A Girl's Mind

Overheard :-

"You know, it's very difficult to decipher and understand a girl's mind!!", said someone.

"Why do you say so?", asked the friend 

"Well, decoding a lady's mind is much more complex than solving a Rubik's cube", was the reply.

A Girls Mind is complex than A Rubik Cube

A pregnant pause and raised eyebrows followed.

"Unlike a Rubik's cube, the answer does not lie in arranging the same color on all the faces of the cube. The mysterious solution lies in a jumble of colors on each of the faces. And if you plan to ask about the mix of color on each face, let me tell you that it is a far cry from the fact that the sun always rises on the east."

A stony silence followed for the next 5 seconds. It seemed like hours.

"What do you suggest? Is there a solution?" asked the person who made the initial statement.

"Well, it's quite simple." the friend replied. "When you can't solve her mind, figure out her heart. The rest, as they say, will be history!!"

A Complex Mind

And before the conversation could continue, the elevator had reached the ground floor. And I walked away.

P.S. A Rubik's cube has 43 quintillion (43,252,003,274,489,856,000) combinations.

In Celebration of Women

On the occasion of International Women's Day (celebrated on 8th March), I am sharing a small composition, a tribute to women.

Happy Women's Day - In Celebration of Women

~~~~

She is the one who gives you birth,

She ushers you onto this dear earth.

A towering angel, A protective armor,

She is your dear Mother.

At loss of words to describe her,

She deserves the highest honor.

She may be junior, She may be senior,

Dearest to you, She is your Sister.

She helps you take the steps nimble, 

She prepares you for the long battle.

She teaches you lessons galore,

She is the Teacher you adore.

She is a helping voice,

She helps you relax and rejoice.

In her, your faith you repose,

She is your Friend close.

Wearing multiple hats in a single soul,

She completes you, shares your goals.

She is the companion of your life,

She is your dearest Wife.

She protects you, 

She blesses you.

You succeed under her aegis,

She is a divine Goddess.

~~~~

P.S. Who is She? She is a Woman.

Happy Women's Day

A Plethora of Thoughts

They say, an idle mind is a devil's workshop. Well, it's true to some extent. 

An idle mind also offers an interesting opportunity to introspect. The realisations that a mind has in these simple moments are often deep and usually real. And we, in our busy lives, fail to identify with them.

I would like to make a note of few thoughts which crossed my mind - either at work, or before I slept, or in moments I was alone.

~~~~

• Common Sense is a misnomer.

• An unanswered question is an hydrogen balloon on the loose. The mind is your sky.

• Ignorance is not bliss. Never. In fact, it's a time bomb.

• Confidence is when I can look at you, into your eye.

• Nothing is more comforting than a friend who knows you well and understands you well. Be thankful to God for such friends.

~~~~

A Plethora of Thoughts

P.S. The sky is the limit for such intriguing thoughts.

The Graveyard Shift

How about picking up the phone at the first ring - at 2 am in the morning? Even though it isn't an interesting proposition, there are moments of time when you need to do it. 

On the Phone in the Night

A zombie me has done this the very thing on an occasional night or so, for the last many years. Courtesy - work. And there have been nights when such early early morning calls have been frequent. These are the moments when you realize the value of sleep.

Although I sympathized with myself for this situation, my heart went out to my friends and colleagues who made that call. They are the real heroes. I was just a spoke in the wheel.

Whilst I lost a couple of hours of precious sleep, I admire them for doing The Graveyard Shift.

I am Working Late through the Night

What exactly is The Graveyard Shift? Well, it's the work which you do in the night - usually after 11 P.M. It is a.k.a. the Night Shift.

Think about the watchman who works in the night shift. The nights are dark, lonely and cold. The empty roads are stalked by howling dogs. Yet, he goes about his work, doing the rounds and providing security to the people as they enjoy their sleep peacefully.

Unable to Carpe Diem

Recollect the receptionist at the hotel. As you check-in yourself into the hotel, she manages to give you a warm smile as she welcomes you, even though the clock might read half past midnight. Her smile sparkles brighter than the glowing moon.

And as you get the few hours of sleep before the long day at work tomorrow (sorry, it's today), she manages you to give the wake up call at quarter to seven in the morning. You wonder, did she sleep at all though the night?

How about the pilots and their team? Usually, they have to do the graveyard shift. Flying a super jumbo is a difficult task in itself. How about getting the jumbo to lift off in the middle of the night, making a roaring sound as the world sleeps? 

The Dreaded Night Shift

And then resisting the desire to sleep as the plane makes its way towards the destination carrying a thousand dreams, surrounded by darkness. As the mean machine grumbles on its journey, the men and women are chasing a sunrise.

Have a thought for the people who have to clock hours through the night, day in day out, as part of their job. The human mind is designed to sleep through the night. Yet, these people are supremely alert in the work. 

