Gaurav Sharma Lakhi's Blog, page 5

The MONK - My Review

                                                 

                                                         The MONK 

                                                                                    - My Review


The debutant author, Akshay Shroff makes a huge promise with 'The Monk'. The way he has handled the story spanning almost forty years is commendable. A reader will never feel that he has picked up a book by a first-timer.

Also, worth appreciation is his characterisation. He has done complete justice giving each of his many characters, their fair share, and frame. It's a real daunting task to deal with such large number of characters, especially when you are playing your maiden innings as an author.

I will not label 'The Monk' as a patriotic story as it is more of a personal revenge against the enemies of the country.






The extensive research Mr. Shroff has done is evident. Though it seems copy-pasted stuff, it proves to be an integral part of the story ( although he could have cut them short as the italicised details tend to bore the readers sometimes and shifts the focus ), he has apprised the readers with details of every terror attack right from the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai to the mass killing in 2007.He educates the readers about the history of Taj hotel, the Temple-Mosque (Babri) strife, the Kashmir issue, the killing of Osama-Bin Laden by the US and every real incident around which he has knitted his story, profoundly and convincingly. It's a real art to weave a fictitious saga joining the threads of series of actual events. I congratulate the author for doing it so well.

The author has exploited the experience of his age and a long stint in the economic capital of India. It seems he knows every nook and corner of the big city. He flaunts it with dexterity in his book. Everything, be it the fondness of Mumbaikers for cricket, the food joints, life in police quarters, the-city-never-sleeps culture, the Police-Builder nexus, he has described to perfection. It speaks volume about the layers of evil sediments every common man gathers, some to ignore it and some, to say it as Mr. Shroff has done. 

'The Monk' is not a whisper but a shout to the 'Akkas' of terrorism that blood of common Indian boils every time they try to unsettle us with a misdeed.




Well done Akshay Shroff. My best wishes to you for your future endeavours. Keep writing.

I SUPPORT DEMONETIzATION

                              
                       I SUPPORT DEMONETIzATION
PM Modi’s move of banning Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes in order to go after the black money 17 days back, has served more purposes than intended and expected of it.These days of inconvenience, money crunch and social decries have been like a sieve to filter out the true colours of patriotism and self-acclaimed nationalists.Let me first talk of the politicians, the so-called public servants. The way the opposition has united, no surprise, yeah, only reiterates that politics is all about spitting and licking. Mamta Bannerjee joins hands with the long-time enemy-Left. The new age saint of Indian Politics, Shree shree shree Arvind Kejriwal, Congress, Lalu Prasad Yadav, the socialist Sage Mulayam Yadav, Mayawati all have wedded and are singing in chorus. Who are they voicing for- the common men?I sense that as soon as somebody in India wins an election, the first notion he imbibes is that the common men are fools. Maybe because he knows that he doesn’t deserve to be what he has become. Also, it seems that we don’t know what is good for us and what is not. We can be beguiled easily. We have no sanity to decide whom and what cause needs our support. We don’t act as society but as individuals.Now, the masses, I include myself, must admit that we are fools; actually, bigger than what our Netas think of us. The greatest lacuna in Democracy is not that people fail to choose the able rulers but, they fail to choose a constructive and responsible opposition. Unfortunately, the opposition acts to its literal meaning. It’s high time to make the people who sit in the opposition understand their role.To be honest, I am not a supporter of BJP and during twenty-five years of my life as a voter, only once, had I voted in favour of the current ruling party.Every one of us, even with a pinch of literacy and little knowledge of current affairs, know about the plague called Fake Currency. Who among us, has not been duped, of course unknowingly, with the illegitimate currency notes and endured embarrassment?Once, when I was depositing some cash in my saving account, the woman at the bank counter returned a 500 rupee note saying that it was fake. The bank staff knows me and that was the reason she politely asked me to change it. I have seen them crossing the forged notes and chastising the bearer for presenting it. I check all my notes before going to deposit them since then. The outcry of the inconveniences, the long queues at the banks and the ATMs, the chaos, People dying, the bank staff suffering, the daily wage earners starving, the misery of the hawkers and small business houses- everybody is suffering. No denying. That’s true. But, just forget it. Please, I urge, just forget everything just for a minute and think of the soldiers who undergo similar inconvenience (not for the last 17 days but for months and years) only because they chose to be in Army and opted to earn their livelihood by guarding our borders.I use the word ‘Choose’ because I have heard people saying ‘they themselves have chosen their profession and the Demonetisation has been forced on us’.I wish, some more insanity (if at all, it is insanity) hits our PM and he passes another law that every Indian must serve in the Army at least for a year, when he turns 18, to be eligible to use any of the public provisions and utilities including driving licence, Ration card, admission in government run educational institutes, government jobs, and treatment in government hospitals.People say ‘It’s my money. Why am I denied to withdraw and use it? It is nothing less than dictatorship. It is like emergency.’So, it is your country. Why only a few must look for its safety and die for it?Come on! Who among us doesn’t know the benefits of demonetization in the current scenario? Why are we so restless? Why can’t we give it time?Let’s forget who’s doing it. Focus on the implications and outcome. I don’t know Economics but, I know the implications of only 4.5 crores of people paying income tax out of 130 crores.Just give it a thought.

