Silent fights

This post has been selected by  Blogadda.com  as one of the WOW posts of the week :) 

                            Akshara closed her eyes before taking a deep breath in . The tantalising freshness of the early morning air revived her senses . She , with utmost dedication , continued with her Pranayama even though the chilling arms of the breeze was bruising her delicate skin . 

                         Opening her eyes , she gazed at the supple stretch of green land which lay ahead of her . It has been a month now since she has been following this routine . Never a moment did she find it a tad bit monotonous . The atmosphere was amazingly silent ; not a pitch higher could be heard anywhere . Yet, in that solitude she found herself conversing with her inner self the most . She was feeling better ,which was something she hasnt felt for a long time now . Yes , Silence is a great healer . 

                     " Now you may retreat back to your room and take a bath . Breakfast will be ready in half an hour . Will meet you all downstairs . After which you would join for your physical rehabilitation session with Dr . Ankita . " The Yoga instructor conveyed in his usual mellow tone. 

                     Akshara pulled herself up with much difficulty . The Yoga instructor walked to her . 

                   " How are you doing Akshara ? I see that there has a major improvement on your health over the past one month . I am happy to see that that you have been able to get accustomed to the process of  treatment we uphold . Many wither out in a day or two .  "

                  " There is little for me to take credit of Sir . It has been one month and i am yet to digest the amount of  peace and refreshment that a serene place like this offer . More than the rehabilitation process , the yoga sessions, the hours of solitude and the silent whispers i share with  nature is working to lift me up for the better . I couldnt be any more grateful to Dr . vishal for referring me to this centre . "

                 " Good to hear that dear . Relax for a bit now . We will start the next session after breakfast ". 

                  Akshara strolled back slowly to her room . As usual , her fingers grazed the flowers that stood garnering the window sills on the corridor . She leaned forward to kiss a rose bud which was starting to blossom . This was her most favourite place of the whole institution . There is something lively about the way the flower blooms . She harked back those days when she , along with her father, would  go on teasing her Ma for toiling for hours in their garden. 

               She would utter seemingly confused , " Ma, arent flowers lifeless ? Why bother taking care of them when you could cook me one of those sweet dishes of your's ?. I am hungry ! ". To which her mother would reply patiently , " Nature heals the best Aksha . I wont blame you for speaking nonsensical . The fault lies in the virtual world the present generation sinks in " . Her father would sprinkle more oil into the flame with his usual remark , " Aksha , it seems that your Ma loves you a tad bit lesser than those Orchids " . She would put up a scorn while her father pretended to suppress his bout of chuckle . 

                How their silly fights would go on and on . 

               Now , ten years down the lane , she herself was the mother of a one year old . A single mother .

              Somehow the bitter memories of the past year came flooding just at the thought of her family . That unfortunate day she lost her husband on their journey to Manu's wedding , the shattering moment she woke up from her deep slumber to realise that her life has changed for the worst , the struggles of her mind to adjust to the truth that she couldnot feel her baby's skin against her fingers , the nights she lay crying in muffled screams when the memories of her husband, once the best part of her life now transformed into nightmares . 

                 The past one month felt like a fresh life to her . She was slowly gaining back the sense of her fingers, though the rehabilitation sessions were tough  . Her hand would ache, like a million pins were being drilled through her skin . Yet she found color and joy here .  More than that she was learning to come to terms with the fact that her Kiran is never ever going to wake her up with a kiss every morning . 

                 Fumbling with the door knob for a while , she walked into her room . She looked with longiness at the beautiful face smiling at her from the photograph .  Amidst all these , there was one thing that kept her going , pushing her forward fighting all hurdles and heartaches .

                Her baby . For her , she needs to be back , she knew . 


                                            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   


This post is a part of  Write Over The Weekend  initiative by  Blogadda . The topic for this weekend is  ' Silence Is A Great Healer ' . 




