woke up and started thinking; I had everything I still feel something was missing

I was in a search of happiness when I had everything to embrace

Happiness is not to be searched but to be created, whether I am with people or isolated

My dream helped me find something I was searching for a while; I learned that whatever is the situation I should always smile

I am with me ..

I was scared I was shy, it is a fact that I can’t deny

I must accept that I used to be confused, I kept the talent I had unused

The confidence was almost zero, I was afraid of greeting people with a single hello

My days were spent thinking about others, what people think about me I used to wonder

Days passed by and then years, nothing was growing in my head but fears

Gradually I realized something, on my every failure people were clapping

I ignored their reaction somewhere; I shared with everybody my despair

To my surprise people were happier than before, making me curious more

I decided to do something different that time, I worked hard and overtime

No time was wasted in thinking about people, focus and efforts were made double

Feeling that something is achieved, I decided to share the news with everybody that I succeed

Again to my surprise nobody was happy, except a few others were hurt badly

The law of society could not be ignored, I learned that the fear of society I could not afford

I started learning from that day, world is not black and white but grey

More efforts then were put; the goal was to double the output

I gradually got the wings of confidence; I pushed myself hard without the fear of consequence

The thinking was changed and hence the things, those were followed by series of wins

Now I am no shyer, I put more energy in my wings – I want to fly higher

I have found the key to success; hard work, dedication and willpower always ensure progress

The habit of giving up doesn’t help much; working hard is the only way out as such

Now I don’t bother what the situation might be; I am fine as long as 'I am with me'