The business process outsourcing industry has made the world glocal. As a result, you have people in India responding to phone calls from America. When America is awake, India is asleep. Yet these people keep the American engines chugging, sacrificing their precious sleep, all in the name of a job, to earn a living.

The Graveyard Shift

I have also worked through the night sometimes. If there is one temptation which is overwhelming on such days, its the need to sleep. And if you have been working continuously (the previous day) without a wink, such desires are extreme.

And just yesterday, I slept off on my computer at 3 in the morning. No, I was not working, but talking to a friend. Incidentally, she told me that she was full of energy - even though the clock read 3. :-). 

Recently, a friend of mine asked a doctor as to what she was doing awake at 1 in the night. She indicated that a call from the hospital was the reason, and she had to stay awake for another call which was expected soon. She said that it was common. Hats off to her, for putting her duty ahead of herself.

It's not only about staying awake here. Some of the work done during the graveyard shift have an added important responsibility of taking decisions. And taking decisions is difficult to say the least, since such decisions would influence subsequent actions. And it can be as serious as a matter of life and death.

Who is your best friend on such night shifts? Well, it is a cup of coffee. Or a friend or colleague with whom you can talk to through the night. Or sleep herself.

Coffee - Best Friend in the Night Shift

Coming to sleep, there are nights when she takes you over - even though we are working. On such nights, its best to relent to her temptation rather than resisting her. After all, who would resist such a charming empress.

If I have recollect a few places where I would have caught a nap while working in the night, I can come up with an interesting collection. For some nights, it has been a 4 ft shelf. Om other nights, three lined up chairs have been my bed. Sometimes, even two chairs. 

Sleeping in Office

And on other nights, just a single chair - wherein you have to sit and sleep. On odd days, the office floor - although a bit hard and slightly dirty - has been a precious bed. When sleep is taking you over, everything else takes a back seat.

The examples I have quoted would not be enough glorify the people who burn their midnight candles for the benefit of the few. As the world takes a nap, they are full of energy, doing their tasks.

Robert Frost's lines would echo their sentiments in the best manner.

~~
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
~~

And for anyone who has worked through the night, the advertisement would reflect your thoughts and feelings.

P.S. After every dark night, there is a sunrise. Maybe it is this thoughts which pulls the people through the Graveyard Shift.

Mysterious Miss

~~~~

Its been a long time,

Where have you been?

Awaiting a word, Missing a chime,

It seems to be a lifetime.

Where is my Miss Regal,

Shining on the runway?

Where did you vanish angel,

I miss you everyday.

Dazzling beyond midnight,

Is the alluring tigress.

A bright ray of sunlight,

Is the charming empress.

You will conquer the world,

Supreme is your glow.

Your dreams will rise and swirl,

You are a numero uno.

Dazzling is the Diva,
Enticing is your Aura.
You are a Prima Donna,
Lustrous Miss, Enamoring Delilah.

Without you, 

My life is amiss.

I adore thou,

Miss Divine Bliss.

May you always be a gal glamorous,

May you hold the world breathless.

Without you, something is amiss,

Come back soon, my Mysterious Miss.

~~~~

P.S. This is for You.

Show Your Love

One of my friends is a keen observer and wonderful at building co-relations. A few days back he narrated an interesting anecdote which caught his keen eye.

The incident went as below.

~~

He brought three cups of hot tea. It was a group of four. She hesitated to have one of the cups. She must have thought, is one me them for me? 

You could see the hesitation in her eyes. You could also sense her expectations. You could feel the apprehension, and the desire. He failed to notice either. 

Either he was ignorant, or didn't feel strongly enough to ask her to drink her cup. After all, one of the cups was for her. 

Time passed. A studied silence followed. 

The shy lady that she was, she went about her chores, hiding her expectations. Finally, after 15 odd minutes, when he asked her to drink, she humbly accepted. Neither did she raise any questions, nor did she show any reluctance. 

Thoughtful about Warmth

She had a couple of sips. The tea was cold. It had lost its warmth. She couldn't gulp a sip more. 

And within the next ten seconds, she threw the cup of once warm tea - almost full - out of the running train. 

~~

The lesson. 

~~

Well, its simple. When you give something to people, tell them that its for them. People are happy when they are told about things which are done specially for them.

And if you are giving love, telling is important. 

Subtle hints work, sometimes. Speaking aloud works, quite a few times. Clear indications work, almost always.

Remember, an expectant heart is always on look for that signal. A green signal. 

Love which is dished out from the bottom of the heart is warm. If it gets lost in time, it becomes cold. 

And if given gracefully, with the right intent, and accepted humbly, in time - it remains warm forever, like the molten kernel of the earth. It is at the core, and it lasts more than a lifetime. 

Show your Love and Care.