O' Son! When we will be at war....

                     O' Son! When we will be at war....

This great nation will be one Religions will melt Castes will bury in oblivion Tedium of bulletins Dismissed as mundane Hailed and heard for cleaver explanations The birds who had flown far away The bond had weakened Will care to ask In mighty surge of eloquence Hearts will stir with stirring times Blood, in its truest colour, will boil Scrupulous emotions will flow Desire to live, urge to die, at par O' Son! When we will be at war.
Bullets and missiles will sway and swirl Intercepting the sky, whoosh, and whirl Winds and breaths will hum            prophecy of our victory Aiding the blood-thirsty arms           unerring trajectory And, there in the terrains Some men will wait to be martyred Lonely, angry,eyes blank, lips parched They don't eat, drink water by pint Amidst the hissing bullets, bawling tanks and roaring aircrafts Each shot is counted, every bullet is accounted When some mortals will play  The game of blood at far O' Son! When we will be at war.

THE DEFINITION OF GRACE- WAHEEDA RAHMAN

THE DEFINITION OF GRACE- 
                                       WAHEEDA RAHMAN


A perfectly and exquisitely carved out face. Dense midnight-black hair flowing over shoulders. A few locks dancing on the face teasing the emotive and enticing eyes.The arched eyebrows looking down on the sweeping velvety eyelashes. The wheatish saffron-tinted complexion with a tinge of shyness humbling the golden sunlight. As if, God himself has sculptured her.
The song "Chaudhanvi ka chaand ho " perfectly corroborates it.



Satyajit Ray and Amitabh Bachchan are among the admirers of this quintessential beauty.
Satyajit Ray said that she was the most stunning woman he had seen.
And, Amitabh Bachchan thinks that nobody has quite the charm and beauty of Waheeda Rahman.
The legendary Guru Dutt's obsession for her is known to everybody.

To me, Waheeda Rahman is the poise, grace, dignity, decency, delicacy , womanhood all blended and personified. She had spelled a cast over me when puberty had not hit me and I knew little about the significance of the man-woman relationship
You may call it a hangover, but even today, if you ask me to name a woman I find the most gorgeous in a sari, my answer will be Waheeda Rahman. The lustre of her beauty is brighter than all the stars. She is more than just a divinely beautiful face on the screen. Her dances and emotive prowess helped her to be named as one of the finest actresses. Even now,at 78, she looks stunning.

To me, real beauty is sacred and not seductive. It should evoke spirituality. If a man feels aroused by merely the looks of a woman, then, it is the shallowness of his character or maybe, sensuality overshadowing the grace. Real beauty educes divinity and respect. It will not let your eyes incline beyond her neck. That's where I put Waheeda Rahman. It's remarkable that even when covered from head to toe, she looked sensuous. That's my definition of beauty. It doesn't need bare cleavage or thighs. Seeing her and being her admirer too early, my views and idea of womanhood are largely inspired by Waheeda Rahman's persona. The thing is still the same.  



 I vaguely remember that her first movie that I saw was "CID" in which she played a vamp. I was a kid then and obviously, a negative character didn't impress me. 
A couple of weeks after, the Doordarshan showed "Teesri Kasam". I noticed her in the role of a village Nautanki dancer. Then came "Guide". After watching it, I started recognizing her and remembered her name. However, she made a niche in my heart after I watched "Khamoshi". A teenager judges an actor on his or her screen presence and not on acting ability. I watched these movies in my adolescence and began to admire her for her roles.  


 Waheeda was born into a traditional Muslim family. She was a skilled danseuse trained in Bharatnatyam. It was her father's untimely death that forced her to seriously consider a career in films. From 1956 to 1962 she worked only for Gurudutt. 

She has been a part of some of the greatest Hindi films.