Bound By Duty - My Entry For The Get Published Contest

THE IDEA

Naina , 27 years,  quite an ambitious doctor who is currently pursuing her first year of post graduation in General Surgery . The story progresses through her life , her concepts and the whirl pool of tangles she is drowning in . Being a doctor at the prime age of her life is one of the best accomplishments one could dream of .  Yet, there was something more she was bound to do as a human being . To get married . The inevitable duty of a girl past 20 yrs, according to the society . How does Abhay fit into the whole scenario. Is he her fiancée ? Her lover ? . The essence of the story isn’t complete without him . Yes ,  ‘ Bound By Duty ‘ is a love story which is woven with the intricacies of present day world told through the life of  the main protagonist Naina . While the subtleties of the life of a medical student comes to life in the pages of this story , Abhay comes in and out of the storyline to end up playing  a major part towards the second half .

WHAT MAKES THIS STORY REAL

I believe fiction takes origin from real life . Imagination can run wild , but still the basic essence of any work of fiction is life as we see before us . In that context , this story is adapted from the life of  a young female doctor who is struggling with a choice of marriage when there was chunks of things still left for her to gain from the institution of medical studies .

                   

EXTRACT

She prayed , “ God , let it not be any RTA ( Road Traffic Accident ) case “ .

 Just as she was hurrying to the casualty room , a rather aggressive mob welcomed her. Before she could take charge of the situation , Akshay , her unit House surgeon called out to her .

“ Naina madam , that is not our case .  It seems that the patient is a local political personality or something . A case of MI ( Myocardiac Infarction ) . They carried him to our casualty unknowingly . I have guided them back to the Medicine casualty “.  

“ Sorry for having disturbed your sleep if you could manage any “ . He added sheepishly.

Naina smiled . “ No problem, Akash “ .

Naina checked her watch and was relieved to notice that it was already half past six . Just enough time to rush to her room , change her soiled clothes and return to the ward for her morning pre rounds at 7 . She grabbed her stethoscope from the table and was about to leave when her eyes fell on a familiar figure waiting outide the medical ICU , a sullen expression on his face . Wasn’t that Abhay ? . She stopped on her track .

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 END NOTE

This is my post for the Harper Collins - Indiblogger Get Published Contest  which is run with inputs from yashodhara lal and Harper Collins India

If you liked the idea , do vote for me here - My Story Idea For The Get Published Contest  as the selection is based on the number of likes one gathers . 

My Festive Chic Look

                               Fashion is all about style these days . To stand apart in the crowd you need to have that extra edge to your sense of fashion , nonetheless compromising your comfortability quotient . With a bunch of foreigh exchange students renting the house in our neighbourhood ,i decided to celebrate this Diwali with them . Though its a perfect scenario to show them how the desi style goes , i  decided to come up with something different . Moreover all the girls in the neighbourhood would be drapping sarees and cholis , which leaves no space for any worries regarding them missing out on the cultural splendour . Surfing SHOPPERS STOP my favourite online shopping niche , i came up with an ensemble which purely blends indo-western styles of fashion . Let me show you . 

The outfit : 

         Pairing up a sleeveless Insense party wear top with a desi patiala pants seemed out of the world for my mother, but not for me :p . Here check it out

TAJ PATIALA DUPATTA SET - RS 999

INSENSE PARTY WEAR TOP - RS 899

 Now coming to the accessories .

ACCESSORIES : 

                             With gold being very much in demand and very much in style , i decided to go bling to be in sync with all the glittering around , but in a very modest manner . Check this out 

INFINITY BANGLE - RS 2880

I

INFINITY EARRING . RS . 1900

TITAN LADIES WATCH - RS. 4800

HAUTE CURRY CLUTCH - 799

AYESHA GOLD HAIR BOW - RS 390

AND FOR THAT DAZZLING FINISH , MY NAKSHATRA RING WHICH HAS BEEN MY   FAVOURITE ACCESSORY FOR 2 YEARS NOW :)

3 .  SANDALS:

                                I always prefer high heels to adorn my feet during important functions . Thanks to SHOPPERS STOP , I managed to find out the perfect fit to my gold ensemble . 