~~

Show that You Love

Green Earth

Whatever I say would not be enough to extol nature's beauty.

Let me go straight to the pictures.

Mountains in Mauritius 

Jim Corbett National Park

On We Trudge - Jim Corbett

Oasis in a Desert - Dubai

Jungle Trail - Kanha National Park

An Ideal Backyard - Kanha National Park 

Miles to Walk - Kanha National Park

Such idyllic settings and infinite vastness make me ask one question - I am a speck in this tiny, beautiful universe. What  is the purpose of my life? 

Midnight Poison

She passed by me in a flash. Her eyes caught my attention. Her gait held me in awe. I exclaimed wow, and thought that this would be last I would see me her. 

Destiny had something else in store, as she came and sat right in front of me. Her beauty brought tears in my eyes. Her eyes growled in silence. And fluttered a million feelings as her glance caught me.  

Her smile had already doubled my heart beats. A smile crowned her pretty face as the snow covers the north pole. It was perennial and mystical. 

She was shy yet demure. She was tender yet brash. She was petite, yet classy. 

Eva Green

She seemed lost in the world around her. And I was lost in her thoughts. The book in my hand had lost the race to gain my attention. She had won handsomely. 

She was a polished princess. She was a dearie queen. She was raw and ravishing. She was a soothing siren. She overshadowed everyone around. She cast a spell on me. 

She was glowing. A warm halo surroued her. Her hands held her in warm embrace. How I wished it could be me. In her moments solemn, dreams were her companion. How I wish it could be me. 

Her simplicity and obedience astonished me. She deserved more respect. She deserved supreme respect. She wanted her confidence to be nourished, so that the tender caterpillar that she was could be transformed into a majestic butterfly. 

She had appeared like a flutter of invisible air. And she would disappear into the night, an enamoring angel would become an elusive pimpernel. To be lost forever. 

If I lay awake, her thoughts would occupy me. I thought, It's better to sleep, forgetting her thoughts, rather than defying the laws of nature. 

Fate and fortune have a habit of being quirky. I always wanted to sleep on a beach, under the stars and the moon. 

And tonight, she obliged to be My Star, My Moon. She was my Midnight Poison.

Midnight Poison

Epilogue :- 

I showed her the words of appreciation I had written for her, she narrated the below composition softly in my ears.

~~~~

A carpet of green grass, 

Covers dear earth.

Hidden beneath are treasures many, 

Waiting to be discovered. 

Dig a bit, 

Explore a little.

There is lots on offer, 

Let me show you my mettle. 

You could have won me, 

Made me your very own. 

Wish I could rewind time, 

To make myself your own. 

The moment now has passed, 

Laws of nature binding us mortals.

I an sorry your dreams are dashed,  

In our life next, we could be One. 

~~~~

P.S. This is for a sweet Midnight Poison. And I have already lost her, never ever to meet her again.

Eva Green Midnight Poison

Giving

Every time after I Give, I have second thoughts about my decision. 

Selfless Giving

Should I have not given? Should I have held back? Was it a wise decision? Would the decision stand the test of time?

And being a selfish soul that I am, I calculate how it (read giving) will benefit me? A sense me fear engulfs me. I am apprehensive and nervous. 

My mind flip flops continuously with thoughts and consequential events which could occur, due to this act of giving.

Is there anything that I give which does not elicit a similar response? 

After a lot of thought, I narrowed down on something which is free, yet extremely valuable. It is precious and rare, yet abundant. It doesn't cost a cent, but is priceless. 

You crave for it. However, it is available in limited measures. Sometimes, rare. Many a times, non existent.

It makes the giver and the taker happy. It creates feelings of happiness that know no bounds.

Yes, it is Love.  

Giving Love

P.S. Someone once said, "I love to Give. It takes the weight off my heart, and makes someone happy."

A Phoenix

~~~~

Alone alone far from my world, 

I fly, a clueless bird. 

A gust of wind takes me everywhere, 

Alas I am heading nowhere.  

Lost I am completely, 

Weak are my feathers. 

The purpose of my being,

Is devoid and dubious.

All I want to is sleep, 

And sleep forever. 

My heart does weep, 

And cry forever. 

In the dark night, 

My words give me flight.

In the cold I shiver, 

Many dreams, filling up a quiver. 

The more I stay awake, 

The lost heart feels the ache. 

On the bed, I am sleepless. 

My soul feels utterly hopeless.

I wear a bright mask, 

Behind it is a face stark. 

Tonight seems very dark, 

Without a hint of spark. 

I pray to God Almighty, 

To set me on course. 

In the empty night, 

My mind shouts hoarse. 

What I want, 

I know not, 

My mind is stale, 

In a rot. 

A dagger in my heart, 

And I am killed. 

Would it lie content, 

My psyche unfulfilled?

Having a free fall,

Before it reaches the nadir.

It hopes to rise from the depth, 

My soul, a Phoenix.