"Guide" was ahead of its time. It's considered one of the masterpieces of Bollywood. There are a few instances when a film outdoes the book it I based on. "Guide" is one such film. Rosie Marco was a character no heroine would have agreed to play. People said that she was a vamp. Rosie is one of the ridiculous women in Hindi cinema. She is a rebel. She leaves her husband to follow her dreams, commits adultery and then dumps her lover when he doesn't live to her expectations. The era was different from the one portrayed in "Guide". 



Watch her in songs "PIYA TOSE NAINA LAGE RE...", and " AAJ PHIR JEENE KI TAMANNA HAI...". Simply unforgettable and irreplaceable she is. And, isn't she deserves that the fabulous Dev Anand sings for her, "LAKH MANAA LE DUNIYA, SAATH NA YE CHOOTEGA... AAKAR MERE HAATHON ME, HAATH NA YE 
CHOOTEGA...". 
Rosie's whimsicality would have been devastating for Waheeda's career but, she chose to do it and today, even after half a century, that stellar performance remains in the list of the most memorable performances in Indian cinema.

Her character Alka in "Kala Bazaar" too, was far ahead of her times. The cocktail of Waheeda's spontaneity with Alka's uncompromising morality took that character to a different level.
 All the songs in "Kala Bazaar" are memorable but I liked Waheeda's gestures in response to her puzzled parents' inquiring stares, lying on the top berth of a train compartment while a mischievous Dev Anand teasing her with an ambiguously worded song - "UPPARWALA JAANKAR ANJAAN HAI... APNI TOH HAR AAH EK TOOFAN HAI ".  It is always fun to watch this song.






Waheeda as the village nautanki dancer Hirabai in "Teesri Kasam" is mesmerizing. To me, that's the second-best Performance by my favorite actress. I can't imagine another actress doing that role to that perfection. She is astonishingly and breathtakingly beautiful in "Teesri Kasam" as much that the black & white doesn't bother. It's sheer ecstasy to watch her face doing the complete act. The calm, the caressing eyes exploring the confirmation of reciprocation in Raj Kapoor's eyes, her submissive smiles, and the translation of emotions by the silent gestures, everything is a treat for the film lovers. "Teesri Kasam" is a real classic with the story, screenplay, direction, acting, music and songs, everything tremendous. Waheeda Rahman's persona added to the marvel of the creation. Her eyes do magic in the song "PAN KHAYE SAIYAAN HAMAAR, SANWALI SOORAT PE HONTH LAL LAL..."



And, "Khamoshi", the timeless and mesmeric film. Most rank it the best movie of 60's. I can write endlessly about this movie. Unarguably, the best role essayed by  Waheeda Rahman. She effortlessly plays a devoted nurse (Radha) and a jilted lover. The trauma of a lacking professional who fails to keep her  emotions separate from her occupation.  The compassion and feelings can be heard in her silence. Her eyes are the most vocal in this 1969 classic. The nurse Radha in "Khamoshi" will stir you, shake you and if you are emotional, you will weep. You would fall for her and would feel anxious to bring her out of her trauma. And, the piercing poetry in the lyrics of the great Gulzar sahib adds to the marvel. The songs "HUMNE DEKHI HAI UN AANKHON KI MAHAKTI KHUSHBOO..." ,  "TUM PUKAAR LO..." , "WO SHAAM KUCH AJEEB THI..." are all ageless numbers. Youngsters too, love them.

Who can forget her National award bagging role in " Reshma Aur Shera"? She lived to perfection the transformation of Reshma's character from a giggling rustic girl to an erotic lover to a rebellious daughter to a tragic woman. This film was a flop but the Waheeda Rahman enacted an unforgettable role making Reshma immortal.

She had a small but significant role in "Sahib Biwi Aur Gulaam". I will not talk about this film. However, I loved her in the song "MERI BAAT RAHI MERE MAN ME...". It's one of the iconic songs of Asha Bhonsle and Waheeda Rahman subtly brings in all emotions and feeling matching the wondrous lyrics of  Shakeel Badayuni.

Another gem she has contributed to is the song from "Pyaasa" - "JANE KYA TUNE KAHI...JANE KYA MAINE SUNI...". Please pardon me for repeating it every now and then, but, but, I really love her eyes and the way they talk. And the elegance. No wonder she is my dream woman.

Her dance postures and the conveyance of her devoted love towards the so-full-of-attitude Dev Anand in "RANGEELA RE..." from "Prem Pujaari" has an unfading charm. 