LEMONS LADIES FOOTWEAR - RS 1274

                                    
                                           Having decided to have the beige scarf draped around my neck,i decided to give necklace a miss . Also for the same reason i thought of decorating my ears with a stud rather than going for dangling ones . 

THE OUTCOME :

Would you believe if i say that my mom was the first person to look at me in awe once i stepped out of my room . Absolutely not because of the gaudiness, which was almost nil, but because of the way i managed to dress up mysef absolutely stylish in a matter of half an hour . With my hair put up in a high pony tail with the gold bow sliders on i was looking every bit a fashionista . The fact that i could carry myself around with ease particularly with all the fireworks going up nearby came as an extra boon . My foreign friends were going all gaga over my indo western chic look too . One of them even stated that she was going to walk the ramp donning a similar attire for their foreign exchange students' retreat once they get back . And at the end of the day i was all beaming with joy , brighter than the firworks . Thanks to  SHOPPERS STOP. 




This post has been written for the SHOPPERS STOP PERFECT FESTIVE LOOK CONTEST  organised by Indiblogger and shoppers stop . If you liked my post you can vote it here  MY FESTIVE CHIC LOOK

Let Them Soak No More In Loneliness

What is the worst of woes that wait on age ?
What stamps the wrinkle deeper on the brow ?
To view each loved one blotted from life's page
And be alone on earth , as i am now 

                                                                LORD BYRON , childe harold



           
 THE YEAR 2007 ,KERALA

                          A bunch of medical students were guided to an old age home as part of their community medicine posting . I was one among them . For us the daily visits to such places as part of the posting was kind of a breather given the hectic clinical postings that we were supposed to handle otherwise . Giggling and passing jokes to each other, we entered the building . On our way we passed a dainty old man who was sitting crouched on a chair straining hard to scan the newspaper . There was a moment of absolute silence when it started dawning on our minds that this visit is not going to be mere fun . The assistant professor of the department who was at the helm of our group asked us to settle down . And then , he started speaking . He was so subtle in his content, painting before us a rather dark picture of the despondent , dejected people residing in that particular old age home . 

                    Much to my surprise , i noticed a girl who was seated beside me  trying hard to suppress tears pouring down her cheeks . Yes, the speech was poignant and it touched our hearts way too deep . The sir might have noticed it , because he started focussing on the girl , his eyes away from her . " I see young hearts wailing , at the mere narration of the loneliness and torture that people have to go through when they become old . Then why do the same young sons and daughters change colours and turn venomous to such extent that they discard their parents in some corner of a well  renowned vacuum of an institution years forward ? Are they too much to handle when they are old ? Werent you unbelievably hard to handle when you were babies ? Did they throw you away to indulge in the ecstasies of their married life ? "

              We left the building with a heavy heart . Atleast a couple of us promised in our minds that this would never be the fate of our parents .

picture courtesy : Google

THE YEAR 2011

                  I climbed the stairs of the very same old age institution which left me shattered a few years back . I had started earning stipend as part of my internship and i was here to bring to fulfillment a decision i had made a couple of years back, while i disembarked the very same stairs . Meeting the Mother Superior , i handed over whatever little the amount i could manage as monetary help . Right then while she was giving me a more vivid account of the working of the institution , an eldery lady of around 70 years came by . The topic diverted to her past . She belonged to a brahmin family , who had to elope from her tharavadu owing to the rejection and harsh treatment she had to bear from her daughter in laws . And now look at her , she was helping the servants there cook non vegetarian dishes something which she wouldnt have even dreamt of in those happy minutes of holding her new born son close to her bosom, years back .

             What goes wrong in the mindsets of people when they grow older ? what happens so much so that it destroys the innocence and care deep from the rootlevels ? Yes its true, life starts becoming an ordeal once you step into family life . But certain emotions   connecting two people are so deep and inseparable that they never deserve to be viewed differently by either anytime in their life , however far and high life takes you . Like the emotional chord that connects a mother and her kid and vice versa . 


