When Time Slips Through

All these men walking faster along the way,
To spend those few extra moments of the day.

Here I sit in solitude
Silent, unloved,  uncherished.
Counting each second that passes by
With each breath a daunting task.

Sometimes I sob
With a constant thought that bothers.
And the tears visible and invisible
Fail to express even the surfacial pain.

To shed light, this is but one of many moments that have passed.
It has been years.
Since this strange feeling
of being left out,
of being unprioritized,
of being unvalued
That has put its unmatched weight.
That makes this poor heart
A little heavier
more vulnerable
& gradually it has found-
its distractions...

These distractions- 
my fragile refuge,  
A fleeting escape from the crushing weight. 
Yet, they crumble like ashes in the wind,  
And leave me helpless
exposed to the storm.

The silence grows-
louder with every breath,
enormous with every wave,
darker with the night.
Even the ticking clock mocks my despair!

Screaming in the void with no sound in return,
I reach for meaning in the emptiness,  
How beautifully my hands
grip around this pain
& dreams dissolve into haze,
& colors fade into abyss.

To be unseen, unheard, and forgotten.  
A shadow cast by-
a fleeting moment, 
a firefly's glow,
a blush of dawn.
Destined to fade as the world moves on!

Lost

This hollow space within,  

Those words- trapped inside,

Yearning to break free,  

But Silence- it grips me,

Holding tight,  

And then fear whispers softly,

yet it's not there.  

Life stretches out,

a path unseen,  

No map, no stars to guide the way,  

I crave space- for a breath to take,  

But not the cold touch- of solitude.  

The world spins on,

and I- I stand still,  

Afraid to miss the dance of life,  

Lost in the in-between,  

Where I want to belong,

but not disappear.

The Shadows Of Silence (Trapped In Echoes)

Sufferings that lay buried in my mind,
Of experiences I wish to leave behind.
To all the men with their actions dark,
From my very tender years till the present mark.
You know not the depth of pain you've sown,
Nor the scars I had to get used to, alone.

From tender years I have the wounds of your sin,
Been a silent victim with no voice to begin.
With each passing day, the burden gets hefty,
And the heart has never felt more empty.
I find myself consumed by self-blame,
Then flashbacks every moment confine me in chains.

The memories still green, flow in my veins,
Each recollection brings tears and a flood of pains.
Chills grip me as anger expresses out as tears,
A feeling of helplessness for years.
The harassment came with unwanted touch and gaze,
The soul weeps beneath an ever-present haze.

But as I grow a ray of light emerges,
And from the depths of trauma, a voice surges.
No longer troubled in the sea of ghosts,
I find the strength and the coast.
For though the scars remain, remain deep inside,
I rise above to sail over the tide!

On Her Beauty

In a world adorned with stars aglow,
There she steps, a radiant flow.
Her hair, a cascade of silk divine,
Captivating souls with their shine.
With each step, she graces the earth's embrace,
A symphony of beauty and a vision of grace.
Her smile, a beacon, wide and bright,
Bringing warmth to even the darkest night.

But oh! Her eyes mark an endless depth, 
Where mysteries lie, and dreams are stuck.
So deep that a universe unfurled,
Alluring souls while possessing the world! 

With every emotion, they lead the way,

Guiding spirits through night and day.

And in the poetry of love, they grab the key,

Eyes that speak of eternity! 

With every glance, a story untold,
A journey of fascination, a tale to behold.
Her presence is a treasure found,
Such grace, is nowhere around. 

For she is more than just beauty rare,
Her spirit was ablaze with a flame to care.
Her profoundness,  words can not convey,
Her presence alone is a reward each day.

For she is love's essence, pure and true,
A masterpiece of grace, forever anew.

Book Review: The Palace Of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

"The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an enchanting and thought-provoking novel that breathes new life into the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Divakaruni skillfully retells this epic tale from the perspective of Draupadi, one of its most captivating and complex characters, providing readers with a fresh and captivating narrative.

Set in a time of gods, kings, and legendary warriors, "The Palace of Illusions" transports us to a world filled with political intrigue, epic battles, and profound philosophical debates. However, what truly sets this novel apart is its exploration of the female protagonist's inner life, which has often been overlooked in traditional retellings of the Mahabharata.

Divakaruni's portrayal of Draupadi is both compelling and empowering. Through her eyes, we witness the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society, as well as the strength, resilience, and determination that allow Draupadi to navigate these obstacles. Divakaruni gives Draupadi a distinct voice, infusing her with human emotions, desires, and vulnerabilities that make her relatable and multidimenmulti-dimensionalhor's writing style is rich and evocative, transporting readers to the opulent palaces, battlefields, and mythical realms of ancient India. Divakaruni's vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail create a vivid tapestry that immerses us in the sights, sounds, and scents of this captivating world. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, blending mythology, history, and fiction to create a compelling story that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Furthermore, "The Palace of Illusions" offers a unique perspective on the events and characters of the Mahabharata. Divakaruni skillfully weaves together various elements of the original epic, capturing its grandeur while adding her imaginative twists. By delving into Draupadi's emotions, relationships, and personal growth, the author invites us to reconsider the motives and actions of the characters we thought we knew so well.

Beyond its captivating storytelling, the novel delves into deeper themes and universal truths. It explores the complexity of human nature, the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of power, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Divakaruni presents moral dilemmas that resonate with readers, forcing us to question our own beliefs and values.

"The Palace of Illusions" is not only a captivating work of historical fiction but also a celebration of female strength and resilience. It provides a platform for the voice of a woman who played a significant role in an ancient epic, allowing her story to be told with depth, empathy, and nuance. Through Draupadi's journey, readers are reminded of the power of resilience, the importance of self-discovery, and the potential for transformation even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, "The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a remarkable retelling of the Mahabharata that gives voice to a captivating female character. It combines rich storytelling, vivid imagery, and deep introspection to create a novel that entertains, enlightens, and inspires. If you are a fan of historical fiction, mythology, or simply appreciate a well-crafted narrative, this book is a must-read.

थोड़ा और दूर

थोड़ा और दूर लेकिन 

उस किनारे पर मुलाक़ात होगी 

जहाँ फासले नहीं

सिर्फ क़ुर्बत ही होगी 

सफर मुख़्तसर जरूर होगा 

मगर यादगार होगा 

कुछ कदम दूर 

हमारी मौजूदगी होगी 

जब हवाएँ चलेंगी 

झमाझम बारिश होगी

और तुम्हारे सारे तूफानों को 

समेटे ये फ़िज़ा होगी

 

फिर चाहे ये वक़्त

साथ न दे 

किस्मत में मयस्सर होना 

ना भी हो 

कुछ तुम्हारी कुछ मेरी बदौलत बनाई 

ये ज़ंजीरें कभी तो टूटेंगी 

बेशक़ चढ़ता सूरज 

साथ नहीं देखा 

यक़ीनन कभी ढलते हुए 

उसके तजुर्बों में तुम जरूर मिलोगे 

खुद में मैं तुम्हारी 

उल्झनें समाए तभी तो बेदर्द होंगी

Swirled Emotions!

Bizzare...

Approaching closer to the grounds

and there is another swamp 

It's all mixed up 

Not a circle 

but a triangle of emotions!

So far;

Always been pampered 

listened to; and treasured 

This is not just another sentiment!

Might seem-

building castles in the air 

However, if it didn't hold gravity 

How does it feel so heavy? 

Heaven!

So long finding the path

when it had just seemed 

standing by orientation 

It is time to leave it all behind 

And be lost; all over again!