A Kind smile

 

Today as I was thinking about a topic to write I felt stuck. That's when I remembered an incident when I was studying in Chennai. It was one beautiful experience that would remind me of a person whom I surely would like to visit when I travel to Chennai.

A lady in saree with hair tied up with wrinkles around her eyes portraying a sign of a smily face. Every time I see her her smiling eyes would welcome me from afar and then her beautiful voice calls  out to me by asking "Nalla irikingala" ("How are you ?") Those few words are enough to feel better in a crowd full of unknown people.

I stood at a corner watching people interact with each other. The feeling of escape would be at its peak and her few words would calm me down.

When I look back a very peculiar incident came to my mind that took place when she helped me reach the railway station. I was waiting for the 20 number bus as I was only familiar with that particular bus route. I was hesitant to ask help but she initiated to make sure I reach safely by boarding the same bus.

I don't know her name, age or any other information about her but her smiling face will be imprinted in my memory. When I talk about Chennai City she will definately have a place in few of the stories that I would share.

Thanking God

 As I was traveling through the pages I came across a very short poem. This poem by E.E. Cummings is all about thanking God. Thanking God is a small gesture that we often overlook or just ignore altogether.

We often forget God altogether when we are at peace. During problems, we run to God and pray for hours but we forget to thank God for the things we have. We see a new day which is a blessing a lot of people do not get. We have family or parents or a sibling where a lot of people remain all alone in this vast debt of sea. 

What we believe to be an end is the beginning of something new. We have been trained to follow a certain path without a second thought making it a blind ritual that we follow because we have to not because we want to. 

There are a lot of moments when I feel lost and go searching in various places and I end up caught in circles of scams and lies. I somehow reach somewhere else hoping this is the right choice. These choices were never forced but a lesson that I learned along the process of harsh reality.

I often forget to Thank God for all the little things I have never given importance but is part of my life. I hope that I never fail to Thank God for all the little things that I have with a grateful heart.

A missed vacation

 

As I look back to my summer vacation, the trip to Kerala is a must to do schedule which was sadly skipped this year. It wasn't the most exciting segment to cancel the plan as it was very hot in Delhi. Not just the weather but also it was very dull during these days.

My parents went to the hometown as planned and informed us about the changes that took place in the past year which wasn't much but still, it's a loss not to see. I remember a pond in front of our house that has lilies floating on the surface and the fishes swims all around. Tall mountains could be seen from our terrace and a sky full of stars at night was truly an amazing sight, a completely different view compared to the foggy sky in Delhi.

When I was asked to go I became quite lethargic and refused but now when I think I should have gone. A tree that we planted years ago finally bore jackfruits and two of them were shared among themselves. One jackfruit was not fully ripe yet, so my mom packed it to bring it along.

It was small compared to the other jackfruit that I have seen but still, it was so good. As my parents reached today they were excited to cut the fruit and it was just the perfect time. It was so sweet and juicy and I loved it. The fruit would finish fast as it was a craving that would only be fulfilled next summer.

Even though a trip to kerela was wasted the regular fruit was not missed. Somehow I missed my vacation but still would have lots more ahead.

Good morning, Miss Dove

 

The short story "Good morning, Miss Done" seemed very ordinary and confusing but as I read further the plot was captivating that talks about a school teacher who was not admired by students. She is described as a very strict and calm person who rarely used words for intimidation but was able to command attention through her eyes.

The story often skipped to the past where it goes back to her time with a different batch of students. She remembers these students who are now scattered in different places during the war. She often hallucinates them where she is very vulnerable and no longer the "terrible Miss Dove" as named by her students.

Her given title does not reduce the affection and memory printed in the minds of her old students who still remember her. We learn this through a letter read aloud by the brother of one of her students. 

Frances tried to bring out the beautiful relationship between a teacher and a student. When her student Jincey cries she felt lost for a moment. Inspite of the solemn atmosphere she pulled everyone back to her class. The two faces of a teacher is portrayed. Infront of the class as she was very strong who accepted all the challenges that were put forward and her vulnerable side was made sure to be kept hidden from her students.

A day without gadget

Today as the day began it was very gloomy despite the sunny weather outside. I was feeling very low making me very lazy and depressed. Somehow I pushed forward to go to church as a regular. 

After the service, I was invited to a home for lunch and that was what changed my day from gloomy to a much more exciting day. 

A day without mobile phones in hand is very rare. I realised that I too could spend a day without a phone. I remember that usually I spend my whole day on the phone either watching a movie or reading an e-book but today we spend the whole day playing offline games.

Having a day with children makes you forget about the gadgets that I used to spend my whole day playing at giving a sense of loss at the end of the day. 