                During my pediatrics posting i have seen sorrows of mothers who had to witness their babies passing through sickness which leaves them numb , motionless , with not even an ounce of energy to cry out . The unfortunate mothers would be yearning from their bottom of their heart to feed their babies atleast once, to hear their long hoped for bundle of joy cry out at the top of their voice like every other child . How does it end up in a situation where the same mothers cry out to their sons not to bully them infront of others , many years down the lane ? Pitiful isnt ? 


             If you can jot down a promise in the back of your hearts never to let your parents suffer when they are old , never to let them weep in the dark corridors of an old age home sinking in helplessness and desperation , that would be the most heavenly manner by which you could repay  all the hardships they had to suffer to watch you grow up ,all the  care and affection they showered on you all these years . Let no parent soak any more in loneliness . They deserve every bit of love from their children till the very last minute of their life . Dont they ? 

picture courtesy : google

 ' This post has been submitted for the Soak No More contest by indiblogger and surf excel matic . '

Healthy you , beautiful you !

           
              
  This post came in the list of the top 5 entries selected  by BLOGADDA as part of the blogging contest organised by them on the a topic related to ' Womens' intimate health issues '

             Writers scribble down thoughts when stream of words relentlessly knock at the back of their minds . Yes its a passion . But more than that literature is a medium of paramount importance which can influence people in the  strongest manners possible . And so also when a writer is given a chance to reach out to the masses to enlighten them about a topic that deserves to be pondered upon , he or she would be most obliged , nevertheless proud to be channeling their skill for the betterment of the society .


             Being an M.B.B.S graduate myself I am more than happy to be given a platform to share my experience regarding women's health issues and the saddening yet undeniable truth that a few matters concerning the same remains an unpleasant topic for most , even in this age of academic brilliance . For majority , Women's health is synonymous for menstruation. Yes its more or less the forbidden word in family circles, but when it comes to consulting a doctor for a symptom regarding menstrual irregularities , I guess the scenario is showing shades of improvement . Women are less reluctant in discussing matters regarding menstruation than problems related to sexually transmitted diseases or those evolving due to unhygienic environmental conditions .


              I have seen myriads of gynaecological cases while being an undergraduate , most of which narrow down to vaginal candidiasis ( symptom being whitish discharge per vaginum and itching in the vulval region ) . Women boldly speak out when the matter is concerning menses . Maybe because its a natural process and they neednt be shy regarding the same . But a few other problems like whitish discharge , foul smelling discharge, growth in the vagina , and painful coitus are those which play the villain . Sometimes women are even reluctant to speak out to their husbands lest they should consider them less worthy or god knows what all , thanks to the many taboos already ruling the society .


            I know a patient who once came to the gynaecology O.P.D seeking treatment for bleeding per vaginum on days other than her usual menstrual period . On examination , there there was a growth in the cervix which was eroded . And on further examination the case was established to be cervical cancer in its advanced stage . The senior doctor enquired her why she was late in procuring treatment for the same . Then I came to know that  she was a widow and for that sole reason she was reluctant in consulting a gynaecologist fearing the many wild assumptions that would be passed on in her family circle and by her neighbours about a widow having gynaecological problems ! That is the extent to which the problem has spread its roots .     


           Many women who come to the general surgery department would be shocked to realise that most of the surgeons in the country are males and more to their dismay one of the commonest problem named breast lump is to be treated by a general surgeon, and not by a gynaecologist . People delay treatment for that sole reason can you believe ? Only to seek refuge when they can no longer take the brunt of the advancing disease .


        And yes like any other issue , the cleansing ought to begin from the roots . In urban areas people are more broad minded , thanks to the shooting number of institutions . And for that matter they are safer in many regards , even if its parents counselling the children about health matters or children speaking out to their parents  . But the onus of bringing about a change in its real sense rests on the social activists working in the rural areas . How many in the under developed areas are aware of the fact that multiple child births without proper spacing is hazardous to the mother ? How many would that something as mere ( in their eyes ) as unhygienic social conditions is one of the etiological factors for the causation of the most rampant cervical cancer ?  how many would know that oral contraceptive pills can cause serious health problems if taken with certain co existing medical conditions ?