The ethereal Waheeda Rahman has an indelible impression on me since my childhood. I so admire this woman that she is like an angel to me. She is the only woman I didn't mind to see wearing her hair in two braids otherwise I hate them. She is one of the very few people who has aged gracefully as she has ever lived her life. Hats off.



Her angelic smile is enough for a traumatic man to forget all his pain. Her silence is so vocal and again, sorry for that, her eyes are so expressive they don't leave much for her pleasing voice.

I am not hopeful that she would read this but if the God makes a mood and sprinkle any pint of good fortune on me and she happens to read this...then, 

With all respect, Dear Waheeda ji, this is for you.

KISHORE KUMAR BOLLYWOOD'S ONE AND ONLY ALL-ROUNDER

                                       KISHORE KUMAR

    BOLLYWOOD'S ONE AND ONLY ALL-ROUNDER











Kishore Kumar aka Kishore Da, as most of the music enthusiasts across the world call him, is the voice that has influenced the taste of all lovers of Hindi songs in some way.

Kishore Kumar excelled as the 
playback singer , actor, lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and every role he played. To me, he is the most successful playback singers of the Hindi Film Industry. Apart from Hindi, he sang in many Indian languages including Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri,Malayalam, Odia, and Urdu.

He has won the most Filmfare awards, (eight) in the category of the best male playback Singer.

Right from my childhood, I am his fan. It's an uphill task for me to choose ten best songs sung by him out of the thousands of mesmerising numbers to which his manly voice with great depth and range, has given life but, I can't list all of them. So, here are my ten best songs sung by my favourite Kishore Da.






1.
O Hansini  - Zehreela Insaan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4Vj_...
"Aaja meri saso me mahak raha re tera gajara aaja meri ratome lahak rahare tera kajara.........." great lyrics, soulful music by R. D. Burman.
2.Rim Jhim Gire Saawanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VzUx...
Unarguably, the best song during drizzles. Beautiful lyric and sung from the heart.
3.Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahin |https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-Hnm... combo of the greatness of three magicians, Gulzar sahib, Kishore Da, and Pancham. I love this composition so very much.
4.
Aadmi Jo Kehta Hai - Majboor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ArgZ... think, everyone who hears this song, connects to it. Piercing words....The genius of Laxmikant Pyarelal, touching words and the emotional singing by Kishore Da..."koi bhi ho har khwaab to sachha nahi hota bahut jiyada pyaar bhi achha nahi hota..."
5.Koi Hota Jisko ApnaFilm Mere Apne (1971) Music Salil Chaudhary, Lyrics Gulzarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Bgn... listen to this song. It brings tears to my eyes, every time I play it.
6.
Jeevan Ke Din Chotay Sahi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVusJ... inspirational song...Lyrics by U.P. ki shaan Majrooh Sultanpuri..." yeh zindagi dard bhi hai , ye zindagi hai dawa bhi , dil todna hi na jaane , jaane ye dil todna bhi..."
7.Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen- Safar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VZDE...
The sheer poetry in this song is mesmerizing. The romance in words is sure to flatter your muse..."आँचल का तेरे हे तार बोहत, कोई चाक जिगर-सीने केलिए"...इंदीवर साहिब को प्रणाम
8.Diye Jalte Hainhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bh4F... best song dedicated to friendship. It's my favourite since the school days.Indeed Anand Bakshi is one of greatest philosophers of Indian cinema.
9.
Phir Wahi Raat Hai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-5Wj... complement each other. Gulzar sahibs heart-piercing poetry combined with the soul-stirring voice of Kishore Da makes it an immortal song."कांच के खाब है आँखों में चुभ जाएंगे Only Gulzar sahib can imagine such words
10.Cheel Cheel Chillake - Half Tickethttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhZvU... an awesome song!!!!Kishore Kumar was one of a kind!!Noone can dance and sing like him. I rate it the best humourous song ever made. Loved by the people of all ages, this song is unforgettable.

&...

                                       KISHORE KUMAR

    BOLLYWOOD'S ONE AND ONLY ALL-ROUNDER











Kishore Kumar aka Kishore Da, as most of the music enthusiasts across the world call him, is the voice that has influenced the taste of all lovers of Hindi songs in some way.

Kishore Kumar excelled as the 
playback singer , actor, lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and every role he played. To me, he is the most successful playback singers of the Hindi Film Industry. Apart from Hindi, he sang in many Indian languages including Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri,Malayalam, Odia, and Urdu.

He has won the most Filmfare awards, (eight) in the category of the best male playback Singer.