These little games including UNO and Monopoly were fun entertainment changing my mood completely to a much more relaxed person. I did not expect such change which was a relief and made me realise that a day can be made better in various other ways.

Today as I plan to go to bed I find myself tired almost on the verge of sleep with a smile on my face.

How they brought good news from Ghent to Aix

 

"How they brought good news from Ghent to Aix" is a narrative poem by Robert Browning that tells the story of a journey from Ghent to Aix, where three men are assigned to deliver the good news. 

Three horsemen start their journey where they experience a lot of hurdles before they reach their destination. Over the poem we find them sincerely dedicated to complete their duty. We find their endurance and strength when they fight off the obstacles. Some of the obstacles are pertaining to their past which remained persistent in the present trying to set them back from their responsibility.

We can see the poet using imagery to give a beautiful description of the landscapes and the physical body reacting to the journey. The time duration of the journey is connected to the place and the celestial journey like " Twas moonset at starting; but while we drew near Lokeren, the cocks crew and twilight dawned clear" and " At Aerschot, up leaped the sudden sun".

Since the poem is narrated in a first person it gives a personal touch as if we are also going along on this journey with them. 

The journey was long and tough but when the poet recalls the duration he only remembers the good times as he says " And all I remember is,- friends flocking around", which doesn't mean he is neglecting the troubles but only means that he knows what is important to cherish.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

Today as I sat down reading a novel, I was able to relate very deeply. The incidents may differ but the process were quite relatable. "Days at the Morisaki Bookshop" by Satoshi Yagisawa is my latest read. As the title suggest the entire novel revolves around a second hand bookshop. The protagonist Takako, a person who was forced to quit her current life somehow ends up in her uncle's bookshop.

I found myself in a very similar situation as the protagonist, she discovers herself through reading. She did not read initially but to move her days quicker she started reading which became her second nature. The words used to describe her feelings while she read was very beautiful. " I really was like a butterfly waiting patiently to come out of his chrysalis." It was beautifully described the way she felt herself immersed in the books. 

The description of the place also seem so beautiful where I would like to spend my time. The whole street had both sides aligned with secondhand bookshops, every shop sold different types and genres of books without overlapping. There was also a cafe where people went to gossip or read. The book readers who visited the shop were interesting as they piled up more and read the same book multiple times, everytime giving a different understanding.

The protagonist being the highlight as she never read books to the extend of not sharing a space with books. She began with one book out of curiosity and boredom later led to several other books. It's always difficult to begin but half way through it becomes difficult to stop.

Another interesting detail was the conversation with a reader. Sharing ideas, details or understanding is much more fun than random talks. I thought back to my friend with whom I would sit for hours talking about the book I read. It was so fun where time passes quickly and does not have the thought of hours being wasted as it adds to the knowledge acquired . The author Satoshi Yagisawa also agrees where he says "My body felt strangely light, like my feet were floating above the ground". A long discussion of what was read is like a revision as well as lightness like a paper is felt when something is shared. 

" Days at the Morisaki Bookshop" is a beautiful book that can be read so easily and quickly. The light-hearted book without any heavy plot teaches us not to fall rather find an alternative to push ahead. It also teaches the value of relationships. It is a book that is very relaxing taking us to the same street filled with smiles while purchasing a book at a bookshop along with people sharing the same enthusiasm.

Expecting the unexpected

As I sat doing nothing I had an inspiration to keep myself busy. It's too boring to stay at home idly sitting and always on the phone. I thought of reading but it didn't absorb me for too long hmm pretty boring.

Today being a dull day I cannot go out as it's hot as usual but unexpectedly I got a message from a friend as she shared her joy.

Today it rained at Cannaught place, where she worked. It's quite far from here but still with lots of excitement I ran to the door but tadaaaa.. no rain just a sky absent of sun.

I was a bit sad as rain is very much needed to cool the place down. In the middle of the month the heat is gonna rise, not a good sign. 

Every year when I was in Delhi during the month of May and June I would go to Kerala as it's  once a year opportunity. Unfortunately this year I couldn't get tickets so I had to stay back.

Not only me but a lot of other people are looking forward to the heavy rain. Hoping it will happen soon to escape from this increasing heat.

Little surprises

Unseen and overlooked,

Shadowed power,

Unspoken truth,

A mystery yet unsolved.

Words stuck,

Eyes bulged,

Shocked to the core,

Yet remained unmoved.

Is there a solution,

To this unexpected moment,

An unapproachable task,

But there too was a result.

Smiles and joy,

A little bit of hope,

Lack of understanding,

Till when it shall last.

Let's look forward,

To these little surprises,

Not with lots of hope,

But with heart full of wonder.