                The husband and the wife should hold hands in seeking treatment for such issues . There are certain diseases for which treating both the husband and wife , even if only one is diseased. Becomes mandatory . How will they realise this if the women is embarrassed to speak out to her spouse regarding her intimate health issue ? How can they know that using a barrier method ( eg. A condom ) can actually save the women from contracting a disease during sexual intercourse which has affected the male counterpart ?


              The issues are countless . The health department has social activists designated as ASHA workers  and many such to deal with issues regarding women of backward areas and to guide them to safer healing hands . This is a step towards the lighter end of the otherwise stinking dark tunnel . Women belonging to rural areas can opt for their help if need arises . But for that the activists should make sure that they already have a comfortable rapport with the residents . One more fine step would be a few educated women of the area coming forward to conduct classes for the less privileged ones , the idea is to break them free of hesitations and to teach them regarding basic hygienic techniques . 


             Concerning the urban areas, people are already breaking free from the chains  i should say. Realise that be it an irregular periods or an abnormal discharge or a lump on self examination of the breast, never take chances and never ever postpond the decision to consult a doctor for the next week or next month owing to reasons as silly as embarrassment or dearth of a female doctor to consult . Take your husband along or a gal friend of yours to get over the hesitancy . Early diagnosis has lots to do with the prognosis of the disease and the efficacy of the treatment . 

             A very strict word of caution for the young girls who accidentally get pregnant owing to unprotected intercourse ( such things arent rare and its not unlawful if the girl is an adult ) - Never ever keep the incident away from your mother and never dare to try aborting the same in small clinics that mushroom in certain corners of the city or village . Unregistered medical practitioners are on the run and you can even end up in critical condition if manipulated by those quacks . Always approach a decent hospital and for that rely on your parents . Addressing such issues doesnt imply that such incidents are justified in any way , but then when the issue crosses that red line to even complicated matters , sometimes climaxing with the loss of lives , it demands urgent action and indepth discussion.

          Women should realise that they are individuals too . The age has gone when we remained mum come what may ! Now its the time to stand up for yourself , because an individual deserves to be treated right , be it a male or a female . And as long as you arent ready to step forward for your issues , chances are bleak that anyone else would .


          Take a simple step towards the bigger change this month itself . The next time you have your periods be bold enough to go to the medical shop and ask for a sanitary napkin yourself , instead of pushing your mom or anybody else for the same , considering you are old enough . The spark should begin from within you . Let the flame spread far and wide . Let the world change for the better. Cheers to a healthier tomorrow !       

Chase The Fire

To walk the path lighted by them , they command ,
Fate deceives fantasy , the proclaimed rule they herald . 
But wait , look inside me for once i plead strong and hard , 
Elusive were they , in all ways blinded and bland .

The fire inside me was burning brighter and stronger
To follow which seemed the sole meaningful thing ever .
I listened , amused to realise my heart knows me better ,
Liberated from the chains i ran , no doubts , no more worthless fear !

Cowards laughed , i dont remember their names , never bothered . 
Prodding the cold damp path , i shiver , at times devastated 
The flames of my dreams kept me warm , each time focussed 
Quenching my thirst and hunger , but still, more every time i demanded ! 

Today , i smile at the blossoms dancing in my garden , what a lovely May !
To the envious eyes of the neighbours who chose to stride the convenient way 
Your heart speaks a language , the many secrets to keep you gay 
Listen , regret would you never , but sure would shine the brightest  in its ray !

Isha , Me And The Hair Care Day !

Isha waited on the lounge , her long polished nails impatiently tapping on the seat . She checked her watch nervously . It was the umpteenth time she was doing so . 

" Isha , the editor is ready to see you "

Letting out a heave of relief for having been freed from the burden of apprehension , she entered the editor's room with an air of caution around her .

" Take your seat Isha . I suppose you are all set to have the matter for this week's article published . You mind passing it onto my desk by evening for proof reading ? "

' Well , here comes the worst part ' . Isha cleared her throat . She replied hesitantly  .