Right from my childhood, I am his fan. It's an uphill task for me to choose ten best songs sung by him out of the thousands of mesmerising numbers to which his manly voice with great depth and range, has given life but, I can't list all of them. So, here are my ten best songs sung by my favourite Kishore Da.






1.
O Hansini  - Zehreela Insaan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4Vj_...
"Aaja meri saso me mahak raha re tera gajara aaja meri ratome lahak rahare tera kajara.........." great lyrics, soulful music by R. D. Burman.
2.Rim Jhim Gire Saawanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VzUx...
Unarguably, the best song during drizzles. Beautiful lyric and sung from the heart.
3.Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahin |https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-Hnm... combo of the greatness of three magicians, Gulzar sahib, Kishore Da, and Pancham. I love this composition so very much.
4.Aadmi Jo Kehta Hai - Majboor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ArgZ... think, everyone who hears this song, connects to it. Piercing words....The genius of Laxmikant Pyarelal, touching words and the emotional singing by Kishore Da..."koi bhi ho har khwaab to sachha nahi hota bahut jiyada pyaar bhi achha nahi hota..."
5.Koi Hota Jisko ApnaFilm Mere Apne (1971) Music Salil Chaudhary, Lyrics Gulzarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Bgn... listen to this song. It brings tears to my eyes, every time I play it.
6.Jeevan Ke Din Chotay Sahi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVusJ... inspirational song...Lyrics by U.P. ki shaan Majrooh Sultanpuri..." yeh zindagi dard bhi hai , ye zindagi hai dawa bhi , dil todna hi na jaane , jaane ye dil todna bhi..."
7.Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen- Safar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VZDE...
The sheer poetry in this song is mesmerizing. The romance in words is sure to flatter your muse..."आँचल का तेरे हे तार बोहत, कोई चाक जिगर-सीने केलिए"...इंदीवर साहिब को प्रणाम
8.Diye Jalte Hainhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bh4F... best song dedicated to friendship. It's my favourite since the school days.Indeed Anand Bakshi is one of greatest philosophers of Indian cinema.
9.Phir Wahi Raat Hai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-5Wj... complement each other. Gulzar sahibs heart-piercing poetry combined with the soul-stirring voice of Kishore Da makes it an immortal song."कांच के खाब है आँखों में चुभ जाएंगे Only Gulzar sahib can imagine such words

10.Cheel Cheel Chillake - Half Tickethttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhZvU... an awesome song!!!!Kishore Kumar was one of a kind!!Noone can dance and sing like him. I rate it the best humourous song ever made. Loved by the people of all ages, this song is unforgettable.

THE WAIT... A micro story

                                                                         
                                                                                
                                  THE WAIT






Like every day, he was here, opposite the pillar No. 2345 on the India- Pakistan border as early as the sun appeared on the horizon. The eight-kilometre walk from his village Barmer was taxing for his old legs. 



The tremulous gaze of his stone-still eyes fought with the dying hope of seeing his son alive again and the dazzling sunlight. Strong wind barged its way across the border shoving his beard to flick against his suffering chest and sticking straws to it as if to tease him.

Two months have passed since his only son, Jaidev had forayed into the territory of Pakistan. The village apothecary had told that the panacea which could save his ailing mother was found exclusively at nearby Pakistan village. The father tried to stop him but failed. 
Since his wife died forty days ago, he came here every day and waited for his son.
‘You’re taking too long for a journey of twenty kilometres, Jaidev. Come back, son. Come back before I leave,’ he would mumble throughout the day.  Prolonged uncertainty over his son’s life haunted him. The sun started with him, soared up slowly, shone over his head and then drowned far in the West, snatching away some breaths from his feeble hope every time.

&nb...