~~~~

A Phoenix

P.S. I had written this at 2 in the night, about a month back, as I struggled to sleep.

A Spark

A spark. A flash of light in the unlikeliest of the places can change a life. Well, maybe it was a spark, millions of years back, that actually created life on dear earth. 

It's a glimmer in dark. A moment of brightness that can change the course of your destiny. A flare which can define your future. A spark can set a fire. 

That word - Can. The instance of the spark is bubbling with potential, like a pregnant pause. 

The timing of the spark is important. The split second at which the spark occurs can realize your numerous dreams. 

A spark in winter can kindle a flame, which can give warmth. And a spark in the midst of summer can set up a fireball. 

A spark in a rainy season can prevent the fire from starting itself. Yet, if the spark is strong enough, it could translate into lightning, which can open the flood gates of heaven.

The circumstances of the spark can fulfill many a dreams, yet leave some unfulfilled.  

A Spark

A spark is little form of a majestic lightning. Akin to it, it takes a lot of factors to trigger it. And two main elements - the heavens and the earth.

Hopefully, we come across a spark, under the heavens, blessed by God Almighty, in the right settings, which can alter the course of our destiny. And pray that it opens up the flood gates of our good fortune.

Revelation

~~~~

The sun will rise today,

The world will see someone new.

You will make a sashay,

Into a universe of a priceless few.

You will sparkle bright,

You shall set many a dreams alight.

Today, tommorow and forever,

You will emerge a victor.

The hearts will miss a beat,

With your smile sweet.

Your beauty will cast a spell,

Aren't you a charming belle.

Blessed by God Almighty,

You will be a lady glitzy.

The world will be your bastion,

You are a divine Revelation.

~~~~

P.S. This is for You. Invaluable discoveries are few and far between. You are more than Invaluable. Simply Priceless!!

All That I Need

She asked me, "What do I need today, tomorrow and forever?"

~~~~

Specks of white, waiting to be colored,

Eager to be erased, dark flecks rife.

All that I have is words,

To solve the crossword of life.

Myriad thoughts, varying themes,

Every night sets them alight.

All that I have is dreams,

To paint a canvas called life.

Miles to go before you sleep,

All that you have is courage deep.

I wish to be your companion forever,

In this life, our endeavor.

Brimming with aspirations much.

Seeking for a finishing touch.

All that you have in me is trust,

I'l gladly oblige, my lady august.

With blessings from God above,

You are my essence.

All that I have is love,

To fulfill our existence.

Lots to do in this journey small,

Keeping me afloat, avoiding my fall.

Someone gives me strength anew,

All that I need is You.

~~~~

All That I Need is You

P.S. Unknown You, Unknown Me.

Another You

Is there Another You?

~~~~

On a day summer, 

Priceless is a drop of dew. 

On a evening winter, 

Precious is a warm word with you. 

A philosopher's stone, 

For life is an elixir. 

In my life alone, 

Don't you bring a cheer.

 For us mere mortals, 

There is only one sun.

From the countless damsels, 

You are a special one. 

A dark day you brighten, 

Your smile is a beacon. 

You are a queen, 

Your aura is pristine.

An ace of spade, 

Of what are you made? 

Less words, more action, 

You don't take the path beaten. 

You kindle dreams anew, 

You color a rainy day blue. 

One thing is certainly true, 

There isn't Another You.

~~~~

There Isn't Another You

P.S. This is for You. Believe me, Your best is yet to come. Because, You will beat your best.

English Rose

Colorful Roses

~~~~

Under the morning sun,

Surrounded by lush greenery.

You glisten, you beckon,

Brighter than a red cherry.

Fragrant is the dark soil,

The earth is in a boil.

Soothing is your aura,

You are the queen of flora.

Decked with petals four,

Your beauty I adore.

Magical is your aroma,

Dazzling in fuchsia.

You are innocent white,

Your purity is your might.

A harbinger of romance,

You set up a trance.

Delightful in bright yellow,

You are tender n' mellow.

Modest in your beauty,

You are a dizzy daisy.

Oozing with warmth n' pride,

Making the girl a lovely bride.

Cosmic is your existence,

Majestic is your opulence.

Who is all of this and more,

Elegantly giving a silent roar.

Timeless is your aura,

The world knows her as Rosa.

A symbol of love timeless,

Passions you evoke nameless.

So beautifully you bloom,

Driving away my vacuum.

A blue rose is an illusion,

So says the old folklore.

The myth today has fallen,

I found you, my English Rose.

~~~~

An English Rose

P.S. This is for You. Yesterday (7th Feb) was Rose Day. I hope, You - The English Rose, blooms stronger and brighter, with every passing day.