" I am sorry Tinaji . But i need more time . I have to let you know that i couldnt stumble upon anything alluring enough to write on this time around. But i promise i will definitely come up with something . You have my word on it . " 

"Come on Isha , the editor muttered . What is this drama all about in the eleventh hour ?! . I assume you know this is no child play ? You are given an opportunity to have your articles published in one of the leading fashion magazines in the country and i cant believe you are going so carefree about it . Agreed that you are a trainee , but shouldnt that make the whole process of trying your best to capture a charming theme to write on all the more demanding and exciting ? Atleast it was so to me a decade back ! "

Isha nodded , but she couldnt lift her eyes to meet the editor's . Seeing her sulk , Tina softened .

" See girl , if you are in dire need of some imagination, just look around . Go for a walk . Take a stroll in the beach . Talk to people . Nature and people always leave nuggets for writers . That is a well proven fact , trust me ! "

Isha looked up at her editor , when she added sternly , " And do keep in mind that the deadline is flexible only till 8 am tomorrow, after which i need the content on my desk , no matter what . Remember there are lots of talented people out there dying to reach where you are now  . "

Isha left the chamber with a heavy heart . ' Atleast she wasnt arrogant   . Calm down Isha , there is going to be some way , she said to herself .

Isha picked up a coffee from the machine and retreated to her cubicle , checking the missed calls on her phone . She dialled the last one on the list and took a sip of her coffee. 

" Hey isha, how did the rendezvous with Tinaji go ? " I enquired. . 

" Oh as usual , Miss subtle yet stringent . No wonder she is taking the magazine to heights "

" what are you going to do about it now ? "

" Let me see , i will come up with something , dont worry. What are you upto Tanya ? "

I chuckled before replying , " My mom is celebrating our ' Take care of your hair day ' here " .

" What on earth is that ? and how come i never heard you mention that before ? . And what do you do on this day huh ; sit admiring your tresses all day ? Isha enquired mockingly  "

" Ok , now dont go around making fun of me ok . This is something my mom came up with some two years back . You remember that summer vacation when we went on a trekking venture for a week and came back all worn out ? Well , it happened to take a toll on my hair too . Dandruff !! According to my mom dandruff tends to accumulate more  when dirt and dust piles up on your scalp . And rightly so , i started losing chunks of hair to my dismay . Since then my mom has been strict about me taking more care about my hair and thus saw the inception of this ' take care of your hair day ' . she winked .

Isha was intrigued now ." So what exactly is the routine today ? "

" Its simple , but then simple things lacklustre and interest these days right , with all the smoothening and curling hype . Down to the basics it is . My mom would apply luke warm oil to my scalp and massage it for 15 mts . After that she lets me catch up on a movie or a novel for around one hour . I am supposed to take a shower after that with a shampoo mild enough to clear off all the dirt , not ruining the hair roots while it does that . Oh and my mom has a special tip to go with it to have smooth silky hair as a bonus for all the trouble . And thats to use a Dove conditioner in the end to pep the whole thing up . And isha , would you believe if i say , my hair feels so heavenly after i dry it having gone through this routine ! Trust me it does ! But my mom wouldnt let me shampoo my hair more than one a week . She says its bad for the hair if you overdo it . Beauty products if used wisely can do wonders for you , she says . Guess what , and that was the end of my hair problems " I grinned at her mom who was transferring the oil onto the bowl in the meantime . 

A sudden bolt of happiness rushed through Isha . A wide grin flashed across her face . " Hey Tanya, go ahead with your Hair day ok. I will catch up with you later ". She hung the phone.

Isha snatched a piece of paper from her clipboard and started scribbling hastely . 

One week later : 

" So this what you do huh , lift ideas from your best friend and have it published in your name ".  I teased my best friend over the meal . 