          गुलाब के फूल



हफ्ते भर के अखबार मेज पर बिखरे पड़े थे। रोज़ टाईम ही कहाँ होता है इन्हें पढ़ने का। ग्यारह बजे लेकर बैठा था। चार घंटे बीत चुके थे।  टिफिन वाला दोपहर का टिफिन दे गया था। वह भी ऐसे ही रखा था। कमर में दर्द होने लगा था बैठे बैठे। 'खाना खाकर थोड़ी देर लेट लेता हूँ ' बुदबुदाते हुए मैंने अखबार तय कर दिया।
टिफिन में आज फिर वही पिछले इतवार की तरह अरहर की दाल, चावल, दो रोटियाँ, भिंडी की सब्जी और सलाद के नाम पर खीरे, प्याज, टमाटर के चार -चार टुकड़े ही थे। बस खीर की जगह गुलाब जामुन आए थे।
बैठा नहीं जा रहा था। मैंने जल्दी जल्दी खाना खाया और लेट गया। छत पर प्लास्टर आफॅ पेरिस के डिज़ाइन के घुमावों  की अपनी जिंदगी से तुलना करते- करते पता नहीं कब आँख लग गई।
साढ़े चार बजे होंगे जब मोबाइल बजने से आँख खुली। अधखुली आँखों से देखा तो 'बीबी' लिखा था। 'इसका फोन कैसे आ गया आज?' मैं बड़बड़ाया। पसोपेश में था कि कालॅ रिसीव करूँ या नहीं।
'बात तो कर ही लेता हूँ। पता नहीं, क्यों फोन किया होगा?' सोचते हुए मैंने कालॅ रिसीव कर ली।
'कैसे हो?'
'बोलो' मैंने बेरुखी से कहा।
'सुनो, मैं आ रही हूँ। एक- डेड़ घंटे में पहुंच जाऊंगी।' मैं कुछ नहीं बोला। कुछ सेकंड बाद उसने फोन काट दिया।
मन तो हो रहा था कि मैसेज कर दूँ कि मत आओ। मुझे कहीं जाना है। पर, तड़प भी थी उसे देखने की। तीन महीने हो गए थे उसे मुझे छोड़ कर गए हुए। एक बार भी न मिली और न फोन किया। सारे सोशल साईट्स पर भी मुझे ब्लाक कर दिया था उसने।
पढ़ी-लिखी, आत्मनिर्भर और प्रोग्रसिव विचारों वाली लड़की से शादी करने के भी साइड-इफेक्टस हैं। ऐसी लड़कियाँ शरीर से ही औरत रह जाती हैं बस। जीवनशैली और वैचारिक रूप से तो वे मर्दों जैसी हो जाती हैं।
साढ़े पाँच बजे मैंने बिस्तर छोड़ दिया। गमलों में पानी डाला और फ्रेश हो गया। छह बजने में दस मिनट बचे होंगे जब डोरबेल बजी।
क्षण भर को उसे देख  मैंने नजरें नीची कर मेनगेट की सांकल सरका दी और मुढ़ गया। उसने दरवाजा धकेला और अंदर आकर सांकल लगा दी। 'आज वो मेहमान है' सोचकर मैं अंदर के दरवाजे के पास रूक गया।
'अरे वाह! बड़े सुंदर फूल हैं, ' वह दरवाजे के बाहर रखे गमलों के पास रुक गई थी। मैं कमरे में चला आया था ।
'आज भी दो ही हैं ,' अंदर आकर वह बोली। मैं मेज पर बिखरे अखबारों को समेटता रहा । 'याद है, जिस दिन मैं गई थी , उस दिन भी दो ही फूल खिले थे।' वह साइड वाली सोफे की सिंगल सैटी पर बैठ गई । वहीं बैठती थी वो हमेशा।
मैं मुड़कर अखबारों को अलमारी में रखने चल दिया। बहुत संघर्ष करना पड़ रहा था खुद को उसे निहारने से रोकने के लिए।
'बताओ न, और कलियाँ नहीं आईं ?'
मैंने  कुरते की जेब से सिगरेट की डिब्बी निकाली और उसकी तरफ बढ़ा दी। आँखों ने एक पल लिए मेरी कसम तोड़ दी थी।
'नहीं' वह बोली।
'ले लो। तुम्हारे वाला ब्रांड है,' मैंने दूसरी जेब में से माचिस निकालते हुए कहा। इस बार मेरी आँखें नीचे थी।
'देखा । पर, सिगरेट छोड़ दी है मैंने।' मैं जानता था उसकी आँखें मेरी आँखों के उठने का इंतजार कर रही हैं।
'पर तुमने अपना ब्रांड क्यों बदल दिया?' उसने पूछा।
'आज था नहीं कल्लू के पास। इसलिए ये ही ले आया । कम से कम इसका स्वाद तो पता है,' मैंने लंबा क़श लिया और बिना धुआँ छोड़े आँखें बंद कर ली।
आज बड़ी सिमटी सी बैठी थी वो घुटनों से घुटने जोड़े। वर्ना ऐसे बैठने की आदत कहाँ थी उसे। वो तो मर्दों की तरह टाँगें चौड़ी करके बैठती थी या फिर मेज पर रखती थी। यह संकोच है या बदलाव? मैं समझ नहीं पा रहा था। मुँह ऊपर करके मैंने धुआँ  छोड़ दिया।
'तुमने बताया नहीं '
'क्या?'
'गुलाब में और कलियाँ नहीं आईं?'
'आईं थी ... अब भी आती हैं पर मैं दो कलियाँ  छोड़ कर बाकी काट देता हूँ ' कहकर मैंने धुएँ से मुहँ भर लिया।
'हाय क्यों?'
तसल्ली से धुएँ के छल्ले छोड़ मैं कुछ देर उन्हें देखता रहा। इस उधेड़बुन में था कि बोलूँ या नहीं ।
'आज तुम बहुत देर लगा रहे हो जवाब देने में '
'तुम सवाल भी तो बहुत सारे पूछ रही हो '
'इतने सारे इकट्ठे हो गए हैं कि अंदर रखने की जगह नहीं बची इसलिए नए वाले उगलने पड़ रहे हैं।' पहली बार लगा कि वो वही पहले वाली अकीरा है। बदली नहीं है।
'खैर छोड़ो, बताओ न कलियों पर ये क्रूरता क्यों ?'
'क्रूरता नहीं, समझौता। तुम ही तो कहती थी कि बाग में जब दो फूल खुश हैं तो तीसरे की क्या जरूरत। इसलिए बस दो ही छोड़ देता हूँ। हर बार फूल सुबह खिलते हैं और शाम को झड़ कर बिखर जाते हैं। इस बार पता नहीं कैसे दूसरी शाम तक भी झूल रहे हैं। शायद आभास हो गया होगा इन्हें तुम्हारे आने का। तुम्हें दिखाना चाहते होंगें कि देखो दो ही हैं और खुश हैं।' मैंने आखिरी क़श भरा और सिगरेट को ऐशट्रे में दबा दिया। कनखियों से देख लिया था कि वो मुझे घूर रही थी।
सिगरेट बुझा कर मैं खड़ा हो गया, 'तुम्हारा टाईम हो गया है न। ड्रिंक बनाता हूँ तुम्हारे लिए। वि्हस्की की नई बोतल लाकर रखी है। तुम्हारा इंतज़ार कर रही थी '
'तुम ताने ही मारते रहोगे? एक बार भी देखा तक नहीं तुमने मुझे ' उसने  ऐसे शब्द पहले कभी इतनी नर्मी के साथ नहीं कहे थे। मैं ठिठक गया।
'तुम्हारे सिवा किसी और को देखा ही नहीं कभी मैंने '
'मैं आज की बात कर रही हूँ '
'आज भी देखा जो दिखाना चाहती हो। काली बिंदी लगाई है, कई सालों बाद शायद... और गुलाबी सूट, चुन्नी के साथ। लगता है नया खरीदा है। अच्छी लग रही हो ' मैंने अब भी उसकी तरफ नहीं देखा था। 'मैं ड्रिंक बनाता हूँ।'
'अरे नहीं, रुको। मैं अब नहीं पीती।'
सुनकर मैं मुस्कुराने लगा। 'किसी बाबाजी के आश्रम में जाने लगी हो क्या?'
वो हल्का सा हँसी , 'नहीं। बस सोचा कि अब औरत बन जाऊँ। इतने दिनों से इस छत के नीचे दो मर्द ही तो रह रहे थे।' एक क्षण के लिए मैंने उसे देखा। 'ये वही अकीरा है न। कहीं कोई और तो नहीं आ गई उसकी हमशकल?'
'आदतें बदल लेने से आदमी नया हो जाता है न, अनिमेष?'
मैं बस उसे देखता रहा। जवाब देने का मन ही नहीं हुआ। पता नहीं कितने सेकंड गुजरे या फिर मिनट। उसकी आँखों में मेरे लिए प्रश्न थे और मेरी आँखों में आश्चर्य।
'मैं माँ बनना चाहती हूँ अनिमेष,' उसने धीरे से कहा।
मैं उसे देखते हुए उसकी तरफ बढ़ा और उसके पास जाकर रुक गया। उसकी आँखों में सच्चाई ढूँढने की कोशिश कर रहा था। दो बूँदें उसकी आँखों से रिसकर गालों पर ढुलक गईं। मैं अपने घुटनों पर बैठा और अपना सिर उसकी गोद में रख दिया। उसने अपने गाल धीरे से मेरे सिर पर लगा दिए।