A writer draws inspiration from the vagaries of life around us Tanya . And tell me i havent given you enough credits already , baby . Look at the title ! See how charming it is " An End to Tanya's hair problems ' . Can you ask for more ? . And you should have seen that hundres watt smile on the editior's face after having gone through my article . According to her no other magazine came up with an article which narrated a story based on beauty ever in the fashion magazine circle so far .Thanks to you ! And girl Leave all that , you have your gorgeous photograph on the country's leading fashion magazine for God's sake . Treat me for that . Who knows you arent going to end up as the heroine in the next Yash Raj Movie ! "

 Saying this , Isha struck an elegant princess pose infront of me and my mom . 

Giggling my heart out , i barged on her playfully with the pillow . 


                                 The Happy Ending   
                  ---------------------------------------------

P.S :  This post has been written for the  My beautiful hair story contest  organised by Dove and Indiblogger .
As a regular user of Dove products i strongly recommend all the readers to check out this link   Dove hair-aware app.

Mirror Hues

                                                photo courtsey - subrata gangopadhyay

Shreds of mirror lay shattered,

The tale of my love they do speak

Every other piece whines in misery,

For every other piece has its tale.

Bleed would your flesh at the touch of which ;

Such is its edge , so mystifyingly deep !

My hands on this shred tremble for your touch,

To hug him tight does my bosom crave .

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-soon to be part of an anthology-

                                

Old Talent And New Talent ?

                                    
                                This post finds its inception in a random comment by a friend . He put forth a statement which goes by " The movies were so much more enticing and deep a decade back ; so was music ". I agreed , not for the sake of avoiding a debate , but because I truly felt so . But the same passing comment by that person sent my mind whirring last day while I was travelling by train to my home town . Is it really so ? Can we simply go around bracketting the newer generation talents to be unworthy just because it doesnt please us ? The other side of the coin deserves to be analysed isnt ?   
  
                                     On further pondering I came to the conclusion that I find palatable music and movies in the recent years as well , a few of them exceptionally good and pleasing . So why do we tend to generalise the talent from the past to be golden hits while eye the fresh talents cynically most of the times ?

                
                               Last day while I was in the hospital OPD ,packed these days with fever cases ( blame the weather ), the cell phone of a bystander started beeping , rather screaming . The ringtone happened to be a song from the movie ' Aashique ' . Had it been any other occasion I wouldnt have had second thoughts on throwing a cold glance at that person . But interestingly , not this time around . For a second I wished the song would just keep playing !  

                               So what is this all about ? Nostalgia ? To an extent it can be reasoned so right ?  Something from the past , be it a movie , a song or an incident recalled instantly sends a refreshing shower down our hearts . Can that be the psychological basis for the tendency to generalise talents from the past to be better than the present , just because they make us feel good ? 

                                                  
                                                 Listening to some of the latest songs i am left with little option but to wonder whether they are even based on the ragas and rules using which they are supposed to have been created . ( pardon me , i am not trained in classical music . But an opinion about the same from a veteran would be most welcome ) . most of them sound catchy . But then, is it just me or does everybody feel that the tunes rarely manage to linger longer in our minds ? Maybe we should give the fresh talents the privilege of time to establish and prove their space . Accepting them for the time being seems the most plausible . 

                                    On the other hand , I have seen an equal number of youngsters who almost start throwing up when a golden song or movie is mentioned . They stare mockingly at you with an implicit message depicted in the same ' Dude , move on ! '. Accepted that taste for art varies from person to person , but then blatant respite for those which we find less insatiable is sheer hippocrisy . 

                                     Everyone is entitled to one's opinion . There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to  judging the quality of art . There is so much talent now as there was before , only if its more , with the growing technologies serving their share . Talent wherever you spot it deserves to be acknowledged .  Accept what pleases you , reject the others.

ALTRUISM - 55 FICTION

                 

                                       

                                         " The food is bland " 

                                  - He remarked unabashedly . A pang of familiar emotion swept through her . Not the blatant unacknowledgement of her effort , but the remorse for having let him down hurt her more. Determined to prepare a better dish for dinner , she started cleaning his left over . 

                            
   
        Infact , isnt pleasing the husband her ultimate duty ?