COURAGE WITHOUT SANITY IS STUPIDITY

                             
            COURAGE WITHOUT SANITY IS STUPIDITY




It was on the last Sunday that I went to Mathura with my son. Due to some problem, I had to leave my car at home and travel by bus. As are the Summers in North India, it was a blazing day.
We reached the holy city after noon. The mercury was at peak. To go to our destination from the Bus Terminal, we took the tempo that seat twelve passengers. We sat on one of the middle seats with a young couple on our side and four youths opposite to us. The rear seat accommodated four other passengers.


The young men, all barely in early twenties or maybe below, had 'Gutka' in their mouths. Being on the extreme right, the hot air was roasting my face. To prevent direct exposure, I covered the side with my handkerchief.
Suddenly, the young wife, who was the only woman in the cab, slapped the youth sitting opposite to her.
'Can't you spit carefully... Twice before, droplets came to my hand,' she yelled at him after reddening his already burning cheeks.


The boy was mad and tried to return the slap that was intercepted by the husband. I screamed at the fuming boy warning him not to retaliate. The group confronted me. Their point was that she should have cautioned him after the first instance only and shouldn't have 'assaulted' their friend. The poor husband was meekly listening while I was having words with the furious boys.
The belligerent woman was unapologetic. The husband was timid. My son wanted me not to meddle in. I was concerned about the dumb but courageous woman. The cabby was indifferent and kept on driving.


Even after I told them the consequences of thrashing a woman, the youths were not ready to let it go. The cab had reached the place where I had to get down.
As I asked the cabby to halt, the boys started screaming at the woman. The husband was so frightened that he asked her wife to get down too. Rightly so, considering the rage of the boys. Poor he. I really pitied him. They had just started their life together and with such short-tempered partner, his life is going to be miserable.


The youths too, came down.
'I will call the police, if you don't go inside the cab and move away,' I sternly warned them. The other passengers told them the same thing.


The cabby speeded away as the boys re-settled. I stayed with the couple until they got another cab to go further.


No doubt, the woman was bold but, my point is that one should never forsake sanity ever so courageous he or she may be.
I am not favouring the tobacco chewing and spitting hooligans but, she should have conveyed her discomfort before taking the extreme step. Could she or her husband have contested with four young men?


Things would be ugly if I had not stepped in.


Good that women are finding voice, but it better would be better if they use their wisdom to understand when, where and how to use it.

COURAGE WITHOUT SANITY IS STUPIDITYIt was on the last Sun...

COURAGE WITHOUT SANITY IS STUPIDITY




It was on the last Sunday that I went to Mathura with my son. Due to some problem, I had to leave my car at home and travel by bus. As are the Summers in North India, it was a blazing day.
We reached the holy city after noon. The mercury was at peak. To go to our destination from the Bus Terminal, we took the tempo that seat twelve passengers. We sat on one of the middle seats with a young couple on our side and four youths opposite to us. The rear seat accommodated four other passengers.


The young men, all barely in early twenties or maybe below, had 'Gutka' in their mouths. Being on the extreme right, the hot air was roasting my face. To prevent direct exposure, I covered the side with my handkerchief.
Suddenly, the young wife, who was the only woman in the cab, slapped the youth sitting opposite to her.
'Can't you spit carefully... Twice before, droplets came to my hand,' she yelled at him after reddening his already burning cheeks.


The boy was mad and tried to return the slap that was intercepted by the husband. I screamed at the fuming boy warning him not to retaliate. The group confronted me. Their point was that she should have cautioned him after the first instance only and shouldn't have 'assaulted' their friend. The poor husband was meekly listening while I was having words with the furious boys.
The belligerent woman was unapologetic. The husband was timid. My son wanted me not to meddle in. I was concerned about the dumb but courageous woman. The cabby was indifferent and kept on driving.


Even after I told them the consequences of thrashing a woman, the youths were not ready to let it go. The cab had reached the place where I had to get down.
As I asked the cabby to halt, the boys started screaming at the woman. The husband was so frightened that he asked her wife to get down too. Rightly so, considering the rage of the boys. Poor he. I really pitied him. They had just started their life together and with such short-tempered partner, his life is going to be miserable.


The youths too, came down.
'I will call the police, if you don't go inside the cab and move away,' I sternly warned them. The other passengers told them the same thing.


The cabby speeded away as the boys re-settled. I stayed with the couple until they got another cab to go further.


No doubt, the woman was bold but, my point is that one should never forsake sanity ever so courageous he or she may be.
I am not favouring the tobacco chewing and spitting hooligans but, she should have conveyed her discomfort before taking the extreme step. Could she or her husband have contested with four young men?


Things would be ugly if I had not stepped in.


Good that women are finding voice, but it better would be better if they use their wisdom to understand when, where and how to use it.